Impact of Antioxidants in Preventing Dental Caries and Erosion

Dental erosion and caries are common oral health problems with serious consequences. Due to the increased intake of acidic foods and beverages, dental erosion is becoming more widely acknowledged as a serious oral health concern. Objectives: To assess the anti-oxidant (green tea extract, vitamin C, and vitamin E) efficaciousness in reducing dental caries and erosion. To look for changes in the scores for the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled teeth) and BEWE (Basic Erosive Wear Examination). Methods: A quasi-experimental study with groups (using green tea extract, vitamin C, and vitamin E, respectively) were formed from the 120 participants. BEWE, DMFT, and baseline demographics were noted. Salivary samples were examined for oxidative stress markers and antioxidant levels, and patients receiving certain treatments were assessed for changes in scores. A paired t-test was used to assess significance statistically. Results: All therapy groups showed significant declines in BEWE. DMFT scores slightly increased in all therapy groups as compared to the control group. The DMFT for Group A (vitamin C) increased from 4.2 ± 1.3 to 4.3 ± 1.1, Group B from 4.0 ± 1.4 to 4.0 ± 1.2, and Group C from 4.1 ± 1.2 to 4.2 ± 1.0, all with p-values of <0.001. The treatment groups saw almost similar BEWE scores as compared to the control group. Conclusion: It was concluded that antioxidants are helpful in the prevention of dental caries and erosion.