Evaluation of the Antifungal Effect of Rhus verniciflua Stokes Extract for Oral Application Potential.

Background and Objectives: This study confirms the possibility of using Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) extract as a natural treatment for oral candidiasis. Materials and Methods: RVS was extracted with 70% ethanol to examine the antioxidant activity through polyphenol, flavonoid content, and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). To evaluate the antifungal effect against Candida albicans (C. albicans; KCTC 7965/ATCC 10231) and evaluate the stability of RVS, a water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay was performed in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Results: The findings revealed that RVS extract has fairly high antioxidant activity. The clear zones of the RVS extract against C. albicans increased in diameter due to the inhibition of fungal growth at higher concentrations. Treatment with the 1.25 mg/mL RVS extract had a more than 99% antifungal effect against C. albicans, and the 20 mg/mL RVS extract had a 100% antifungal effect. The WST-1 assay showed that the RVS extract induced low cell viability in the HaCaT cells, which inhibited their proliferation, and the RVS extract is also toxic to normal cells. Conclusions: Although the RVS extract with high antioxidant activity showed clear antifungal activity against C. albicans, it exhibited a low survival rate. Therefore, the development of a safe natural antibiotic is necessary.

Comparison of halitosis according to herbal mouthwash containing Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract and saline mouthwash: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted in order to determine the effect on halitosis and the antibacterial effect against halitosis-causing bacteria of the mouthwash made of the natural material, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (G. uralensis) extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 60 patients who visited M dental clinic located in Busan, South Korea, excluding those with systemic disease that may induce halitosis. There were 30 patients classified to the saline gargle group and the remaining 30 patients were classified to the G. uralensis extract gargle group. In addition, their level of halitosis and halitosis-causing bacteria were measured. They visited the dental clinic on a fasted state at baseline before gargle application (Baseline), immediately after gargle application (Treatment) and 5 days after gargle application (After 5 Days). For clinical indicators, participants were tested for halitosis and bacteria immediately after waking up without brushing their teeth and without hydration. RESULTS: The prevalence of halitosis decreased in the G. uralensis extract gargle group compared to the saline gargle group at Treatment and After 5 Days. In cases with pseudo halitosis, there was a significant decrease in halitosis-causing bacteria when G. uralensis extract gargle was applied (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was identified that using a mouthwash made with G. uralensis extract is effective for halitosis improvement and reduction of halitosis-causing bacteria. Therefore, using a mouthwash containing G. uralensis extract, it will be effective in improving bad breath and oral hygiene will be possible.

Association between depressive mood and chronic periodontitis among senior residents using the National Health Insurance Service-Senior Cohort Database.

BACKGROUND: Bacteria involved in chronic periodontal disease induce inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines can enter the brain through systemic circulation and cause depression. In this study, we investigated the association between depressed mood and chronic periodontitis in older adults in Korea. METHODS: This study used data from the Life-changing Period Health Checkup (2007-2008), performed only at 66 years of age, which is available from the National Health Insurance Service-Senior Cohort Database. The depressed mood status was evaluated by three questions in the mental health examination. The definition of chronic periodontitis was determined based on the diagnosis and treatment codes for chronic periodontitis. Based on the three questions, we investigated the association between depressive mood and chronic periodontal disease by dividing the study population into 9622 depressed mood subjects (DMS) and 9091 non-depressed mood subjects (NDMS). Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were presented. RESULTS: Among the NDMS, 5390 patients with chronic periodontitis were identified, and among the DMS, 5964 patients with chronic periodontitis were identified. The crude OR (95% CI) for chronic periodontitis in DMS compared to NDMS was 1.12 (1.06-1.19). The adjusted OR (95% CI) for chronic periodontitis was 1.12 (1.06-1.19). As a result of confirming the effect of sex and comorbidity on the association between depressed mood and chronic periodontitis, a significant association was observed for women at 1.15 (1.07-1.25). In addition, the adjusted OR (95% CI) for depressive mood and chronic periodontitis was 1.15 (1.07-1.25) for patients with hypertension, 1.13 (1.03-1.25) for patients with diabetes, 1.12 (1.02-1.22) for patients with dyslipidemia, and 1.18 (1.04-1.34) for patients with heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the relationship between depressed mood and chronic periodontitis in older adults. Therefore, education to strengthen the emotional management of older adults, especially with respect to depression, would play an auxiliary role in preventing and treating periodontitis.

