Demineralized Enamel Surface Research Articles

A bifunctional nanocomplex with remineralizing and antibacterial activities to interrupt dental caries

Dental caries result from an imbalance between the demineralization and remineralization of dental hard tissues, primarily caused by biofilm accumulation. According to the theory of interrupting dental caries, effective anticaries materials and techniques should possess both remineralizing and antibacterial properties. However, current anticaries materials fail to mimic the process of amelogenesis to achieve remineralization while inhibiting the adhesion of cariogenic bacteria and the formation of biofilms. In this study, silk fibroin (SF) loaded with benzalkonium chloride (BZC) successfully formed an SF-BZC composite. This composite stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), creating an ACP@SF-BZC dual-functional nanocomplex with both remineralizing and antibacterial properties. ACP@SF-BZC demonstrated significant anti-adhesion and biofilm inhibitory effects against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. Moreover, compared to fluoride, ACP@SF-BZC significantly enhanced the remineralization of demineralized enamel surfaces, forming a stable remineralized layer with improved mechanical properties, both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, the dual-function ACP@SF-BZC nanocomplex, with its remineralizing and antibacterial effects, offers a promising alternative for preventing and arresting enamel caries.

Remineralization efficiency of three different agents on artificially produced enamel lesions: A micro-CT study.

This study aimed to assess the remineralization efficacy of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), silver diamine fluoride/potassium iodide (SDF/KI), and sodium fluoride with functionalized tricalcium phosphate (NaF/fTCP) on artificial early enamel lesion using laser fluorescence and micro-CT analysis. On extracted impacted third molars, artificial enamel lesions were prepared. Twenty-eight specimens were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 7 per group): a control group (artificial saliva), CPP-ACP (GC Tooth Mousse), SDF/KI (Riva Star), and NaF/fTCP (Clinpro White varnish). Following the manufacturer's instructions, the remineralization agents were applied to demineralized surfaces. Laser fluorescence and micro-CT were used to evaluate the remineralization efficacy of the agents and analyzes were performed during four stages: before demineralization, after demineralization, 1st day of remineralization and 30th day of remineralization. Shapiro-Wilk test, repeated measures two-way ANOVA, and Spearman correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. A significant level of p < 0.05 was established. SDF/KI significantly reduced the lesion area and lesion volume on the demineralized enamel surface after 30 days of remineralization. In the T3 period, SDF/KI increased the mineral density statistically significantly compared to the T1 period. The laser fluorescence values for all three remineralizing agents exhibited a linear decrease. A significant correlation between the fluorescence values and the mineral density was found (p = 0.01). All three investigated agents were showed positive remineralization efficacy on artificial enamel lesion. However, SDF/KI, containing silver diamine fluoride and potassium iodide exhibited superior than other agents in promoting remineralization. Although all three remineralization agents showed positive remineralization efficacy on artificial enamel lesions, SDF had higher remineralization performance over the other two agents. SDF has potential to prevent progression of demineralization in treating children with high caries risk in the long-term.

Examining the Effectiveness of Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) Dendrimers for Enamel Lesion Remineralization: A Systematic Review.

White spot lesions (WSLs) and demineralized enamel surfaces are common dental issues that can lead to further complications if untreated. The potential of various remineralizing agents has been extensively studied, but the efficacy of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers in promoting enamel remineralization remains to be fully elucidated. This systematic review aims to evaluate the remineralizing potential of PAMAM on WSLs and demineralized enamel surfaces.To identify relevant studies, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria comprised in vitro and in vivo studies that assessed the effects of PAMAM on WSLs or demineralized enamel. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. The primary outcomes measured were changes in enamel microhardness, surface morphology, and mineral content. Five studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising in vitro studies. The results indicated that PAMAM demonstrated a significant remineralizing effect on demineralized enamel surfaces, as evidenced by increased microhardness and improved surface morphology. The studies varied in their methodological approaches but collectively supported the potential of PAMAM in enamel remineralization. PAMAM dendrimers exhibit promising remineralizing properties for treating WSLs and demineralized enamel surfaces.

Evaluation of the remineralizing effect of the chicken eggshell paste after removal of the fixed orthodontic appliance: An in vitro study.

