Novel approach to enhancing remineralization of tooth surface by magnetic field exposure

Modern dentistry is directed toward overcoming dental caries progression in the early stages with the aid of remineralizing agents. Long-established remineralizing agents have very slow kinetics to be applicable, and the need for an external cofactor is a must. In the present work, the authors improved the kinetics of dentin/enamel remineralization by magnetic field exposure whereby calcium (Ca²⁺) and phosphate (PO₄ ³⁻) elements are supplied from an external source. Gels made of casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate mixed with nanochitosan were used as an external source and combined with exposure of the tooth surface to a magnetic field of 1.8 mT for 20 min. The treated tooth samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Vickers microhardness test and X-ray diffraction. The obtained tooth characteristics confirmed the improvement of tooth surface integrity, mineralization, hardness and crystallinity under the application of the magnetic field. Unexpectedly, the results indicated the highest tooth surface remineralization for samples exposed to magnetic fields and treated with casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate gel only without nanochitosan. In conclusion, the resulting advantages here are the ease of use, safety and applicability of this novel combination of casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate gel with magnetic field exposure.