Broccoli Extract Helps Repair Tooth Enamel in Children

Tooth decay is one of the most common health issues among children worldwide, affecting their comfort, confidence, and overall well-being.¹ For decades, fluoride has been the standard for cavity prevention. However, its use, especially in young children, remains a point of debate. While many dental professionals support its proven benefits, some parents and experts express concern over potential risks like dental fluorosis and overexposure.

This divide has fueled a growing interest in natural, safer alternatives. In an unexpected twist, broccoli, a vegetable more often found on dinner plates than in dental clinics, is now showing promise as a plant-based ally for tooth enamel. A 2025 study tested whether broccoli extract may help promote oral health in children, and the results are both surprising and hopeful.

The Study

Researchers conducted an in vitro experiment using 30 healthy primary molars. After intentionally weakening the enamel with a cola drink, the teeth were divided into two treatment groups: one received a traditional fluoride gel, and the other was immersed in an extract made from air-dried broccoli florets, stems, and leaves.

Both treatments lasted 10 minutes. Enamel hardness was measured before, after demineralization, and after treatment using the Vickers microhardness test, which is a reliable method to assess tooth strength.

The Results

Both the fluoride and broccoli extract significantly restored enamel hardness after the cola exposure. However, the broccoli extract group showed more than twice the recovery rate in enamel strength (+44.95%) compared to the fluoride group (+20.78%). While the total enamel loss from beginning to end was not significantly different between the groups, the dramatic bounce-back seen with broccoli suggests powerful remineralizing properties that deserve attention.

What Does this Mean?

The results of this new research show that broccoli extract helps repair tooth enamel, opening an exciting door for natural dental care, especially for children.

Broccoli's ability to boost enamel recovery could stem from its rich content of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, minerals vital for rebuilding tooth enamel. It also contains sulforaphane, a compound known to fight cavity-causing bacteria like Streptococcus mutans. In addition, broccoli possesses antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects that may further support enamel protection.

If future clinical studies confirm these findings, broccoli extract could become a valuable ingredient in oral care products such as toothpastes, mouthwashes, or gels specifically formulated for children. Such plant-based alternatives may offer a biocompatible and safer approach to cavity prevention, particularly in populations concerned about excessive fluoride exposure.

Other herbs with similar properties include green tea, licorice, and cranberry, each offering their own dental-supportive benefits through antibacterial or mineral-rich actions.