Remineralization of initial enamel carious lesions using fluoridated milk in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
Milk is a universal dietary component and it is now recognized as an effective medium for the delivery of fluoride (F). This study sought (i) to evaluate fluoridated milk (2.5 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm) for remineralizing carious lesions and (ii) to determine the optimum frequency for treating carious lesions with fluoridated milk.


METHODS
Artificial carious lesions, 90-180 μm deep, were created on extracted third molar teeth that were sectioned to produce specimens of 100-120 μm thickness. Specimens were randomly divided into 13 groups (n = 20) for treatment with deionized water, plain milk or fluoridated milk (2.5 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm); once daily, twice daily or on alternate days as part of a 20-day pH cycling model. Lesion depth (LD) and mineral content were evaluated before and after pH cycling. Paired t-test, ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests were employed to make comparisons within and between the different groups.


RESULTS
Fluoridated milk significantly reduced LD and increased the mineral content of the lesions compared to plain milk and deionized water (p < 0.05). The greatest reduction in LD was with 2.5 ppm F milk used twice daily (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Milk with 2.5 ppm F used twice daily demonstrated the greatest remineralization of artificial enamel carious lesions in vitro.
Paediatric Dentistry, University of East , Manila , Philippines.
Kristine L
KL
Ongtenco
Robert P
RP
Anthonappa
Anut
A
Itthagarun
Nigel M
NM
King
Ratilal
R
Lalloo
Raj G
RG
Nair
D000818:Animals; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008852:Microradiography; D008859:Microscopy, Polarization; D008892:Milk; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D011897:Random Allocation; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D008903:Minerals; D005459:Fluorides
caries; demineralization; fluoride; milk; remineralization