Effect of betel leaf extract gel on the hardness of enamel

Abstract

The main component of betel leaf (Piper betle Linn.) is tannin, which easily binds with proteins and can affect enamel hardness. Betel leaf extract was applied as a topical gel to the enamel of 18 bovine teeth specimens embedded in acrylic resin (three groups of 15%, 25%, and 35% gel applied for 1, 3, and 6 months). Enamel hardness was measured with a Knoop microindentation tester. Statistical analysis was done by repeated and one-way analysis of variance tests. A significant increase in microhardness was noted after 6 months of 15% betel leaf extract application (P < 0.05). Betel leaf extract gel can significantly affect enamel hardness.