Surface Prereacted Glass Ionomer Varnish as a Multifaceted Anticaries Agent: Investigating its Inhibitory Effects on Demineralization and Biofilm Formation on Primary Tooth Enamel.

Background: Dental caries remains a significant oral health concern, particularly in young children. With an increasing interest in preventive strategies, pediatric and preventive dentistry research is now more focused on developing newer materials and techniques to coat the primary teeth to prevent the onset of new carious lesions. While traditional preventive measures such as fluoride application and sealants have been effective in reducing caries incidence, there is still a need for innovative approaches.

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of surface prereacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) light-cured varnish in inhibiting demineralization of primary teeth enamel.

Materials and methods: In this study, primary teeth samples were randomly divided into two groups: the control group received no coating, while the test group received an S-PRG filler coat. The samples were allowed to demineralize, and various analyses, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and Vickers microhardness analysis, were conducted. Additionally, biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis were developed on solid surfaces such as microtiter plates, glass, and dentures, and the quantity of bacterial biofilm was measured using crystal violet assay and fluorescence microscopy.

Results: The study results showed that the primary teeth samples in both groups had a significantly greater calcium content than the controls. The S-PRG group demonstrated a significant reduction in the development of biofilms of S. mutans and E. faecalis, as well as bacterial attachment to glass and denture surfaces compared to the control group, as indicated by crystal violet assay and fluorescence microscopy.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that S-PRG filler-containing coating materials have the potential to prevent demineralization and inhibit S. mutans and E. faecalis biofilm formation on primary tooth enamel.

Clinical significance: These results are promising and may have implications for the prevention of dental caries in young children.

How to cite this article: Fernandes RM, Kumar S, Suvarna R, et al. Surface Prereacted Glass Ionomer Varnish as a Multifaceted Anticaries Agent: Investigating its Inhibitory Effects on Demineralization and Biofilm Formation on Primary Tooth Enamel. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(9):1049-1056.