Year : 2019

Volume : Volume 10

Issue : Issue 2s

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Bhumi Sarvaiya
bhumisarvaiya@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  Early stages of dental caries are reversible and can be modified or eliminated by protective factors such as fluoride exposure and salivary flow. Professionally applied topical fluorides are recommended for individuals who present moderate to severe caries activity and aim at preventing and/or arresting new or recurrent dental caries. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of three types of topical fluorides on the microhardness of enamel of permanent molars using pH cycle in vitro. Materials and methods: 45 sound extracted human permanent molars were collected and decoronated. Baseline surface microhardness was measured using Vickers microhardness testing machine. All specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups of Fluoride varnish, Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (APF) gel and Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) solution. After the application, all samples were placed in pH cycle. Microhardness was measured again after seven days, and these values were compared with baseline values. Results: Significant decrease in mean microhardness values after pH cycling (from baseline) were seen in all groups. Samples treated with fluoride varnish demonstrated the least reduction of mean microhardness followed by samples treated with SDF and APF gel with the difference being non-significant.  Conclusion: The highest cariostatic effect was achieved by fluoride varnish and lowest by APF gel. There was no significant difference in fluoride varnish, APF gel and SDF solution regarding prevention of demineralization.

Keywords: Enamel microhardness, dental caries, topical fluoride solutions.