Effect of Different Remineralization Agents on Bovine Enamel Surface Properties

Background: Today, caries prevention approaches in dentistry are no longer limited to mechanical treatments; they are increasingly focused on the development and evaluation of various remineralizing agents aimed at reversing early lesions. Our study aimed to evaluate the surface roughness of different remineralizing agents on teeth with initial caries. Methods: Nine groups of bovine enamel specimens with initial enamel caries (n = 81) were randomly assigned: APF (xylitol-containing fluoride gel), FV (CPP-ACP-containing fluoride gel), BF (fluoride varnish), CR (self-assembling peptide P11-4), TM (CPP-ACP paste), GG (herbal toothpaste), RJ (xylitol-containing gel), TP (toothpaste), and C (Control). The materials were used in a professional (APF, FV, BF, and CR) or daily (TM, GG, RJ, and TP) regimen. The pH cycle was applied to enamel samples for a period of 6 days. Surface roughness (Ra) values were measured after the initial caries formation (first measurement) and after the application of remineralization agents (second measurement). Scanning electron microscopy images were also taken in the last stage. Ra values were analyzed statistically both inter- and intra-groups. Results: In the TM and TP groups, the decrease in Ra value was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The daily regimen group had a lower Ra value in the second measurement than in the first (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the daily regimen group had a lower Ra value than the professional regimen group in the second measurement (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Daily remineralization agents were found to be more effective in reducing enamel surface roughness. TM and TP were found to be the most effective.