Objective: To assess the root caries preventive potential of Novamin (calcium sodium phosphosilicate) and fluoride-containing dentifrices in an in vitro pH-cycling model. Methods: Roots of human molars (15 roots/group) were subjected to 9 days of alternating demineralization (6 hr, pH 5.0, Ca/P/acetate) and remineralization (17 hr, pH 7, Ca/P/fluoride) with dentifrice treatment (1:3 slurry in DDW) 2x daily for 1 minute each (before and after the demin period). Dentifrice formulations were: A) 1100 ppm F, as MFP, positive control, B) Novamin 7.5% alone, C) placebo, D) 5000 ppm F as NaF, E) Novamin 7.5%, 1100 ppm F as MFP, F) Novamin 7.5%, 5000 ppm F, as MFP. Results were assessed by cross-sectional microhardness, and relative mineral loss was calculated (ΔZ, vol. % min x μm). Results: Mean ± SD ΔZ values were: A) 929 ± 149; B) 742 ± 179; C) 1162 ± 137; D) 765 ± 142; E) 694 ± 179; F) 638 ± 135, with C>A>B=D=E=F (p<0.05 ANOVA/Newman-Keuls). The F dose response for non-Novamin groups was excellent (C, A, D) regardless of MFP or NaF in this root caries model. The calcium sodium phosphosilicate alone behaved similarly to the high (5000 ppm) F dentifrice. Results were not related to the free fluoride concentration in the dentifrice products. Conclusions: This root caries pH cycling model shows a good fluoride dose response and also indicates the potential of the calcium sodium phosphosilicate compound with and without fluoride to markedly inhibit root caries progression. This result will need to be confirmed by clinical studies.

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