Enamel Decalcification Research Articles

MI Varnish and MI Paste Plus in a caries prevention and remineralization study: a randomized controlled trial.

White spot lesions (WSLs) are a complication of orthodontic therapy. This study investigated the effect of MI (minimally invasive) Paste Plus (MIPP) and MI Varnish (MIV) on WSLs in orthodontic patients during a 12-month, randomized, single-blind, prospective, standard-of-care controlled clinical trial. Forty subjects, recruited from the UCSF School of Dentistry Orthodontics Clinic, were randomly assigned to the experimental (twice-daily 1100ppm fluoride toothpaste, daily MIPP, quarterly MIV application) or control group (twice-daily 1100ppm fluoride toothpaste, fluoride rinse recommendation). Facial surfaces of incisors, canines, and first bicuspids were evaluated at baseline, 3, 6, and 12months using the enamel decalcification index (EDI) and the international caries detection and assessment system (ICDAS). Findings from 37 subjects are reported. At 12months, teeth receiving experimental treatment were at lower but not significantly different odds of increased EDI scores (odds ratio, OR 0.63; intra-patient cluster-adjusted 95% CI 0.43, 1.18) and not associated with increased ICDAS scores (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.64, 1.54). There was no statistically significant difference in mean patient-level EDI sum (experimental group 40.2; control 41.3; t test p= 0.80), ICDAS score (experimental 22.3; control 22.6; Mann-Whitney U test p= 0.80), or percentage of scored surfaces with ICDAS > 0 (experimental 54.6%; control 55.2%; t test p= 0.88). Salivary fluoride levels were significantly higher at 12months for the experimental than for the control group (0.20 ± 0.26 versus 0.04 ± 0.04ppm, Mann-Whitney U test p< 0.01). Applying daily MIPP and quarterly MIV resulted in no statistically significant differences in EDI sum and ICDAS scores. Higher salivary fluoride levels in the experimental group suggest that MIPP and MIV effectively deliver fluoride when used clinically. Daily MIPP and quarterly MIV applications do not appear to reduce significantly WSLs incidence during fixed orthodontic treatment.

Acid pH of Saliva in Dental Caries of Pre-school Children repressed phagocytic capacity of neutrophil

In Indonesia dental caries is one of the most important issues in children’s health. Caries is one of common dental diseases in children who consume sugar-rich diets. Caries cause decalcification of tooth enamel and dentin. The bacteria involved in caries can converge on the dental pulp tissue and spread to other organs. Under adverse conditions, complications such as phylogenetic osteomyelitis and bacterial endocarditis can occur. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral cavity pH on neutrophil and lymphocyte cell activity in order to eliminate S. mutans. Neutrophil and lymphocyte cells were isolated from the saliva of 30 preschool children, with and without caries, from the city of Surabaya, Indonesia. The dental condition was verified by a dentist based on the def-t index. Obtained results indicate that the number of activated neutrophils (CD11b+CD35+) from children in the caries group was significantly higher than the caries-free group at an acidic pH, but was unchanged at an alkaline pH. The activated neutrophils triggered naive T cells to become effector T cells (CD4+), which produce cytokines to respond the infection. However, the increased CD11b+CD35+ were unable to enhance the phagocytic activity of neutrophils in the caries group, especially in acidic pH conditions. An acidic pH was found to repress the phagocytic capacity of neutrophils. This study provides a basis for future strategies to prevent dental caries by promoting phagocytic activity and maintaining a neutral pH in the oral cavity.

Influence of infiltration technique and selected demineralization methods on the roughness of demineralized enamel: An in vitro study.

The decalcification of enamel leads to an increase in tissue roughness. The development of carious lesions may be halted or these lesions may heal, which results in a smoother surface. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of selected agents on the roughness of demineralized enamel on the smooth surfaces of teeth. A total of 25 samples with exposed enamel surfaces were examined in the study. The samples were randomized into groups and they were exposed to a demineralizing solution, after which the following agents were applied: Icon (Ic), Elmex gel (El), GC Tooth Mousse (TM), Colgate Total (K+) - a positive control group, and distilled water as a negative control group (K-). The impact of selected agents on the roughness of demineralized enamel was assessed with a profilometer. The parameters Ra, Rz and Rq were analyzed. Following infiltration and demineralization, the Ra coefficient declined in groups Ic, TM, K+ and K-, Rz decreased in groups Ic, TM and Rq was lower in groups Ic, TM and Kafter using agents when compared with demineralization. The lowest Ra, Rz and Rq values, i.e. the highest degree of surface smoothness, were observed in group Ic. An increase in all coefficients (Ra, Rz and Rq) was noted in group El. Demineralized enamel can be smoothed out through the one-time application of Icon resin or the long-term application of GC Tooth Mousse. The least effective agents turned out to be those with a high fluoride content.

