OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in situ the occurrence of corrosion in the soldering point areas between the wire, silver brazing and band in Haas expanders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four 7-12-year-old patients who needed maxillary expansion with a Haas expander were randomly assigned to two groups of 17 individuals each, according to the oral hygiene protocol adopted during the orthodontic treatment: Group I (control), toothbrushing with a fluoride dentifrice and Group II (experimental), toothbrushing with the same dentifrice plus 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (Periogard®) mouthrinses twice a week. The appliances were removed after approximately 4 months. Fragments of the appliances containing a metallic band with a soldered wire were sectioned at random for examination by stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Data were analyzed statistically by Fisher's test at 5% significance level. RESULTS: The analysis by optical microscopy revealed areas with color change suggestive of corrosion in the soldering point areas joining the band and the wire in all specimens of both groups, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=1). The peaks of chemical elements (Ni, Fe, Cr, O, C and P) revealed by EDS were also similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Color changes and peaks of chemical elements suggestive of corrosion were observed in the soldering point areas between the wire, silver brazing and band in both control and experimental groups, which indicate that the 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinses did not influence the occurrence of corrosion in situ.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a incidência de estreptococos do grupo mutans (forma séssil) de próteses totais superiores após o uso de uma pasta específica para higienização de próteses totais, bem como determinar a concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e diluição inibitória máxima (DIM) de 3 enxaguatórios bucais: Cepacol, Plax e Periogard. Setenta e sete usuários de próteses totais foram distribuídos em 2 grupos: (A) grupo Controle: dentifrício convencional (Kolynos Super Branco) e (B) grupo Teste: pasta experimental para higiene de próteses (1). O biofilme das próteses foi coletado no início e após 90 e 180 dias dos tratamentos, por meio de escovação das próteses com solução salina. Após a diluição decimal seriada, as amostras foram semeadas em agar sacarose bacitracina para a contagem de colônias características de estreptococos do grupo mutans. A identificação dos estreptococos do grupo mutans foi realizada por meio de testes de fermentação de açúcares. Após este procedimento, o caldo de infusão de cérebro e coração (BHI) foi adicionado aos antissépticos (Plax, Cepacol e Periogard) e semeado em placas de Petri. As colônias foram semeadas usando o mutiplicador de Steers e após a incubação, a concentração inibitória mínima e a concentração inibitória máxima dos enxaguatórios foram calculadas. Os resultados mostraram que a incidência de estreptococos do grupo mutans nas 77 próteses totais examinadas foi de 74,0% (n=57), sendo 76,3% (n=29) do grupo Controle (pasta convencional) e 71,8% (n=28) do grupo Teste (pasta experimental). Em ambos os grupos, o número de casos positivos para estreptococos do grupo mutans diminuiu, do início (0 dias) para 180 dias. Houve uma pequena diminuição da incidência de Streptococcus mutans após 90 dias do uso da pasta experimental, o que não foi observado no grupo controle. Com relação aos enxaguatórios, para ambos os grupos, o Periogard apresentou atividade antimicrobiana com diluições maiores, seguido do Cepacol e Plax. Pôde-se concluir que a incidência de estreptococos do grupo mutans em próteses totais foi elevada e que o Periogard foi o enxaguatório com melhor ação antimicrobiana contra os estreptococos do grupo mutans. A pasta experimental mostrou uma pequena ação contra S. mutans após 90 dias de tratamento.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence of mutans streptococci (MS - sessile form) on complete maxillary dentures after use of a specific denture paste, and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and maximum inhibitory dilution (MID) of 3 oral mouthrinses: Cepacol, Plax and Periogard. Seventy-seven complete denture wearers were randomly assigned into 2 groups, according to the product used for denture cleaning: Control group - conventional dentifrice (Kolynos-Super White); and Test group: experimental denture cleaning paste. Denture biofilm was collected at baseline and after 90 and 180 days after treatment by brushing the dentures with saline solution. After decimal serial dilution, samples were seeded onto agar sucrose bacitracin to count colonies with morphological characteristics of MS. MS identification was performed by the sugar fermentation tests. After this procedure, brain heart infusion broth (BHI) was added to oral mouthrinses (Plax, Cepacol e Periogard) and seeded on Petri dishes. The colonies were seeded using the Steers multiplier and, after the incubation, the MIC and MID of the mouthrinses were calculated. The results showed an incidence of 74.0% (n=57) of MS in the 77 complete dentures examined in the study, being 76.3% (n=29) of the Control group (conventional dentifrice) and 71.8% (28) of the Test group (experimental denture cleaning paste). In both groups, the number of positive cases for MS decreased from day 0 to day 180. In the Test group there was a slight decrease in the incidence of Streptococcus mutans 90 days after use of the experimental denture cleaning paste, which was not observed in the Control group. As regards to mouthrinses, for both groups, Periogard showed antimicrobial action with the highest dilution, followed by Cepacol and Plax. In conclusion, the incidence of MS in complete dentures was high and Periogard was the mouthrinse with the strongest antimicrobial action against MS. The experimental denture cleaning paste showed a slight action against S. mutans after 90 days of treatment.

