Comparative Evaluation of the Remineralizing Potential of Flaxseed Paste, Chicken Eggshell Paste, and Fluoride Toothpaste on the Enamel of Primary Teeth Using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis: An In-Vitro Study.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries in primary teeth remains a critical public health challenge globally. Although fluoride toothpaste is the standard care for remineralization, its efficacy is limited by the requirement for bioavailable calcium and phosphate ions and its diminished performance on irregular dental surfaces. This study evaluates natural alternatives for dental care, focusing on their mineralizing potential compared to fluoride. AIM: This study aims to assess and compare the efficacy of remineralization by flaxseed paste and chicken eggshell paste to that of standard fluoride toothpaste on artificially demineralized primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We utilized an in vitro model, creating standardized white spot lesions on extracted primary teeth to simulate early carious lesions. The teeth were treated with preparations of flaxseed paste, chicken eggshell paste, and fluoride toothpaste. Remineralization was quantitatively analyzed using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) conducted with a high-resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM) from Thermoscientific Apreo S at Sir C V Raman Research Park, SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis revealed that both flaxseed and chicken eggshell pastes not only met but, in some cases, exceeded the remineralization performance of fluoride toothpaste. Significant differences were observed in the deposition of calcium and phosphate ions on the lesion surfaces. CONCLUSION: The study conducted at the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry at SRM Dental College, Kattankulathur, confirms the potential of flaxseed and chicken eggshell pastes as viable, cost-effective, and accessible alternatives to fluoride toothpaste for the remineralization of enamel in primary teeth. These findings support the inclusion of these natural agents in oral hygiene regimens and underscore the importance of further research into holistic approaches for the prevention and treatment of dental caries in children.