In vitro Effects of Lemongrass Extract on Candida albicans Biofilms, Human Cells Viability, and Denture Surface.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether immersion of a denture surface in lemongrass extract (LGE) has effects on C. albicans biofilms, human cell viability and denture surface. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) were performed for LGE against C. albicans. For biofilm analysis, discs were fabricated using a denture acrylic resin with surface roughness standardization. C. albicans biofilms were developed on saliva-coated discs, and the effects of LGE at MIC, 5XMIC, and 10XMIC were investigated during biofilm formation and after biofilm maturation. Biofilms were investigated for cell counting, metabolic activity, and microscopic analysis. The cytotoxicity of different concentrations of LGE to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was analyzed using MTT. The effects of LGE on acrylic resin were verified by measuring changes in roughness, color and flexural strength after 28 days of immersion. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by a Tukey test at a 5% significance level. The minimal concentration of LGE required to inhibit C. albicans growth was 0.625 mg/mL, while MFC was 2.5 mg/mL. The presence of LGE during biofilm development resulted in a reduction of cell counting (p < 0.05), which made the MIC sufficient to reduce approximately 90% of cells (p < 0.0001). The exposure of LGE after biofilm maturation also had a significant antifungal effect at all concentrations (p < 0.05). When compared to the control group, the exposure of PBMC to LGE at MIC resulted in similar viability (p > 0.05). There were no verified differences in color perception, roughness, or flexural strength after immersion in LGE at MIC compared to the control (p > 0.05). It could be concluded that immersion of the denture surface in LGE was effective in reducing C. albicans biofilms with no deleterious effects on acrylic properties at MIC. MIC was also an effective and safe concentration for use.

Genes expressed in dental enamel development are associated with molar-incisor hypomineralization.

Genetic disturbances during dental development influence variation of number and shape of the dentition. In this study, we tested if genetic variation in enamel formation genes is associated with molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), also taking into consideration caries experience. DNA samples from 163 cases with MIH and 82 unaffected controls from Turkey, and 71 cases with MIH and 89 unaffected controls from Brazil were studied. Eleven markers in five genes [ameloblastin (AMBN), amelogenin (AMELX), enamelin (ENAM), tuftelin (TUFT1), and tuftelin-interacting protein 11 (TFIP11)] were genotyped by the TaqMan method. Chi-square was used to compare allele and genotype frequencies between cases with MIH and controls. In the Brazilian data, distinct caries experience within the MIH group was also tested for association with genetic variation in enamel formation genes. The ENAM rs3796704 marker was associated with MIH in both populations (Brazil: p=0.03; OR=0.28; 95% C.I.=0.06-1.0; Turkey: p=1.22e-012; OR=17.36; 95% C.I.=5.98-56.78). Associations between TFIP11 (p=0.02), ENAM (p=0.00001), and AMELX (p=0.01) could be seen with caries independent of having MIH or genomic DNA copies of Streptococcus mutans detected by real time PCR in the Brazilian sample. Several genes involved in enamel formation appear to contribute to MIH.

Early oral rehabilitation of a child with amelogenesis imperfecta / Reabilitação oral precoce de uma criança com amelogênese imperfeita

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is an inherited disorder which results in enamel defects. The main clinical characteristics are extensive loss of tooth tissue, poor esthetics and tooth sensitivity. Early recognition followed by appropriate preventive care and oral rehabilitation is essential in the successful management of AI. This clinical report describes the management of a 3 year-old girl with a hypocalcified type of Al. The patient presented early extensive tissue loss of the superior incisors and molars, with general dentinal sensitivity. The first phase of the treatment was preventive measures to improve dental and periodontal health. On the second phase the anterior teeth were extracted and the molars were endodontic treated and covered with stainless steel crowns. A functional appliance was made to rehabilitate the anterior extracted teeth on the third phase. The performed treatment achieved satisfactory esthetic and function, which resulted in an improvement in the child's quality of life.

Amelogênese imperfeita (AI) é uma doença hereditária que resulta em defeitos no esmalte. As principais características clínicas são a extensa perda de tecido dentário, estética prejudicada devido a coloração acastanhada dos dentes e sensibilidade dentária. O reconhecimento precoce seguido de cuidados preventivos adequados e reabilitação oral é essencial para o êxito nos tratamentos de AI. Este relato de caso clínico descreve o tratamento de uma criança de 3 anos com Al do tipo hipocalcificada. A paciente apresentava inicialmente extensas perdas de tecido nos incisivos superiores e molares, e uma sensibilidade dentinária generalizada. O tratamento reabilitador foi dividido em duas fases, na primeira fase do tratamento foram passadas à mãe e a criança medidas preventivas para melhorar a saúde dental e periodontal. Na segunda fase do tratamento os dentes anteriores foram extraídos e os molares foram tratados endodonticamente e cobertos com coroas de aço. Um aparelho funcional, visando manter o espaço dentário e oferecer uma estética de sorriso à paciente foi feito para reabilitar o arco anterior devido as extrações dentárias. O tratamento realizado foi satisfatório tanto na estética quanto na função, o que resultou em uma melhora na qualidade de vida da criança.