An Evaluation of Various Technics for Reducing Decalcification of Enamel

Abstract

Extracted, erupted, non-carious third molar teeth from 148 adults were thoroughly cleaned and divided into 3 exptl. and 1 control groups. Teeth were treated with test solns. for 35 min. and then maintained at 37[degree]C for 30 days in glucose-serum broth culture of Lacto-bacillus acidophilus oral strain 12B. Acidulated fluoride soln. or 2% NaF soln. were 64% more effective than Gottlieb''s Zin-Ferro-Nitrate soln. in reducing decalcification. The effect varied with individual teeth, and untreated teeth from the same individual also exhibited differences in resistance to decalcification.