Comparison of Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Sodium Fluoride Mouthrinse for Remineralization of Incipient Carious Lesions

OBJECTIVE: Dental caries is an infectious disease that can be prevented in several ways. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of sodium fluoride mouthrinse and nano- hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) for the remineralization of incipient caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining different concentrations of nano-HA (0-2-5-10%), 60 sound premolars fixed in acrylic blocks were coated with nail polish except for one surface. Ten teeth (control group) were stored in distilled water and the remaining 50 samples were demineralized by immersion in 13 ml of 0.1 M lactic acid and 0.2% poly acrylic acid for 48 hours. Their microhardness was then measured and compared to that of the control group. Next, the 50 test teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups of group1 (negative), group 2 (2% nano-HA), group 3 (5% nano-HA), group 4(10% nano-HA) and group 5 (0.2 NAF mouthrinse). The microhardness of the teeth was measured after 12 hours of immersion in the above-mentioned solutions. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Microhardness of all samples decreased significantly after immersion in the demineralization solution and increased following immersion in nano-HA and NAF mouthrinses; however, this increase was not statistically significant (P=0.711). CONCLUSION: Nano-HA and NAF mouthrinses can greatly enhance remineralization and increase tooth microhardness.