Effects of child formula dentifrices on artificial caries like lesions using in vitro pH-cycling:: preliminary results

Aim: To compare the remineralisation effects of different child dentifrices on primary teeth. Design: In vitro single-section technique and pH-cycling model. Methods: Primary teeth were painted with nail varnish, leaving a 1 mm wide window before placing in demineralising solution for 96hr to produce artificial carious lesions 150-200 mu m deep. Teeth were longitudinally cut into approximately 100-150 mu m thick sections and assigned to three groups (n=7). Sections in Group A were exposed to Perioe Children's Toothpaste (R) (LG, Korea), Group B to Colgate Pokemon (R) (Colgate-Palmolive, Thailand) and Group C to Vicco (R) (Vicco Laboratories, India). Polarised light microscopy and microradiography was used to evaluate lesion depth, before and after 7 days pH cycle. Results: Mean lesion depths in Groups A and C increased by 11% and 14% respectively, while Group B demonstrated a lesion reduction of 3%. Comparisons using ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests showed that Groups A and C were significantly different from Group B (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between Groups A and C. Conclusions: Based on the data obtained, Colgate Pokemon (R) remineralised initial carious lesions. In addition, when compared to Colgate Pokemon (R), Perioe Children's Toothpaste (R) failed to show 'healing' efficacy even though it is claimed to contain fluoride.