Demineralization of the enamel surface, which appears as white spot lesions during and after removal of the fixed orthodontic appliance, is the most common disadvantage of the orthodontic treatment course. Using the remineralizing agents during and after orthodontic treatment helps to avoid those enamel defects. The present study aims to assess the remineralizing effect of the chicken eggshell powder on the demineralized enamel surfaces after debonding the orthodontic bracket system. The current study was performed on 80 prepared premolar crowns embedded into acrylic molds. The samples were prepared to receive routine steps of the bonding process for the bracket system. The paste of the chicken eggshell powder was added to the samples after the debonding process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) were used to evaluate the remineralization effect of the chicken eggshell powder. Also, the Vickers microhardness tester was used to assess the enamel surface microhardness. It was found that the mean value of the Ca/P ratio for the samples before bonding of the orthodontic bracket system was (4.17 ± 2.2). This value significantly decreased to (2 ± 1.3) after debonding of the orthodontic bracket system and then showed a significant increase to (4.79 ± 2.65) after remineralization. These results were assured by the values of the Vickers microhardness tester. The chicken eggshell powder has an excellent remineralization effect for the demineralized enamel surface after debonding the orthodontic enamel surface.

In vitro Evaluation of Remineralization Efficacy of Fluoridated and Nonfluoridated Toothpastes on Demineralized Enamel Surface

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the remineralization efficacy of fluoridated and nonfluoridated toothpaste on artificially demineralized enamel. Materials and Methods: Buccal surface of eighty extracted human premolars was treated with demineralizing solution for 96 h and they were randomly distributed into four groups. Group 1 was control, Group 2 was brushed with Xyliwhite toothpaste (fluoride free), Group 3 was brushed with Superbee Propolis toothpaste (fluoride free), and Group 4 was brushed with Amflor Pro toothpaste (Fluoridated). Brushing was performed for 2 min twice daily with a powered toothbrush for 7 days. After every brushing, the specimens were cleaned and stored in artificial saliva at room temperature. The enamel surface microhardness was measured with Vickers hardness test postdemineralization and posttreatment and a comparative analysis was made. Results: One-way analysis of variance F-test showed a statistically significant difference in remineralization efficacy among the groups (P &lt; 0.001). Tukey’s post hoc test showed that Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4 have higher remineralization efficacy as compared to control (P &lt; 0.001). Maximum remineralization efficacy was seen with Group 4. Conclusion: Fluoridated and nonfluoridated toothpastes have the potential to remineralize the demineralized enamel surface.

Evaluation of Surface Properties of Two Remineralizing Agents after Modification by Chitosan Nano Particles: An In vitro Study.

Calcium phosphate-based systems have been introduced as promising bio-mimetic materials due to their close resemblance to the enamel. Chitosan and its derivatives have been an emerging biomaterial due to their additional antibacterial effect and promising re-mineralizing ability. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of chitosan nanoparticles on the remineralization of the demineralized enamel surface after being added to nano-hydroxyapatite and nano-calcium phosphate materials. This was in vitro study. Twenty specimens of extracted permanent molars were collected, and then immersed in demineralizing solution, then distributed into four groups according to the remineralizing material. Group 1: Treated with Nano-beta-tricalcium phosphate (Nβ-TCP) gel, Group 2: Treated with Nβ-TCP with chitosan gel, Group 3: Treated with Nanohydroxyapatite (NHA) gel, and Group 4: Treated with NHA with chitosan gel. The surface hardness of the teeth was measured at baseline, after demineralization, and after remineralization. The structural changes in each group were analyzed using the scanning electron microscopy. Shapiro-Wilk's test, one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used. In all groups, there was a significant difference in mean Vickers hardness number (VHN) at different intervals, with the highest value found after treatment (301.64-395.65) VHN, followed by the baseline (236.97-276.15) VHN, while the lowest value was detected after demineralization (121.23-124.39) VHN. It was also indicated that baseline treatment, the Hardness percentage change (%) of the nano NHA + Chitosan group showed the highest significant value (55.10%), while the Nβ-TCP group exhibited the lowest significant value (9.56%). It can be concluded that NHA and NΒ-TCP modified by chitosan NPs as remineralizing agents of enamel surface hold promising results.