Restaurações protéticas provadas na cavidade bucal dos pacientes são fontes potenciais de infecção. Para evitar infecção cruzada, protocolos de controle de infecção devem ser estabelecidos no consultório e laboratório odontológicos. Este estudo avaliou a eficácia antimicrobiana de desinfetantes químicos em coroas metálicas contaminadas com microorganismos. Coroas totais fundidas com liga de Ni-Cr foram divididas em grupo controle (n=6) e 5 grupos experimentais (n=18). As coroas foram colocadas em balões de vidro e esterilizadas em autoclave. A suspensão microbiana de cada tipo de cepa (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. mutans, E. faecalis e C. albicans) foi assepticamente adicionada a cada grupo experimental, e as coroas foram deixadas contaminar por 30 min. Os corpos-de-prova contaminados foram colocados em recipientes com os desinfetantes químicos (hipoclorito de sódio 1% e 2% e glutaraldeído) por 5, 10 e 15 min. A seguir, as coroas foram colocadas em tubos contendo diferentes meios de cultura e incubadas a 35ºC. Os corpos-de-prova do grupo controle foram contaminados, imersos em água destilada por 20 min e a seguir colocados em tubos de ensaio com meio de cultura Thioglycollate e incubados a 35ºC. A análise do crescimento microbiano foi realizada pelo exame visual qualitativo após 48 h, 7 e 12 dias. Houve crescimento microbiano apenas no grupo controle. No grupo experimental não foi observada turvação dos meios de cultura, independentemente das cepas e períodos de imersão. Conclui-se que todos desinfetantes químicos foram eficazes para prevenir o crescimento microbiano.

Prosthetic restorations that have been tried in the patient's mouth are potential sources of infection. In order to avoid cross-infection, protocols for infection control should be established in dental office and laboratory. This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of disinfectants on full metal crowns contaminated with microorganisms. Full crowns cast in a Ni-Cr alloy were assigned to one control group (n=6) and 5 experimental groups (n=18). The crowns were placed in flat-bottom glass balloons and were autoclaved. A microbial suspension of each type of strain - S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. mutans, E. faecalis and C. albicans- was aseptically added to each experimental group, the crowns being allowed for contamination during 30 min. The contaminated specimens were placed into recipients with the chemical disinfectants (1% and 2% sodium hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde) for 5, 10 and 15 min. Thereafter, the crowns were placed into tubes containing different broths and incubated at 35ºC. The control specimens were contaminated, immersed in distilled water for 20 min and cultured in Thioglycollate broth at 35ºC. Microbial growth assay was performed by qualitative visual examination after 48 h, 7 and 12 days. Microbial growth was noticed only in the control group. In the experimental groups, turbidity of the broths was not observed, regardless of the strains and immersion intervals, thus indicating absence of microbial growth. In conclusion, all chemical disinfectants were effective in preventing microbial growth onto full metal crowns.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade antibacteriana de formas farmacêuticas a base de própolis para uso no tratamento endodôntico como medicação intracanal. As formulações de própolis, em forma de pastas, foram preparadas a partir de um extrato pré-estabelecido em estudos anteriores e identificadas como A70D e D70D. Como controle, foi utilizado pasta de hidróxido de cálcio. As bactérias utilizadas foram: Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Kocuria rhizophila (ATCC 9341), Escherichia coli (ATCC 10538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) e 5 cepas de campo isoladas da saliva: Staphylococcus spp. (23.1 - coagulase positiva), Staphylococcus spp. (23.5 - coagulase negativa), Staphylococcus spp. (26.1 - coagulase positiva), Staphylococcus spp. (26.5 - coagulase negativa) e Staphylococcus epidermidis (6epi). Foi utilizado o método poço difusão em camada dupla de ágar, em meio de cultura Tryptic Soy Agar. As placas foram mantidas à temperatura ambiente por 2 h para permitir a difusão das pastas no meio de cultura, e então incubadas a 35 ºC por 24 h em aerobiose e em microaerofilia (S. mutans). Após este período, foi medido o diâmetro total do halo de inibição. Os resultados foram submetidos ao teste de análise de variância ANOVA seguido do teste de Tukey com p<0,05. As pastas a base de própolis apresentaram atividade antibacteriana contra 83,3% das bactérias analisadas. Para 66,7% das bactérias, as pastas de própolis apresentaram maior atividade antibacteriana que o hidróxido de cálcio, e este foi mais efetivo apenas para Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). De acordo com a metodologia utilizada, pode-se concluir que as pastas experimentais A70D e D70D apresentam boa atividade contra bactérias aeróbias, sendo superior ao hidróxido de cálcio.

