An in-vitro evaluation of fluoride content and enamel remineralization potential of two toothpastes containing different bioactive glasses

BACKGROUND: Many novel biomaterials have been incorporated in toothpastes to promote remineralization of tooth structure. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to compare the discrepancies between declared and actual total fluoride (TF) or total soluble fluoride (TSF) concentration of two modern toothpastes containing bioactive glasses; these were also assessed for their remineralization potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The TF and TSF concentration were assessed using a fluoride ion selective electrode. Enamel remineralization was evaluated through micro-hardness analysis. Eighteen enamel blocks were divided into three groups: 1 (n = 6; control), 2 (n = 6; Novamin^® toothpaste), and 3 (n = 6; BiominF^® toothpaste). The specimens were demineralized by 6 wt% citric acid (pH = 2.2). Subsequently, the specimens in group 1 were kept in artificial saliva (AS), while the specimens in groups 2 and 3 were stored in AS + Novamin^® and AS + Biomin^®, respectively. RESULTS: Both Novamin^® or BiominF^® showed less TF concentration than their label claims. BiominF^® had more TF and TSF compared to Novamin^® (p < 0.05). The BiominF^® toothpaste presented higher micro-hardness values on remineralization. CONCLUSION: BiominF^® toothpaste demonstrated more fluoride content and greater potential to promote remineralization of demineralized human enamel compared to Novamin^®.