Aim: To evaluate the remineralization potential presented by surface metrology, of two remineralizing agents: CPP-ACPF (MI paste plus) and fluoride containing mouthwash (Aquafresh extra care mouthwash) on the induced acid erosion bovine enamel.
Materials and Methods: Ten freshly extracted bovine permanent incisors were selected. The incisal one third of their crowns were sectioned by a slow speed diamond disc. The labial surface of each sample was examined under atomic force microscope (AFM) to record its surface roughness (Ra values). All samples were then demineralized by citric acid solution and reexamined under AFM .The demineralized samples were randomly divided into two equal groups I and II (5 samples each), according to the remineralization regimen used; samples in group I were treated with MI Paste plus while those in group II were treated with Aquafresh extra care mouthwash. All samples were reexamined under AFM to evaluate Ra values.
Results: Acid erosion showed an increase of surface roughness value (72.85 nm) compared to that recorded for the original surface (38.45 nm). After remineralization, there was a decrease of the mean Ra value in group I (52.78nm) and group II (59.54 nm). ANOVA test revealed a statistical significant difference among base line data (original enamel surface), demineralized and remineralized samples in both groups. Scheffe`s test revealed a statistical significant difference between mean Ra value of demineralized samples versus that of base line data as well as that of remineralized samples in both groups.
Conclusion: The tested CPP-ACP based compound offered a significant remineralization potential of initially eroded bovine enamel compared to the tested fluoride containing mouthwash as detected by reduced surface roughness