Efficacy of different remineralization agents on treating incipient enamel lesions of primary and permanent teeth.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro efficacy of different remineralization (RM) agents on RM of artificial caries by evaluating the density, light reflection, and the crystal size of the newly formed mineral in primary and permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Caries-free primary and permanent molars were divided into seven groups (n = 20) and treated with: G1 - Deionized water, G2 - Colgate Cavity Protection, G3 - Sensodyne Rapid Relief, G4 - GC MI Paste Plus, G5 - Clinpro Tooth Creme, G6 - Clinpro 5000, and G7 - Sensodyne Repair and Protect. Lesion depths were evaluated using laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent), and polarized light microscopy (PLM), and the minerals were evaluated using X-ray diffractometry (XRD). RESULTS: The highest decrease in laser fluorescence readings was observed in G6 for both primary and permanent teeth. No significant difference was observed between G2, G4, G5, and G6 in permanent teeth and G4 and G6 in primary teeth (P > 0.05). In PLM analyses, lesions depths were found to be lower in G6 compared to the other groups. No significant difference was observed between G2, G4, and G6 (P < 0.05). XRD evaluation showed that the newly formed mineral in G6 was denser and highly crystallized compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: This in vitro study demonstrated that Clinpro 5000 is more efficient in remineralizing incipient enamel lesions compared to the other agents tested.

Fracture Resistance of Incisal Fragments Following Reattachment With Different Techniques in Simulated Crown Fractures.

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the effect of acidetching and Er, Cr:YSGG laser treatment before the reattachment of incisal fragments in coronal fractures of permanent incisor teeth. Methods: Sixty-six sound human maxillary incisors were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=22). Teeth were embedded in self-cure acrylic resins by leaving one-third of the crowns out, and uncomplicated crown fractures were obtained using an Instron testing device. The fragments were reattached using 3 different procedures and a hybrid resin composite (Z250): Group I: Acid etching + Prime & Bond NT; Group II: Er,Cr:YSGG + Prime & Bond NT; Group III: Er,Cr:YSGG + Acid etching + Prime & Bond NT. The percentages of shear bond strengths were determined by comparing fracture strengths of sound and reattached teeth for 3 groups. All data were analyzed statistically with Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: Mean fracture strengths of the reattached fragments were between 51.02% and 62.93% of that of the sound teeth in all groups. Group I had significantly higher percentages of shear bond strength values (P<0.05) when compared to group II and group III. No significant difference (P>0.05) was found between group II and group III. Conclusion: The findings of the present study show that Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation prior to the reattachment of incisal fragments has a negative effect on fracture strength.

Efficacy of a sugar-free herbal lollipop for reducing salivary Streptococcus mutans levels: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of an herbal lollipop containing licorice root extract on salivary Streptococcus mutans in caries-free and high-caries-risk children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in caries-free and high-caries-risk children, aged 5-11 years (n = 108). The groups were caries-free children (group A); high-caries-risk children whose dental treatment was completed before lollipop use (group B); and high-caries-risk children who did not comply with dental treatment (group C). The groups were divided into two subgroups: herbal (A-1, B-1, C-1) and placebo lollipops (A-2, B-2, C-2). Saliva samples were taken before dental treatment, before and after consuming lollipops, and at 3 months after consuming lollipops. The results were statistically analyzed with chi-squared test. RESULTS: Only in group C-1 (high-risk, using herbal lollipops) that significant reduction was observed in salivary S. mutans levels after lollipop use (p = 0.033), and only in the same group (C-1), there was significant difference between after lollipop use and third month levels (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Herbal lollipops could be recommended to children with high-caries risk who do not comply with dental treatment in place of high-carbohydrate snacks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The paper provides a perspective on using herbal products in high-risk children for reducing salivary S. mutans counts.

