Dental caries: The reverse gear – Comparative synergistic remineralizing potential of sodium fluoride mouthrinse with xylitol and essential oils: An In situ study

Abstract

Background: With the universal use of topical fluorides, there has been a decrease in the prevalence of dental caries, but still the quest is on for a better topical agent which can provide a superior remineralizing effect. Aims: The present in situ study was to evaluate the remineraliizing efficacy of sodium fluoride mouth rinse and two experimental mouth rinses xylitol sodium fluoride, essential mouth rinses. Materials and Methods: Partially demineralized human enamel slabs were used in the study; five enamel slabs were embedded in each of the Hawley's appliances worn by nine participants enrolled in the study. The participants were divided equally into three groups. Each group used one of the experimental mouthrinses. Hence, in each mouthrinse group, there were 15 demineralized enamel slabs in each appliance used by three participants in each mouthrinse group. The study was conducted for a period of 14 days, after which the enamel slabs were retrieved and analyzed using quantitative wavelength-independent microradiography with the assistance of image processing. Results: Analysis of the samples showed a statically significant increase in the amount of remineralization with xylitol sodium fluoride mouthrinse. The order of increase in the remineralization was as follows: xylitol sodium fluoride > sodium fluoride > essential oil sodium fluoride > baseline demineralization (control). Conclusion: The xylitol sodium fluoride mouthrinse can prove to be a great weapon in reversing the initial dental caries. Essential oil mouthrinses are known for their antigingivitis and anti-inflammatory properties, and their efficacy in synergistically acting with sodium fluoride in remineralizing dental caries is questionable under in vivo conditions.