Clinical evaluation of the remineralizing effect of a mouthguard and paste containing S-PRG filler on white spot lesions

Objectives: White spot lesions (WSLs) are frequently observed on young permanent teeth. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the remineralizing effect of paste and a mouthguard containing surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler by observing and measuring lesion area.Materials and methods: A total of 14 children (age range, 8-16 years) with WSLs involving 74 teeth attending Asahi University Medical & Dental Center were examined. Color-and size-matching stickers (Cas MatchTM, Bear Medic) were photographed with involved teeth. Mouthguards made of an S-PRG filler-containing ethylene-vinyl acetate sheet (sample; SHOFU) with S-PRG filler-containing paste (PRG Pro-Care Gel (R); SHOFU) (PRG MG-Paste group) or without paste (PRG MG group; control) were applied to WSLs at bedtime.Results: No teeth required restoration due to caries progression during the experimental period. Mean reductions in lesion area at 6 months after treatment in the PRG MG-Paste group and PRG MG group were 1.66 +/- 1.84 mm2 and 0.81 +/- 1.27 mm2, respectively. Signif-icant differences were observed between groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference in area reduction was seen between kinds of teeth involved, although significant differences in area reduction were observed among individual subjects.Conclusion: These results suggest that combined use of S-PRG filler-containing paste and a mouthguard is effective for remineralization of WSLs observed on numerous teeth. (c) 2023 Japanese Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.