Abstract:

Abstract: Objective To explore the optimum concentration of bioactive glass that promotes early enamel caries
remineralization. Methods Fresh bovine incisors were selected and used for enamel specimen preparation. All specimens
were randomly divided into two groups: micro hardness group and fluorescence group. Both groups were further divided into
3%, 6% and 9% groups. These specimens were placed in containers with demineralization liquid at 37 ℃ for 72 hours. Then
they were treat with 3%, 6% and 9% bioactive glass solution respectively twice a day for 5 minutes each. Samples in all three
groups were dipped circularly into an artificial demineralization solution and an artificial saliva solution for 15 days. The mi⁃
crohardness of enamel surface was measured before and after demineralization and remineralization. The different value of
microhardness before and after remineralization was calculated. The thickness of fluorescence beneath the surface of early
enamel caries was observed to evaluate the extend of remineralization effect. Results The difference in value of micro hard⁃
ness in 6% group was the highest while that in 3% group was the lowest. The differences were significant. The difference in
value of demineralization depth in 6% group was greater than those in 3% and 9% groups (P < 0.05). There was no statistical⁃
ly significance between those in 3% group and 9% group. Conclution The optimum concentration of bioactive glass solu⁃
tion that promotes the remineralization of early enamel caries is 6%, which is ideal for remineralization of early enamel caries.

Key words: dental caries, dental enamel, tooth remineralization, early enamel caries, bioactive glass, microhardness