Biomimetic approach for root caries prevention using a proanthocyanidin-rich agent.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract (GSE) on the in vitro demineralization of root dentine. Root fragments were obtained from sound human teeth. The fragments were randomly assigned to different treatments solutions GSE, fluoride (F), GSE+F and distilled water (control). Samples were treated daily for 30 min and subjected to a pH cycling artificial caries protocol using demineralization cycles (2.2 mM CaCl(2)×H(2)O, 2.2 mM KH(2)PO(4), 50 mM acetic acid, pH 4.3) for 6 h and remineralization cycles (20 mM HEPES, 2.25 mM CaCl(2)×H(2)O, 1.35 mM KH(2)PO(4), 130 mM KCl, pH 7.0) for 17.5 h. Mineral loss (ΔZ) and lesion depth (LD) were determined after 18 days of treatment/pH cycling, by transverse microradiography. GSE was able to minimize ΔZ and LD compared with the control group (p < 0.0001). The GSE+F and F groups showed the lowest values of ΔZ and LD (p < 0.05), with no statistically significant differences between them (p = 0.554 and p = 0.726, respectively). A biomimetic approach to strengthen root dentine using GSE results in decreased rates of root demineralization and may be used in conjunction with F to prevent root caries.