Comparison of the in vitro effects of three fluoride-containing agents on the remineralization of deciduous teeth

Objective: To compare the effects of 3 fluoride-containing agents on the remineralization of deciduous teeth in vitro. Methods: Thirty-six deciduous teeth were selected and divided into 4 groups randomly. The specially limited areas of each tooth was exposed and etched. Then etched teeth in group 1, 2 and 3 were treated with 10% (NH4)2MoO2F4solution, 38% Ag(NH3)2F solution and APF-LaCl3 solution for 3 min respectively. Group 4 served as control. After that,each tooth was put into a bottle containing 5 ml remineralization solutions. Four days later, the concentrations of Ca2 ions in the remineralization solutions were measured. Then statistical analyses were performed on changes of Ca2 ion amounts among the groups. Results: Compared with the control, the groups treated with fluoride-containing agents all showed significant reduction in Ca2 ion amounts in the remineralization solutions. Among the experimental groups, reduction of Ca2 ion amounts in groups treated with APF-LaC13 or 38% Ag(NH3)2F solution was more obvious than that of the group with 10% (NH4)2MoO2F4 solution treatment. But no difference in the reduction of Ca2 ion amounts was found between the first 2 groups. Conclusion: All the 3 fluoride-containing agents can promote the remineralization ofdeciduous teeth in vitro,and both APF-LaCl3 and 38% Ag(NH3)2F solution are more effective on remineralization than 10% (NH4)2MoO2F4 solution while the former 2 differ insignificantly.