Effect of prepared herbal mouthwash in maintaining the oral health of school children: A single-blind randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Oral health is a vital indicator of overall well-being, quality of life, and general health, with historical roots in Unani medicine (i.e. preventive measures, oral hygiene, and treatment). This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of prepared herbal mouthwash in maintaining oral health among school children. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: 110 schoolchildren were randomly assigned to the test group (treated with herbal mouthwash -Anacyclus pyrenthrum DC, Punica granutum (pericarp), Capparis spinosa (root bark), and Quercus infectoria Oliv (galls)) and the control group (treated with 0.2 % Chlorhexidine Mouthwash) for 30-days. The response was assessed by DMFT, Salivary pH, Oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S), Plaque index (Loe & Silness) (PI), Plaque index simplified (O'Leary et al., 1972) (PI-S), Gingival Index (Löe-Silness) (GI), and Bleeding on probing (BOP) on baseline and 30th day GI and PI were further assessed on 60th, 90th and 120th days to determine the sustainable effect of the intervention. RESULTS: After treatment, Mean OHI-S, PI, PI-S, GI and BOP significantly reduced on the 30th day from baseline (p ≤ 0.001) in both groups. After discontinuing intervention, both groups showed significantly lower PI and GI scores on the 120th day from baseline. (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that prepared mouthwash is safe and significantly effective in maintaining oral health, and it could be used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene measures.

Advantages of using toothpaste containing propolis and plant oils for gingivitis prevention and oral cavity hygiene in cleft lip/palate patients.

BACKGROUND: The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action of preparations used during oral hygiene procedures is particularly important in patients with oral cleft. Few reports have been published assessing the influence of natural products on the state of the oral cavity in patients with oral cleft. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of toothpaste containing Polish propolis and plant oils on oral cavity health in patients with oral cleft treated orthodontically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients aged 9-16 years old (20 females, 23 males) were selected and randomly assigned into two groups. Group (A) received toothpaste with Polish propolis, tea tree oil, menthol, and rosemary oil. Group (B) received toothpaste without active ingredients (placebo). A baseline assessment was followed by an oral hygiene index (OHI, debris OHI-D, and calculus OHI-C component) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) after 35 days. The methodology of the oral condition assessment included the presence of cleft malformation as a dysmorphic of the anterior maxilla segment. RESULTS: In group A, improvement in oral cavity hygiene assessed for incisors and molars was found (OHI-T p = 0.011). For the gingival condition, a decrease in the gingival bleeding index - total (GBI-T p = 0.002), as well as for the incisors (GBI-I p = 0.007) and molars (GBI-M p = 0.017) was found. CONCLUSIONS: This research confirms the biological effectiveness of toothpaste with Polish propolis and plant oils. These results may be clinically useful for improving preventative oral care and for control of oral infectious diseases during orthodontic treatment in patients with oral cleft.

Efeito da terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana como adjuvante no tratamento não cirúrgico da periodontite estádio III ou IV grau C / Effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as an adjuvant in the non-surgical treatment of stage III or IV grade C periodontitis

