Vitamin B12-fortified toothpaste improves vitamin status in elderly people: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Elderly people are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. AIMS: We studied the ability of vitamin B12-enriched toothpaste vs. placebo to increase vitamin B12 status in elderly subjects. METHODS: We conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled intervention in 103 elderly subjects. Serum concentrations of vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) were measured at baseline and after 3 months. RESULTS: 92 subjects met the inclusion criteria, completed the 3 months study, and were included in the data analysis. After the intervention, concentrations of vitamin B12 were higher [mean (SD) = 368 (123) vs. 295 (123) pmol/L; p = 0.005] and holoTC tended to be higher [112 (48) vs. 91 (68) pmol/L; p = 0.088] in the vitamin B12 group compared with the placebo group. The changes of serum vitamin B12 [54 (74) vs. 3 (60) pmol/L, p < 0.001], holoTC [21 (34) vs. 2 (32) pmol/L, p = 0.007], and tHcy [- 0.9 (2.3) vs. 0.3 (1.9) µmol/L, p = 0.010] were significantly different between the intervention groups. Mean percentage increase of serum vitamin B12 (+ 23% corresponds to + 54 pmol/L) in the vitamin B12 toothpaste group suggests that the intervention had provided an additional daily intake of approximately + 7 µg oral B12. Common diseases and drugs did not predict the change of blood markers in the vitamin group. No side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The toothpaste enriched with 100 µg cyanocobalamin/g has increased vitamin B12 status and can thus be used for preventing vitamin B12 depletion in elderly people. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02679833.

Prevention and treatment of white spot lesions during and after fixed orthodontic treatment: A systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of fluoride and casein topical preparations in the prevention of white spot lesions during and after fixed orthodontic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Information search for controlled studies on humans published in the English language between 2008 and 2013 was conducted in Medline via PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Oxford University Press: Oxford journals and The Cochrane Library, as well as the Web search Google Scholar. 177 articles were reviewed; eleven clinical studies fulfilled all inclusion criteria. RESULTS: In the clinical studies it was concluded that high-concentration fluoride supplements are effective in reducing white spot lesions. Results of the studies showed the same usefulness of fluoride varnish, MI Paste, and usual oral hygiene using 1100 ppm of fluoride toothpaste. Effect on the prevention and treatment of white spot lesions of oral hygiene with toothpaste containing 1450 ppm of fluoride in orthodontic patients was evaluated. The positive effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate in white spot lesions treatment was found. Otherwise in some clinical studies use of casein derivates during fixed orthodontics for white spot lesions treatment was not effective. CONCLUSIONS: More clinical studies conducted during last five years yielded significantly positive results about the effectiveness of fluoride and caseine supplements in ameliorating white spot lesions during and after fixed orthodontic treatment. For a higher-risk patient group, additional supplements such as high-concentrated fluoride varnish, chewing sticks, or casein derivates, are required. A good oral hygiene regimen using high-fluoride toothpaste is as effective as fluoride or casein derivates in the prevention of new white spot lesions formation.

Anti-Halitosis Effect of Toothpaste Supplemented with Alkaline Extract of the Leaves of Sasa senanensis Rehder.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown activity against viruses, bacteria, inflammation and oral lichenoid dysplasia of alkaline extract of the leaves of Sasa senanensis Rehder (SE), suggesting its possible application to oral diseases. In the present study, we performed a small-scale clinical test to investigate whether SE is effective against halitosis and in oral bacterial reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 volunteers participated in this study. They brushed their teeth immediately after meals three times each day with SE-containing toothpaste (SETP) or placebo toothpaste. Halitosis in the breath and bacterial number on the tongue were measured by commercially available portable apparatuses at a specified time in the morning. RESULTS: Some relationship was observed between halitosis and bacterial number from each individual, especially when those with severe halitosis were included. Repeated experiments demonstrated that SETP significantly reduced halitosis but not the bacterial number on the tongue. CONCLUSION: The present study provides for the first time the basis for anti-halitosis activity of SE.

