Evaluation of Solutions Containing Fluoride, Sodium Trimetaphosphate, Xylitol, and Erythritol, Alone or in Different Associations, on Dual-Species Biofilms.

Although the association of polyols/polyphosphates/fluoride has been demonstrated to promote remarkable effects on dental enamel, little is known on their combined effects on biofilms. This study assessed the effects of solutions containing fluoride/sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP)/xylitol/erythritol on dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Biofilms were grown in the continuous presence of these actives alone or in different associations. Quantification of viable plate counts, metabolic activity, biofilm biomass, and extracellular matrix components were evaluated. Overall, fluoride and TMP were the main actives that significantly influenced most of the variables analyzed, with a synergistic effect between them for S. mutans CFUs, biofilm biomass, and protein content of the extracellular matrix (p < 0.05). A similar trend was observed for biofilm metabolic activity and carbohydrate concentrations of the extracellular matrix, although without statistical significance. Regarding the polyols, despite their modest effects on most of the parameters analyzed when administered alone, their co-administration with fluoride and TMP led to a greater reduction in S. mutans CFUs and biofilm biomass compared with fluoride alone at the same concentration. It can be concluded that fluoride and TMP act synergistically on important biofilm parameters, and their co-administration with xylitol/erythritol significantly impacts S. mutans CFUs and biomass reduction.

Antimicrobial Effect of Low-Fluoride Toothpastes Containing Polyphosphate and Polyols: An In Vitro Assessment of Inhibition Zones.

This study evaluated the antimicrobial effect of toothpastes containing 200 ppm fluoride (200F), xylitol (X, 16%), erythritol (E, 4%), and sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP, 0.25%), alone or in different associations, against Streptococcus mutans (SM), Lactobacillus casei (LC), Actinomyces israelii (AI), and Candida albicans (CA). Suspensions of the micro-organisms were added to a BHI Agar medium. Five wells were made on each plate to receive toothpaste suspensions at different dilutions. Toothpastes containing no actives (placebo) or 1100 ppm F (1100F) were used as negative and positive controls. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HDS test were used (p < 0.05). For SM, the largest halo was for 200F+TMP at all dilutions, followed by the 200F+X+E toothpaste (p < 0.001). For LC, the overall trend showed that the polyols effectively inhibited microbial growth, and the association with the other compounds enhanced such effects (p < 0.001). For AI, a less-defined trend was observed. For CA, the experimental toothpaste (200F+X+E+TMP) was consistently more effective than the other treatments, followed by 200F+X+E (p < 0.001). The association of polyols and TMP in a low-fluoride toothpaste effectively reduced the growth of cariogenic micro-organisms (SM, CA, and LC), suggesting that this formulation could be an interesting alternative for children due to its low fluoride content.

Effects of sodium hexametaphosphate microparticles or nanoparticles on the growth of saliva-derived microcosm biofilms.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effects of sodium hexametaphosphate microparticles (HMPmicro) or nanoparticles (HMPnano) on the growth of saliva-derived microcosm biofilms MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva-derived biofilms were formed on glass coverslips for 24 h. Thereafter, Streptococcus mutans (C180-2) was incorporated or not into the biofilms. From that time point onwards, solutions containing 0.2% HMPmicro or HMPnano, combined or not with 220 ppm F, were constantly present in the culture medium. In addition, 220 ppm F alone (220F) and McBain medium without any compound were also tested as positive and negative controls (CTL), respectively. After 96 h, the biofilms were plated on anaerobic blood agar or sucrose agar bacitracin for total and S. mutans CFU-counting, respectively. Biofilms' lactic acid production was analysed spectrophotometrically. Data were submitted to ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis' tests, followed by Student-Newman-Keuls' test (p<0.05; n=12). RESULTS: HMPmicro or HMPnano led to significantly lower lactic acid production, and significant reductions in total CFU-counting in microcosm biofilms, supplemented or not with S. mutans, in comparison to both controls, with significant differences between 220F and CTL. No significant differences were observed among the groups treated with HMPmicro or HMPnano (with or without F). The same trend was seen for S. mutans CFU-counting, in biofilms supplemented with S. mutans. CONCLUSIONS: HMP significantly reduced total and S. mutans CFU counts, as well as lactic acid production by saliva-derived microcosm biofilms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings in saliva-derived microcosm biofilms suggest that HMP stands as a promising alternative for the control of cariogenic biofilms.

