Fluoride Toothpaste Research Articles

Gum Arabic: Can it replace sodium fluoride in toothpaste? “Comparison of their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans”

Background: The effectiveness of fluoride in caries prevention isenhanced by its ability to reduce demineralization, promote remineralization, and antibacterial properties against streptococcus mutans. Interestingly, Gum Arabic has a remineralization effect similar to that of sodium fluoride.
 Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of Gum Arabic processed by two methods against Streptococcus mutans and compare it to the antibacterial activity of various concentrations of sodium fluoride in order to compare their caries prevention capability.
 Design: Antibacterial susceptibility tests for 200mg ethanolic extracts of mechanically ground and spray-dried Gum Arabic, as well as sodium fluoride at concentrations of 0.05% and 1.23% against S. mutans (ATCC 25175) were performed using the agar disc diffusion method. Chlorhexidine and Antibiotic multi-disc for gram-positive bacteria were used as positive controls, while ethanol 20% as a negative control. The diameters of the inhibition zones were measured for all the materials under investigation.
 Results: The diameters of the inhibition zones of the spray-dried and the mechanically ground Gum Arabic were (10.67 mm & 9.67mm), respectively, almost approximating each other. In comparison, sodium fluoride (0.05% wash and 1.23% gel) showed inhibition zones of diameters (0mm& 2.33mm), respectively.
 Gum Arabic, with both processing methods, exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity against S. mutans than sodium fluoride (0.05%, 1.23%)
 Conclusion: Gum Arabic, either mechanically ground or spray-dried, is a partially active antibacterial against S. mutans. Gum Arabic is a more potent antibacterial against S. mutans than sodium fluoride.
 Keywords: Gum Arabic, Anti-caries, Sodium fluoride, Streptococcus mutans, Antibacterial activity

A STEPwise Approach for Oral Hygiene Behavior of Schoolchildren in Romania.

This research analyzes the dental hygiene habits of schoolchildren from parents' perspectives, using the STEPS approach recommended by the World Health Organization. The key points of oral health care in children include the role of the family in encouraging and maintaining proper oral hygiene practices. This study aimed to assess the oral hygiene practices of schoolchildren with on-site dentists in Romania. Additionally, it sought to establish correlations between these behaviors and the educational levels of the adults with whom they live with. The participants were selected from the zero grade to the eighth grade, totaling 3843students. Statistical analysis involved the application of Fisher's Exact Test and Z-tests with Bonferroni correction. Multinominal and binominal logistic regression models were employed to predict the impact of parents' education on children's oral health status and behavior. The oral health status of children evaluated by parents as poor was more frequent in children whose parents had a primary or gymnasium education (p < 0.001). Female adults with a university education evaluated the gum health of their children as very good to a much greater extent (41.7%, p < 0.001). Regarding the use of auxiliary means, the majority of parents with a university education mentioned that their children use dental floss (26.4% females/27.4% males) (p < 0.001), compared to those with primary education, where the percentage was only (1.2% males/3.5% females) (p < 0.001). The results of this study highlight that the education level of the adults with whom the children live with influences the perception of the teeth and gums health status, the frequency of oral hygiene, the use of fluoride toothpaste, and auxiliary brushing aids.

Prevention of oral diseases for the older person (Part 1).

Older adults often experience poorer levels of oral health than younger adults, especially if they have become dependent on a third party to support their daily oral care routine. However, the deterioration of oral health does not need to be a part of the ageing process. Most oral diseases are largely preventable with the daily removal of dental plaque that forms on teeth and dentures, using a fluoride toothpaste, eating a healthy diet and reducing any tobacco consumption. The dental team have a duty of care to ensure that older people receive evidence-based oral health preventative advice tailored to the individual, taking into account individual risk factors that can increase with age. This can include the clinical application of topical fluoride and minimally invasive dentistry. Older people at an increased risk of poor oral health include those with cognitive conditions, physical impairments and certain medical conditions. Care home residents face particular barriers to attaining a satisfactory standard of oral care which are discussed herein. Good oral health preventative routines must be established early after the diagnosis of progressive chronic conditions and will help to prevent the need for dental intervention later in life when treatment can be more difficult to tolerate. Inclusion of oral health prevention within health policy and legislation is necessary to improve the oral health for older people living in all health and care settings.

