Effect of a Nano-hydroxyapatite Toothpaste on Enamel Erosive Lesions of Third Molars Induced by Exposure to Orange Juice.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of a nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) toothpaste on erosive enamel lesions of third molars induced by exposure to orange juice. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro, experimental study, the microhardness of 24 sound-extracted third molars was measured by a Vickers tester. The teeth were then randomly assigned to three groups (n = 8) of nano-HA toothpaste (Pharmed), 1.23% sodium fluoride gel, and artificial saliva. The teeth were exposed to orange juice for 5 min daily for 7 days and were then exposed to nano-HA toothpaste, fluoride gel, or artificial saliva (depending on their group allocation) for 10 min a day. The microhardness of the teeth was measured again after 7 days. Data were analyzed using paired t-test, analysis of variance, and Bonferroni test (alpha = 0.05). Results: Within-group comparisons showed a significant reduction in microhardness of the teeth after the intervention in artificial saliva (P = 0.000), and fluoride gel (P = 0.002) groups. However, no significant reduction occurred in the microhardness of the nano-HA group, compared with the baseline (P = 0.132). Between-group comparisons revealed no significant difference in the microhardness of the three groups at baseline (P > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the microhardness of the nano-HA group was significantly higher than that of other groups (P < 0.05). However, the difference in secondary microhardness between fluoride gel and artificial saliva groups was not significant (P = 1.00). Conclusion: Pharmed toothpaste containing nano-HA has optimal efficacy for remineralization of enamel erosive lesions induced by exposure to orange juice.

Recent developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome.

DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of PubMed, LIVIVO, and Ovid was conducted up to March 2021. These databases were searched for relevant clinical studies on periodontal treatment success in individuals with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS). STUDY SELECTION: Clinical studies reporting successful treatment outcomes defined as the loss of four or fewer permanent teeth due to periodontitis and the arrest of periodontitis or probing depths of 5 mm or less in individuals with PLS followed up for ≥24 months were included, and data extracted. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Twelve studies reporting on nine PLS patients met the inclusion criteria. The extracted main outcomes in the studies reporting successful periodontal treatment in PLS were as follows: (1) clinical and genetic diagnosis of PLS; (2) age at baseline; (3) initial dental, periodontal parameters, and microbiological assessment, if available; (4) description of disease progression and applied therapies; and (5) outcome and follow-up. RESULTS: Twelve studies reporting nine individuals were included. The timely extraction of affected or all primary teeth, compliance with oral hygiene instructions, supra- and subgingival debridement within frequent supportive periodontal care intervals, and adjunctive systemic antibiotic therapy in most patients affected a halt in disease progression. Suppression of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans below detection limits was associated with periodontal stabilization. CONCLUSIONS: An intensive, multidisciplinary approach with strict compliance may enable the decelerated progression of PLS-associated periodontitis. The early diagnosis of PLS and the suppression of A. actinomycetemcomitans below the detection level might be critical factors for treatment success. It required significant effort and patient compliance. The study emphasized the importance of timely interventions, oral hygiene maintenance, regular professional dental care, and, in some cases, systemic antibiotics.

Evaluation of the Effect of NovaMin and Er,Cr:YSGG Laser on Remineralization of Erosive Lesions of Primary Enamel Teeth: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: The purpose of this in vitro study is to ascertain how NovaMin and Er,Cr:YSGG laser radiation affect the remineralization of primary tooth enamel lesions. Methods: 40 main teeth served as the study's sample size. These teeth were allocated into five groups at random. The first group served as a negative control (artificial saliva); the second group served as a positive control (APF gel 1.23%); the third group NovaMin, the fourth group Er,Cr:YSGG laser, the fifth group Er,Cr:YSGG laser and finally, the application of NovaMin. For the purpose of measuring microhardness, all samples were submitted to the dental materials laboratory three times. Results: The collected data were compared using the SPSS 28 program between the baseline measurement, after demineralization, and after remineralization. The data were analyzed using ANCOVA and Bonferroni tests. All groups demonstrated a considerable increase in microhardness as compared to the negative control group (P<0.05). With the exception of the third and fourth groups, there was no discernible difference in the rise in microhardness between the other groups. The third and fourth groups were compared, and the results revealed that NovaMin had a greater impact than laser therapy alone (P=0.023). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis backed up the findings. Conclusion: In comparison to using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser alone, using NovaMin alone can speed up the remineralization of erosion lesions on the surface of primary teeth.

