Effect of toothpaste containing multiple ions-releasing filler on polymicrobial biofilm regrowth and dentin demineralization.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of toothpaste containing surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler particles to that of conventional sodium fluoride (NaF) toothpaste for the prevention of dentin demineralization and biofilm regrowth. METHODS: Bovine root dentin specimens and glass coverslips were used as biofilm growth substrates. To establish biofilms, glass and dentin specimens were incubated for 72 hours in 0.2% sucrose McBain medium inoculated with stimulated saliva from a single donor. Specimens then received a single 5-minute treatment with S-PRG toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste, or sterilized deionized water and were incubated in McBain medium for 120 hours to allow biofilm regrowth. Output parameters during regrowth (72-192 hours) were pH of spent medium, colony-forming unit (CFU) counts of biofilms, and dentin mineral profiles, integrated mineral loss (IML: vol% x microm), and lesion depth (Ld). Treatment group differences were tested by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple range test (P< 0.05). RESULTS: At 144 hours, medium pH was significantly higher in the S-PRG-treated dentin group than in the NaF-treated dentin group. In addition, at 192 hours, the CFU count, IML, and Ld were lower in the S-PRG-treated dentin group than in the NaF-treated dentin group. There were significant differences of pH among dentin groups at 72 hours. Treatment with S-PRG toothpaste markedly inhibited dentin demineralization compared to that with NaF toothpaste. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Toothpaste containing multiple ions-releasing filler suppressed bacterial viability and inhibited dentin demineralization.