Microbiological Evaluation of Herbal Extracts against Candida albicans in Early Childhood Caries Patients: An In Vitro Study.

Purpose: The current literature proposes a probable role of Candida albicans (C. albicans) in its etiopathogenesis in early childhood caries (ECC). This study aimed to isolate C. albicans species in children with and without ECC and compare the antifungal efficacy of neem, miswak, cinnamon, clove, stevia, and ketoconazole. This study also aimed to assess and compare salivary pH in children with and without ECC. Materials and methods: A total of 60 children were included in the study, who were divided into two groups-group I (children with ECC) and group II (children without ECC). Plaque samples were collected and streaked on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). C. albicans isolates were evaluated, and their susceptibility to herbal agents was tested and compared. Saliva samples were collected, and salivary pH was tested and compared. Results: The presence of C. albicans was significantly higher in group I (76.7%) as compared to group II (23.3%). The mean zone of inhibition for neem was 4.9 mm, whereas, for miswak, it was 4.5 mm; for cinnamon, 9.3 mm; for clove, 3.8 mm; for stevia, 10.9 mm; and for ketoconazole it was 21.09 mm. The mean salivary pH for group I was 6.7, and that for group II was 7.3. Conclusion: Candida albicans (C. albicans) carriage in children with ECC was significantly higher than in children without ECC. All herbal agents showed significant antifungal activity, with stevia showing the highest activity. The average salivary pH of children without ECC was slightly higher than that of children with ECC. How to cite this article: Siddaiah SB, Sinha S, BR A. Microbiological Evaluation of Herbal Extracts against Candida albicans in Early Childhood Caries Patients: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(1):26-30.

Diet-derived circulating antioxidants, periodontitis and dental caries: A Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Given the potential association between oxidative stress, periodontitis and dental caries, whether dietary supplementation with antioxidants is beneficial for periodontitis and dental caries has been widely reported, but remains controversial. This study aims to clarify these relationships through two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. METHODS: Circulating antioxidants (copper, selenium, zinc, ascorbate, ß-carotene, lycopene, retinol and vitamin E) were derived from absolute circulating antioxidants and circulating antioxidant metabolites. Summary data of periodontitis and dental caries were obtained from two separate databases, respectively. We performed inverse-variance weighted (IVW) analysis separately in different databases, followed by meta-analysis. The robustness of results was examined by sensitivity analyses, including three complementary MR methods, heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests, and PhenoScanner query. RESULTS: IVW analysis showed that elevated levels of absolute circulating retinol reduced the risk of periodontitis (GLIDE: OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.18-0.95, p = .038, power = 100%; FinnGen: OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.04-0.54, p = .004, power = 100%). The pooled OR for periodontitis risk per unit increase of retinol is 0.30 (95% CI = 0.15-0.61, p = .001, I2 = 40.3%, power = 100%). No significant associations were noted for genetically predicted circulating antioxidants and dental caries risk. The sensitivity analyses yielded similar estimates. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that a negative causality between circulating retinol and periodontitis risk, and null linkage between circulating antioxidants and dental caries risk, suggesting potential strategies for the prevention and control of periodontitis.

The antimicrobial effect of different vitamin D compounds on Streptococcus mutans and their impact on glycosyltransferase expression.

Background: Streptococcus mutans is a virulent microorganism associated with dental caries. This in vitro study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effects of Cholecalciferol (D3) and Doxercalciferol (D2), against S. mutans and on glycosyltransferase gene expression. Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of D3 and D2 for S. mutans were determined according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The effect of the compounds on environmental pH in 1% w/v and 5% w/v sucrose broth cultures after 24 hours were assessed colorimetrically. Additionally, their impact on glycosyltransferases gene expression (GtfB, GtfC, GtfD) in 5% w/v sucrose culture was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The MBCs of D3 and D2 were 83 µg/ml and 166 µg/ml respectively. Both compounds were effective in preventing the local pH drop <5.5 at ≥166 µg/ml in sucrose supplemented cultures. However, the compounds did not inhibit pH drop at MIC values. Notably, D2 upregulated GtfD expression significantly (p < 0.05) and downregulated GtfB and GtfC. Conclusion: Vitamin D2 and D3 inhibited S. mutans mediated pH drop in sucrose supplemented cultures and altered glycosyltransferase expression, suggesting potential therapeutic roles in dental caries prevention. Further research is needed to assess their full impact on S. mutans survival under environmental stresses.