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of propolis-based toothpastes used as intracanal medication in endodontic treatment. The propolis-based toothpastes were prepared using an extract established in previous studies (identified as A70D and D70D). Calcium hydroxide paste was used as a control. The bacteria employed were Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Kocuria rhizophila (ATCC 9341), Escherichia coli (ATCC 10538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541), Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175). Five field strains isolated from saliva were used: Staphylococcus spp. (23.1 - coagulase positive), Staphylococcus spp. (23.5 - coagulase negative), Staphylococcus spp. (26.1 - coagulase positive), Staphylococcus spp. (26.5 - coagulase negative) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (6epi). The diffusion-well method on double-layer agar was used in a culture medium of Tryptic Soy Agar. The plates were kept at room temperature for two hours to allow the diffusion of pastes in the culture medium, and then incubated at 35º C for twenty-four hours in aerobiosis and in microaerophilia (S. mutans). After this period, the total diameter of the inhibition halo was measured. The results were analyzed by ANOVA analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey test at p<0.05. The propolis-based toothpastes presented antibacterial activity against 83.3% of the analyzed bacteria. For 66.7% of these bacteria, the propolis-based toothpastes exhibited greater antibacterial activity than calcium hydroxide. The present results allow us to conclude that the experimental pastes A70D and D70D showed good activity against aerobic bacteria, proving more effective than calcium hydroxide.

Este estudo avaliou in vitro a atividade antibacteriana de 4 materiais obturadores de canais radiculares de dentes decíduos - cimento de óxido de zinco e eugenol (OZE), pasta Calen espessada com óxido de zinco (Calen/OZ), cimento Sealapex e cimento EndoREZ - sobre 5 cepas bacterianas comumente encontradas em infecções endodônticas: Kocuria rhizophila, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureus, usando o teste de difusão em ágar (técnica do poço). A pasta Calen, digluconato de clorexidina a 1% (CHX) e água destilada foram usados como controle. Sete poços por placa foram preparados em pontos eqüidistantes e imediatamente preenchidos com os materiais experimentais e controle. Após incubação das placas a 37oC por 24 h, o diâmetro dos halos de inibição do crescimento bacteriano formados ao redor dos poços foi medido (em mm) com um paquímetro digital sob luz refletida. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao pós-teste de Tukey (?=0,05). Com relação à atividade antibacteriana, evidenciaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significantes (p<0,0001) entre os halos de inibição formados pelos diferentes materiais, para todos os microrganismos avaliados. A K. rhizophila foi inibida mais eficazmente pelo OZE (p<0,05), enquanto que o E. faecalis foi inibido mais eficazmente pela Calen/OZ (p<0,05). O S. mutans foi inibido pela Calen/OZ, cimento Sealapex e OZE na mesma intensidade (p>0,05). A E. coli foi inibida mais eficazmente pelo OZE, seguido pela Calen/OZ e pelo cimento Sealapex (p<0,05). O S. aureus foi inibido pela Calen/OZ e OZE na mesma intensidade (p>0,05), e menos intensamente pelo cimento Sealapex (p<0,05). O cimento EndoREZ apresentou atividade antibacteriana apenas frente a K. rhizophila e ao S. aureus. A pasta Calen e a Calen/OZ ocasionaram halos de inibição maiores que a CHX quando o microrganismo indicador foi o E. faecalis. Pode-se concluir que a atividade antibacteriana, in vitro, dos 4 materiais obturadores de canais radiculares de dentes decíduos sobre cepas bacterianas comumente encontradas em infecções endodônticas pode ser apresentada numa ordem decrescente de eficácia da seguinte maneira: OZE>Calen/OZ>Sealapex>EndoREZ.

