The comparison of enamel hardness between fluoride and theobromine application

Background: The application of fluoride as preventing caries still raises the pros and contras among scientists. Theobromine that is contained in cocoa is potentially element to preventing caries. Therefore, no data about differences hardness in the enamel surface using standard fluoride application and theobromine. Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the differences hardness between fluoride and theobromine application on enamel surfaces. Materials and Methods: This study compares values before and after intervention in enamel was conducted in June 2013 at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering University of Syiah Kuala. Specimens were 42 premolars collected from extracted tooth for orthodontic treatment in Banda Aceh. Specimens divided into two groups: Theobromine 2% and fluoride 2%. The hardness measurements calculated by Shimadzu HMV2 Hardness Tester. Data analyzed by paired sample t-test Microsoft Excel Analyse-it version 3.20. Result: The hardness number in Fluorosis-before and after was 321.33 Vickers hardness number (VHN) versus 355.48 VHN. The hardness number in theobromin before and after was 319.99 VHN versus 341.14 VHN. The comparison test showed significant level (P < 0.05). Conclusion: application of fluoride and theobromine are equally able to increase the hardness of the enamel surface. Furthermore, the hardness of the enamel surface by fluor application is higher than the theobromine