Background/Aim. Dental caries is a multifactorial disease
that ultimately results in the demineralization of
dental tissues and is recognized by the World Health Organization
as the most prevalent disease among the global
population. Dental varnishes are effective in preventing
caries in children. The aim of this study was to investigate
the way in which dental varnishes, one of which
contained fluoride and the other casein phosphopeptideamorphous
calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), affect the
microhardness and roughness of the three most commonly
used restorative materials in pediatric dental practice
[resin-modified (RM) glass ionomer cement (GIC),
high-viscosity (HV) GIC, and micro-hybrid composite
(MHCOMP)]. Methods. The study included 60 discs and
60 bars, of which 20 discs and 20 bars each were made
from one of the three commonly used dental restorative
materials. After preparation, incubation, and subsequent
basic measurement, the samples were divided into two
subgroups (each subgroup containing 30 discs and 30
bars), a nd each o f t hem w as t reated w ith f luoride o r
CPP-ACP varnish according to a precisely established
protocol. After treatment with varnishes, all samples
were retested for microhardness and roughness. Results.
The application of fluoride or CPP-ACP varnish increased
the microhardness of the MHCOMP and RM
GIC b ut r educed t he m icrohardness o f H V G IC. T he
roughness was more pronounced with the composite material,
as well as with the RM GIC. Conclusion. Prophylactic
varnishes containing fluoride and calcium have the
potential to alter the microhardness and roughness of
dental restorations; that is why carefully selecting the appropriate
varnish is important.
