The preventive impact of theobromine on enamel microhardness in comparison with sodium fluoride solution: A comparative in-vitro study
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Abstract
Background: In the realm of preventive dentistry, fluoride-based remineralization techniques have long been the prevailing approach. However, the field is currently experiencing a revolutionary shift as innovative technological advancements offer effective means to facilitate the remineralization of dental surfaces. This study aimed to investigate the effect of theobromine application compared to sodium fluoride and artificial saliva on the microhardness of human tooth enamel. Methods: A sample of 34 extracted sound maxillary first premolars were selected for the research; one of these teeth was used for scanning electron microscope investigation, while the remaining 33 teeth were assigned randomly to three groups: (1) the theobromine group (2) the sodium fluoride group and (3) the artificial saliva group (negative control). Treatment solutions were applied during a 28-day pH cycle followed by subjecting the samples to demineralizing solution to form artificial white spot lesions. The enamel structure of the study sample was evaluated quantitatively using Vickers's microhardness test (Jinan Kason Testing Equipment Co., China) conducted with a diamond indenter that applied a 300 g load for 15 seconds. Three indentations were made on the buccal surfaces with a distance of 500 μm and qualitatively by scanning electron microscope (representative samples not included in statistical analysis). Data analyses were performed by Levene test and General Linear Model Repeated Measure Factorial ANOVA with Tukey HSD, the accepted level of significance was 0.05. Results: The present study result showed that teeth treated with theobromine had a higher mean of surface microhardness in the treatment and the demineralization stages than that of the teeth treated with sodium fluoride, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusions: Theobromine could preserve enamel microhardness more than sodium fluoride after the acid challenge.
Received date: 21-12-2025
Accepted date: 20-02-2026
Published date: 15-09-2026
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