Effects of experimental pastes containing surface pre-reacted glass ionomer fillers on inhibition of enamel demineralization

This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of experimental pastes containing surface pre-reacted glass ionomer (S-PRG) fillers on enamel demineralization. Bovine blocks were treated twice a day for 4 days by 7 groups; experimental pastes containing 0-30 wt% S-PRG filler (S00, S01, S05, S10, and S30), deionized water (DW) as negative control, and NaF paste (MP) as positive control. The surfaces were demineralized by acetic acid for 3 days. Mineral loss (ML) was calculated by micro-computed X-ray tomography. The treated surface was finally investigated with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and micro-focused particle induced X-ray emission (micro-PIXE). S05, S10 and S30 demonstrated significantly lower ML than S00, S01 and DW (p<0.05). S10 showed the greatest inhibitory effect, which was significantly greater than MP. The S-PRG filler containing experimental pastes demonstrated a potential to inhibit enamel demineralization. Sr ion incorporation was confirmed on the enamel surface with the experimental pastes.