Effect of topical fluoride application on enamel after in‐office bleaching, as evaluated using a novel hardness tester and a transverse microradiography method

This study evaluated the effect of topical fluoride application on enamel hardness after in-office bleaching. Twelve human incisors were cut along the long axis, resulting in 24 halves used in four treatment groups (n = 6 in each group): (i) untreated group (C); (ii) in-office bleaching material (B); (iii) treatment with surface reaction-type prereacted glass-ionomer varnish after in-office bleaching (B+PRG); and (iv) treatment with acidulated phosphate fluoride solution after bleaching (B+F). All specimens were subjected to pH-cycling for 4 wk. Knoop hardness was measured using a Cariotester. The decalcification of enamel was assessed quantitatively by measuring the integrated mineral loss (ΔIML). Games-Howell analysis was used to assess statistical significance of between-group differences. The Knoop hardness decreased significantly after bleaching for all groups. In treatment groups B+PRG and B+F, the Knoop hardness returned to the original unbleached values after the first pH cycle and did not change afterwards. In treatment groups C and B there was a gradual decrease in the Knoop hardness until the fourth pH cycle. The integrated mineral loss, ΔIML, was significantly higher in treatment group B+F after 2 wk than in the other treatment groups. After 4 wk, the ΔIML in treatment group B was significantly higher than in treatment group B+PRG. The application of fluoride-containing materials after bleaching results in recuperation of hardness to levels similar to those of unbleached enamel.

The effect of sealant on prevention of enamel demineralization in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances: A systematic review

Introduction: One of the common problems of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances is the evelopment of enamel demineralization. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of sealants in preventing the occurrence of enamel demineralization in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances during treatment.Methods: A complex search was performed in Medline (1969 to May 2013), and by hand in individual articles, in order to identify any relevant study based upon various combinations of key words. The included studies are Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), or otherwise prospective clinical trials, with patients (teeth) of any age undergoing fixed orthodontic treatmentand with a control group or at least two intervention groups. In the absence of the above, any prospective cohort with more thanten patients was evaluated. To assess the internal validity of the eligible studies, the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Clinical Trials was applied.Results: The searches originally identified 237 titles and abstracts, 6 fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the review. From these studies, 4 were randomized clinical trials and 2 prospective clinical trials. The results were contradictory, with half of the studies showing significant reductions in the incidence of enamel decalcification for the sealed teeth compared with the control group while the remaining half did not show any important differences.Discussion: Based on the findings from the present systematic review, it was impossible to make any reliable recommendations onthe usage of sealants during orthodontic treatment for the prevention of WSL development. Nevertheless, their use in general seems to be beneficial for caries prevention, depending on the type of material, the method of its application and the caries riskstatus of the patient.

Decalcification prevention around orthodontic brackets bonded to bleached enamel using different topical agents

BackgroundThe present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different topical agents utilized for prevention of enamel decalcification around orthodontic brackets bonded to bleached and non-bleached enamel.MethodsHuman maxillary premolars (n = 120) were divided into two equal groups. Teeth in group I were left without bleaching while those in group II were bleached with Vivastyle gel. Metal brackets were bonded to all the teeth using light-cured adhesive. Each group was divided into six equal subgroups (A, B, C, D, E, and F). In subgroup A, no material was applied (control). In subgroups B, C, D, E, and F, the following materials were applied respectively: Profluorid varnish, Enamel Pro Varnish, Ortho-Choice Ortho-Coat, GC Tooth Mousse, and GC MI Paste Plus. All teeth were cycled in a demineralization solution/artificial saliva for 15 days. Laser fluorescence was used to measure the level of enamel mineralization. The data were statistically analyzed.ResultsRegarding the non-bleaching subgroups, all studied material revealed significant demineralization reduction in comparison to the control subgroup (P < 0.05). Ortho-Choice Ortho-Coat revealed the highest significant effect while GC Tooth Mousse showed the least effect. In bleached subgroups, Profluorid varnish, Enamel Pro Varnish, and Ortho-Choice Ortho-Coat significantly reduced demineralization (P < 0.05) while either GC MI Paste Plus or GC Tooth Mousse had no significant effects (P > 0.05).ConclusionsOrtho-Choice Ortho-Coat, and Profluorid and Enamel Pro varnishes could be utilized successfully to reduce enamel demineralization around brackets bonded to either bleached or non-bleached enamel. GC MI Paste Plus and GC Tooth Mousse were effective only in non-bleached enamel.

