Evaluation of remineralization potential of chia seed and flaxseed pastes in comparison with fluoride varnish on enamel white spot lesions

Introduction
Enamel white spot lesions indicate a mineral loss that can be easily remineralized, especially intact enamel surface. Natural extracts derived from plants represent promising alternatives to chemical agents for enamel remineralization.

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the potential of remineralization of chia seed and flaxseed pastes in comparison with fluoride varnish on enamel white spot lesions (WSLs).

Material and methods
Fifty-two human enamel blocks were prepared and randomly divided into four groups (n = 13 each group) according to the type of remineralizing agent used: distilled water (DW: negative control), Clinpro™ white varnish (WV, fluoride varnish: positive control), and chia seed (CS) group and flaxseed (FS) group (specimens were remineralized with chia seed and flaxseed pastes, respectively). Artificial enamel WSLs were created by immersing the specimens in a demineralizing solution. Remineralizing agents were then applied for each group, except for negative control group. Assessment of surface topography was employed to determine calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) ion weights using ESEM/EDX, and microhardness was evaluated at baseline, after demineralization, and after remineralization. Data were collected and statistically analyzed.

Results
After remineralization, the CS group showed the highest calcium weights values, followed by the FS and DW groups. Regarding P weights results and microhardness after remineralization, the CS, FS, and DW groups presented higher values compared with fluoride varnish.

Conclusions
Chia seed and flaxseed pastes are beneficial in remineralization of enamel WSLs. Both extract pastes improve the Ca and P content and microhardness of the enamel than fluoride varnish.