CaviStat^® Effect on Occlusal Caries in Permanent First Molars

Objective: To determine the effect of sugarless mints containing CaviStat® (an arginine bicarbonate/calcium carbonate complex) on pit/fissure caries progression in first permanent molars of 9-10˝ year old Venezuelan children. Methods: 195 children were divided into two groups (96 in A and 99 in B). A received CaviStat® mints; B received mints without CaviStat. Each child chewed two mints A.M. and two P.M., each day for 12 months after brushing with 1450 ppm fluoride toothpaste. Cavities were scored using the DMFS index as modified by Acevedo et al, (2005) and non-cavitated initial lesions were scored visually after careful plaque removal and tooth air drying. Scoring was at baseline and six and twelve months. Results: In Group A, 2 of 37 non-cavitated occlusal and 2 of 65 non-cavitated buccal lesions at baseline, cavitated after 12 months. Net was 4 of 102 became cavities. In Group B, 9 of 38 non-cavitated occlusal and 10 of 62 non-cavitated buccal lesions at baseline were cavitated by 12 months. Net was 19 out of 100 non-cavitated became cavities. At six months, 5 new occlusal and 24 new buccal lesions were detected in Group A (total 29) and 18 new occlusal and 25 new buccal lesions were detected in Group B (total 43). Of the former (total 29), 1 occlusal and 2 buccal lesions (total 3) reached cavitation 6 months later. In Group B (total 43), 6 of the 18 new occlusal lesions progressed to caries and 2 of the 25 new buccals also progressed to cavitation (total 8). Overall, Group A produced 7 cavitated lesions whereas Group B produced 27 i.e. a fivefold difference. Conclusion: Mint confections containing CaviStat® were effective in inhibiting occlusal cavitation in permanent first molars of 9 to 10˝ year old children in a one year clinical study.