Evaluation of the efficacy of ozonated olive oil over commercially available toothpastes in remineralisation of white spot lesions: An in vitro study

Abstract

Introduction:

During the course of orthodontic treatment, a proper hygiene protocol is advised to all patients. Maintenance of oral hygiene prevents potential damage to hard tissue along with soft tissue. Despite preventive oral hygiene measures during fixed orthodontic therapy, some patients develop white spot lesions (WSL), compromising aesthetics and posing a potential risk of developing a carious lesion. Tooth remineralisation using calcium, fluoride, phosphate and other biocompatible agents is a potential solution.

Aims:

This study aimed to compare the remineralising potential of Remin Pro (hydroxyapatite), Sensodyne Pronamel (sodium fluoride) and Pur O3 Olive (ozonated olive oil) on artificially created WSLs using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) and polarised light microscopy (PLM).

Methodology:

An in vitro study was conducted over 1 year using 75 extracted premolars, divided into three groups (n = 25). Artificial carious lesions were created with a demineralising solution, followed by a 21-day pH cycling regime with respective agents. QLF assessed lesion volume (∆Q), fluorescence loss (∆F) and maximum fluorescence loss (∆F Max), while PLM was used to evaluate the enamel subsurface changes qualitatively.

Results:

Statistically significant improvements were noted in ∆Q, ∆F and ∆F Max across all groups (P <0.001). Intergroup comparison revealed highly significant changes from pre-test to post-test (P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in treatment effect between Remin Pro and Pur O3 Olive.

Conclusion:

Remin Pro demonstrated greater remineralisation potential compared to Sensodyne Pronamel and Pur O3 Olive under in vitro conditions. There was no statistically significant difference in treatment effect between Remin Pro and Pur O3 Olive.

Plain language summary

Ozonated olive oil compared to shop bought toothpastes for repairing white spot lesions (WSLs) after orthodontic treatment.

Why was the study done?

Fixed braces are used to straighten teeth and improve how they work. However, even when people keep their teeth clean, early tooth decay can happen. This is seen as white or brown marks or white spot lesions (WSLs) on the surface of the teeth. These spots can affect the look of the teeth after the braces are removed. Dentists and researchers are looking for the best ways to repair or “remineralise” these spots before they become holes that need filling. It is known that ozonated olive oil kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay. The aim of this study was to find out how well ozonated olive oil repaired the white spots compared to toothpastes that you can easily buy.

What did the researchers do?

The research team used 75 human side teeth (premolars) that had already been taken out. The researchers made WSLs on the teeth in the lab. The teeth were then treated for 21 days with one the three products, namely Remin Pro and Sensodyne Pronamel toothpastes or Pur O3 Olive. They used a method to copy the condition in a person’s mouth during daily eating and drinking. To measure the effects of each product, two methods were used:

• Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence (QLF) – this uses a blue light to show how much the tooth surface had improved or lost further minerals.

• Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) – to look at the tooth structure under a microscope and assess how deep the white spots were and whether they had healed.

What did the researchers find?

All three treatments helped to improve the white spots. However:

• Remin Pro and Pur O3 Olive were better than Sensodyne Pronamel in repairing the enamel.

• There was no difference between Remin Pro and Pur O3 Olive, suggesting both are good choices.

What do the findings mean?

If you have white spots on your teeth after wearing braces, you might benefit more from using products like Remin Pro or ozonated olive oil than from using Sensodyne Pronamel. These treatments appear to better at helping to repair the enamel and reduce the white spot size.