The preventive/therapeutic effect of CO2 laser and MI Paste Plus® on intact and demineralized enamel against Streptococcus mutans (In Vitro Study)

BackgroundTo evaluate the preventive and therapeutic effects of CO2 laser and MI paste plus on intact and demineralized enamel surfaces and their impact on bacterial adhesion. Methods: 160 enamel slabs were prepared and randomly allocated into two main groups; sound and demineralized enamel (n = 80 per group), in which specimens were immersed in a demineralizing solution (50 mM acetic acid, pH 4.5) for 72 h at 37 °C. Each group was further divided into four subgroups (n = 20); the control (un treated surfaces), surfaces treated by CO2 laser, MI paste plus (Recaldent™, GC corporation/Germany), and those received a combination of CO2 and MI paste plus. Streptococcus Mutans biofilm was isolated, quantified, and then applied on treated enamel surfaces and incubated anaerobically for 24 h and then quantified by colony-forming unit (CFU). Meanwhile, surface changes were assessed by Vickers microhardness and Scanning Electron Microscope combined with Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Results: The combined use of CO2 laser followed by MI paste plus significantly (p < 0.000) enhanced surface microhardness of sound and demineralized enamel with a significant reduction in bacterial counts. However, each technique alone was beneficial as they exhibited higher microhardness with lower bacterial viability in comparison to the control. The treatment of demineralized enamel surfaces with MI paste significantly reduced the number of bacterial colonies with the presence of dispersed mineral deposits over the surface. ConclusionsThe combined use of CO2 laser and MI paste plus was effective as a preventive and/or therapeutic measures in enhancing surface properties of enamel and reducing the bacterial viability.

Enamel Remineralization Efficacy of Coconut Milk and Lyophilized Coconut Extract in Different Concentrations on Demineralized Enamel Surfaces: An In-Vitro Study.

Aim The current study's objective is to determine the remineralizing efficacy of freeze-dried lyophilized coconut extract and coconut milk made from freshly grated coconut on artificial carious lesions produced by pH cycling. Materials and methods Freshly extracted coconut pulp was split into two parts. The first half was blended to obtain coconut milk, and the second part was freeze-dried and lyophilized. Tooth slabs were prepared from extracted third molar teeth. After being demineralized for 72 hours, the tooth samples were remineralized by submerging them in the appropriate remineralizing solution, which is as follows: Group 1 received 25 mL of the Remineralization solution (the control); Group 2 received 2.5 g of coconut milk and 25 mL of the solution (1:1); and Group 3 received 5 g of coconut milk and 25 mL of the solution (2:1). 2.5 g of freeze-dried, lyophilized coconut extract was given to Group 4 along with 25 mL of remineralization solution (1:1), and 5 g of freeze-dried, lyophilized coconut extract was given to Group 5 along with 25 mL of remineralization solution (2:1). Microhardness and contact angle measurements were made. An Excel spreadsheet was filled up with values from after demineralization, and after remineralization. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Using descriptive statistics, the pretreatment mean values for the microhardness and contact angle of the various groups were evaluated. Post-hoc Tukey tests were utilized to compare the analytic results of the various groups. Results Among the various concentrations of freshly extracted coconut milk, the contact angle inconcentrations of 1:1 was 81.22 ± 1.62 deg, and that in concentrations of 2:1 was 88.01 ± 1.85 deg. Between the two concentrations of the lyophilized coconut extract group, the contact angle in 1:1 was 75.05 ± 2.29 deg, and in 2:1 was 71.37 ± 0.85 deg. In the coconut milk group, the value of microhardness was 261 ± 6.4 kg/cm2 at a lower concentration and 322 ±3.9 kg/cm2 at a higher concentration. In the lyophilized coconut group, the lower concentration exhibited a microhardness of 211 ±7.2 kg/cm2, whereas in the higher concentration, it was 324 ±4.04 kg/cm2. Conclusion Of the various concentrations of coconut milk and lyophilized coconut used, coconut milk at a higher concentration exhibits the highest contact angle, and the latter at a higher concentration exhibits the lowest contact angle. In both groups, high concentrations of the material exhibited high microhardness values compared to lower concentrations of the same.

