Comparison of the Efficiency of the Carie-Care and Bromelain Gel, as Chemomechanical Caries Removal Techniques in Primary Teeth: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND

Chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) using agents like Carie-Care and bromelain gel offers a minimally invasive alternative to rotary instruments. These natural enzyme-based formulations selectively soften carious dentin, preserving healthy tooth structure and promoting a comfortable treatment experience.

AIM: To compare the efficiency of Carie-Care gel and bromelain gel based on the time required and effectiveness in caries removal, as well as their impact on children's pain perception and behavior.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out. Thirty children in the age-group of 5-8 years, with open carious lesions in primary mandibular molar teeth, were recruited for the study and randomly allocated to the two groups of caries removal (group I: Carie-Care gel and group II: bromelain gel). Glass ionomer cement was used for restoration of the teeth, and the two materials were compared based on the time required and effectiveness in caries removal, as well as their impact on children's pain perception and behavior. Version 23.0 of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to conduct the statistical analysis after the data were entered into a spreadsheet.

RESULTS

Using the Chi-squared test, the intergroup comparison of the time taken for caries removal in the two groups was statistically significant, while there were no statistically significant differences for the other comparison groups.

CONCLUSION

Carie-Care and bromelain gel offer a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method for caries removal, preserving healthy dentin and improving patient comfort.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Bromelain and Carie-Care gels offer safe, minimally invasive, and behaviorally acceptable alternatives to conventional caries removal in children, with bromelain demonstrating superior time efficiency.

REGISTRATION: The ethical approval reference number is RUHS-CDS/ECI2025/PG-SS/03.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Aggarwal N, Rathore AS, Mathur R, et al. Comparison of the Efficiency of the Carie-Care and Bromelain Gel, as Chemomechanical Caries Removal Techniques in Primary Teeth: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(8):999-1005.