ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Microbubbles (MBs) are gas or vapor-filled cavities inside liquids with sizes ranging from 2 to 3 µm. Recently, MBs have shown great promise in nanomedicine owing to their high encapsulation efficiency, targeted drug release, improved biocompatibility, and longer blood circulation. Furthermore, they are more suitable for focusing on particular body regions and are safer and non-invasive. MBs generators are used to create bubbles in fluid dynamics, chemistry, medicine, agriculture, and the environment. Drug delivery using MBs increases penetration without causing systemic toxicity. In this study, we examined whether the use of microbubbles as a local drug-delivery mechanism increases tubular penetration of endodontic medications and irrigant. Materials and Methods: An Enterococcus faecalis culture was added to 38 dentin cylinders of single-rooted teeth. Samples were divided into the experimental and control groups that received a triple antibiotic paste with and without MB infusion (n = 19 in each group), respectively. After 14 days, the number of live bacteria in the samples was determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results: After 14 days of contact with the medication, the percentages of live and dead bacteria were assessed. Results show that Group 2 (Triple antibiotic infused micro bubble) showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher antibacterial efficacy than Group 1 (TAP). Conclusion: In this study, the antibacterial efficacy was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Therefore, within the limitations of the study it can be said that MB infusion is a viable technique to improve root canal disinfection. Hence, it can be considered as a novel technique for local drug delivery systems in endodontic management.
ABSTRACT
Low mineral water has gained increasing attention due to its potential health implications concerning bone mineral density (BMD) and dental health. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems to purify water are in use extensively, and these systems, in addition to removing impurities from water, also remove 92-99% of beneficial minerals like calcium, lead, fluoride, magnesium, and iron. These minerals are essential for maintaining optimal mineral density of teeth and bones, thereby preserving bone and teeth health. Most of these mineral components are physically larger than water molecules and are trapped by the semi-permeable membrane of RO filters when drinking water is filtered through it. The resultant water is of very poor mineral content, and studies have shown that this water, when consumed, can absorb minerals from the body and eliminate the same through urine. The combined synergistic effect of consumption of low mineral water along with minerals being excreted has been shown to cause demineralization of bones and teeth, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and dental caries. This review tries to address the ill effects of consuming low mineral water along with preventive strategies to overcome its much-concealed adverse effects.
