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This paper presents X-ray diffraction data obtained from enamel samples treated with a prophylactic paste containing SnF2-ZrSiO4. The application of this paste by use of a revolving rubber cup resulted in a closer packing of the apatite constituents and a better crystallinity of the apatite crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the hypothesis of an intraoral shift, during initial periodontal therapy, from a periopathogenic to a cariogenic flora. Seventyone patients with periodontitis were randomly allocated to one of the following treatment strategies: (1) scaling and root planing, quadrant by quadrant, at two-week intervals (NC); (2) fullmouth scaling and root planing within 24 hrs (FRP); or (3) full-mouth disinfection within 24 hrs, including antiseptics [chlorhexidine (CHX) or amine fluoride/stannous fluoride (F) for 2 mos, or CHX for 2 mos followed by F for 6 mos (CHX+F)]. At baseline and after 2, 4, and 8 mos, bacterial samples were taken from supra- and subgingival plaque, saliva, and tongue. The detection frequencies and relative proportions of Streptococcus mutans increased in the NC and FRP groups, but decreased in the F group. In the CHX group, these species disappeared temporarily, but they disappeared for the entire 8 mos in the CHX+F group. These observations were similar for all sample locations. The periopathogens decreased in all groups. This finding confirms the abovementioned hypothesis and indicates a need for caries prophylactic regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eventual outcome of dental caries is determined by the dynamic balance between pathological factors that lead to demineralization and protective factors that lead to remineralization. Pathological factors include acidogenic bacteria, inhibition of salivary function, and frequency of ingestion of fermentable carbohydrates. Protective factors include salivary flow, numerous salivary components, antibacterials (both natural and applied), fluoride from extrinsic sources, and selected dietary components. Intervention in the caries process can occur at any stage, either naturally or by the insertion of some procedure or treatment. Dental caries covers the continuum from the first atomic level of demineralization, through the initial enamel or root lesion, through dentinal involvement, to eventual cavitation. The dynamic balance between demineralization and remineralization determines the end result. The disease is reversible, if detected early enough. Since demineralization can be quantified at early stages, before frank cavitation, intervention methods can be tested by short-term clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odorigenic gram-negative anaerobes in human gingival crevices were significantly decreased for up to 120 minutes after rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. This observation parallels clinical measurements of the antiseptic effect on oral malodor and suggests that its odor-decreasing properties are related to its antimicrobial action in the mouth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comparative ability of chlorhexidine diacetate and structurally related compounds to generate surface pressure at air-water and n-hexane-water interfaces, and to adsorb to hydroxyapatite, was determined. The order of effectiveness generally evident was 1-(p-chlorophenyl)-5-n-octylbiguanide acetate ⪢ chlorhexidine diacetate ⩾ 1-(p-chlorophenyl)-5-n-hexylbiguanide acetate > 1-(p-chlorophenyl)-5-n-propylbiguanide acetate > p-chlorophenylbiguanide acetate ≈ p-chlorophenylguanidine acetate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions of chlorhexidine and structurally related biguanides with selected monomolecular-film systems (that is, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, and N-octadecylacetamide) were explored. The data reflected the significance of ionic associations between the compounds and stearic acid films and, in the instance of the biguanide analogs, indicated that the length of the alkyl chain was an important factor in the penetration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoride uptake by the surface enamel of teeth treated with fluoride solutions in vitro and fluoride release into saliva after topical applications in vivo were determined. The fluoride uptake after NaF + Na2HPO4 treatment was higher than that after NaF treatment. The fluoride release into saliva was less after NaF + NaHPO4 than after NaF application, pointing to a greater permanent fluoride fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the results of research which was conducted in an effort to determine the effect of environmental pH on the antimicrobial activity of the endodontal antiseptic para-aminotoluene sulfonamide under laboratory conditions. Researchers found that when environmental pH changed from 4 to 6, the antibacterial activity of the antiseptic decreased markedly, that when pH reached 6 to 7 there was a lack of bactericidal activity and that maximum bactericidal activity occurred when pH was between 7.4 and 8.

The article looks at several studies on the amount of bacteria in the mouth and the effects of oral antiseptics on the reduction of oral bacteria. The author considers the bactericidal actions of penicillin, cepacol, and glycerite of hydrogen peroxide. Techniques used to assess the oral bacteria of test subjects are reviewed.

The article discusses the effective duration of various agents that are used for dentin sterilization. Agents examined include silver nitrate and phenol, which are in widespread use. The author claims that many dentists do not routinely apply antiseptics to dentin prior to the insertion of filling material. Reasons to doubt the need for cavity sterilization are addressed.

The article focuses on the relationship between oral infections and undiagnosed mental and physical disorders. It states that there is a relationship between dental focal infections and systemic disease. It mentions that antiseptics are incapable of completely eradicating bacterial infections of the periapical granulomata. It comments on the difficulties in determining dental infections with x-rays and the need to extract infected teeth that may show no x-ray evidence of infected roots.