Effect of water clove extract on the microhardness and microscopic features of initial caries-like lesion of permanent teeth, compared to fluoridated agent

Abstract EN

Background : Clove 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 water extract of clove on the micro hardness of artificially initiated carious lesion of the outer enamel surface compared with sodium fluoride and de-ionized water.

Materials and Methods : Thirty-one 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 enamel surface, the teeth were immersed, for four minutes of selected agents which were water clove extract (1 %, 5 % and 10 %), 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 : water clove extract and sodium fluoride were successful in elevation of the micro hardness values of demineralized enamel surface, this was statistically highly significant for clove extract at (1 %, 5 % and 10 %), and sodium fluoride 0.05 %, while the microscopic examination of enamel ground section under light microscope revealed that zone of remineralization in enamel was seen after treatment with all concentrations (1 %, 5 % and10 %) of water clove extract, and sodium fluoride, but it revealed more with 0.05 % sodium fluoride and 5 % clove extract concentration.

Conclusions : The three concentrations of water clove extract were effective in remineralization of the outer enamel surface; which was reflected by increase in enamel micro hardness values.