Comparative evaluation of application of different fluoride varnishes on artificial early enamel lesion: An in vitro study

Introduction: In an attempt to manage noncavitated carious lesions noninvasively through remineralization, a range of novel fluoride varnishes with additional remineralizing agents have been made available for clinical application. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the remineralization potential of three commercially available varnishes on artificial enamel lesions. Materials and Methods: This in vitro study involves eighty intact enamel specimens prepared from premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes. After specimen preparation, the eighty samples were divided randomly into two groups (n = 40) for measurement of baseline surface Vickers microhardness and baseline calcium/phosphorus ratio (% weight) through EDAX testing. Thereafter, the specimens were subjected to demineralization for 96 h to induce initial enamel lesions and the measurements were repeated. Following demineralization, each of the two groups was divided randomly into four subgroups (n = 10) from which one was used as the control group and the others three were allotted to each of the three test varnishes. After varnish application, all the specimens were subjected to a pH cycling regimen that included alternative demineralization (3 h) and remineralization (21 h) daily, for 5 consecutive days. The Vickers microhardness and EDAX measurements were then repeated. Results: One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's tests were conducted for multiple group comparison. All the three commercially available varnishes were capable of remineralizing initial enamel lesions that were induced artificially. No difference was noted in the remineralizing efficacy of the varnishes despite their different compositions. MI Varnish™ (casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride varnish) showed slightly better recovery in surface microhardness as compared to the other two varnishes. Conclusion: All the varnishes used in this in vitro study are capable of reversing early enamel lesions.

Efficacy of silver diamine fluoride as an antibacterial as well as antiplaque agent compared to fluoride varnish and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel: An in vivo study.

Background: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is already proven as an antibacterial agent in vitro. Present study was formulated to compare the efficacy of SDF as an antibacterial as well as antiplaque agent in vivo with fluoride varnish and acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel. Study Design: Total 123 children (male = 82, female = 41) were included in the study for a period of 18 months. Children were divided into three different groups-Group 1: SDF; Group 2: fluoride varnish; and Group 3: APF gel. All subjects were evaluated via plaque score at 6 th , 12 th , and 18 th months as well as Streptococcus mutans counts in saliva at 72 h, 6 th , 12 th , and 18 th months of follow-up. Results: Significant reduction was found in plaque score as well as S. mutans counts irrespective of group division. On intergroup comparison, no statistically significant difference was found in plaque score, but significant reduction in S. mutans counts was found in Group 1 as compared with Groups 2 and 3, while no significant difference was found between Groups 2 and 3. Conclusion: In vivo application of SDF on enamel significantly decreases S. mutans counts as compared to fluoride varnish and APF gel.

Evaluation of the remineralization potential of amorphous calcium phosphate and fluoride containing pit and fissure sealants using scanning electron microscopy.

Aim: To evaluate the remineralization potential of Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) and Fluoride containing pit and Fissure Sealants using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Materials and Methods: Thirty maxillary first premolars were divided into three groups of ten each and were randomly selected for ACP containing (Aegis- Opaque White, Bosworth Co. Ltd.), Fluoride containing (Teethmate F1 Natural Clear, Kuraray Co. Ltd.), resin based (Concise- Opaque White, 3M ESPE Co. Ltd.) pit and fissure sealant applications. The Concise group served as a control. The teeth weresubjected to the pH-cycling regimen for a period of two weeks. After two weeks, the teeth were sectioned bucco-lingually into 4mm sections and were observed under Scanning Electron Microscope at 50X, 250X, 500X, 1000X and 1500X magnifications. The qualitative changes at the tooth surface and sealant interface were examined and presence of white zone at the interface was considered positive for remineralization. Results: Both ACP containing (Aegis) and Fluoride containing (Teethmate F1) group showed white zone at the tooth surface-sealant interface. The resin based group (Concise) showed regular interface between the sealant and the tooth structure, but no clear cut white zone was observed. Conclusion: Both, Aegis and Teethmate F1 have the potential to remineralize. Release of Amorphous Calcium Phosphate molecules in Aegis group and formation of Fluoroapetite in Teethmate F1 group, were probably responsible for the remineralization.