The effect of an experimental mouthrinse on enamel lesion remineralization in vitro

This paper describes the effect of a 2 ppm fluoride containing, slightly acidic mouthrinse (pH = 6) on the remineralization of enamel lesions in vitro. The rinse was applied twice daily for 2 min, on about 85 microns in depth artificial lesions. Artificial enamel lesions were formed at pH = 5 in a 6% CMC gel. The lesions were subsequently remineralized in vitro in a neutral remineralizing solution (1.5 mM Ca and 0.9 mM phosphate) with or without the application of the rinse. After 3 weeks the samples were evaluated by means of quantitative microradiography. The results showed that a statistically significant reduction in lesion depth occurred of 48 and 29% with or without rinse application, with respect to the original lesion depth. The effect of the rinse compared with no rinse decreased the lesion depth by 40%. The data indicate that application of a slightly acidic rinse with 2 ppm fluoride applied twice a day, stimulates the remineralization at the lesion front and does not lead to blocking of enamel pores observed after acidic, high level F applications (APF).