The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of diltiazem in combination with a sucrose-rich diet on gingival alterations in rats. One hundred and twenty male Holtzman rats were randomly assigned to 10 groups (n = 12), being 2 control groups treated with saline and 8 test groups treated with diltiazem in daily doses of 5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg during 40 or 60 days. Afterwards, the mandibles were removed for macroscopic, histologic and histometric analyses of the buccal gingiva of the mandibular right first molar. No macroscopic characteristic of gingival overgrowth was observed in any of the groups. The microscopic analysis showed characteristics of normality with inflammatory cells only adjacent to the crevicular epithelium in all groups for both periods. The histometric analysis showed significant differences only for the epithelial tissue area in the 40-day period (Kruskal-Wallis; P = 0.032). Comparing the periods, significant differences regarding the connective and epithelial tissue areas were observed only in the group treated with a 25 mg/kg dose (Mann-Whitney; P = 0.004 and P = 0.007, respectively). Oral administration of diltiazem in combination with a sucrose-rich diet did not induce gingival alterations in rats.

The patient's diet has been considered an important etiological factor of dentin hypersensitivity. The frequent ingestion of acidic substances can promote the loss of dental structure or remove the smear layer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of smear layer removal and dentinal tubules exposure by different natural orange juices. Extracted human teeth were submitted to manual scaling in order to develop the smear layer. Seventy dentin samples were obtained and distributed into the following groups: Control, lime orange, lime, valência orange, navel orange, mandarin, and tangerine. Each group included 2 methods of application: Topical and topical + friction. After preparation for SEM analysis, photomicrographs were assessed by a blind calibrated examiner using an index system. The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant influence of the orange juices on smear layer removal. Significant difference was observed between navel orange, valência orange, mandarin and the control group (p < 0.05). These orange juices resulted in greater removal of the smear layer and greater opening of dentinal tubules. The comparison between the application methods for each group using the Mann-Whitney test showed that friction increased smear layer removal significantly only for lime orange and lime. The data suggest that certain natural orange juices are more effective in terms of smear layer removal and dentinal tubules exposure than others.

A hipersensibilidade dentinária cervical é uma condição dolorosa muito comum nos consultórios. A dieta tem sido bastante associada ao seu aparecimento, assim como a sua persistência após o tratamento periodontal. o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar in vitro a influência dos vinagres na remoção de "smear layer" e exposição dos túbulos dentinários. Dentes de humanos foram instrumentados com curetas Gracey para a remoção do cemento e formação de "smear layer". Foram obtidas amostras de dentina com 3 mm², divididas entre o grupo controle (água destilada) e cinco grupos de vinagre: branco, maçã, arroz, vinho branco e balsâmico. Cada grupo incluiu duas formas de aplicação da substância, tópica ou por fricção. Após o preparo para observação em MEV (microscopia eletrônica de varredura), as fotomicrografias foram avaliadas por um examinador previamente calibrado utilizando um índice apropriado. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis indicou influência significativa dos vinagres na remoção de "smear layer". Foi constatada uma diferença estatística significante entre os grupos maçã, branco e arroz e o grupo controle (p < 0,05). O teste de Mann-Whitney, porém, indicou que a remoção de "smear layer" não variou para nenhuma das substâncias segundo a forma de aplicação. Conclui-se que os vinagres podem remover "smear layer" da superfície radicular e expor túbulos dentinários, não sendo influenciados pelo tipo de aplicação. Dentre os tipos de vinagres testados, o balsâmico esteve associado a menor remoção de "smear layer" após ambas as formas de aplicação.

Dentin hypersensitivity is a common painful condition observed in clinics. Dietary habits have been much associated with its development and persistence during and following periodontal treatment. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of vinegars on the removal of smear layer and exposure of dentinal tubules. Extracted human teeth were submitted to manual scaling with Gracey curettes in order to remove the cementum as well as to form a smear layer. Dentin samples with 3 mm² were obtained and distributed into six experimental groups: one control and five types of vinegars (alcohol, apple, rice, white wine and balsamic). Each group included two methods of vinegar application: topical and friction. After routine preparation for SEM analysis, photomicrographs were assessed by a calibrated and blind examiner using an appropriate index system. Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant influence of vinegars on smear layer removal. There was a statistically significant difference between groups treated with apple, white and rice vinegars and the control group (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, Mann-Whitney test indicated that removal of smear layer did not vary with the method of application (topical versus friction) for any of the tested substances. We can conclude that the contact of vinegar may remove smear layer and expose dentinal tubules, regardless of the type of application. However, balsamic vinegar was associated with less removal of smear layer after both methods of application.