Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Ed.)--Regis University, Denver, Colo., 2006. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Sept. 19, 2006). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. D. S.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Also available in print.

Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-138).

published_or_final_version / Dentistry / Master / Master of Dental Surgery

Thesis (M.S.)--Springfield College, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

O objetivo desse estudo é o de avaliar o potencial efeito de uma goma de mascar (chiclete) experimental, que contém Cimento de Ionômero de Vidro (CIV), na prevenção da doença cárie. Metodologia: seleção de quinze crianças/adolescentes, com idade entre 06 e 19 anos, que necessitam da adoção de medidas de tratamento e prevenção à cárie. Após expresso Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido em participar, os sujeitos da pesquisa foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos distintos: Grupo A: goma de mascar experimental; Grupo B: goma de mascar neutra (placebo); Grupo C: selamentos convencionais não invasivos. Para a avaliação do potencial efeito preventivo à cárie foram realizadas repetidas avaliações clínicas e coleta de saliva total estimulada, para análises de pH, fluxo, capacidade tampão e concentração de flúor. Inspeções nas superfícies oclusais de molares e/ou prémolares foram realizadas por meio de minucioso exame clínico, documentação fotográfica com luz convencional, com luz fluorescente (Quantitative Light Fluorescence) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura, por meio de réplicas com silicona de adição, a fim de se constatar a presença de CIV nas áreas de cicatrículas e fissuras. Adicionalmente, foram aplicados questionários de perguntas e respostas aos responsáveis e aos próprios sujeitos da pesquisa, com objetivo de avaliar a aceitação da goma de mascar como veículo de finalidade terapêutica. Todas as análises foram feitas por pesquisadores independentes (exame cego). Resultados: as avaliações clínicas e fotográficas não demonstraram qualquer tipo de selamento das cicatrículas e fissuras de molares e/ou pré-molares bem como a análise de réplicas em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. No período avaliado, não foram identificadas áreas de remineralização com o uso de luz fluorescente. Os resultados laboratoriais demonstraram sinais favoráveis ao processo de remineralização dos tecidos dentários. Teste estatístico não paramétrico Kruskal-Wallis indicou significante aumento no fluxo e na capacidade tampão salivar, após o uso de uma goma de mascar e significante aumento da concentração de íons flúor salivar para os grupos A e C (p<0,05). De modo geral, os grupos A e B obtiveram boa receptividade. Conclusão: resultados apontam importantes indícios de um potencial remineralizante da goma com CIV. Esse atributo implica realização de futuros trabalhos com o veículo de liberação flúor utilizado nesse trabalho, especialmente se considerado o apelo comercial, a faixa etária média dos habituais usuários, a frequência e o tempo médio de permanência de uma goma de mascar na cavidade oral. Trabalhos em que os sujeitos da pesquisa tenham maior frequência de utilização (e não somente uma única ocorrência de uso), maior tempo de observação (estudo longitudinal), em diferentes apresentações e concentrações (diversos tipos de fluoretos), podem demonstrar que o uso de gomas de mascar, como veículo de liberação de flúor para a cavidade oral, é uma alternativa promissora às medidas de prevenção à cárie no potencial grupo de pacientes/consumidores. / The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential effect of a chewing gum containing experimental Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) in preventing caries. Methodology: fifteen children / adolescents aged between 06 and 19 years old in need of treatment and prevention of dental caries were selected. After formal agreement to take part in the research, the participants were divided randomly into three groups: Group A: experimental gum; Group B: neutral gum (placebo); Group C: conventional noninvasive sealing. To assess the potential preventive effect on caries, repeated clinical assessments were carried out, as well as a collection of stimulated saliva for analysis of pH, flow, buffering capacity and fluoride concentration. In order to verify the presence of GIC in the areas of pits and fissures, inspections on the occlusal surfaces of molars and / or premolars were conduced by thorough clinical examination, photographic documentation with conventional light, fluorescent light (Quantitative Light Fluorescence) and scanning electron microscopy, using replicas with addition silicone. Additionally, volunteers and researchs staff were submitted to extensive questionnaires, aiming to evaluate the acceptance of chewing gum as a vehicle for therapeutic purposes. All analyses were conducted by independent researchers (blind review). Results: neither clinical and photographic assessments, nor analyses of replicas in scanning electron microscopy showed any kind of sealing pits and fissures of molars and / or premolars. During the specified period, any kind of remineralization was identified with the use of fluorescent light. Nevertheless, laboratory results showed favorable signs in the process of remineralization of dental tissues. Nonparametric statistical test Kruskal-Wallis indicated a significant increase in flow and buffering capacity of saliva after the use of chewing gum, and a significant increase in salivary fluoride concentration for groups A and C (p<0.05). As a general rule, groups A and B showed good responsiveness. Conclusion: the results showed significant evidence that gums containing GIC present a significant remineralizing potential. This attribute implies the realization of further researches making use of this vehicle for fluoride release, especially if we consider its commercial appeal, the average age of regular users, the frequency and mean duration of a chewing gum in the oral cavity. Works in which the subjects have a higher frequency of use (and not just a single instance of use), a longer observation time (longitudinal study), in different concentrations and presentations (different types of fluoride), demonstrate that the use of chewing gum as a vehicle for fluoride release into the oral cavity is a promising alternative for the prevention of tooth decay in a potential group of patients/consumers.

