Acceleration of Remineralization in vitro by Sodium Monofluorophosphate and Sodium Fluoride

Abstract

Sixteen groups of artificial caries lesions were treated with from 75-900 ppm F from MFP, NaF, combinations of the two, or water for five min twice daily for ten days. Between treatments, the lesions were placed in a remineralizing solution at 37°C. Quantitative microradiography of the treated lesions vs. matched untreated lesions showed significant remineralization of the surface layer and lesion body of all groups, including the water-treated control group. Fluoride treatments improved remineralization. Increasing the concentration of NaF had only a small effect on remineralization, but MFP was more effective at higher concentrations. Evaluation of MFP/NaF mixtures showed that greatest remineralization was obtained from a 75/225 ppm F ratio of NaF/ MFP. This combination of F- and PO₃F⁼ was more effective than a fluoride concentration of 300 ppm F from either agent alone.