A Periodontite estádio III e IV grau C em pacientes jovens tem um caráter mais destrutivo dos tecidos periodontais de suporte e tem impacto em perdas dentárias, função mastigatória e pior resposta ao tratamento. E a Terapia Fotodinâmica Antimicrobiana (TFD) tem surgido como uma alternativa promissora adjuvante à Terapia Periodontal não Cirúrgica (TPNC) desta doença. OBJETIVO: avaliar os efeitos da TFD como adjuvante no TPNC da Periodontite estádio III ou IV grau C, através dos parâmetros clínicos periodontais (Índice de Placa Visível (IPV), Índice de Sangramento Gengival (ISG), Sangramento à Sondagem (SS), Profundidade de Sondagem (PS), Recessão Gengival (RG), Nível de Inserção Clínica (NIC) e Mobilidade Dentária (MOB)) bem como avaliar seu impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes por meio do Oral healthrelated quality of life (OHRQoL). METODOLOGIA: Vinte e um indivíduos participaram desse ensaio clínico controlado randomizado, duplo cego, em um desenho de boca dividida por quadrantes. Todos os pacientes foram tratados com orientação de higiene bucal, raspagem e alisamento radicular por meio do Full Mouth Disinfection (FMD) e antibioticoterapia sistêmica. Os quatro quadrantes foram randomizados de acordo com os seguintes grupos: grupo 1 (FMD + AB), grupo 2 (FMD + AB + TFD em sessão única), grupo 3 (FMD + AB + TFD em quatro sessões) e grupo 4 (FMD + AB + laserterapia com luz infravermelha em quatro sessões). As avaliações foram feitas no baseline e com média de 6 meses após o tratamento. RESULTADOS: Obteve-se uma melhora dos parâmetros clínicos com redução significativa da PS, NIC e SS para todos grupos e da MOB para os grupos FMD + AB, FMD + AB + TFD sessão única e FMD + AB + TFD em 4 sessões após o tratamento, apresentou redução expressivamente maior do NIC no grupo FMD + AB + TFD 4 sessões (ΔMédia = 3,04 mm) em relação ao grupo FMD + AB (Δmédia =2,18 mm), ou seja, com diferença de 0,86 mm. A estratificação das PS no baseline em PS = 5mm e PS ≥ 6mm mostrou que para PS ≥ 6mm, o grupo FMD + AB + TFD em 4 sessões apresentou maior redução da PS (p = 0,005) e NIC (p = 0,001) em relação ao grupo FMD + AB. Em relação à QV, houve aumento significativo dos valores OHRQoL (p = 0,001) e dos domínios físico (p < 0,001), social (p = 0,027) e psicológico (p = 0,005) após o tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: A terapia periodontal do FMD associada a antibioticoterapia, com acréscimo ou não da TFD apresenta resultados significativos na melhora dos parâmetros clínicos periodontais e, em bolsas mais profundas, a TFD em 4 sessões apresentou resultados superiores. Ademais, a Periodontite estádio III ou IV grau C reflete negativamente na percepção da QV, porém, a TPNC apresentou impacto positivo sobre a mesma (AU).

Stage III ­ IV grade C periodontitis in young patients has a more destructive character of periodontal support tissues and has impact on loss of teeth, masticatory function and worse response to treatment. The Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has become as a promising alternative, adjuvant to Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (NSPT) of this disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of adjunctive PDT on the non-surgical treatment of stage III ­ IV, grade C Periodontitis, through the analysis of periodontal clinical parameters (Visible Plaque Index (VPI), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), Bleeding on Probing (BP), Pocket Probing Depth (PPD), Gingival Recession (GR), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) and Tooth Mobility (Mob)) as well as to assess their impact on quality of life (QoL) of the patients through Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaire. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-one subjects particpated in this controlled randomized, double-blind trial, in a split-mouth design divided into quadrants. All the patients were treated with oral hygiene guidance, scaling and root planing through Full Mouth Disinfection (FMD) and systemic anbiotics. The four quadrants were randomly assigned to the following treatment groups: group (FMD + AB), group 2 (FMD + AB + PDT in a single session), group 3 (FMD + AB + PDT in four sessions), and group 4 (FMD + AB + laser therapy with infrared light in four sessions). Assessments were made at baseline and an average of 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: There was an improvement in clinical parameters with significant reduction of PPD, CAL and BoP for all therapies as well as Mob for FMD + AB, FMD + AB + PDT in a sihgle session and FMD + AB + PDT in 4 sessions groups, however there was a significantly greater reduction in CIN in the FMD + AB + PDT group 4 sessions (ΔAverage = 3.04 mm) in relation to the FMD + AB group (ΔAverage = 2.18 mm), that is, with a difference of 0.86 mm. Stratification of the baseline pockets in PPD = 5mm and PPD ≥ 6mm showed that, for PPD ≥ 6mm, FMD + PDT in 4 sessions had a greater reduction of PPD (p = 0.005) and CAL (p = 0.001) in relation to FMD group). Regarding QoL analysis, there was a significant increase in the OHRQoL (p = 0.001) and in the physical (p < 0,001), social (p = 0.027) and psychological (p = 0.005) domains after treatment. CONCLUSION: FMD therapy associated with systemic antibiotic therapy, with or without addition of PDT, showed significant improvement of the clinical periodontal parameters and, in deeper pockets, PDT in 4 sessions showed better results. Furthermore, stage III - IV grade C Periodontitis reflected negatively on the QoL perception, however, NSPT had a positive impact on it (AU).