Exploring the role of flavonoids in caries-affected dentin adhesion: A comprehensive scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this scoping review was to evaluate the available scientific evidence regarding the use of flavonoids in the treatment of caries-affected dentin focusing on bonding to dentin. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in five databases from March 2022 and updated in April 2023: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Scielo. Additionally, the references of included studies were manually searched. Gray literature was excluded from the review. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria included in vitro, in situ, and in vivo studies (animal or human) published in English. Abstracts, reviews, case reports, book chapters, doctoral dissertations, guidelines, and studies using pure plant extracts were excluded. Data collected from the selected studies were summarized and subjected to narrative and descriptive analysis. Out of the 91 studies identified, only 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The review analyzed eight different flavonoids (hesperidin, galardin, proanthocyanidin, genipin, quercetin, naringin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and other catechins subtypes) used as pretreatment or loaded into adhesive systems, primers, and phosphoric acid. The use of flavonoids improved the mechanical properties of the materials and modified the biological properties of the dentin, reducing collagen loss by the inhibition of proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this scoping review, it can be concluded that the use of flavonoids as pretreatment or incorporation into dental materials preserves collagen in the hybrid layer, inhibiting the MMPs activities, modifying the collagen fibrils of the dentin matrix and improving the mechanical properties of the dental adhesive systems. Therefore, it represents a promising approach for promoting dentin biomodification. This can result in more stable bonding of adhesive restorations to caries-affected dentin.

High-Resolution Characterization of Enamel Remineralization Using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Electron Microscopy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the suitability of high-resolution time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) for visualizing cross-sectional changes in human enamel microstructure and chemical composition during treatment and remineralization cycling of artificially generated caries lesions underneath an artificial plaque. METHODS: Treatments consisted of exposure to twice daily toothpaste/water slurries prepared from 0, 1,100, and 5,000 µg/g fluoride (F) NaF/silica toothpastes. In addition, treatments with slurries prepared from 1,100 µg/g F SnF2/silica toothpastes were done using 44Ca in the remineralization solution to allow for differentiation of newly formed mineral and exploration of incorporated metal dopants using ToF-SIMS. Complementary microhardness, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) investigations were performed on enamel cross sections. RESULTS: HR-TEM was used for the first time to determine the change in crystallinity during remineralization revealing distinct microstructural zones within one lesion. Chemical mapping using ToF-SIMS demonstrated that the distribution of F, while observed primarily in the new mineral phase, was widespread throughout the lesion with 44Ca substantially limited to the remineralizing mineral. Both penetrated the inter-rod spaces of the sound enamel illustrating how acid damage propagates into the native mineral as the caries lesion deepens. HR-TEM examination revealed different regions within the lesion characterized by distinct micro- and ultrastructures. Importantly, HR-TEM revealed a return of crystallinity following remineralization. F dose-response observations verified the ability of these high-resolution techniques to differentiate remineralization efficacy. CONCLUSION: The collective results provided new insights such as the visualization of F or calcium penetration pathways, as well as new tools to study the caries process.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Madhuca longifolia (Mahua) Stem Extract Against Streptococcus mutans: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction Madhuca longifolia is one of the important folklore medicinal plants with a plethora of established pharmaceutical properties. Its twigs are used as chewing sticks (toothbrushes), and it is believed that if a person uses it daily, it will make their gum healthy and strong. No study has ever been conducted to evaluate the antibacterial effect of M. longifolia extracts against oral microorganisms. Materials and methods Fresh stem twigs (Madkam Kaarkad) of M. longifolia were collected and dried. The dried stem was cut into small pieces, 5 g of which was mixed with 50 ml distilled water (in the ratio 1:10) and kept for two days for maceration. After two days, the liquid was filtered and the final filtrate was obtained, from which dry pellets were made and stored in the refrigerator at 4°C. Brain heart infusion agar was used as a medium to grow the lyophilized bacteria. Pure strains of Streptococcus mutans 890 were obtained from the Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) and MTCC-suggested protocol was followed for the revival of lyophilized bacteria. The agar well diffusion method was used to determine the zone of inhibition. The extract of stems with different concentrations (10%, 7.5%, 5.0%, and 2.5%) and at different volumes (100 µl, 150 µl, 200 µl, and 250 µl) was transferred to the agar plates. Chlorhexidine 0.2% was used as a control and it was also transferred to agar plates, which were incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24 hours. Antibacterial activity was interpreted from the size of the diameter of zones of inhibition measured in millimeters using a measuring scale in all the agar plates. Results The minimum zone of inhibition of 11 mm at 2.5% concentration and 100 µl volume of M. longifolia extract and the maximum zone of inhibition of 20 mm at 10% concentration and 250 µl volume was notified. While for chlorhexidine at 0.2% concentration, the zone of inhibition obtained was 9.5 mm at 40 µl volume. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of M. longifolia was found to be 35 mg/ml. Conclusion M. longifolia showed marked antibacterial activity against S. mutans and has a high MIC value. Therefore, this plant can be considered an effective agent against oral diseases like dental caries.

