Effect of xylitol chewing gum enriched with propolis on dentin remineralization in vitro

Effect of xylitol chewing gum enriched with propolis on dentin remineralization <em>in vitro</em>:

Publication date: Available online 19 February 2020

Source: Archives of Oral Biology

Author(s): Wafa Gargouri, Rym Kammoun, Mazen Elleuche, Mahdi Tlili, Nabil Kechaou, Sonia Ghoul-Mazgar

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of xylitol chewing gums enriched with propolis, remineralizing softly demineralized dentin in vitro.

Design

Four groups of chewing gum were developed; Group1: xylitol (1.8%), Group2: xylitol + casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) (3%), Group3: xylitol+Hydroxyapatite (3%) and Group4: xylitol + propolis (5%). A control group was designed without chewing gum, but with artificial saliva. Sections of embedded crowns and cleaned roots of thirty bovine incisors were demineralized in carbonated drink. Crown specimens were half-varnished. Remineralization process was run for all the dental specimens in the 4 groups with gum extracts and in the control group with artificial saliva for 20 min at 37 °C three times a day during 7 days. Mineral contents were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX-SEM). Surface morphology and roughness were analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Micro-hardness was measured using Vickers micro-hardness tester among varnished and unvarnished sides.

Results

Calcium/Phosphate mean ratio showed a significant decrease between the control group, group1, group2 and group4. Control group and group3 were not significantly different. Micro-hardness increased significantly for all treated groups. AFM showed obstruction of dentinal tubules in all the groups and roughness decreased in the treated side of the dentin compared to the untreated side for tested groups.

Conclusion

Xylitol chewing gum enriched with propolis showed dentinal tubules occlusion, significant improvement of micro-hardness and slight decrease in roughness. Ca/P ratio analysis suggests that a mineral compound other than hydroxyapatite is responsible of tubules occlusion.