In Vitro Evaluation of the Effects of Various Remineralization Agents on
Root Caries
Abstract
Background: With the increasing frequency of root caries,
remineralization of caries lesions has become very important. Objective:
To compare the effects of different fluoride varnishes on artificial
root caries lesions and biofilm formation. Materials and Methods: Bovine
root dentin specimens (n=138) were prepared and demineralized for five
days. Dentin blocks were randomly allocated to six groups (n=23/group):
(1) untreated control; (2) Sodium Fluoride (NaF); (3) NaF+ Casein
Phosphopeptide-stabilized Amorphous Calcium Phosphate complexes
(CPP-ACP); (4) NaF+ Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP); (5) NaF+ Xylitol-coated
Calcium and Phosphate (CXP); and (6) Silver Diamine Fluoride/Potassium
Iodide (SDF/KI). Specimens spared for spectral analysis (n=15) were
subjected to pH cycling for eight days. Before and after pH cycling,
FTIR-ATR and laser fluorescence were used to detect changes in
organic/inorganic content. S. mutans and L. casei
dual-species biofilm were performed on artificial caries lesions treated
with remineralization agents (n=8). Bacterial biofilm formation was
evaluated with CLSM and SEM. Results: According to the laser
fluorescence results, SDF/KI showed maximum remineralization values
after pH cycling. All treatments reduced LF values significantly
compared with control group. FTIR-ATR showed chemical reactions within
dentin tissue in SDF/KI group. A significant difference in decrease of
hydrogen phosphate-to-amide I ratio was observed mostly in the control
group, in contrast to the decrease observed in the other four test
groups. CLSM analysis showed that all varnishes are effective on total
and viable biomass. However, NaF was the most effective material
preventing biofilm formation. Conclusion: The application of varnishes
reduced biofilm formation and demineralization of root caries.