Effect of natural gel product on bovine dentin erosion in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of Neem (Azadirachta indica) experimental gel for the prevention of erosive wear on bovine dentin, in vitro.


METHODS
One hundred dentin blocks were allocated into 5 experimental groups (20 samples each): C (control group, without gel); CG (control group, only base gel); F (fluoride gel, 1.23% NaF; pH 4.1, Dentsply; Brazil); N (Neem gel, 10% neem extract; pH 4.1, manipulation); NF (Neem+fluoride gel, 10% Neem extract and 1.23% NaF; pH 4.1, manipulation). The blocks were stored in artificial saliva for 24 hours. After this, they were submitted to six alternating re- and demineralization cycles. The blocks were analyzed for wear (profilometry). The results were submitted to statistical analysis by ANOVA and Tukey tests (P<0.05).


RESULTS
The mean wear (±SD, µm) was shown as follows in groups: C (13.09±0.99), CG (10.60±1.99), F (10.90±1.44), N (12.68±1.13) and NF (10.84±1.65). All gels showed some preventive action when compared with control group. However, significant differences were found only between Neem+fluoride gel and fluoride gel.


CONCLUSIONS
A single application of a neem-containing fluoride gel reduced dentin erosion, thus it is a possible alternative in reducing dental wear. Further research should investigate the action mechanism and the synergism between them.
University of São Paulo, Bauru School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Community Health, BauruSP, Brazil.
André de Carvalho
Ade C
Sales-Peres
University of São Paulo, Bauru School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Community Health, BauruSP, Brazil.
Juliane Avansini
JA
Marsicano
University of São Paulo, Bauru School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Community Health, BauruSP, Brazil.
Rudan Paraíso
RP
Garcia
Federal University of São Carlos, Laboratory of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, São CarlosSP, Brazil.
Moacir Rossi
MR
Forim
Federal University of São Carlos, Laboratory of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, São CarlosSP, Brazil.
Maria Fatima das Graças Fernandes da
MF
Silva
University of São Paulo, Bauru School of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Community Health, BauruSP, Brazil.
Sílvia Helena de Carvalho
SH
Sales-Peres
D000818:Animals; D031601:Azadirachta / Q000737:chemistry*; D002417:Cattle; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects*; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005782:Gels; D006244:Hardness; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012464:Saliva, Artificial / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D013997:Time Factors; D017001:Tooth Demineralization; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014089:Tooth Remineralization
D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D005782:Gels; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012464:Saliva, Artificial