Comparative Evaluation of the Remineralizing Potential of Commercially Available Agents on Artificially Demineralized Human Enamel: An In vitro Study

BACKGROUND: Caries is highly prevalent multifactorial disease, but its progression can be prevented in the initial stage of demineralization through remineralization (RML). Various materials have been proposed for the same, successful outcome can prove to be a boon in the prevention of caries. AIM: The aim of the study is to assess the RML potential of four commercially available agents so as to restore the enamel closest to its previous microhardness levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty permanent intact premolars were randomly divided into six groups: Four test groups – (1) bioactive glass (BAG) Novamin (SHY-NM), (2) nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) (Acclaim), (3) functionalized tricalcium phosphate (f-TCP) (Clinpro Tooth Crème), and (4) grape seed extract (GSE); one positive control – (5) fluoride (1000 ppm) containing dentifrice (Colgate Calci-Lock); and one negative control – (6) distilled water. The samples were initially evaluated for baseline surface microhardness (SMH); later on, these samples were placed in the demineralizing solution for 48 h in an incubator at 37°C, and postdemineralization again SMH was measured. Thereafter, the samples were subjected to the pH cycling for consecutive 21 days, and SMH was recorded. The SMH was evaluated using a Vickers microhardness tester. Statistical analysis was done using a post hoc Tukey test for each group based on the stage of treatment and one-way ANOVA for comparison among different groups. RESULTS: BAG Novamin showed SMH recovery at 96.75% followed by f-TCP at 95.83%, nHAp at 90.88%, and GSE at 48.71%. Statistically significant differences were observed between the first three groups and the rest of the groups after RML stage. CONCLUSION: BAG Novamin, f-TCP, and nHAp showed considerable RML followed to a lesser extent by GSE.