In situ evaluation of low-fluoride toothpastes associated to calcium glycerophosphate on enamel remineralization.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low-fluoride toothpastes with calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) on enamel remineralization in situ. METHODS: Volunteers (n=10) wore palatal devices holding four bovine enamel blocks. The treatments involved 5 experimental phases of 3 days each according to the following toothpastes: placebo, 500 ppm F (500 NaF), 500 ppm F with 0.25% CaGP (500 NaF CaGP), 500 ppm F with 0.25% CaGP (500 MFP CaGP) and 1100 ppm F (1100; positive control). After this experimental period, the fluoride, calcium, and phosphorus ion concentrations from enamel were determined. Surface and cross-sectional hardness were also performed. Data were analysed by 1-way ANOVA, Student-Newman-Keuls' test and by Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: The addition of 0.25% CaGP improved the remineralization potential of low-fluoride toothpastes and the NaF as source of fluoride yielded the best results (p<0.001) as evidenced by the hardness analysis. The 1100 ppm F toothpaste provided higher presence of fluoride in the enamel after remineralization (p<0.001). The addition of CaGP to the NaF and MFP toothpastes led to similar calcium concentration in the enamel as the observed with the positive control (p=0.054). CONCLUSIONS: Toothpastes with 500 ppm F (NaF or MFP) and CaGP showed similar remineralization potential than 1100 ppm F toothpaste. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Toothpastes containing 500 ppm F associated to CaGP, with both fluoride source (NaF or MFP), showed a potential of remineralization similar to commercial toothpaste. Although there is a need for confirmation in the clinical setting, these results point to an alternative for improving the risk-benefit relationship between fluorosis and dental caries in small children.

Effect of a third application of toothpastes (1450 and 5000 ppm F), including a 'massage' method on fluoride retention and pH drop in plaque.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate fluoride (F) retention in plaque, saliva and pH drop in plaque using high-F toothpaste (5000 ppm F) or standard toothpaste (1450 ppm F) twice a day or 3-times a day. A method using the toothpaste as a 'lotion' and massaging the buccal surfaces with the fingertip was also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigation had a randomized, single-blinded, cross-over design and 16 subjects participated in six brushing regimes: (1) 5000 ppm F; twice a day, (2) 5000 ppm; 3-times/day, (3) 5000 ppm; twice a day, plus the 'massage' method once a day, (4) 1450 ppm F; twice a day, (5) 1450 ppm; 3-times/day and (6) 1450 ppm; twice a day, plus the 'massage' method once a day. The outcome measure was F retention in plaque, saliva and the plaque-pH change after a sucrose rinse. RESULTS: The highest F concentration was found using high-F toothpaste (No 1-3) and differed significantly from those with 1450 ppm (No 4-6). Brushing with high-F toothpaste 3-times a day (No 2) resulted in a 3.6-times higher F saliva value compared with standard toothpaste twice a day (No 4) (p < 0.001). Increasing the frequency of application, from twice to 3-times a day, increased the F retention in plaque significantly when the two methods for application 3-times a day were pooled (p < 0.05). Brushing with 5000 and 1450 ppm toothpastes twice a day plus the 'massage' once a day resulted in the same F concentration in saliva and plaque as brushing 3-times a day with the same paste. CONCLUSION: A third application of toothpaste is increasing the F retention and toothpaste as a 'lotion' and massaging the buccal surfaces with the fingertip may be a simple and inexpensive way of delivering F a third time during the day.

[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.

Interventions for the management of dry mouth: topical therapies.

