The Effect of Different Remineralizing Agents on Caries-like Lesions: A Pilot Study

Introduction:The remineralization of white spot lesions provides early treatment of dental caries, less invasive and more conservative for dental tissue. Objectives: To quantify the surface microhardness of enamel when using different remineralizing agents. Materials and methods: 16 enamel specimens were randomly subjected to a lactic acid buffer solution for induction of White Spot Artificial Lesions (WSAL) - (phase 1). 8 of them, were referred to as a control, and the remaining 8 were divided into 4 study groups (Stage 1 treatment) and then subjected to demineralization new cycle (phase 2). The study groups were: GA (n = 2) positive control / distilled water; GB (n = 2) GC Tooth Mousse, RecaldentTM; GC (n = 2) ClinproTM White Varnish; GD (n = 2) Profluorid® Varnish. It was measured Vickers hardness (HV) by HSV-30® identator (Shimadzu). Exploratory and descriptive analysis of the data was performed by SPSS21.0. Results: WSAL (Phase 1) have registered values of 93.99 HV. Step 1 (treatment) obtained values: GA - HV 56.70; GB - 290.00 HV; GC - 136 HV; GD - 224 HV. Phase 2, were verified the values: GA - 116.70 HV; GB - 266.80 HV; GC - 261.80 HV; GD - 158.80 HV. Conclusions: GC Tooth Mousse, RecaldentTM expressed a tendency to increase the microhardness of the enamel surface, in comparison to the fluoride varnish. Clinical implications: Early white spot lesions remineralization allows a greater preservation of dental tissue and greater convenience for the patient. Keywords: enamel, remineralization, White Spot, surface microhardness, remineralizing agents