RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Erosion, a dynamic process with periods of demineralisation and remineralisation, has become a common problem in modern societies, owing to changes in life style and dietary habits. Although fluorides have been included in toothpastes that claim to prevent demineralisation and aid remineralisation, their ability to remineralise is limited by low concentration of calcium and phosphate ions available in saliva. Hence, a new paste based on casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF), nanohydroxyapatite and bioactive glass (BAG) were introduced. AIM: To evaluate and compare the effects of BAG, nanohydroxyapatite and CPP-ACPF pastes on surface microhardness of demineralised enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 48 enamel specimens were randomly divided into five groups: Group I positive control - intact specimens and Group II - demineralised specimens. The test groups, Group III, IV and V, comprised CPP-ACPF, nanohydroxyapatite and BAG, respectively. The test specimens were demineralised with 0.1% citric acid followed by remineralisation using either of the three prepared slurries. The specimens were subjected to pH cycling regime for 15 times. The remineralisation potential of the specimens was studied by evaluating the surface microhardness. One specimen from each group was analysed under SEM. Data was tabulated and analysis performed by one way ANOVA and post hoc Scheffe test. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was found between the negative control and three test groups based on microhardness evaluation. Nanohydroxyapatite had the least remineralising potential as compared to CPP-ACPF and BAG. CONCLUSION: Comparatively, BAG and CCP-ACPF paste showed better remineralising potential.
