Comparative Evaluation of the Enamel Remineralization Potential and Antibacterial Activity of Pediatric Toothpastes Containing Fluoride, Hydroxyapatite, Ozone, Propolis, and Postbiotics: An in vitro Study

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the remineralization potential and antibacterial activity of 5 commercially available pediatric toothpastes with different active ingredients. Subject and Methods The evaluated toothpastes were Kids Ozon, Oral-B Pro-Kids, Dentiste Junior Postbiotics, Curasept Biosmalto, and Zubio. To assess remineralization efficacy, 48 specimens from extracted third molars were subjected to baseline microhardness testing. The samples were divided into six groups: five experimental and one negative control (n = 8). After 4 days in a demineralizing solution, microhardness was remeasured, followed by a 14-day pH-cycling protocol at 37°C with twice-daily toothpaste applications. Final microhardness values were recorded and statistically analyzed. For antibacterial assessment, the agar diffusion method was applied using Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. Results All the tested toothpastes produced statistically significant remineralization of initial enamel carious lesions (p < 0.05). The microhardness ranking after pH-cycling was as follows: Kids Ozon > Dentiste Junior Postbiotics > Curasept Biosmalto > Zubio > Oral-B Pro-Kids > negative control. However, intergroup differences weren’t statistically significant (p > 0.05). All formulations showed antibacterial activity against the tested microorganisms. For S. mutans, Curasept Biosmalto had a significantly larger inhibition zone than Kids Ozon (p < 0.05). Although Curasept Biosmalto showed relatively higher antibacterial activity, differences among the other formulations were not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion Fluoridated and hydroxyapatite-based toothpastes exhibited comparable remineralization potential and antibacterial activity under in vitro conditions. The addition of other agents (ozone, propolis, and postbiotics) showed statistically nonsignificant improvements under the present experimental conditions.