Influence of Xylitol- and/or Fluoride-Containing Toothpastes on the Remineralization of Surface Softened Enamel Defects in vivo

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Abstract
This paper describes the effect of xylitol and fluoride on remineralization of surface softened human enamel in vivo. Surface softened enamel blocks were mounted in the lower prosthesis of 20 full denture-wearing participants. These participants used xylitol- and/or fluoride-containing toothpastes during 4-week periods. Knoop hardness measurements were employed to estimate the degree of remineralization in each period. After 26 days of toothpaste use it was found that the enamel defects were rehardened substantially and that the hardness of sound enamel was approached. The changes of enamel hardness were not significantly affected by the presence of xylitol and/or fluoride in the toothpastes.