Effect of Nano-hydroxyapatite Crystal Incorporated Herbal Dentifrice on Remineralization of Incipient Caries Lesion- A Pilot Study
Shivashankar Kengadaran
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Pondicherry, India.
Sri Sakthi *
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
Divvi Anusha
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences, Pondicherry, India.
I. Meignana Arumugham
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
R. Pradeep Kumar
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Fluoridated dentifrices are considered as an effective method for preventing dental caries. Nano-hydroxyapatite crystals which have remineralizing potential can be combined with herbs with antimicrobial activity and used as a dentifrice without any risks like cytotoxicity and adverse effects. Nano-hydroxyapatite crystals are formulated by wet chemical precipitation method and tested using X-ray diffractometer. An herbal dentifrice is formulated from extract of Salvadora persica to which Nano-hydroxyapatite crystals are added. A 3x3mm wide window has been created in 14 extracted first premolars which are then processed through a pH cycling for 7 days. The depth of the lesion is assessed using a confocal microscope. The difference in mean depth of the lesion between test dentifrice (Herbal dentifrice with Hydroxyapatite) (240.33.± 23.47) and fluoride dentifrice (272.75±29.38) was found to be statistically significant. Herbal dentifrice with Hydroxyapatite group mean depth of the lesion was 763.13+66.18 before and 240.33+23.48 after the remineralization cycle. In the Fluoride dentifrice group the mean depth of the lesion is 763.14±66.18 before and 272.55+29.38 after the pH cycle. Herbal dentifrice incorporated with hydroxyapatite had higher remineralizing potential compared to a fluoride dentifrice.
Keywords: Dental caries, fluorides, herbal medicine, hydroxyapatites, in vitro techniques, primary prevention, toothpastes