Association of Papacarie Duo® and low-level laser in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT).

Dental caries is a multifactorial, non-communicable disease. Effective treatment options for minimally invasive removal of carious tissue include Papacarie Duo® gel and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). aPDT involves a combination of a light source and photosensitizer. Given that Papacarie Duo® contains a percentage of blue dye, this study aims to explore the antimicrobial potential of Papacarie Duo® when associated with a light source against Streptococcus mutans strains. The chosen light source was a low-power diode laser (λ = 660 nm, E = 3 J, P = 100 mW, t = 30 s). To assess antimicrobial capacity, planktonic suspensions of Streptococcus mutans were plated on Brain Heart Infusion Agar (BHI) to observe the formation of inhibition halos. The studied groups included methylene blue (0.005%), Papacarie Duo®, distilled water (negative control), 2% chlorhexidine (positive control), Papacarie Duo® + laser, and methylene blue (0.005%) + laser. Following distribution onto plates, each group was incubated at 37 °C for 48 h under microaerophilic conditions. Inhibition halos were subsequently measured using a digital caliper. The results showed that chlorhexidine had the greatest antimicrobial effect followed by the group of irradiated methylene blue and irradiated Papacarie Duo®. All experimental groups demonstrated antimicrobial potential, excluding the negative control group. The study concludes that Papacarie Duo® exhibits antimicrobial properties when associated with a low-power diode laser.

Medicinal herbs, especially Hibiscus sabdariffa, inhibit oral pathogenic bacteria.

OBJECTIVES: Medicinal herbs are plants with potential medicinal and health benefits. In recent years, they are being increasingly used as a treatment alternative owing to their effectiveness against various diseases. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of 15 medicinal herbs on causative bacteria for dental caries and periodontal disease. METHODS: This study evaluated the effects of the extracts of 15 medicinal herbs on growth and biofilm formation in five oral pathogenic bacterial strains. The herbs were processed into extracts, and bacterial strains were cultured. Then, bacterial growth and biofilm formation were assessed using various methods. Finally, the extract of the herb Hibiscus sabdariffa (hibiscus) was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Incubation of bacteria with the herbal extracts showed that hibiscus exerted a significant inhibitory effect on all the oral pathogenic bacterial strains evaluated in this study. In addition, the pigment delphinidin-3-sambubioside, which is found in hibiscus extract, was identified as a particularly important inhibitory component. CONCLUSIONS: These results lay the ground work for the potential development of novel therapeutic or preventive agents against dental caries and periodontal disease, two major oral diseases.

Comparative evaluation of anti-biofilm and anti- adherence potential of plant extracts against Streptococcus mutans: A therapeutic approach for oral health.

