Effect of Galla chinensis on the in vitro remineralization of advanced enamel lesions.
OBJECTIVE
The effect of Galla chinensis on de-/re-mineralization of advanced enamel lesions was investigated by using micro-CT in a prolonged in vitro experiment.


METHODS
Baseline mineral contents of sound enamels were first analyzed. Then lesions were produced in an acidic buffer solution (2.2 m mol x L(-1) Ca(NO3)2, 2.2 mmol x L(-1) KH2PO4, and pH = 4.5) for 21 days, with thrice daily three-minute treatments, divided into four groups: Group A, 4 000 ppm crude aqueous extract of Galla chinensis (GCE); Group B, 4000 ppm gallic acid; Group C, 1000 ppm F aq. (as NaF, positive control); Group D, deionized water (negative control). Next, the blocks were immersed in a remineralization solution (1.5 mmol x L(-1) CaCl2, 0.9 mmol x L(-1) KH2PO4, 0.1 ppm F, and pH = 7.0) for 200 days. Mineral loss (ML) in each region of interest (ROI) and integrated mineral loss (IML) of the lesions were calculated (comparing with baseline mineral content of sound enamel) at different time points.


RESULTS
After 21 days demineralization, fluoride treatment showed a statistically significant demineralization-inhibiting effect among the four groups, and after 200 days of remineralization, mineral content recovery was ordered (lowest to highest) as A = C < B < D.


CONCLUSIONS
GCE could slow down the remineralization of enamel in the surface layer and thereby facilitate ion transport into the lesion body. The mechanism of Galla chinensis in enhancing the remineralization of dental caries is different from fluoride.
Cheng
Lei
L
Department of Cariology, Endodontology, Pedodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
ten Cate
Jacob M
JM
D000818:Animals; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002417:Cattle; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005707:Gallic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008422:Materials Testing; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods*; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D008903:Minerals; D010936:Plant Extracts; D005707:Gallic Acid; D012969:Sodium Fluoride