Aim:  The study was done to evaluate the remineralization potential of theobromine on human enamel surfaces.

 Materials and methods:

Thirty two freshly extracted human third molars and premolars collected and embedded in polymethylmethacrylate. The enamel specimens are subjected to baseline microhardness testing.  The specimens were then demineralised using Mc Innes bleaching solution and then subjected to microhardness testing. The enamel specimens were randomly divided into 4groups : Group A theobromine 100mg/l; Group B theobromine 200mg/l ; Group C with GC tooth mousse plus  containing casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride –0.2 % w/w (900 ppm) for 5 minutes respectively. Enamel specimens in the control group (Group D) was kept in deionised water.  Post remineralization enamel microhardness was determined by Vicker’s microhardness test. Statistical significance of microhardness values of each specimen was analysed using Anova.

Results: Post remineralization microhardness values shows increase in enamel surface microhardness. Remineralization was indicated by increase in enamel hardness. There was an increase in enamel microhardness of about 27.4% in Group A; 36 % in Group B and 22 % in Group C. There was no alteration in enamel hardness in Group D (control). The difference noted in microhardness values  from demineralization to remineralization in all the three test groups were found to be statistically highly significant.(p<0.001).

Conclusion: Theobromine 200mg/l has a superlative  remineralizing capacity than  CCP–ACPF. Theobromine can be added to various dental products to remineralize enamel and prevent caries. It would be a cost effective alternative to fluoride, without the negative side effects of fluorosis.