Does the method of caries induction influence the bond strength to dentin of primary teeth?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of chemical and microbiological methods of caries induction on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of current adhesive systems to primary dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flat dentin surfaces from 36 primary molars were assigned to 3 groups according to the method of inducing caries-affected dentin: (1) control (sound dentin); (2) pH cycling; and (3) microbiological. In both methods, teeth were submitted to caries induction for 14 days, and the sound dentin was stored in distilled water for the same period. Specimens were then randomly reassigned according to adhesive system: a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (Adper Single Bond 2) or a two-step self-etching system (Clearfil SE Bond). Composite buildups were constructed and the teeth were sectioned to obtain bonded sticks (0.8 mm2) to be tested for microtensile bond strength. The µTBS means were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05). Failure mode was evaluated using a stereomicroscope (400X). RESULTS: Both methods of caries induction resulted in lower µTBS values (with no significant difference between them) than those obtained for sound dentin. Adhesive systems showed similar bond strength values. The percentage of premature failure was higher in the microbiological group, regardless of adhesive system. CONCLUSION: Microbiological and pH-cycling methods are both suitable for simulating caries-affected dentin for bonding evaluations in primary teeth.

Oral rehydration therapy products - a plaque pH study under normal and dry mouth conditions.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate oral rehydration therapy (ORT) products and their effect on plaque pH under normal and dry mouth conditions. DESIGN: Three commercial oral rehydration therapy products, prepared according to the manufacturers' instruction, plus a 10% glucose solution, which served as control, were tested in 10 healthy subjects (mean age 25 years): (1) Electral (Arrow Pharmaceuticals), (2) Resorb Junior (Nestlé) and (3) Vätskeersättning (Semper). pH was measured in the maxillary premolar region in situ with the so-called microtouch method. The area under the pH curve was calculated. Their carbohydrate content was also analysed. RESULTS: The oral rehydration therapy products gave the same low pH values in plaque as the glucose solution. Dry mouth condition, obtained by injection of methylscopolamine nitrate in the labial sulcus, resulted in an overall more pronounced fall in pH and in a delay in the pH recovery compared with normal salivary conditions. The chemical analyses showed that all three test-products contained glucose and starch as the main carbohydrates. CONCLUSIONS: Rinsing with oral rehydration therapy products leads to a greater pH decrease in dental plaque during low compared with normal salivary conditions. As diarrhoea may result in dehydration and thereby in dry mouth, we believe that ORT products have a high cariogenic potential.

In vitro anticariogenic effects of Drymocallis rupestris extracts and their quality evaluation by HPLC-DAD-MS³ analysis.

In this study, for the first time, we investigated in vitro inhibitory effects of Drymocallis rupestris extracts and their subfractions obtained with solvents of different polarity (aqueous, 50% ethanolic, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanolic) against bacterial viability and caries virulence factors of Streptococcus spp. strains. The diethyl ether subfraction (PRU2) showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against mutans streptococci, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the range of 0.75-1.5 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) in the range of 1.5-3 mg/mL. Furthermore, PRU2 inhibited biofilm formation by Streptococci in a dose-dependent manner. It was also found that all five D. rupestris preparations exhibited diverse inhibitory effects on de novo synthesis of water-insoluble and water-soluble α-D-glucans by glucosyltransferases of the mutans group streptococci. The phytochemical profile of investigated samples was determined by spectrophotometric and chromatographic (HPLC-DAD-MS³) methods. The high polyphenol (total phenol, phenolic acids, tannins, proantocyanidins, and flavonoids) contents were found which correlated with anticariogenic activity of the analyzed samples. The results demonstrate that D. rupestris extracts and their subfractions could become useful supplements for pharmaceutical products as a new anticariogenic agent in a wide range of oral care products. Further studies are necessary to clarify which phytoconstituents of D. rupestris are responsible for anticaries properties.