L-serine combined with carboxymethyl chitosan guides amorphous calcium phosphate to remineralize enamel

The aim of this study is to investigate a robust and stable calcium-phosphorus system to remineralize human early enamel caries lesions with nanocomplexes of carboxymethyl chitosan/L-serine/amorphous calcium phosphate (CMC-Ser-ACP) to develop an effective method for mimicking the amelogenin (AMEL) mineralization pattern through ACP assembly. A CMC-Ser-ACP nanocomplex solution was first synthesized by a chemical precipitation method, and then 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) was added to induce ACP phase formation. The morphologies of the nanocomplexes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to detect surface charge and functional group changes. The subtle changes of the demineralized enamel models induced by the remineralization effect were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The CMC-Ser-ACP nanocomplex solution could be preserved without any precipitation for 45 days. After the application of NaClO and through the guidance of Ser, ACP nanoparticles transformed into relatively orderly arranged hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystals, generating an aprismatic enamel-like layer closely integrated with the demineralized enamel, which resulted in enhanced mechanical properties for the treatment of early enamel caries lesions. The CMC-Ser-ACP nanocomplex solution is a remineralization system with great solution stability, and when NaClO is added, it can rapidly regenerate an aprismatic enamel-like layer in situ on the demineralized enamel surface. This novel remineralization system has stable chemical properties and can greatly increase the therapeutic effects against early enamel caries.Graphical

The Effect of Biomimetic Remineralization of Calcium Phosphate Ion Clusters-Treated Enamel Surfaces on Bracket Shear Bond Strength.

To evaluate the remineralization effect of calcium phosphate ion clusters (CPICs) on demineralized enamel surfaces and their effects on bracket shear bond strength. Extracted premolars were prepared in resin blocks. The samples in the form of resin blocks were divided into five experimental groups: control group, demineralized group, and groups of CPIC solution treatment for 30, 60, and 90s. The specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), microhardness testing, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) assessment, shear bond strength (SBS) test, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) score. The SEM images revealed epitaxial growth of enamel and a decrease in the thickness of the demineralized enamel layer when treated with CPIC solution. The EDX analysis revealed an increase in the Ca/P ratio in the CPIC-treated groups. The microhardness value significantly increased when treated with CPICs; however, it showed a lower value than that of the sound enamel groups. As a result of the micro-CT test, radiolucency decreased gradually as the CPIC treatment time increased. The SBS test and ARI score results showed an improvement in bonding stability after treatment with CPICs. We demonstrated an enamel biomodification approach using CPIC solution treatment, which is a promising strategy for enamel remineralization. Specifically, remineralization of demineralized enamel improves the orthodontic bracket SBS.

Comparison of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate and High-Fluoride Dentifrices in reducing White spot Lesions during Orthodontic Treatment

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of CPP-ACP paste and high-fluoride toothpaste (1400ppm) on the demineralized enamel surfaces that appear to develop white-spot lesions in patients seeking fixed orthodontic treatment. Methodology: This randomized control trial was conducted at the OPD of Orthodontic Department, Institute of Dentistry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro from January 2020 - July 2020. After evaluating scores of lesions, participants are provided with their respective preventive measures according to their division in the randomized control trial. Group one is provided with high fluoridated toothpaste at 1400 ppm that is commercially available in markets under the name Colgate Total twice daily for a period of 56 days. The other group is asked to visit OPD for the application of a paste of CPP-ACP once a week for a period of 56 days. Both groups are supposed to make three follow-ups at days 15, 34, and 56. Results: This study consists of 126 participants. Out of 126 participants, 48.0% were males and 57.94% were female. The mean age of the cases was 17.8 years. Out of total, 48% were males and 57.94% were females, with a mean age of 15.99±2.183. A comparison of high fluoridated toothpaste and CPP-ACP paste after three consecutive follow-ups shows that both of them are effective in reducing white spot lesions, but high-fluoridated toothpaste is observed to be more effective during this trial. Conclusion: High-fluoridated toothpaste and CPP-ACP paste, observed to be effective after three consecutive follow-ups in reducing white spot lesions, while high-fluoridated toothpaste was observed to be more effective during the trial.

