Effect of ozone to remineralize initial enamel caries: in situ study

Effect of ozonated water in remineralizing artificially created initial enamel caries was investigated using laser fluorescence and polarized light microscopy in an in situ study.

Teeth specimens (buccal sections) were immersed in 5-ml solution of 2 mM CaCl₂, 2 mM NaH₂P0₄, and 50 mM CH₃COOH at pH of 4.55 for 5 h in an incubator at 37° to create subsurface demineralization. After which, they were randomly allocated into one of the following remineralization regimens: ozone (ozonated water 0.1 mg/l and 10 % nano-hydroxyapatite paste, Aclaim^TM), without ozone (only 10 % nano-hydroxyapatite paste, Aclaim^TM), and control (subjects’ saliva alone). Specimens were embedded in acrylic retainers worn by orthodontic patients throughout the 21-day study duration and constantly exposed to their saliva. Laser fluorescence was recorded for all the specimens at baseline, after demineralization, and remineralization using DIAGNOdent, and the results were validated using polarized microscopic examination. The results were analyzed using repeated measures, one-way ANOVA with post hoc multiple comparisons.

Ozonated water can be considered an effective agent in reversing the initial enamel caries alongside with nano-hydroxyapatite compared to nano-hydroxyapatite alone and saliva.

Ozone water can be used to remineralize incipient carious lesions, and it enhances the remineralizing potential of nano-hydroxyapatite thereby preventing the tooth from entering into the repetitive restorative cycle.