Erosive and cariogenicity potential of pediatric drugs: study of physicochemical parameters.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric medications may possess a high erosive potential to dental tissues due to the existence of acid components in their formulations. The purpose was to determine the erosive and cariogenic potential of pediatric oral liquid medications through the analysis of their physicochemical properties in vitro. METHODS: A total of 59 substances were selected from the drug reference list of the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), which belong to 11 therapeutic classes, as follows: analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, corticosteroids, antihistamines, antitussives, bronchodilators, antibacterials, antiparasitics, antiemetics, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics. Measurement of pH was performed by potentiometry, using a digital pH meter. For the Total Titratable Acidity (TTA) chemical assay, a 0.1 N NaOH standard solution was used, which was titrated until drug pH was neutralized. The Total Soluble Solids Contents (TSSC) quantification was carried out by refractometry using Brix scale and the analysis of Total Sugar Content was performed according to Fehling's method. In addition, it was analyzed the information contained in the drug inserts with regard to the presence of sucrose and type of acid and sweetener added to the formulations. RESULTS: All drug classes showed acidic pH, and the lowest mean was found for antipsychotics (2.61 ± 0.08). There was a large variation in the TTA (0.1% - 1.18%) and SST (10.44% - 57.08%) values. High total sugar contents were identified in the antitussives (53.25%) and anticonvulsants (51.75%). As described in the drug inserts, sucrose was added in 47.5% of the formulations, as well as citric acid (39.0%), sodium saccharin (36.4%) and sorbitol (34.8%). CONCLUSION: The drugs analyzed herein showed physicochemical characteristics indicative of a cariogenic and erosive potential on dental tissues. Competent bodies' strategies should be implemented in order to broaden the knowledge of health professionals, drug manufacturers and general consuming public about the risks from the consumption of medicines potentially harmful to dental tissues.

Cariogenic potential of oral nutritional supplements measured by intraoral plaque pH telemetry.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) administered to malnourished elders and other patients contain high-levels of carbohydrates that could be a potential risk factor for dental caries. This study aimed to evaluate the cariogenic potentials of ONS using intraoral plaque telemetry. METHODS: Ten ONS were tested on five healthy volunteers (mean age: 76.8 ± 9.15 years). Participants were requested to refrain from performing oral hygiene 3-7 days prior to testing. The pH-value below the dental plaque on the tooth was measured while the ONS was being consumed. After neutralizing the participant's saliva, a control solution (10% sucrose) was administered and telemetry measurements were repeated. Mean relative cariogenicity (RC) was calculated for each ONS. ANOVA and post hoc tests were used for statistical analyses (p < 0.05). RESULTS: All ten ONS were potentially cariogenic on enamel with an overall RC of 0.519 ± 0.35 (Range: Min = 0.31 ± 0.16; Max = 1.00 ± 0.34). RC differed significantly between the ONS (p = 0.002). RC was lower in ONS that contained high-protein (p = 0.018). RC was not influenced by other factors such as readily consumable (p = 0.102), flavor (p = 0.869), consistency (p = 0.126), fiber containing (p = 0.134), style (p = 0.112), and age of plaque (p = 0.339). CONCLUSIONS: The ONS administered to elders and malnourished patients are potentially cariogenic. It is imperative that the administration of ONS must be based on individual needs to potentiate a maximum benefit. Wherever possible, an attempt to limit the use of high-carbohydrate containing ONS must be practiced along with the adoption of suitable preventive measures to arrest the development and progression of caries.

Evaluation of acidity and total sugar content of children's popular beverages and their effect on plaque pH.

BACKGROUND: In the developing countries, dental caries has increased with the increased exposure to dietary sugars. There is no data on the cariogenicity and acidogenicity of popular beverages in the Syrian market. AIMS: To investigate the endogenous pH, titratable acidity, and total sugar content of popular beverages (cola, orange juice, and full-fat milk), and assess plaque pH drop after consumption. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Twenty-five healthy children with a mean age of 11.8 ± 0.6 years were recruited for this single blinded study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pH of beverages was measured by a digital pH meter and the titratable acidity was expressed as the volume of 0.1 N sodium hydroxide required to neutralize the beverage. The total sugar content was estimated using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Children rinsed with 15 mL of each of the beverages for 1 min. The controls used were 10% sucrose and 10% sorbitol solutions. The plaque pH was assessed before and after rinsing. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni test to assess minimum pH, maximum pH drop, and the area under curve. P value was set as 0.05. RESULTS: Both cola and orange juice had a low pH and similar total sugar content in contrast to the high pH and low sugar content of milk. Cola and orange juice were not statistically different from 10% sucrose (P > 0.05), but different from 10% sorbitol (P < 0.05), in contrast to milk, for all the parameters studied. CONCLUSION: Cola and orange juice are cariogenic/acidogenic and frequent intake should be discouraged. A reasonable intake of unsweetened milk may be advised safely.

