Mineral Content Identification of White Spot Lesions Around Orthodontic Brackets Following the Use of Different Concentrations of Nano-Hydroxyapatite Mouthwash And Fluoride Gel

Dental caries is a preventable infectious disease. White spot lesions (WSLs) are incipient caries with high prevalence during orthodontic treatment. They develop on the enamel surface around the orthodontic brackets due to food impaction and difficult oral hygiene maintenance. Fluoride is renowned for its cariostatic properties.

This study aimed to assess the mineral content of white spot lesions around orthodontic brackets following the use of different concentrations of nano-hydroxyapatite mouthwash and fluoride gel.

Fifty sound-extracted premolars with artificially induced WSLs were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 10) for the application of 1.23% fluoride gel, 1%, 5%, and 10% nHA mouthwash, and artificial saliva (control group). All groups, except for the control group, were subjected to the application of gel or mouthwashes twice with a one-week interval, each time for 24 hours. The mineral content of all teeth was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX).

Maximum calcium uptake was noted in fluoride gel (P < 0.001) and 10% nHA (P < 0.001) groups. Maximum phosphorus uptake was noted in 10% nHA (P < 0.001) followed by fluoride gel (P < 0.001) and 5% nHA (P < 0.001) groups but the difference among the afore-mentioned three groups was not significant (P = 0.437). Maximum fluoride uptake was observed in the fluoride gel group with significant differences compared with other groups (P < 0.001).

Fluoride gel and 10% nHA mouthwash can be effectively used for remineralization of WSLs.