Comparative evaluation of remineralizing effect of fluoride and nonfluoride agents on artificially induced caries using different advanced imaging techniques.

AIM

The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare the remineralization efficacy of remineralizing agents, i.e., fluoride-free toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), CPP-amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP ACFP), and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) paste on dentine over time.

METHODOLOGY

Seventy-five extracted human permanent molars were selected. The buccal section of these samples was shaped into a slab. Artificial caries was induced by dipping the samples into the demineralizing solution (pH 4.5) for 21 days. They were then divided into five groups ( = 15). Each experimental group underwent one of the following treatments: Group 1 - Fluoride-free toothpaste (negative control), Group 2 - Fluoride toothpaste (positive control), Group 3 - CPP-ACP, Group 4 - CPP-Amorphous Calcium fluoride Phosphate and Group 5 - SDF. Postremineralizing treatment, Scanning electron microscope, Energy dispersive X-ray and Quantitative light induced fluorescence imaging were carried out to analyze the remineralizing efficacy. The data obtained was then subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA and Paired -tests.

RESULTS

It was seen that SDF showed highest remineralization efficacy followed by CPP-amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate, CPP-ACP, fluoride toothpaste and fluoride-free toothpaste. The difference in mean value among the groups was statistically significant ( < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

SDF showed the highest remineralizing potential in scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray, followed by CPP-ACFP, CPP-ACP, Fluoride toothpaste, and Fluoride-free toothpaste. Quantitative light fluorescence analysis showed more fluorescence changes in the CPP-ACFP followed by CPP-ACP, Fluoride toothpaste, and Fluoride-free toothpaste.