Evaluation of the effectiveness of olive oil on the prevention of dental erosion: An In vitro study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the anti-erosive effect of olive oil against citric acid on bovine teeth and to compare the effectiveness with that of fluoride varnish. Materials and Methods: An observational analytical cross-sectional study among forty recently extracted bovine incisor teeth. From each tooth, a cubic of 4 mm × 4 mm was cut. Five surfaces of the cubic were coated by nail varnish leaving only the enamel window uncovered. The specimen was divided into four groups randomly: Group 1: five teeth (control group) nothing used, Group 2: five teeth immersed in olive oil for 6 h, Group 3: five teeth immersed in olive oil for 48 h, and Group 4: 10 teeth immersed in fluoride varnish 48 h. Then, each specimen was immersed in citric acid (pH: 2.3) for 15 and 30 min. The amount of calcium dissolved was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Different variables were statistically compared by t-test and ANOVA test with the level of significant set at P≤ 0.05. Results: The mean of calcium dissolution among the control group at 15 min was 2.8 mg/dl, while dissolution in 30 min was 6.1 mg/dl. When comparing the effect of exposure time duration of all specimens in citric acid, it was found that calcium dissolution increased in 30 min exposure than in 15 min exposure. Emersion of teeth in olive oil for 6 h was effective in reducing enamel erosion when exposed to citric acid 1% at 15 min, while in 30-min exposure to citric acid was less effective and to a lesser degree than fluoride varnish (sodium fluoride). Conclusion: Bovine teeth immersed in olive oil for 6 h resist the erosive effect of citric acid exposure for 15 min. Olive oil has less effect on the prevention of erosive tooth wear when compared to fluoride varnish.