Effectiveness of theory-based educational interventions of promoting oral health among elementary school students

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to determine the effect of oral health education programs on the oral health of primary school students.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial study, 190 elementary fifth-grade female students were chosen using the multistage cluster sampling method. In this study, the Plaque Index (PI), Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), Community Periodontal Index (CPI), tooth brushing using fluoride toothpaste, dental flossing frequency and factors affecting them were determined according to social cognitive theory (SCT). Interventions were implemented using the play method and with the help of three pamphlets, five posters, a celebration of oral health, and the creation of a Telegram group. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics indexes, t tests, paired sample t tests, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation tests.ResultsThe results showed that 3 months after the intervention, compared to before the intervention, the percentage of participants in the intervention group who brushed their teeth twice or more per day increased by 48.5%, and the percentage of participants who used dental floss at least once per day increased by 64.2%. The rate of gum bleeding decreased by 6.3%. The good OHI-S rate increased by 44.4%. Dental plaque decreased by 38.1%.ConclusionThe results demonstrated that a gamification design can be effective and useful in promoting the oral health of students.Trial registrationregistration timing: retrospective, registration date: 18/10/2022, registration number: IRCT20141128020129N2.

The factors associated with the knowledge of brushing teeth with fluoridated toothpaste among high school students in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

The use of fluoridated toothpaste (FT) is essential for controlling caries. This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to determine the proportion of students who brushed their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste/or do not know the content at least once a day and to determine the factors associated with the knowledge of brushing teeth with FT. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed during the academic year 2019-2020 among 439 high school students. The data collected included sociodemographic characteristics and oral-health-related variables [e.g., brushing teeth, knowledge of the effect of fluoride on caries (KEFC) and dental service utilisation (DSU)]. The dependent variable was the knowledge of using FT when brushing teeth (Yes or do not know). Descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analysis were performed. The response rate was 98% (n = 432) and usable data was 88% (n = 385). The median (IQR) age of the students was 16.00 (1) years, and 190 (47%) were males. Eighty eight percent of the students brushed their teeth with toothpaste daily with no knowledge of toothpaste content and only 86 (21.8%) knew the content of the toothpaste used for brushing their teeth i.e., FT. The multivariable analyses revealed an association of family income and KEFC with brushing teeth with FT [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-3.43, p = 0.015 and AOR = 6.11, 95% CI: 3.45-10.83, p < 0.001, respectively]. While the brushing and use of toothpaste among high school students was common, the knowledge of the content of toothpaste used for brushing teeth was less common and was associated with family income and KEFC.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice toward Early Childhood Caries among Pediatricians and Pediatric Residents in Karnataka

Abstract Introduction: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant worldwide oral health problem. Pediatricians can be a perfect source for children’s oral health promotion and disease prevention. Hence, the study was conducted to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice about early dental caries among pediatricians and pediatric residents. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 350 pediatricians and pediatric residents which covered aspects of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding dental caries. The questionnaire consisted of 22 close-ended questionnaires. Data were tabulated and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Most pediatricians had adequate knowledge regarding the appropriate age to start oral hygiene as well as performed visual oral examination but very few had instruments to diagnose dental caries. Only 37% of pediatricians advised dental visits below 1 year and only 27% advised the use of fluoridated toothpaste below 1 year. Conclusion: Most of the pediatricians had adequate knowledge and awareness of dental care and hygiene. The lack of dental knowledge and training during postgraduation limits the pediatricians’ role in promoting children’s oral health.

