Enamel remineralizing potential of three different agents - A qualitative and quantitative analysis

Dental enamel is susceptible to acid-induced demineralization and while fluoride treatments are effective, they have limitations such as superficial remineralization and risk of fluorosis. This <i>in vitro</i> study examined the remineralization potential of calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles, bioactive glass (BAG) nanoparticles and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) on artificially demineralized human enamel. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Vickers microhardness were used to assess the 60 premolars after they were prepared, separated into four groups (control, CaP, nHAp and BAG), demineralized and treated daily for seven days. All nanoparticle groups showed significant remineralization versus control, with nHAp achieving the highest hardness and Ca/P ratio, followed by BAG and CaP. Thus, we show nHAp as the most effective non-invasive remineralizing agent for early carious lesions.