Effect of Nano-hydroxyapatite Crystal Incorporated Herbal Dentifrice on Remineralization of Incipient Caries Lesion- A Pilot Study

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.

Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHAp) in the Remineralization of Early Dental Caries: A Scoping Review

“…There is a need to standardize the procedure and to provide additional information about the use of nHAp dentifrices. Recent research has reported conflicting findings when nHAp was combined with strontium (Rajendran et al, 2020), Salvadora persica [37], ozone therapy [16], photobiomodulation [41], and dental lotions [35]. Further research is needed to determine the effects of nHAp on periodontal tissues and fibroblastic growth.…”