Effect of soaking strawberry fruit extract (Fragaria x ananassa) on the surface hardness of tooth enamel

Background The use of chemical-based tooth whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide has been reported to decrease enamel hardness. Therefore, natural-based alternatives that are safer and more biocompatible are needed. One such alternative is strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa), which contains ellagic acid and malic acid that are believed to have natural whitening effects. However, the effect of strawberry extract on enamel surface hardness remains underexplored. Objective: This study aims to examine the effect of soaking bovine incisors in strawberry extract at concentrations of 50%, 75%, and 100% on enamel surface hardness. Research Method: This study employed a post-test only control group design using a laboratory experimental approach. Twenty-four bovine mandibular incisors were randomly divided into four groups: 50%, 75%, and 100% strawberry extract, and a negative control group (aquadest). The specimens were soaked for 14 days, 8 hours per day. Enamel surface hardness was measured using the Micro Vickers Hardness Tester (MVHT) and expressed in Vickers Hardness Number (VHN). Results: The LSD test indicated that the 100% extract group had a significant difference compared to all other groups (p<0.05), while the 50% and 75% groups did not significantly differ from the control. Conclusion: Soaking in Strawberry extract has an effect on enamel surface hardness. Higher concentrations of Strawberry extract are associated with a greater potential for enamel demineralization.