Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Salvadora persica “Miswak” on the Acid Eroded Enamel Surface at Nano-Mechanical Scale

Abstract

Understanding the effects of enamel loss and surface softening caused by acidic soft drinks consumption would help in the clinical treatment of tooth wear and aid in the development of novel dental restorative materials. Hence, this investigation was carried out to examine the effects of “Miswak” on the acid eroded enamel surface at nano-mechanical scale. The first use of a stylus-based inductive gauge is introduced as means of measurement of acid attack on enamel surfaces and the effectiveness of aqueous extracts of Salvadora persica as dissolution inhibitors for acid eroded enamel surfaces. For pre-molar protective, after being exposed to aqueous extracts of Salvadora persica solution, the performance of the enamel surface was improved by Ra ≈ 0.82 µm. Whereas, the surface was damaged after immersing in citric acid solution by Ra ≈ 0.63 µm. For pre-molar restoring, the enamel surface was degraded by Ra ≈ 0.34 µm when exposed to citric acid solution. While, the surface roughness was improved by Ra ≈ 0.95 µm when aqueous extracts of Salvadora persica solution was introduced. So, this study concludes that the aqueous extracts of Salvadora persica treatment work effectively on the eroded enamel surface.