[In vitro remineralization effect of grape seed extract on artificial dentin caries].

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of grape seed extract (GSE) on remineralization of artificial dentin caries.

Methods: Sixty human dentine fragments were stored in a demineralization solution for 24 h at 37 degrees centigrade to induce artificial dentin caries lesions. The fragments were then randomly divided into 4 groups: 10% GSE, 1 mg/L NaF, 10% GSE+1 mg/L NaF and distilled water (DDW, as control). The demineralized samples were pH-cycled for 8 days and surface dentine microhardness was assessed before and after pH-cycling regimen. The percentage surface microhardness recovery (SMHR) was calculated. The samples were subsequently analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXS). The date was analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher's tests by SPSS17.0 software package.

Results: The percentage surface microhardness recovery (SMHR) was obtained for GSE, NaF, GSE+NaF and DDW group(40.87 ± 9.92,44.60 ± 12.48, 48.54 ± 9.27 and 15.98 ± 8.33, respectively). The treatment groups significantly increased the microhardness of the lesions (P<0.05) compared to DDW group, with no statistically significant difference among the treatment groups(P>0.05). Scanning electron microscopy of the treatment groups revealed greater mineral deposition on dentinal tubules, and DDW group formed honeycomb structure. Furthermore, from EDXS data, the treatment groups had higher percentage of Ca and P than the control.

Conclusions: GSE positively affects the remineralization processes of artificial dentinal caries lesions, which may be a promising natural agent for remineralization therapy instead of fluoride.