A comparative evaluation of the remineralization potential of three commercially available remineralizing agents on white spot lesions in primary teeth: An in vitro study

Abstract

Background: The focus in caries management has shifted to early detection of caries lesions and targeted noninvasive management of incipient lesions using novel remineralizing agents. Aim: This study aimed to compare and evaluate the remineralization potential of commercially available agents containing nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF), and Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) on artificially induced white spot lesions in primary teeth. Settings and Design: This is an in vitro double-blind randomized study. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted or exfoliated primary teeth were selected and randomized as follows: Group I: FTCP, Group II: fluoridated dentifrice, Group III: CPP-ACPF, and Group IV: Nano-HA. DIAGNOdent readings and scanning electron microscope (SEM) energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were carried out at baseline. The samples were subjected to the test agents after inducing white spot lesions. The readings were repeated postdemineralization and postremineralization. Statistical Analysis: The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 software with one-way ANOVA, post hoc Tukey's HSD, and paired t-test. Results: SEM evaluation showed favorable surface changes in all the four study groups after remineralization therapy. Intragroup comparison of DIAGNOdent and EDX readings showed a highly significant difference between baseline, postdemineralization, and postremineralization values. However, the intergroup comparison was statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion: All test agents were comparable in their remineralization potential.

Keywords

• Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate
• DIAGNOdent
• hydroxyapatite
• primary teeth
• remineralizing agents
• tricalcium phosphate
• white spot lesions