Dental caries predominantly attributed to the cariogenic nature of Streptococcus mutans, continue to pose a substantial global challenge to oral health. In response to this challenge, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of leaf extracts (LEs) and essential oils (EOs) derived from different medicinal plants in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans biofilm. In vitro and in silico approaches were employed to identify active compounds and assess their inhibitory effects on S. mutans. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were measured to determine the anti-biofilm and anti-adherence activity against S. mutans. Biofilm viability (CFU/mL) and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) concentration were quantified. GC-MS analysis was utilized to identify active compounds in the most effective plant extracts exhibiting anti-S. mutans activity. A high-throughput screening focused on the interaction between these compounds and the target enzyme SortaseA (SrtA) using molecular docking was performed. Results indicated that Cymbopogon citratus displayed the highest efficacy in reducing S. mutans biofilm formation and adhesion activity, achieving 90 % inhibition at an MIC value of 12 µg/mL. Among the 12 bioactive compounds identified, trans-Carvyl acetate exhibited the lowest binding energy with SrtA (-6.0 Kcal/mole). Trans-Carvyl acetate also displayed favorable pharmacokinetic properties. This study provides novel insights into the anti-S. mutans properties of C. citratus and suggests its potential as a therapeutic approach for oral health. Further research is needed to explore the combined effect of plant extracts for enhanced protection against dental caries.

Pomegranate extract in polyphosphate-fluoride mouthwash reduces enamel demineralization.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the anti-demineralizing effect of a mouthwash comprising pomegranate peel extract (PPE 3%), sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP 0.3%), and fluoride (F 225 ppm) in an in situ study, and to assess its irritation potential in an ex vivo study. METHODS: This double-blind crossover study was conducted in four phases with 7 days each. Twelve volunteers used palatal appliances containing enamel blocks, which were subjected to cariogenic challenges. The ETF formulation (PPE + TMP + F, pH 7.0), TF formulation (TMP + F, pH 7.0), deionized water (W, pH 7.0), and essential oil commercial mouthwash (CM, 220 ppm F, pH 4.3) were dropped onto the enamel twice daily. The percentage of surface hardness loss, integrated loss of subsurface hardness, calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride in enamel and biofilms were determined. In addition, alkali-soluble extracellular polysaccharide concentrations were analyzed in the biofilms. The irritation potential was evaluated using the hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane test through the vascular effect produced during 300-s of exposure. RESULTS: ETF was the most efficacious in preventing demineralization. It also showed the highest concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in the enamel and in the biofilm, as well as the lowest amount of extracellular polysaccharides in the biofilm. In the eggs, ETF produced light reddening, whereas CM led to hyperemia and hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of PPE to formulations containing TMP and F increased its anti-demineralizing property, and this formulation presented a lower irritation potential than the CM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ETF can be a promising alternative alcohol-free mouthwash in patients at high risk of caries.

Salivary elemental signature of dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of ionomics studies.

Trace- and macro-chemical elements are crucial for cellular physiological functioning, and their alterations in biological fluids might be associated with an underlying pathological state. Hence, this study aimed to examine and summarize the published literature concerning the application of salivary ionomics for caries diagnosis. An extensive search of studies was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus, without any language and year restriction for answering the following PECO question: "In subjects (i.e., children, adolescents, or adults) with good systematic health, are there any variations in the salivary concentrations of trace- or macro-elements between caries-free (CF) individuals and caries-active (CA) subjects?" A modified version of the QUADOMICS tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The Review Manager Version 5.4.1. was used for data analyses. The analysis of salivary chemical elements that significantly differed between CF and CA subjects was also performed. Thirty-four studies were included, involving 2299 CA and 1669 CF subjects, having an age range from 3 to 64 years in over 16 countries. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the salivary levels of calcium, phosphorus, chloride, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc between CA and CF subjects, suggesting higher levels of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium in CF subjects while higher levels of chloride, magnesium, and zinc in CA patients. Half of the included studies (17/34) were considered high quality, while the remaining half were considered medium quality. Only zinc and chloride ions were found to be higher significantly and consistent in CF and CA subjects, respectively. Conflicting outcomes were observed for all other salivary chemical elements including aluminum, bromine, calcium, copper, fluoride, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphorus, lead, selenium, and sulfate ions.

Anticaries properties of natural berries: systematic literature review.

