Effect of 10% cerium chloride on artificial caries lesions of human enamel evaluated using quantitative light-induced fluorescence: an in vitro study.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of 10% cerium chloride intervention on pre-demineralised human enamel subjected to cycles of de- and remineralisation.

Methods: This was an in vitro, comparative type study of 60 human enamel samples that were randomly divided into control and test groups. The samples were then subjected to a cycle of demineralisation followed by intervention with respective treatment solutions (control group: placebo solution; test: 10% cerium chloride) for 30 s under constant agitation and then to a 2nd cycle of demineralisation followed by remineralisation using artificial saliva. After the first and second cycles of demineralisation (4th and 8th day) and a cycle of remineralisation (22nd day), the samples were evaluated for fluorescence values using a quantitative light-induced fluorescence camera. The data was analysed using paired t test and ANOVA.

Results: Comparing the fluorescence values and mean difference of lesion area between the first cycle of demineralisation to the cycle of remineralisation and the second cycle of demineralisation to the cycle of remineralisation, the test group showed a statistically significant reduction in loss of fluorescence values and lesion area compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Mean fluorescence values and lesion area comparison between cycles of de- and remineralisation for control and test groups (inter-group comparison) showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Cerium chloride alone reduced demineralisation and improved remineralisation of artificial caries lesions in human enamel when subjected to pH cycling in vitro.