A comparative evaluation of the remineralization potential of three commercially available remineralizing agents on white spot lesions in primary teeth: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The focus in caries management has shifted to early detection of caries lesions and targeted noninvasive management of incipient lesions using novel remineralizing agents. AIM: This study aimed to compare and evaluate the remineralization potential of commercially available agents containing nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF), and Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) on artificially induced white spot lesions in primary teeth. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is an in vitro double-blind randomized study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty extracted or exfoliated primary teeth were selected and randomized as follows: Group I: FTCP, Group II: fluoridated dentifrice, Group III: CPP-ACPF, and Group IV: Nano-HA. DIAGNOdent readings and scanning electron microscope (SEM) energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were carried out at baseline. The samples were subjected to the test agents after inducing white spot lesions. The readings were repeated postdemineralization and postremineralization. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 software with one-way ANOVA, post hoc Tukey's HSD, and paired t-test. RESULTS: SEM evaluation showed favorable surface changes in all the four study groups after remineralization therapy. Intragroup comparison of DIAGNOdent and EDX readings showed a highly significant difference between baseline, postdemineralization, and postremineralization values. However, the intergroup comparison was statistically nonsignificant. CONCLUSION: All test agents were comparable in their remineralization potential.