Effect of Liquorice Candies on Remineralization of Initial Enamel Carious Lesion

BACKGROUND: Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra), known as liquorice root is one such herbal remedy that has been shown to have immense potential in the treatment of orofacial diseases. AIM: To evaluate the remineralizing potential of liquorice extract on initial enamel carious lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro and in vivo study was conducted, wherein the sound-extracted human premolars were sectioned longitudinally and into enamel blocks of size 4 × 4 mm. Enamel blocks were demineralized to produce artificial carious lesions. In vitro study, the demineralized enamel block was exposed to artificial saliva for 5 minutes and artificial saliva containing liquorice for 4 minutes 14 times in a sequential manner. An in vivo study was carried out on six volunteers aged between 6 and 12 years. The demineralized enamel block was inserted into the 5 × 5 mm window created on the full palatal coverage appliance. Patients were given commercially available liquorice candies (Ricola) to consume for 7 days twice daily. The remineralization potential of liquorice on demineralized enamel block was assessed using confocal microscopy analysis. RESULTS: Liquorice extract containing candies showed visual remineralization of the demineralized area on the enamel surface through confocal images. CONCLUSION: Liquorice extract possesses remineralizing potential with its other medicinal properties. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Pooja HR, Nagar P, Mascarenhas AN, et al. Effect of Liquorice Candies on Remineralization of Initial Enamel Carious Lesion. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-1):S33–S38.