Comparison of retention rates of fissure sealants using two flowable restorative materials and a conventional resin sealant: two-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare the retention rates of two flowable restorative systems (Admira Flow and Grandio Flow) with that of a conventional resin-based sealant (Fissurit F). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was planned as a clinical trial with a split-mouth design. A total of 122 sealants (38 Admira Flow, 41 Grandio Flow, 43 Fissurit F) were randomly applied to completely erupted permanent molars in 35 patients aged 9-20 years and followed up for 24 months. Data were analyzed using Pearson's χ(2) and multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up period, Fissurit F had higher retention rates (81.0%) than both Admira Flow (60.5%) and Grandio Flow (57.1%), with p < 0.05. However, there was no significant difference in caries development among groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The two flowable composite resin materials used as fissure sealant were less retentive than the conventional resin sealant.

Effects of different fissure sealant applications on laser fluorescence measurements.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of using only phosphoric acid or a self-etch bonding agent under clear and opaque fissure sealants on laser fluorescence (LF) readings and the reproducibility of the laser device. METHODS: Eighty extracted permanent molars, ranged from sound to carious, were randomly divided into four groups: phosphoric acid + opaque sealant (group I), Clearfil S3 Bond (Kuraray, Kurashiki, Japan) + opaque sealant (group II), phosphoric acid + clear sealant (group III), and Clearfil S3 Bond + clear sealant (group IV). The teeth were measured using an LFpen device, before and after sealing. Data were analysed using the Spearman's correlation, Wilcoxon signed rank, and Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Except group IV, there was a statistically significant decrease in fluorescence after the application of sealants (P < 0.05). The decrease of LFpen readings in the opaque sealant groups was more significant than the clear sealant groups (P < 0.05). But for both sealants, the difference between phosphoric acid and Clearfil S3 Bond groups was nonsignificant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistically significant decrease in fluorescence for both clear and opaque sealant groups. However, clear sealant with Clearfil S3 Bond does not influence the LFpen readings.

Periodontal health in children exposed to passive smoking.

AIM: To determine (1) the cotinine levels of saliva, urine and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of children in families with and without smoking members and (2) a possible association between the periodontal health of the children and exposure to passive smoking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population comprised of 109 children in the age range 6-12 years. Children were classified as exposed to passive tobacco smoking (PTS-exposed, n=51) and as unexposed controls (PTS-unexposed, n=58). Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded. GCF, saliva and urine samples were also collected. The levels of cotinine in these fluids were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean salivary cotinine concentration was significantly increased in PTS-exposed children compared with PTS-unexposed children (p<0.05). Further, in a dose-dependent way, the mean salivary concentration was significantly higher in children whose father or mother was a smoker (p<0.05) as compared, respectively, with children whose fathers and mothers were non-smokers. The mean CAL was significantly less in PTS-exposed children compared with non-PTS-exposed children (0.09 mm; p<0.05) and also in children whose father was a smoker (p<0.05), but not in children whose mother was a smoker as compared with non-smoker fathers and mothers, respectively. The GCF cotinine levels were below the detection limits with the assay method that was used. CONCLUSIONS: We have observed that children who are exposed to passive smoking have elevated cotinine levels in their saliva concomitant with a lowered CAL.

Comparison of caries prevention with glass ionomer and composite resin fissure sealants.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) was developed primarily for use in underserved areas of the world. This study was designed to compare caries prevention with high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) sealants placed according to the ART procedure and light-cured composite resin sealants after 3 years. METHODS: The study was conducted in a boarding school in the city of Kirikkale. Four experienced dentists placed a total of 207 sealants (91 GIC and 116 composite resin), without chair-side assistance, on the school premises. RESULTS: A total of 137 sealants were available after 3 years. 55.3% of the GIC and 93.8% of the composite resin sealants were lost completely, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. Only six of 56 teeth in the GIC group and eight of 81 in the composite resin group showed caries. CONCLUSION: Under field conditions in which moisture control was not effective, a high-viscosity and less technique-sensitive glass ionomer material can be used as an effective sealant material, rather than resin.