Purpose:The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the remineralizing potential of dentifrices containing nanohydroxyapatite, fluoride, and bioactive glass with and without fluoride on enamel by assessing the enamel surface microhardness the enamel structural and elemental analysis through Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX). Methods: Sound extracted third molars were divided into 5 groups. Group A (n=15): Hydroxyapatite toothpaste (Karex) was used to treat the teeth; Group B (n=15): teeth were treated with Hydroxyapatite and Fluoride containing toothpaste (Apacare); Group C (n=15): teeth were treated with ChloroCalcium Phosphosilicate containing toothpaste (Biomin C); Group D (n=15): teeth were treated with FluoroCalcium Phosphosilicate containing toothpaste (Biomin F); negative control group (n=15): teeth not subjected to any treatment. All teeth (experimental and negative control groups). After 2 weeks of the dynamic pH-cycling; 10 teeth of each group were subjected to microhardness assessment, while 5 teeth of each group were subjected to EDX Analysis. Results: After 2 weeks of pH-cycling, all experimental groups (A, B, C, and D) showed a percent increase of enamel surface microhardness. Group D reported the highest percent increase (15.07%) while teeth that were not subjected to any treatment (negative control group) showed a percent decrease (-15.7%). Fluoride and calcium ions recorded a significantly higher percent increase in group D, while a significantly lower value was recorded in the control group. Conclusion: All the experimental toothpaste had the potential to remineralize enamel surface subjected to dynamic pH-cycling, but the incorporation of fluoride with the bioactive glass technology as in Biomin F toothpaste had the maximum effect on the demineralized enamel surface.

Purpose: This study was carried out to investigate the remineralizing effect of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and calcium fluoride (CaF 2) nanoparticles incorporated in two-step self etch-adhesives (in vivo). Materials and Methods: The nanoparticles were incorporated into the bond of Clearfil TM SE Bond at a mass fraction of 10%. A total of ten patients in the age range of 17-30 years old, having at least 3 carious lower molars, were enrolled in this study (split mouth design). Class I cavity preparation was performed, leaving the caries affected dentine at the pulpal floor. The 30 molars were divided into 3 groups (n=10) according to the type of adhesive used (A); namely: self-etch adhesive, Clearfil SE Bond (Control)(A 1), Clear Fill SE Bond incorporated with ACP NPs (A 2) and Clearfil SE Bond incorporated with CaF 2 NPs (A 3). After restoration placement, each tooth was radiographically evaluated at baseline (I 0), after 1 month (I 1) and after 3 months (I 2) to assess the remineralizing effect of the adhesive systems used. Results: The adhesive containing ACP nanoparticles induced the highest remineralization potential during all the study intervals, followed by the adhesive containing (CaF 2) nanoparticles. Conclusion: nanoparticles are capable of remineralizing the caries affected dentin when incorporated into two-step self etch adhesive.

Purpose: The current study was carried out to determine the effect of two natural herbal extracts (Ginger and Rosemary) on the color of artificially induced white spot lesions (WSLs) compared to sodium fluoride. Materials and methods:Thirty maxillary central incisors were divided into 3 groups; 10 teeth were in each group according to the treatment used. Two experimental groups, one positive control. Group A (n=10) WSLs treated with Ginger extract, Group B (n=10) WSLs treated with rosemary extract, and Group C (positive control) (n=10) WSLs treated with sodium fluoride. The labial surfaces were coated with nail polish except for a window of 4x4mm. The samples were then subjected to color measurement using Spectrophotometer. Afterward, artificial white spot lesions were created, by subjecting all the teeth to demineralizing solution. Then the color assessment was repeated. Each group was treated with one of the three agents, according to the specified group. The treatment was done by brushing the agents to the labial surface for 60 seconds twice daily for 10 consecutive days. In between treatments the teeth were stored in artificial saliva. Then color was assessed once again after the completion of treatment.Results: Significant decrease in the ∆E values was recorded after treatment with different agents. The difference between both observation times was statistically significant (p=0.0001). The highest mean value was recorded for the ginger group (13.6±2.23). This value was significantly higher than the rosemary group (6.81±1.01) and the Sodium Fluoride group (6.2±1.28). The difference between groups was statistically significant (p=0.000). Post hoc test revealed no significant difference between Rosemary and sodium fluoride groups. Conclusion:Natural agent extracts could be effective in remineralizing WSLs with incomplete masking to the whitish appearance.