Abstract :
Introduction: Caries is not merely a unidirectional process of demineralization but is instead a balance in the dynamic of intermittent periods of demineralization and remineralization. In the pursuit of effective preventive strategies against enamel demineralization, continuous research has focused on developing novel toothpaste formulations to enhance remineralization and mitigate enamel loss The present research aims to shed light on the relative efficacy of Cranberry extract toothpaste in preventing enamel demineralization as compared to the commercial Enafix Toothpaste formulation.
Materials and Methods: Twenty demineralized enamel blocks were systematically divided into two distinct experimental groups, with each group comprising ten enamel samples. Group 1 was assigned to receive treatment with Cranberry extract toothpaste, while Group 2 underwent treatment with the commercially available Enafix Toothpaste (Group Pharmaceuticals Ltd., India). The toothpaste application involved a meticulous brushing regimen, administered twice daily at 12-hour intervals, with each brushing session lasting for one minute. The Vicker's microhardness values were assessed at three distinct time points: baseline, after demineralization, and after remineralization
Results: The statistical analysis indicated no significant variation in microhardness from baseline to post-demineralization and post-remineralization. Post hoc tests revealed that the significant difference was primarily attributed to a notable decrease in microhardness values from time 2 (after demineralization) to time 3 (after remineralization) in Group 2 (p = 0.014). There was a statistically non-significant difference seen for the values between the groups (p>0.05) for all three intervals, indicating a similar remineralization potential for both interventions
Conclusion: The non-significant intra-group changes observed with Cranberry extract toothpaste suggest stability in enamel microhardness, positioning it as a promising candidate for preventive oral care. Contrastingly, the significant decrease in microhardness observed with Enafix Toothpaste prompts further investigation into its efficacy in countering demineralization events
Keyword :
Remineralization, Microhardness, Enamel, Toothpaste