Grape seed extract as a potential remineralizing agent: a comparative in vitro study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Remineralization is an effective treatment that may stop or reverse early tooth decay. Grape seed extract (GSE) is the potential remineralizing agent under investigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sound human tooth sections were obtained from the cervical portion of the root and stored in demineralizing solution at 37°C for 96 hours to induce artificial root caries lesions. The sections were divided into four treatment groups including 6.5% grape seed extract, sodium monofluorophosphate (220 ppm) with 0.05% calcium glycerophosphate, 0.5% calcium glycerophosphate and control (no treatment). An in vitro pH cycling model was used to cycle the demineralized specimens through treatment solutions, acidic buffer and neutral buffer for 8 days at 6 cycles per day. Subsequently, they were evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscope. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (p < 0.05). RESULTS: GSE revealed less demineralization and more remineralization compared with other groups. CONCLUSION: GSE promotes remineralization of artificial root caries lesions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The search for the perfect remineralizing agent continues to this day. GSE could be a welcome addition to the remineralization armamentarium.