Methods: Human enamel specimens were prepared and demineralized to form white-spot lesions and evaluated for baseline Vickers microhardness (200 gF, 15 sec. dwell time). These specimens were then attached to a maxillary molar in 38 subjects with light-cured composite material. Study subjects participated in a single-blinded cross-over study with Clinpro Tooth Crème (C3; 950 ppm F) and Crest Cavity Protection (C2; 1100 ppm F Crest) for four weeks per leg. Subjects brushed their teeth with each of the dentifrices for the duration of each of the two four-week legs. After a one-week washout period, a new enamel sample was placed and the second dentifrice was used for the next four-week leg. The coded samples were then removed and analyzed for microhardness and fluoride content.
Results: Mean (standard deviations) changes in Vickers microhardness (ΔVHN) were 64.3 (33.7) and 64.6 (17.1) for C2 and C3, respectively, while enamel fluoride uptake measurements (µg/cm2) were 3.9 (4.3) and 3.3 (4.0) for C2 and C3, respectively. No significant differences were found via independent t-test comparisons (p=0.968 and 0.565, respectively).
Conclusions: This in situ model demonstrated a fluoride dentifrice containing 150 ppm less fluoride may provide comparable remineralization of decalcified enamel relative to a standard 1100 ppm F dentifrice. These results suggest Clinpro Tooth Crème may be an option for those desiring a lower-fluoride dentifrice.