Clinical effectiveness of a toothpaste in adults with high caries activity: a pilot study

Relevance. Dental caries continues to be among the most widespread diseases globally. Dental plaque microorganisms play a central role in the initiation and progression of dental caries; therefore, oral hygiene is important for maintaining dental health. Of particular research interest are toothpastes that integrate fluorides, calcium-based agents, and other anti-caries components. Objective. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a toothpaste containing fluoride and hydroxyapatite in adults with high caries activity. Materials and methods. This prospective pilot clinical study included 20 adults aged 18–25 years (mean age, 21.95±0.46 years) with high caries experience and initial caries lesions (localized enamel demineralization). At each examination visit, the following clinical and patient-reported parameters were evaluated: gingival Index; dental status, determined using the DMFT index and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS);Oral hygiene, quantified with the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S); depth of localized enamel demineralization, measured via laser fluorescence readings obtained with the Diagnodent Pen device, tooth sensitivity to various stimuli, rated on a 10-point visual analogue scale; self-perceived efficacy of the toothpaste, collected through a structured questionnaire. Outcomes after 3 months of use of a toothpaste containing sodium monofluorophosphate (1400 ppm F – ) and hydroxyapatite were analyzed. Results. No new primary or secondary caries lesions were detected in the study participants during the 3 months of toothpaste use (mean ICDAS-II index value, 18.26±1.43); laser fluorescence readings at sites of demineralization decreased from 14.37±0.54 at the first visit to 13.47±0.71 after 3 months ( p >0.05); the OHI-S index decreased from 0.76±0.15 to 0.40±0.07, respectively ( p <0.05). Participants rated the organoleptic properties of the toothpaste favorably. A reduction in tooth sensitivity to various stimuli was observed but was not statistically significant: after 3 months, 65 % of participants reported no sensitivity to any tested stimuli ( p >0.05). Conclusion. Using a toothpaste containing fluoride and hydroxyapatite for 3 months contributed to caries prevention, stabilization of initial caries lesions, and improved oral hygiene. These findings support recommending this toothpaste for routine oral hygiene in adults with high caries activity and initial caries lesions.