CONTEXT: Anticariogenic properties have been ascribed to polyphenolic compounds present in high concentrations in numerous fruits. Berries, in particular, have been reported as potentially having an inhibitory effect on the dental biofilm and subsequently on caries, but the evidence is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to explore the literature and summarize the evidence for berries having an inhibitory effect on the dental biofilm and an anticariogenic effect. DATA SOURCES: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, the PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were scanned using predefined and accessible terms, with a search strategy based on a structured PICO question. DATA EXTRACTION: After article selection, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria, most of them being in vitro studies. A risk assessment was performed, and data were extracted and presented in a table for qualitative analysis. DATA ANALYSIS: Meta-analyses were conducted using standardized mean differences (SMDs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) by Review manager 5.4. RESULTS: Only 3 types of berries were found to have a reported anticaries effect: grape seed extract (GSE), cranberry, and sour cherry. Nine studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were subjected to quantitative analysis. Meta-analyses showed GSE was associated with enhanced remineralization of dental enamel (SMD = .96 95% CI [.45, 1.46], P < .0002) and of dentin (SMD = .65 95% CI [.13, 1.17], P = .01). Cranberry extracts positively influenced the cariogenic dental biofilm by decreasing the biofilm biomass (SMD = -2.23 95% CI [-4.40, -.05], P = .04), and biovolume (SMD = -2.86 95% CI [-4.34, -1.37], P = .0002), and increasing the biofilm pH (SMD = 7.9 95% CI [3.49, 12.31], P < .0004). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this systematic review and metaanalysis, GSE and cranberries or their active compounds could represent an alternative for caries management. Further clinical trials are needed to verify this effect in a clinical setting. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020223579.

Adhesive Bond Strength of Restorative Materials to Caries-Affected Dentin Treated with Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the adhesive bond strength of restorative materials to caries-affected dentin (CAD) treated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in comparison with conventional chemical disinfectants. Methods: Three databases, including the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, were searched to address the focused question: "What is the effect of aPDT compared to conventional chemical disinfection techniques on the adhesive bond strength of restorative materials to CAD?." Search keywords included "dentin*" "adhes bond*" "caries-affected dentin" "photodynamic "photochemotherapy" "photosensitizing agent" "phototherapy" "photoradiation" "laser" "light activated" "photoactivated." A fixed-effects model was used in each meta-analysis and the inverse variance was used to calculate the standard mean difference (SMD). For evaluating the statistical heterogeneity, the Cochrane's Q test and the I2 statistics were used. The risk of bias was evaluated based on the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Results: Fourteen studies were included in the qualitative as well as quantitative analysis. The results of the meta-analyses exhibited an SMD of 2.38% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.03-2.73; p < 0.00001], indicating a statistically significant difference in the shear bond strength scores between the tested group (samples treated with aPDT) and the control group (i.e., favoring the sound dentin and/or conventional chemical disinfectants). Contrarily, an SMD of -1.46% (95% CI: -2.04 to -0.88; p < 0.00001) and -0.37% (95% CI: -0.70 to -0.03; p = 0.03) was observed, indicating a statistically significant difference in the microtensile bond strength (µTBS), as well as microleakage scores between the tested group (favoring the samples treated with aPDT) and the control group (i.e., sound dentin and/or conventional chemical disinfectants). Conclusions: Adhesive bond strength of restorative materials to CAD treated with conventional chemical disinfectants showed superior outcomes compared to photodynamic therapy (aPDT).

An Update on Drug-Nutrient Interactions and Dental Decay in Older Adults.

In recent decades, the global demographic landscape has undergone a discernible shift that has been characterised by a progressive increase in the proportion of elderly individuals, indicative of an enduring global inclination toward extended lifespans. The aging process, accompanied by physiological changes and dietary patterns, contributes to detrimental deviations in micronutrient consumption. This vulnerable aging population faces heightened risks, including dental caries, due to structural and functional modifications resulting from insufficient nutritional sustenance. Factors such as physiological changes, inadequate nutrition, and the prevalence of multiple chronic pathologies leading to polypharmacy contribute to the challenge of maintaining an optimal nutritional status. This scenario increases the likelihood of drug interactions, both between medications and with nutrients and the microbiome, triggering complications such as dental decay and other pathologies. Since the drug industry is evolving and new types of food, supplements, and nutrients are being designed, there is a need for further research on the mechanisms by which drugs interfere with certain nutrients that affect homeostasis, exemplified by the prevalence of caries in the mouths of older adults. Infectious diseases, among them dental caries, exert serious impacts on the health and overall quality of life of the elderly demographic. This comprehensive review endeavours to elucidate the intricate interplay among drugs, nutrients, the microbiome, and the oral cavity environment, with the overarching objective of mitigating the potential hazards posed to both the general health and dental well-being of older adults. By scrutinising and optimising these multifaceted interactions, this examination aims to proactively minimise the susceptibility of the elderly population to a spectrum of health-related issues and the consequences associated with dental decay.

