The influence of hardness and chemical composition on enamel demineralization and subsequent remineralization

Abstract

Objectives The objectives were to investigate the hardness and chemical composition of sound, demineralized and pH-cycled bovine enamel and determine their influence on demineralization and remineralization behavior. Methods Ninety-four, 5 × 5 × 2-mm bovine enamel specimens were demineralized using three different times [(24 h (n = 33), 48 h (n = 30), 96 h (n = 31)]. The specimens were then pH-cycled using either 367 ppm F sodium fluoride or deionized water. Knoop hardness (HK) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (measured elements: Ca, P, F, C, Mg, N) were performed at three stages (sound, after demineralization, after pH-cycling) and transverse microradiography was performed after demineralization and pH-cycling. Comparisons were determined by ANOVA. Results Results showed that HK, integrated mineral loss and lesion depth were significantly different between stages, demineralization times and treatments. The weight% of F at the surface was significantly affected by treatment, irrespective of demineralization time, while the Ca:P ratio of the enamel remained stable even after de- and remineralization protocols. The F in fluoride groups and the artificial saliva in non-fluoride groups were both able to induce enamel remineralization, indicating the protective effect of salivary pellicle against demineralization even in the absence of fluoride. Conclusions Harder specimens and those with greater surface F weight% were less susceptible to demineralization and were more likely to remineralize. However, the amount of surface Ca and P did not influence de- or remineralization behavior.