Effectiveness of different toothpastes in treating white spot lesions: A laboratory study

Introduction:
Strategy for managing caries has evolved into focusing on early detection of caries lesions and non-invasive treatment of initial lesions using innovative re-mineralizing agents.

Objectives:
Aim of the study was to compare the ability of commercially available toothpaste formulations containing zinc-carbonate nano-hydroxyapatite (ZnCO₃/n-HAp), 8% arginine and calcium carbonate (Pro-Argin), and fluoride to promote re-mineralization in artificially induced white spot lesions.

Material and methods:
A total of thirty-six sound premolars were randomly allocated into four groups according to the assigned toothpaste: G1 – ZnCO₃/n-HAp, G2 – Pro-Argin, G3 – positive control (fluoride toothpaste), G4 – negative control (artificial saliva). A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses were conducted at the baseline to assess calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content. Following the induction of white spot lesions, a pH cycle was implemented involving a 7-day application of the toothpastes. Readings were taken both after de-mineralization and at subsequent re-mineralization phases. Collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software version 25.0.

Results:
The highest mean difference in Ca/P ratio was observed in the G2 group, followed by the G1, G3, and G4 groups in descending order. There were statistically significant differences between all the experimental toothpaste groups (G1, G2, and G3) and the negative control group (G4). However, no statistically significant difference was found among the tested toothpaste groups.

Conclusions:
All three toothpastes tested were found to be effective in promoting re-mineralization of initial enamel lesions, with no evidence of superiority of one over the others.