Comparing tooth surface microhardness with mineral density levels in a newly developed remineralisation agents when appliedon artificial caries lesions

Tooth decay is the dental hard tissue disease caused by the dissolution of the carbohydrates by the oral microorganisms. It is possible to prevent of the progression and treatment of dental caries in initial phase of the formation. Repair of the lesion can be achieved by increasing the calcium or fluoride concentration in oral fluid. Fluoride is used for this purpose for many years. However, fluoride increases the probability of fluorosis, research for alternative agents to the fluoride continues today. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of the newly developed alternative materials to the fluoride for remineralization of dental caries. 4 different toothpastes were used with this purpose, which are Colgate triple action with fluoride, Biorepair plus contains nanohydroxyapatites, Theodent contains theobromine and Sensodyne Repair and Protect including calcium sodiumphosphosilicate. Fifty bovine teeth were used in this study and 5 groups were formed to evaluate the microhardness alterations of the tooth surfaces. After the formation of the dental caries in samples, remineralization materials were applied to the sample surfaces twice a day during 2 minutes. Surface microhardness values were recorded for initial situation, demineralization and pH cycle phases. Twenty bovine teeth were seperated into 5 groups to evaluate the mineral alterations on enamel surfaces. Same procedure was applied for these samples. The numerical values were recorded digitally using micro-computerized tomography. The results of this study revealed statistically significant difference between VSN values of the groups after ph cycle (p=0,0001). VSN values after pH cycle were recorded significantly lower comparing the initial situation for control and experimental groups Microhardness average values for group 1 were recorded higher than group 2, 4 and 5 (p=0,026, p=0,0001). The values for group 2 and 4 were recorded higher than group 5 (p=0,0001) and values for group 3, higher than group 4 and 5 (p=0,028, p=0,0001). Statistically significant difference was determined between mineral density values of the 5 groups after pH cycle(p=0,0001). The values of the control group were recorded statistically lower than the experimental groups (p=0,0001). Howeverthere is no significant difference in mineral density values between experimental groups(p>0,05). In conclusion, all remineralization agents used in this study are determined as efficient in remineralization of the initial dental caries and may be used as an alternative to fluoride use.