The Efficacy of Non-fluoridated Toothpastes on Artificial Enamel Caries in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study

Nanohydroxyapatite in dentistry: A comprehensive review

Enamel, being the hardest and the highest mineralized tissue of the human body, contains nearly 96% inorganic components and 4% organic compounds and water. Dentin contains 65% inorganic components and 35% organic and water content. The translucency and white appearance of enamel are attributed to Hydroxyapatite (HA), which constitutes the major part of the inorganic component of dental hard tissue. With the advent of nanotechnology, the application of Nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) has piqued interest in dentistry due to its excellent mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. Compared to HA, nHA is found to have superior properties such as increased solubility, high surface energy and better biocompatibility. This is due to the morphological and structural similarity of nanosized hydroxyapatite particles to tooth hydroxyapatite crystals. These nanoparticles have been incorporated into various dental formulations for different applications to ensure comprehensive oral healthcare. To prevent dental caries, several nHA based dentifrices, mouth rinsing solutions and remineralizing pastes have been developed. nHA-based materials, such as nanocomposites, nano impression materials, and nanoceramics, have proven to be very effective in restoring tooth deformities (decay, fracture, and tooth loss). The nHA coating on the surface of the dental implant helps it bind to the bone by forming a biomimetic coating. A recent innovative strategy involves using nHA to reduce dentinal hypersensitivity and to reconstruct periodontal bone defects. The purpose of the present review is to discuss the different applications of nHA in dentistry, especially in preventive and restorative dentistry, dental implantology, bleaching and dentine hypersensitivity management.

The Remineralization Effect of Calcium Glycerophosphate in Fluoride Mouth Rinse on Demineralized Primary Enamel: An in vitro Study

Aim

To evaluate the remineralization effect of a fluoride mouth rinse containing calcium glycerophosphate in fluoride mouth rinse based on the surface microhardness of demineralized primary enamel.

Materials and Methods

40 sound primary incisors were placed into self-curing acrylic resin and subjected to a demineralizing solution for 5 days, resulting in the formation of artificial caries. The teeth were categorized into four groups (n = 10): group I artificial saliva, group II sodium fluoride, group III sodium fluoride + sodium monofluorophosphate, and group IV sodium monofluorophosphate + calcium glycerophosphate. The specimens received a pH cycling procedure and were submerged twice in their assigned groups for 7 days. The baseline, after demineralization, and after remineralization surface microhardness values were determined. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the mean surface microhardness between groups and one-way repeated measures ANOVA for the mean surface microhardness within each group and Bonferroni's for multiple comparisons at 95% confidence level. The percentage recovery surface microhardness was determined by calculating the average surface microhardness.

Results

After demineralization, the mean surface microhardness in all groups significantly decreased. After remineralization, group I had the lowest surface microhardness values and the percentage recovery surface microhardness (P value < 0.001), and group IV had the highest surface microhardness values and the percentage recovery surface microhardness (P value < 0.001). No significant difference was found between groups II and III (P value = 0.365).

Conclusions

Fluoride mouth rinse containing calcium glycerophosphate has a remineralization effect on demineralized primary enamel.

Remineralization Effect of Calcium Glycerophosphate in Fluoride Mouth Rinse on Eroded Human Enamel: An In Vitro Study

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the remineralization effect of calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) in fluoride mouth rinse on permanent enamel eroded by a soft drink.

Materials and Methods

Forty sound permanent premolars were embedded in self-curing acrylic resin and immersed in Coca-Cola to create erosive lesions. The teeth were divided into four groups (n = 10): Group I artificial saliva; Group II sodium fluoride; Group III sodium fluoride + sodium monofluorophosphate; and Group IV sodium monofluorophosphate + CaGP. The specimens in the assigned groups underwent pH cycling for ten days. The baseline, after erosion, and after remineralization surface microhardness (SMH) values were determined. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean SMH value between groups and one-way repeated measures ANOVA for the mean SMH value within each group and Bonferroni's for multiple comparisons at a 95% confidence level were determined. The average SMH was used and calculated as the percentage recovery of SMH.

Results

After being eroded by the cola soft drink, the mean SMH values in all groups were significantly decreased. After remineralization, Group I had the lowest %SMHR. The %SMHR of Groups II, III, and IV were significantly higher than Group I (P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences among Groups II, III, and IV (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Fluoride mouth rinse with and without CaGP showed similar efficacies in remineralizing eroded permanent enamel.

Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHAp) in the Remineralization of Early Dental Caries: A Scoping Review

(1) Background: Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) has been reported to have a remineralizing effect on early carious lesions. The objective of this scoping review was to analyze the remineralization potential of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp)-containing dentifrices, by mapping the existing literature. (2) Methods: This review was performed using the PRISMA-ScR Checklist, which is an extension of the PRISMA Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. In this study, the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework was used to find relevant papers published between 2010 and 2021. Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and dentifrices containing nHAp as one of the ingredients were the two main concepts of the research question. MeSH phrases, keywords, and other free terms relevant to nano-hydroxyapatite and dentifrices were used to search the literature databases. (3) Results: Preliminary searches yielded 59 studies; the title and abstract screening results excluded 11 studies. The remaining studies were thoroughly reviewed by two reviewers on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 28 studies were included, and 20 studies were excluded. Most of the studies that were included reported that when nHAp was used alone, it had many different effects, such as remineralization, caries prevention, less demineralization, brighter teeth, less pain, and remineralization of enamel after orthodontic debonding. (4) Conclusions: Dentifrices that contain nHAp offer a variety of therapeutic and preventative effects. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of nHAp dentifrices in primary teeth. Additional long-term investigations using standardized protocols are required to reach decisive conclusions about the effects of nHAp dentifrices on primary and permanent dentitions.