Work

Reversal of root caries using fluoride toothpastes with or without bioactive glass - an in vitro study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of fluoridated toothpastes with or without bioactive glass on root caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 94 extracted teeth with 128 root caries were assessed using visual-tactile assessments and light-induced fluorescence-evaluator (SoproLIFE) at baseline and after three months to determine the severity of lesions. Each lesion was randomly allocated into four groups: Group-1: Bioactive glass (BG) with 540 ppm fluoride, Group-2: 5,000 ppm fluoride, Group-3: 1,450 ppm fluoride, Group-4: Deionised water. Standardised tooth-brushing was performed twice a day. Samples were stored in remineralising solution (pH7) at 37°C. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted at three months. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in severity index of root caries in treatment groups (p=0.03). 44% of lesions in Group-2 reversed and became hard (SI0), whilst 41% in Group-1, 38% and 19% of root caries in Groups-3 and 4 respectively reversed to SI0. The SoproLIFE results demonstrated that 25% of lesions in BG with 540 ppm fluoride, 19% in 5,000 ppm fluoride, whilst 16% in 1,450 ppm fluoride, 28% in deionised water group became hard. 3% of lesions became worse in deionised water group only. Raman spectroscopy indicated that phosphate content was highest in 5,000 ppm fluoride, followed by BG with 540 ppm fluoride>1,450 ppm fluoride>deionised water groups. SEM analyses showed partially/completely closed dentinal tubules in all toothpaste groups, however, tubules were exposed in deionised water group. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, all toothpastes were potentially effective in hardening root carious lesions and remineralisation. 5,000 ppm fluoride had a superior effect in promoting remineralisation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: All study toothpastes have potential benefits in arresting and reversing root caries. These findings can provide further evidence to support the development of updated guidelines for root caries.

Source: Journal of Dentistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2025.106139

Authors: Haoran Chen, Robert Hill, Aylin Baysan

Institution: Queen Mary University of London

Language: English

Topic: Dental Health and Care Utilization

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,160