The acid-base resistant zone in three dentin bonding systems.

An acid-base resistant zone has been found to exist after acid-base challenge adjacent to the hybrid layer using SEM. The aim of this study was to examine the acid-base resistant zone using three different bonding systems. Dentin disks were applied with three different bonding systems, and then a resin composite was light-cured to make dentin disk sandwiches. After acid-base challenge, the polished surfaces were observed using SEM. For both one- and two-step self-etching primer systems, an acid-base resistant zone was clearly observed adjacent to the hybrid layer - but with differing appearances. For the wet bonding system, the presence of an acid-base resistant zone was unclear. This was because the self-etching primer systems etched the dentin surface mildly, such that the remaining mineral phase of dentin and the bonding agent yielded clear acid-base resistant zones. In conclusion, the acid-base resistant zone was clearly observed when self-etching primer systems were used, but not so for the wet bonding system.

Why the carioprotective potential of luting cements crucial?

Space maintainers make good oral hygiene difficult, modify the oral environment, and increase the chances of enamel demineralization. Demineralization can be prevented or reduced by improving patient oral hygiene or by using topical fluorides. However these methods depend on patient compliance and, therefore, are not very reliable. Thus, caries prevention in banding might be enhanced by using fluoride-releasing cements. The aim of the study was to comparatively evaluate the carioprotective potential of various luting media used for band cementation in permanent as well as deciduous molars. In this study, 100 molars were taken, which were banded and stored in artificial saliva for 1 month after which the teeth were debanded. An area of 2 x 2 mm was spared and the teeth were coated with nail varnish. The coated teeth were dipped in artificial caries solution in one month followed by 1-day immersion in methylene blue dye, after which the samples were sectioned through the window. The depth of dye penetration was measured and the results were statistically analyzed. Minimum dye penetration was observed with glass ionomer, which could be due to the fluoride release from the cement, whereas the control group showed the maximum, probably due to direct contact with the artificial caries solution.

Surface morphologic evaluation of orthodontic bonding systems under conditions of cariogenic challenge.

Orthodontic bonding systems are submitted to demineralization and remineralization dynamics that might compromise their surface smoothness, and favor biofilm aggregation and caries development. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a cariogenic challenge model (in vitro pH-cycling model) on the surface roughness and topography of 3 bonding materials: Transbond™ XT (XT), Transbond™ Plus Color Change (PLUS) and Fuji Ortho™ LC (FUJI), by means of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Six specimens with standardized dimensions and surface smoothness were fabricated per group, and the materials were manipulated in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions. No polishing was necessary. AFM tests were performed before and after pH-cycling, taking 3 readouts per specimen. The roughness results (Ra) were obtained at nanometric levels (nm) and surface records were acquired in two- and three-dimensional images of height and lock-in phase of the material components. The surfaces of all groups analyzed in the study were morphologically altered, presenting images suggestive of matrix degradation and loss of matrix-load integrity. FUJI presented the greatest increase in surface roughness, followed by XT and PLUS, respectively (p≤0.001). Nevertheless, the roughness values found did not present sufficient degradation to harbor bacteria. The surface roughness of all tested materials was increased by pH-cycling. The use of materials capable of resisting degradation in the oral environment is recommended, in order to conserve their integrity and of the surrounding tissues.

Marginal seal evaluation of different resin sealants used in pits and fissures. An in vitro study.