A Systematic Evaluation of Curcumin Concentrations and Blue Light Parameters towards Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy against Cariogenic Microorganisms.

Dental caries is a highly preventable and costly disease. Unfortunately, the current management strategies are inadequate at reducing the incidence and new minimally invasive strategies are needed. In this study, a systematic evaluation of specific light parameters and aqueous curcumin concentrations for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) was conducted. Aqueous solutions of curcumin were first prepared and evaluated for their light absorbance after applying different ~56 mW/cm2 blue light treatments in a continuous application mode. Next, these same light treatments as well as different application modes were applied to the curcumin solutions and the molar absorptivity coefficient, reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for Streptococcus mutans and the MIC and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) for Candida albicans were measured. After up to 1 min of light treatment, the molar absorptivity of curcumin when added to culture media was lower than that for water only; however, at higher energy levels, this difference was not apparent. There was a noted dependence on both ROS type and cariogenic microorganism species on the sensitivity to both blue light treatment and application mode. In conclusion, this study provides new information towards improving the agonistic potential of aPDT associated with curcumin against cariogenic microorganisms.

The Power of Licorice (Radix glycyrrhizae) to Improve Oral Health: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Clinical Implications.

Licorice (Radix glycyrrhizae) is a plant root extract widely used in various applications, including cosmetics, food supplements, and traditional medicine. It has a long history of medicinal use in different cultures due to its diverse pharmacological properties. Licorice has traditionally been used for treating gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, cough, bronchitis, arthritis, and skin conditions. In recent years, the potential therapeutic benefits of licorice for oral health have gained significant interest. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the effects of licorice extracts and their bioactive components on common oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, halitosis, candidiasis, and recurrent aphthous ulcers. The chemical composition of licorice has shown the presence of several bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhizin, glabridin, isoliquiritigenin (ISL), and licochalcone exhibiting various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory effects. Interestingly, in certain patients, licorice has shown a promising potential to inhibit the spread of viruses, prevent biofilm formation, reduce inflammation, boost immune responses, alleviate pain, and exert antioxidative effects. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the current understanding of licorice's therapeutic benefits in the treatment of oral ailments, emphasising its potential as an alternative treatment option for oral diseases. Further research is warranted to explore its efficacy, safety, and clinical applications using placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Examining the Role of Vitamin D in Caries Susceptibility in Children's Deciduous Teeth: A Systematic Review.

The global prevalence of dental caries in deciduous teeth remains a significant health concern, affecting almost 70% of children by the age of six in specific regions. This systematic review aspired to methodically investigate the association between vitamin D levels and susceptibility to caries in children's deciduous teeth. A detailed search, guided by the PRISMA and PROSPERO guidelines, was conducted across three prominent electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, culminating in August 2023. The search integrated various keywords related to vitamin D and dental caries in primary dentition, yielding an initial pool of 1678 articles. After meticulous scrutiny, seven studies with a total of 7655 participants were deemed suitable for inclusion. The studies represented diverse geographical regions, showcasing varied vitamin D levels and sun exposure. Patient habits like brushing frequency, dental visits, and vitamin consumption also varied across studies. The analysis pinpointed vitamin D deficiency as a potential risk factor in some of the studies, with Odds Ratios (OR) ranging from 0.68 to 2.15. Statistically significant associations between vitamin D deficiency and caries susceptibility were documented in three studies (ORs of 2.15, 1.98, and 1.70). This comprehensive review elucidates the complex relationship between vitamin D levels and dental caries in children's deciduous teeth. While some studies spotlight vitamin D's pivotal role in dental health, inconsistencies across studies and regional differences necessitate more in-depth, globally representative investigations. Ensuring optimal vitamin D levels may play an integral role in dental health strategies. However, it is important to highlight that the roles of these studied factors might differ in deciduous teeth compared to permanent teeth.

