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In vivo remineralization of artificial enamel carious lesions using a mineral-enriched mouthrinse and a fluoride dentifrice: a polarized light microscopic comparative evaluation.

BACKGROUND
Remineralization process is accelerated by the presence of fluoride ions in the oral environment, but this mechanism of caries reversal will be further enhanced if the concentration of calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions is supersaturated with respect to that of oral fluids.


AIM
This in vivo study was carried out to evaluate and compare the remineralizing efficacy of a urea-based mineral-enriched mouthrinse and a fluoridated dentifrice using an in vivo intraoral appliance model and polarized light microscopic evaluation technique.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
The specimens were prepared from sound teeth and artificial caries was produced using an artificial caries medium in vitro and enamel specimens were inserted in removable orthodontic appliances that were to be worn by 14 children of 10-15 years of age. They were divided into three groups - nonfluoridated dentifrice, fluoridated dentifrice and mineral-enriched mouthrinse groups. After the 6-month experimental period, during which the enamel specimens inserted in the intraoral appliance were subjected to one of the agents (either fluoride, nonfluoride dentifrice or mouthrinse) in vivo, the specimens were retrieved from the patients and were evaluated using the polarized light microscopic technique.


OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS
On analysis, mineral gain occurred in all groups, viz. nonfluoride dentifrice group, fluoride dentifrice and mineral-enriched mouthrinse group. However, it was found to be complete in the mouthrinse group, i.e. both at the surface and at the subsurface (67%), while in the fluoridated dentifrice group, 43% of the samples showed mineral gain in both zones. In the nonfluoridated dentifrice group also, remineralization occurred but was limited either to the surface or the subsurface zone.


CONCLUSIONS
Urea-based mineral-enriched mouthrinse was shown to be more efficacious in the process of remineralization of artificial carious lesions.