Influence of resin-modified glass ionomer and topical fluoride on levels of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and biofilm adjacent to metallic brackets.

Decalcification of enamel during fixed orthodontic appliance treatment remains a problem. White spot lesions are observed in nearly 50% of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The use of fluoride-containing orthodontic materials has shown inconclusive results on their ability to reduce decalcification. The aims of this investigation were to compare the levels of Streptococcus mutans (SM) in saliva and biofilm adjacent to orthodontic brackets retained with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) (Fuji ORTHO LC) and a light cured composite resin (Transbond XT), and to analyze the influence of topical application of the 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) on SM counts. In a parallel study design, two groups (n=14/15) were used with random allocation and high salivary SM counts before treatment. Biofilm was collected from areas adjacent to the brackets on teeth 13, 22, 33, and 41. Both saliva and biofilm were collected on the 7th, 21st, 35th, and 49th days after appliance placement. Topical fluoride application was carried out on the 35th day. Bonding with RMGIC did not alter SM counts in saliva or biofilm adjacent to the brackets. On the other hand, the biofilm adjacent to brackets retained with composite resin showed a significant increase in SM counts along the trial period. Topical application of 1.23% APF did not reduce salivary or biofilm SM counts regardless of the bonding material. In conclusion, fluoride topical application did not show efficacy in reducing SM. The use of RMGIC as bonding materials allowed a better control of SM cfu counts in dental biofilm hindering the significant increase of these microorganisms along the trial period, which was observed in the biofilm adjacent to the composite material.

Prevention and Treatment of White Spot Lesions in Orthodontic Patients.

Decalcification of enamel, appearing as white spot lesions (WSLs), around fixed orthodontic appliances is a major challenge during and after fixed orthodontic treatment by considering the fact that the goal of orthodontic treatment is to enhance facial and dental esthetic appearance. Banded or bonded teeth exhibit a significantly higher rate of WSLs compared to the controls with no braces as fixed appliances and the bonding materials promote retention of biofilms. These lesions are managed in the first step by establishing good oral hygiene habits and prophylaxis with topical fluorides, including high-fluoride toothpastes, fluoride mouthwashes, gels, varnishes, fluoride-containing bonding materials, and elastic ligatures. Recently, other materials and methods have been recommended, including the application of casein phosphopeptides-amorphous calcium phosphate, antiseptics, probiotics, polyols, sealants, laser, tooth bleaching agents, resin infiltration, and microabrasion. This article reviews the currently used methods to manage enamel demineralization during and after orthodontic treatment and the risk factors and preventive measures based on the latest evidence.

Deproteinization of tooth enamel surfaces to prevent white spot lesions and bracket bond failure: A revolution in orthodontic bonding

Orthodontic treatment success is jeopardized by the risk of development of white spot lesions (WSLs) around orthodontic brackets. Unfortunately, the formation of WSLs still remains a common complication during treatment in patients with poor oral hygiene. Nearly 75% of orthodontic patients are reported to develop enamel decalcification because of prolonged plaque retention around brackets. It is the orthodontist’s responsibility to minimize the risk of patients having enamel decalcifications as a consequence of orthodontic treatment. This can be achieved by using hybrid, fluoride-releasing, glass ionomer cement to bond brackets, with deproteinization of the enamel surface before phosphoric acid etching.

Assessment of White Spot Lesions and In-Vivo Evaluation of the Effect of CPP-ACP on White Spot Lesions in Permanent Molars of Children.

