effects of theobromine addition on chemical and mechanical properties of a conventional glass ionomer cement

In vitro effect of 1% theobromine addition on the physical and chemical properties of conventional glass ionomer (gic) cement was investigated. conventional gic (gic-c) and 1% theobromine added to gic (gic-theo) specimens were compared regarding the microhardness (n = 10), sorption (n = 5), solubility (n = 5), color change (n = 10), fluoride release in saliva (n = 10) and the amount of biofilm deposition (n = 20). compared against conventional gic, adding 1% theobromine increased microhardness (p < 0.05), while its sorption, solubility, color and fluoride release to saliva (p > 0.05) remained unchanged. on the other hand, streptococcus mutans biofilm amount deposited on its surface decreased statistically when theobromine was added to gic (p < 0.05). based on the results, it could be concluded that 1% theobromine addition to gic can be a good strategy as it keeps some of its properties and improves microhardness and biofilm deposits strengthening its role in the preventive approach of dentistry.