Comparative Evaluation Of Remineralising Efficacy Of Bioactive Glass Agent And Nano-Hydroxyapatite Dentifrices On Artificial Carious Lesion In Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study

Introduction: The phenomenon of reversal of incipient or early enamel caries forms an important part of prevention leading to apparent repair of the lesion. Recently, novel biomaterials such as the bioactive glass (BAGs) and nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) crystal have been introduced as remineralising agents. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the remineralising efficacy of BAG agent and nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA) dentifrices on artificial carious lesion in primary teeth. Methodology: Thirty human extracted primary teeth were selected for the study, and the specimens were randomly divided into Group A: BAGs agent toothpaste group and Group B: n-HAP toothpaste group. The surface microhardness of the teeth was measured using a Vickers microhardness tester at the baseline and after demineralisation and remineralisation. The statistical analysis was done using independent t-test for intergroup comparison and paired t-test for intragroup comparison. Results: On intergroup comparison, microhardness differences of baseline to exposure to dentifrice between the two groups showed that microhardness differences of baseline to exposure to dentifrice were higher in Group B with a t value of -2.158 and was statistically significant (P < 0.001). On intragroup comparison of the mean values of baseline microhardness and microhardness after exposure to dentifrices, the mean values of baseline microhardness were higher in both the groups with a difference of 14.3 and 20.45 in Group A and Group B, respectively. Conclusion: Both BAG and NHA toothpastes were considered to be effective for the remineralisation of caries-like lesions of primary teeth. The remineralising efficacy of n-HAP toothpastes was found to be slightly higher than that of BAGs toothpastes, which was statistically significant.