Re-mineralization potential of a fluoride chewing gum versus fluoride dentifrice: preliminary results of an in-situ study

Abstract

This study investigated the efficacy of a fluoride-containing chewing gum on the re-mineralization of enamel lesions and compared the effects with those of a fluoride dentifrice. Methods. Caries-like lesions, 120-170 μm deep, were created on the buccal and lingual surfaces of extracted molars which were then cut to produce sections 100-150 μm thick. Each section was studied using polarized light microscopy and microradiography to determine lesion depths and mineral content before and after a 21-day intraoral period. Eighteen subjects wore an appliance, each containing four enamel sections, over which plaque was allowed to accumulate. Subjects in Group A chewed a fluoride gum for 20 minutes, 5 times daily after meals and snacks, and brushed their teeth once daily without dentifrice. While Group B subjects brushed their teeth twice daily with a 1000 ppm fluoride dentifrice and refrained from chewing gum. Group C subjects did not chew gum and brushed their teeth twice daily without dentifrice. Results. InGroups A and B the mean lesion depth was reduced by 9% and 3%, respectively, while an increase of 4% was noted in Group C (paired t test, P<0.05). Analysis of variance and Student-Newman-Keuls tests showed significant differences between the groups (P<0.0001). Conclusions.The fluoride dentifrice and the fluoride chewing gum both re-mineralized initial carious lesions; nevertheless, the reduction in lesion depth by the fluoride gum was 3 times greater than that associated with fluoride dentifrice.