In vitro evaluation of remineralization efficacy of different calcium- and fluoride-based delivery systems on artificially demineralized enamel surface

BACKGROUND: Caries is the most common dental disease facing the world population. Caries can be prevented by remineralizing early enamel lesions. AIM: To evaluate remineralization efficacy of stannous fluoride (SnF(2)), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate with fluoride (CPP-ACPF) and calcium sucrose phosphate (CaSP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty enamel samples were taken; they were divided into five groups (n = 10). Demineralization was carried out with Groups A, B, C, and E. Remineralization was carried out with Groups A, B, and C for 7 days using SnF(2), CPP-ACPF, and CaSP, respectively. In Group D, no surface treatment was carried out, to mark as positive control whereas Group E was kept as negative control with only surface demineralization of enamel. Enamel microhardness was tested using Vickers's microhardness tester after 7 day remineralization regime. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: One-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests were performed. RESULTS: The mean microhardness values in descending order: Positive control > SnF(2)> CaSP > CPP-ACPF > negative control. CONCLUSION: All remineralizing agents showed improved surface remineralization. However, complete remineralization did not occur within 7 days. SnF(2) showed the highest potential for remineralization followed by CaSP and CPP-ACPF.