Evaluation of Bromelain Gel at Different Concentrations and Sodium Hypochlorite Gel in Chemo-mechanical caries removal: Analyzing of Flavor Acceptance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background and Aim of the Study:

This study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction and flavor acceptability of chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) agents.

Materials and Methods:

Bromelain gels were prepared in three concentrations (10%, 15%, and 20%) using locally formulated bromelain powder and compared with a 2.4% sodium hypochlorite gel. A total of 44 children aged 6–10 years (22 males and 22 females; mean age 7.18 ± 1.32 years) participated in the study. Sixty Class V dentinal carious lesions in upper primary canines were treated using non-cutting hand excavators without local anesthesia. Flavor acceptability was assessed post-treatment.

Results:

Flavor acceptance varied significantly among the materials. Bromelain gels at 10% and 15% concentrations showed the highest acceptance rates (100%), while the 20% bromelain gel showed slightly lower acceptance (80%). Sodium hypochlorite gel had the lowest acceptance rate (60%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in flavor acceptance between sodium hypochlorite and bromelain gels (p = 0.004). Pairwise comparisons indicated that sodium hypochlorite was significantly less acceptable than both the 10% and 15% bromelain gels (p = 0.017).

Conclusion:

Bromelain gels (10%, 15%, and 20%) demonstrated high patient acceptability during CMCR procedures, suggesting they are effective and patient-friendly alternatives to sodium hypochlorite gel. However, acceptability decreased slightly with higher bromelain concentrations, and sodium hypochlorite was the least favored.