In vitro remineralisation of eroded enamel lesions by saliva

Objectives: It is speculated that saliva, with its mineral content, may pos sess a reparative effect on an early erosion which is characterised by soft ened surface and slight subsurface demineralisation in addition to a crater . This study aimed to determine the possible remineralisation of early enam el erosion by saliva. Methods: Eroded lesions were produced in bovine incisors by 1-h immersion i n orange juice. Control sections and three experimental slabs were produced from each tooth. The three slabs were assigned randomly to one of three re mineralising agents: clarified natural saliva (NS), artificial saliva (AS) and remineralising solution (RS). All solutions had a pH of 7.2, a fluoride concentration of 0.022 ppm, and were changed daily. NS was collected daily from the same individual at the same tithe of day. The specimens were expo sed to their respective remineralising agents for 28 days. Using microradio graphy and image analysis, the mineral loss (Deltaz) and lesion depth (ld) were quantified in sections cut froth the control and experimental slabs. Results: A significant (p<0.001) amount of mineral was gained following exp osure to each remineralising agent. Significantly less <Delta>z and ld were observed for the experimental groups compared with the control group (p<0. 001; paired t-test). This effect was greatest with RS and least with AS. In ter-group comparison (Duncan multiple tests) showed no significant differen ce in <Delta>z among the experimental groups, however ld was significantly higher for AS (p<0.001) compared with RS and NS, and no difference was obse rved between RS and NS. Conclusion: Saliva as well as remineralising solutions can remineralise ear ly enamel erosion. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.