Acceleration of remineralization in vitro by sodium monofluorophosphate and sodium fluoride

Sixteen groups of artificial caries lesions were treated with from 75-900 ppm F from MFP, NaF, combinations of the two, or water for five min twice daily for ten days. Between treatments, the lesions were placed in a remineralizing solution at 37 degrees C. Quantitative microradiography of the treated lesions vs. matched untreated lesions showed significant remineralization of the surface layer and lesion body of all groups, including the water-treated control group. Fluoride treatments improved remineralization. Increasing the concentration of NaF had only a small effect on remineralization, but MFP was more effective at higher concentrations. Evaluation of MFP/NaF mixtures showed that greatest remineralization was obtained from a 75/225 ppm F ratio of NaF/MFP. This combination of F- and PO3F= was more effective than a fluoride concentration of 300 ppm F from either agent alone.