Effect of cinnamon extract solution on human tooth enamel surface roughness

Cinnamon is known to have antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects on toothache and can aid in fighting bad breath. Cinnamon extract solution has an acidic pH that can affect enamel surface roughness. This study aimed to determine the effect of cinnamon extract solution exposure on human enamel surface roughness. A laboratory experiment was performed using 12 specimens of human premolar teeth that were divided into two treatment groups for immersion in cinnamon extract solutions of concentrations 4% with pH 5.38 (n = 6) and 12.5% with pH 5.45 (n = 6). Each group was immersed for 60, 120, and 180 min. Surface roughness was measured using a surface roughness tester (SurfTest SJ-301, Mitutoyo, Japan). Results analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance showed that teeth immersed in the 4% cinnamon extract solution for 60, 120, and 180 min showed no significant changes in surface roughness (p > 0.05), while teeth immersed in the 12.5% solution for 120 and 180 min showed a significant reduction in surface roughness (p < 0.05). It is found that pH, concentration, and duration of exposure to cinnamon extract solution can cause changes in enamel surface roughness.