Comparative Evaluation of the Phytochemical Analysis and Efficacy of Four Plant-derived Extracts against Streptococcus mutans: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: Oral health is a loyal part of general health. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), dental caries is the most widespread noncommunicable disease and is a significant universal public health concern. The main causative organism associated with this disease is Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Various synthetic agents like chlorhexidine and fluorides are commercially available to prevent dental caries. However, these have side effects. Presently, research is engaged in the use of plant extracts to develop an effective and biocompatible material that may be used safely in the oral cavity. Methodology: Four plants were collected-Emblica officinalis, Vitis vinifera seeds, Psidium guajava (P. guajava) Linn leaves, and Acacia nilotica (A. nilotica), and extracts were prepared individually. These extracts were subjected to phytochemical analysis, and bacterial growth and fermentation were assessed. Result: The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. All the plant extracts inhibited S. mutans growth at all serial dilutions except P. guajava Linn and A. nilotica showing 55 CFU/mL and 5 CFU/mL, respectively in 1/1000 dilution only. The phytochemical analysis confirmed that all four plant extracts had alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, and flavonoids. Steroids and proteins are present in P. guajava Linn. Proanthocyanidins were present in Vitis vinifera. Saponins and Anthraquinones were present in A. nilotica exclusively. Conclusion: All the extracts were effective against S. mutans. These could be tried as herbal alternatives to conventional adjuncts. However, these results must be additionally evaluated for toxicity in animal models, and effectiveness must be assessed using in vivo studies on human subjects. How to cite this article: Kripalani KB, Thomas NA, Thimmaiah C, et al. Comparative Evaluation of the Phytochemical Analysis and Efficacy of Four Plant-derived Extracts against Streptococcus mutans: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-3):S258-S262.

Comparative Evaluation of Chlorhexidine and Cetrimide as Irrigants in Necrotic Primary Teeth: An In vivo Study.

Context: Disinfection of the root canal system by biomechanical preparation and profuse irrigation is especially important in primary teeth due to its complex pulp canal anatomy. Appropriate selection of irrigating solution should be done in terms of tissue dissolving capacity, antibacterial efficacy, and palatability when treating pediatric cases. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the antibacterial efficacy of 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 0.2% cetrimide (CTR), and 0.2% CHX + 0.2% CTR against anaerobic bacteria and to test the influence of CTR added to CHX on its antibacterial action. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five teeth that were selected for the study were divided into three groups: Group I (2% CHX), Group II (0.2% CTR), and Group III (0. 2% CHX + 0.2% CTR). Samples collected before and after irrigation were immediately processed and microbial growths were quantified. Statistical Analysis: Intergroup comparison was done using one-way analysis of variance and Newman-Keuls multiple post hoc procedures and intragroup comparison was done using paired t-test. Results: When the mean values of Group I were compared with Group II, the data were statistically not significant (P = 0.2341), whereas Group I showed a significant difference when compared with Group III (P = 0.0107). When the mean values of Group II and Group III were compared, the data were found to be statistically not significant (P = 0.0805). Conclusion: The efficacy of 2% CHX was found to be slightly superior when compared with that of 0.2% CTR, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, a significant difference was found between 2% CHX and combination irrigants.

Comparative analysis of the remineralization potential of CPP-ACP with Fluoride, Tri-Calcium Phosphate and Nano Hydroxyapatite using SEM/EDX - An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the non-invasive management of non cavitated caries lesions using remineralization systems to repair the enamel have received more attention from the scientific community. Aim: To quantitatively evaluate the remineralization potential of Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate-fluoride(CPP-ACPF), Tri-calcium phosphate(TCP) & Nano-hydroxyapatite(nHAP) using Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray Analysis(EDX). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 40 enamel specimens were prepared, and immersed in demineralising solution at a pH of 4.4 for 96 hours at 37°C, to induce artificial carious lesions. Remineralization was carried out for a period of 30 days using CPP-ACPF, TCP, nHAP. The specimens were evaluated for calcium and phosphorus content using SEM-EDX. RESULTS: The Ca/P mass % after remineralization was significantly higher with CPP-ACP-F and TCP-F followed by nHAP. CONCLUSIONS: CPP-ACP-F and TCP can promote significant remineralization of incipient carious lesions. These are excellent delivery vehicles available in a slow release amorphous form to localize calcium, phosphate and fluoride at the tooth surface. Key words:Remineralization, in vitro; CPP-ACP fluoride, Nano-hydroxyapatite, Tri-calcium phosphate, SEM/ EDX.