Ex-vivo effects of propolis quantum dots-nisin-nanoquercetin-mediated photodynamic therapy on Streptococcus mutans biofilms and white spot lesions.

White spot lesions (WSLs) remain one of the most critical adverse sequelae of fixed orthodontic treatment, despite materials and techniques advances in orthodontics. WSLs seem to be a multi-factorial interaction including increased microbial plaque due to intrabuccal appliances that limit the oral-cleansing mechanism and change in the oral microbiome during fixed appliance wear. The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of propolis quantum dots (PQD), nisin (Nis), and quercetin nanoparticles (nQCT)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT) in the eradication of Streptococcus mutans biofilms and the remineralization of WSLs ex-vivo. The cytotoxicity of PQD-Nis-nQCT composite on human gingival fibroblasts was evaluated using neutral red. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation following PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT was measured. Enamel slabs were prepared and demineralized using a demineralization solution containing S. mutans. Demineralized enamel slabs were divided into 9 groups (n=10) and treated in the following groups: 1) Artificial saliva (negative control), 2) 2% neutral sodium fluoride gel (NSF; positive control or treatment control, 3) PQD, 4) Nis, 5) nQCT, 6) Nis-nQCT, 7) PQD-Nis-nQCT 8) Blue laser irradiation (light), 9) PQD-Nis-nQCT with irradiation (PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT). Then, the surface changes, microhardness, and surface topography of the demineralized slabs were examined following each treatment using DIAGNOdent Pen reading, digital hardness tester, and SEM, respectively. After the determination of minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of PQD, Nis, and nQCT by microtiter plate assay, the synergistic antimicrobial effects of PQD and Nis-nQCT were determined via evaluation of fractional biofilm eradication concentration (FBEC) index. The anti-biofilm effects of each treatment on S. mutans were assessed using a colorimetric assay. Thevirulence‑associated gtfB gene expression was assessed following PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT byquantitative real‑time PCR. PQD-Nis-nQCT at 2048µg/mL had no significant cell cytotoxicity on human gingival fibroblasts compared to the control group (P > 0.05). A significantly increased (7.6 fold) in intracellular ROS was observed following PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT (13.9 ± 1.41) when compared to the control (1.83 ± 0.13). Following each treatment, the microhardness of the demineralized enamel surface significantly increased except for the artificial saliva (negative) and blue laser irradiation groups. The highest change in microhardness improvement was detected in the PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT group (P < 0.05). Also, DIAGNODent Pen reading revealed the highest significant improved change in the level of mineralization degree in the PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT group. Nis and blue light irradiation groups, like the artificial saliva-treated demineralized enamel slabs (control group), did not lead to remineralization (P > 0.05). Also, the PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT treatment results obtained from SEM revealed that remineralization of demineralized enamel slabs in that group has significantly improved compared to the others. Light-activated nQCT, PQD, Nis-nQCT, and PQD-Nis-nQCT composite significantly reduced pre-formed biofilms of S. mutans compared with unactivated forms of test materials. The relative expression level of the virulence gtfB gene was significantly decreased (7.53-fold) in the presence of PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT (P < 0.05). PQD-Nis-nQCT-mediated aPDT can be used for the eradication of S. mutans biofilms and remineralization of WSLs. The found in vitro efficacy should be tested further through clinical studies.

Red Marine Algae Lithothamnion calcareum Supports Dental Enamel Mineralization

The current management of oral conditions such as dental caries and erosion mostly relies on fluoride-based formulations. Herein, we proposed the use of the remaining skeleton of Lithothamnion calcareum (LC) as an alternative to fluorides. LC is a red macroalgae of the Corallinales order, occurring in the northeast coast of Brazil, whose unique feature is the abundant presence of calcium carbonates in its cell walls. Two experimental approaches tested the general hypothesis that LC could mediate enamel de-remineralization dynamics as efficiently as fluorides. Firstly, the effect of LC on enamel de-mineralization was determined in vitro by microhardness and gravimetric measurements to test the hypothesis that LC could either prevent calcium/phosphate release from intact enamel or facilitate calcium/phosphate reprecipitation on an artificially demineralized enamel surface. Subsequently, an in situ/ex vivo co-twin control study measured the effect of LC on the remineralization of chemical-demineralized enamel using microhardness and quantitative light-induced fluorescence. With this second experiment, we wanted to test whether outcomes obtained in experiment 1 would be confirmed by an in situ/ex vivo co-twin control model. Both experiments showed that LC exhibited equivalent or superior ability to modulate enamel de-remineralization when compared to fluoride solution. LC should be explored as an alternative to manage oral conditions involving the enamel demineralization.