Eficacia del uso de un enjuague con aceites esenciales para el control del biofilm dental / Efficacy of the use of a rinse with essential oils for the control of dental biofilm

Introducción: Se ha documentado que, para tener mejores resultados en el control del biofilm oral, es necesario el uso de controles químicos, antes o después del cepillado dental. Entre éstos, encontramos los enjuagues de aceites esenciales. Objetivo: Determinar la actividad del enjuague con aceites esenciales antes o después del cepillado, en el control del biofilm dental. Material y métodos: El estudio se realizó con 27 voluntarios. Los participantes fueron seleccionados y agrupados. El grupo 1 fue el control, que empleó su técnica de cepillado habitual y dos grupos experimentales que, además del cepillado con dentífrico, usaron un enjuague de aceites esenciales durante ocho días, ya sea antes (grupo 2) o después del cepillado dental (grupo 3). La cuantificación del número de superficies teñidas en los tres grupos, tanto el estado inicial como posterior al uso de los enjuagues, se hizo con el índice de O'Leary y un revelador de placa tritonal, el cual permitió la observación del biofilm de forma clínica, así como su grado de patogenicidad. Resultados y conclusión: El análisis estadístico estableció que no existe diferencia significativa entre no usar y usar el enjuague con aceites esenciales antes o después del cepillado (AU)

Introduction: It has been documented that, to have better results in the control of oral biofilm, it is necessary to use chemical control, before or after tooth brushing. Among these, we find the essential oil rinses. Objective: To determine the activity of the rinse with essential oils before or after brushing, in the control of the dental biofilm. Material and methods: The study was conducted with 27 volunteers. The participants were selected and grouped. Group 1 was the control, which used its usual brushing technique and two experimental groups that, in addition to brushing with toothpaste, used a mouthwash of essential oils, for eight days, either before (group 2) or after tooth brushing (group number 3). For the quantification of the number of stained surfaces in the three groups, to record both the initial and subsequent state of the use of the rinses, it was done with the O'Leary index and a tritonal developer, which allowed the observation of the biofilm of clinical form, as well as its degree of pathogenicity. Results and conclusion: The statistical analysis established that there is no significant difference between not using and using the rinse with essential oils before or after brushing (AU)

Solution Inhibitory of Ant Nest (Myrmecodia Pendans) Extract on the Formation of Plaque in Children with Early Childhood Caries

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of gargling the solution of ant nest extract against plaque formation in children who experience Early Childhood Caries (ECC) when used as a mouthwash. Material and Methods: This study uses a pretest-posttest design with a control group. Thirty children with ECC, which were divided into three groups, namely the treatment group which was given a solution of extracts of ant nests concentrations of 5% and 10% and the control group gargling Aquades. Plaque scores were measured using the Greene and Vermillon method before and after the intervention. The paired t-test was used, with a significance level of 0.05 Results: Significant differences were found before and after the treatment of ant nest extract (r<0.05). The increase in OHI-S mean in the control group before treatment was 2.41 ± 0.72 and after treatment 2.53 ± 0.69 while in the treatment group there was a decrease in the OHI-S average in the group of 5% before treatment 2.66 ± 0.90 and after treatment 2.29 ± 0.95 and group concentration of 10% before treatment 2.51 ± 0.89 and after treatment 1.82 ± 0.75 Conclusion: The distribution of ant nest extract solution extract with the concentration of 5% and 10% would be more effective with ant nest concentration of 10% where it can inhibit dental plaque formation, and there is a significant difference in mean plaque scores between the control group and the treatment groups.

Eficácia do ILIB-Modificado sobre os parâmetros clínicos periodontais e controle glicêmico em pacientes com Periodontite portadores de Diabetes Tipo II / Efficacy of ILIB-Modified on periodontal clinical parameters and glycemic control in patients with Periodontitis with Type II Diabetes

