Evaluation of Broccoli Extract for Enhancing Primary Tooth Enamel Microhardness: An In Vitro Study.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Research

Background:

• Dental caries is a significant public health issue affecting children globally.
• Primary tooth enamel is particularly susceptible to demineralization.
• Standard fluoride treatments are effective but exploring natural alternatives is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of aqueous broccoli extract in improving the microhardness of demineralized primary tooth enamel.
• To compare the remineralization potential of broccoli extract with a standard acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel treatment.
• To investigate a potential natural agent for pediatric caries prevention.

Main Methods:

• An in vitro study utilized 30 extracted primary molars.
• Enamel microhardness was measured before and after demineralization (cola, pH 4.5).
• Samples were treated with aqueous broccoli extract or 1.23% APF gel and microhardness was reassessed.

Main Results:

• Both broccoli extract and fluoride gel significantly improved enamel microhardness after demineralization.
• Broccoli extract showed a greater percentage recovery in microhardness (+44.95%) compared to fluoride (+20.78%).
• No statistically significant difference was observed in the overall reduction of microhardness between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Aqueous broccoli extract demonstrated comparable overall efficacy to fluoride gel in enhancing demineralized primary tooth enamel microhardness.
• Broccoli extract may serve as a natural and effective alternative for enamel remineralization in pediatric caries prevention.
• Further clinical studies are warranted to validate these in vitro findings.