An in vitro evaluation of the demineralization inhibitory effect of F(−) varnish and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate on enamel in young permanent teeth

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the demineralization inhibitory potential of fluoride varnish and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and to compare and evaluate the additive effect of fluoride varnish + CPP-ACP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten healthy premolar teeth that were extracted for orthodontic purposes were collected, and each tooth was longitudinally sectioned buccolingually and mesiodistally into four sections. The teeth were then assigned to four different treatment groups namely fluoride varnish, CPP-ACP, F(−) varnish followed by CPP-ACP and control. The prepared enamel samples were suspended in an artificial caries challenge for 10 days. The demineralizing inhibitory effects of the groups were recorded using polarized light microscopy. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was carried out using analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range tests. RESULTS: The mean lesion depths of all the groups were Group 1 (fluoride varnish): 104.71, Group 2 (CPP-ACP): 127.09, Group 3: (F(−) varnish + CPP-ACP): 82.34, Group 4 (control): 146.93. CONCLUSION: Demineralization inhibitory potential on the additive use of F(−) varnish and casein phosphopeptide was superior to fluoride varnish or CPP-ACP applied alone on the enamel of young permanent teeth.