title: Remineralization of early caries by a nano-hydroxyapatite dentifrice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, crossover, in situ study was to evaluate the efficacy of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) dentifrices on caries remineralization and demineralization inhibition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three demineralized enamel blocks (A,B,C) and one healthy block (D), cut from each of 30 molars, were exposed respectively to dentifrices of A) 5% nHAP, B) 10% nHAP, C) 1100 ppm fluoride, and D) 10% nHAP via an intra-oral appliance worn by 30 adults in this four-phase study lasting 28 days per phase. Baseline and post-test mineral loss (delta Z) and lesion depth (LD) were quantified using microradiography.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pair-wise comparison (baseline versus test) demonstrated significant (p < 0.001) reductions in delta Z and LD in A, B, and C. ANOVA showed no significant differences among the three products in percent mineral gain. No demineralization occurred in the sound enamel specimens exposed intra-orally while using 10% nHAP.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  nHAP dentifrice caused remineralization comparable to a fluoride dentifrice, and inhibited caries development, thus suggesting that an nHAP dentifrice can be an effective alternative to fluoride toothpaste.
authors.affiliation: Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Najibfard
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ramalingam
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Chedjieu
authors.forename: B T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Amaechi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D017886:Durapatite / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008852:Microradiography; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods*; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D003802:Dentifrices; D012969:Sodium Fluoride; D017886:Durapatite