As hindrance of remineralisation process occurs during orthodontic therapy resulting in decalcification of enamel because number of plaque retention sites increases due to banding and bonding of appliances to teeth. The present analytic study was undertaken to assess the occurrence of white spot lesions in permanent molars of children with and without orthodontic therapy and to evaluate the effect of Casein PhosphoPeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) on white spot lesions in post-orthodontic patients in a given period of time. The study comprised of examination of 679 first permanent molars which were examined to assess the occurrence of smooth surface white spot lesions in children of 8 to 16 years age group. Group I comprised subjects without any orthodontic treatment and Group II comprised of subjects who had undergone orthodontic therapy. The sample size was calculated using the epi-info6 computer package. Treatment group included 20 post-orthodontic patients examined with at least one white spot lesion within the enamel who received remineralizing cream (GC Tooth Mousse, Recaldent, GC Corporation.) i.e., CPP-ACP cream two times a day for 12 consecutive weeks. Computerized image analysis method was taken to evaluate white spot lesions. These frequency and percentages were compared with chi-square test. For comparison of numeric data, paired t-test was used. Of the total 278 (49.6%) first permanent molars showed occurrence of smooth surface white spot lesions out of 560 in Group I and 107 (89.9%) first permanent molars showed presence of white spot lesions out of 119 debanded first permanent molars of children examined in Group II. CPP-ACP therapy group showed reduction in severity of codes which was found to be highly significant after 12 weeks and eight weeks on gingival-third, p-value (<0.001) and significant after eight weeks and four weeks on middle-third according to ICDAS II criteria and computerized image analysis. CPP-ACP therapy minimum for 12 weeks is highly recommended as post-orthodontic treatment need in management of smooth surface white spot lesions on teeth undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy according to the present study.

Irradiation effects of low temperature multi gas plasma jet on oral bacteria.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sterilization effects of a newly developed low temperature multi gas plasma jet on oral pathogenic microorganisms (Streptococcus mutans [S. mutans], Lactobacillus fermentum [L. fermentum], Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans [A. actinomycetemcomitans]). Plasma gas which generated from O2, N2, Ar and 50% (O2+N2) was irradiated to the microbes. Effect of O2 plasma irradiation on S. mutans under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also observed. O2 plasma was directly applied to dental plaque on human extracted tooth. Then, the depth of enamel resorption area was noted by nanoscale hybrid microscope. O2 had the best sterilizing effect for all microbes. The potent bactericidal effect of plasma irradiation was also observed by SEM. Decalcification of enamel was noted significantly lower in plasma irradiated tooth surface compared to no plasma exposure group. These findings revealed that multi gas plasma jet has great potential to be used for dental treatment.

Comparison of Self-Etch Primers with Conventional Acid Etching System on Orthodontic Brackets.

The self-etching primer system consists of etchant and primer dispersed in a single unit. The etching and priming are merged as a single step leading to fewer stages in bonding procedure and reduction in the number of steps that also reduces the chance of introduction of error, resulting in saving time for the clinician. It also results in smaller extent of enamel decalcification. To compare the Shear Bond Strength (SBS) of orthodontic bracket bonded with Self-Etch Primers (SEP) and conventional acid etching system and to study the surface appearance of teeth after debonding; etching with conventional acid etch and self-etch priming, using stereomicroscope. Five Groups (n=20) were created randomly from a total of 100 extracted premolars. In a control Group A, etching of enamel was done with 37% phosphoric acid and bonding of stainless steel brackets with Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, California). Enamel conditioning in left over four Groups was done with self-etching primers and adhesives as follows: Group B-Transbond Plus (3M Unitek), Group C Xeno V+ (Dentsply), Group D-G-Bond (GC), Group E-One-Coat (Coltene). The Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) score was also evaluated. Additionally, the surface roughness using profilometer were observed. Mean SBS of Group A was 18.26±7.5MPa, Group B was 10.93±4.02MPa, Group C was 6.88±2.91MPa while of Group D was 7.78±4.13MPa and Group E was 10.39±5.22MPa respectively. In conventional group ARI scores shows that over half of the adhesive was remaining on the surface of tooth (score 1 to 3). In self-etching primer groups ARI scores show that there was no or minor amount of adhesive remaining on the surface of tooth (score 4 and 5). SEP produces a lesser surface roughness on the enamel than conventional etching. However, statistical analysis shows significant correlation (p<0.001) of bond strength with surface roughness of enamel. All groups might show clinically useful SBS values and Transbond XT can be successfully used for bracket bonding after enamel conditioning with any of the SEPs tested. The SEPs used in Groups C (Xeno V+) and D (G-Bond) have significantly lowered SBS. Although, the values might still be clinically acceptable.

