Dentin erosion preventive effects of various plant extracts: An in vitro atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nanoindentation study

Abstract

The overall consumption of acidic beverages has become more common, making the prevention and treatment of dental erosion an important consideration. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of various plant extracts in preventing dentin erosion. Seven experimental groups (fluoride-free water, fluoride-containing mouthwash [Colgate Plax], green tea, rosehip, clove, pomegranate, and grape seed) were formed, each consisting of 20 bovine dentin samples. The specimens were exposed daily to demineralization and remineralization cycles three times per day over 5 days through a 5-min plant extract application before each erosive episode. Surface roughness, nanohardness values, and morphological changes on dentin surfaces were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM), nanoindentation, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests (p .05). Macromolecular deposits were observed both in the SEM and AFM images of the pomegranate, Colgate, and rosehip groups. It can be concluded that the clove extract group is more successful in preventing dentin erosion than the other groups. Green tea is also effective in preventing dentin erosion, similar to clove extract.