A periodontite e o diabetes mellitus tipo II são condições crônicas com alta prevalência mundial, existindo uma relação bidirecional entre elas. Em função dessa relação, terapias auxiliares têm sido indicadas para o tratamento de periodontite em pacientes diabéticos, incluindo o laser de baixa intensidade. Atualmente, o laser de baixa intensidade tem sido acoplado a uma pulseira sobre a artéria radial, com o objetivo de irradiar as células sanguíneas, por meio da técnica chamada de ILIB modificado (Intravascular Laser Irradiation of Blood), com melhoria no controle da glicemia plasmática e de processos inflamatórios crônicos. Este estudo avaliou a eficácia do ILIB modificado na melhoria dos parâmetros periodontais, hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c) e glicemia em jejum de pacientes com periodontite portadores de diabetes tipo II. Caracterizou-se por um ensaio clínico, cego e randomizado. Foram incluídos 21 pacientes, divididos em grupo controle (GC), que recebeu o tratamento periodontal convencional (raspagem e alisamento corono-radicular e orientação de higiene oral) e o grupo teste (GT), que recebeu tratamento periodontal convencional associado a dez aplicações do laser pela técnica do ILIB modificado. Foram avaliados os índices de higiene IPV e ISG, os parâmetros clínicos periodontais SS, PS, NIC, os níveis de glicemia em jejum e HbA1c dos pacientes dos dois grupos, no baseline e após quatro meses (T4). Neste estudo para os parâmetros sanguíneos de Hb1AC e glicemia em jejum, não foi observado diferenças estatisticamente significantivas na melhoria do controle glicêmico (p<0,05). Com relação aos parâmetros periodontais, a análise intragrupos observou-se uma melhoria dos índices de IPV, ISG, SS, PS e NIC estatisticamente significativa (p>0,05) entre o baseline e o T4. Mas, na análise intergrupos não foi observado melhoria adicional (p<0,05), entre o GT e GC para os índices de IPV, ISG, SS, PS e NIC. Desta forma, o ILIB modificado não apresentou melhorias no controle glicêmico e tratamento da periodontite em pacientes com diabetes tipo II (AU).

Periodontitis and type II diabetes are chronic and worldwide high prevalent conditions with a bidirectional relationship between them. Due to this relationship, the proposition of auxiliary therapies for the treatment of periodontitis in diabetic patients, including the low-intensity laser, is a reality. The low-intensity laser is attached to a bracelet over the radial artery to radiate the blood cells through the technique called modified ILIB (Intravascular Laser Irradiation of Blood), aiming the control of the plasma glucose and chronic inflammatory processes. Therefore, this research evaluated the efficacy of the modified ILIB in improving clinical periodontal parameters, such as HbA1c and fasting blood glucose of patients with periodontitis and type II diabetes on a randomized, double-blinded, longitudinal clinical study. The sample included 21 patients distributed in two groups. The control group (CG) received conventional periodontal treatment (scaling and root planning, and oral hygiene guidance), and the test group (TG) received conventional periodontal treatment and 10 laser applications through the modified ILIB technique. The PI and GBI hygiene indexes, the clinical periodontal parameters BoP, PD, CAL, the fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c were evaluated at the baseline and after 4 months (T4) of treatment for both groups. There were no differences at the intergroup and intragroup comparisons (p>0.05) for the analysis of Hb1AC blood parameters and fasting blood glucose. Concerning to the periodontal parameters, the intragroup analysis showed a significant decay (p<0.05) for the PI, BoP, PD, and CAL indexes between the baseline and T4, however, the intergroup analysis showed no differences between CG and TG (p>0.05) for all the indexes compared. Thus, based on the results is possible to state that the modified ILIB do not improved the glycemic control and the periodontal treatment on type II diabetes patients (AU).

Chemical effects of chewing sticks made of Salvadora persica.

OBJECTIVE: The chewing sticks are widely used in many regions of Asia and Africa as a traditional tool to maintain oral hygiene. Salvadora persica L. (S. persica), also known as Arak or Miswak, a member of the salvadoraceae family. Chewing sticks, made up from S. persica, have chemical antibacterial properties and mechanical effects. The study aimed to investigate possible chemical effects of S. persica on dental plaque, sub-gingival microbiota and gingival inflammation. In order to achieve this, we inactivated some sticks through boiling to be used as inactive, but mechanically comparable control sticks. METHODS: In a double-blinded crossover trial, 24 patients with mild-to-moderate periodontitis were randomly allocated to use either fresh activated Miswak or inactivated Miswak for 3-week period. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), visual plaque index (VPI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were evaluated before and immediately following the experimental period. Sub-gingival plaque samples were analysed using DNA-DNA hybridization technique. The study was repeated with the participants switching the type of Miswak they used after a 7-week of "washout" period. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the microflora after using active and inactive Miswak. Sixteen species of bacteria showed an increase (P < 0.05) after the usage of inactive Miswak, as compared to pretreatment values. No species showed a similar change after the use of active Miswak. There were no significant differences between active and inactive Miswak regarding the registered clinical variables. CONCLUSION: This study has not shown any clinical effect of the chemically active Miswak, but there was a tendency towards an effect on the microflora.

