Resumo
Introduction. The use of toothpastes is the most common way for the prevention of caries. There is a variety of different toothpastes available on the market and the choice of the most efficient paste for the particular case is of great interest and importance.
Aims: the purpose of the study was to assess the impact of toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite and fluoride on resistance of enamel to demineralization and enamel remineralization rate.
Material and methods. One hundred sixty patients participated in the study. The test and control groups included 80 patients each: 40 - at the age of 15-17 and 40 at the age of 18-25 who have been using toothpastes with hydroxyapatite or fluoride during 1 year, respectively. The oral hygiene assessment was carried out with the use of Turesky index. The clinical determination of enamel remineralization rate, and enamel resistance to demineralization were assessed to evaluate the remineralizing potential of toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite or fluoride.
Results. There was a statistically significant increase in the values of enamel resistance to demineralization and remineralization rates in all groups comparing to the baseline after 1-3 months of the use of the toothpastes prescribed. It was found that enamel resistance to demineralization and remineralization rates of enamel in the test group were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared with the group of patients using the toothpaste with fluoride.
Conclusion. Use of toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite and fluoride in conjunction with constant control of oral hygiene significantly increased the enamel demineralization resistance and enamel remineralization rate. However, toothpastes with hydroxyapatite were significantly more efficient and exhibited its action earlier in time.
