Efficacy of Nano-Hydroxyapatite on Enamel Surface of Primary Teeth Following Exposure to Liquid Medications in Comparison with Sodium Fluoride: An in Vitro Study

Abstract

Background: Demineralization initiated by acids is occasionally resulting from the intake of liquid medicines used to treat children on regular basis. Fluoride and nano-Hydroxyapatite has been broadly utilized in remineralization of erosive lesions. Aim: To compare the efficacy of nano-Hydroxyapatite with sodium fluoride on enamel surface of primary teeth after exposure to pediatric liquid medications by investigating the topographical and weight changes. Materials and Method: Thirty posterior primary teeth were extracted from (3-6) years old children. They were assigned to three groups: (A) nano-Hydroxyapatite, (B) sodium fluoride, and (C) artificial saliva (control). Groups A and B were exposed to pediatric liquid medications including: (Cephalexin and ParAzar). Afterwards, they were treated with 1% nano-Hydroxyapatite suspension and 2% sodium fluoride solution. The samples were examined for changes in surface roughness and weight using Atomic Force Microscope and an electronic balance respectively; at three periods: baseline, after 7 days of exposure to liquid medications, and 1 day of exposure to treatment agents. Results: Group A showed a highly-significant difference in roughness for subgroups treated with nanoHydroxyapatite. A highly-significant increase in roughness was noticed for Cephalexin between baseline and treatment periods and a highly- significant reduction between baseline and ParAzar exposure periods. Regarding weight, a highly-significant difference was found for Cephalexin, and a significant difference for ParAzar after nano-Hydroxyapatite treatment. Conclusion: 1% nano-hydroxyapatite suspension had the greatest remineralization efficacy when compared with 2% sodium fluoride solution.