Oral health and quality of life in the municipal senior citizen social clubs for people over 65 of Valencia, Spain

BACKGROUND: The world population is aging considerably. The state of elderly's dentition is poor. Many authors agree that the oral health status influence the elderly's quality of life. The objective of our study was to analyze the relation between the oral health status and the general health status through the quality of life of elderly people aged 65 years or more in Valencia, Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional oral health survey and an oral examination have been designed to study an elderly population. There were 202 adults (103 men and 99 women). Age: 65 years of age and over. Randomly selected senior citizen's social clubs. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) has been used to obtain the health survey. Moreover, the EuroQol-5d and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) have been the tools to obtain the general health status. Finally, sociodemographic and oral health questions have been needed. RESULTS: Descriptive and inferential results have been done and the main results are the following, the mean additive score of the OHIP-14 was 8.88, the mean value of the EuroQol-5d was 0.58 and of the VAS, 72.90. The OHIP-14 was consistently and significantly correlated with the index EuroQol-5d and with variables such as number of teeth, missing teeth, DMFT, dental status (being or not edentulous) and occupation. The EuroQol-5d was related to dental habits, sex, income, systemic pathologies and filled teeth. CONCLUSIONS: The oral health has a high impact on quality of life. The oral health and the general health are closely related. The oral hygiene and getting toothless influence negatively on the quality of life of elderly people

Oral hygiene grade and quality of life in children with chemotherapy-related oral mucositis: a randomized study on the impact of a fluoride toothpaste with salivary enzymes, essential oils, proteins and colostrum extract versus a fluoride toothpaste without menthol.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the use of a fluoride toothpaste (Bioxtra® , Biopharm, Milan, Italy) with salivary enzymes, essential oils, proteins and colostrum extract versus a fluoride toothpaste without menthol on the oral hygiene grade and on the quality of life (QoL) of children with oral mucositis (OM) grade 1 or 2 receiving chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). METHODS: Patients between 6 and 14 years with OM were randomly assigned to two groups, group A (Bioxtra® toothpaste) and group B (fluoride toothpaste without menthol). The patients were instructed to brush their teeth at least twice a day using a soft toothbrush with a small head. Oral hygiene grade was assessed using the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-s); quality of life was assessed using the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaires. The patients were evaluated on day 1(diagnosis of OM-T0) and on day 8 (T1). Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients were enrolled. A significant difference (P < 0.001) between the mean of the OHI-s in group A (0.9 ± 1.2) and in group B (1.5 ± 1.3) was found; the overall OHIP-14 scores were not associated with the use of one or the other toothpaste (P = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS: Although the use of Bioxtra® toothpaste does not affect the QoL of children undergoing chemotherapy, it may be recommended as clinically effective in improving the oral hygiene grade.

Effect of Honey and Green Tea Solutions on Streptococcus mutans.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this cross-sectional in vivo study was to assess the effect of green tea and honey solutions on the level of salivary Streptococcus mutans. STUDY DESIGN: A convenient sample of 30 Saudi boys aged 7-10 years were randomly assigned into 2 groups of 15 each. Saliva sample was collected for analysis of level of S. mutans before rinsing. Commercial honey and green tea were prepared for use and each child was asked to rinse for two minutes using 10 mL of the prepared honey or green tea solutions according to their group. Saliva samples were collected again after rinsing. The collected saliva samples were prepared and colony forming unit (CFU) of S. mutans per mL of saliva was calculated. RESULTS: The mean number of S. mutans before and after rinsing with honey and green tea solutions were 2.28* 10(8)(2.622*10(8)), 5.64 *10(7)(1.03*10(8)), 1.17*10(9)(2.012*10(9)) and 2.59*10(8) (3.668*10(8)) respectively. A statistically significant reduction in the average number of S. mutans at baseline and post intervention in the children who were assigned to the honey (P=0.001) and green tea (P=0.001) groups was found. CONCLUSIONS: A single time mouth rinsing with honey and green tea solutions for two minutes effectively reduced the number of salivary S. mutans of 7-10 years old boys.

