Remineralization Potential of Moringa Oleifera on Initial Enamel Lesions

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate in vitro effect of experimental herbal toothpaste containing Moringa Oleifera on remineralization of initial caries lesions. Materials and Methods: 84 enamel samples from extracted human molar teeth were prepared. Initial microhardness, DIAGNOdent Pen (Kavo), FluoreCam (Daraza), and ultrasound (Novascope 4500, Harisonic, Staveley NDT) measurements were recorded. Samples were immersed in demineralization solution (pH=4.7, 37°C, 72 hours) and randomly divided into 7 groups (n=12). Experimental toothpaste containing Moringa Oleifera extract (M), Moringa Oleifera extract and fluor (MF), hemp extract (H), a conventional toothpaste (S) containing Novamin (Sensodyne, Repair and Protect) and herbal oils (Moringa Oleifera oil (MO) and hemp oil (HO) ) were applied on tooth surfaces using an electric toothbrush (Oral B, Cross Action toothbrush replacement head, Procter&Gamble) for 1 minute 3 times a day for 1 week in an in vitro pH-cycling model. One group was set as control. Measurements were repeated after demineralization and remineralization stages. Data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis H, and Friedman tests (p<0.05). Results: According to FluoreCam data, lesion size decreased most in S (-1.85) following MF (-1.32) and increased most in HO (0.62), meanwhile MO (9.4), H (8.79) and MF (8.54) demonstrated more mineral intake (p<0.001). The lowest microhardness values were obtained from herbal oils (HO (238.58±10.01), MO (246.92±10.66) ) (p<0.001). Herbal toothpastes showed similar results to conventional one (290.5±9.63). The highest mean microhardness value was recorded in MF (291.58±9.46). Regarding Diagnodent Pen scores, H (6.17±1.27) and S (6.25±1.06) showed more lesion regression, while HO showed less (11.42±2.61) (p<0.001). According to ultrasound evaluation, S (1.48±0.29) showed best remineralization. Herbal toothpastes showed similar results ( (1.38-1.4) ±0.1). MO and HO results were insufficient ( (1.33-1.31) ±0.08) (p=0.034). Conclusion: Experimental herbal toothpastes showed similar results to conventional one. The application of herbal oils was not effective. A combination of Moringa Oleifera with fluor showed superior results among herbal toothpastes.