In vitro antimicrobial efficiency of a mouthwash containing triclosan/gantrez and sodium bicarbonate

Several antiseptic substances have been used as adjuncts to routine mechanical procedures of oral hygiene, based on their antimicrobial effects. The objective of this study was to assess in vitro the antimicrobial efficiency of 2 mouthwash containing Triclosan/Gantrez and sodium bicarbonate in comparison to both positive and negative controls. Standard strain samples of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Actinomyces viscosus and Bacillus subtilis were used. Samples of Streptococcus mutans and Gram-negative bacilli were collected from 20 volunteers (10 with a clinically healthy periodontium and 10 presenting biofilm-associated gingivitis). Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity was performed by determining the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results indicated that the test solution inhibited the growth of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms from the volunteers' saliva as well as that of the standard strains at the MIC dilution of 1:20, whereas the MIC dilution of 0.12% chlorhexidine against the same bacteria was 1:80. Thus, even though the tested mouthrinse solution presented an in-vitro antimicrobial activity superior to that of a placebo, it was inferior to that of chlorhexidine.

Influence of preventive dental treatment on mutans streptococci counts in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of chlorhexidine gluconate, sodium fluoride and sodium iodine on mutans streptococci counts in saliva of irradiated patients. Forty-five patients were separated into three experimental groups and received chlorhexidine (0.12%), sodium fluoride (0.5%) or sodium iodine (2%), which were used daily during radiotherapy and for 6 months after the conclusion of the treatment. In addition, a fourth group, composed by 15 additional oncologic patients, who did not receive the mouthwash or initial dental treatment, constituted the control group. Clinical evaluations were performed in the first visit to dental clinic, after initial dental treatment, immediately before radiotherapy, after radiotherapy and 30, 60, 90 days and 6 months after the conclusion of radiotherapy. After clinical examinations, samples of saliva were inoculated on SB20 selective agar and incubated under anaerobiosis, at 37oC for 48 h. Total mutans streptococci counts were also evaluated by using real-time PCR, through TaqMan system, with specific primers and probes for S. mutans and S. sobrinus. All preventive protocols were able to reduce significantly mutans streptococci counts, but chlorhexidine gluconate was the most effective, and induced a significant amelioration of radiotherapy side effects, such as mucositis and candidosis. These results highlights the importance of the initial dental treatment for patients who will be subjected to radiotherapy for head and neck cancer treatment.

Pneumonias

Pneumonia is an infectious disease with great morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to the current guidelines recommendations the authors reviewed the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). In this paper will be presented data about etiology, clinics and diagnostic tools. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora.

Evaluation of the diffusion capacity of calcium hydroxide pastes through the dentinal tubules

This study aimed to evaluate the diffusion capacity of calcium hydroxide pastes with different vehicles through dentinal tubules. The study was conducted on 60 extracted single-rooted human teeth whose crowns had been removed. The root canals were instrumented and divided into 4 groups according to the vehicle of the calcium hydroxide paste: Group I - distilled water; Group II - propylene glycol; Group III - 0.2% chlorhexidine; Group IV - 2% chlorhexidine. After placement of the root canal dressings, the teeth were sealed and placed in flasks containing deionized water. After 1, 2, 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days, the pH of the water was measured to determine the diffusion of calcium hydroxide through the dentinal tubules. The data were recorded and statistically compared by the Tukey test. The results showed that all pastes presented a similar diffusion capacity through dentin. Group IV did not present difference compared to group I. Group II presented difference compared to the other groups, as did Group III. In conclusion, groups I and IV presented a better diffusion capacity through dentin than groups II and III; 2% chlorhexidine can be used as a vehicle in calcium hydroxide pastes. © 2009 Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica.

Evaluación de la deformación de dos siliconas para prótesis faciales, influencia de la pigmentación y desinfección química

The purpose of present study was to analyze the effect of pigmentation and chemical disinfection on the initial and the permanent deformation of two silicones (Silved Selant and Brascoved) for facial prosthesis. Initial and permanent deformation tests samples (20 mm × 12.5 mm) were made following the manufacturer's instructions. For each silicone (n= 40), ten samples were used for pigmentation with make up power, ten with iron oxide, ten with ceramics power and tem were tested without pigmentation. Five samples of each group were submitted to chemical disinfection using a 2 % Chlorhexidine spray. All samples were immersed in physiological saline and stored in an oven at 35 ° ± 1 °C. After 90 days, the samples were submitted to initial and permanent deformation tests using a dial indicator. For both properties, data were analyzed by Tukey's test (a= 0.05). The results showed that all the materials had initial and permanent deformation regardless of pigmentation and chemical disinfection. The groups were used for pigmentation with iron oxide showed less initial and permanent deformation when were submitted to the chemical disinfection regardless the silicone used.