This study evaluated in vitro the antibacterial activity of 4 root canal filling materials for primary teeth - zinc oxide and eugenol cement (ZOE), Calen paste thickened with zinc oxide (Calen/ZO), Sealapex sealer and EndoREZ sealer - against 5 bacterial strains commonly found in endodontic infections (Kocuria rhizophila, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) using the agar diffusion test (agar-well technique). Calen paste, 1% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) and distilled water served as controls. Seven wells per dish were made at equidistant points and immediately filled with the test and control materials. After incubation of the plates at 37oC for 24 h, the diameter of the zones of bacterial growth inhibition produced around the wells was measured (in mm) with a digital caliper under reflected light. Data were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test (?=0.05). There were statistically significant differences (p<0.0001) among the zones of bacterial growth inhibition produced by the different materials against all target microorganisms. K. rhizophila was inhibited more effectively (p<0.05) by ZOE, while Calen/ZO had its highest antibacterial activity against E. faecalis (p<0.05). S. mutans was inhibited by Calen/ZO, Sealapex and ZOE in the same intensity (p>0.05). E. coli was inhibited more effectively (p<0.05) by ZOE, followed by Calen/ZO and Sealapex. Calen/ZO and ZOE were equally effective (p>0.05) against S. aureus, while Sealapex had the lowest antibacterial efficacy (p<0.05) against this microorganism. EndoREZ presented antibacterial activity only against K. rhizophila and S. aureus. The Calen paste and Calen/ZO produced larger zones of inhibition than 1% CHX when the marker microorganism was E faecalis. In conclusion, the in vitro antibacterial activity of the 4 root canal filling materials for primary teeth against bacterial strains commonly found in endodontic infections can be presented in a decreasing order of efficacy as follows: ZOE>Calen/ZO>Sealapex>EndoREZ.

The papain is a proteolytic enzyme from papaya, Carica papaya Linn., and it is so used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this study was to determine in vitro antibacterial activity of gels with different papain concentrations against standard bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Echerichia coli (ATCC 10538), as well as 04 hospital Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Aliquots of 2.0ml from bacterial inocula (0.5 McFarland scale) were seeded in duplicate onto Petri plates' surface. The papain gels with different concentrations were dropped onto culture medium surface by the drop technique and the incubation realized at 35ºC for 24 hours. The results of antibacterial activity were obtained by measuring of growth inhibition halos around the drops of papain gels. Only the papain gel 10% was able to inhibit S. aureus and 2 P. aeruginosa growth. In conclusion, according to literature the papain has action on dead tissues, but only the gel formulation 10% presented in vitro antibacterial activity. So, before using any substance or product against microorganisms it is necessary to know if it really has antimicrobial activity.

La papaína es una enzima proteolitica de la papaya, Carica papaya Linn., y es muy utilizado en la industria del alimento, cosmética y farmacéutica. La puntería de este estudio era determinar la actividad anti-bacteriana in vitro de geles con diversas concentraciones de la papaína contra bacterias estándares: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) y Echerichia coli (ATCC 10538), así como 4 Pseudomonas aeruginosa del hospital. Alícuotas de 2,0ml de inóculos bacterianos (0,5 de la escala McFarland) fueron sembradas por duplicado en la superficie de placas de Petri. Los geles con diferentes concentraciones de papaína fueron goteados en la superficie de los medios de cultura por la técnica de goteo y la incubación se celebró a 35°C por 24 horas. La lectura de los resultados fue hecha por la medición de los halos de inhibición alrededor de las gotas de geles. Solamente el gel el 10% de la papaína fue capaz de inhibir inhibir el crecimiento de S. aureus y de 2 P. aeruginosa. En la conclusión, según la literatura la papaína tiene acción en tisúes muertos, pero solamente la formulación el 10% del gel presentó actividad anti-bacteriana in vitro. Así pues, antes de usar cualquier sustancia o producto contra microorganismos es necesario saber si realmente tiene actividad anti-microbiana.

