Influence of glutardialdehyde on dentin demineralization in vitro and in vivo

In this paper the results are presented on the action of glutardialdehyde (GDA) on the in vitro demineralization of human dentin and on the in vivo demineralization of dentin using the Ogaard orthodontic banding system. The results show that a 2 min application of a 2% GDA solution at pH = 3.6 reduces dentin demineralization in vitro and in vivo substantially. Microradiography shows a percentage reduction of lesion depth and mineral loss in vitro of 20 and 36%, respectively. After 2 wk in vivo demineralization the same percentage reductions are 60 and 44%, respectively. The mechanism of action of GDA on dentin is not certain yet. Presumably the in vitro action is due to surface cross-linking of the dentin matrix causing reduced Ca and phosphate transport out of the dentin. In vivo an additional effect may be a rather short term influence of GDA on plaque or on plaque accumulation. The results of this paper indicate that glutardialdehyde is an interesting agent to consider in the reduction of root caries.