Evaluation of Dentifrice Formulations to Remineralize Enamel and Dentine Subsurface Lesions in a Double-Blind In-Situ Clinical Trial

Evaluation of Efficacy of Experimental Dentifrice Formulations With Different Forms of Fluoride and/or Other Agents to Remineralize Enamel and Dentine Subsurface Lesions in a Double-Blind Randomized In-Situ Clinical Trial

To compare the remineralization and demineralization inhibition potential of early subsurface carious lesions in enamel in situ after rinsing with five different aqueous slurries of toothpaste formulations. Percent remineralization (%R), i.e. the % change in ΔZ values relative to ΔZd, will be the primary outcome measure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be 18-75 years of age;
• Provide written informed consent prior to participation and be given a signed copy of the informed consent form;
• Be in good general health based on medical/dental history and oral exam;
• Have no history of adverse or allergic reactions to tin or tin-containing products;
• Agree not to participate in any other oral study for the study duration;
• Have a reasonable functional dentition as determined by the oral examiner and sufficient teeth to support the fabricated dental appliance;
• Be willing to participate in the study, able to follow the study directions, successfully tolerate/perform all study procedures, and willing to return for all specified visits at their appointed time;
• Be willing to refrain from using non-study dentifrice, mouth rinse, chewing gum, and other non-study oral care products during the study;
• Be willing to postpone all elective dental procedures until the study has been completed;
• Be willing to refrain from using calcium chews while using the test products;
• Be willing and able to refrain from wearing a nightguard (occlusal splint) for the entire course of the study (for nightguard wearers only).
• Ability to understand, and ability to read and sign, the informed consent form;
• Have at least 22 natural teeth;
• Have a gum-stimulated whole salivary flow rate ≥1.0 ml/minute and unstimulated whole salivary flow rate ≥ 0.2 ml/minute.
• Willingness to comply with all study procedures and be available for the duration of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Advanced periodontal disease, as characterized by purulent exudate, generalized mobility, and/or severe recession;
• Active treatment for periodontitis;
• A medical condition which requires premedication prior to dental visits/procedures;
• Untreated dental problems (e.g. cavities);
• Self-reported pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during the study;
• Existing dental work which prevents wearing of the appliance including orthodontic appliances or removable dentures;
• Chronic disease such as diabetes or use of medications that cause gum swelling;
• Any diseases or conditions (including sensitivity to dentifrice ingredients or a history of allergic or adverse reactions to tin or tin-containing products) that might interfere with examination procedures or the participant safely completing the study;
• Treatment with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicines in the month prior to starting the study;
• Use of drugs that may interact with the toothpaste slurries or which may affect salivary flow rate;
• History of health conditions requiring antibiotic coverage prior to dental treatment;
• Serious infectious disease;
• Any other medical or dental conditions deemed to put the health and wellbeing of the participant or research team at risk if the potential participant participated in the study.