A papaína é uma enzima proteolítica proveniente do mamão, Carica papaya Linn., e é muito empregada na indústria alimentícia, cosmética e farmacêutica. Objetivou-se determinar a atividade antibacteriana in vitro de géis com diferentes concentrações de papaína frente às bactérias padrão: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) e Echerichia coli (ATCC 10538), bem como 4 Pseudomonas aeruginosa hospitalares. Alíquotas de 2,0ml dos inóculos bacterianos (metade da escala 1,0 de McFarland) foram semeadas em duplicata na superfície de placas de Petri. Os géis com as diferentes concentrações de papaína foram gotejados na superfície dos meios de cultura pela técnica de gotejamento e a incubação realizada a 35ºC por 24 horas. A leitura dos resultados da atividade antibacteriana foi efetuada pela mensuração dos halos de inibição ao redor das gotas dos géis de papaína. Apenas o gel de papaína a 10% foi capaz de inibir o crescimento do S. aureus e de 2 P. aeruginosa. Em conclusão, de acordo com a literatura a papaína apresenta ação proteolítica sobre os tecidos mortos, porém apenas a formulação em gel a 10% apresentou atividade antibacteriana in vitro. Assim, antes de utilizar alguma substância ou produto contra microrganismos é necessário saber se a mesma apresenta realmente atividade antimicrobiana.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the in vitro maximum inhibitory dilution (MID) of two chlorhexidinebased oral mouthwashes (CHX): Noplak®, Periogard®, and one polyhexamethylene biguanide-based mouthwash (PHMB): Sanifill Premium® against 28 field Staphylococcus aureus strains using the agar dilution method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For each product, decimal dilutions ranging from 1/10 to 1/655,360 were prepared in distilled water and added to Mueller Hinton Agar culture medium. After homogenization, the culture medium was poured onto Petri dishes. Strains were inoculated using a Steers multipoint inoculator and dishes were incubated at 37ºC for 24hours. For reading, MID was considered as the maximum dilution of the mouthwash still capable of inhibiting microbial growth. RESULTS: Sanifill Premium® inhibited the growth of all strains at 1/40 dilution and of 1 strain at 1/80 dilution. Noplak® inhibited the growth of 23 strains at 1/640 dilution and of all 28 strains at 1/320 dilution. Periogard® showed inhibited growth of 7 strains at 1/640 dilution and of all 28 strains at 1/320 dilution. Data were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis statistical test, showing significant differences between the mouthwashes evaluated (p<0.05). No significant difference was found between Noplak® and Periogard® (p>0.05). Sanifill Premium® was the least effective (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that CHX-based mouthwashes present better antimicrobial activity against S. Aureus than the PHMB-based mouthwash.

A Diluição Inibitória Máxima (DIM) de anti-sépticos bucais à base de triclosan contra 28 cepas de Staphylococcus aureus foi avaliada. Diluições de 1/10 a 1/655.360 foram preparadas. As cepas foram inoculadas com inoculador multipontual Steers. A DIM foi a maior diluição do anti-séptico que inibiu crescimento microbiano. Os anti-sépticos apresentaram diferentes DIMs.

The maximum inhibitory dilution (MID) of triclosan-based mouthwashes against 28 Staphylococcus aureus strains was evaluated. Dilutions ranging from 1/10 to 1/655,360 were prepared. Strains were inoculated using a Steers multipoint inoculator. The MID was considered as the maximum dilution capable of inhibiting microorganism growth. The mouthwashes presented different MIDs.