Effects of a mouthwash containing Lespedeza cuneata extract on risk of dental caries: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

This study aims to evaluate the anti-caries effect of a mouthwash containing Lespedeza cuneata extract by confirming its effect on acid-producing capacity and bacteria causing dental caries in the oral cavity. For the same oral environments of 95 subjects who agreed to participate in this study, scaling was performed one week before the experiment. The final number of subjects included in the analysis was 82, excluding those who dropped out during the study period. A randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted by dividing the subjects into the Lespedeza cuneata extract gargle group (n = 42) and the saline gargle group (n = 40). Participants in each group gargled once every day before going to bed for 5 days, and data were collected by measuring 3 times: before gargling (Baseline), immediately after gargling (Treatment), and 5 days after gargling (After 5 Days). Two trained dental hygienists confirmed the dental caries activity through the Cariview test under the guidance of a dentist. Microbiological analysis was performed to evaluate the changes in bacteria causing dental caries. By confirming the anti-caries effect in the oral environment according to the application of Lespedeza cuneata extract gargle, dental caries activity was found to be significantly lower from Treatment to After 5 Days (p < 0.05). Dental caries-causing bacteria in the upper and lower jaws were also significantly reduced (p < 0.05). These results confirm that Lespedeza cuneata extract is a natural substance with an anti-caries effect. Gargling with a mouthwash containing Lespedeza cuneata extract is useful in preventing dental caries and inhibiting its progression. The same mouthwash can also be used as an effective formulation for maintaining and promoting oral health.

The risk of stroke according to statin medication compliance in older people with chronic periodontitis: an analysis using the Korea National Health Insurance Service-Senior Cohort Database.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the risk of stroke according to statin medication compliance in older people with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: Chronic periodontitis patients were extracted from the National Health Insurance Service-Senior Cohort Database from 2002 to 2014. Among 255,056 chronic periodontitis patients, 41,412 patients with statin prescriptions for 28 days or more were included. The study population was divided into the top 25% of medication compliance group (TSG) and the lower 25% of medication compliance group (BSG). After 1:1 propensity score matching was performed, the final number of patients in the BSG and TSG was 6,172 each. To analyze the risk of stroke, a Cox proportional hazard model was performed to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) after adjusting for age, sex, income level, hypertension, diabetes, and Charlson comorbidity index. RESULTS: In the Kaplan-Meier curve, the disease-free probability was prominently lower in the BSG than in the TSG (p for log-rank= 0.001). The HR in the multivariable-adjusted model for stroke occurrence in the TSG compared to the BSG was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.67 to 0.92; p= 0.002). Subgroup analyses showed significant associations between compliance to statin medication and stroke, especially in female, people 85 years or older, and patients with comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing compliance to statins may reduce stroke risk in older adults with chronic periodontitis. Therefore, in order to increase medication compliance among older people with chronic periodontitis, it is necessary for medical staff to make efforts to provide effective medication guidance.

A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating of a mouthwash containing Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract for prevention of gingivitits.

The purpose of this study is to verify the clinical applicability by applying a mouthwash containing Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract for preventing periodontal disease. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 64 patients, excluding those with insufficient data, who visited M dental clinic located in Busan, Korea. Thirty-two people were assigned respectively to the saline solution gargle group and the Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract gargle group to conduct the O'Leary index, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and subgingival plaques. For the homogeneity of the two groups, scaling was carried out one week before the experiment, and the participants were taught for oral care to conduct during the study period. SPSS 24.0 for Windows (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used to compare the saline solution gargle group and the Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract gargle group as well as to analyze Baseline (before gargle application), Treatment (immediately after gargle application), and After 5 Days (5 days after gargle application). There was a significant difference in the O'Leary index, PI, GI and subgingival plaques after Treatment and After 5 days (p < 0.05). Also, the periodontal-related indexes improved as the application time increased in the Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract gargle group. The antibacterial effect was also shown for gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria in subgingival plaques as the application time increased. The use of the mouthwash containing Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract was found to be effective for oral periodontal-related indicators and bacteria causing periodontal disease. Therefore, using a mouthwash containing Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract, a natural drug, will possibly maintain healthy periodontal health by inhibiting and preventing the progression of periodontal disease.