Hardness evaluation of prosthetic silicones containing opacifiers following chemical disinfection and accelerated aging

We evaluated the effects of disinfection and aging on the hardness of silicones containing opacifiers and intended for use in facial prosthetics. A total of 90 samples were produced using a cylindrical metal mold 3 mm in height and 30 mm in diameter. The samples were fabricated from Silastic MDX 4-4210 silicone in three groups: GI contained no opacifier, GII contained barium sulfate (Ba), and GIII contained titanium dioxide (Ti). The samples were disinfected using effervescent tablets (Ef), neutral soap (Ns), or 4% chlorhexidine (Cl) 3 times a week for 60 days. After this period the samples underwent 1,008 hours of accelerated aging. The hardness was measured using a durometer immediately following the disinfection period and after 252, 504, and 1,008 hours of aging. The data were statistically analyzed using 3-way ANOVA and the Tukey test (p < .05). The GIII group exhibited the greatest variation in hardness regardless of elapsed time. All groups displayed greater hardness after 1,008 hours of accelerated aging independent of disinfectant type. All of the hardness values were within the clinically acceptable range.

Effect of thermal cycling and disinfection on colour stability of denture base acrylic resin

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of thermal cycling and disinfection on the colour change of denture base acrylic resin. Materials and Methods: Four different brands of acrylic resins were evaluated (Onda Cryl, QC 20, Classico and Lucitone). All brands were divided into four groups (n=7) determined according to the disinfection procedure (microwave, Efferdent, 4% chlorhexidine or 1% hypochlorite). The treatments were conducted three times a week for 60days. All specimens were thermal cycled between 5 and 55°C with 30-s dwell times for 1000 cycles before and after disinfection. The specimens' colour was measured with a spectrophotometer using the CIE L*a*b* system. The evaluations were conducted at baseline (B), after first thermal cycling (T 1), after disinfection (D) and after second thermal cycling (T 2). Colour differences (ΔE) were calculated between T 1 and B (T 1B), D and B (DB), and T 2 and B (T 2B) time-points. Results: The samples submitted to disinfection by microwave and Efferdent exhibited the highest values of colour change. There were significant differences on colour change between the time-points, except for the Lucitone acrylic resin. Conclusions: The thermal cycling and disinfection procedures significantly affected the colour stability of the samples. However, all values obtained for the acrylic resins are within acceptable clinical parameters. © 2012 The Gerodontology Society and John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Influence of different disinfecting solutions on the color change of artificial irises used in ocular prostheses

Making an artificial iris with an aesthetically acceptable color is an important aspect of ocular rehabilitation. This work evaluated the influence of different disinfecting solutions on changes to the color of artificial irises used in ocular prostheses. Fifty samples simulating ocular prostheses were produced with cobalt blue artificial irises and divided (n = 10) according to the disinfectant used: neutral soap, Opti-free, Efferdent, 1% hypochlorite, and 4% chlorhexidine. The samples were disinfected for 120 days and subjected to a color readings by spectrophotometry, using the CIE L*a*b* system, before the disinfection period (B), after 60 days of disinfectant exposure (T 1), and after 120 days of disinfectant exposure (T 2). Color differences (ΔE) were calculated for the intervals between T 1 and B (T 1B), and between T 2 and B (T 2B). The data were evaluated by analysis of variance and the Tukey Honestly Significantly Different (α = 0.05). All disinfectant groups exhibited color changes. The mean color change observed for all groups overall during T 2B (ΔE = 3.51) was significantly greater than that observed during T 1B (ΔE = 2.10). All groups exhibited greater color change for the b* values when compared to the a* and L* values. There were no significant differences between the disinfectant groups. It can be concluded that the time period of disinfection and storage significantly affected the stability of artificial iris color, independent of the disinfectant used. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effectiveness of castor oil extract on Escherichia coli and its endotoxins in root canals

The results of the present study showed a significant decrease in the number of E. coli in root canals (first collection) after irrigation with castor oil extract during biomechanical preparation. All medications tested in this study were able to eliminate E. coli in root canals; however, they could not neutralize endotoxins completely.

Adhesion of real seal to human root dentin treated with different solutions

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different irrigants on sealer-dentin bond strength when using Real Seal. Thirty single-rooted teeth were divided into 3 groups. In one group, the teeth were irrigated with 3 mL of 2.5% NaOCl after each file change, flushed with 17% EDTA for 3 min and finally rinsed with 3 mL of 2.5% NaOCl. In the other two groups, rinse with NaOCl was replaced with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and 0.9% saline, respectively. Each root was sectioned transversally into apical, middle and coronal thirds to obtain 2-mm-thick slices. Each slice was filled with Real Seal and Resilon. Push-out test was used to analyze bond strength and failure modes were classified as adhesive, cohesive or mixed, according to SEM observations. The push-out test did not reveal any statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the irrigants. However, the groups exhibited significantly different (p<0.05) bond strengths in terms of the root canal third. Higher bond strength was observed at the apical third when compared with coronal third, while middle third presented intermediary values. Fifteen specimens were analyzed by SEM (5 per group). Eleven specimens exhibited adhesive failures (5 in saline, 4 in NaOCl and 2 in CHX group); 2 cohesive failures were observed in the CHX group, and 1 mixed failure each was observed in the CHX and NaOCl groups. The tested irrigants did not influence the bond strength of Resilon and Real Seal to dentin. The apical third exhibited higher mean bond strengths and adhesive failures were predominant.