Case report: A medieval case of molar-incisor-hypomineralisation

Molar-incisor-hypomineralisation (MIH) has been identified in recent years as a condition affecting the first permanent molars and, in some cases, the permanent incisors. Many factors have been suggested as to its aetiology. Examples of MIH have also been reported in skeletal remains in the past. These historical examples have, however, been for unknown individuals. A skull that has become available for dental examination that is uncertainly attributed to be that of Lady Eleanor Talbot (c.1436-1468) who ended her life as a Carmelite nun in Norwich (England). The dental findings of the examination showed enamel defects of molar teeth 36 and 46, as well as small areas on other molars, and striations of the enamel of permanent anterior teeth consistent with MIH. There is exposure of the roots of some maxillary teeth with resultant root caries. The presence of areas of enamel decalcification commensurate with 'Turner teeth' on 43 and 44 indicates that there were likely to have been periapical abscesses secondary to dental caries of the primary teeth. In addition, there is occlusal wear of all of teeth with extensive calculus and periodontal exposure of the roots of the mandibular incisors. Failed development or very early ante-mortem loss of premolars 15 and 25 is evident, as well as evidence in the same region of a large abscess cavity with extensive maxillary bone destruction. Healing cribra orbitalia, porosity, which is considered to be an indicator of nutritional stress, is visible on the superior aspect of the left orbit. A case of MIH is reported in a skull dating from the mid-15th century.

Validation of an early childhood caries risk assessment tool in a low-income Hispanic population.

There is a recognized need for valid risk assessment tools for use by both dental and nondental personnel to identify young children at risk for, or with, precavitated stages of early childhood caries (i.e., early stage decalcifications or white spot lesions).The aim of this study is to establish concurrent criterion validity of "MySmileBuddy" (MSB), a novel technology-assisted ECC risk assessment and behavioral intervention tool against four measures of ECC activity: semi-quantitative assays of salivary mutans streptococci levels, visible quantity of dental plaque, visual evidence of enamel decalcifications, and cavitation status (none, ECC, severe ECC). One hundred eight children 2-6 years of age presenting to a pediatric dental clinic were recruited from a predominantly Spanish-speaking, low-income, urban population. All children received a comprehensive oral examination and saliva culture for assessment of ECC indicators. Their caregivers completed the iPad-based MSB assessment in its entirety (15-20 minutes). MSB calculated both diet and comprehensive ECC risk scores. Associations between all variables were determined using ordinal logistic regression. MSB diet risk scores were significantly positively associated with salivary mutans (P < 0.05), and approached significance with visible plaque levels (P < 0.1). MSB comprehensive risk scores were significantly associated with both oral mutans and visible plaque (P < 0.05). Neither was associated with visually evident decalcifications or cavitations. Findings suggest that MSB may have clinical utility as a valid risk assessment tool for identifying children with early precursors of cavitations but does not add value in identifying children with extant lesions.

Iatrogenic Effects of Orthodontic Treatment—Decision-Making in Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment (2015)

Author: Roberto Justus Publisher: Springer International Publishing, Switzerland Price: e-Book $119.00 Hard cover $159.00 ISBN: 978-3-319-18352-7 Pages: 130 The small size of this book should not detract of its authoritative content: every practitioner must take unwanted side-effects of orthodontic treatment seriously. It is interesting to see how little attention has been paid to prevent the three most harmful iatrogenic effects of orthodontics, namely enamel decalcification (white spots lesions), periodontal damage (gingival recession), and apical root resorption. Roberto Justus, the author of the textbook ‘Iatrogenic Effects of Orthodontic Treatment – Decision-Making in Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment’ demonstrates that most patients, by using rational strategies, can be treated with no or at least less harmful side-effects than routine application of an ‘appliance driven’ treatment philosophy, often undertaken without …