BACKGROUND: Xerostomia (the feeling of dry mouth) is a common symptom especially in older adults. Causes of dry mouth include medications, autoimmune disease (Sjögren's Syndrome), radiotherapy or chemotherapy for cancer, hormone disorders and infections. OBJECTIVES: To determine which topical treatments for dry mouth are effective in reducing this symptom. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (28 October 2011), The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4 2011), MEDLINE via OVID (1950 to 28 October 2011), EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 28 October 2011), CINAHL via EBSCO (1980 to 28 October 2011), AMED via OVID (1985 to 28 October 2011), CANCERLIT via PubMed (1950 to 28 October 2011). SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials of topical interventions such as lozenges, sprays, mouthrinses, gels, oils, chewing gum or toothpastes for the treatment of dry mouth symptom. We classified interventions into two broad categories, saliva stimulants and saliva substitutes, and these were compared with either placebo or another intervention. We included both parallel group and crossover trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two or more review authors independently carried out data extraction and assessed risk of bias. Trial authors were contacted for additional information as required. MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-six randomised controlled trials involving 1597 participants met the inclusion criteria. Two trials compared saliva stimulants to placebo, nine trials compared saliva substitutes to placebo, five trials compared saliva stimulants directly with saliva substitutes, 18 trials directly compared two or more saliva substitutes, and two trials directly compared two or more saliva stimulants. Only one trial was at low risk of bias and 17 were at high risk of bias. Due to the range of interventions, comparisons and outcome measures in the trials, meta-analysis was possible for only a few comparisons. Oxygenated glycerol triester (OGT) saliva substitute spray shows evidence of effectiveness compared to an electrolyte spray (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 1.15) which corresponds to approximately a mean difference of 2 points on a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) for mouth dryness. Both integrated mouthcare systems (toothpaste + gel + mouthwash) and oral reservoir devices show promising results but there is insufficient evidence at present to recommend their use. Although chewing gum is associated with increased saliva production in the majority of those with residual capacity, there is no evidence that gum is more or less effective than saliva substitutes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is no strong evidence from this review that any topical therapy is effective for relieving the symptom of dry mouth. OGT spray is more effective than an aqueous electrolyte spray (SMD 0.77, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.15) which is approximately equivalent to a mean difference of 2 points on a 10-point VAS scale for mouth dryness. Chewing gums appear to increase saliva production in those with residual secretory capacity and may be preferred by patients, but there is no evidence that gum is better or worse than saliva substitutes. Integrated mouthcare systems and oral reservoir devices may be helpful but further research is required to confirm this. Well designed, adequately powered randomised controlled trials of topical interventions for dry mouth, which are designed and reported according to CONSORT guidelines, are required to provide evidence to guide clinical care. For many people the symptom of dry mouth is a chronic problem and trials should evaluate whether treatments are palatable, effective in reducing xerostomia, as well as the long-term effects of treatments on quality of life of those with chronic dry mouth symptoms.

Alimentary fluoride intake in preschool children.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of background alimentary fluoride intake in preschool children is of utmost importance for introducing optimal and safe caries preventive measures for both individuals and communities. The aim of this study was to assess the daily fluoride intake analyzing duplicate samples of food and beverages. An attempt was made to calculate the daily intake of fluoride from food and swallowed toothpaste. METHODS: Daily alimentary fluoride intake was measured in a group of 36 children with an average age of 4.75 years and an average weight of 20.69 kg at baseline, by means of a double plate method. This was repeated after six months. Parents recorded their child's diet over 24 hours and collected duplicated portions of food and beverages received by children during this period. Pooled samples of food and beverages were weighed and solid food samples were homogenized. Fluoride was quantitatively extracted from solid food samples by a microdiffusion method using hexadecyldisiloxane and perchloric acid. The content of fluoride extracted from solid food samples, as well as fluoride in beverages, was measured potentiometrically by means of a fluoride ion selective electrode. RESULTS: Average daily fluoride intake at baseline was 0.389 (SD 0.054) mg per day. Six months later it was 0.378 (SD 0.084) mg per day which represents 0.020 (SD 0.010) and 0.018 (SD 0.008) mg of fluoride respectively calculated per kg bw/day.When adding the values of unwanted fluoride intake from the toothpaste shown in the literature (0.17-1.21 mg per day) the estimate of the total daily intake of fluoride amounted to 0.554-1.594 mg/day and recalculated to the child's body weight to 0.027-0.077 mg/kg bw/day. CONCLUSIONS: In the children studied, observed daily fluoride intake reached the threshold for safe fluoride intake. When adding the potential fluoride intake from swallowed toothpaste, alimentary intake reached the optimum range for daily fluoride intake. These results showed that in preschool children, when trying to maximize the benefit of fluoride in caries prevention and to minimize its risk, caution should be exercised when giving advice on the fluoride containing components of child's diet or prescribing fluoride supplements.

Fluoride intake of children: considerations for dental caries and dental fluorosis.

Caries incidence and prevalence have decreased significantly over the last few decades due to the widespread use of fluoride. However, an increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis has been reported simultaneously in both fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities. Dental fluorosis occurs due to excessive fluoride intake during the critical period of tooth development. For the permanent maxillary central incisors, the window of maximum susceptibility to the occurrence of fluorosis is the first 3 years of life. Thus, during this time, a close monitoring of fluoride intake must be accomplished in order to avoid dental fluorosis. This review describes the main sources of fluoride intake that have been identified: fluoridated drinking water, fluoride toothpaste, dietary fluoride supplements and infant formulas. Recommendations on how to avoid excessive fluoride intake from these sources are also given.

