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Topographic and Elemental Evaluation of a Bioactive Caries Detecting Dye Compared with CPP-ACP and Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride on Demineralised Enamel and Dentin

Muduli M, Govind S, Pattanaik S, Kalyan KS

2026

Abstract

Abstract Background Conventional remineralising agents such as Casein Phosphopeptide–Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) and Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (APF) have demonstrated the ability to enhance mineral deposition and improve resistance to acid attack. Recently, a Bioactive Caries Detecting (BCD) dye containing nano-hydroxyapatite and chitosan has been introduced with the potential to combine caries detection with therapeutic remineralisation. However, scientific evidence evaluating its remineralising efficacy in comparison with established agents remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the remineralising potential of BCD dye, CPP-ACP, and APF on demineralised enamel and dentin using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Methods Forty orthodontically extracted human premolars were sectioned to obtain standardized enamel and dentin specimens. Artificial demineralisation was induced using 35% phosphoric acid. Specimens were randomly allocated into four groups: CPP-ACP paste, BCD dye solution, APF gel (1.23%), and untreated control. Each material was applied for three consecutive days, and samples were stored in artificial saliva between applications. Surface morphological changes were evaluated using FESEM, while elemental composition including calcium and phosphorus levels, was quantified using EDS. A statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA, with a significance level set at p

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