Assessing the Remineralization Potential of Commercial Pediatric Dentifrices on Demineralized Deciduous Enamel Lesions: An <italic>In Vitro</italic> Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy-dispersive X-ray Study

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to assess the remineralizing potential of three kinds of toothpaste Pigeon, Dentoshine, and Candycop qualitatively and quantitively using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, respectively. Materials and methods: A total of 60 enamel blocks each prepared by sectioning the buccal surface of the second primary molars were divided into three halves (upper, middle, and lower halves) and subjected to demineralization to induce artificial enamel lesions by coating the upper half with nail varnish. Upon coating the second half with nail varnish, a random allocation of samples was done on the type of dentifrice applied. Group I—treated with Pigeon, group II—with Dentoshine, group III—with Candycop followed by storage in artificial saliva. Samples after repeating the procedure twice daily for 7 days were subjected to SEM and EDX spectroscopy to evaluate the remineralizing potential. Inter- and intragroup statistical analysis was done using descriptive one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tuckey tests, respectively. Results: Candycop exhibited a higher mineralization [calcium (Ca)—26.736 ± 2.012, phosphorous (P)—12.676 ± 1.677] with uniform globular deposition on the enamel surface compared to group II treated with Dentoshine (Ca—23.903 ± 3.327, P—11.560 ± 2.840) and group I with Pigeon (Ca—23.308 ± 2.949, P—11.986 ± 2.952). Conclusion: Mineral deposition was exhibited by all three dentifrices nevertheless Candycop had shown superior remineralizing efficacy than Dentoshine and Pigeon with more unified Ca and P deposition.

Keywords

• demineralization
• dentifrices
• remineralization