[Complex treatment of generalized gingivitis with mineral therapy].

A comprehensive examination and treatment of 49 students aged 20-25 years diagnosed chronic generalized catarrhal gingivitis (CGCG) were held. Depending on the methods of treatment were created into two groups of observation. The main group comprised 24 patients who along with dental sanitation and treatment of gingivitis took the course of salt treatment for 17 days, as opposed to control group. Hygienic researches and mineralthcrapy were held in a special room (23.6 m2). equipped with sylvite blocks with a total reaction surface 5 m2, salt filters with air ducts filled with wooden plates with mineral fragments. The study of the effectiveness of a comprehensive treatment of young patients with CGCG allowsto gel an information of the positive impact of salt therapyon the clinical condition of marginal periodontal tissues and indeces of oral cavity local immunity. The main curative factorsforming the internal environment of silvinite structures are multicomponent highly dispersed salt aerosol with a defined particle size and aeroionization. Natural salts complex consisting of chlorides of potassium, sodium and magnesium has an anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulating effects.

Planning oral health and clinical discharge in primary care: the comprehensive dental care protocol outcome.

INTRODUCTION: The dental care must be driven by preventive and curative measures that can contribute to the population's oral health promotion. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the actions proposed by a comprehensive dental care protocol (CDCP) on the oral health condition of primary care users. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 32 volunteers, assisted throughout the six phases proposed by the CDCP: diagnosis of dental needs; resolution of urgencies; restorative interventions; application of promotional measures; evaluation of the achieved health level; and periodic controls. Data were collected through clinical exams, which measured the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), gingival bleeding index (GBI) and the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) Index, before and after the CDCP was implemented. Statistical analysis consisted of the Wilcoxon test, at 5% significance level (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The OHI-S and GBI indices showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) from the initial (1.4 ± 0.6 and 46.3 ± 19.9) to final condition (0.9 ± 0.3 and 21.5 ± 7.5). The decayed, missing and filled teeth and the missing teeth component were not significantly altered (p > 0.05), showing final values equal to 12.7 ± 9.6 and 5.6 ± 7.8, respectively. Decayed elements were fully converted into filled elements, and the final values of the decayed and filled elements were, respectively, 0.0 ± 0.0 and 7.3 ± 5.7 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The enactment of the CDCP had a beneficial effect on the oral health of the population assisted by the dental services offered in primary care and this protocol seems to ft the public dental service demands. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The CDCP can be useful to public dental service planning since it showed an efficient clinical outcome to the patients. We consider that this protocol should be employed in primary care oral health services in order to achieve overall upgrade, access enlargement and public oral health promotion.

The effects of an Ayurvedic medicinal toothpaste on clinical, microbiological and oral hygiene parameters in patients with chronic gingivitis: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel allocation clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Plant derived preparations have been essential components for maintenance of oral hygiene and the treatment of oral diseases globally since ancient times. Acacia chundra Willd, Adhatoda vasica Nees., Mimusops elengi L., Piper nigrum L., Pongamia pinnate L. Pirerre, Quercus infectoria Olivier., Syzygium aromaticum L., Terminalia chebula Retz., Zingiber offici-nale Roscoe., individually or in combination, have been used for this purpose because of their beneficial effects. OBJECTIVES: To study the efficacy of an Ayurvedic toothpaste containing these herbs in patients with chronic gingivitis. METHODS: Otherwise healthy males and non-pregnant females (n=80) aged 18-35 years with ≥20 teeth were randomly assigned to Group 1 (herbal toothpaste) and Group 2 (placebo toothpaste). Quigley Hein plaque index (PS), bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing pocket depth (PPD), were recorded for all teeth at six sites, and one ml of resting saliva was collected to ascertain anaerobic and aerobic bacterial counts at baseline, and at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks. Full-mouth prophylaxis was performed and instructions for brushing with the allocated toothpaste for 6 months were given at baseline. Sixty-six participants, 34 in Group 1 and 32 in Group 2 completed the study. Clinical examinations were performed by the same examiner blinded to group allocation. RESULTS: Linear mixed model analysis revealed significant reductions of PS, BOP, PPD (p<0.0001) and total salivary anaerobic counts (p<0.05) in Group 1 at all prescribed visits compared to Group 2. Moreover the reduction increased overtime. No unpleasant effects of toothpaste use were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides robust evidence of the beneficial antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of the test herbal toothpaste Sudantha® on patients with chronic gingivitis.

