Remineralization Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Artificial Dentin Caries

Objectives: This study comparatively evaluated the remineralizing effects of grape seed extract (GSE) and fluoride used in the biomimetic remineralization of demineralized dentin in vitro.
Methods: This study was conducted using 52 sound human third molars without visible evidence of cracks. Each tooth was placed in a 15-ml container with 10 ml demineralization solution. Teeth were stored for 20 days, with the demineralization solution replaced daily. After demineralization, samples were randomly distributed into 4 groups, as: DM (demineralization group, negative control); RM-C (remineralization group, positive control); RM-F (Flouride remineralization group); RM-GSE (GSE remineralization group). Prior to remineralization, samples from the RM-F and RM-GSE groups were placed in GSE and Fluoride solutions for 10 minutes. All remineralization groups were then individually placed in containers with a single Portland cement disc and simulated body fluid and stored for 6 weeks. The initial surface microhardness was measured in the center of each specimen. Microhardness of specimens was evaluated by a Vickers hardness tester. Each sample was measured 3 times, and the average measurement was recorded as the microhardness value (VHN). Kruskall-Wallis H test was used for the statistical analysis.
Results: Mean VHN varied significantly among the groups (p<0.05), with the VHN of the DM control group significantly lower than that of all the RM groups, and the VHN of the RM-GSE group significantly higher than that of all other groups (p<0,05).
Conclusions: GSE was found to be a natural and effective method for dentin remineralization that was found to be more successful than fluoride application within the limits of this in vitro study, although whether this effectiveness is due to the actual seed extract or to some other substance contained in the GSE capsule used in the study is unclear.