ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine the effect of stevia on caries development when incorporated into a cariogenic diet in a controlled microbial caries model. METHODS: 56 bovine tooth specimens (4 x 4 mm) were divided into four groups, each secured in a caries-forming vessel. All vessels were placed on an electric stirrer inside a 37°C incubator. The specimens were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans, and exposed for 4 days to circulating cycles of tryptic soy broth supplemented with 5% sucrose-TSBS (three x/day), and a mineral wash solution. Between TSBS cycles (three x/day), each group received one of four experimental solutions: phosphate buffer (PBS-negative control), 0.5% stevia solution, 5% stevia solution, or 5% xylitol solution. Development of caries lesions was analyzed using enamel surface hardness. Difference in Vickers Hardness between pre and post-treatment was calculated to determine caries development. Plaque was dislodged from six specimens per group, and the CFU/ml calculated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at 95% confidence level, and individual group differences calculated using Tukey's test. RESULTS: 5% xylitol resulted in significantly less plaque at the end of the study compared to PBS and 5% stevia, but not significantly different than 0.5% stevia. 5% stevia had significantly softer lesions than the other groups, while there was no significant difference in hardness scores between 5% xylitol, 0.5% stevia and PBS.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Dental Caries/microbiology , Models, Biological , Stevia , Animals , Biofilms , Cattle , Colony Count, Microbial , In Vitro Techniques , Streptococcus mutans/drug effectsABSTRACT
The rubber dam has been available to the dental profession for over 145 years and can serve as an invaluable tool to dental practitioners. Here we review the rubber dam and its application on children including advantages and disadvantages associated with its use and alternative isolation methods.