Influence of the usual motivation for dental attendance on dental status and oral health-related quality of life

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of dental visiting patterns on the dental status and Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHQoL) of patients visiting the University Clinic of Salamanca (Spain). Study DESIGN: This cross-sectional study consisted of a clinical oral examination and a questionnaire-based interview in a consecutive sample of patients seeking a dental examination. Patients were classified as problem-based dental attendees (PB) and regular dental attendees (RB). Clinical and OHQoL (OHIP-14 & OIDP) data were compared between groups. Pair-wise comparisons were performed and a Logistic Regression Model was fitted for predicting the Odds Ratio (OR) of being a PB patient. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 255 patients aged 18 to 87 years (mean age: 63.1 ± 12.7; women: 51.8%). The PB patients had a poorer dental status (i.e. caries, periodontal and prosthetic needs), brushed their teeth less, and were significantly more impaired in their OHQoL according to both instruments. The logistic regression coefficients demonstrated that on average the OR of being a PB patient was high in this dental patient sample, but this OR increased significantly if the patient was a male (OR= 1.1-5.0) or referred pain-related impacts according to the OHIP and, additionally, the OR decreased significantly as a function of the number of healthy fillings and the number of sextants coded as CPI=0. CONCLUSIONS: Regular dental check-ups are associated with better dental status and a better OHQoL after controlling for potentially related confounding factors

Oral health benefits of a daily dental chew in dogs.

An independent study was conducted to determine and quantify the oral care benefits of a daily edible dental chew in dogs as measured by plaque and calculus control, gingival indices, and oral malodor. A "clean mouth" test model was used comparing a commercial dry diet and a commercial dry diet plus one dental chew per day. The dental chew tested was representative of a retail canine dental chew. The test dental chew was a green-colored dental dog chew with a flexible texture that can be readily chewed by dogs. They are made with a knuckle bone shape on one end and a toothbrush shape on the other end. Sixty adult dogs were allocated in either control or test groups based on plaque stratification and studied for 28-days. The test group (30 dogs) received a dry diet and 1 dental chew each day. The control group (30 dogs) received the same dry diet only. At the end of the study, measurements of plaque and calculus accumulation and evaluations of oral malodor and gingival heath were performed. Adding a dental chew to the diet resulted in statistically significant reductions in plaque and calculus accumulation, and oral malodor while improving gingival indices.

Comparison of the effectiveness of 0.5% tea, 2% neem and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes on oral health: a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of 0.5% tea, 2% neem, and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes on oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized blinded controlled trial with 30 healthy human volunteers of age group 18-25 years was carried out. The subjects were randomly assigned to 3 groups i.e., group A - 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (bench mark control), Group B - 2% neem, and group C - 0.5% tea of 10 subjects per group. Plaque accumulation and gingival condition were recorded using plaque index and gingival index. Oral hygiene was assessed by simplified oral hygiene index (OHIS). Salivary pH was assessed by indikrom pH strips. Plaque, gingival, and simplified OHI scores as well as salivary pH were recorded at baseline, immediately after 1 st rinse, after 1 week, 2 nd week, and 3 rd week. The 3 rd week was skipped for group A. RESULTS: Mean plaque and gingival scores were reduced over the 3 week trial period for experimental and control groups. Anti-plaque effectiveness was observed in all groups and the highest being in group C (P < 0.05). Neem and tea showed comparative effectiveness on gingiva better than chlorhexidine (P < 0.05). The salivary pH rise was sustained and significant in Group B and C compared to Group A. Oral hygiene improvement was better appreciated in Group B and Group C. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of 0.5% tea was more compared to 2% neem and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinse.

[Parodontocid efficiency in complex treatment and prevention of gingivitis].

