Research article

In vitro effect of fluoride oral hygiene tablets on artificial caries lesion formation and remineralization in human enamel

Peter Gängler^* , Thomas Kremniczky^* and Wolfgang H Arnold

Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany

author email corresponding author email* Contributed equally

BMC Oral Health 2009, 9:25doi:10.1186/1472-6831-9-25

Published:	2 October 2009

Abstract

Background

Aim of this in-vitro-study was to assess the remineralization potential of a tooth cleaning tablet with different fluoride content.

Methods

Twenty three caries free impacted third molars were examined, enamel surfaces were wax coated leaving two 3 × 4 mm windows for exposure to demineralization/remineralization cycles. The teeth were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 5 control and 6 experimental teeth. Demineralization by standardised HEC-gel, pH 4.7 at 37°C for 72 h, was alternated by rinsing in remineralization solution, pH 7.0 at 37°C for 72 h, total challenge time 432 h. The negative control group N was treated during remineralization cycles with saline; positive control group P was treated with remineralization solution; experimental group D1 was exposed to remineralization solution containing Denttabs^®-tablets with 1450 ppm F; experimental group D2 was exposed to remineralization solution and Denttabs^®-tablets with 4350 ppm F. Each tooth was cut into serial sections and analyzed by polarized light microscopy for assessment of the different zones of white-spot lesions in 3 representative sections. Statistical analysis was based on the Mann-Whitney-Test.

Results

Both control groups N(-) and P(+) exhibited characteristic white-spot lesions. The remineralization and the demineralization inhibition of the lesions increased considerably from N<P < D1<D2. Denttabs^®-2 administration showed partial/total remineralization including lamination and/or disappearance of the body of the lesion. The different results of all 4 groups were statistically highly significant (p < 0.01) with both tests.

Conclusion

Based on these results the novel Denttabs^® formulation represents a highly effective oral hygiene product and the remineralization is correlated to the fluoride content.