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do uso de goma de mascar contendo 15% de xilitol, por 30 dias, em 12 indivíduos com altos níveis salivares (= 10 5 u.f.c./ml de saliva) de Estreptococos do grupo mutans (SM) sobre os níveis salivares de SM, os genótipos de S. mutans e a ocorrência de amostras xilitol-tolerantes (X R ) na saliva. Os voluntários foram instruídos a mascarem a goma por 5 minutos, 5 vezes ao dia, durante 30 dias, sem realizarem nenhuma alteração nos hábitos de higiene ou dieta. Amostras de saliva foram coletadas no início do experimento (antes do consumo da goma de mascar), 30 dias após a utilização da goma de mascar e 30 dias após a interrupção do uso da goma. Dois voluntários foram excluídos da última coleta devido ao uso de antibióticos. Os resultados mostraram que ocorreu redução acentuada nos níveis salivares de SM. A concentração média de SM no exame inicial foi de 9,8 x 10 5 ± 2,61 x 10 5 UFC/ml de saliva, enquanto este valor foi de 2,17 x 10 5 ± 1,94 x 10 5 após o consumo da goma, sendo a diferença estatisticamente significante (p < 0,05). Porém este efeito não foi duradouro, não apresentando diferença estatística 30 dias após a interrupção do consumo (3,5 x 10 5 ± 2,71 x 10 5 ), em relação aos valores iniciais. Foram identificados 17 genótipos distintos de S. mutans nas amostras salivares de 10 voluntários, que completaram as 3 etapas do estudo, pela técnica de RAPD-PCR, com o iniciador OPA-2. O ensaio de tolerância de S. mutans ao xylitol in vitro, em meio BHI e BHI /xilitol 1%, permitiu a identificação de 12 amostras X R entre 124 amostras estudadas, representantes dos 17 genótipos distintos. Amostras de S. mutans (X R ) foram identificadas nas 3 coletas, inclusive antes do consumo da goma. Foram identificadas amostras X R e X S com o mesmo genótipo por RAPD-PCR. A prevalência de amostras X R não apresentou relação direta com o uso de xilitol ou com os tipos genotípicos. Baseados nas condições do presente estudo, os resultados sugerem que o uso regular de gomas de mascar contendo 15 % de xilitol por 30 dias contribui para a redução dos níveis salivares de SM durante o período de consumo, porém esta redução não persiste após a interrupção do uso. Além disso, foi observado que o uso de xilitol não foi fator determinante na seleção in vivo de determinado genótipo X R / The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of xylitol (15%) containing chewing gum, for 30 days , in 12 subjects with high mutans Streptococci (MS) salivary levels (= 10 5 c.f.u./ml) on Mutans streptococci (MS) salivary levels, on genotypes and detection of xilitol tolerant (X R ) strains of S. mutans . Volunteers were asked to chew one lozangle, for 5 minutes, five times per day, for 30 days with no change in their habitual diet or oral hygiene. Saliva samples were collected at baseline, 30 days after gum usage and 30 days after the interruption of the consumption. Two subjects were excluded from the last examination due to antibiotic use. The results showed a marked reduction in MS salivary levels. The average levels of MS in saliva in baseline was 9.8 x 10 5 ± 2.61 x 10 5 c.f.u./ml saliva and decreased to 2.17 x 10 5 ± 1.94 x 10 5 after 30 days of consumption. This difference was statistically significant (p< 0.05). However this effect was not long lasting, and 30 days after the interruption of consumption (3.5 x 10 5 ± 2.71 x 10 5 ) there was no statistically difference in relation to baseline data. Seventeen different genotypes were identified in MS salivary samples of 10 volunteers that completed the 3 sampling procedures, by RAPD-PCR using OPA-2 primer. The assay of xylitol tolerance of S. mutans in vitro, in BHI and BHI/1% xylitol allowed the identification of 12 X R isolates, among 124 tested strains representing all detected genotypes. X R strains were detected in all sampling steps, including at baseline, before chewing gum consumption. There were X R and X S isolates with the same genotypes by RAPD-PCR. The prevalence of X R strains did not show direct relation to consumption of xylitol neither to genotypes. Based on the conditions of the present study, the data suggested that the regular use of a chewing gum containing 15% xylitol for 30 days contributed to decrease MS salivary levels, however this decrease did not persist after the interruption of the consumption. In addition, the usage of xilitol was not a determinant to the emergence of a specific X R genotype in vivo

