Protection of wear resistance behaviour of enamel against electron beam irradiation

INTRODUCTION: Irradiation is known to cause oxidation process among the tissue-altering the properties of teeth leading to tissue necrosis and caries formation. Hence protection of the oral cavity is a major concern to deal with therapy side effects. AIM: Evaluation of wear resistance property of Enamel against electron beam radiation and analysing the radio protective effects of natural organic compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 36 healthy extracted human molar teeth were collected, four samples were used as control, and remaining 32 were divided into four groups (N = 8 each): radiation control group and three groups treated with organic compounds during radiation treatment. The enamel samples were tested for FTIR spectroscopy, XRD analysis, SEM and EDAX analysis before and after 70 Gy radiation treatment. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The particle size of radiation control samples had increased showing decrease in its crystallinity index. Calcium to Phosphorous ratio had also decreased along with structural changes as observed by SEM analysis. But groups treated with organic compounds has maintained tooth integrity in comparable to control groups after radiation treatment. CONCLUSION: Virgin coconut oil, vitamin E oil and curcumin has potential radioprotective action against radiation in protecting tissue properties. Hence, with further advanced research, these natural substances should emerge as a topical applicator during radiotherapy to oral cancer patients.