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This study investigated the anti-caries and anti-inflammatory effects of mouthwash formulations containing Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel extract (PPE), sodium-trimetaphosphate, and low concentrations of fluoride. PPE was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (ellagic acid and punicalagin). Total phenolics were quantified among formulations, and their stability was analyzed for 28 days. The formulation effects were evaluated as follows: (1) inorganic component concentration and reduced demineralization on bovine enamel blocks subjected to pH cycling; (2) anti-biofilm effect on dual-biofilms of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 treated for 1 and 10 min, respectively; and (3) cytotoxicity and production of inflammatory mediators (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). The formulation containing 3% PPE, 0.3% sodium-trimetaphosphate, and 225 ppm of fluoride resulted in a 34.5% surface hardness loss; a 13% (treated for 1 min) and 36% (treated for 10 min) biofilm reduction in S. mutans; a 26% (1 min) and 36% (10 min) biofilm reduction in C. albicans; absence of cytotoxicity; and anti-inflammatory activity confirmed by decreased interleukin-6 production in mouse macrophages. Thus, our results provide a promising prospect for the development of an alcohol-free commercial dental product with the health benefits of P. granatum that have been recognized for a millennium.

This study aimed to assess the effects of fluoridated varnishes supplemented with micrometric or nanosized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMPmicro or TMPnano, respectively) against enamel softening in an early erosive model in vitro. Bovine enamel blocks (with mean surface hardness [SH] between 330.0 and 380.0 kgf/mm2) were selected and randomly assigned according to their SH (n = 8) into the following groups: Placebo (no fluoride/TMP; negative control), 5% NaF (positive control), 5% NaF + 5%TMPmicro, 5% NaF + 2.5%TMPnano and 5% NaF + 5%TMPnano. Blocks received a single application of the varnishes and were immersed in artificial saliva (6 h). Thereafter, the varnishes were removed and the blocks were subjected to four individual erosive challenges (1 min, citric acid, 0.75%, pH = 3.5, under agitation); SH was determined after each challenge. Data were subjected to ANOVA and Student–Newman–Keuls' test (p < 0.05). Overall, the highest %SH loss was observed for the Placebo, followed by 5% NaF, 5% NaF + 5% TMPmicro, and both varnishes containing TMPnano, without significant differences between 2.5% and 5% TMPnano. It was concluded that TMP enhanced the effects of a 5% NaF varnish against enamel softening in an early erosive model in vitro, with an additional benefit from the use of nanoparticles over microparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work assessed the influence of the amount of dentifrice and fluoride (F) concentration in the product on the pH and inorganic components of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans dual-species biofilms. The biofilms were treated with suspensions of fluoride dentifrices containing 550 or 1100 ppm of F (550 F or 1100 F, respectively) administered at comparable intensities: (i-1) 550 F/0.08 g or 1100 F/0.04 g; (i-2) 550 F/0.16 g or 1100 F/0.08 g; and (i-3) 550 F/0.32 g or 1100 F/0.16 g. A placebo dentifrice (without NaF, 0.32 g) was used as a negative control. After the last treatment, the biofilm pH was measured and the F, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) concentrations were determined. Data were subjected to an ANOVA/Kruskal–Wallis test, and a Student–Newman–Keuls test. The highest biofilm pH and F concentrations (biomass and fluid) were observed for 1100 F at i-3. Overall, 1100 F resulted in F levels similar to 550 F for i-1 and i-2. In addition, 550 F applied at i-2 and i-3 led to higher F in the biomass/fluid compared to 1100 F applied at i-1 and i-2, respectively. In biomass, the lowest Ca concentrations were observed for 1100 F at i-3. The conclusion drawn is that the treatment intensity holds greater significance as a parameter compared to the concentration of F or the amount of dentifrice when considered individually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop a polymeric matrix of polyamide-6 (P6) impregnated with trimetaphosphate (TMP) nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and to evaluate its antimicrobial activity, surface free energy, TMP and Ag+ release, and cytotoxicity for use as a support in dental tissue. The data were subjected to statistical analysis (p < 0.05). P6 can be incorporated into TMP without altering its properties. In the first three hours, Ag+ was released for all groups decorated with AgNPs, and for TMP, the release only occurred for the P6-TMP-5% and P6-TMP-10% groups. In the inhibition zones, the AgNPs showed activity against both microorganisms. The P6-TMP-2.5%-Ag and P6-TMP-5%-Ag groups with AgNPs showed a greater reduction in CFU for S. mutans. For C. albicans, all groups showed a reduction in CFU. The P6-TMP groups showed higher cell viability, regardless of time (p < 0.05). The developed P6 polymeric matrix impregnated with TMP and AgNPs demonstrated promising antimicrobial properties against the tested microorganisms, making it a potential material for applications in scaffolds in dental tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The addition of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) to fluoride (F) varnishes has been shown to be effective in controlling dental caries and erosive tooth wear. This study evaluated the amount of F and phosphate (P) released from fluoride varnishes containing micrometric or nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMPmicro or TMPnano, respectively). Methods: The experimental varnishes included a placebo formulation (no F or TMP), 2.5% NaF, 5% NaF, 5% NaF + 5% TMPmicro, 5% NaF + 5% TMPnano, 5%NaF + 2.5% TMPnano, and commercial varnish (Duraphat, 5% NaF). Varnishes were applied on polyester sheets (n=8/group) and alternately immersed in remineralizing or demineralizing solutions at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420, 540, 600, 720, 780, 960, 1200 and 1440 min after first immersion. F and P release were analyzed with an ion-selective electrode and colorimetrically, respectively. Data were analyzed by 2-way, repeated measures ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls' test (p<0.05). Results: Overall, varnishes containing TMPnano released significantly higher amounts of F in comparison with TMPmicro. Regarding the cumulative release of P, the varnishes containing TMP showed a constant increase up to 12 h. Conclusions: It was concluded that F release was significantly increased in TMPcontaining formulations, and that the nanosized TMP further enhanced such effects, without affecting phosphate release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study evaluated fluoride concentrations in saliva of toddlers presenting carious lesions at different degrees of severity. Materials and Methods: Toddlers (n=120), 12-36 months old, were assigned into four groups, according to caries severity (ICCMSTM criteria): GA -- caries free; GB -- initial stage; GC -- moderate stage; and GD -- extensive stage. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and had their fluoride content analyzed by ion-specific electrode, and the data, submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey's HSD tests. The influence of gender, age, number of lesions, fluoride concentration in the dentifrice and caries severity on salivary F concentrations was determined by multivariate linear regression analysis (p<0.05). Results: Children from GA and GB presented significantly higher salivary fluoride levels compared with those from GC and GD, with no significant difference between GA and GB, and between GC and GD. Caries severity significantly affected fluoride concentrations in saliva, while gender, age, number of lesions and fluoride concentration in the dentifrice had no significant influence on the results. Conclusion: Salivary fluoride concentrations were significantly affected by caries severity at cavity level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of toothpastes and the limited effect of fluoride (F) on caries control have stimulated the search for agents to enhance the anticaries effect of F-containing toothpastes. The association of F and different compounds, especially calcium/phosphate-based technologies, has been extensively studied as intraoral calcium and phosphate ions play a key role on the dynamics of tooth demineralizationremineralization. Technologies include the use of organic calcium/phosphate salts, inorganic cyclophosphates, nano-hydroxyapatite, and polyols. Although promising, the predominant in vitro design of the studies emphasizes the need for clinical trials to attest the efficacy and safety of F-toothpastes associated with these technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]