Effect of Plain and Fluoridated Milk on Root Surface Caries in Vitro

Overview

The caries-protective effect of milk and fluoridated milk on enamel has been reported; however, few data are available concerning the role of milk and/or fluoridated milk on root surfaces. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of plain and fluoridated milk on root surface caries. Artificial root surface lesions were created, sectioned and analysed using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and microradiography (MRG). The sections were covered with acid – resistant varnish except of the original surface and assigned to a treatment group. The samples were immersed in 2% plain milk or fluoridated milk for 40 hours and re-evaluated. Changes were measured and mean differences were compared with an unpaired t-test. Both techniques revealed a reduction in lesion depth for each milk group; however, a significantly greater reduction (p<0.05) was observed with the fluoridated milk. These results suggest that fluoridated milk may have a beneficial effect on the remineralization of root surface caries.

Key words:
fluoride – milk – root caries – remineralization