Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of HEBP and Hexametaphosphate (HMP) on the mineralization of early dental plaque in humans. Forty-five adults (37 males and 8 females) with no systemic disease, age 21-48, volunteered in this study. The subjects were divided into 3 groups and either of 1.0% HEBP, 1.2% HMP or placebo was given as a rinsing solution 3 times daily for 14 days. This study was carried out according to a double blind with a cross over experimental design. During the experimental period, a small removable metal plate with cast clasps where the standardized polyester films were sticked was placed on the buccal site of molar teeth for each subject. On day 14, the plaque permitted to develop on the polyester films was harvested. Total amounts of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and Ca/N ratio in the plaque were determined. Both of the rinsings with HEBP and HMP solution significantly reduced the Ca content in the plaque compared with the placebo solution. Total P in the plaque was also reduced in the group rinsed with HEBP. Ca/N ratio was significantly reduced in the group rinsed with HMP. From these results, both HEBP and HMP could be effective agents in preventing the dental calculus in vivo.
