ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and its association with chlorhexidine on cariogenic microcosm biofilm composition and acidogenicity. Minimum inhibitory and bactericide concentrations from the essential oil and chlorhexidine were determined by broth microdilution assay. Microcosms (polymicrobial) biofilms were produced on glass coverslips, using inoculum from human saliva in McBain culture medium (0.5% sucrose exposure for 6 h/day) for 3 days in 24-well plates. The biofilms were treated twice a day and their composition was evaluated by microorganism quantification. The acidogenicity was evaluated by measuring the pH of the spent culture medium in contact with the biofilm. Overall, the association of C. citratus and chlorhexidine reduced total bacterial counts and aciduric bacteria (maximum reduction of 3.55 log UFC/mL) in microcosm biofilms. This group also presented the lowest acidogenicity even when exposed to sucrose-containing medium. C. citratus essential oil increases the effect of digluconate chlorhexidine on microcosm biofilms. Based on these findings, this study can contribute to the development of new formulations that might allow for the use of mouthwashes for a shorter period, which may reduce undesirable effects and increase patient compliance to the treatment.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Dental students may be a particularly vulnerable group exposed to the risk of acquiring infections through occupational injuries. Objective: To investigate the perceptions with regard to their occupational exposure to potentially infectious biologic materials. Material and Method: Interviews were conducted by means of a script with open questions. The speeches were recorded, transcribed and qualitative analysis was performed with the aid of QUALIQUANTISOFT® software. The Collective Subject Discourse (CSD) was obtained. Result: The feeling most frequently experienced was related to the fear of contagion. Most accidents occurred during the handling of sharp dental instruments. Respondents attributed the occurrence of accidents especially the lack of attention, carelessness while handling sharp instruments, and lack of use of Personal Protective Equipment. As regards the measures taken right after the exposure, they "washed the local area". Other respondents reported they "continued the dental treatment". They complained mostly about the fear of having been infected, and because they had to leave the faculty to take blood exams for HIV screening. As part of the learning experience the injured reported they paid more attention when handling sharp instruments. The students informed that any type of injury due to contact with contaminated material must be notified. However, they were neglectful about reporting their own injury. Conclusion: Education strategies for preventive measures related to occupational exposure must be restructured, because the knowledge and the fear of contagion among dental students were not always sufficient for a complete adherence to treatment protocols and notification. .
Introdução: Estudantes de Odontologia podem ser particularmente vulneráveis ao risco de adquirir infecções por acidentes de trabalho. Objetivo: Investigar os sentimentos vivenciados entre acadêmicos de Odontologia que sofreram acidentes de trabalho por exposição a material biológico contaminado. Material e Método: Entrevistas foram realizadas por meio de um roteiro de perguntas abertas e gravadas. Após a transcrição dos depoimentos, realizou-se a análise qualitativa com auxílio do programa QUALIQUANTISOFT® e obteve-se o Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DSC). Resultado: Os sentimentos vivenciados pela maioria dos acadêmicos estavam relacionados ao medo de contágio. A maioria dos acidentes ocorreu durante o manuseio do instrumental perfurocortante. Os entrevistados atribuíram a ocorrência dos acidentes principalmente à falta de atenção, descuido durante o manuseio do perfurocortante e à falta de uso de EPIs. Quanto às condutas após a injúria, a primeira medida mais adotada foi "lavar o local da perfuração". Outros entrevistados relataram "continuar o atendimento". A maior queixa foi "medo de ter se contaminado", ou "ter que ir ao hospital para realizar teste rápido para HIV". Como aprendizado, os acidentados afirmaram que passaram a ter mais cuidado ao manusear perfurocortantes. Os acadêmicos relataram que todas as formas de contato com material biológico contaminado devem ser notificadas. Porém foram negligentes ao relatarem sua própria injúria. Conclusão: As medidas educativas de prevenção e segurança no trabalho precisam ser reestruturadas, uma vez que o conhecimento e o medo de contágio entre os estudantes de odontologia nem sempre foram suficientes para a completa adesão aos protocolos de atendimento e de notificação. .