THREE-YEAR OUTCOME OF DIODE LASER PULPOTOMY OF PRIMARY MOLARS USING THREE PULP CAPPING AGENTS: A SPLIT-MOUTH RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL.

OBJECTIVES: Pulpotomy is the most commonly performed treatment for asymptomatic primary molars with exposed dental pulp. This study aimed to assess the clinical /radiographic success of diode laser pulpotomy with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium hydroxide (CH), and calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement as pulp capping agents. METHODS: This split-mouth randomized clinical trial was conducted initially on 34 children aged 3-8 years but 4 patients left the study before the first follow-up visit and the study was accomplished and analyzed with 30 cases. The patients had at least 3 first/second molars with deep caries that in radiographic evaluation revealed that they required pulpotomy. Following pulpotomy, the pulp stump was irradiated with diode laser (noncontact mode, 632 nm, 30 mW power) as photobiomodulation mode. Pulp tissue was then capped with MTA, CH, or CEM cement (n = 30 in each group). Reinforced zinc oxide eugenol was applied over the capping agent, and the teeth were restored with stainless steel crowns. Teeth were clinically/radiographically assessed at 6, 12, 18, and 36 months, after treatment. Data were analyzed by Cochran and McNemar tests. RESULTS: All 30 patients showed up for clinical/radiographic follow-ups for up to 36 months. Regarding clinical outcomes, the 6-, 12-, 18-, and 36-month success rates of all experimental groups were nearly similar with no significant difference (p > .05). Regarding radiographic outcomes, the 6-month success rates were similar among the groups (p > .05); however, the 12-, 18-, and 36-month outcomes of CEM and MTA groups were similar but significantly superior to that of CH group (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Diode laser irradiation and subsequent capping of pulp tissue with MTA or CEM cement can be employed for pulpotomy of primary molars.

Antimicrobial Effects of Postbiotic Mediators Derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus reuteri on Streptococcus mutans.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus mutans is a major component of dental plaque, contributing to cariogenic biofilm formation and inducing dental caries. Attempts have recently been made to use postbiotic mediators (PMs) to prevent dental caries. This research evaluated the antimicrobial/antibiofilm activity of PMs derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Lactobacillus reuteri (LR) against S. mutans in vitro. METHODS: PMs were obtained from the Lactobacilli supernatants. The minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, antibiofilm potential, and metabolic activity of PMs against S. mutans were evaluated using CFU/mL, scanning electron microscopy, and XTT (2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) reduction assay. The expression of gtfB gene as one of the most important genes involved in S. mutans biofilm formation was also measured using qRT-PCR. RESULTS: CFU score was reduced by both PMs, but the reduction was only significant in LGG (p = 0.02). Both PMs caused a significant decrease in the metabolic activity of S. mutans compared with the controls (p ≤ 0.002). S. mutans treated with LGG PMs exhibited more destructive effects than LR PMs (p > 0.05). S. mutans gtfB gene expression was significantly downregulated when treated with the PMs obtained from both LGG and LR (p = 0.01 for both). CONCLUSIONS: We showed that PMs isolated from two Lactobacillus strains inhibited S. mutans biofilm, metabolic activity, and gtfB gene expression. Therefore, these derivatives may be a suitable biofilm-destruction agent against S. mutants. However, the oral environment is a complex ecosystem that needs further investigation.

Anticancer Activity of Postbiotic Mediators Derived from Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus Reuteri on Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells.

BACKGROUND: Leukemia remains a global health challenge, requiring the exploration of alternative therapies with reduced side effects. Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus species, have gained attention because of their potential anticancer properties. This study investigated the anticancer and cytotoxic effects of postbiotic mediators (PMs) derived from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Lactobacillus reuteri (LR) on acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PMs were prepared by culturing LGG and LR strains and isolating the supernatant. The MTT assay assessed cell viability on ALL Jurkat cells and PBMCs, and apoptosis analysis was conducted using flow cytometry. Quantitative real-time PCR was also performed to analyze BAX, BCL-2, BCLX, FAS, and p27 gene expression levels. RESULTS: The results showed that PMs derived from LGG and LR significantly reduced cell viability in Jurkat cells (P0.05) but not PBMCs (P0.05). Apoptosis analysis revealed an increase in apoptotic cells after PMs treatment. Nevertheless, gene expression analysis revealed no statistically significant difference between the treated and untreated groups in BAX, BCL-2, BCLX, FAS, and p27 gene expression levels (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that specific PMs derived from LGG and LR possess anticancer properties against ALL cells. This research highlighted the promise of PMs as a cutting-edge and less toxic adjuvant therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment.

