Remineralising Effectiveness of Two Fluoride Varnishes Containing Additives: An In Vitro Study

To assess the remineralising efficacy of fluoride varnish containing additives and conventional sodium fluoride varnish.

72 extracted upper central incisors specimens were randomly allocated to four groups after demineralisation: control; 5% sodium fluoride varnish (FV) (Fluoritop-SR); resin modified glass ionomer-based calcium phosphate containing fluoride varnish (CV) (Clinpro XT); fluoride varnish with xylitol coated calcium phosphate (cXp) (Embrace). Change in surface morphology, calcium phosphorous ratio and fluoride content of enamel were evaluated using scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDAX). Change in surface roughness was evaluated using profilometer analysis. All readings were taken at baseline, after demineralisation, at 2 weeks and 4 weeks of remineralisation.

At 4 weeks of remineralisation surface roughness values were ranked as follows: control > FV = cXp > CV. Calcium phosphorus ratios were in the order: CV > FV = cXp > control and fluoride content (for treatment groups): CV = cXp > FV. Scanning electron microscopy images showed mineral deposition on the surfaces of the treatment groups with different deposition pattern of minerals.

Fluoride varnishes with or without additives are effective in remineralisation of early enamel lesions. Glass ionomer-based fluoride varnish results in better remineralisation than xylitol coated calcium phosphate containing fluoride varnish and 5% sodium fluoride varnish.