Remineralization Effect of Novamin in Primary Teeth Using Micro-CT

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the remineralization effect of Novamin on enamel caries-like lesion in primary teeth using micro-computed tomography.
Methods: Fifty sound primary incisors were coated with nail varnish, leaving a 1x1mm window and then immersed in a demineralizing solution for 96 hours to produce artificial enamel caries like lesions. Then the specimens were randomly divided into five groups (A to E; n = 10) Group A: control (artificial saliva), Group B: Novamin toothpaste (Dr.Collins Restore^®), Group C: 0.11% NaF 500 ppm F toothpaste (Colgate^® Babies), Group D: 0.11% NaF 1000 ppm F toothpaste (Colgate^® great regular), and Group E: CPP-ACP (GC Tooth Mousse^®). The pH-cycling method was carried out for 7 days. The specimens were measured mineral density by using a micro-CT (Skyscan1173;Bruker, Belgium) three times: at baseline, at post-lesion, and at post-treatment. The results were calculated the percentage change of mineral density and compared among the groups using one-way ANOVA and LSD tests at 95% level of confidence.
Results: The mean percentage changes of mineral density in all treatment groups were significant higher than control group. Group D had the highest mean percentage changes of mineral density compared to the other groups. However, there was no statistically significant difference among Group B, Group C, and Group E.
Conclusions: All dentifrices were effective for remineralization on enamel caries-like lesion in primary teeth. However, Novamin showed effect of remineralization similar as 500 ppm F, and CPP-ACP but less than 1000 ppm F containing toothpaste.