Comparison of apical debris extrusion during root canal preparation in primary molars using different file systems: an in vitro study.

This study aimed to compare the amount of debris extrusion of four endodontic systems made of Nickle-Titanium alloy. This in vitro study was done on 80 extracted primary molars. They were selected by cone-beam computed tomography and randomly divided into four groups (n = 20) to be prepared to the apical size of 25 by one of the systems: Reciproc, Protaper Universal, Neolix, or Hyflex CM. Debris was collected into Eppendorf microtubes and placed in an incubator to evaporate the washing solution. Debris was weighed by a digital scale of 0.01 g precision. Data were statistically analysed using SPSS software. Tukey's comparison was used to determine the difference between the four file systems (α = 0.05). Debris extrusion after Reciproc preparation (0.00320) was significantly higher than the other (P < 0.05), with no significant difference having been observed among the other systems (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that all systems under investigation exhibited debris extrusion.

The antibacterial effect of Magnolia mouthwash on the levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases around the world. Inhibitory effects of Magnolia Grandiflora bark extract has been proved on tooth decay both in vitro and by using free sugar chewing gum. This research aimed to examine the effect of Magnolia Grandiflora bark mouth-wash on the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This crossover, placebo-controlled, clinical trial study, was performed on a total of twenty participants (aged 18 to 35 years) in both control and intervention groups and four phases. The prevalence of S. mutans was measured in a certain volume of volunteer's dental plaque at the beginning of the project (phase 1), after the first prescription (phase 2), following the washout period (phase 3) and finally after the second prescription (phase 4) by culture on bacteriology medium. Plaque index and saliva sampling were carried out in follow-up visits by a dentist. The data were analyzed using T-Test (paired and independent) quantitatively. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in S. mutans frequency in dental plaque between when the participants used Magnolia mouthwash and when they washed out or used a placebo (p<0.005). Results also showed a significant difference between Magnolia and Placebo groups in the mean count of saliva bacterial colony counts after oral administration in the first and second time (P<0.001 and P<0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: The current trial showed that Magnolia Grandiflora %0.3 mouthwash tends to decrease the number of S. mutans in dental plaque significantly. Therefore, its mass production and release to the oral health community are suggested. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and varying treatment are required to substantiate the findings of this study.

The clinical and radiographic evaluation of Allium sativum oil (garlic oil) in comparison with mineral trioxide aggregate in primary molar pulpotomy.

BACKGROUND: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is known as a common biomaterial for pulpotomy of primary molars, with limitation including high cost, difficult handling, and long setting time. This study was conducted to compare the clinical and radiographic success rate of Allium sativum oil and MTA in pulpotomy of primary molar teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, controlled, clinical trial was performed on a group of children with at least two symptom-free primary molars requiring pulpotomy. A total of 90 teeth were randomly assigned into two groups: After pulp amputation and hemostasis, Group I received MTA as medication in the pulp chamber and Group II received Allium sativum oil over the pulp stumps. Pulp chamber was then filled with reinforced ZOE paste (zinc oxide eugenol) and teeth were restored using stainless steel crowns. The follow-up scheme of 6, 12, and 18 months was set, and teeth evaluation was conducted by a calibrated pediatric dentist based on the modified criteria proposed by Zurn and Seale. The results were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation analysis with the P = 0.05 as the level of significance. RESULTS: The clinical success rate was 100% in both groups after all follow-ups. The radiographic success rate was, however, 91.1% after 6.75. 6% after 12 and 18 months in Group II while it was 95.6% after 6, 91.1% after 12 and 18 months in Group I in those follow-up points. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: According to the results, Allium sativum oil has a high clinical and radiographic success rate comparable to those of MTA.

Antibacterial activity of a glass ionomer containing silver nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis.

AIM: Nano-sized metal particles exhibit special biological, chemical, and physical properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of incorporating silver nanoparticles into a resin-modified glass ionomer (GI) on its antimicrobial property. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antibacterial action of GI samples containing 0, 40, 80 ppm silver nanoparticles against standard strains of Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus mutans were assessed by agar diffusion and direct contact tests. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Duncan test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Agar diffusion test showed no bacterial inhibition zone, but direct contact test exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against S. sanguinis and S. mutans in resin containing 80 ppm of nanosilver. CONCLUSION: Incorporation of a certain amount of silver nanoparticles into GI can increase its antimicrobial activity compared to the original material.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Allium sativum Oil (Garlic Oil) in Comparison with Formocresol in Primary Molar Pulpotomy.

