Optimization and Evaluation of the Physical Properties of a Functional Tooth Cream Formulation Containing Cocos Nucifera Extracts for Remineralization of White Spot Lesions

Abstract

Background: Modern toothpaste formulations incorporate various active ingredients designed to preserve enamel integrity and provide an effective cleaning experience. However, their effectiveness in preventing and managing white spot lesions in orthodontic patients is still under debate. A detailed examination of these active ingredients' functional properties is essential to maximize their benefits. This study aimed to optimize a functional toothpaste formulation containing Cocos nucifera extracts for the remineralization of white spot lesions and to assess its physical properties in comparison to commercially available ACP-CCP toothpaste formulations.
Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted coconut was sourced from the local farm. Pulp was grated and equally split into two halves. One part of the prepared pulp extract was ground in a motor, and milk was extracted. This was then stored at -4 degrees. The other part was lyophilized and free dried at -80 degrees. This was then ground into a paste. Both of these extracts were separately used in the preparation of two tooth cream formulations of Cocos nucifera. The two tooth cream formulations, along with a commercial formulation of ACP- CCP paste, were taken separately, and the physical properties of these materials were then evaluated. These included color, odor, taste, smoothness, relative density, tube inertness, homogeneity, determination of spreadability, sharp and edge abrasive particle determination, foamability, moisture, and volatile matter determination.
Results: The formulated toothpastes, bright white with aromatic odor and satisfactory taste, demonstrated good consistency, smooth texture, stability, and appropriate pH levels (control: 10, C. Milk: 8.7, L. Coconut: 9). Abrasiveness tests revealed 5% abrasive particles in C. Milk and less than 20% in L. Coconut, with equal foamability across samples. Spreadability was highest in the control, moderate in C. Milk, and lowest with visible abrasives in L. Coconut.
Conclusion: The study successfully formulated novel tooth creams from Cocos nucifera pulp extracts, with the coconut milk paste demonstrating comparatively better results in consistency, stability, and spreadability than the lyophilized coconut paste and showing similar properties to commercial ACP-CCP tooth cream.