A dissertation on adolescent compliance with oral hygiene instruction during orthodontic treatment

Objectives: To determine the level of compliance with Oral Hygiene Instruction ( OHI) of 12 to 18 years old adolescent patient receiving orthodontic treatment at Dhaka Dental College and Hospital.Materials and Methods : In this descriptive observational study, a total number of 100 patients (37 boys &amp; 63 girls) were selected (with convenient sampling) from Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Department in Dhaka Dental College &amp; Hospital. As the number of female patient is higher than that of male patient at Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Department in Dhaka Dental College &amp; Hospital and the samples were selected with convenient sampling, the number of female patient was higher in this study.Results: This was an observational study conducted among 100 patients in the department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dhaka Dental College and Hospital. The result of this study indicates that after five month of insertion of orthodontic appliance, 76% patients were good complier with Oral Hygiene instruction (OHI).Conclusion: The insertion of orthodontic appliances can result in changes in the oral environment, such as causing higher concentration of acid-producing bacteria due to the difficulty of performing oral hygiene after the insertion of appliance. Orthodontic appliances can also be associated with white spots, enamel decalcification, periodontal breakdown, and development of carious lesions. Continual plaque build-up may thus jeopardize the continuity of orthodontic treatment and the achievement of successful treatment outcome. So it is very important to give Oral Hygiene Instruction (OHI) at the commencement of orthodontic treatment and close supervision of the patient during treatment.Ban J Orthod &amp; Dentofac Orthop, April 2013; Vol-3, No.2

Resistance to decalcification of enamel of glass ionomer cement with α-TCP

Resistance to decalcification of enamel of glass ionomer cement with α-TCP

Iatrogenic Damage to the Periodontium Caused by Orthodontic Treatment Procedures: An Overview.

In orthodontic treatment, teeth are moved in to new positions and relationships and the soft tissue and underlying bone are altered to accommodate changes in esthetics and function. Function is more important than esthetics. The speciality of orthodontics has in addition to its benefits, complications as well as risks associated with its procedures. However the benefits outweigh the risks & complications in most of the treatment cases. Few of the unwanted side effects associated with treatment are tooth discolorations, enamel decalcification, periodontal complications like open gingival embrasures, root resorption, allergic reactions to nickel & chromium as well as treatment failure in the form of relapse.

Determination of molecular species of calcium salts of MDP produced through decalcification of enamel and dentin by MDP-based one-step adhesive.

Enamel and dentin particles were added to an experimental 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-based one-step adhesive to react for 30 s. After enamel and dentin reactants were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance ((31)P NMR) techniques, curve-fitting analysis was performed on the (31)P NMR spectra of enamel and dentin reactants. By varying the molar ratio of calcium chloride to MDP, a series of three types of MDP-Ca salts were synthesized. The molecular species of calcium salts of MDP (MDP-Ca salts) produced by decalcification of enamel or dentin were determined based on the XRD and (31)P NMR analysis results of these three types of synthesized MDP-Ca salts. Curve-fitting analysis showed that enamel and dentin developed several types of MDP-Ca salts and amorphous dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) during decalcification. The molecular species of MDP-Ca salts produced by enamel and dentin were mono-calcium salts of MDP monomer and MDP dimer. In addition, dentin produced a di-calcium of MDP dimer.

Antibacterial Effects of South Indian Spices on Oral Microbes

Dental caries is a destructive process causing decalcification of the tooth enamel and leading to continued destruction of enamel and dentin, and cavitation of the tooth. Given the incidence of oral disease, increased resistance by bacteria to antibiotics, adverse affects of some antibacterial agents currently used in dentistry and financial considerations in developing countries, there is a need for alternative prevention and treatment options that are safe, effective and economical. This paper researches the anti bacterial properties of some South India spices and its role in inhibiting oral microbes. Clove has effective bactericidal properties and is used to inhibit gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Black pepper is known widely for its therapeutic uses. The antibacterial activity of these spices on Lacobacillus acidophilus, organism strongly associated with progression of dental caries was screened by disc diffusion method. The results obtained from our study shows that the two extracts have got a very good antibacterial activity against Lactobacillus acidophilus.