[Re-mineralization ability of Galla chinensis extracts on root carious lesions with or without non-collagen proteins].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the re-mineralization ability of Galla Chinensis extracts (GCE) on two artificial carious lesions in bovine root de-mineralized in vitro. METHODS: Fourteen bovine root blocks were divided into two parts from buccal to lingual direction. The mesial blocks were treated with a demineralization solution and the distant blocks were treated with another demineralization solution. Two specimens from each group were selected randomly and examined with polarization microscope (PLM). After all blocks were demineralized, half surface of the demineralized zone was covered and the another half was treated with 0.5% NaCl to extract soluble dentin phosphate protein (S-DPP). Then all specimens were submitted to pH-cycling for one week. In the first four days, all specimens were treated with GCE for 21 h and with demineralization solution for 3 h. In the remaining three days, all specimens were treated with GCE. The re-mineralization ability of GCE on the specimens was evaluated by laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). RESULTS: There existed intact surface layers on subsurface lesions but no surface layers were produced on erosive lesions. The re-mineralization ability of GCE on erosive lesions improved significantly with the treatment of 0.5% NaCl solution (P < 0.05). But it had no significant effect on subsurface lessions. CONCLUSION: Extraction of S-DPP with 0.5% NaCl can improve the re-mineralization ability of GCE on root caries with erosive lesions. This finding supports the proposition that Galla Chinesis may be a promising anti-caries natural medicine in the future.

Effect of Galla chinensis on the remineralization of two bovine root lesions morphous in vitro.

The present study aims to evaluate the effect of Galla chinensis compounds on the remineralization of two artificial root lesions morphous in vitro. Sixty bovine dentine blocks were divided into two groups and individually treated with two levels of demineralization solutions to form erosive and subsurface artificial carious lesions in vitro. Each group was then divided into three subgroups, each of which were treated with a remineralization solution (positive control), deionized water (negative control), or 4 000 mg⋅L(-1) aqueous solutions of Galla chinensis extract. The dentine blocks were then subjected to a pH-cycling regime for 7 days. During the first 4 days, the daily cycle included 21-h deal and 3-h demineralization applications. The dentine blocks were dealt with the entire day during the remaining 3 days. Two specimens from each of the treatment groups were selected and observed under a polarized light microscope. Data collected using a laser scanning confocal microscope were computerized and analyzed. Galla chinensis extract clearly enhanced the remineralization of both erosive lesion and subsurface lesion patterns in the specimens (P<0.05). The level of remineralization of the erosive lesion by Galla chinensis extract was lower than that of the subsurface lesion (P<0.05). In addition, the remineralization of the subsurface lesion by Galla chinensis extract was higher than that of the remineralization solution (P<0.05). No significant difference between the remineralization of erosive lesions by Galla chinensis extract and the remineralization solution was observed (P>0.05). So Galla chinensis extract has the potential to improve the remineralization of artificial root lesions under dynamic pH-cyclic conditions, indicating its potential use as a natural remineralization medicine.

Instant dentin hypersensitivity relief of a new desensitizing dentifrice containing 8.0% arginine, a high cleaning calcium carbonate system and 1450 ppm fluoride: a 3-day clinical study in Chengdu, China.

PURPOSE: To compare, with a double-blind, randomized, parallel-design clinical study, the hypersensitivity efficacy of a new Pro-Argin formula dentifrice containing 8.0% arginine, a high cleaning calcium carbonate system and 1450 ppm fluoride to a previously validated Pro-Argin formula dentifrice containing 8.0% arginine, calcium carbonate and 1450 ppm fluoride, and to a control toothpaste containing calcium carbonate and 1450 ppm fluoride, instantly after a single direct topical self-application using a fingertip, and after subsequent brushing for 3 days. METHODS: Qualifying subjects from the Chengdu, China area who presented two hypersensitive teeth with a tactile score of 10 to 50 grams, and an air blast score of 2 or 3, participated in this study. The first phase of the study consisted of a single topical application of the assigned product directly onto the hypersensitive surface of each of the two hypersensitive teeth. Study subjects applied a pea-size amount of their toothpaste onto the hypersensitive surface and massaged for 1 minute. The second phase of the study consisted of twice-daily at-home brushing with the toothpaste for 3 days. RESULTS: All one hundred and twenty-two (122) subjects complied with the study protocol and completed the study. There was good balance among the three groups at baseline. The mean tactile sensitivity scores for the new Pro-Argin formula dentifrice, the previously validated Pro-Argin formula dentifrice, and the control dentifrice were at baseline 14.88, 14.76 and 14.38, and after direct application were 28.90, 29.02 and 15.88, and after 3 days of brushing were 34.51, 33.41 and 16.00, respectively. The mean air blast scores at baseline were 2.11, 2.12 and 2.15, and after direct application were 1.21, 1.18 and 2.06, and after 3 days of brushing were 0.80, 0.83 and 1.93, respectively. Immediately after direct application and after 3 days of brushing, for both the tactile and air blast sensitivity scores, the differences between the two dentifrices containing 8.0% arginine and the control were statistically significant. There were no statistically significant differences between the two 8.0% arginine dentifrices immediately after direct application and after 3 days of brushing.