Dietary Habits and Oral Hygiene as Determinants of the Incidence and Intensity of Dental Caries-A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of dietary and hygiene habits on the prevalence and intensity of dental caries. A group of 148 adults participated in the study. METHODS: A self-administered nutrition and oral hygiene questionnaire was used to assess dietary habits and oral hygiene routine. A preventive diet index (PDI), a cariogenic diet index (CDI), and an oral health hygiene and prevention index (OHHPI) were created based on part of the questions. The intensity of dental caries among the respondents was investigated by the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT), which was estimated on the basis of data obtained during the dental examination. RESULTS: The study showed that 97% of the respondents had filled carious cavities, while untreated carious cavities were observed in up to 78% of the study participants. The respondents had an average consumption of preventive products and a low consumption of caries-stimulating foods. The preventive dietary index (PDI) value was higher in the female group than in the male group. A more frequent consumption of caries-inhibiting products was demonstrated by those declaring that they took various types of dietary supplements. The use of health-promoting sugar substitutes by the respondents was associated with a lower intensity of dental caries and a more frequent consumption of preventive products. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the survey results indicates the need to implement educational activities aimed at increasing public awareness of the prevalence of dental caries among adults.

Current appraises of therapeutic applications of nanocurcumin: A novel drug delivery approach for biomaterials in dentistry.

Curcumin is a natural herb and polyphenol that is obtained from the medicinal plant Curcuma longa. It's anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant and antifungal properties can be leveraged to treat a myriad of oral and systemic diseases. However, natural curcumin has weak solubility, limited bioavailability and undergoes rapid degradation, which severely limits its therapeutic potential. To overcome these drawbacks, nanocurcumin (nCur) formulations have been developed for improved biomaterial delivery and enhanced treatment outcomes. This novel biomaterial holds tremendous promise for the treatment of various oral diseases, the majority of which are caused by dental biofilm. These include dental caries, periodontal disease, root canal infection and peri-implant diseases, as well as other non-biofilm mediated oral diseases such as oral cancer and oral lichen planus. A number of in-vitro studies have demonstrated the antibacterial efficacy of nCur in various formulations against common oral pathogens such as S. mutans, P. gingivalis and E. faecalis, which are strongly associated with dental caries, periodontitis and root canal infection, respectively. In addition, some clinical studies were suggestive of the notion that nCur can indeed enhance the clinical outcomes of oral diseases such as periodontitis and oral lichen planus, but the level of evidence was very low due to the small number of studies and the methodological limitations of the available studies. The versatility of nCur to treat a diverse range of oral diseases augurs well for its future in dentistry, as reflected by rapid pace in which studies pertaining to this topic are published in the scientific literature. In order to keep abreast of the latest development of nCur in dentistry, this narrative review was undertaken. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a contemporaneous update of the chemistry, properties, mechanism of action, and scientific evidence behind the usage of nCur in dentistry.

Anticariogenic Activity of Celastrol and Its Enhancement of Streptococcal Antagonism in Multispecies Biofilm.

Dental caries is a chronic disease resulting from dysbiosis in the oral microbiome. Antagonism of commensal Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus gordonii against cariogenic Streptococcus mutans is pivotal to keep the microecological balance. However, concerns are growing on antimicrobial agents in anticaries therapy, for broad spectrum antimicrobials may have a profound impact on the oral microbial community, especially on commensals. Here, we report celastrol, extracted from Traditional Chinese Medicine's Tripterygium wilfordii (TW) plant, as a promising anticaries candidate. Our results revealed that celastrol showed antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against cariogenic bacteria S. mutans while exhibiting low cytotoxicity. By using a multispecies biofilm formed by S. mutans UA159, S. sanguinis SK36, and S. gordonii DL1, we observed that even at relatively low concentrations, celastrol reduced S. mutans proportion and thereby inhibited lactic acid production as well as water-insoluble glucan formation. We found that celastrol thwarted S. mutans outgrowth through the activation of pyruvate oxidase (SpxB) and H2O2-dependent antagonism between commensal oral streptococci and S. mutans. Our data reveal new anticaries properties of celastrol that enhance oral streptococcal antagonism, which thwarts S. mutans outgrowth, indicating its potential to maintain oral microbial balance for prospective anticaries therapy.