RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Oral care products containing bioactive agents obtained from extracts of plant drugs were launched. This in vitro study investigated the effects of herbal-containing toothpastes associated or not with fluoride to remineralize the enamel after cariogenic challenge with pH cycling. The chemical and physical factors of toothpastes and the enamel surface roughness after brushing were also analyzed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty bovine enamel blocks were obtained and divided into 3 thirds: intact (untreated), demineralized (artificial caries lesion), and treated (caries lesion, pH cycling, and brushing with toothpastes). Toothpastes containing herbal compounds contained no fluoride [Galla chinensis (GCH)], low-F concentration [D'Or (DOR); Herbal Bliss (HBL)], or a different fluoride type [Elmex Anticaries (EAC)]. The results were compared to NaF-containing toothpastes: 1450 and 5000 ppm. Enamel blocks were brushed with the toothpastes using a pH-cycling model (7 days). The Knoop hardness (25g/10s) of the surface and the longitudinal sections were then evaluated. The percentage of surface hardness recovery (%SHR) was calculated. The enamel surface roughness, pH, particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index of toothpaste slurries were also evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed (α=5%). RESULTS: No significance was observed when %SHR was compared (p>0.05). DOR, GCH, and HBL were more effective in remineralizing the enamel subsurface. Significantly higher surface roughness was observed when treated with EAC and GCH (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All toothpastes were able to remineralize the enamel, especially the subsurface, with results equal or better than that of standard toothpastes. Key words:Enamel, hardness, roughness, toothpaste, tooth remineralization.
RESUMO
Introdução: a frequência de micoses invasivas causadas por patógenos fúngicos oportunistas tem aumentado significativamente nas últimas décadas. Entre os principais agentes etiológicos de micoses oportunistas está a Candida albicans. Essa levedura apresenta vários fatores de virulência importantes para produção de doença. Alguns estudos têm demonstrado que C. albicans coloniza canais radiculares e túbulos dentinários. O espectro de atividade antimicrobiana do curativo de hidróxido de cálcio deve incluir essa levedura. Objetivos: o objetivo da presente pesquisa foi determinar a suscetibilidade in vitro de quatro linhagens de C. albicans coletadas da cavidade oral e uma estirpe padrão ATCC 10231 a pastas de hidróxido de cálcio associadas a drogas antifúngicas, antibióticas e anti-inflamatórias. A eficiência das pastas de Ca(OH)2 associadas às drogas sobre as leveduras foram analisadas pelo método da difusão radial e, também, pela técnica do contato direto com os medicamentos. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis e o pós-teste de Dunn, para indicar as diferenças entres os grupos, com um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: todas as medicações antifúngicas potencializaram a ação das pastas de hidróxido de cálcio contra a Candida albicans. Conclusões: a associação de medicações antifúngicas às pastas de Ca(OH)2 pode ser uma alternativa como medicação intracanal. (AU)
Introduction: the frequency of invasive mycoses caused by opportunistic fungal pathogens has increased significantly in the last decades. Among the main etiological agents of opportunistic mycoses is Candida albicans. This yeast has several important virulence factors for producing disease. Some studies have demonstrated that C. albicans colonized root canals and dentinal tubules. The spectrum of antimicrobial activity of calcium hydroxide dressing should include this yeast. Objectives: the aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro susceptibility of four C. albicans strains collected from the oral cavity and a standard strain ATCC 10231 to calcium hydroxide paste associated with antifungal, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs. The efficiency of the Ca(OH)2 paste associated with the drugs on the yeasts was analyzed by the radial diffusion method and also by the direct contact method. Data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test and the Dunn post-test were used to indicate the differences between the groups with a significance level of 5%. Results: all antifungal drugs increased the action of the calcium hydroxide pastes against Candida albicans. Conclusions: the association of antifungals with Ca(OH)2 may be considered for use as intracanal medicaments (AU).