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do uso de goma de mascar contendo 15% de xilitol, por 30 dias, em 12 indivíduos com altos níveis salivares (= 10 5 u.f.c./ml de saliva) de Estreptococos do grupo mutans (SM) sobre os níveis salivares de SM, os genótipos de S. mutans e a ocorrência de amostras xilitol-tolerantes (X R ) na saliva. Os voluntários foram instruídos a mascarem a goma por 5 minutos, 5 vezes ao dia, durante 30 dias, sem realizarem nenhuma alteração nos hábitos de higiene ou dieta. Amostras de saliva foram coletadas no início do experimento (antes do consumo da goma de mascar), 30 dias após a utilização da goma de mascar e 30 dias após a interrupção do uso da goma. Dois voluntários foram excluídos da última coleta devido ao uso de antibióticos. Os resultados mostraram que ocorreu redução acentuada nos níveis salivares de SM. A concentração média de SM no exame inicial foi de 9,8 x 10 5 ± 2,61 x 10 5 UFC/ml de saliva, enquanto este valor foi de 2,17 x 10 5 ± 1,94 x 10 5 após o consumo da goma, sendo a diferença estatisticamente significante (p < 0,05). Porém este efeito não foi duradouro, não apresentando diferença estatística 30 dias após a interrupção do consumo (3,5 x 10 5 ± 2,71 x 10 5 ), em relação aos valores iniciais. Foram identificados 17 genótipos distintos de S. mutans nas amostras salivares de 10 voluntários, que completaram as 3 etapas do estudo, pela técnica de RAPD-PCR, com o iniciador OPA-2. O ensaio de tolerância de S. mutans ao xylitol in vitro, em meio BHI e BHI /xilitol 1%, permitiu a identificação de 12 amostras X R entre 124 amostras estudadas, representantes dos 17 genótipos distintos. Amostras de S. mutans (X R ) foram identificadas nas 3 coletas, inclusive antes do consumo da goma. Foram identificadas amostras X R e X S com o mesmo genótipo por RAPD-PCR. A prevalência de amostras X R não apresentou relação direta com o uso de xilitol ou com os tipos genotípicos. Baseados nas condições do presente estudo, os resultados sugerem que o uso regular de gomas de mascar contendo 15 % de xilitol por 30 dias contribui para a redução dos níveis salivares de SM durante o período de consumo, porém esta redução não persiste após a interrupção do uso. Além disso, foi observado que o uso de xilitol não foi fator determinante na seleção in vivo de determinado genótipo X R / The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of xylitol (15%) containing chewing gum, for 30 days , in 12 subjects with high mutans Streptococci (MS) salivary levels (= 10 5 c.f.u./ml) on Mutans streptococci (MS) salivary levels, on genotypes and detection of xilitol tolerant (X R ) strains of S. mutans . Volunteers were asked to chew one lozangle, for 5 minutes, five times per day, for 30 days with no change in their habitual diet or oral hygiene. Saliva samples were collected at baseline, 30 days after gum usage and 30 days after the interruption of the consumption. Two subjects were excluded from the last examination due to antibiotic use. The results showed a marked reduction in MS salivary levels. The average levels of MS in saliva in baseline was 9.8 x 10 5 ± 2.61 x 10 5 c.f.u./ml saliva and decreased to 2.17 x 10 5 ± 1.94 x 10 5 after 30 days of consumption. This difference was statistically significant (p< 0.05). However this effect was not long lasting, and 30 days after the interruption of consumption (3.5 x 10 5 ± 2.71 x 10 5 ) there was no statistically difference in relation to baseline data. Seventeen different genotypes were identified in MS salivary samples of 10 volunteers that completed the 3 sampling procedures, by RAPD-PCR using OPA-2 primer. The assay of xylitol tolerance of S. mutans in vitro, in BHI and BHI/1% xylitol allowed the identification of 12 X R isolates, among 124 tested strains representing all detected genotypes. X R strains were detected in all sampling steps, including at baseline, before chewing gum consumption. There were X R and X S isolates with the same genotypes by RAPD-PCR. The prevalence of X R strains did not show direct relation to consumption of xylitol neither to genotypes. Based on the conditions of the present study, the data suggested that the regular use of a chewing gum containing 15% xylitol for 30 days contributed to decrease MS salivary levels, however this decrease did not persist after the interruption of the consumption. In addition, the usage of xilitol was not a determinant to the emergence of a specific X R genotype in vivo

