ABSTRACT
Background: Cinnamon is a common food spice containing many minerals. It is available in either stick
or powder form. The aim of this study was to test the ability of different concentrations of cinnamon
water extract to increase the resistance of enamel surface against acid dissolution compared to
sodium fluoride.
Materials and methods: 20 maxillary first premolars were treated with the selected solutions which
included cinnamon water extract (1%, 5%) and sodium fluoride 0.05% for two minutes once daily for 20
days interval, deionized water was used as control negative. Then the concentration of the dissolved
calcium ion in the etching solution of 2N HCl was measured.
Results: the least concentration of the released calcium ion was recorded for cinnamon water extract
1%, then sodium fluoride 0.05% and then cinnamon water extract 5%. However the difference was
statistically not significant between these agents. Highly significant difference was recorded between
water control group and the mentioned agents.
Conclusion: cinnamon is effective in mineralization and hardening of outer enamel surface, therefore it
is useful in increasing the tooth resistance against caries attack.
Keywords: Cinnamon water extract, Calcium dissolution, acid etching. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry
2010;22(3):101-104).

Background: Knowledge is considered to be essential for developing healthy practices and preventing the main oral diseases. In some developing countries, women were at higher risk to develop these diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate women’s dental knowledge and practices through a specific questionnaire and the relationship with patient’s educational level and the number of their children.Subjects and method: Women, aged from 25-35 years old, were selected to participate in the current study. They were attending dental clinics in the teaching hospital of Baghdad University. Each participant was instructed to answer questionnaire sheet which is previously prepared in Arabic language by the authors. The total number of women was divided into three groups according to women’s educational level and the number of their children.Results: The number of women that participated in the study was 150. Higher percent of them (58.7%) have received instruction on the use of dental floss but 60.0% had no information about fluoride. Dental floss was used by only 24.7% of women. Higher percent of women eat candies, chocolate bars and cookies in between meals. Significant association was reported between educational level and oral health information. Educational level didn’t influence patients’ health practices. Frequency of follow-up appointments and toothbrushes changes were higher among women with less number of children.Conclusion: The study revealed important gaps in oral health practices especially in diet control and the use of dental floss. There is a need for frequent dental educational programmes among women to promote the proper practices and to achieve good oral hygiene.

Oral health knowledge --- Oral health practices --- dental caries --- periodontal disease