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Evaluation of the remineralizing potential of Nigella sativa, sodium fluoride and caesin phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate on enamel: An In vitro study

Background: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that results from an imbalance between pathological and protective factors. The imbalance produced will favor demineralization of enamel. If detected early, noncavitated lesions can be reverted with the help of remineralizing agents. Aim: To compare remineralizing potential of novel agent-Nigella sativa with conventional remineralizing agents. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was done to compare remineralizing potential of N. sativa with conventional remineralizing agents. Sixty-four human premolars were covered with nail varnish except for 4 mm × 4 mm exposed window on the facial aspect, which was treated with 37% phosphoric acid for 30 s. Samples are then randomly divided into four groups (n = 16): Group I – N. sativa, Group II – 5% sodium fluoride, Group III – Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, and Group IV – Control. The samples in each group were treated with the remineralizing agent, after which they were rinsed with deionised water, dried, and stored in artificial saliva. The same procedure is repeated for the span of 14 days. Depth of demineralization and remineralization were analyzed using the confocal laser scanning microscopy. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package SPSS 22.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) and level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to analyze the depth of demineralization and remineralization among groups followed by post-hoc Mann–Whitney test to compare demineralization and remineralization between the groups. Results: Group I specimens showed greater depth of remineralization (1558.83) compared to other groups, which is statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Herbal product like N. sativa can be considered as a promising remineralizing agent in treating noncavitated demineralized carious lesions.