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study on the effects of a herbal toothpaste on gingival bleeding, oral hygiene and microbial variables.

INTRODUCTION: Different systems of traditional medicine of the Indian subcontinent, have used Acacia chundra Willd, Adhatoda vasica Nees., Mimusops elengi L., Piper nigrum L., Pongamia pinnata L. Pirerre, Quercus infectoria Olivier., Syzygium aromaticum L., Terminalia chebula Retz., Zingiber officinale Roscoe., individually or in combinations, to cure oral diseases. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the oral hygiene and gingival health benefits of toothpaste formulated with a mixture of the above herbs (15% w/w). METHODS: Sixty participants (test n = 30, control n = 30, mean age 23.6 +/- 2.25 vs 23.9 +/- 3.2 years) who fulfilled the selection criteria and had similar plaque (1.734 +/- 0.29 vs 1.771 +/- 0.33) and percentage of sites with gingival bleeding (19.6 +/- 7 vs 20.7 +/- 8) were studied in a double blind randomised clinical trial. Brushing instructions to all and a scaling for those with calculus were provided two weeks before baseline examination. One ml of resting saliva was collected to ascertain anaerobic (SAnB) and aerobic (SAB) bacterial counts, plaque index (PI), percentage sites with bleeding on probing (BOP) and pocket depth (PD) (at 6 sites/tooth) were recorded at baseline, followed by home use of the allocated toothpaste (test or placebo) twice a day for 12 weeks. Measurements were repeated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: PI, BOP and SAnB decreased significantly in the test group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks compared to baseline measurements (Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test, p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant improvement in PI, BOP, and SAnB in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates the beneficial effects of this herbal toothpaste (Sudantha) on oral hygiene and gingival health variables when compared with the placebo. Further clinical trials using patients with gingivitis are necessary to confirm the therapeutic benefits of this herbal toothpaste.

Prevention of erosive/abrasive enamel wear due to orange juice modified with dietary supplements.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the erosive/abrasive enamel wear after contact with orange juices modified with different dietary supplements. METHODS: A total of 96 bovine enamel samples were prepared and allocated to eight groups (1-8; n = 12). Samples were eroded (120 s) in 200 ml of the following eight solutions: 1: water (control), 2: orange juice, 3: water + calcium effervescent tablet, 4: orange juice + calcium effervescent tablet, 5: water + 0.75 g acid/base regulating powder (Probase), 6: water + 0.375 g Probase, 7: orange juice + 0.75 g Probase and 8: orange juice + 0.375 g Probase. After erosion, the samples were brushed with 40 brushing strokes (load 2.5 N). Enamel wear was measured using surface profilometry after 20 and 40 cycles of erosion/abrasion respectively. RESULTS: Highest mean enamel wear (± SD) after 20 and 40 cycles of erosion/abrasion was observed for the unmodified orange juice (group 2) (0.605 ± 0.240 µm; 1.375 ± 0.496 µm respectively). The enamel wear in all other groups (3-8) was significantly lower (P < 0.0001 respectively) with no significant difference within these groups and compared with water (control). CONCLUSION: Erosive/abrasive enamel wear induces by orange juice and tooth brushing could be reduced significantly by modification with free available dietary supplements.

Skeletal fluorosis due to excessive tea and toothpaste consumption.

We describe the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with a metatarsal fracture and was found to have a bone mineral density (BMD) T-score of +11 in the lumbar spine and +7.6 in the hip. Subsequent investigation revealed very high serum, urine and tissue fluoride levels, associated with excessive tea and toothpaste consumption. The case emphasises the need to exclude fluorosis in individuals with unexpectedly high BMD levels.

[Use of "functional tooth paste," made with nanotechnology, in the treatment of oral mucosa diseases]. / Nanotechnológiai módszerekkel elôállított "funkcionális fogkrém" alkalmazása szájnyálkahártya-betegségek gyógyításában.

The authors report their experience connected with the introduction of "functional toothpaste" in Hungary. This cream (gel), prepared with nanotechnology, contains vitamins C and E, propolis and various herb extracts. It is manufactured in South Korea and is commercially available in the USA, among others. It protects the gingiva, and its use is recommended in cases of diseases of the oral mucosa. The experience in Hungary indicates that it is well applicable after surgery in the oral cavity (it promotes wound healing), in cases involving processes in the oral cavity that heal with difficulty, and during the healing of burn wounds (e.g. after laser surgery). In view of the favourable experience, its distribution in Hungary can be recommended.

