The anti-caries activity and toxicity of an experimental propolis-containing varnish

Abstract We investigated the anti-caries effects of an experimental propolis varnish in vivo, and further tested its toxicity against fibroblasts. Fifty-six SPF female Wistar rats were infected with Streptococcus mutans UA159 (SM) and allocated into four groups (n = 14/group): G1, propolis varnish (15%/PV); G2, chitosan varnish (CV/vehicle); G3, gold standard (GS/Duraphat®); and G4, untreated. The animals received a single varnish application on their molars and were submitted to a high cariogenic challenge (Diet-2000, 56% sucrose, and 5% sucrose-added water, ad libitum) for 4 weeks. Total cultivable microbiota and SM were counted, and smooth-surface and sulcal caries were scored. PV, CV and GS cytotoxic effects were tested against fibroblasts. The data were analyzed using ANOVA with the Tukey-Kramer test (p ≤ 0.05). Total microbiota and SM counts did not differ among the treatments (p = 0.78), or in relation to the untreated group (p = 0.52). PV reduced development of smooth-surface enamel caries compared with the untreated group (p = 0.0018), with no significant difference from GS (p = 0.92); however, the PV effects were no longer observed when the dentin was affected. Neither PV nor GS prevented enamel sulcal lesion onset, but GS significantly reduced the severity of dentinal sulcal lesions (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed in fibroblast viability between PV and GS (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, PV prevented smooth-surface enamel caries and showed low cell toxicity. Nevertheless, due to the high cariogenic challenge, its effects were not sustained throughout the experiment. Further studies are encouraged to establish a protocol to sustain the long-term anti-caries activity of PV in the oral cavity.

Effect of chlorhexidine varnish on gingival growth in orthodontic patients: a randomized prospective split-mouth study

Introduction: Fixed orthodontic appliances patients suffer limitations on the effective control of biofilm by mechanical methods, bringing the need of a coadjutant in the control of inflammation and oral health improvement.Objective: The aim of this prospective split-mouth blind study was to analyze the effect of a 40% chlorhexidine (CHX) varnish on gingival growth of patients with orthodontic fixed appliances. Methods: Healthy teenage patients with fixed orthodontic appliances and increased gingival volume were recruited (n = 30). Each individual was his own control, having in the maxilla one control side and one treatment side. An application of varnishes occurred on the vestibular area of the upper premolars and first molar crowns, on the control side (placebo varnish) and on the experimental side (EC40(r) Biodentic CHX varnish). The varnishes and sides were randomly chosen and its identification and group was kept by a third party observer and it was not revealed to the researchers and participants until the end of study. In order to establish a baseline registration, digital photographs were taken by a trained photographer before varnish application at baseline (T0), as well as 14 days (T14) and 56 days (T56) after the application. The gingival volume was calculated indirectly using the vestibular areas (mm2) of the upper second premolars' clinical crowns by RapidSketch(r) software, at all study times. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Turkey-Krammer test.Results:It was observed, in the final sample of 30 individuals, that at T0, the control and treatment groups were similar. At T14 and T56, a progressive reduction of the clinical crown area was seen in the control group, and an increase in the average area was detected in the experimental group (p < 0,05).Conclusions: The use of 40% CHX varnish decreases the gingival overgrowth in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Further studies are necessary to set the action time and frequency of application.

Introdução: pacientes com aparelhos ortodônticos fixos sofrem limitações no controle efetivo de biofilme por métodos mecânicos, trazendo a necessidade de um coadjuvante no controle na inflamação e melhora na saúde bucal.Objetivo:esse estudo cruzado prospectivo randomizado teve como objetivo analisar o efeito do verniz de clorexidina (CHX) a 40% no crescimento gengival de pacientes com aparelhos ortodônticos fixos.Métodos:indivíduos adolescentes com aparelhos ortodônticos fixos e aumento de volume gengival foram recrutados para a pesquisa (n = 30). Cada participante atuou como seu próprio controle, tendo, na maxila, um lado controle e um tratamento. No lado controle, aplicou-se verniz placebo e no lado experimental, o verniz EC40(r) Biodentic CHX, ambos na face vestibular das coroas dos pré-molares e primeiro molar superiores. Os vernizes e lados foram escolhidos de forma aleatória e a identificação deles e a que grupo pertenciam foi mantida por um terceiro observador, não sendo revelada aos pesquisadores nem aos participantes até o final do estudo. Fotografias digitais foram tiradas por um fotógrafo treinado, antes da aplicação do verniz no tempo inicial (T0), bem como 14 dias (T14) e 56 dias (T56) após a aplicação. O volume gengival foi calculado indiretamente, por meio das áreas vestibulares (mm2) das coroas dos segundos pré-molares superiores, com o softwareRapidSketch(r), em todos os tempos de estudo. Os dados foram analisados usando ANOVA e teste de Turkey-Krammer.Resultados:na amostra final de 30 indivíduos, observou-se que, em T0, os grupos controle e tratamento foram semelhantes. Já em T14 e T56, foi observada uma progressiva redução na área da coroa clínica no grupo controle, e um aumento na área média do grupo experimental (p< 0,05).Conclusão:o uso do verniz de CHX a 40% diminui o excessivo crescimento gengival em pacientes sob tratamento ortodôntico. Estudos futuros são necessários para se determinar o tempo de ação e a frequência de aplicação.

