Current research in dental sciences (Online), cilt.33, sa.1, ss.27-34, 2023 (Hakemli Dergi)
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of toothpastes in preventing initial caries. Methods: Sixty extracted human molar teeth were used in the study. After the initial DIAGNOdent values of the teeth were recorded, the teeth were divided into 6 groups (n = 10) and toothpastes containing arginine + fluoride, hydroxyapatite + fluoride, bioactive glass + fluoride, fluoride, and chi- tosan were applied. After the teeth were kept in demineralization solution for 6 hours, remineral- ization solution for 16 hours, and toothpaste mixture for 2 minutes every day for a total of 14 days, final DIAGNOdent measurements were made, and the teeth were sectioned in the buccolingual direction. Then, microhardness measurement was performed. Mineral loss results were obtained from these measurements. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy images were obtained from 1 sample of every group. The data obtained were evaluated statistically and at a significance level of P < .05. Results: Maximum increase observed in the DIAGNOdent measurements was in the control group and minimum increase was in the hydroxyapatite group (P = .000). Maximum hardness values in all the depths were in the hydroxyapatite group, while the minimum increase was in the control group. When the mineral loss results were examined, remineralization occurred in the hydroxy- apatite + fluoride, arginine + fluoride, bioactive glass + fluoride, and fluoride groups, respectively. Demineralization was detected in the chitosan and control groups. When the chitosan group was compared with the control group, however, demineralization was prevented (P = .119). Conclusion: It is concluded that regular use of the toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite, bioac- tive glass, and arginine making synergic effect with fluoride may be useful in the prevention of the initial caries lesions.