UNLABELLED: ATM: Oral health is important for everyone, but specially for children and people requiring special care owing to impaired manual ability. Primary prevention, with correct oral hygiene, proper diet, use of fluoride and pit and fissure sealants, can reduce caries risk thereby improving patients' quality of life. The first aim of this paper was to assess the marginal microleakage of different pit and fissure sealants after immersion in a cariogenic solution. The second aim was to evaluate the ability of the materials to penetrate into the bottom of the fissure. METHODS: 32 posterior teeth were divided into four groups based on the type of sealant tested: Concise, Clinpro, Fissurit, Fissurit F. Samples were immersed and stored in a lactic acid solution (pH 4.4, 0.1 M) at 37 degrees C for different periods: 1 day; 3 days; 7 days; 10 days. Then each sample was stored in erythrosine solution for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. Each sample was sectioned in a mesio-distal direction and evaluated at the stereomicroscope and subsequently at SEM. RESULTS: SEM analysis showed that Clinpro and Concise obtained a good penetration inside the fissure and a good adaptation to the enamel wall, while Fissurit and Fissurit F showed gaps at the sealant-enamel interface and voids. CONCLUSION: Sealant application is an important means for caries prevention but, for a lasting effect, it must be associated with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

The role of human milk and sucrose on cariogenicity of microcosm biofilms.

This study investigated the effect of human milk, alone and associated with sucrose, in the cariogenicity of biofilms in a microcosm biofilm model and compared with the cariogenicity of sucrose and bovine milk. Microcosm biofilms were grown in enamel discs in 24-well plates. Six growth conditions were studied: DMM (chemically defined artificial saliva - negative control), DMM with 1% of sucrose (DMM+s) (positive control), human milk with DMM, human milk with DMM+s, bovine milk with DMM, and bovine milk with DMM+s. After 5 days, the outcome variables surface hardness change (%SHC), microbiological composition of biofilms, and pH of supernatant were analyzed. All groups had significantly lower hardness loss compared to the DMM group with 1% of sucrose. Human and bovine milk associated with sucrose showed higher hardness loss. The supernatant pH values after 6 hours of different treatments were similar for the groups sucrose and human milk associated with sucrose (p>0.05). After 18 hours at rest in pure DMM, an increase in the pH of the supernatant was observed. Higher values of total microorganisms count were found for sucrose and bovine milk groups compared to the group supplemented only by DMM. Bovine milk group showed greater amount of total aciduric microorganisms in comparison to human milk group. Within the limits of this study, it can be infered that both human and cow milks have some cariogenic potential, although differing from sucrose in terms of mineral loss.

Effect of white cheese and sugarless yoghurt on dental plaque acidogenicity.

White cheese and sugarless yoghurt are frequently consumed traditional Turkish foods. The aim of this study was to assess their acidogenic potential when eaten alone or following a rinse with sucrose solution. Plaque pH was measured by a pH microelectrode at baseline to determine the resting plaque pH and at time intervals of 1-60 min after rinsing with 10% sucrose solution or eating the test food for 1 min. White cheese consumption for 1 min increased the plaque pH. When white cheese was eaten 5 min after rinsing with 10% sucrose solution, the plaque pH rose rapidly. After sugarless yoghurt consumption, the pH fell to a similar minimum as for sucrose after 5 min but returned to baseline levels after 30 instead of 60 min. Consumption of sugarless yoghurt after a sucrose rinse initially reduced the plaque pH further but did not affect the time taken for pH to regain baseline levels.

Cariogenic potential of stored human milk--an in-vitro study.

Human milk samples collected from ten lactating mothers in the K. S. Hegde Medical Hospital, Mangalore were divided into five different parts and stored at different temperatures for varying durations. The pH, buffer capacity and growth of Streptococcus mutans were assessed in each of these samples. There was a fall in pH of human milk stored at various temperatures. The buffer capacity of human milk increased with duration of storage. There was an increase in Streptococcus colony count in stored human milk proportional to the duration of storage and it increased more rapidly in case of milk stored at higher temperatures (0 degrees C - 4 degrees C) compared to the milk stored in the freezer (-19 degrees C). Milk samples stored at room temperature for 6 hours and in the freezer at -19 degrees C for 2 weeks were found to be relatively safe.

Soft drinks and dental health: a review of the current literature.

In recent years there has been increased interest in the role of commercial soft drinks in dental diseases namely as dental caries and erosion. The objective of this paper has been to review the past and current literature to determine the present knowledge on this subject. The literature related to dental caries, erosion, drinks, soft drinks and fruit juices was reviewed. The literature shows efforts have been taken to modify soft drinks by either adding or deleting certain components so as to reduce their harmful effects on teeth. A rational protocol to encourage the sensible use of drinks and the modification of drinks to render them less harmful would be advisable.