This study investigated the number of Streptococcus mutans CFU (colony forming units) in the saliva and plaque adjacent to orthodontic brackets bonded with a glass ionomer cement - GIC (Fuji Ortho) or a resin-based composite - RC (Concise). Twenty male and female patients, aged 12 to 20 years, participated in the study. Saliva was collected before and after placement of appliances. Plaque was collected from areas adjacent to brackets and saliva was again collected on the 15th, 30th, and 45th day after placement. On the 30th day, 0.4% stannous fluoride gel was applied for 4 minutes. No significant modification in the number of Streptococcus mutans CFU in saliva was observed after placement of the fixed orthodontic appliances. On the 15th day, the percentage of Streptococcus mutans CFU in plaque was statistically lower in sites adjacent to GIC-bonded brackets (mean = 0.365) than in those adjacent to RC-bonded brackets (mean = 0.935). No evidence was found of a contribution of GIC to the reduction of CFU in plaque after the 15th day. Topical application of stannous fluoride gel on the 30th day reduced the number of CFU in saliva, but not in plaque. This study suggests that the antimicrobial activity of GIC occurs only in the initial phase and is not responsible for a long-term anticariogenic property.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a distribuição microbiana no sistema de canais radiculares após indução de lesões periapicais em dentes de cães por diferentes métodos. Cinqüenta e dois canais radiculares foram divididos em 4 grupos (n=13). Grupos I e II: canais radiculares foram expostos por 180 dias; grupos III e IV: canais radiculares foram expostos por 7 dias e então as aberturas coronárias foram seladas por 53 dias. Os ápices radiculares dos grupos I e III foram arrombados, enquanto os dos grupos II e IV foram mantidos intactos. Após os períodos experimentais, os animais foram mortos e as peças foram processadas e coradas pelo método de Brown e Brenn para avaliação da presença ou ausência e distribuição dos microrganismos. A incidência de microrganismos nas diferentes regiões das raízes e lesões periapicais foi analisada estatisticamente pelo Teste Qui-Quadrado em nível de 5% de significância. Todos os grupos apresentaram microrganismos em todo o sistema de canais radiculares. Um maior número de microrganismos foi observado nas paredes do canal radicular, delta apical e túbulos dentinários, seguido pelo cemento e áreas de reabsorção cementária. Apesar de utilizar diferentes períodos de exposição dos canais radiculares ao meio bucal, os métodos usados para indução das lesões periapicais permitiram semelhante distribuição de microrganismos no sistema de canais radiculares (p>0,05).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial distribution in the root canal system after periapical lesion induction in dogs' teeth using different methods. Fifty-two root canals were assigned to 4 groups (n=13). Groups I and II: root canals were exposed to the oral cavity for 180 days; groups III and IV: root canals were exposed for 7 days and then the coronal openings were sealed for 53 days. The root apices of groups I and III were perforated, while those of groups II and IV remained intact. After the experimental periods, the animals were euthanized and the anatomic pieces containing the roots were processed and stained with the Brown & Brenn method to assess the presence and distribution of microorganisms. The incidence of microorganisms at different sites of the roots and periapical lesions was analyzed statistically by the chi-square test at 5% significance level. All groups presented microorganisms in the entire root canal system. A larger number of microorganisms was observed on the root canal walls, apical delta and dentinal tubules (p<0.05), followed by cementum and cemental resorption areas. In spite of the different periods of exposure to the oral environment, the methods used for induction of periapical periodontitis yielded similar distribution of microorganisms in the root canal system.

Esta pesquisa in vivo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia dos elastômeros liberadores de fluoreto estanoso no controle dos níveis de Streptococcus do grupo mutans na cavidade oral. Utilizou-se uma amostra de 40 pacientes ortodônticos, dividida em dois grupos de vinte indivíduos cada. No grupo experimental, foi utilizada ligadura elástica com liberação de fluoretos (Fluor-I-Ties, Ortho Arch Co. Inc., EUA) e, no grupo controle, foi utilizada ligadura elástica convencional (D. Morelli, Brasil). Para determinação do número de unidades formadoras de colônia (UFC) de Streptococcus do grupo mutans, foram realizadas duas coletas iniciais de saliva com intervalo de catorze dias. Logo após a segunda coleta de saliva, foram colocados os elastômeros liberadores de fluoretos nos pacientes do grupo experimental e, nos pacientes do grupo controle, foram inseridos os elastômeros convencionais. Nos 7°, 14° e 28° dias, saliva e biofilme ao redor do acessório ortodôntico foram coletados para análise microbiológica. Constatou-se que não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes no número de UFC de Streptococcus do grupo mutans encontradas na saliva e no biofilme ao redor dos elastômeros com ou sem fluoretos. Dessa forma, os elastômeros liberadores de fluoreto não podem ser utilizados para reduzir a incidência de descalcificação do esmalte em pacientes ortodônticos. Como não houve redução significativa na quantidade de S. mutans na saliva e no biofilme, torna-se necessário indicar outros meios de prevenção da descalcificação do esmalte para esses pacientes.

This in vivo experimental study evaluated the efficacy of fluoride-releasing elastomers in the control of Streptococcus mutans levels in the oral cavity. Forty orthodontic patients were recruited and divided into two groups of 20. Fluoride-releasing elastomeric ligature ties (Fluor-I-Ties, Ortho Arch Co. Inc., USA) were used in the experimental group, and conventional elastomeric ligature ties (D. Morelli, Brazil), in the control group. Two initial samples of saliva were collected at a 14-day interval to determine the number of colony forming units (CFU) of Streptococcus mutans. Immediately after collecting the second sample, fluoride-releasing elastomeric ligature ties were placed in the patients of the experimental group, and conventional ligature ties, in the patients of the control group. Seven, 14 and 28 days after placement of the elastomeric ligature ties, saliva and plaque surrounding the orthodontic appliance were collected for microbiologic analysis. There were no significant differences in the number of Streptococcus mutans CFUs in saliva or plaque in the area surrounding the fluoride-releasing or conventional elastomeric ligature ties. Thus, fluoride-releasing elastomeric ligature ties should not be indicated to reduce the incidence of enamel decalcification in orthodontic patients. Since there was no significant reduction in S. mutans in saliva or plaque, other means of prevention against enamel decalcification should be indicated for these patients.

