May review:
Licorice Lollipops Reduce Strep Mutans in High-risk Kids
High levels of Strep mutans in plaque and saliva predict current and future caries. Interventions that reduce the level of Strep mutans are needed to effectively prevent caries. Licorice root extract has the potential to kill Strep mutans. An extract of the licorice root is now used in candies for children to prevent tooth decay. Researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor carried out a pilot study to determine if lollipops containing licorice root extract could reduce Strep mutans levels in preschool children.A total of 66 children two to five years of age enrolled in a Head Start Program, participated in the study. Strep mutans levels were determined at baseline with saliva samples identifying 12 low, 37 moderate and 17 high-risk children. Lollipops were provided twice daily for three weeks, under supervision of classroom teaching staff. The children sat at tables or in story circles to ensure their safety while consuming the lollipops. Educational material and suggested activities were provided to the teaching staff. Salivary testing was repeated prior to lollipops on days 7, 9, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25 and weekly for nine more weeks.Strep mutans levels were reduced most significantly for the high-risk children, bringing them to a moderate level of risk during the study. Strep mutans reductions were measured out to 22 days after the study ended, at which time the Strep mutans levels began to rebound.Clinical Implications: These findings suggest a simple effective caries-prevention approach that should be investigated further with randomized controlled trials.
Peters, M., Tallman, J., Braun, T., Jacobson, J.: Clinical Reduction of S. Mutans in Pre-School Children Using a Noevel Liquorice Root Extract Lollipop: A Pilot Study. Eur Arch Pediatr Dent 11: 274-278, 2010. Southern Dental.
June dental review:
Dental Hygiene Care Prevents Disease:
Early intervention during pregnancy and as the first teeth develop is the best time to provide oral health education and preventive dental care.Researchers at the Hannover Medical School in Hannover, Germany designed a four-phase study over 14 years to provide oral health education and dental care to pregnant mothers and their children. Phase one included education of pregnant mothers. Phases two and three provided preventive care for mothers and children until age three and age six. This report is of phase four, evaluation of the children at 13-14 years of age whose dental care was provided by their family dentist since age six. An age-matched control group was randomly selected from a nearby high school.At age three, all of the children were caries-free and without fillings and with no detectable Strep mutans, compared to 82 percent caries- and filling-free in the control group. At age six, 75 percent of the test group was still caries- and filling-free, compared to 50 percent in the control group.The study began with 86 mother-child pairs, but due to relocation, 29 adolescents were available for phase four. Sixty-six percent were caries and filling-free, 24 percent were caries-free with fillings and three teenagers had active caries. In the control group, 30 percent were caries- and filling-free, 27 percent caries-free with fillings and 13 had active caries. The test group visited the dentist more often than the controls.Clinical Implications: Oral health education and dental care during pregnancy and early childhood will influence the future oral health of the children.
Meyer, K., Geurtsen, W., Günay, H.: An Early Oral Health Care Program Starting During Pregnancy: Results of a Prospective Clinical Long-Term Study. Clin Oral Invest 14: 257-264, 2010. Southern Dental
March dental review:
Hyaluronic Acid -New Mouthrinse Ingredient
Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan is a polysaccharide with a high molecular weight. It is a binding agent for connective tissue, providing stability and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is involved in the early stages of wound healing, enhances tissue regeneration and is involved with bone regeneration. New information suggests it has anti-inflammatory and antibacteria effects by seeking and destroying MMPs and prostaglandins, important inflammatory mediators. Its antioxidant actions make it a good choice for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.Researchers at SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital in Karnataka, India compared a 0.025 percent hyaluronic acid mouthrinse (Gengigel, made in Italy) to a 0.2 percent chlorhexidine (CHX) rinse and a flavored water control. Gengigel also contains xylitol, which reduces bacterial plaque levels.In laboratory studies, the CHX was the most effective in killing Aa, Pg and Pi. Gengigel was effective against Aa and Pi, but not Pg. The water control had no effect against any of the bacteria.Part II of the research was a four-day mouthrinse study with 45 dental student volunteers. After baseline plaque and bleeding scores, all deposits were removed to establish plaque-free mouths. Students were randomly assigned to groups instructed to refrain from all oral hygiene and gum chewing and instead rinse twice daily with their assigned mouthrinse.Those using the water control had significantly more plaque than the CHX and Gengigel rinse groups. Bleeding scores before and after were similar between all groups.Clinical Implications: Although not available in the U.S. at this time, we might one day have a hyaluronic acid mouthrinse.
Rodrigues, S., Acharya, A., Bhadbhade, S., Thakur, S.: Hyaluronan-Containing Mouthwash as an Adjunctive Plaque-Control Agent. Oral Health Prev Dent 8: 389-394, 2010.DentalTown Southern Dental of Brooklyn.