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and cell viability of Aloe vera sponges

Background: Aloe vera L., member of the Liliaceae family, has been shown to stimulate cell proliferation and contribute to healing and angiogenesis, has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, Aloe vera can be used as a support for drug transport. Our objective is to evaluate antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of sponges of Aloe vera L. for use as a carrying support of drugs. Results: In this work, sponge of free Aloe vera (AV) loaded with amoxicillin (AMX) or nystatin (NYS) at 1% w/w, were prepared and physico-chemically characterized via X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and thermal analysis. Antimicrobial potency of AV sponge alone, loaded with AMX or NYS, against strains of Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans was determined. Osteoblasts and human gingival fibroblasts were cultivated on AV, Aloe vera loaded with amoxicillin (AV/AMX) and Aloe vera loaded with nystatin (AV/NYS) and cellular viability was assessed. The physico-chemical characterization performed suggested that the loaded drugs were dispersed in the sponge and those interactions between the AV sponge and the loaded drugs were weak. Furthermore, AV loaded with AMX or NYS demonstrated antimicrobial potency and osteoblasts and fibroblasts were viable after 24 hrs on free AV, and AV loaded with AMX or NYS. Conclusions: Our results indicate that sponges of free AV, loaded with AMX or NYS, are biocompatible and exhibit antimicrobial activity.

Bioceramic/Poly (glycolic)-poly (lactic acid) composite induces mineralized barrier after direct capping of rat tooth pulp tissue

The aim of this study was to observe the histopathological pulp response following direct pulp capping of mechanically exposed teeth in rats with a composite of beta-tricalcium phosphate-hydroxyapatite bioceramic (BC) and poly (glycolic)-poly (lactic acid) (PLGA) material or a calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] material, compared to BC alone and a negative control of water. Pulp of the maxillary molars was exposed, followed by capping with the experimental material. The pulpal tissue response was assessed post-operatively at 1, 7, 14 and 30 d, followed by histological analysis. The Ca(OH)2 group exhibited severe acute inflammatory cell infiltration at day 14. However after 30 d, a new hard tissue with macro porous obliteration of the pulp chamber and a characteristic necrotic area had appeared. BC and Ca(OH)2 capping were associated with moderate inflammation and dentinal bridge similar. Meanwhile, in the BC/PLGA composite group, there was moderate inflammatory infiltrate and formation of a dense and complete dentinal bridge. In conclusion, the BC/PLGA composite material showed a large zone of tertiary dentin, and effectively reorganized the dentin-pulp complex.

Avaliação da biocompatibilidade do compósito: biocerâmica/ácido poli (lático-co-glicólico) em fibroblastos e macrófagos e da resposta pulpar após capeamento direto / The cell biocompatibility of a bioceramic/poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) composite and its pulp response in vivo for pulp capping application

Biocerâmicas associadas a polímeros para capeamento pulpar estão sendo investigadas pela capacidade de induzir a formação de tecido mineralizado. Esses materiais são usados na ortopedia e implantodontia com resultados clínicos eficientes. Contudo, pouco se sabe sobre seu efeito sobre a polpa dental e seus componentes celulares. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a biocompatibilidade do compósito: biocerâmica de B-tricálcio fosfato/hidroxiapatita (BC) e co-polímero ácido poli (lático-co-glicólico) (PLGA) (BC/PLGA), em cultura de fibroblastos da polpa dental humana (FP5) e de macrófagos peritoneais (MP), e avaliar a resposta pulpar após capeamento direto após 30 e 60 dias...

Clinical evaluation of packable resin Class I restorations after 7 years

Aims: Compactable composite resins have been indicated as amalgam substitutes. However, longitudinal clinical trials are necessary to verify their wear resistance and integrity maintenance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a packable resin in Class I restorations after 7 years. Methods: Forty restorations were placed in 15 young patients aged 13 to 30 years. The restorative material (Prodigy/OptiBond-KERR®) was used according to standard recommendations. The restorations were assessed at baseline at the year 2000 and after 2 and 7 years according to the USPHS (United State Public Health Service) criteria. Results: After 7 years, 50% of the restorations were scored Alpha and 37.5% scored Bravo for color match, marginal discoloration and marginal adaptation. Secondary caries were observed in only one restoration and none of them presented postoperative sensibility. Conclusion: In accordance with the USPHS method used, the packable resin presented appropriate clinical performance after a 7-year clinical evaluation.