Remineralization Potential of Philippine Cupped Oyster Shells (Magallana bilineata) Powder Formulated as Toothpaste: An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Dental caries is a prevalent oral health condition linked to enamel demineralization, highlighting the need for effective remineralizing agents. This study evaluated the remineralization potential of a 10% toothpaste formulated from hydroxyapatite derived from Magallana bilineata oyster shells using an in vitro bovine enamel model. The shells were processed through calcination and wet precipitation, with hydroxyapatite formation confirmed via FTIR analysis. Enamel samples were assigned to a negative control (toothpaste base), positive control (Brand X commercial toothpaste), and experimental group and were treated under simulated oral conditions for 14 days. Baseline results showed uniform enamel characteristics across all groups. After demineralization, all samples exhibited increased surface roughness and reduced calcium, phosphorus, and Ca/P ratio values. Following treatment, the experimental and positive control groups showed reductions in surface scores and increases in mineral content, while the negative control showed minimal changes. The experimental group demonstrated improvement in surface morphology and mineral recovery, with some variation among samples. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences among groups in surface morphology, calcium content, and Ca/P ratio, while phosphorus showed no significant difference. Post hoc analysis identified difference was observed between the negative control and treatment groups, while no significant differences between the negative control and treatment groups, while no significant difference was observed between the experimental and positive control groups in key parameters. Physicochemical and organoleptic evaluation indicated acceptable formulation quality, with a pleasant menthol odor, light gray color, smooth texture, pH of 6, specific gravity of 1.65, and spreadability of 5.03 cm. Overall, the 10% Magallana bilineata toothpaste demonstrated remineralization potential under the study conditions.