Effect of toothpaste containing d-limonene on natural extrinsic smoking stain: a 4-week clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether natural smoking stain could be removed/inhibited effectively by a toothpaste containing 5% d-limonene. For comparison and contrast, the effects of d-limonene on tea stain were also assessed. METHODS: The design was a randomized controlled double-blind trial with parallel groups. Toothpastes were: A: positive control with perlite whitening formulation; B: A+5% d-limonene; C: D + 5% d-limonene; D: negative control. The extrinsic stains were measured using Lobene Stain Index. Following baseline examination, all subjects were randomly assigned to one of the four toothpaste groups and instructed to brush with the assigned products twice daily. Subjects returned to the clinic after 4-week brushing for stain removal assessment, then all extrinsic stains, plaque and supragingival calculus were removed and use of assigned products was continued for another 4 weeks, and the stain scores were repeated for inhibition assessment. RESULTS: A total of 408 subjects, 201 with smoking stains and 207 with tea stains, participated in the trial. 5% d-limonene combined with Perlite whitening formulation significantly reduced stain scores both for smoking stain removal and inhibition (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 5% d-limonene alone (in negative formulation) exhibited an additional advantage for smoking stain inhibition (P < 0.05), but the advantage was not found for long-standing smoking stain removal (P > 0.05). The additional advantage of 5% d-limonene was shown neither for removal nor for inhibition in the tea stain study (P > 0.05). All test products were well tolerated over the study period.

[Technology of production and biological activity of toothpaste from Rubus idaeus].

Composition and the technology of manufacturing of toothpaste from extract of blackberry with anti-inflammatory activity have been developed. Toothpaste contains the following ingredients (g): Blackberry extract - 3.0 5.0 7.0 Aluminum hydroxide - 30,0 Glycerin - 10,0 Sodim carboxymethylcellulose - 1,5 Sodium laurilsulfate - 2,0 Calcium glycerophosphate - 1,5 Sodium monofluorophosphate - 1.0 Titanium dioxide - 1,0 Perfume - 1,0 Sorbit - 1,0 Purified water to 100 ml. Toothpaste containing 3%, 5% and 7% of blackberry extract possesses higher antioedemic activity and has mild influence on alteration and proliferation processes. This allows us to recommend researched toothpaste for application.

Effect on de novo plaque formation of rinsing with toothpaste slurries and water solutions with a high fluoride concentration (5,000 ppm).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect, on de novo plaque formation, of rinsing with toothpaste slurries and water solutions containing a high concentration of fluoride (F). Sixteen subjects rinsed three times per day for 4 d with dentifrice slurries containing 5,000, 1,500, and 500 ppm F, while 12 subjects rinsed with water solutions containing 5,000, 1,500, 500, and 0 ppm F, and 1.5% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Plaque was scored [using the Quigley & Hein index (QHI)] after each 4-d period. Plaque samples for F analysis were collected. Significantly less plaque was scored for the dentifrice slurry containing 5,000 ppm F (buccal and all surfaces) and for 1.5% SLS (buccal surfaces). The differences in plaque scores between dentifrice containing 5,000 and 1,500 ppm F were 19% for all surfaces and 33% for buccal surfaces. The difference between the water solutions containing 1.5% SLS and 1,500 ppm F for buccal surfaces was 23%; the corresponding difference for 5,000 ppm F was 17%. The dentifrice slurry containing 5,000 ppm F accumulated 56% more F in plaque. The combination of high levels of F and SLS in dentifrice reduces de novo plaque formation and increases the accumulation of F in plaque after 4 d.

Fluoride concentration in dentin of exfoliated primary teeth as a biomarker for cumulative fluoride exposure.

A biomarker for lifetime fluoride exposure would facilitate population-based research and policy making but currently does not exist. This study examined the suitability of primary tooth dentin as a biomarker by comparing dentin fluoride concentration and fluoride exposures. Ninety-nine children's exfoliated primary teeth were collected from 2 fluoridated and 2 fluoride-deficient communities in North Carolina. Coronal dentin was isolated by microdissection and fluoride concentration assayed using the microdiffusion, ion-specific electrode technique. Information on children's fluoride exposures since birth from drinking water, toothpaste, supplements, rinses, food and beverages was collected by a self-reported questionnaire administered to caregivers. Only a small portion of the variance (10%) in incisor dentin fluoride (mean 792, SD 402 mg/kg) was accounted for by the best linear regression model as evaluated by the adjusted R(2). A moderate portion of the variance (60%) of molar dentin fluoride (mean 768, SD 489 mg/kg) was predicted by dietary fluoride supplement exposures, community of residence, and frequent tea consumption. Results for molars suggest that primary tooth dentin concentration may prove to be a satisfactory biomarker for fluoride exposure.

