Effectiveness of Etawa goat milk casein paste on increasing permanent tooth enamel hardness

Abstract

Demineralization is the process of mineral solubility that affects the hardness of tooth enamel. Etawa goat milk casein contains bioactive peptides that can enhance the hardness of tooth enamel through remineralization, which is the restoration of dissolved minerals. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of etawa goat milk casein paste on increasing permanent tooth enamel hardness. The method employed in this research involved applying etawa goat milk casein paste with concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30% respectively to the buccal surface of the first permanent upper premolar teeth that had been demineralized. Subsequently, the teeth were immersed in artificial saliva and placed in an incubator at 37°C for a 24-hour interval. The treatment was conducted over a period of 14 days. Pretest and post-test enamel hardness measurements were performed using a digital Microhardness Vickers Test. There was an increase in the hardness value of permanent tooth enamel following the application of etawa goat milk casein paste. One Way ANOVA and Pearson correlation tests indicated significant results. Etawa goat milk casein paste is effective in increasing permanent tooth enamel hardness.