Efficacy of different natural remineralizing agents on treatment of artificially induced enamel caries (An in vitro comparative study)

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate and compare the remineralizing efficacy of chicken egg shell (CESP), propolis and grape seed extract (GSE) powder solutions in the treatment of artificially induced enamel caries in permanent human teeth (an in vitro study). Materials and methods Three different natural products (CESP, propolis, and GSE) were used. four groups were grouped according to the type of treatment for each group (n = 20). Control group (n = 10) (group B remineralized by CESP solution, group C remineralized by propolis powder solution and group D remineralized by GSP solution). Each group was divided into 2 subgroups (n = 10) according to the application frequency of remernerailizing agent: once (evening) (B1, C1, and D1) and twice daily (morning and evening) (B2, C2, and D2). Then all specimens were subjected to the PH cycle protocol. All specimens have been examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, surface micro hardness by Digital Vickers Micro hardness testing, and Surface roughness by a 3D optical profilometer testing before and after each step. Results The Ca/P ratio was significantly enhanced for all groups evaluated by (SEM) and (EDX). Vicker hardness number (VHN) was significantly enhanced for all subgroups treated twice daily (morning and evening) (B2, C2, and D2) followed by all subgroups treated once (evening) (B1, C1, and D1) before and after PH cycle. Surface roughness was significantly decreased for all subgroups except for subgroups (C2, D1, and D2) before and after the PH cycle. Conclusion CESP, prpolis powder and GSE powder solution could be used as remenerailizing agent as it has promising effect in treatment of initially demenarlized enamel surface. The efficacy of these remineralizing agents twice daily is better than once daily in treatment of initially demenarlized enamel surface.