Investigação do potencial erosivo de gomas de mascar não convencionais / Investigation the erosive potential of unconventional chewing gums

Objetivo: mensurar o potencial erosivo de gomas de mascar não convencionais disponíveis no mercado brasileiro. Material e método: estudo experimental (in vitro) de caráter quantitativo. Foram adquiridos oito sabores de gomas de mascar: Poosh® (pinta língua); Plutonita® (abraço congelante, dentada ardente, baba de bruxa e língua ácida); e TNT® (sangue, lava e tumba). Para análise da acidez, foram realizadas leituras em triplicata do pH e acidez titulável (AT), utilizando um potenciômetro e eletrodo combinado de vidro em soluções obtidas após a maceração das gomas de mascar em água duplamente deionizada. Nas soluções com valores de pH inferiores a 5,5, foi mensurada a AT adicionando-se alíquotas de 100 µLNaOH 0,1 M, até alcançar pH 5,5. Os resultados foram submetidos à Análise de Variância (ANOVA). As comparações das médias de pH e acidez titulável foram realizadas pelo teste de Tukey, com um nível de 5% de significância (p<0,05). Resultados: os valores de pH variaram entre 2,4 (abraço congelante) e 3,5 (baba de bruxa), diferin-do significantemente do controle (água mineral/pH=6,2). Os valores de acidez titulável variaram entre 628µL de NaOH 0,1 M (sangue) e 10700µL de NaOH 0,1 M (abraço congelante). A goma de mascar sabor abraço congelante apresentou o pH mais baixo e a mais elevada acidez titulável, diferindo significantemente dos demais sabores. Conclusões: as gomas de mascar avaliadas são ácidas, mas diferem quanto ao seu potencial erosivo. Seu consumo abusivo pode constituir um fator de risco para erosão dental.(AU)

Objective: to measure the erosive potential of non- -conventional chewing gums available in the Brazilian market. Material and methods: this is an in vitro study using the following flavors of chewing gums from the Brazilian market: Poosh® (tongue cleaner); Plutonita® (freezing hug, burning bite, witch slime and acid tongue); TNT® (blood, lava and tomb). For acidity analysis, pH and titratable acidity (TA) readings were performed in triplicate using a potentiometer and combined glass electrode in solutions obtained after maceration of the chewing gums in double deionized water. In solutions with pH values below 5.5, the TA was measured by adding aliquots of 100 µL 0.1 M NaOH, until pH 5.5 was reached. The results were submitted to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Comparisons of pH and titratable acidity means were performed by Tukey test at a 5% significance level (p<0.05). Results: the pH values that ranged from 2.4 (freezing hug) to 3.5 (witch's slime) differed significantly from the control (mineral water/ pH=6.2). Titratable acidity values ranged from 628µL of 0.1 M NaOH (blood) to 10700µL of 0.1 M NaOH (freezing hug). The freezing hug flavor chewing gum had the lowest pH and the highest titratable acidity differing significantly from the other flavors. Conclusions: the evaluated chewing gums are acidic, but differ in their erosive potential. Their abusive consumption may constitute a risk factor for dental erosion.(AU)

Análise físico-química de balas duras e mastigáveis e o seu efeito desmineralizante em esmalte bovino / Physico-chemical analysis of hard and soft candies and their demineralizing effect in bovine enamel

