Effect of two remineralizing agents on mineral content of initial enamel caries-like lesions

Abstract Aim To quantitatively measure the amount of mineral regain of two remineralizing agents of initial enamel caries-like lesions. Materials and Methods Thirty freshly extracted intact human premolars were used in this in-vitro study. Pieces of a modeling wax sheet were cut and placed in the middle third of the buccal surface of all the teeth followed by application of two layers of an acid resistant nail varnish. Wax sheets were then removed leaving enamel window to form a definite test area. Specimens were subjected to 10 ml of demineralization solution to create initial enamel caries-like lesions and were randomly divided into two equal groups according to the remineralizing agent, group I: self-assembling peptide P11-4 (Curodont Repair). Group II: nanohydroxyapatite (Boka Ela Mint Toothpaste). Both the tested materials were applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. EDX analysis was performed to evaluate Ca and P content and Ca/P ratio of both groups at baseline, after demineralization after remineralization. Results Statistical comparison between both groups revealed that after treatment the Ca (72.1) value was significantly higher in group I than group II (69.5) ( P = 0.001). However, the reverse was found regarding the (P) content where a significant higher value (32.8) was found in group II versus group I (31.6) ( P = 0.044). On the other hand, a higher Ca/P ratio was recorded in group I (2.3) than group II (2.1) with a statistically significant difference between both groups ( P = 0.001). Conclusions Both the tested materials were effective to remineralizing initially carious-like lesions. However, Curodont Repair confers higher remineralizing efficacy compared to Boka Ela Mint Toothpaste. Clinical significance Self-assembling peptide (Curodont Repair) offers a significant mineral regain of initially demineralized enamel compared to nanohydroxyapatite (Boka Ela Mint Toothpaste).