O objetivo deste estudo foi a avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana de diferentes marcas e composições de cones de guta-percha e pastas à base de hidróxido de cálcio utilizados em endodontia. Os materiais avaliados foram: cones de guta-percha contendo hidróxido de cálcio (RoekoTM), cones de guta-percha contendo clorexidina (RoekoTM), duas marcas de cones de guta-percha (Endo PointsTM e RoekoTM) e duas pastas à base de hidróxido de cálcio (CalenTM e Calen/PMCC TM). Os testes antimicrobianos incluíram 5 espécies de microrganismos: Escherichia coli (ATCC10538), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC12228), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853) e Micrococcus luteus (ATCC9341). O método empregado foi o de difusão em Ágar. As placas foram mantidas em temperatura ambiente por 2 horas para pré-difusão e então incubadas a 37°C por 24 horas. O gel de cloreto de trifeniltetrazólio foi acrescentado para otimização e as zonas de inibição foram medidas. A análise estatística foi realizada pela análise de variância e pelo teste de Tukey. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que todas as espécies microbianas usadas foram inibidas pelos cones de guta-percha com clorexidina e pelas pastas à base de hidróxido de cálcio (CalenTM e Calen/PMCC TM), com resultados similares entre os materiais (p > 0.05). Nenhuma atividade antimicrobiana foi observada para os demais grupos. Concluiu-se que os cones de guta-percha com clorexidina apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana, enquanto os cones com hidróxido de cálcio não demonstraram esta propriedade.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different trademarks and compositions of gutta-percha points and calcium hydroxide pastes used in endodontic therapy. The evaluated material consisted of gutta-percha points containing calcium hydroxide (RoekoTM), gutta-percha points containing chlorhexidine (RoekoTM), two convencional gutta-percha points (Endo PointsTM and RoekoTM) and two calcium hydroxide pastes (CalenTM and Calen/PMCC TM). Antimicrobial tests included five species of microorganisms: Escherichia coli (ATCC10538), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC12228), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853), and Micrococcus luteus (ATCC9341). The Agar difusion method was employed. The plates were kept at room temperature for 2 h for prediffusion and then incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The triphenyltetrazolium chloride gel was added for optimization and the zones of inhibition were measured. Statistical evaluation was carried out using analysis of variance and Tukey Test. The obtained results showed that all microbial species used in the study were inhibited by the gutta-percha points containing chlorhexidine and by the calcium hydroxide pastes (CalenTM and Calen/PMCC TM), with similar results (p > 0.05). No antimicrobial activity was observed for the other groups. It was concluded that the gutta-percha points containing chlorhexidine presented antimicrobial activity, whereas the gutta-percha points containing calcium hydroxide did not.

In addition to an initial socket discomfort, ocular prosthesis (OP) installation may allow the adherence of fungi and/or bacteria due to the superficial characteristics of the prosthesis' material, use of inadequate cleansing solutions and methods, or because the void located between the internal portion of the prosthesis and the anophthalmic cavity (AC) mucosa. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate OP biofilm formation and the level of contamination of the internal portion of the OP and the AC in 24 patients. Material and Methods: Material was collected from the AC at the beginning of the study and 15 days after cleansing of the OP with 3 cleansing solutions: a neutral liquid soap, a multiuse solution for contact lens (Complete) and 0.12% chlorhexidine (Periogard). The collected materials were sowed in Petri dishes containing selective media for aerobic and facultative microorganisms, specifically staphylococci (Hipersalt agar with egg yolk), aerobic microorganisms (Brain Heart Infusion Blood Agar), streptococci (Mitis salivarius Agar), gram-negative bacilli (MacConkey Agar) and yeasts (Chromagar CandidaTM), incubated at 35ºC or 37ºC and the number of colony forming units were counted. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA, Friedman's test and Spearman's correlation. Results: Aerobic microorganisms, gram-negative bacilli and S. aureus were found in the OP biofilm and in the AC. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the number of microorganisms before and after the use of the cleansing solutions. Conclusion: There was positive correlation with respect to the microorganisms present in the OP biofilm and AC for the 4 proposed treatments, indicating that the decrease of OP contamination leads to AC contamination as well.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of three denture brushes (Bitufo-B; Medic Denture-MD; Colgate-C) on biofilm removal from upper and lower dentures using a specific dentifrice (Corega Brite). The correlation between biofilm levels on the internal and external surfaces of the upper and lower dentures was also evaluated. A microbiological assay was performed to assess the growth of colony-formed units (cfu) of Candida yeasts on denture surface. Thirty-three patients were enrolled in a 10-week trial divided in two stages: 1 (control) - three daily water rinses within 1 week; 2 - three daily brushings within 3 weeks per tested brush. Internal (tissue) and external (right buccal flange) surfaces of the complete dentures were disclosed (neutral red 1%) and photographed. Total denture areas and disclosed biofilm areas were measured using Image Tool 3.00 software for biofilm quantification. Dentures were boxed with #7 wax and culture medium (CHROMagarTM Candida) was poured to reproduce the internal surface. Statistical analysis by Friedman's test showed significant difference (p<0.01) between control and brushing stages. No difference was found among the brushes with respect to their efficacy on biofilm removal (p>0.01). Analysis by the Correlation test showed higher r values (B=0.78; MD=0.8341, C=0.7362) for the lower dentures comparing the surfaces (internal and external) and higher r values (B=0.7861, MD=0.7955, C=0.8298) for the external surface comparing the dentures (upper and lower). The results of the microbiological showed no significant difference (p>0.01) between the brushes with respect to the frequency of the species of yeasts (chi-square test). In conclusion, all denture brushes evaluated in this study were effective in the removal of biofilm. There was better correlation of biofilm levels between the surfaces for the lower dentures, and between the dentures for the external surface. There was no significant difference among the brushes regarding the frequency of yeasts.