Uptake and release of fluoride from fluoride-impregnated chewing sticks (miswaks) in vitro and in vivo.

The purpose was to investigate the uptake and release of fluoride (F) from F-impregnated chewing sticks (miswaks). In the first series, 3-cm-long pieces were impregnated in 1, 2, 3 and 4% NaF solutions for 3 h, 1 day and 3 days (10 pieces/test). There was a dose-response effect with respect to both impregnation time and the concentration of the F solution. In the second and third series, totally 40 miswak pieces were impregnated in 3% NaF for 1 day and 3 days; the outer layer (bark) was separated from the inner spongy part (pulp) and analyzed separately. F was released from both parts, but somewhat more was released from the bark than from the pulp; a plateau was reached at around 30 min. In vivo, 9 healthy subjects used three products for 2 min in a crossover design: (1) a miswak impregnated in 3% NaF for 1 day, (2) a miswak impregnated in 3% NaF for 3 days, and (3) 1 g of F toothpaste (containing 1,450 ppm F as NaF) on a toothbrush. The highest F concentration at the approximal area was obtained after using the miswak impregnated in 3% NaF for 3 days compared with the other products (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). To conclude, NaF-impregnated miswaks produced a rapid release of F in vitro as well as in vivo and may be an interesting vehicle for home care use for caries prevention in countries where they are used regularly.

Effect of green tea on volatile sulfur compounds in mouth air.

Many food products are claimed to be effective in controlling halitosis. Halitosis is caused mainly by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) such as H(2)S and CH(3)SH produced in the oral cavity. Oral microorganisms degrade proteinaceous substrates to cysteine and methionine, which are then converted to VSCs. Most treatments for halitosis focus on controlling the number of microorganisms in the oral cavity. Since tea polyphenols have been shown to have antimicrobial and deodorant effects, we have investigated whether green tea powder reduces VSCs in mouth air, and compared its effectiveness with that of other foods which are claimed to control halitosis. Immediately after administering the products, green tea showed the largest reduction in concentration of both H(2)S and CH(3)SH gases, especially CH(3)SH which also demonstrated a better correlation with odor strength than H(2)S; however, no reduction was observed at 1, 2 and 3 h after administration. Chewing gum, mints and parsley-seed oil product did not reduce the concentration of VSCs in mouth air at any time. Toothpaste, mints and green tea strongly inhibited VSCs production in a saliva-putrefaction system, but chewing gum and parsley-seed oil product could not inhibit saliva putrefaction. Toothpaste and green tea also demonstrated strong deodorant activities in vitro, but no significant deodorant activity of mints, chewing gum or parsley-seed oil product were observed. We concluded that green tea was very effective in reducing oral malodor temporarily because of its disinfectant and deodorant activities, whereas other foods were not effective.

Oxalate-containing phytocomplexes as dentine desensitisers: an in vitro study.

It is known that pulpal fluid movement through dentinal tubules causes dentinal hypersensitivity and that pain can be reduced by decreasing the fluid flow. The aim of this study was to evaluate dentinal permeability and morphology after a single exposure to experimental phytocomplex substances containing oxalates. The treatments tested were experimental pastes, gels and solutions of phytocomplexes (extracted from rhubarb, spinach and mint), an experimental paste containing 5% potassium oxalate, and two commercial toothpastes recommended for dentinal hypersensitivity (Elmex and Sensodyne). Dentine discs from human third molars were used in this study. Each sample was brushed for 3 min with each treatment in order to test reductions in dentinal permeability. Each treated sample was challenged with orthophosphoric acid for 90 s to determine changes in dentinal permeability and the sensitivity of treatments to acid challenge. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyse the samples. This study found that spinach and rhubarb phytocomplex treatments reduced dentinal permeability by occluding dentinal tubules through formation of calcium oxalate crystals. These results indicate that phytocomplexes extracted from rhubarb and spinach, used in different formulations, should be effective for topical treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity.