Determining the Antibacterial Effect of Mentha Longifolia Essential Oil on Cariogenic Bacteria and Its Compounds: an in vitro Study.

Statement of the Problem: Continuous use of chemical agents to reduce the number of cariogenic bacteria leads to adverse effects; therefore, in recent years, many studies have focused on plant-based substances. Purpose: This study explores the antibacterial effects of Mentha Longifolia (M. longifolia) essential oil on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus), and Lactobacillus as cariogenic microorganisms and determines the compounds in it. Materials and Method: In this experimental study, S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and Lactobacillus isolates were collected from the saliva samples of five children with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of M. longifolia essential oil were determined by Broth microdilution method. Chlorhexidine 0.2% and phosphate-buffered normal saline (pH= 7.0) were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The chemical composition of M. longifolia essential oil was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The data were analyzed with a paired t-test and the p below 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The MIC and MBC ratios for S. mutans were 3.12% and 6.25%, for S. sobrinus were 6.25% and 12.5%, ​​and Lactobacillus were 3.12% and 6.25%, respectively. Chemical analysis of M. longifolia essential oil showed that 34 various compounds. Piperitone oxide (27.59%), Transcariophylline (14.55%), and 2-cyclohexane-1-one (12.24%) were the major constituents. Conclusion: M. longifolia essential oil has both growth inhibitory and bactericidal effects on all the three species of bacteria. This antibacterial effect was similar against S. mutans and Lactobacillus, which was greater than S. sobrinus, thus, it can be used as a supplementary for caries prevention compounds.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of medical and dental students about maintaining and disinfecting toothbrushes.

INTRODUCTION: Proper toothbrush care and maintenance play an important role in oral health. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice of medical and dental students regarding the maintenance and disinfection of toothbrushes. METHOD: This cross-sectional descriptive study examined 824 medical and dental students of Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and analysed using chi-square test and independent t-test. The level of statistical significance was considered to be <0.05. RESULTS: Nearly 63.7% of the students had a good level of knowledge regarding toothbrush maintenance, 62.2% had a positive attitude toward toothbrush care, and 53.7% had a good practice. The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice were significantly higher in dental, clinical, and female students as compared to medical, preclinical, and male students, respectively. Based on the results, about 54.3% of the students kept their toothbrushes outside the bathroom; 68% kept them vertically with the bristles upright; and 54% kept them in a separate container. Also, 50.6% of the students believed that toothbrush disinfection was necessary, while 31.9% believed that only certain groups of people needed toothbrush disinfection. CONCLUSION: This study indicated the moderate level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical and dental students in maintaining and disinfecting their toothbrushes. The students' oral health habits were also at a moderate level; therefore, further improvements seem essential. To achieve this goal, educational intervention programs need to be developed in the future.

Salivary Oxidative Stress, Total Protein, Iron and pH in Children with ß-Thalassemia Major and their Correlation with Dental Caries.

Statement of the Problem: Iron overload in ß-thalassemia major leads to oxidative damage to tissues, which may have an important role in the onset and progression of oral diseases. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary oxidative stress indicators, total protein, iron, and pH in children with ß-thalassemia major and their relationship with the status of dental caries in comparison with healthy children. Materials and Method: In this case-control study, 68 ß-thalassemia major and healthy children, who were age- and sex matched, were selected. Two mililiters of saliva was collected from each child. The pH was measured using pH meter paper. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as salivary lipid peroxidation index, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total protein, and iron were measured by spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed by SPSS ver. 22 software with Pearson and independent samples t-test. Results: TBARS, TAC, iron and dmft index in the ß-thalassemia major group were significantly higher and pH was significantly lower than the control group (p< 0.001). The total protein difference between the two groups was not significant (p= 0.081). Conclusion: Considering the higher salivary TBARS in the ß-thalassemia major group, oxidative stress can be considered as a risk factor for dental caries in children with ß-thalassemia major. Prescription of antioxidant supplements especially natural antioxidants in the diet of children with ß-thalassemia major is recommended to reduce oxidative stress.

The association between the salivary cortisol level of mothers, children's temperament, and early childhood caries.

BACKGROUND: Multiple factors can affect early childhood caries (ECC). Maternal stress and child's temperament, as predictors of child behavior, are among factors that may be associated with ECC. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the salivary cortisol level of mothers as an indicator of maternal stress, child's temperament, and ECC. METHODS: Ninety preschool children, who were divided into three groups of ECC, severe ECC (S-ECC), and caries-free (CF), were included in this study, as well as their mothers with no history of anxiety disorders. The salivary cortisol levels of mothers were analyzed using ELISA assay. Children were examined for the evidence of caries, using the decayed-missing-filled teeth index, based on the World Health Organization standard criteria. Child temperament was also assessed, using Cloninger's Preschool Temperament and Character Inventory, consisting of seven significant factors (cooperativeness, harm avoidance, novelty seeking, reward dependence, persistence, self-directing, and self-transcendence). RESULTS: The association between the salivary cortisol level of mothers and temperament of children with S-ECC was positive although it was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Of seven temperament factors, only harm avoidance was significantly different between the CF and S-ECC groups (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Maternal stress and child's temperament were not associated with ECC. Based on the present findings, children with less harm avoidance may be more prone to S-ECC.

Effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Lippia citriodora on candida albicans.

INTRODUCTION: Because of resistance and side effects to common antifungal drugs activity, the research on herbal substances with antifungal activity is frequent. Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) is a member of Verbenaceae family. The aim of this study was to determine the anti-candida activities of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the lemon verbena leaves and compare them with nystatin and fluconazole. METHODS: In this 2015 study, 15 clinical isolates and standard strain of candida albicans PTCC 5027 were used, and the inhibitory effects of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts, Nystatin and Fluconazole, were evaluated using disk and well diffusion methods. Also, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. Five concentrations of aqueous and ethanolic extracts (156-2500 µg/ml), Nystatin (8-128 µg/ml) and Fluconazole (4-64 µg/ml) were used in disk and well diffusion methods, and nine concentrations of aqueous and ethanolic extracts (19-5000 µg/ml), Nystatin (0.5-128 µg/ml), and Fluconazole (0.25-64 µg/ml) were applied for MIC. Data were analyzed using Tukey's post-hoc and one-way ANOVA tests. The significant level was considered p < 0.05 in the current study. RESULTS: In the well and disk diffusion techniques, limited growth inhibition halos were produced around some clinical isolates at different concentrations of ethanolic extract; however, no growth inhibitory halo was observed with any concentrations of the aqueous extract. The MIC values of ethanolic extract, aqueous extract, Nystatin and Fluconazole for clinical isolated and standard strain were 833 ± 78.5and 625µg/ml; 4156 ± 67.4 and 2500 µg/ml; 10.13 ± 1.91 and 4 µg/ml; and 1.97 ± 0.25 and 1 µg/ml, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the ethanolic extract was stronger than the aqueous extract of this plant, which can be used as an alternative for drugs. It is recommended that the ethanolic extract of this plant be investigated in vivo for better evaluation of its efficacy and properties.

Comparative in vitro study of the effectiveness of Green tea extract and common storage media on periodontal ligament fibroblast viability.

OBJECTIVE: Green tea extract (GTE) was shown to be effective in preserving periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) of avulsed teeth. This study aimed at determining the potential of GTE in preserving the viability of PDLFs comparing with different storage media. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Periodontal ligament cells were obtained from freshly extracted healthy impacted third molars and cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). Cell viability was determined by storing the cells in seven media; DMEM, tap water, Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), whole milk, hypotonic sucrose solution, GTE, and GTE + sucrose for 1, 2, 4, and 24 h at 37°C using tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance and post hoc tests. RESULTS: GTE showed significantly higher protective effect than HBSS at 2, 4, and 24 h (P = 0.009, P = 0.02, P = 0.016), DMED at 2 h (P = 0.003), and milk at 4 h (P = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Although with undesirable osmolality and pH, GTE had a good ability in preserving the PDLFs comparing with other studied media.

Relationship between Learning Style and Academic Status of Babol Dental Students.

INTRODUCTION: Identifying and employing students' learning styles could play an important role in selecting appropriate teaching methods in order to improve education. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the students' final exam scores and the learning style preferences of dental students at Babol University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 88 dental students studying in their fourth, fifth, and sixth years using the visual-aural-reading/writing-kinesthetic (VARK) learning styles' questionnaire. The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS, version 21, using the chi-squared test and the t-test. RESULTS: Of the 88 participants who responded to the questionnaire, 87 preferred multimodal learning styles. There was no significant difference between the mean of the final exam scores in students who did and did not prefer the aural learning style (p = 0.86), the reading/writing learning style (p = 0.20), and the kinesthetic learning style (p = 0.32). In addition, there was no significant difference between the scores on the final clinical course among the students who had different preferences for learning style. However, there was a significant difference between the mean of the final exam scores in students with and without visual learning style preference (p = 0.03), with the former having higher mean scores. There was no significant relationship between preferred learning styles and gender (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The majority of dental students preferred multimodal learning styles, and there was a significant difference between the mean of the final exam scores for students with and without a preference for the visual learning style. In addition, there were no differences in the preferred learning styles between male and female students.

Anti-Streptococcus mutans property of a chitosan: Containing resin sealant.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess the inhibitory effect of chitosan-containing sealants against Streptococcus mutans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antibacterial activity of the resin sealant was evaluated by direct contact test following the addition of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt% chitosan. At 3, 6, 9, 24 and 48 h, 1 and 3 months, 10 µl of the microbial suspension in contact with resin sealant was cultured to count the number of colonies. Data were analyzed by one-way one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), repeated measures ANOVA, and Scheffe test. RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration of chitosan against S. mutans was 2 wt%. At 3 h, bacterial count in the presence of 2-5 wt% chitosan was significantly lower than that at 0 and 1 wt% (P < 0.05). However, this difference in bacterial count between 2 and 3 wt% chitosan and between 4 and 5 wt% chitosan was not significant. At 6 h, the difference in bacterial count between 3 and 4 wt% chitosan was not significant, whereas the remaining groups were significantly different in terms of bacterial count at this time (P < 0.05). At the remaining time points, significant differences were found between 2 wt% chitosan and higher concentrations (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sealants containing 2-5 wt% chitosan show an antimicrobial property that is intensified by increasing the concentration of chitosan.

Impact of oral and dental health on quality of life in Iranian preschool children and their families.

INTRODUCTION: Oral and dental health is one of the most important factors that affect the quality of life of preschool children. This study determined the effect of oral and dental health of preschoolers on their quality of life and that of their parents. METHODS: This descriptive-cross sectional study asked 304 mothers of children aged 2-5 years from Babol, Iran, to complete an Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) questionnaire. Higher raw scores for ECOHIS indicate more oral problems and lower quality of life as related to oral health. The demographic information and dmft indices of the children were documented. The data were analyzed using the independent sample t-test, one way ANOVA, and the Scheffe post hoc test. RESULTS: The mean ECOHIS score was 6.65 ± 3.57, and the mean score of "decay, missing and filling teeth" (dmft) was 4.39 ± 3.68. A high correlation (r = 0.725) was observed between the dmft score and the ECOHIS score (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The oral and dental health of the children strongly influenced their quality of life and that of their parents. There was an inverse relationship between dmft and oral health-related quality of life.

In vitro viability of human periodontal ligament cells in green tea extract.

CONTEXT: Delayed replantation of avulsed teeth may be successful if the majority of periodontal ligament cells (PDL) survive. A proper transport medium is required when immediate replantation is not possible. Green tea extract (GTE) may be effective in preserving the cells because of its special properties. AIMS: This study was done to evaluate the potential of GTE in periodontal ligament cells preservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four extracted human teeth with closed apices were randomly divided into three groups each with 18 teeth as follow: GTE, water (negative control), and Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) (positive control). The specimens were immersed in the media for 1, 3, and 15 hours at 4°C (n = 6) and treated with collagenase 1A for 45 minutes. Cell viability was determined using the trypan blue exclusion technique. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), post hoc Tukey and paired t-test at significance level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: Means (standard deviation, SD) of viable cells in HBSS, water, and GTE were estimated 348.33 ± 88.49, 101 ± 14.18, and 310.56 ± 56.97 at 1 hours; 273.4 ± 44.80, 64.16 ± 16.44, and 310.2 ± 11.21 at 3 hours; and 373.72 ± 67.81, 14.41 ± 2.88 and 315.24 ± 34.48 at 15 hours; respectively. No significant differences were found between HBSS and GTE at all the time intervals. Both these solutions could preserve the cells more than water significantly. CONCLUSION: GTE and HBSS were equally effective in preserving the cells and were significantly superior to water.

Effect of milk and yogurt on streptococcus sobrinus counts and caries score in rats.

BACKGROUND: An anti-cariogenic diet containing probiotics can be effective in caries prevention. This animal study compared the effects of milk and yogurt on Streptococcus sobrinus counts and caries score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 male rats were infected with S. sobrinus (27,607) and divided into three groups. Group A and B received 200 mL of milk and 100 g of yogurt per day, respectively, and a control group received 2.5 mL of NCP number 2 diet twice daily for 21 days. After killing the animals, their lower left jaws were removed and sonicated to quantify the colonies of S. sobrinus. Dental caries was scored using Keyes technique. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon-Signed Rank tests. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean (±standard error of the mean) of S. sobrinus colonies in the milk, yogurt and control groups were determined at 119666.67 (±20733), 46416.666 (±12846) and 163,250 (±33493), respectively. Microbial counts decreased in the yogurt group compared with the milk and control groups (P = 0.004 and P = 0.000; respectively). There were significant differences between caries scores of smooth surfaces in the milk and yogurt groups compared with the control group (P = 0.000 and P = 0.000, respectively). Both milk and yogurt significantly reduced caries score of fissured surfaces compared with controls (P = 0.004 and P = 0.000, respectively). CONCLUSION: Considering the limitations of this study, yogurt administration reduces S. sobrinus counts. In addition, yogurt and milk regimens reduce the caries scores of smooth and fissured surfaces.

Multiple Developmental Dental Anomalies in a Non-Syndromic Patient: Report of a Rare Simultaneous Occurrence.

A case of multiple pulp stones, a supernumerary tooth and a congenitally missing tooth accompanied by several developmental dental anomalies concurrently affecting the upper and lower anterior teeth in an Iranian healthy girl is reported. Developmental tooth abnormalities are usually found in conjunction with certain diseases or conditions. In the present case, although the patient had consanguineous parents and the role of genetics should be considered particularly for autosomal recessive traits, based on the child's family and medical history, no correlation could be established between dental findings and systemic or metabolic diseases.

Comparative study of Kefir yogurt-drink and sodium fluoride mouth rinse on salivary mutans streptococci.

AIM: The level of mutans streptococci (MS) is reduced by regularly consumption of probiotic Kefir drink. The present study aiming at answer to this question 'may the Kefir drink be considered an alternative to fluoride rinse?' MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two healthy volunteers aged 22-32 years with good oral hygiene participated in this study. None of participants had received any antibiotic or antimicrobial agent or professional fluoride therapy within the last month. None of them exhibited active caries lesions. Smokers and subjects who have chewing gums xylitol habit or who were undergoing orthodontic treatment were excluded. In a cross over design with 2 parallel groups, people in group A for 2 weeks received 100 ml of Kefir drink per day, then avoided brushing, eating and drinking for an hour. Simultaneously, people in group B were administered 0.05% sodium fluoride rinse in the same manner. After washout period, people in groups A and B respectively used 0.05% sodium fluoride rinse and Kefir drink. Saliva sampling was performed before and after interventions. The acidity and the count of MS were assessed and data were analyzed statistically. RESULT: There was no significant difference between base line pH values of saliva in study groups (p > 0.05). Although, a significant difference was shown between MS counts before and after interventions (p ≤ 0.0001 and p ≤ 0.0001 for NaF and Kefir respectively), but the equal inhibitory effect was found between study groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Kefir drink can inhibit salivary MS as well the sodium fluoride rinse. This beverage may be considered an alternative for fluoride rinse. Clinical significance: Probiotics containing dairy products was known with anticariogenic properties. These agents may be used in caries control strategies adjunctively.

Measurement of nitrite and nitrate in saliva of children with different caries activity.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: Recently, there has been growing interest in the role of salivary nitrate and nitrite in caries protection. Nitrate is a natural compound found in fruits and vegetables and when secreted in saliva, is reduced to nitrite through bacterial respiration and subsequently reduced to nitric oxide in acidic condition. Nitric oxide takes part in oral non-specific immune system and prevents bacterial growth. The aim of present study was to determine the concentration of nitrite and nitrate in saliva of children with different caries activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety three children, 4 to 6 years old, enrolled in this case-control study and were divided into 3 groups; 31 caries free children, 31 with 5 10. Unstimulated saliva was collected and stored in 4°C. Measurement of nitrate and nitrite concentration was performed using Griess reaction. Data were analyzed by T-test, Chi-square, ANOVA and multiple comparisons using SPSS 18. p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Mean value of DFS in the first, second and third were 0, 7.12 and 12.61 respectively. Mean value of nitrite and nitrate in the third group was significantly higher than two others (p < 0.05), but the difference between first and second group was not significant. CONCLUSION: Increase in DFS was associated by increase in salivary nitrite and nitrate concentration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: High concentration of nitrate and nitrite is not enough for caries prevention.

Frequency, biofilm formation and acid susceptibility of streptococcus mutans and streptococcus sobrinus in saliva of preschool children with different levels of caries activity.

BACKGROUND: One of the causative factors in development of dental caries is microorganisms. Two species of Mutans streptococci including Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are associated with dental caries in human beings. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in saliva of children with different caries activity and ability to form biofilm and acid susceptibility of these microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This analytical case-control study was performed on 83 preschool children, 4-6 years old. Children were divided into two groups including 41 caries-active and 42 caries-free children. Non-stimulated saliva samples were collected and culture and polymerase chain reaction techniques were used. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test, Chi-square, ANOVA, and Kappa tests. RESULTS: S. mutans and S. sobrinus were found in 65% and 21.6% of the samples respectively. S. mutans was isolated from 75.6% of caries-active and 54.8% of caries-free children. Figures for S. sobrinus were 29.2% and 14.3% respectively. Acid susceptibility of microorganisms isolated from saliva was 87.43 in caries-active children and 94.30 for caries-free children. Biofilm formation of microorganisms in caries-active and caries-free children was 0.77 and 0.73, respectively. CONCLUSION: Frequency of S. mutans in caries-active children was significantly higher than caries-free children, but the difference in frequency of S. sobrinus was not significant. Acid susceptibility of microorganisms in caries-active children was significantly lower, but the ability to form biofilm was not significantly different in two groups.

Prevalence of candida albicans in dental plaque and caries lesion of early childhood caries (ECC) according to sampling site.

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans may have cariogenic potential but its role in caries etiology has not been established. The aim of this study was to determine candida albicans in supragingival dental plaque and infected dentine of cervical and proximal in early childhood caries (ECC). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 6o children aged 2-5 years, which were divided into 3 groups: children with at least one cervical caries; children with at least one proximal caries and caries-free. The infected dentine was collected from cervical and proximal caries lesions and plaque samples were collected from the three groups in order to compare the frequency of candida albicans in the collected sites. All samples were cultured in Sabouraud and CHROMagar medium and the cases that were positive for candida albicans were cultured in germ tube. Data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the children was 3.9 years. From 100 samples, candida albicans samples were isolated in 55%, mold fungi were found in 29% cases and there was no fungal growth in 16% of the samples. In plaque samples, candida albicans were found in 15% of caries-free samples, 20% of the proximal and 80% of the cervical caries. In samples extracted from the caries, candida albicans were found in 60% of the proximal and 100% of the cervical caries. Mothers with university educational level had children with more cervical decays, caries free and proximal caries, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results showed that prevalence of Candida albicans in dental plaque and caries lesions of children with early childhood caries were relatively high and the prevalence was higher in cervical caries group.

Palatal arch diameters of patients with allergic rhinitis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the transverse and vertical dimensions of the palate of children with allergic rhinitis (AR). There was no significant difference for intermolar and intercanine distances between two groups in primary and mixed dentitions. Palate depth in children with allergic rhinitis was statistically more than in children without any respiratory disease. Cross bite was more prevalent in study group. It seems that the main influence of alteration of breathing pattern from nasal to mouth occurs on the vertical plane.