BACKGROUND: Given the side effects of formocresol as a common substance in dental pulpotomy, its substitution with a safe substance seems mandatory. AIM: To compare the clinical and radiographic success of Allium sativum oil and formocresol in the pulpotomy of the primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, split-mouth, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted on children with at least two asymptomatic primary molars requiring pulpotomy. A total of 90 teeth were examined in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: the A. sativum (ALL) group (n = 45) and the formocresol (FC) group (n = 45). After pulpotomy, A. sativum oil was applied to the radicular pulp in the ALL groups and formocresol in the FC group. The pulp chamber was then filled with reinforced Zinc oxide Eugenol and finally restored by a stainless steel crown. Three and six months after the intervention, the teeth were evaluated by a colleague based on a modified criteria system. The results were analyzed using Wilcoxon's test. RESULTS: The clinical success rate was 100% in both groups after 3 and 6 months. The radiographic success rate in the ALL group and the FC group after 3 and 6 months was 82.2% and 80% and 88.9% and 84.4%, respectively. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.46). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, A. sativum oil can be used in the pulpotomy of the primary molars.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Nanosilver Solution, Sodium Hypochlorite and Normal Saline in Root Canal Irrigation of Primary Teeth.

BACKGROUND: Bacteria are the main etiological factors in the development of dentinal caries and its progression to pulpal and periapical disease. Enterococcus faecalis is the bacterial species most frequently recovered from the root-filled teeth. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of nanosilver (NS) solution as an endodontic irrigation solution of primary teeth against E. faecalis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Thirty-six canals of primary teeth were selected for this ex vivo study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-six canals of primary teeth were prepared up to the file #35 and all of the specimens were sterilized. Then, root canals were inoculated with a suspension containing E. faecalis bacteria. The teeth were then randomly divided into three groups. Antimicrobial effectiveness was evaluated immediately after dividing into groups by counting colony-forming units on brain heart infusion broth plates. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Welch, and Dunnett's T3 tests. RESULTS: Sodium hypochlorite showed the highest antimicrobial effectiveness against E. faecalis and showed significant differences compared with normal saline and NS solution (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, solution of NS particles can be used as an alternative to other root canal irrigating solutions.

Histopathological Evaluation of Primary Teeth after Pulp Capping with Calcium-Enriched Mixture and Bioactive Glass.

Introduction: Direct pulp capping (DPC) is a conservative vital pulp therapy, which has some limitations in primary dentition. The aim of this study was to evaluate pulpal response of primary teeth after DPC with two biocompatible materials naming calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) and bioactive glass (BAG). Methods and Materials: This study was designed as a randomized clinical trial. After obtaining informed consent, 20 sound primary canines scheduled for orthodontic extraction, were selected. Following mechanical pulp exposure, the exposed site was capped with either CEM cement or BAG and then restored with amalgam. Teeth were extracted after two months and examined histopathologically. Parameters of hard tissue bridge (HTB) formation, its type and pulpal inflammation scores, were compared between the two groups. Data were analysed using the Fisher's exact test. Results: All CEM specimens showed inflammation scores of 0 (less than 10%). In the BAG group, inflammation scores of 0, 1 and 2 were observed in 7, 2 and 1 specimens, respectively. Fisher's exact test showed no significant differences (P>0.05). All CEM specimens (100%) formed HTB, which was irregular in all cases. In 7 of 10 teeth in BAG, HTB formed and was irregular. Fisher's exact test revealed no significant differences between the two groups in this regard (P<0.001). Conclusion: Both CEM and BAG are suitable DPC agents in terms of HTB formation and pulp inflammation scores.

Comparative Evaluation of Clinical and Radiographic Success of MTA and Propolis in Pulpotomy of Primary Molars.

