Comparison of the remineralizing potential of child formula dentifrices

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although child formula fluoridated dentifrices can be used safely by young children their remineralizing capability remains questionable. AIMS: To evaluate the remineralizing potential of child formula dentifrices on primary teeth. DESIGN: In vitro single-section technique utilizing a 7 days pH-cycling model. METHODS: Primary teeth were placed in demineralizing solution for 96 h to produce artificial carious lesions 100 μm deep, and then cut longitudinally into 50 sections 100-150 μm thick and randomly assigned to five groups. Sections in Groups A to D were treated with dentifrices containing 500 ppm AmF, 500 ppm MFP, 500 ppm MFP and xylitol, or 500 ppm NaF, respectively. Group E sections were treated with a nonfluoridated dentifrice. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Lesions were evaluated using polarized light microscopy and microradiography. RESULTS: Group D (500 ppm NaF) sections exhibited a significant decrease in lesion depth, whereas those in Group E (nonF) showed a significant increase in depth (P<0.05, paired t-test). Decrease in lesion progression was observed in Groups A, B and C. CONCLUSIONS: The 500 ppm NaF dentifrice demonstrated remineralization of carious lesions by virtue of a significant decrease in lesion depth; whereas dentifrices that contained AmF, MFP and MFP with xylitol decelerated the progression of demineralization.