Remineralization of artificial interproximal carious lesions using a fluoride mouthrinse

PURPOSE: To evaluate remineralization and fluoride uptake of demineralized enamel specimens in artificial interproximal spaces using a 250 ppm fluoride mouthrinse (100 ppm amine fluoride and 150 ppm sodium fluoride) compared to a placebo-mouthrinse. METHODS: This was a two-way, double-blind, in situ study. 24 volunteers wore intraoral appliances in the lower jaw with mounted demineralized enamel specimens forming an artificial interproximal space. The volunteers rinsed their mouths for 28 days, twice a day with the respective mouthrinse and brushed their teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride-free dentifrice. The specimens were cleaned once a day to simulate the use of dental floss. For analysis methods transversal microradiography, fluoride content measurement and quantitative light-induced fluorescence were used. RESULTS: Mineral gain was significantly higher after the use of the fluoride mouthrinse: 571.88 Vol.% x microm (+/- 79.33 Vol.% x microm SEM) compared to the placebo treatment 51.14 Vol.% x microm (+/- 72.14 Vol.% x microm SEM). Significantly more fluoride uptake was observed after using the fluoride mouthrinse: 3666.39 microg/cm3 (+/- 513.50 microg/cm3 SEM) than after the placebo mouthrinse: 516.95 microg/cm3 (+/- 75.83 microg/cm3 SEM). The quantitative light-induced fluorescence showed a significant remineralizing effect after the fluoride treatment: -388.47 % x mm2 (+/- 18.76% x mm2 SEM) compared to the placebo treatment -27.88% x mm2 (+/- 20.19% x mm2 SEM).