In situ remineralization of root surface lesions using a fluoride chewing gum or fluoride-releasing device

The in situ remineralization of early root surface lesions was studied using a fluoride-releasing device (FRD) or a fluoride chewing gum. Root specimens with subsurface lesions were mounted in removable lower appliances in 6 adult subjects. Test groups chewed five sticks/day (0.1 mg F/stick) or one FRD (0.5 mg F/day release rate) was mounted in the midline of the appliance. A fluoride-free dentifrice was used three times/day for each 21-day control and the two test regimens. Separate root lesions were used to measure fluoride uptake or changes in mineral content by quantitative microradiography. Comparable values for percent remineralization for both FRDs and F gum were higher than controls, and the F uptake for FRDs exceeded both the F gum and controls (p = 0.05).