Effect of Different Tea in Remineralization of Artificially- Induced Initial Enamel Caries of Human Teeth (Study in Vitro)

Abstract

One of the beneficial effects of consumption different types of tea is preventing tooth decay that attributed to their mineral contents. Purpose: to investigate the microscopical changes of different types of tea ; Camellia sinensis (black and green), Mentha spicata and Ocimum basilicum on artificially- induced initial enamel caries. Initial enamel caries-like lesions were introduced in 30 sound extracted human 1st premolar teeth using pH cycling procedure. Teeth were divided into 6 groups to test 4 types of tea ( black, green, Mentha spicata and Ocimum basilicum) and 2 control solutions (0.05%NaF and de-ionized water as positive and negative control respectively )for enamel re-mineralization, using polarized microscope. The concentration of calcium, inorganic phosphorous and fluoride ions in all tea solutions were also measured. Results revealed that green tea produced the best enamel remineralization, while black tea and Mentha spicata were coming next and result in different mode of re-mineralization. On the other hand, teeth treated Ocimum basilicum showed mild evidence of re-mineralization.The chemical analysis indicated that both Mentha spicata and Oci mum basilicum had the highest calcium and phosphorous ion s levels (higher than their fluoride concentration). Green tea had nearly equal concentration for the 3 tested ions, which were l ess than its counterpart black tea. All selected tea solutions were effective in remineralizing of initial enamel caries, in the following sequence: green tea, black / Mentha spicata , then Ocimum basilicum.