Remineralizing Potential of Milk and GC Tooth Mousse on Demineralized Human Enamel: An In Vitro Comparative Evaluation

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Caries initiation is associated with demineralization of the subsurface tooth enamel. Today, bioactive agents based on milk products have been developed to enhance remineralization under cariogenic conditions. However, there is limited information on the remineralization potential of milk. Materials and Methods Fifty enamel specimens were prepared from sound human premolars. All enamel specimens were then placed in demineralizing solution for 4 days at 37°C to produce artificial carious lesion. Baseline surface microhardness (SMH) was evaluated using Vickers indenter. Enamel specimens were then randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 specimens were kept in artificial saliva, whereas group 2 and 3 enamel specimens were treated with milk and GC tooth mousse, respectively, for 5 minutes twice daily for 21 days. Post-treatment SMH measurements of all specimens were evaluated on the 7th, 14th, and 21st day. Data was statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance test and Tukey honest significant difference post-hoc test. Results There were no significant differences in the SMH values in the control group at any time interval. There were statistically significant increases in the post-SMH values in milk and GC tooth mousse (p < 0.001) at the end of 21st day of remineralization. Conclusion Milk showed remineralization potential comparable to that of GC tooth mousse.