The Dose-Dependent Effect of Riva Star Aqua (AgF) on Demineralisation of HAP.

Abstract

Introduction Dental caries continues to be a significant global health concern, particularly affecting children and the elderly, due to factors such as inadequate oral hygiene, high-sugar diets, and limited access to dental services. Despite advancements in dental care, the prevalence of caries remains high, highlighting the need for effective, minimally invasive strategies to halt its progression. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has recently garnered attention for its high success rates in arresting caries in both children and older adults. However, SDF's alkaline pH can cause temporary soft tissue irritation, likely due to its ammonia content (Syed et al., 2015). This has led to increased interest in ammonia-free alternatives, such as Riva Star Aqua (RSA), which may be more appropriate for treating children and patients with limited tolerance for dental procedures where soft tissue discomfort could be problematic. Understanding the efficacy of RSA in treating dental caries requires an examination of the effects of varying concentrations on the demineralisation process. Objective Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the dose-dependent impact of RSA on the demineralisation of hydroxyapatite and to compare the effectiveness of various concentrations. Materials and Methods The study uses Ion-Selective Electrodes (ISEs) to monitor the release of free Ca2+ from HAP into a demineralisation solution (0.1 M) at a pH of 4. Following this, RSA was applied to the HAP and then introduced into the demineralisation solution to investigate its effect on inhibiting the demineralisation process. Results The results indicated that Riva Star Aqua (RSA) treatment inhibited demineralisation, with the effectiveness varying according to concentration. Higher concentrations of RSA provided more substantial inhibitory effects and greater reductions in calcium loss. In contrast, the two lowest concentrations of RSA had negligible impact on demineralisation. A clear correlation was observed, where increased RSA concentration led to enhanced efficacy, while decreased concentrations resulted in diminished effectiveness. Conclusion In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the concentration-dependent effectiveness of RSA, highlighting its potential as a novel approach for managing dental caries. While these findings offer important guidance for improving dental practices, further research is needed to explore a broader range of concentrations and assess the long-term impacts on tooth enamel health.