Effect Of Gambir Toothpaste on Tooth Remineralization

Abstract

Enamel is the outermost and hardest tissue of the tooth crown, composed of approximately 96% inorganic and 4% organic material. A reduction in the mineral content leads to demineralization, a process that can be reversed through remineralization, which can be enhanced by using toothpaste formulated with natural ingredients, such as gambir. This study aims to determine the effect of gambir toothpaste on tooth remineralization. Ten premolar crowns were divided into two groups: Group A (gambir toothpaste) and Group B (control). Initial hardness was measured using a Vickers Hardness Tester. Each sample was treated for 30 minutes daily for 14 days, then soaked in artificial saliva and incubated at 37ºC. Hardness was measured again after remineralization using the same method. Statistical analysis was performed using the Paired t-test and the independent t-test. Results showed a significant increase in enamel hardness within each group; however, the independent t-test indicated no significant difference between the two groups. Gambir toothpaste did not demonstrate a significantly different remineralization effect compared to the placebo.