Attitudes of general dental practitioners toward preventive approach in pediatric patients: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract Objective: This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess the attitudes and practices of general dental practitioners regarding a preventive approach in pediatric patients. Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 279 general dental practitioners and employed a structured questionnaire comprising multiple items to assess their attitudes and practices related to a preventive approach in pediatric patients and data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: The survey revealed that 60.1% of pediatric patients visited the clinic frequently and 71.0% were treated directly by the dentists. A preventive approach was common (69.2%) among practitioners. Prescription practices showed that 57.1% of dentists prescribed a specified amount of fluoridated toothpaste and 62.5% preferred fluoride gel over varnish. Nonfluoride remineralizing agents were preferred by 60.0% of dentists. Glass ionomer cement (66.7%) was preferred for pit fissure sealant applications. Conclusion: The survey indicates that general dental practitioners have a positive attitude toward preventive care in pediatric patients. However, further education and knowledge dissemination are needed to enhance their understanding and confidence.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practice of general pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists towards oral health in children: a survey in Turkey.

This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general pediatricians (GPs) and pediatric subspecialists (PSs) practicing in Turkey toward oral health in children. A national sample of 642 pediatricians who attended the Turkish National Pediatrics Congress completed a survey consisting of 36 questions. The results are segmented based on sex, years of experience, and whether the pediatrician was a general pediatrician or pediatric subspecialist. Relationships between dependent categorical variables were tested using the Chi-square test. Four hundred eighty-seven questionnaires were completed, resulting in a 75.8% response rate; 69.8% of general pediatricians and 74.1% of pediatric subspecialists recommended the first dental visit before the first year or eruption of the first teeth; 62.6% agreed that pediatricians have a role in inculcating oral hygiene habits in patients; 98.2% of the respondents indicated they had performed oral examinations on their patients since birth; 72.8% of PSs suggested bottle-feeding to their patients, whereas only 33.5% of GPs did; 65.4% of PSs, 78.2% of GPs (p = 0.003), and 76.8% of the physicians with <5 years experience recommended fluoridated toothpaste under 2 years of age. There were statistically significant differences between the knowledge and attitudes of GPs and PSs. Female respondents were more knowledgeable than male respondents about oral health in children. Additionally, years of experience did not correlate with increased knowledge and proper attitudes toward oral health in children.

The Effect of Actives in Desensitizing and Conventional Mouth Rinses Against Dentin Erosive Wear.

This study evaluated the effect of actives present in conventional and desensitizing mouth rinses on the control of dentin erosive tooth wear. Two hundred and seventy dentin specimens from human molars were prepared. The specimens were randomly allocated into 10 experimental groups (n=10): 4 corresponding to desensitizing mouth rinses, 4 to conventional mouth rinses, a negative control group (C-: distilled water), and a positive control group (C+: 500 ppm fluoride plus 800 ppm tin mouth rinse). Specimens were subjected to an erosion-abrasion cycling model: 5 min immersion in 0.3% citric acid and 60 min exposure to artificial saliva. This procedure was repeated 4x/day for 5 days. Immediately after the first and last erosive challenges, the specimens were brushed with a slurry of fluoride toothpaste for 15 s, with a total of 2 min exposure to the slurry. Afterward, the specimens were exposed to the mouth rinses. Dentin surface loss (SL, in µm) was determined by optical profilometry. Data were statistically analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests (α=0.05). The only mouth rinses that presented significantly lower dentin SL than the C- was a desensitizing one containing sodium fluoride (220 ppm F-) with dipotassium oxalate (1.4%) and the C+ (p<0.001 and p=0.013, respectively), without significant differences between them (p>0.05). Dentin SL of the other groups did not significantly differ from the C- (p>0.05). The combination of sodium fluoride with dipotassium oxalate in a desensitizing mouth rinse showed a promising result against dentin erosive wear, matching the protection offered by a fluoride/tin mouth rinse.