The Effect of Mouthwash with Sambucus williamsii var. coreana Extract on Halitosis: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: To clinically assess the effects of a mouthwash containing an extract of Sambucus williamsii var. coreana, a natural ingredient, on halitosis and halitosis-causing bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 77 participants. The experiment was conducted at Misoplant Dental Clinic in Busan, South Korea. Participants were divided into two groups: a control group consisting of 38 participants, to who whom a saline gargle was administered 1x/day for 30 s, and an experimental group consisting of 39 participants, who used a mouthwash containing Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract 1x/day for 30 s for 1 day or 5 days. Halitosis was measured for 30 s in the absence of brushing or moisture. A sterile #15 paper point was placed in the gingival sulcus for 10 s, after which it was analysed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The measurement time points were defined as follows: 'baseline': before starting the gargling routine; '1 day of treatment': immediately after gargling once on day 1; '5 days of treatment ': after gargling once a day for 5 days. Clinical results were statistically analysed using SPSS 24.0 for Windows. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, halitosis clearly decreased in the experimental groups '5 days of treatment' and '1 day of treatment' (p < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the levels of halitosis-causing bacteria between the two groups; bacterial concentration in the experimental group decreased statistically significantly from day 1 to day 5 day of gargling with Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract (p < 0.05). Accordingly, we clinically verified that Sambucus williamsii var. coreana has antibacterial effects against oral bacteria. CONCLUSION: The application of Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extracts effectively reduced halitosis and halitosis-causing bacteria. Therefore, mouthwashes containing Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract can be used as an effective substitute for chemical formulations for treating halitosis.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of a Mouthwash Containing Glycyrrhiza uralensis Extract for Preventing Dental Caries.

This study sought to confirm the effect of using a mouthwash containing Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract for oral health management by investigating changes in the pH of dental plaque and bacteria that cause dental caries. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 60 subjects categorized in either the Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract gargle group (n = 30) or the saline gargle group (n = 30). Scaling was conducted in order to ensure the homogeneity of the oral environment, while gargling was performed once daily before the subjects went to bed for 5 days based on the group. Caries activity was assessed using the Cariview test, while detection of the bacteria that cause dental caries was confirmed using microbiological analysis. All clinical measurements and evaluations were conducted by two trained dental hygienists under the supervision of a dentist. Based on the analysis of dental caries activity and dental caries-causing bacteria, the Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract gargle group showed a clear decrease in bacteria compared to the saline gargle group. Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract demonstrated no risk of tooth demineralization. It also showed excellent antibacterial activity through inhibition and effective reduction of bacteria that cause dental caries. Therefore, the mouthwash containing Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract is an effective oral care product suitable for use as an effective dental caries prevention agent.

Association between Dental Treatment, Quality of Life, and Activity Limitation According to Masticatory Discomfort: Evidence from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015).

People with masticatory discomfort are unable to consume a balanced diet, which impacts their general health. We studied the relationship between quality of life and dental care associated with masticatory discomfort. Data from Korea's representative 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were used. Complex sampling analysis with the stratification variable, clustering variable, and weight was applied. Demographic and dental treatment characteristics and activity limitations were compared through chi-square tests. The comparison of quality of life according to masticatory discomfort was performed using linear regression. The risk of masticatory discomfort was high in people who did not undergo regular oral examinations and preventive and definitive caries treatment and in those who received periodontal, surgical, endodontic, or prosthetic treatments. Generally, people with masticatory discomfort engaged in less activity owing to other disorders like arthritis, rheumatism, and back, neck, and oral disease. People with masticatory discomfort scored low on quality of life. People who received regular oral examinations and preventive care had a low level of masticatory discomfort, and the treated persons had high masticatory discomfort. Therefore, in order to reduce masticatory discomfort, more diverse and active care should be provided for prevention, specifically regular oral examinations.

Comparison of Periodontal Status According to the Additives of Coffee: Evidence from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015).

It is well known that periodontal disease is highly related to dietary habits. As coffee is a typical beverage consumed worldwide, the relationship between coffee and periodontal disease was analyzed in this study using the data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) 2013-2015. Complex-samples chi square tests were performed for the comparison of the demographic characteristics of the 6528 study subjects and coffee components. Poisson linear regression analysis was performed for the analysis of the periodontal condition and coffee component effects, while complex-samples logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the demographic characteristics and coffee component effects. Over the years, the proportion of people drinking coffee with syrup or drinking a coffee mix containing both syrup and cream has decreased significantly. The results of the analysis, conducted by integrating the study subjects' demographic characteristics and the coffee components, showed that the prevalence of periodontal disease was 0.83-times lower when drinking coffee with cream than when drinking black coffee. Coffee is the world's second largest trade commodity following oil, and about 70%-80% of the world's population drinks coffee. Drinking coffee with milk or cream can have a beneficial impact on periodontal disease.