Remineralization Potential of a Combination of Chitosan with Nanohydroxyapatite and a Self-assembling Peptide with Nanohydroxyapatite: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: This study explores the demineralizing potential of the combination of chitosan with nanohydroxyapatite (n-HA) and self-assembling peptides with n-HA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 66 first premolar teeth of similar dimensions extracted for orthodontic purposes were collected for this study. These were then demineralized and randomly divided into the following three groups (n = 22): (i) Control group, (ii) n-HA + Chitosan (HAC), and (iii) self-assembling peptide + n-HA (SP-HA). The samples in each group were brushed every 24 hours with the respective agent. The specimens were stored in Fusayama Meyer's artificial saliva at room temperature and the solution was replenished daily. Mineral content (Ca, P) and surface morphology of the specimens was analyzed, using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDAX), before demineralization, at 15 days of remineralization and 30 days of remineralization. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test followed by Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) post hoc analysis was used to compare the mean elemental composition of the different groups (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) weight percentage between the different groups at the baseline and after demineralization. The Ca and P weight percentages of all three groups after remineralization for 15 and 30 days showed no significant difference from the baseline or after demineralization. The surface morphology after 15 days of remineralization therapy showed decreased surface porosity and increased mineral deposition in the HAC group than the HP-SA group. Surface morphology after 30 days of remineralization showed a more homogenous and smoother surface in the HAC group than the HP-SA group. CONCLUSION: From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the combination of chitosan with n-HA and self-assembling peptides with n-HA can be considered effective demineralizing agents. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Considering the non-invasive nature of remineralization therapy understanding the effectiveness of different agents is of utmost importance. The demineralizing properties of chitosan, n-HA and self-assembling peptides make their combinations ideal for studying their effectiveness in treating white spot lesions.

Antimicrobial activity of herbal medicines (tulsi extract, neem extract) and chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis in Endodontics: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Successful endodontic treatment depends on effective disinfection and complete sealing of root canal. Various medicaments are advised for disinfecting root canal, such as herbal and non-herbal medicaments. This study was done to assess the antimicrobial activity of herbal medicines (neem extract, tulsi extract) and chlorhexidine against Enterococcus faecalis in Endodontics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Agar diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial action of different medicines. Sixty samples were segregated into four groups with 15 samples in each: Group I: chlorhexidine 2%, Group II: neem extract, Group III: tulsi extract, and Group IV: distilled water. The inhibition zones against E. faecalis were recorded and statistically assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Significant antibacterial effect against E. faecalis was observed with chlorhexidine followed by neem extract and tulsi extract. CONCLUSION: Herbal medicines seemed to be effective against E. faecalis compared to 2% chlorhexidine gluconate.