Effect of different fluoride varnishes on mineralization of artificial enamel carious lesions

Abstract

The chalky white appearance on enamel is known as White Spot Lesion (WSL). This initial caries lesion involves the dynamic process of demineralization and remineralization. Fluoride varnish has been shown to prevent WSL in post-eruptive tooth. The literature review summarized the available evidence on the various agents added to topical fluoride varnish, such as casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), xylito-coated calcium and phosphate, amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) that proposed for enhancing the anticariogenic properties. It is clear that all agents has 5% sodium fluoride as major ingredient; however, there is conflicting evidence regarding the anticaries effect of these agents. The in vitro study evaluated the effect of different fluoride varnishes on remineralization of artificial enamel caries. Enamel blocks (n=60) were randomly divided into six groups (n=10) based on the topical fluoride varnish: (a) Group 0: Control, no application of varnish, (b) Group 1: Duraphat varnish, (c) Group 2: MI Varnish containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, (d) Group 3: Embrace varnish containing xylitol-coated calcium and phosphate, (e) Group 4: Enamel Pro containing amorphous calcium phosphate, (f) Group 5: Clinpro White varnish containing functionalized tricalcium phosphate. The study concluded that Duraphat varnish alone achieve significant remineralization of enamel carious lesions. Clinpro White varnish had similar enamel remineralization effect as Duraphat varnish. Keywords: Fluoride varnishes, dental enamel caries, tooth remineralization