Effect of new dentifrice containing nano-sized carbonated apatite on enamel remineralization

The process of dental caries is dynamic and continuous, with periods of de- and remineralization of the tooth structure occurring over time. When the remineralization potential is superior to demineralization, the caries process can be stopped and early caries lesions can recover. Moreover, the remineralization potential will be increased if active components are added to a dentifrice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to re-evaluate the remineralizaton potential of a dentifrice containing nano-sized carbonated apatite using pH cycling, which simulates the oral environment. Artificial incipient caries was induced on bovine tooth specimens, which were treated with 4 dentifrices containing several concentrations of nano carbonated apatites with pH cycling. The remineralization effect was evaluated at each step by measuring the Vickers Hardness Number, and obtaining SEM and CLSM images of the enamel surface. The micro hardness of the enamel surface increased after the pH cycling treatment of the dentifrices. The dentifrice containing 5% n-CAPs showed the highest level of remineralization followed by 0%, 15% and 30%. One-way ANOVA indicated a significant difference in remineralization between the dentifrice containing 5% and 30% n-CAPs. SEM and CLSM also demonstrated observable differences in each step. From this study, the fluoride dentifrice containing 5% n-CAPs was effective in remineralizing an artificial incipient caries lesion. In conclusion, the dentifrice containing 5% nano carbonated apatites and 25% silica was the most effective in remineralizing early caries lesion.