Effectiveness of mechanical brushing with different denture cleansing agents in reducing in vitro Candida albicans biofilm viability

The adhesion of Candida albicans to surfaces is the prerequisite for occurrence of denture stomatitis, a common disease diagnosed among denture wearers. A routine of denture cleansing is essential to prevent biofilm formation and the onset of this infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of combining brushing and cleansing agents in killing C. albicans biofilm. Disks of acrylic resin were made, sterilized, and inoculated with C. albicans (107 cfu/mL). After incubation (37°C/48 h), specimens were randomly assigned to 10 experimental groups (n=9): 5 subjected to brushing with distilled water or cleansing agents - dentifrice slurry, 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and Polident fresh cleanse® (combined method) - and 4 exposed to the cleansing agents without brushing (immersion). Non-cleansed specimens were used as positive controls. The viability of cells was evaluated by XTT reduction method. Results were analyzed by Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α=0.05). The combined method was significantly more effective (p<0.0001) in reducing biofilm viability than the immersion. Brushing with CHX and NaOCl resulted in 100% removal of the biofilm. Immersion in the agents reduced significantly (p<0.0001) the biofilm viability, with CHX being the most effective (p<0.0001). The use of the combined method of brushing with cleansing agents is an effective method to reduce C. albicans biofilm, being CHX and NaOCl the most effective solutions.

Effect of disinfectant solutions on a denture base acrylic resin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hardness, roughness and mass loss of an acrylic denture base resin after in vitro exposure to four disinfectant solutions. Forty specimens (Clássico, Brazil) were prepared and randomly assigned to 4 groups n = 10) according to the disinfectant solution: G1: control, stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C; G2: 1% sodium hypochlorite; G3: 2% glutaraldehyde; G4: 4% chlorhexidine. G2 to G4 were immersed for 60 minutes in the disinfectant solution. Measurements were carried out both before and after immersion in the solution. The surface was analyzed with a surface roughness tester (Surfcorder SE 1700 KOZAKALAB), a microdurometer FM-700 (Future Tech) and a scanning electron microscope (DSM 962-ZEISS). Loss of mass was determined with a digital weighing scale. After disinfection procedures, values were analyzed statistically. The acrylic denture base resin may be vulnerable to surface changes after in vitro immersion in the disinfectant solutions studied.

Effect of different disinfectants on the microhardness and roughness of acrylic resins for ocular prosthesis

Background: Ocular prosthesis materials should have specific properties for their indication and durability; therefore, it is important to investigate their physical behaviour when affected by several disinfectants. Objectives: This study evaluated the influence of different disinfecting solutions on the microhardness and surface roughness of acrylic resins for ocular prosthesis. Materials and Methods: Fifty samples simulating ocular prostheses were fabricated with N1 resin and colourless resin and divided (n = 10) according to the disinfectant used: neutral soap, Opti-free, Efferdent, 1% hypochlorite (HYC) and 4% chlorhexidine (CHX). Samples were stored in saline solution at 37°C and disinfected during 120 days. Both microhardness and roughness were investigated before, after 60 days and 120 days of disinfection and storage. Microhardness was measured using a microhardner and the roughness with a roughness device. Results: N1 resin showed lower microhardness when compared with colourless resin (p < 0.05). HYC and CHX groups exhibited the highest change of microhardness and roughness values (p < 0.05). An increase in roughness and reduction in microhardness of ocular acrylic resins were observed after both periods of disinfection and storage (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both disinfection/storage periods affected the microhardness and roughness values of the samples. © 2012 The Gerodontology Society and John Wiley & Sons A/S.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of auxiliary chemical substances and natural extracts on Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis in root canals

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of auxiliary chemical substances and natural extracts on Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecali's inoculated in root canals. Material and Methods: Seventy-two human tooth roots were contaminated with C. albicans and E. faecalis for 21 days. The groups were divided according to the auxiliary chemical substance into: G1) 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), G2) 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX), G3) castor oil, G4) glycolic Aloe vera extract, g5) glycolic ginger extract, and G6) sterile saline (control). The samples of the root canal were collected at different intervals: confirmation collection, at 21 days after contamination; 1st collection, after instrumentation; and 2nd collection, seven days after instrumentation. Microbiological samples were grown in culture medium and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. Results: The results were submitted to the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn (5%) statistical tests. NaOCl and CHX completely eliminated the microorganisms of the root canals. Castor oil and ginger significantly reduced the number of CFU of the tested bacteria. Reduction of CFU/mL at the 1st and 2nd collections for groups G1, G2, G3 and G4 was greater in comparison to groups G5 and G6. Conclusion: It was concluded that 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine gel were more effective in eliminating C. albicans and E. faecalis, followed by the castor oil and glycolic ginger extract. The Aloe vera extract showed no antimicrobial activity.