Evaluation of Remineralization Potential of Natural Substances on Artificially Induced Carious Lesions in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study.

Abstract

To evaluate the remineralizing potential of natural substances on artificially induced caries lesions in primary teeth. A total of 50 primary molar teeth were selected and subjected to a demineralization process. Then samples were randomly divided into five groups for the remineralization process. Group I-colophony, group II-5% sodium fluoride (NaF) + colophony, group III-grape seed extract (GSE) + colophony, group IV-5% NaF + colophony + 10% peptide, and group V- GSE + colophony + 10% peptide. All the groups were subjected to remineralization using a brushing stimulator for 3,000 cycles. Assessment was done using Vickers hardness testing machine for evaluating the enamel surface microhardness (SMH) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) for evaluating the surface morphology and mineral content, before and after demineralization and after remineralization, the obtained data was analyzed statistically using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25. The enamel microhardness results of this study revealed that remineralization of enamel was highest in group V (212.83 ± 64.416) and least in group II (137.83 ± 26.324) p-value of 0.038. SEM-EDX analysis revealed high calcium (Ca) and fluoride (F) content in groups II and IV, which was significant (p-value of 0.001) from other groups. Surface morphology evaluated with SEM revealed spherical globular agglomerates and scaffolding deposits on the enamel surface in groups III and V resembling the remineralization process. Grape seed extract (GSE) with colophony and peptide is a superior natural alternative to NaF. Colophony also exhibited remineralizing potential in primary enamel. Natural remineralizing agents like GSE, colophony, and its combination serves as a potential alternative to overcome the toxic effect on long-term usage of F. These natural substances can be applicable in clinical conditions by incorporating toothpaste and varnish, which can be used as an alternative or adjuvant to the topical application of F. Pooja V Ravi, Rajakumar S, Kavitha Ramar. Evaluation of Remineralization Potential of Natural Substances on Artificially Induced Carious Lesions in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):244-250.