Amount of Dentifrice and Fluoride Concentration Influence Salivary Fluoride Concentrations and Fluoride Intake by Toddlers.

The present study evaluated fluoride (F) concentrations in saliva of toddlers after brushing with dentifrices containing different F concentrations, applied in different quantities, and estimated F intake from toothbrushing. The study comprised a double-blind, crossover protocol, in which toddlers (n = 18, 2-3 years old) were randomly assigned into six groups, according to possible combinations of dentifrices (0/550/1,100 ppm F, as NaF) and amounts (rice grain, pea size, and transverse technique). Volunteers used a F-free dentifrice during 1 week. On the 7th day, saliva samples were collected before (baseline), and at 5/15/30/60 min after toothbrushing. All dentifrice expectorated after brushing was collected. F concentrations (saliva and expectorate) were determined with an ion-specific electrode. Data were submitted to ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Fisher's LSD or Student-Newman-Keuls' tests (p <0.05). Brushing with 550 ppm F dentifrice (pea size or transversal technique) increased the area under the curve (AUC) at similar levels compared to 1,100 ppm F (rice grain). The highest AUC and salivary F at 5 min after brushing were achieved by 1,100 ppm F (pea size), followed by 550 ppm F (transversal technique). Regarding F intake, the highest values were observed for 550 ppm F (transversal technique), followed by 1,100 ppm F (pea size). It is possible to conclude that the amount of dentifrice and F concentration in the product significantly affected both salivary F concentrations and F intake during toothbrushing.

Salivary levels of Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha in girls aged 7-17 years practicing volleyball / Niveles salivales de interleucina 6 y factor de necrosis tumoral alfa en niñas de 7 a 17 años que practican voleibol

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the salivary concentrations of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFalfa) and correlate the findings with the caries index, body mass index (BMI), potency of lower limbs (vertical jump), cardiorespiratory fitness, and risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in girls practicing volleyball. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two studies were performed: 1) a cross-sectional study (n = 120) on the association of IL-6 and TNFalfa with the caries index, anthropometric measures, physical tests, and experience in volleyball practice; 2) longitudinal study (n = 63) on the effects of 8 weeks of training on salivary IL-6 and TNFalfa in girls with intermediate experience in volleyball and competitive girls. RESULTS: The median levels of IL-6 were 1.98 [1.55-3.11] pg/ml and TNFalfa, 0.46 [0.28-0.59] pg/ml and these did not correlate with the caries index, BMI, training volume, training practice, or cardiovascular risk. A correlation was observed between IL-6 and TNFalfa (r = 0.34; p < 0.001), IL-6 and vertical jump height (r = -0.28, p < 0.005), and TNFα and age (r = 0.33; p < 0.001). After 8 weeks of training, TNFα levels increased in the intermediate and competitive groups (p < 0.05), while IL-6 levels decreased only in the intermediate level group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: the median levels of IL-6 and TNFalfa did not correlate with the caries index, BMI, training volume, experience practice, or cardiovascular risk. Salivary levels of IL-6 were downmodulated in the group with intermediate experience and TNFalfa was upmodulated by training

