Ricerc@Sapienza

Background: Dental caries is a recognized worldwide public health problem. Despite being one of the most efective strategies against dental caries, the excessive use of fuorine may result in a potential risk of developing dental
fuorosis especially in children under age of six. The purpose of this work is to analyze a fuorine-free toothpaste containing Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite to assess enamel re-mineralizing and repairing properties.
Results: The study was performed in vitro and in vivo, comparing the hydroxyapatite toothpaste with two others
toothpaste containing diferent fuorine concentrations. The coating efect of the micro-structured Hydroxyapatite
nanoparticles reintegrates the enamel with a biomimetic flm reproducing the structure and the morphology of the
biologic Hydroxyapatite of the enamel. As demonstrated, the coating is due to the deposit of a new layer of apatite,
which presents fewer particles than the natural enamel, not based on the chemical—physical changes occurring in
fuorinated toothpastes. Moreover, it shows resistance to brushing as a consequence of chemical bonds between the
synthetic and natural crystals of the enamel.
Conclusions: The use of Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite toothpastes has proven to be a valuable prevention measure
against dental caries in primary dentition since it prevents the risk of fuorosis.