Resistance of chicken egg shell powder treated demineralized enamel to further acidic challenges

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this in-vitro study was to quantitatively evaluate the remineralization potential of chicken egg shell powder (CESP) solution on early demineralized enamel lesions and the resistance of the treated enamel surfaces to further acidic challenges. Patients and methods A 3 × 3 mm enamel windows were done on the buccal surface of 36 sound, freshly extracted human first premolars for orthodontic purposes. Specimens were randomly divided according to the period of treatment with CESP solution into two equal groups (18 each). Ten specimens from each group were examined throughout the steps of the study with energy dispersive radiograph analysis for their calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content. Enamel surface topography of the remaining eight specimens was examined under scanning electron microscope (two specimens for each step). Initial enamel lesions were created by immersion of the specimens separately in 10 ml of a demineralizing solution at 37°C for 96 h. For treatment specimens of group I were individually immersed in CESP solution once daily for 12 min and kept in artificial saliva at 37°C for the rest of the day, for 7 consecutive days. Specimens of group II were treated twice daily with a 12 h interval between both immersions following the cycle mentioned before. The treated specimens were then subjected to a 5 days' pH cycling regimen consisting of demineralization for 3 h, and remineralization for 21 h. The collected data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results Group II recorded a statistically significant higher Ca value and Ca/P ratio after treatment and pH cycling compared to group I (P = 0.000) as detected by independent t test. Regarding the P content value recorded after treatment it was significantly lower for group II versus group I (P = 0.000). While no significant difference was found between both groups after pH cycling (P = 0.755). Scanning electron microscope findings were found supporting the previous results. Clinical significance CESP solution provided a significant remineralization potential of the human initially demineralized enamel lesions.