Objetivo: avaliar o potencial cariogênico de balas duras e mastigáveis e seu potencial desmineralizante em esmalte bovino. Métodos: foram selecionadas 30 balas de diferentes marcas, divididas em balas duras (n=11), Tic Tac®, Halls® e IceKiss®, e balas mastigáveis (n=19), Lílith®, Azedinha®, Mentos Rainbow® e Dori Gomets®. As balas foram dissolvidas em água destilada (1:10) e foram avaliados pH, acidez titulável (ATT) e presença de sólidos solúveis totais (SST/°Brix). Na ciclagem erosiva, 40 espécimes de esmalte bovino foram divididos em quatro grupos (n=10): GCN ­ saliva artificial; GCP ­ ácido clorídrico; GT1 ­ solução da bala Lílith® maçã verde; GT2 ­ solução da bala IceKiss® extraforte. O desafio erosivo foi realizado por 2 minutos, 4x/dia, segui-do de 2 horas de imersão em saliva artificial durante cinco dias. Resultados: os valores de pH para as balas duras e mastigáveis variaram de 2,88 a 5,53 e de 2,73 a 4,16, respectivamente. ATT em pH 5,5 variou de 0,07 mL a 39,40 mL de NaOH 0,1 N, para as balas duras, e de 1,53 mL a 35,83 mL, para balas mastigáveis. ATT em pH 7,0 variou de 0,2 mL a 49,13 mL de NaOH, para balas duras, e de 2,37 mL a 49,97 mL, para as mastigáveis. O conteúdo de SST de todas as balas duras foi superior a 8,5°Brix, já entre as mastigáveis variou de 5,3 a 8,83°Brix. O GCP apresentou maior desmineralização que GCN e GT2 (p<0,05). Conclusão: a maioria das balas duras e mastigáveis dissolvidas em água destilada mostraram-se potencialmente erosivas e cariogênicas.(AU)

Objective: evaluate the cariogenic potential of hard and soft candies and their demineralizing potential in bovine enamel. Methods: 30 candies of different brands were selected, divided into hard candies (n=11): Tic Tac®, Halls® and IceKiss® and soft candies (n=19): Lílith®, Azedinha®, Mentos Rainbow® and Dori Gomets®. The candies were dissolved in distilled water (1:10) and pH, titratable acidity (TT) and presence of total soluble solids (SST/°Brix) were evaluated. In erosive cycling, 40 specimens of bovine enamel were divided into four groups (n=10): GCN - artificial saliva; GCP - hydrochloric acid; GT1 - Lilith® apple green candy solution; GT2 - IceKiss® Extra Strong candy Solution. The erosive challenge was performed for 2 minutes, 4X/day, followed by 2 hours of immersion in artificial saliva for five days. Results: pH values for hard and soft candies ranged from 2.88 to 5.53 and 2.73 to 4, respectively. ATT at pH 5.5 varied from 0.07 mL to 39.40 mL of 0.1 N NaOH for hard candies and 1.53 mL to 35.83 mL for soft candies. ATT at pH 7,0 varied from 0.2 mL to 49.13 mL of 0.1 N NaOH for hard candies and from 2.37 mL to 49.97 mL for soft candies. The content of SST of all hard candies was higher than 8.5 °Brix and for soft candies, varied between 5.3 to 8.83 °Brix. The GCP group showed greater demineralization than GCN and GT2 (p<0.05). Conclusion: most hard and soft candies dissolved in distilled water were potentially erosive and cariogenic.(AU)

Enamel and dentine demineralization by a combination of starch and sucrose in a biofilm - caries model.

Sucrose is the most cariogenic dietary carbohydrate and starch is considered non-cariogenic for enamel and moderately cariogenic for dentine. However, the cariogenicity of the combination of starch and sucrose remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this combination on Streptococcus mutans biofilm composition and enamel and dentine demineralization. Biofilms of S. mutans UA159 were grown on saliva-coated enamel and dentine slabs in culture medium containing 10% saliva. They were exposed (8 times/day) to one of the following treatments: 0.9% NaCl (negative control), 1% starch, 10% sucrose, or 1% starch and 10% sucrose (starch + sucrose). To simulate the effect of human salivary amylase on the starch metabolization, the biofilms were pretreated with saliva before each treatment and saliva was also added to the culture medium. Acidogenicity of the biofilm was estimated by evaluating (2 times/day) the culture medium pH. After 4 (dentine) or 5 (enamel) days of growth, biofilms (n = 9) were individually collected, and the biomass, viable microorganism count, and polysaccharide content were quantified. Dentine and enamel demineralization was assessed by determining the percentage of surface hardness loss. Biofilms exposed to starch + sucrose were more acidogenic and caused higher demineralization (p < 0.0001) on either enamel or dentine than those exposed to each carbohydrate alone. The findings suggest that starch increases the cariogenic potential of sucrose.

Enamel Surface with Pit and Fissure Sealant Containing 45S5 Bioactive Glass.

