Anti-caries potential of Matricaria chamomilla L. extract combined or not with fluoride on bovine teeth under microcosm biofilm model.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and anticariogenic effect of a hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria chamomilla L., associated or not with fluoride, under a microcosm biofilm model.

METHODS

Bovine enamel were divided into five groups (n = 12): (1) Fluoride, (2) M. chamomilla extract, (3) M. chamomilla + fluoride, (4) Periogard, and (5) PBS. Biofilm was produced using human saliva/ McBain artificial saliva, for 5 days, applying the treatments 1x/60 s, from the 2nd to the 5th day. CFU analyses for Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. and TMR to quantify demineralization were performed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

M. chamomilla + fluoride significantly reduced Lactobacillus spp. and S. mutans (Periogard either) load compared to the other groups (p < 0.0001, p = 0.03, respectively). Fluoride reduced the integrated (p = 0.002) and the mean (p = 0.0001) mineral loss compared to the M. chamomilla and PBS groups. M. chamomilla + fluoride (median 24.8, I.I 2.5 % vol) significantly reduced the mean mineral loss compared to PBS (median 42.2, I.I 9.8 % vol). None of the treatments reduced lesion depth (p > 0.05). The superficial layer was observed only in the groups treated with fluoride, M. chamomilla + fluoride, and Periogard, with the thickest layer found in M. chamomilla + fluoride group (p = 0.0166).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of M. chamomilla with fluoride reduced cariogenic microorganisms and protected the enamel against demineralization, suggesting its potential as a complementary strategy in caries prevention.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The association of Matricaria chamomilla with fluoride may be more effective than fluoride alone, generating a synergistic effect that could be applicable in clinical practice to control dental caries lesions.