Xylitol, classified as a natural sugar substitute, has for about 35 years been known as an agent that may act against caries. The mechanism of action; how it inhibits mutans streptococci (MS) and the clinical dose-response relationship are not however fully investigated. The general aim of the investigations was to evaluate the effect of xylitol on oral ecology in children and adolescents. A series of experimental and controlled clinical trials were performed in which samples of saliva and plaque was collected and analysed with respect to xylitol content, pH, microbial composition and lactic acid production. In paper I, significantly reduced proportions of xylitol-sensitive MS in saliva were demonstrated after 18 weeks of regular use of two dose regimens of xylitol-containing tablets (1.7g and 3.4g xylitol/day) but the acidogenicity in dental plaque was not affected. In paper II, the effect on interdental plaque-pH of two different single dose intakes (2.0g and 6.0g) of xylitol was evaluated. The higher xylitol dose counteracted the pH-drop significantly (p&lt;0.05) when the chewing was followed by a sucrose rinse while the lower dose did not differ from the control. In paper III, the xylitol concentrations in saliva after use of different common xylitol-containing products (0.1g-1.3g) were investigated. Statistically significant elevations of salivary xylitol levels were demonstrated for all products during the first 8-16 min when compared with baseline (p&lt;0.05) but the individual variation was considerable. In samples of supragingival dental plaque, a high dose rinse (6.0g) increased the xylitol concentrations for a longer period (&gt;30 min) than a low dose rinse (2.0g). In paper IV, it was demonstrated that 6.0g of xylitol in chewing gums, every day in 4 weeks, gave significantly less visible plaque and a significantly reduced sucrose-induced lactic acid formation (p&lt;0.05) in saliva. Furthermore, the proportion of MS decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) compared to baseline. In paper V, the salivary uptake of [14C]-xylitol was compared with a specific assay determining xylitol-sensitive MS and a fair positive correlation (p&lt;0.05) between the two assays was found. In a controlled trial, the proportions of MS and the salivary xylitol uptake decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) in the xylitol gum test group after 4 weeks compared to baseline which was in contrast to the control gum group. No serious adverse effects were reported in any of the investigations. The main conclusions from this thesis were: a) various xylitol-containing products increased the xylitol levels in saliva and plaque, b) 6.0g of xylitol could counteract the interdental pH-drop after sugar consumption and reduce lactic acid formation in saliva c) a daily dose of 6.0g xylitol reduced the amount of visible plaque and altered the salivary microbial composition, d) a transient shift of MS strains in saliva was demonstrated during periods of regular intake of xylitol products but no long-term impact was found after its termination. The relatively high amount of xylitol needed for a beneficial effect on the oral ecology calls for a further development of effective and safe routes for administration.