Enamel demineralization adjacent to pit and fissure sealants leads to the formation of marginal caries, which can necessitate the replacement of existing sealants. Dental materials with bioactive glass, which releases ions that inhibit dental caries, have been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the enamel surface adjacent to sealants containing 45S5 bioactive glass (BAG) under simulated microleakage between the material and the tooth in a cariogenic environment. Sealants containing 45S5BAG filler were prepared as follows: 0% 45S5BAG + 50.0% glass (BAG0 group), 12.5% 45S5BAG + 37.5% glass (BAG12.5 group), 25.0% 45S5BAG + 25.0% glass (BAG25.0 group), 37.5% 45S5BAG + 12.5% glass (BAG37.5 group), and 50.0% 45S5BAG + 0% glass (BAG50.0 group). A cured sealant disk was placed over a flat bovine enamel disk, separated by a 60-µm gap, and immersed in lactic acid solution (pH 4.0) at 37 °C for 15, 30, and 45 d. After the storage period, each enamel disk was separated from the cured sealant disk, and the enamel surface was examined with optical 3-dimensional surface profilometer, microhardness tester, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed a significant increase in roughness and a decrease in microhardness of the enamel surface as the proportion of 45S5BAG decreased (P< 0.05). In the scanning electron microscopy images, enamel surfaces with BAG50.0 showed a smooth surface, similar to those in the control group with distilled water, even after prolonged acid storage. Additionally, an etched pattern was observed on the surface of the demineralized enamel with a decreasing proportion of 45S5BAG. Increasing the 45S5BAG filler contents of the sealants had a significant impact in preventing the demineralization of the enamel surface within microgaps between the material and the tooth when exposed to a cariogenic environment. Therefore, despite some marginal leakage, these novel sealants may be effective preventive dental materials for inhibiting secondary caries at the margins.

An in vitro analysis of the cariogenic and erosive potential of pediatric liquid analgesics.

BACKGROUND: Analgesics such as Ibuprofen and Paracetamol, which are clinically used for the treatment of fever and/or pain, are among the most frequently used pediatric medicines. However, the properties of these preparations determine their cariogenic and erosive potential. AIMS: The main objective of this study was to analyze the pH, viscosity and total sugar content in a variety of Syrian pediatric liquid analgesics (PLA). SETTING AND DESIGN: A total of 16 available liquid analgesics that belong to the Paracetamol and Ibuprofen group were analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The endogenous pH was measured using a digital pH meter, the viscosity was measured using a digital rotational viscometer and the total sugar content was performed according to Fehling method. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were presented by means of descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values). RESULTS: The mean endogenous pH of PLA was 4.63 ± 0.57 ranging between 3.93 and 5.68, and almost all of analgesics (93.8%) had pH values ≤5.5. The mean viscosity of PLA was 243.56 ± 186.6 cP and varied between 20.5 cP and 640.5 cP. Sugars were detected in 11 (68.75%) analgesics, and varied considerably among sugar-containing analgesics from 5.38 to 69.4 (g/100 mL) with a mean concentration of 24.97 ± 23.24 g/100 mL. CONCLUSION: PLA are potentially cariogenic and erosive because of low pH, high viscosity and high total sugar content. This may increase our concerns about the dental health of children who take liquid analgesics frequently or when long-term treatment is indicated.

Direct compression properties of melt-extruded isomalt.

Isomalt, a sugar alcohol, was melt-extruded prior to compression in order to improve its tabletting properties. After fusion, crystalline isomalt was transformed into an amorphous form as shown by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The tabletting properties of amorphous isomalt were dramatically improved. Mixtures formulated with paracetamol (50%) and extruded isomalt yielded hard tablets. However, extruded isomalt powder showed agglomeration problems due to recrystallization of the amorphous phase into a stable crystalline form in the presence of atmospheric moisture. The evolution of the moisture content correlated well with the compressibility data. The tablets made of extruded isomalt powder had a lower friability in comparison to the tablets formulated with non-extruded isomalt powder. Their disintegration was fast and a rapid dissolution rate was recorded. Extruded isomalt displayed excellent tabletting properties; however, further experiments should be conducted to delay or even prevent recrystallization of amorphous isomalt.