Evaluation of the Demineralization Potential of Medicinal Plant Infusions (Baccharis trimera, Moringa oleifera, and Hibiscus sabdariffa) on Bovine Teeth Using ICP OES

The consumption of medicinal plant infusions has increased worldwide due to their perceived health benefits; however, their effects on dental enamel integrity remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated dental enamel demineralization induced by infusions of Baccharis trimera, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Moringa oleifera using an in vitro erosive challenge. Bovine teeth were incubated in the infusions for 0, 1, 5, and 60 min, with ultrapure water used as a control. pH was monitored throughout the experiment, and the concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Mn, and Zn released into the solutions were quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). In addition, Ca/P and Ca/Mg molar ratios were calculated to assess hydroxyapatite stability. H. sabdariffa and M. oleifera exhibited consistently acidic pH values (3.0–3.8), with significant time-dependent increases in Ca and P release during the 60-min incubation period (p < 0.001), accompanied by marked deviations from the ideal Ca/P ratio (1.67), indicating unfavorable conditions for enamel remineralization. In contrast, B. trimera maintained pH values closer to the critical threshold for enamel dissolution (5.4–5.7), resulting in smaller mineral changes over time. Despite the high mineral content of the infusions, acidic pH prevailed over their remineralization potential. These findings demonstrate that medicinal plant infusions may contribute to enamel demineralization depending on their acidity and exposure time, highlighting the importance of evaluating their erosive potential.