A comparative evaluation of the remineralization potential of three commercially available remineralizing agents on white spot lesions in primary teeth: An in vitro study

The focus in caries management has shifted to early detection of caries lesions and targeted noninvasive management of incipient lesions using novel remineralizing agents.This study aimed to compare and evaluate the remineralization potential of commercially available agents containing nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF), and Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) on artificially induced white spot lesions in primary teeth.This is an in vitro double-blind randomized study.Forty extracted or exfoliated primary teeth were selected and randomized as follows: Group I: FTCP, Group II: fluoridated dentifrice, Group III: CPP-ACPF, and Group IV: Nano-HA. DIAGNOdent readings and scanning electron microscope (SEM) energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were carried out at baseline. The samples were subjected to the test agents after inducing white spot lesions. The readings were repeated postdemineralization and postremineralization.The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 software with one-way ANOVA, post hoc Tukey's HSD, and paired t-test.SEM evaluation showed favorable surface changes in all the four study groups after remineralization therapy. Intragroup comparison of DIAGNOdent and EDX readings showed a highly significant difference between baseline, postdemineralization, and postremineralization values. However, the intergroup comparison was statistically nonsignificant.All test agents were comparable in their remineralization potential.