Introduction: In this study, the results of using MTA and propolis in the pulpotomy of primary molar teeth are evaluated clinically and radiographically. Methods and Methods: A total of 25 healthy 4 to 8 year old children each having two carious primary molar teeth in one arch, based on inclusion criteria were selected. In each child, random assignment of the pulpotomy medicaments was done as follows: Group I, MTA in one side; Group II, Propolis in another side. All the pulpotomized teeth were evaluated at 3, 6, and 9 month clinically and radiographically, based on the scoring criteria system. Finally data was analyzed using GEE analysis. Results: Results showed that the effects of treatment and time on two scores were tested. Based on the results of this model, the chances of having clinical score 2, versus score 1 are about 2.7 times higher in MTA treatment than in propolis (P=0.001). Similarly, the chance of having a clinical score 2 relative to its one, at 9th month is approximately 6.8 times higher than the 3th month (P=0.000) and at 6th month is approximately 2.8 times higher than the 3th month (P=0.005). The chance of having higher scores of radiographies in treatment of propolis is approximately 6.5 times than that of MTA (P=0.000). Also, the chance of having higher scores of radiographic index at 6th month is approximately 5 times and at 9th month is approximately 27 times more than the 3th month (P=0.00). Conclusions: Based on the results of this experimental study, teeth treated with MTA showed more suitable clinical and radiographic results as compared to propolis at 9 months follow-up.

Comparison Between Antibacterial Effect of Chlorhexidine 0.2% and Different Concentrations of Cyperus rotundus Extract: An In vitro Study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Modern methods of caries prevention concentrated on natural ingredients usage such as probiotics and polyphenols that are safer for young children with Streptococcus mutans inhibitory properties. The purpose of this study was to compare antibacterial effects of different concentration of Cyperus rotundus extract and chlorhexidine (CHX) 0.2% mouthwash on S. mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, the antibacterial effectiveness of the C. rotundus extract and CHX was compared with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test in tube, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) test in solid medium, and disc diffusion for measurement of inhibition zone. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, one sample t-test, and independent sample t-test statistical methods by SPSS. 24 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA). RESULTS: MIC and MBC values of the C. rotundus extract were obtained 225 and 450 mg/ml, respectively, for S. mutans and 108 and 225 mg/ml for L. acidophilus, which are more than CHX (0.5, 1 res.). The inhibition zone increased in a dose-dependent manner but lower than CHX. CONCLUSION: The C. rotundus extract had antibacterial effects (bactericide and bacteriostatic) on S. mutans and L. acidophillus. Although this effect was lower than CHX. With regard to adverse effect of CHX, this extract can be a potential antibacterial agent.

Antibacterial Effects of Different Concentrations of Althaea officinalis Root Extract versus 0.2% Chlorhexidine and Penicillin on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus (In vitro).

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were to determine and compare the effects of different concentrations of Althaea officinalis extract, 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX), and penicillin on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The laboratory study was done, for a period of 8 weeks. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the test tube, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in a plate culture medium, and growth inhibition zone diameter methods were used to compare the antibacterial effects of 0.2% CHX, penicillin, and different concentrations of A. officinalis root extract. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 24 using ANOVA and t-test analysis. RESULTS: The results showed A. officinalis root extract had antibacterial effect, but significant differences were in MIC and MBC against L. acidophilus and S. mutans with penicillin and 0.2% CHX mouthwash. In addition, the mean growth inhibition zones of all the concentrations of the plant extract were less than that of the positive control group (P = 0.001). However, the difference in the maximum growth inhibition zone from that with the negative control group was significant. In addition, the antibacterial effect of the extract increased with an increase in its concentration. The extract exerted a greater antibacterial effect on S. mutans than on L. acidophilus. The plant polyphenols content is 3.7% which is equivalent to 29.93 g/ml. CONCLUSION: The root extract of A. officinalis exhibited antibacterial effects on S. mutans and L. acidophilus, but this effect was less than those of CHX mouthwash and penicillin. The antibacterial effect increased with an increase in the concentration of the extract.

Effect of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate and Three Calcium Phosphate on Enamel Microhardness.

