[ comparison between the effects of two saliva stimuli and ordinary chewing gums on xerostomia in hemodialysis patients]

One of the most important side effects of frequent hemodialysis is xerostomia. Therefore, this study compared saliva secretion caused by a specific saliva stimulant chewing gum [Bioten] with an ordinary sugar free one [Orbit] on hemodialysis patients. This study was a clinical, double-blinded cross-over study. Thirty volunteer hemodialysis patients of two dialysis centers in Isfahan were randomly classified into two groups. In the first period of 14 days, each group was given one brand of chewing gum [Biotene or Orbit] to chew. Three gums a day of each brand were given to each group to chew for at least 10 minutes, while the other group was given the other brand. After a one- week-washout period in between, the second 14 days period was accomplished by changing the brands of chewing gums given to each group. Before the beginning of the study and after each period, the secreted saliva was measured. The findings were statistically analyzed using the t test and Wilcoxon test. Chewing each kind led to a considerable increase in saliva secretion and achieved patient satisfaction [p<0.05] while the efficacy of Bioten was significantly higher [p<0.001]. Regarding the patients' overall satisfaction about the effect of the chewing gums on reducing xerostomia, most patients chose Bioten [p<001]. Both kinds of chewing gums were effective in increasing saliva secretion. However, the effect of Bioten was more significant

[Clinical assessment of using two types of adhesive [PQ1 and prompt-l-pop] on the success rate of fissure sealant in saliva-contaminated enamel]

Statement of Problem: Contamination during the procedure is the main reason for failure of fissure sealant therapy. In clinical conditions with difficult isolation such as semi-erupted tooth or poor cooperation of the patient, the contamination is probable. There is a limited number of clinical studies regarding the effect of adhesive on the success rates of fissure sealant

Purpose: The present study was conducted to compare the effects of two adhesives on the success rate of fissure sealant in the contaminated enamel

Methods and Material: In this clinical trial, 35 school children [6-8 years of age] with healthy and newly-erupted upper molar teeth participated. Sixty molar teeth were selected and divided into two groups. PQ1 adhesive was used for one group and PROMPT-L-POP for the other. As the teeth were newly erupted and the distopalatal area was in contact with the gingival sulcus and therefore it was impossible to isolate, the distal area was considered as contaminated and the mesial area, capable of adequate isolation, was assumed as isolated. In each group, after etching in one side, the teeth were treated only with sealant and on the other side before treatment with sealant, firstly the bonding agent was applied. So, two control groups were formed for each bonding agent. After 3, 6 and 12 month intervals, the results of the treatment were studied in terms of the success and failure and then analyzed using Wilcoxon, Mann Whitney and Chi-square tests

Results: The success rate of the sealant treatment increased significantly, by using adhesives [p <0.001]. The use of the two adhesives significantly increased the success rate of the fissure sealant on the contaminated teeth, even more than when the teeth had been isolated properly and treated only with fissure sealant [ p <0.001]. The result of using PQ1 was better than that of Prompt-l-pop although the difference was not statistically significant

Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the contaminated enamel influenced the success of treatment after etching and before sealant application. So, the use of the adhesives in the treatment of fissure sealants is recommended in both the isolated and contaminated conditions

[Comparison of the fluoride content of four tea brands using spectrophotmetry and ionic chromatography methods]

Tea contains high concentrations of fluoride; therefore, tea consumption may contribute significantly to the total fluoride intake. Since different teas contain various amounts of fluoride, this study was conducted to compare the fluoride extraction of four popular domestic and foreign tea brands using spectrophotometric and ionic chromatography methods. In this study, two foreign black tea brands [Lipton and Ceylon] and two domestic tea brands [Golestan and Mozafar] were selected. Three packages of each tea brand with the same production date and different batch types were purchased. To each 4 g of dried tea, 100 ml of boiling deionized water was added and the mixture was left on a water bath for the extraction of fluoride for 20 minutes at 85[degree sign] c and then analyzed with spectrophotometric and ionic chromatography methods. ANOVA, Duncan and paired t tests were used for statistical analysis. All four tea infusions had a considerable fluoride concentration [2.7-4.44ppm, using ionic chromatography and 2.77-4.38ppm using spectophotometry]. There was a significant difference between the fluoride concentration of these four tea brands [p<.05], of which Lipton had the highest floride concentration. Based on this research, there was no significant difference between spectrophotometry and ionic chromatography methods in determining the concentration of fluoride ions. The mean fluoride concentration in Lipton tea was significantly higher than the other brands. There was no significant difference between spectrophotometic and ionic chromatography

[Effect of bonding agent on sealant microleakage in saliva-contaminated enamel]

Many clinical studies have reported on the success of sealants with respect to caries reduction. Saliva contamination during the procedure is the main reason in sealant's failure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of two types of adhesive [Excite, Prompt-L-Pop] on reducing sealant microleakage in saliva-contaminated enamel. In this experimental study, 40 intact premolar teeth were chosen and divided into four groups. Group 1: the teeth were etched and sealed with sealant without any contamination. Groups 2 and 3: The teeth were etched and exposed to saliva for 10 seconds, and air-dried. Consequently, a bonding agent [Excite, Prompt-L-Pop] was applied prior to the sealant application and curing. Group 4: After being etched and contaminated, the teeth were sealed without any bonding agent. After some processes the teeth were bucolingualy sectioned and the samples were evaluated under stereomicroscope. The findings were statistically analyzed, using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. The results showed that the amount of microleakage in the saliva contaminated fissure sealant without bonding agent group had a significant difference with the sealant without saliva contamination group [p <0.05]. Besides, there was no significant difference in the amount of microleakage between Excite, Prompt-L-Pop groups and the non-contaminated fissure sealant group. Exposing the enamel to the saliva after acid etching and prior to sealant application would increase the microleakage significantly. Using Excite and Prompt-L-Pop, the dentin adhesives, after salivary contamination would decrease the microleakage to the extent of non-salivary contaminated fissure sealant group