Comparison of the Remineralizing Effect of Brushing with Aloe vera versus Fluoride Toothpaste

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The aim of the present in vitro study is to compare the remineralization brushing effect of three toothpastes and Aloe vera (AV) gel. Materials and Methods Forty sound extracted teeth were placed in a demineralizing solution for 4 days and randomly assigned to four groups: group A: 1,450-ppm fluoride toothpaste; group B: AV nonfluoridated toothpaste; group C: AV 1,000-ppm fluoridated toothpaste; and group D: AV gel. A 3-minute pH cycling was performed twice a day for each group for 12 days. Specimens were analyzed before and after by scanning electron microscope—energy dispersive X-ray. Statistical Analysis The outcomes were analyzed by Kolmogorov–Smirnov’s tests, repeated-measures analyses of variance followed by univariate analyses, and Bonferroni’s multiple comparisons tests to compare the calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio within time among toothpaste groups. Results Following remineralization, the Ca:P ratio increased in all groups. The difference of the Ca:P ratio was not significant between groups C, D, and A. The mean ratio was significantly lower in group B (p-value = 0.026). Conclusions The AV gel demonstrated a remineralization capacity equal to that of the 1,450-ppm fluoride toothpaste. In contrast, fluoride-free AV toothpaste showed a lower remineralization efficiency. Further studies are required to understand its mechanism.