Effect of Green Tea Varnish on Depth of Root Caries.

AIM: Root caries is a common, debilitating condition particularly in the elderly population, which can lead to tooth loss. Evidence shows that green tea has cariostatic effects. Considering the gap of information on green tea varnish, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of green tea varnish in the prevention of root caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro experimental study was performed on 42 sound premolars. Two layers of acid-resistant nail varnish were applied on root surfaces except for a window of 1 × 4 mm. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n = 14). Group I (control) received no intervention. Group II received green tea varnish applied on the roots every 48 hours for 21 days. Group III received green tea varnish every 24 hours for 21 days. Sections of 40 µ thickness were prepared from the center of the window, and the depth of carious lesion was measured in three points with 500 µ distance from each other using polarized light microscope. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The mean (and standard deviation) depth of carious lesion was 54.30 ± 28.64 (µm), 0, and 0 in groups I, II, and III respectively. Control group showed the highest depth of caries. Groups II and III were not significantly different in this respect, but significant differences were noted in depth of caries between groups I and II and also groups I and III (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the green tea varnish may possess anticariogenic effects on root caries when applied every 24 or 48 hours over a 21-day period. Application of green tea varnish every 24 or 48 hours for 21 days may prevent root caries. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Application of green tea varnish can prevent root caries.

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of calcium-enriched mixture cement, Iranian propolis, and propolis with herbal extracts in primary dental pulp stem cells.

Objectives: In this study, natural substances were introduced as primary dental pulp caps for use in pulp therapy, and the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of these substances were investigated. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, the antimicrobial properties of calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement, propolis, and propolis individually combined with the extracts of several medicinal plants were investigated against Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Then, the cytotoxicity of each substance or mixture against pulp stem cells extracted from 30 primary healthy teeth was evaluated at 4 concentrations. Data were gathered via observation, and optical density values were obtained using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and recorded. SPSS software version 23 was used to analyze the data. Data were evaluated using 2-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test. Results: Regarding antimicrobial properties, thyme alone and thyme + propolis had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa bacteria. For E. faecalis, thyme + propolis had the lowest MIC, followed by thyme alone. At 24 and 72 hours, thyme + propolis, CEM cement, and propolis had the greatest bioviability in the primary dental pulp stem cells, and lavender + propolis had the lowest bioviability. Conclusions: Of the studied materials, thyme + propolis showed the best results in the measures of practical performance as a dental pulp cap.

Dental Management of a Child with Joubert Syndrome.

Joubert syndrome is a rare genetic autosomal recessive disorder, which is estimated to occur in 80,000 to 100,000 live births. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicating the molar tooth sign can be an important indicator of Joubert syndrome. Prognosis depends on the severity and extent of respiratory disorder immediately after birth. Herein, we report the case of a five-year-old boy with Joubert syndrome, who visited the hospital with his parents. He was unable to chew because of toothache and tooth decay. Considering his poor clinical condition and inability to cooperate, dental procedures were performed under anesthesia at the hospital. Generally, these patients are sensitive to the respiratory effects of anesthetics, such as opiates and nitrous oxide; therefore, they should be avoided. In the present case, sevoflurane gas was used to induce general anesthesia. Advanced dental caries have been observed in previous cases, which might be attributed to dental hypoplasia and inability to observe dental and oral hygiene. Therefore, the patient's parents must be given the necessary instructions on the observance of orodental hygiene, and regular follow-ups are necessary for dental checkups and preventive measures.