Efficacy of two mouth rinse sprays in inhibiting Streptococcus mutans growth on toothbrush bristles.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of two types of mouth rinse sprays (Periogard and Plax) in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) on toothbrush bristles used by children. METHODS: An experimental comparative study was performed. The sample included 60 children aged 6-8 years with high caries index. Children were divided randomly into 3 groups (20 each) according to materials applied on toothbrush. Each group was further subdivided into 2 subgroups A and B (10 each) according to the laboratory standards for processing microbiological specimens. Each toothbrush was placed in phosphate buffered saline, vortexed then serially diluted. Mitis salivarius bacitracin (MSB) agar plates were inoculated and incubated for 48 h. S. mutans colonies were identified by morphology, gram stain and biochemical tests. RESULTS: Statistically, significant difference was observed between the three groups either when toothbrushes were processed immediately or when processed after 24 h. Group I showed highest bacterial count followed by group III whereas group II showed least bacterial count. Bacterial counts were significantly decreased by time in group I and group III while in group II no significant decrease as both subgroups showed very low bacterial count. CONCLUSIONS: Although both mouth rinses were effective against S. mutans toothbrush contamination, chlorhexidine gluconate proved to be better.

Acid Resistance of Enamel Subsurface Lesions Treated with Casein Phosphopeptide Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Fluoride.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acid resistance of enamel subsurface lesions treated with casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF). METHODS: Fifty extracted primary molars with a standardized window on enamel were immersed in a demineralizing solution for 72 hours to produce subsurface enamel lesions. They were sectioned in a buccolingual direction; one half of the sample was treated with the remineralizing agent CPP-ACPF and the other half remained untreated (control group). After 10 days, the sample was evaluated quantitatively using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The treated samples were reimmersed into the demineralizing solution for 72 hours and the mineral content was re-evaluated. RESULTS: The mean calcium content of the remineralized samples was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<.001) and was higher than the second demineralization values. The mean calcium content of the second demineralization was significantly higher than those of the control group (P<.001). CONCLUSION: CPP-ACPF increased the resistance of enamel surfaces to further demineralization.

Histological evaluation of pulpotec effect on pulpotomized primary teeth in puppies.

AIM: The present study was conducted to histologically evaluate the inflammatory response of dental pulp to Pulpotec versus Formocresol in primary teeth of puppies. METHODS: The study was conducted on 24 primary molars of three Mongrel puppies between the ages of six to ten weeks. The mouth of each puppy was divided into two halves; the teeth on the left half were treated using the Pulpotec while those on the right half were treated with the Formocresol. Puppies one, two and three were sacrificed performing the pulpotomies at two, four and six weeks, respectively. The portions of the jaws including pulpotomized teeth were carefully sectioned, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and examined histologically by light microscope. RESULTS: The results of the two groups showed pulp inflammation that varied from mild, moderate to severe, hydropic degeneration, increased fibrosis, capillary dilatation, disruption of odontoblastic layer and internal root resorption that started earlier in the Formocresol group. CONCLUSION: It has been concluded that both groups showed comparable unfavourable histological response.