INTRODUCCIÓN: el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar las concentraciones salivales de interleukina-6 (IL-6) y factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNFalfa) y correlacionarlas con el índice de caries, el índice de masa corporal (IMC), potencia muscular de miembros inferiores (salto vertical), la aptitud cardiorrespiratoria y riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades cardiovasculares en niñas que practican voleibol. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se realizaron dos estudios: 1) un estudio transversal (n = 120) sobre la asociación de IL-6 y TNFalfa con índice de caries, medidas antropométricas, pruebas físicas y experiencia en la práctica de voleibol; 2) estudio longitudinal (n = 63) sobre el efecto de 8 semanas de entrenamiento em IL-6 y TNFalfa salivales en niñas con experiencia intermedia en voleibol y chicas competitivas. RESULTADOS: los niveles medianos de IL-6 fueron 1.98 [1.55 - 3.11] pg/ml y TNFalfa fue 0.46 [0.28 - 0.59] pg/ml y no se correlacionaron con el índice de caries, el IMC, el volumen de entrenamiento, la práctica de entrenamiento y el riesgo cardiovascular. Se observó una correlación entre IL-6 y TNFalfa (r = 0.34; p < 0.001), IL-6 y altura de salto vertical (r = -0.28, p < 0.005), y TNFalfa y edad (r = 0.33; p < 0.001). Después de 8 semanas de entrenamiento, los niveles de TNFalfa aumentaron en los grupos intermedios y competitivos (p < 0.05), mientras que los niveles de IL-6 disminuyeron solo en el grupo intermedio (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIÓN: los niveles medianos de IL-6 y TNFalfa no se correlacionaron con el índice de caries, el IMC, el volumen de entrenamiento, la experiencia práctica y el riesgo cardiovascular. Los niveles salivales de IL-6 se modificaron a la baja en el grupo con experiencia intermedia y el TNFα se moduló al alza mediante el entrenamiento

Dental Environment Stress: Findings among Lusophone Dental Students

Objective: To perform cross-cultural adaptation of the Dental Environment Stress (DES), to test its construct validity and reliability, and to identify the sources of stress among Brazilian dental students. Material and Methods: The DES was transculturally adapted to Portuguese using translation/back-translation, review by an expert bilingual committee and consensus building. The first version was tested in a sample of 42 dental students to check the understanding level of the alternatives. The final version was applied to all the students enrolled in a Brazilian Public Dental School. Construct validity was assessed through factor analysis, performed by principal components analysis and Varimax rotation and reliability by internal Cronbach's alpha coefficient (95% CI). Wilcoxon rank sum was conducted to test for gender and Kruskall-Wallis for year comparison. Multivariate analysis relied on ordinal logistic regression modeling. Results: Factor analysis revealed five factors that possessed eigenvalues greater than 1.5 and together explained 46.88% of the total variance. Internal consistency of each factor was adequate, with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.65 to 0.84. 'Examinations and grades' (82.80%) was the highest scored item. Females presented higher rates, as well as second's and fifth's years students. The entering students were generally concerned with factors related to "Academic Performance", whereas clinical year students with "Insecurity Concerning their Professional Future". Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the DES presented good results, thus it could be a valid instrument to assess the factors of perceived stress in Lusophone countries, subsidizing the development of strategies to minimize the stress and optimize school performance.

Knowledge of triathlon athletes about the relationship between oral health and performance

Introduction: The triathlon athletes have great energy loss due to physical activity of high intensity and resets are based on a highcarbohydrate diet and acid elements (acids replacers), both substrates to decay and periodontal disease. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate, through a questionnaire whether triathlon athletes relate oral health to their physical performance. Material and methods: We developed a questionnaire with 20 objective questions and applied during marathons and at fitness centers, in the city of Curitiba, in 2015. Results: The majority of athletes use supplements with high levels of carbohydrates and acids for energy replacement daily and do not brush their teeth after workouts / nutrition. Of the 254 respondents, only 96 relate oral health to their performance in sports. Conclusion: The athletes do not relate the importance of oral health care to performance and largely do not brush the teeth after the activities, leaving the oral environment more susceptible to the onset of periodontal disease and caries, which can decrease their performance. It is necessary to inform triathlon athletes about the relationship oral health x systemic health x performance, as well as the dentists about the need of oral health care for these athletes.