BACKGROUND

Some alterations in the enamel structure of primary teeth have been reported following iron drop consumption. The efficacy of different remineralizing agents for this problem is still challenging.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of remineralizing agents for prevention of microhardness reduction and change in primary enamel mineral content after exposure to iron drop.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

In this experimental study, 36 sound primary anterior teeth were assigned to four groups of control, casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), fluoride varnish (FV), and CPP-ACP+FV (MI varnish). The baseline microhardness of the teeth was first measured by Vickers hardness tester using 50 g load for 10 seconds. Next, the microhardness was measured after remineralizing agents were applied on the specimens. After the application of iron drop for 5 minutes, and pH cycling for 10 days, the final microhardness of specimens was registered. Specimens were also subjected to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in the control group, after remineralization and after the application of iron drop. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Tukey's test, and Tamhane's test.

RESULTS

The final microhardness was significantly higher in all remineralized groups compared to the control group ( Value= 0.003). The final microhardness was significantly higher in MI varnish compared to FV (= 0.027), CPP-ACP (= 0.03), and control (< 0.0001) groups. According to EDS, calcium (Ca) and ferric (Fe) content were significantly different between the remineralizing groups and control groups in the final step (< 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

Application of CPP-ACP, FV, and MI varnish prior to iron drop exposure can improve microhardness. MI varnish had significantly higher efficacy for this purpose than the other two remineralizing agents.