The effect of Remin Pro on the microhardness of initial enamel lesions in primary teeth: An in vitro study

Abstract

Background: Remineralization is currently considered a treatment option for many clinicians. The
present study was conducted to compare the effect of three remineralizing agents on microhardness
of initial caries lesions in primary teeth.
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 96 enamel samples were prepared. Microhardness
was first measured for all the samples using the Vickers microhardness test. After developing the
initial caries lesions, the microhardness of all the demineralized samples was measured, and the
samples were then divided into four groups (n = 24). Casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium
phosphate in Group 1, Remin Pro in Group 2, and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel in Group 3 were
placed on the samples for 4 min. The control group received no treatments. The microhardness of
the samples was measured again following a pH cycle of 5 days. The data were analyzed by ANOVA
and the post hoc test at the significance level of P < 0.05.
Results: The mean microhardness reduced significantly in all the groups following the development
of initial caries lesions and after the pH cycle of 3 days (P < 0.001). After the remineralization and pH
cycle of 5 days, the mean microhardness was significantly lower in the control group compared to
the other three groups (P < 0.001) and had increased in the three treated groups. The microhardness
recovery rate also increased in the treated groups compared to the control group, but no significant
differences were observed between the three groups themselves (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Remin Pro can be used as an effective substance for preventing tooth caries in children.
Key Words: Acidulated phosphate fluoride, casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate, dental caries, Remin Pro, tooth remineralization