Ability of a Blue Hemoglobin-Based Liquid as a Novel Technology to Stain Initial Enamel Demineralization: A Proof-of-Concept in vitro Study

During orthodontic treatment, enamel demineralization can occur. Its early detection is the basis for efficient preventive measures to arrest or remineralize lesions. In the present study, the application of a novel blue hemoglobin-based liquid (BlueCheck) was evaluated as proof of concept for detection of artificially demineralized smooth surfaces. 60 samples from extracted human posterior teeth were randomly assigned to four groups (15 per group). In 30 of these samples (groups A and B), superficial enamel was removed to create a ground surface. On the surface of other 30 samples (group C and D), orthodontic metal brackets were bonded. On each surface, BC liquid was applied and rinsed with water after 3 min (baseline). All surfaces were checked by two independent observers for presence of blue areas. On each sample, one side was covered by nail varnish to protect this enamel part from demineralization. The samples were demineralized with lactic acid (pH 4.6) for 7 days (group A and C) and 14 days (group B and D), respectively. Mineral loss was determined using quantitative light-induced fluorescence after demineralization. BlueCheck dye was again applied on the samples and evaluated for presence of stained areas. Histological sections were prepared from randomly selected samples and lesion depth was measured. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for group comparison (α = 0.05). After demineralization, median ΔF value for all samples was −8.25% indicating the presence of an initial demineralization. The difference of ΔF values was not statistically significant between samples at 7 or 14 days of demineralization, nor for samples with and without orthodontic brackets (p = 0.13). At baseline, none of the sample surfaces showed discoloration, whereas a distinctive blue color was visible after demineralization in all samples exposed to acid-exposed areas, corresponding to 100% sensitivity. The internal control surfaces (without demineralization) did not show any staining, corresponding to 100% specificity. Histologically measured lesion depths ranged between 200 and 254 μm. In this in vitro study, staining of demineralized enamel surface areas were shown to be reliable. Based on our results, this easily applicable product seems useful to be an adjuvant method to clinical examination to monitor oral health during an orthodontic treatment on tooth surfaces after removal of dental biofilm.

Comparative Assessment of Enamel Microhardness Using Various Remineralising Agents on Artificially Demineralized Human Enamel.

Various remineralizing agents can be used to remineralize initial carious lesions. The study aims to compare and evaluate the remineralizing efficiency of Remin Pro (VOCO GmbH,Cuxhaven, Germany), tricalcium phosphate, and HealOzone (CurOzone USA Inc., Ontario, Canada) by measuring the microhardness of enamel. Forty-five mandibular premolars were collected and divided into three groups (A, B, and C). After sectioning mesiodistally, they were subdivided into the control and test groups. The test group was further subdivided into demineralized (A2a, B2a, and C2a) and remineralized (A2b, B2b, and C2b) groups. All test group samples were demineralized by immersing in demineralizing solutions for 24 hours. Afterwards, A2b, B2b, and C2b samples were remineralized by remineralizing agents (Remin Pro, tricalcium phosphate, and HealOzone) for three minutes (twice a day) for 14 days, and then Vickers microhardness testing (VHN) was performed. The microhardness values of the demineralized group were lower compared to the samples of the control groups. In the remineralized group, the mean microhardness values were maximum for HealOzone (293.22 kgmm-2), followed by Remin Pro (287.5660 kgmm-2) and then tricalcium phosphate (282.4660 kgmm-2). The application of remineralizing paste proved potent in improving the remineralization in the demineralized enamel surface.

