169 - Remineralizing Incipient Lesions in Primary Teeth: Depth-Dependent Microhardness Changes

Abstract:

Purpose: To assess and compare, in vitro, the ability of silver diamine fluoride (SDF), 5% sodium fluoride varnish (FV; 3M Vanish 5% Sodium Fluoride White Varnish), and a self-assembling peptide (Curodont Repair) to remineralize incipient enamel caries lesions in primary teeth.

Methods: Caries-free primary molars were sectioned into enamel specimens (n=32), inoculated with Streptococcus mutans, and subjected to repetitive sucrose challenges for 7 days to create white spot lesions. Specimens were divided into 4 treatment groups (n=8 per group): SDF, FV, Curodont, and a non-treatment control. Following treatment, all samples underwent pH cycling for 7 days to simulate a high-caries-risk oral environment. Specimens were then sectioned, and Knoop microhardness values were measured and calculated (25 gf; 10 sec) beginning 25 µm below the outer enamel surface and extending in 25 µm intervals to a depth of 225 µm. Using R software, a linear mixed-effects model was used to evaluate the effects of the different treatments (α=0.05). 

Results: SDF-treated specimens demonstrated the highest microhardness values from 25–100 µm. Microhardness values were similar among all groups from 125–225 µm. SDF specimens were significantly harder than the control at 25 µm (P < .0023) and significantly harder than FV at 25 µm (P < .0002) and 50 µm (P < .0056). No significant differences were observed among the experimental groups or compared with the control at other depths.

Conclusions: Under these in vitro conditions, SDF demonstrated the greatest superficial hardness recovery, supporting its use for early enamel caries management, particularly in high-caries-risk patients.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number:

Not Applicable.