Antiplaque/antigingivitis effect of an alcohol-free mouthrinse Parodontocid were evaluated by randomized parallel group clinical trial. Sixty patients with gingivitis were clinically examined to determine PHP, RMNPI and PMA indexes. After professional dental prophylaxis, subjects were randomly assigned in two groups to 10 days oral hygiene program. Group 1 patients used only toothbrush and prophylactic toothpaste while in group 2 persons used Parodontocid in conjunction with normal brushing and flossing.Parodontocid significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis compared to negative control.

Promoting positive health behaviours--'tooth worm' phenomenon and its implications.

UNLABELLED: 'Tooth worm' is a traditional belief about the pathogen of dental caries (tooth decay). Nevertheless, in our previous study, parental 'tooth worm' belief was linked to a reduced caries risk of their children. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to further characterize the impact of parental 'tooth worm' belief on their children's caries experience and its psychobehavioural mechanisms. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: analytic observational study. SETTING: Thirteen randomly selected kindergartens in Singapore. PARTICIPANTS: 1,782 preschoolers aged 3-6 years. METHODS: Each child received an oral examination and microbiological tests. Parents completed a self-administered questionnaire on their socio-demographic background, oral health knowledge/attitude and child's oral health habits. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis confirmed a reduced chance of 'high caries rate' (number of affected teeth > 2) among children whose parents held the 'tooth worm' belief (Odds Ratio = 0.41; 95% Confidence Interval = 0.19-0.89). With such perception among parents, children brushed their teeth more frequently (p = 0.042). Since no difference in oral hygiene was observed, the health benefit of the "tooth worm" perception may be acquired through the delivery of fluoride (an agent with proven anti-caries effect) during frequent toothbrushing episodes. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a 'tooth worm' phenomenon, indicating that parental 'tooth worm' belief is associated with early establishment of regular toothbrushing habit and reduction of dental caries in children. This phenomenon and its psychobehavioural mechanisms, enriching our understanding of oral health behaviours, have implications for effective health education.

Effect of vegetable oil (Brazil nut oil) and mineral oil (liquid petrolatum) on dental biofilm control.

Dental biofilm control represents a basic procedure to prevent caries and the occurrence of periodontal diseases. Currently, toothbrushes and dentifrices are used almost universally, and the employment of good oral hygiene allows for appropriate biofilm removal by both mechanical and chemical control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding vegetable or mineral oil to a commercially available dentifrice in dental biofilm control. A comparison using the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S) was performed in 30 individuals who were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (G1) received a commercially available dentifrice; the composition of this dentifrice was modified by addition of mineral oil (Nujol®) for group 2 (G2) or a vegetable oil (Alpha Care®) for group 3 (G3) at 10% of the total volume, respectively. The two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) was used to test the effect of group (G1, G2 and G3) or time (baseline, 45 days and 90 days) on the OHI-S index scores. Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in the OHI-S at day 90 in G2 (p < 0.05) and G3 (p < 0.0001) in comparison to G1. Therefore, the addition of a vegetable or a mineral oil to a commercially available dentifrice improved dental biofilm control, suggesting that these oils may aid in the prevention and/or control of caries and periodontal disease.

Effect of vegetable oil (Brazil nut oil) and mineral oil (liquid petrolatum) on dental biofilm control

Dental biofilm control represents a basic procedure to prevent caries and the occurrence of periodontal diseases. Currently, toothbrushes and dentifrices are used almost universally, and the employment of good oral hygiene allows for appropriate biofilm removal by both mechanical and chemical control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding vegetable or mineral oil to a commercially available dentifrice in dental biofilm control. A comparison using the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S) was performed in 30 individuals who were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (G1) received a commercially available dentifrice; the composition of this dentifrice was modified by addition of mineral oil (Nujol®) for group 2 (G2) or a vegetable oil (Alpha Care®) for group 3 (G3) at 10 percent of the total volume, respectively. The two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) was used to test the effect of group (G1, G2 and G3) or time (baseline, 45 days and 90 days) on the OHI-S index scores. Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in the OHI-S at day 90 in G2 (p < 0.05) and G3 (p < 0.0001) in comparison to G1. Therefore, the addition of a vegetable or a mineral oil to a commercially available dentifrice improved dental biofilm control, suggesting that these oils may aid in the prevention and/or control of caries and periodontal disease.