Este estudo objetivou mensurar a atividade anti-bacteriana residual de várias pastas à base de hidróxido de cálcio [Ca(OH)2], após permanecerem em canais radiculares de cães com lesões periapicais crônicas induzidas. Os canais radiculares foram instrumentados com o sistema Profile e preenchidos com quatro diferentes pastas: G1-Ca(OH)2 p.a./solução anestésica (n=16), G2-Calen®/PMCC (n=20), G3-Calen® (n=18) e G4-Ca(OH)2 p.a./solução de digluconato de clorexidina a 2% (n=18). Transcorridos 21 dias, amostras foram recuperadas dos canais radiculares com limas Kerr #60 e colocadas em placas de Petri com ágar semeado com Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341. Pastas não aplicadas nos canais radiculares serviram como controle. Após pré-difusão, incubação e otimização, as zonas de inibição do crescimento bacteriano foram mensuradas e analisadas pelo teste de Mann-Whitney (a<0.05). Verificou-se que todas as pastas apresentaram ação antibacteriana residual, com maiores halos para as amostras-controles. As médias dos halos de inibição para G1, G2, G3 e G4 foram 7,6; 10,4; 17,7 e 21,4 mm, respectivamente. Os halos de inibição de G4 foram significativamente superiores as de G1 e G2 (p<0.05). Portanto, independentemente do veículo, todas as pastas à base de Ca(OH)2 determinaram, em diferentes magnitudes, atividade anti-bacteriana residual mensurável. Ademais, diferentemente do PMCC, a solução de digluconato de clorexidina a 2% ampliou significativamente, a atividade anti-bacteriana residual do hidróxido de cálcio.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the residual antibacterial activity of several calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]-based pastes, placed in root canals of dogs' teeth with induced chronic periapical lesions. Root canals were instrumented with the ProFile rotary system and filled with 4 pastes: G1 (n=16): Ca(OH)2 paste + anesthetic solution; G2 (n=20): Calen® paste + camphorated p-monochlorophenol (CMCP); G3 (n=18): Calen®; and G4 (n=18): Ca(OH)2 paste + 2% chlorhexidine digluconate. After 21 days, the pastes were removed with size 60 K-files and placed on Petri plates with agar inoculated with Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341. Pastes that were not placed into root canals served as control. After pre-diffusion, incubation and optimization, the inhibition zones of bacterial growth were measured and analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test at 5% significance level. All pastes showed residual antibacterial activity. The control samples had larger halos (p<0.05). The mean residual antibacterial activity halos in G1, G2, G3 and G4 were 7.6; 10.4; 17.7 and 21.4 mm, respectively. The zones of bacterial growth of G4 were significantly larger than those of G1 and G2 (p<0.05). In conclusion, regardless of the vehicle and antiseptic, all Ca(OH)2-based pastes showed different degrees of measurable residual antibacterial activity. Furthermore, unlike CMCP, chlorhexidine increased significantly the antibacterial activity of Ca(OH)2.