Evaluation of Broccoli Extract for Enhancing Primary Tooth Enamel Microhardness: An In Vitro Study

Background and Aims

Dental caries remains highly prevalent among children. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of aqueous broccoli extract in enhancing the microhardness of demineralized primary tooth enamel compared to a standard fluoride treatment.

Methods

An in vitro study was conducted using 30 extracted primary second molars, which were sectioned and polished. Baseline enamel microhardness was assessed using a Vickers hardness tester. Demineralization was induced using a cola drink (pH 4.5) for 8 min. The broccoli extract was prepared by air-drying fresh florets, stems, and leaves at room temperature, followed by aqueous extraction with distilled water and filtration. The samples were randomly assigned to receive a 10-min treatment with either aqueous broccoli extract (Group B) or 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel (Group F). Microhardness was measured posttreatment, and percentage changes between time points were compared using statistical analysis.

Results

After demineralization, broccoli extract, and fluoride gel significantly improved enamel microhardness. The broccoli extract group exhibited a greater recovery in microhardness (+44.95% vs. +20.78%, p = 0.008) compared to the fluoride gel group. However, the overall reduction in microhardness from baseline to final measurement showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.077).

Conclusion

Aqueous broccoli extract demonstrated comparable overall efficacy to fluoride gel in enhancing demineralized primary tooth enamel microhardness despite showing different patterns of demineralization and recovery. These findings suggest that broccoli extract may be a natural and effective alternative for enhancing enamel remineralization in pediatric caries prevention, warranting further clinical investigation.