Abstract
BACKGROUND: Many novel biomaterials have been incorporated in toothpastes to promote remineralization of tooth structure.
OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to compare the discrepancies between declared and actual total fluoride (TF) or total soluble fluoride (TSF) concentration of two modern toothpastes containing bioactive glasses; these were also assessed for their remineralization potential.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TF and TSF concentration were assessed using a fluoride ion selective electrode. Enamel remineralization was evaluated through micro-hardness analysis. Eighteen enamel blocks were divided into three groups: 1 (n = 6; control), 2 (n = 6; Novamin (R) toothpaste), and 3 (n = 6; BiominF (R) toothpaste). The specimens were demineralized by 6 wt% citric acid (pH = 2.2). Subsequently, the specimens in group 1 were kept in artificial saliva (AS), while the specimens in groups 2 and 3 were stored in AS + Novamin (R) and AS + Biomin (R), respectively.
RESULTS: Both Novamin (R) or BiominF (R) showed less TF concentration than their label claims. BiominF (R) had more TF and TSF compared to Novamin (R) (p < 0.05). The BiominF (R) toothpaste presented higher micro-hardness values on remineralization.
CONCLUSION: BiominF (R) toothpaste demonstrated more fluoride content and greater potential to promote remineralization of demineralized human enamel compared to Novamin (R).