Effect of ultrasonic cinnamon extract on the microhardness and microscopic features of artificial root caries, compared to fluoridated agent

Abstract EN

Background : cinnamon has a long traditional in use as a popular mouthwash, breath freshener and food flavoring, in addition to its medical benefits.

The purpose of this study was to test the effect of ultrasonic extract of cinnamon on the micro hardness before and after artificially initiated carious lesion of the outer dentin-root surface compared with sodium fluoride and de-ionized water.

Materials and Methods : Thirty teeth of upper first premolars extracted from 11-14 year old patients, referred from Orthodontic Department, College of Dentistry, Baghdad University.

They were randomly divided to four study groups and one control group.

After production of initial carious like lesion of outer dentin surface, the teeth were immersed, for four minutes of selected agents which were ultrasonic cinnamon extract (0.5 %, 1 % and 5 %), sodium fluoride 0.05 % and de-ionized water.

Then each tooth was rinsed and storage with de-ionized water.

This procedure was repeated daily for one week.

Teeth were subjected to Vicker’s micro hardness and microscopic examination before and after the pH cycle and following the treatment with the selected solutions.

Results : ultrasonic cinnamon extract and sodium fluoride were successful in elevation of the micro hardness values of demineralized dentin surface, this was statistically highly significant for cinnamon extract at (0.5 % and 1 %), and sodium fluoride 0.05%, but significant with 5 % cinnamon extract concentration, while the microscopic examination of dentin-root ground section under light microscope revealed that zone of remineralization in dentin was seen after treatment with all concentrations (0.5 %, 1 % and 5 %) of ultrasonic cinnamon extract, and sodium fluoride, but it revealed more with 0.5 % cinnamon extract concentration.

Conclusions : the three concentrations of ultrasonic cinnamon extract were effective in remineralization of the outer dentin-root surface ; which was reflected by increase in dentin micro hardness values.