Effect of remineralization and inhibition to demineralization after fluoride gel or hydroxyapatite paste application on stripped enamel

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of remineralization and inhibition to demineralization after fluoride gel (acidulated phosphate fluoride, APF) or hydroxyapatite (HAp) paste application on interdentally stripped teeth. Methods: After interdental stripping, 1.23% APF or 5%, 10% HAp paste were applied for 7 days for remineralization. Afterwards, teeth were exposed to lactate carbopol buffer solution for demineralization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to compare change in surface contents and crystal structures after remineralization, and then after demineralization. Results: EDS analysis indicated that calcium (p < 0.001) and phosphate (p < 0.01) contents were increased after 10% HAp paste application on stripped enamel, calcium (p < 0.05) and phosphate (p < 0.01) contents were increased after 5% HAp paste application, and fluoride (p < 0.01) contents were increased after 1.23% APF application. SEM image showed that enamel surfaces became smoother and crystal structures became small and compact after APF or HAp application. After demineralization, calcium (p < 0.05) and phosphate (p < 0.05) contents remained increased on the enamel remineralized with 10% HAp paste, and phosphate (p < 0.05) contents remained increased on the enamel remineralized with 5% HAp paste. After demineralization, surfaces looked less destroyed in the enamel remineralized beforehand than those of the control, and small pores between crystal structures, formed by remineralization were remained. Conclusions: Hydroxyapatite paste and fluoride gel were helpful to remineralize and inhibit deminerlization on stripped enamel. (Korean J Orthod 2010;40(4):212-226)