Remineralization of Artificial Caries-Like Lesions in vivo by a Self-Administered Mouthrinse or Paste

A mouthrinse formulated to fulfill physicochemical requirements for rapid remineralization of early carious lesions was investigated in vivo using intraoral appliances in adults. Human enamel slabs with artificially induced early lesions were embedded in the appliances. Complete rehardening of the inner 40–50 μm and twofold rehardening of the remaining body of the lesion occurred in 160-μm deep lesions with a 1-min mouthrinse on each of 14 consecutive days. Saliva alone rehardened the inner 20 μm only. At least the inner half of lesions 65 μm deep rehardened completely and the remaining body of the lesion rehardened fourfold over 14 days. Monofluorophosphate toothpastes, tested similarly remineralized to the same extent as saliva alone and increased the surface layer hardness. The remineralizing solution shows potential value as a daily mouthrinse for the prevention or reversal of early carious lesions.