Antimicrobial efficacy of chloroxylenol and chlorhexidine in the treatment of infected root canals.

PURPOSE: To investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of a chlorhexidine gluconate (2.0%) and of an ethanolic chloroxylenol solution (10%) as a temporary root canal dressing against selected test microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracted single-rooted human teeth were instrumented up to size 40. After removal of the smear layer suspensions of the test microorganisms were inserted into the root canals. After incubation for 48 hrs each suspension of the test organisms was removed and the root canals were filled with one of the two different disinfectants. The teeth were then incubated for 48 hrs. Twelve teeth and three controls were used for each of the four test organisms and each of the two regimens. After incubation, each root canal was instrumented and the removed canal wall dentin was examined microbiologically. RESULTS: With a contact time of 48 hrs between the two disinfectants and the four bacterial suspensions the medications led to a total killing of microorganisms in 82% of a total of 96 contaminated teeth. In the dentin layer situated 50 microm from the root canal, both medications achieved bacterial killing in a range from 99.9% to 99.99%, depending on the test organism. There were no significant differences (P> 0.1) between the relative antimicrobial activity of the two root canal dressings.

Antimicrobial effect of camphorated chloroxylenol (ED 84) in the treatment of infected root canals.

During and after chemomechanical preparation, particularly before the definitive filling of an infected root canal, a temporary intracanal dressing with an antimicrobial activity is generally indicated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of ED 84, a liquid root canal disinfectant containing chloroxylenol (10%) and camphor (15%), against selected test organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans) both in vitro and under clinical conditions, using extracted teeth. With a contact time of 180 min between undiluted ED 84 and the four bacterial suspensions in the canal, there was a 2 to 3 log reduction in the number of organisms. Under in vitro conditions, the reduction was even greater than 3 logs. When using a liquid medication as a temporary root canal dressing for a duration of approximately 2 days, ED 84 can definitely be used.

[Effects of dequalinium chloride and sanguinarine on the ultrastructure of early supragingival plaque]. / Die Wirkung von Dequaliniumchlorid und Sanguinarin auf die Ultrastruktur der frühen supragingivalen Plaque.

The influence of antimicrobial mouthrinses containing dequalinium chloride or sanguinarine on early plaque formation was assessed in vivo in a clinical-experimental study. Rinses with water served as controls. After 24 and 72 hours, plastic films, which were applied to the buccal surfaces of six upper front teeth at the start of experiment, were removed and processed for transmission electron microscopic study. Dequalinium chloride or sanguinarine applied on plaque resulted in an increased and higher structured surface coating. Degenerated microorganisms were observed and the variety of bacteria seemed to be reduced. Both mouthrinses effected the early supragingival plaque formation. The effect of sanguinarine was more intensive than that of dequalinium chloride.

[Comparative clinical study of efficacy of three multi-tufted short top toothbrushes with different bristle bed designs]. / Vergleichende klinische Studie über die Wirksamkeit dreier Multi-tufted-Kurzkopfzahnbürsten mit unterschiedlichem Borstenfeld.

Three multi-tufted short-head toothbrushes were compared on 15 test persons, with respect to their efficiency in removing the plaque from margo gingivae and from the interdentium. With a different design of the bristle bed, all three brushes evidenced very little difference in the cleaning effect which, on the basis of the deliberately prescribed short cleaning time at the gingival margin, can be considered as good in respect of all teeth sections and as satisfactory in the approximal area. In individual cases, a slanted bristle bed can lead to better cleaning of the side teeth area.

[Plaque and plaque control]. / Plaque und Plaquekontrolle.

Plaque, a causal factor for caries and periodontal diseases, is a habitat for various microorganisms. The considerable qualitative and quantitative variation of microorganisms, predominantly Streptococcus mutans, depends on age, thickness, and acidogenicity. The food passing through the mouth is also a crucial factor. Plaque removal (plaque control) is the most important measure for prevention of caries and gingivitis. Since mechanical removal of plaque is not adequate, chemical agents must also be used. Fluoride, for example, effectively inhibits plaque metabolism. The efficacy of enzymes, alkaloids, and antiseptics is limited. No active immunization against cariogenic streptococci is available at present. Mechanical, chemical, and biological measures of plaque control are effective only when the population is motivated to practice oral hygiene.

[Removability of tooth deposits by cleaning with toothbrushes and toothpaste]. / Das Abriebverhalten des exogenen Zahnoberhautchens bei der Zahnreinigung mit Zahnburste und Zahnpaste.

The abrasion strength of the exogenous pellicle (EP) was investigated in in vitro experiments on extracted human teeth. The aim of the study was to elucidate the effect of daily brushing on the EP. EP-coated tooth specimens were cleansed under in vivo-like conditions. Five toothpastes with different degrees of abrasiveness were variously diluted with artificial saliva. The evaluation was done on the transmission electron microscope. The individual toothpastes differed significantly with respect to their abrasive effect on EP, which extended from only a slight effect on EP, which extended from only a slight effect to extensive removal of the pellicle. EP abrasion was considerably reduced by increasing dilution of the pastes with artificial saliva. No changes of the EP could be observed after brushing with only the toothbrush and saliva.