Anti-caries potential of Matricaria chamomilla L. extract combined or not with fluoride on bovine teeth under microcosm biofilm model.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and anticariogenic effect of a hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria chamomilla L., associated or not with fluoride, under a microcosm biofilm model.

Methods: Bovine enamel were divided into five groups (n = 12): (1) Fluoride, (2) M. chamomilla extract, (3) M. chamomilla + fluoride, (4) Periogard, and (5) PBS. Biofilm was produced using human saliva/ McBain artificial saliva, for 5 days, applying the treatments 1x/60 s, from the 2 to the 5 day. CFU analyses for Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. and TMR to quantify demineralization were performed. Data were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn (p < 0.05).

Results: M. chamomilla + fluoride significantly reduced Lactobacillus spp. and S. mutans (Periogard either) load compared to the other groups (p < 0.0001, p = 0.03, respectively). Fluoride reduced the integrated (p = 0.002) and the mean (p = 0.0001) mineral loss compared to the M. chamomilla and PBS groups. M. chamomilla + fluoride (median 24.8, I.I 2.5 % vol) significantly reduced the mean mineral loss compared to PBS (median 42.2, I.I 9.8 % vol). None of the treatments reduced lesion depth (p > 0.05). The superficial layer was observed only in the groups treated with fluoride, M. chamomilla + fluoride, and Periogard, with the thickest layer found in M. chamomilla + fluoride group (p = 0.0166).

Conclusions: The association of M. chamomilla with fluoride reduced cariogenic microorganisms and protected the enamel against demineralization, suggesting its potential as a complementary strategy in caries prevention.

Clinical Significance: The association of Matricaria chamomilla with fluoride may be more effective than fluoride alone, generating a synergistic effect that could be applicable in clinical practice to control dental caries lesions.