Evaluation of remineralizing potential of hydroxyapatite, phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phospahate and fluoride dentifrices using SEM/EDX analysis: A randomized controlled in-vitro study

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate remineralization efficiency of hydroxyapatite (HA) containing dentifrices comparing to phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and fluoride (F) containing dentifrices using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDX).

Material and methods

3 × 3 mm² areas on the buccal surfaces of extracted primary second molars were divided vertically into 3 sections as demineralization, control and remineralization surfaces. Control surfaces (1/3 middle) coated without any application. 1/3 left and right surfaces were subjected to demineralization solution. After this application 1/3 right surfaces were coated as demineralization surfaces. Then teeth were randomly separated in 3 groups (n = 10): group HA (Natural toothpaste, Splat®, Russia); Group CPP-ACP (MI Paste ONE®, GC, U.S.); group F (Oral-B® Kids, Oral-B, Germany). 1/3 right surfaces were brushed with dentifrices twice a day for one week with pH cycle. Coatings were removed. Surface evaluations were conducted by SEM and EDX. Mann Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Both atomic (at%) and weight (wt%) percentages of P values were statistically significant for F group in remineralization surfaces comparing to demineralization surfaces. Ca at%, P at% and P wt% values were statistically significant for CPP-ACP group in remineralization surfaces. P at% and P wt% values for F group were higher in remineralization surfaces compared to all.

Conclusion

Remineralization was observed in all groups. Most homogeneous surface features were seen in group CPP-ACP.