Comparative evaluation of remineralization potential of nanohydroxyapatite crystals, bioactive glass, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, and fluoride on initial enamel lesion (scanning electron microscope analysis) – An in vitro study

AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the remineralization potential of four different remineralizing agents, i.e., nanohydroxyapatite crystals, bioactive glass, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), and fluoride on initial enamel lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty human maxillary central incisors were used in the present study. Samples were randomly divided into four groups (n = 15). Group 1: nanohydroxyapatite-containing dentifrice (Acclaim); Group 2: bioactive glass containing-dentifrice (SHY-NM); Group 3: CPP-ACP-containing dentifrice; and Group 4: fluoride-containing dentifrice. Baseline microhardness was checked, followed by immersion of teeth samples in demineralizing and remineralizing solution. This was followed by a pH cycle of 10 days. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni method. After this, scanning electron microscopic analysis was done to evaluate remineralization. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of data was conducted using ANOVA, and multiple comparisons within groups were done using the Bonferroni method (post hoc tests). The decision criterion was to reject the null hypothesis if P < 0.05. If there was a significant difference between the groups, multiple comparisons (post hoc test) using the Bonferroni test were carried out. CONCLUSION: There is a significant difference in mean microhardness between the groups after remineralization. The mean value was found to be highest for nanohydroxyapatite, bioactive glass, CPP-ACP, and fluoride in descending order.