Effects of photodynamic therapy on Streptococcus mutans and enamel remineralization of multifunctional TiO2-HAP composite nanomaterials

BackgroundAs photosensitizer and photocatalyst, titanium dioxide (TiO2) can produce a photodynamic reaction for antibacterial treatment. This study aims to explore a Titanium dioxide/nano-hydroxyapatite (TiO2-HAP) composite combined with the dental curing lamp (385–515 nm) in clinical which could inhibit the dental plaque biofilm formed by Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and promote the enamel surface remineralization simultaneously. MethodsX-ray Diffraction (XRD) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) were used to detect the characterization of TiO2-HAP composite nanomaterials. Photodynamic properties of TiO2-HAP were detected by Diffuse reflectance spectrum (DRS) and fluorescence spectroscopy. Bacterial growth was measured by reading the absorbance of bacterial cultures and confocal microscope was used to observe the biofilm removal ability of nanomaterials. The ability of TiO2-HAP to promote enamel remineralization was measured by Scanning electron microscope (SEM). ResultsThe OD 600 of S. mutans was 0.76 in the control group and 0.13 in group of TiO2-HAP with exposure to light-emitting diode (LED) (150 mW/cm2) for 5 min, suggesting its sustained antibacterial potency and inhibition of the metabolic activity of dental plaque microcosm biofilm. Also, the release of calcium and phosphorus ions in TiO2-HAP can promote enamel mineralization simultaneously. After 15 days of remineralization, the Ca/P ratio of demineralized enamel surface increased from 1.28 to 1.67, which was similar to that of normal enamel. ConclusionsThe TiO2-HAP exhibit a promising anti-bacterial activity and remineralization capacity which can prevent the occurrence of caries to the greatest extent and promote the biomimetic mineralization of dental tissues.

“ Evaluation of the Effect of Two Different Concentration of Arginine on Fluoride Uptake by Demineralized Enamel Surfaces” in vitro study

“ Evaluation of the Effect of Two Different Concentration of Arginine on Fluoride Uptake by Demineralized Enamel Surfaces” in vitro study

Comparison of Long-Wave and Mid-Wave Infrared Imaging Modalities for Photothermal Coherence Tomography of Human Teeth.

The ability to detect dental caries at early stages lies at the heart of minimal intervention dentistry, enabling the curing or arresting of carious lesions before they advance to the cavity stage. Enhanced truncated-correlation photothermal coherence tomography (eTC-PCT) using mid-wave infrared (MWIR) cameras has recently been shown to offer tomographic visualization of early caries. The tomographic slicing ability of such systems, however, is believed to be limited by direct radiative thermal emission through the translucent dental enamel in the 3-5 µm MWIR spectral range. Such radiative emissions can dominate the delayed conductive thermal contributions needed for tomographic reconstruction of internal dental defects. It has been hypothesized that long-wave infrared (LWIR) eTC-PCT systems may offer better tomographic performance by taking advantage of the intrinsic attenuation of direct radiative emission by dental enamel in the LWIR spectral range, enabling more effective delayed conductive thermal contributions from subsurface caries. More than an order of magnitude lower cost of the system is another key attribute of LWIR eTC-PCT which can open the door for downstream translation of the technology to clinics. In this report, we offer a systematic comparison of the performance/effectiveness of caries detection with LWIR and MWIR eTC-PCT systems for detecting natural caries, bacterial caries, and artificially demineralized enamel surfaces. Our results suggest that the low-cost LWIR based eTC-PCT system provides 3D visualization and 2D slice-by-slice images of early caries and internal micro-cracks similar to those obtained from the more expensive MWIR-based eTC-PCT system, albeit with ∼1.3dB lower signal-to-noise ratio.

Effect of Different Remineralization Protocols on Demineralized Enamel Surface Microhardness - In Vitro Comparative Study

Effect of Different Remineralization Protocols on Demineralized Enamel Surface Microhardness - In Vitro Comparative Study

Study on the remineralization of demineralized enamel surfaces with glycine-guided carboxymethyl chitosan/amorphous calcium phosphate

Study on the remineralization of demineralized enamel surfaces with glycine-guided carboxymethyl chitosan/amorphous calcium phosphate