Comparison of Anticariogenic Effect after Applying Fluoride Varnish on Sound and Artificial Caries Enamel

In order to examine the anticariogenic effect after fluoride varnish was applied to sound enamel and artificial caries enamel, anterior teeth of healthycattle were used and divided into four groups such as group 1 (sound enamel), group 2 (application of fluoride varnish to sound enamel), group3 (artificial caries enamel) and group 4 (application of fluoride varnish to artificial caries enamel). Remineralization on the surface of enamel andchanges of crystalline structure after demineralization were observed by using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Quantitativeanalysis of Ca and P was measured by using the energy dispersive X-ray spectrophotometer (EDS). The following conclusions were obtained:1)Surface pattern of enamel was the roughest in group 3 due to the defects caused by porosity and microcracks. Group 4, group 1 and group 2were followed in order; 2) It was found that pattern of crystalline structures in a group of application of fluoride varnish and a group of no applicationshowed bigger change in artificial caries enamel than that in sound enamel. In other words, groups 4 and 1 showed a similar pattern; 3) The contentsof Ca and P were higher in groups of application of fluoride varnish (group 2 and group 4) than in groups of no application of fluoride varnish (group1 and group 3). Taken results of this study together, in the case of application of fluoride varnish, crystalline structure was changed byremineralization even in the sound enamel. In particular, porous structures showed a smooth and uniform pattern due to the recalcification in theartificial caries enamel. In addition, according to results of EDS analysis, the contents of Ca and P were increased and it had great anticariogeniceffects which inhibit decalcification of sound enamel and artificial caries enamel.