Effect of mucin alone and in combination with various dentifrices on in vitro remineralization

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of combining various fluoridated dentifrices with mucin on remineralization of bovine enamel. Enamel specimens were embedded in epoxy resin, partly covered with nail varnish, and demineralized in a lactic acid solution ( pH 5.0, 14 days). Parts of the demineralized areas of the specimens were then covered with nail varnish. Half of the samples were exposed to a mucin-containing (2.7 g/l) remineralizing solution, the other half to a mucin-free remineralizing solution for 30 days. In each group, the specimens were divided into four subgroups, which were brushed twice a day with a toothpaste containing sodium, stannous/amine, or amine fluoride. The specimens of the fourth subgroup were not brushed, but stored in one of the two solutions. Mineral loss and lesion depth were evaluated from microradiographs. After the remineralization period, specimens that were brushed with one of the dentifrices and stored in the mucin-containing remineralizing solution reacquired more mineral than those brushed and stored in the mucin-free solution ( p < 0.05; Bonferroni post hoc test). The results indicate that mucin in combination with various fluorides seems to affect enamel remineralization significantly. Thus, mucin could be considered as an additive to saliva substitutes or mouthwashes in patients with hyposalivation. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.