Dentin erosion preventive effects of various plant extracts: An in vitro atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and nanoindentation study.

The overall consumption of acidic beverages has become more common, making the prevention and treatment of dental erosion an important consideration. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of various plant extracts in preventing dentin erosion. Seven experimental groups (fluoride-free water, fluoride-containing mouthwash [Colgate Plax], green tea, rosehip, clove, pomegranate, and grape seed) were formed, each consisting of 20 bovine dentin samples. The specimens were exposed daily to demineralization and remineralization cycles three times per day over 5 days through a 5-min plant extract application before each erosive episode. Surface roughness, nanohardness values, and morphological changes on dentin surfaces were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM), nanoindentation, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests (p < .05). There were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of nanohardness values (p < .05), except for the pomegranate and grape seed groups. The highest nanohardness value was observed in the clove group (1.24 ± 0.34 GPa), whereas the lowest nanohardness value was noted in the grape seed group (0.20 ± 0.04 GPa). The nanohardness values of positive and negative control groups after erosion cycles were statistically higher than the initial nanohardness values (p < .05).There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in surface roughness values (p > .05). Macromolecular deposits were observed both in the SEM and AFM images of the pomegranate, Colgate, and rosehip groups. It can be concluded that the clove extract group is more successful in preventing dentin erosion than the other groups. Green tea is also effective in preventing dentin erosion, similar to clove extract. The application of plant extracts may be a new treatment strategy in preventing dentin erosion. Plant extracts may also reduce the severity of existing dentin erosion. Clove and green tea extracts may present novel natural therapy potential by inhibiting dentin erosion.