Comparative Analysis of Application of Fluoride Bioactive Glass and Sodium Fluoride Toothpastes for Remineralization of Primary Tooth Enamel Lesions

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to compare the remineralization effect of a fluoride bioactive glass (FBG) toothpaste with different concentrations of sodium fluoride toothpaste based on the surface microhardness (SMH) in artificial enamel carious lesions of primary teeth. Materials and Methods: Fifty sound primary incisors were allocated into five groups (n = 10): Group DI (deionized water); Group FBG (Biomin® F); Group 500 ppmF (Jordan®); Group 1000 ppmF (Kodomo®); and Group 1500 ppmF (Systema®). The teeth were fixed in self-cure acrylic resin blocks, and artificial carious lesions were created by immersing them in a demineralizing solution (D1) for 4 days. The specimens underwent 7-day pH-cycling and were treated with the provided toothpaste twice daily. The SMH was examined at baseline, after artificial caries induction, and after pH-cycling. The data were calculated as the percentage SMH recovery (%SMHR). One-way ANOVA, post hoc tests (Tukey HSD or Games–Howell tests), and regression analysis were used to analyze the results with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The %SMHR of the four groups (different toothpastes) was significantly higher than that of the control group, with all toothpaste groups showing a positive effect on %SMHR (P value < 0.001). The highest %SMHR was observed for 1500 ppmF and FBG, with no significant difference (P value = 0.984). Both had the most significant positive effects on %SMHR, with β coefficients of 1.076 and 1.002, respectively. Conclusion: The remineralization effect of the FBG toothpaste was comparable to that of 1500 ppmF toothpaste and had a greater efficacy than those of 500 and 1000 ppmF based on SMH testing on enamel carious lesions in primary teeth. It offers an effective alternative option for toothpaste with a lower risk of systemic fluoride toxicity, offering a safer, effective option for caries prevention in children.