Biomimetic toothpastes: remineralization potential of deciduous teeth

Aim: Primary teeth are subjected to a continuous process of de- and re-mineralization. To prevent loss of dental tissues, fluoride-containing toothpastes have been successfully applied as a global solution to mainly prevent dental caries and promote tooth re-mineralization. However, the swallowing of a high amount of fluoride in younger children would lead to potential risk of fluorosis. Newly developed biomimetic toothpastes have provided promising results in preventive den tistry, therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyse the ability of commercial toothpastes to diffuse into deciduous enamel layer to remineralize the crystal habitat.

Materials and Methods: Previously extracted primary teeth (n=8) were manually brushed for 15 days (3 times/day), using 3 different pediatric toothbrushes: (a) commercial toothpaste containing fluorine 500 ppm; (b) commercial toothpaste containing fluorine 1400 ppm; (c) toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite nanocrystal. Elements used as control (n = 2) were subjected to the manual brushing with water. Then, specimens were assessed by means of variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP-SEM).

Results: Toothpaste containing nanocrystals of hydroxyapatite seemed to better diffuse through the enamel layer of deciduous teeth. This biomimetic toothpaste might contribute to remineralize the loss of the mineral component and play a central role in the prevention of dental caries.

Conclusion: Biomimetic toothpastes would be considered a reliable alternative to fluoride-containing toothpaste. These preliminary results not only would improve the synthesis of novel biomaterials for deciduous teeth, but also would represent a positive global economic impact since the wide prevalence of dental caries affecting primary teeth.