AIM: This study aims to investigate the effect of casein phos-phopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate and three calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP and TCP) on increasing the microhardness of human enamel after induction of erosion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 26 healthy human-impacted third molar teeth were chosen, and their hardness measured using a microhardness testing machine. The samples were immersed in Coca Cola (pH = 4.7) for 8 minutes. Then, micro-hardness was measured again, and these samples were randomly divided into four groups (two control groups and two experimental groups). (1) Negative control group: Artificial saliva was used for 10 minutes, (2) positive control group: Fluoride gel was used for 10 minutes, (3) ß-TCP group: TCP was used for 10 minutes, (4) CCP-ACP group: CCP-ACP was used for 10 minutes. The final microhardness of those samples was measured, and the changes in microhardness of teeth within group and between groups were analyzed using the paired and analysis of variance tests respectively. Results were considered statistically significant at a level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in microhard-ness between CPP-ACP group and TCP group (p = 0.368) during the time microhardness significantly dropped after soaking in soda. CONCLUSION: Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate and TCP increased the microhardness of teeth. The increase in hardness in the TCP group was higher than in the CPP-ACP group, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.36). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate and TCP can affect the remineralization of erosive lesions.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Mixtures of Nanosilver and Zinc Oxide Eugenol against Enterococcus faecalis.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of 0, 0.5, 2, and 5 wt% nanosilver in conjunction with zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) against Enterococcus faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nanosilver in 0.5, 2, and 5 wt% concentrations was added to ZOE and the antibacterial activity of the mixtures on E. faecalis was assessed using disk diffusion method, and the results were reported as the diameter of the growth inhibition zone. RESULTS: The diameters of the growth inhibition zones around 0, 0.5, 2, and 5 wt% concentrations of nanosilver particles were not significantly different at 24 and 48 hours and 1 week; however, the difference with the azithromycin disk was significant. CONCLUSION: Considering the lack of a significant increase in the diameter of the growth inhibition zones around 0, 0.5, 2, and 5 wt% ZOE containing nanosilver, it appears that addition of nanosilver up to 5 wt% cannot improve the antibacterial properties of ZOE sealer against E. faecalis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Microorganisms present in the root canal system of primary teeth are mainly responsible for endodontic infections. Enterococcus faecalis is the most important cause of endodontic failure. Application of sealers that decrease the adhesion and colonization of bacteria, as well as susceptibility to bacterial infections can greatly help in this regard. Using these sealers in conjunction with antibacterial agents, such as nanosilver particles may yield higher antibacterial efficacy.

Remineralizing Effect of Topical NovaMin and Nano-hydroxyapatite on caries-like Lesions in Primary teeth.

INTRODUCTION: NovaMin is a synthetic mineral compound composed of calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and silica. It releases crystalline hydroxyl-carbonate apatite (HCA), which structurally resembles the minerals naturally found in the teeth. Nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA) is a biocompatible compound with high affinity for tooth enamel. NHA particles morphologically resemble dental enamel apatite crystals. Considering the efficacy of remineralizing agents and the importance of conservative preventive measures, this study aimed to compare the remin-eralizing effects of NovaMin and NHA on caries-like lesions in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro experimental study was conducted on 30 sound human primary anterior teeth with no cracks or fractures. The surface microhardness (SMH) of each tooth was measured at baseline using a Vickers microhard-ness tester. The teeth were then subjected to remineralization/ demineralization cycles, and artificial caries lesions were created in them. The SMH of each tooth was measured again and the teeth were then randomly treated with toothpastes containing NovaMin or 10% NHA powder for 2 minutes daily for a period of 5 days. The SMH of each was again measured afterward. Data were statistically analyzed using independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The mean SMH was found to be higher in the teeth treated with NovaMin toothpaste (422.67 kgf/mm(2)) than in the teeth treated with NHA (384.2 kgf/mm(2)); However, this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both NHA and NovaMin were effective for reminer-alization of caries-like lesions of primary teeth and no significant difference was detected in their efficacy.

Evaluation of pulpal response of deciduous teeth after direct pulp capping with bioactive glass and mineral trioxide aggregate.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pulpal response of primary teeth after direct pulp capping (DPC) with two biocompatible materials namely mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and bioactive glass (BAG). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was a randomized clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22 healthy primary canine teeth scheduled for extraction for orthodontic reasons were selected. The teeth were divided into two groups of 11 and underwent DPC. The exposure sites were randomly capped with MTA or BAG in the two groups. After 2 months, the teeth were extracted and prepared for histopathologic evaluation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: In the BAG group, inflammation was seen in three patients; internal resorption and abscess were not seen at all. In the MTA group, inflammation was seen in one patient and internal resorption and abscess were not seen in any patient. Fisher's exact test showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Dentinal bridge formation was noted in five patients in the BAG group and six patients in the MTA group. No significant difference was observed between the BAG and MTA groups using Chi-square analysis (P = 0.67). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, MTA and BAG can be used for DPC of primary teeth.