Evaluation of the remineralization effect of bamboo salt and sodium fluoride solutions

Choi, Choong Ho; Lee, Hey Jin; Oh, Han Na; Hong, Suk Jin

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the remineralization effect of CPP-ACP, NaF, bamboo salt and NaF+bamboo salt solutions on bovine incipient artificial enamel caries by microcomputed tomography (micro CT).
METHODS
Specimens were prepared from extracted bovine teeth and immersed in a demineralizing solution for 72 h. Specimens were divided into five groups of five specimens each by randomized blocks according to surface microhardness (VHN) and mineral density. The specimens were each treated by one of the following agents for 24 h: distilled water, 2% sodium fluoride solution (2% NaF group), 3% bamboo salt solution (3% BS group), and a solution of 2% sodium fluoride solution and 3% bamboo salt solution mixed together (2% NaF+3% BS group) and 1% CPP-ACP solution. After this, the specimens were immersed in artificial saliva for 15 and 30 days. After 15 days and 30 days treatment, VHN and mineral density values (g/cm3) were measured and analysed. Mineral density values were obtained using micro CT.
RESULTS
Mineral density and VHN of the five groups according to the immersion period in artificial saliva showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05). In mineral density and VHN, the values of the 2% NaF+3% BS group were significantly higher than those of the other groups, and there were no significant differences among the 2% NaF, 3% BS, CPP-ACP groups after 30 days.
CONCLUSIONS
Bamboo salt showed a similar remineralization pattern to CPP-ACP on an incipient artificial enamel caries lesion. Thus, bamboo salt (like CPP-ACP) can act as a remineralization agent for subsurface lesions of incipient enamel caries.