Effect of Toothpaste Fluoride Concentration on Color Stability of Resin Composites: An In Vitro Study

Effect of Toothpaste Fluoride Concentration on Color Stability of Resin Composites: An In Vitro Study

Change in dental caries status on provision of high fluoridated tooth paste; A triple blind randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To investigate the change in dental caries status on provision of high fluoridated tooth paste after 24 months. Study Design: Triple Blind Randomized Clinical and Controlled. Setting: Private School of Gulshan Town, Karachi. Period: January 2018 to January 2020. Material &amp; Methods: A cohort of regular school children aged 12-15 years studying in classes 6-9 were included. Through simple random sampling, 412 subjects were purposively allocated to Group A (n=202, intervention group) and Group B (n=210, control group). A pre-trial market survey was conducted to identify the fluoridated toothpastes available followed by the laboratory testing of fluoride concentration through Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Dental examination was performed by a single examiner on mobile dental units under sunlight in the school ground using sterilized dental mirror, probe and tweezers at baseline and then after 8, 16 and 24 months employing the World Health Organization recommended Decayed Missing Filled Teeth index. Results: The mean age of the recruited participants was 12.91±0.82 having 209 males and 203 females. The mean DMFT scores observed over 24 months were 1.25 in group A and 1.42 in group B. At baseline it was 1.10 ±1.50 and 1.11±1.43 which gradually increased to 1.32±1.57 and 1.59±1.96 in group A and B respectively at last follow-up examination. Conclusion: This trial has identified no significant change in the overall dental caries status; however, the mean decayed score in both the interventional groups decreased on provision of high fluoridated tooth paste.

Comparison of the Remineralization Effect of Nano Herbal Toothpaste With Two Kinds of Toothpaste Containing Fluoride and Bioactive Glass on Primary Enamel Lesions: An In Vitro Study

Background: Considering the therapeutic properties of the compounds used in Albodent Iranian toothpaste and little evidence about the effect of NovaMin toothpaste on primary caries lesions, the purpose of this research was to compare the effect of toothpaste containing fluoride and toothpaste containing bioactive glass with Albodent toothpaste on enamel remineralization in a laboratory manner. Methods: Overall, 24 healthy human premolar teeth were selected and divided into buccal and lingual halves. The demineralization cycle of the samples was performed for 14 days. The samples were classified into four groups and were brushed twice a day for 28 days with tested toothpaste. A microhardness test was conducted, and changes in the enamel surface and morphology of one sample selected from each group were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The analysis of variance and Tukey’s tests were used for the statistical analysis of the data. Results: The average difference in microhardness in the studied groups was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) when compared two-by-two with the control group. The most noticeable difference was found in the comparison of the Sensodyne group with the control group, while the lowest difference was observed in the comparison of the Albodent group with the control group. Conclusion: The presence of NovaMin in toothpaste along with fluoride can increase the efficiency of the remineralization rate of primary enamel lesions compared to fluoride toothpaste without bioactive glass. In addition, the effectiveness of herbal toothpastes, which do not contain essential artificial ingredients in the remineralization of primary enamel lesions was lower than that of non-herbal fluoride toothpastes.

Effect of nanometric β-calcium glycerophosphate supplementation in conventional toothpaste on enamel demineralization: An in vitro study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing toothpastes containing 1100 ppm F with micrometric or nanometric [beta]-calcium glycerophosphate (β-CaGPm/β-CaGPn) on artificial enamel demineralization, using a pH cycling model. Bovine enamel blocks (4 mm × 4 mm, n = 120) selected using initial surface hardness were randomly allocated to ten toothpaste groups (n = 12): without fluoride or β-CaGPm or β-CaGPn (Negative control), 1100 ppm F (1100 F), and 1100 ppm F plus 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% of β-CaGPm or β-CaGPn. Blocks were treated two times per day with toothpaste slurry and subjected to five pH cycles (demineralizing and remineralizing solutions) at 37 °C. The final surface hardness, percentage of surface hardness loss (%SH), cross-sectional hardness (ΔKHN), and profile analysis and lesion depth subsurface were analysed using polarized light microscopy (PLM). Fluoride (F), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) concentrations were also measured. Data were analysed using ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests ([alpha] = 0.001). Blocks treated with 1100 F toothpaste containing 0.5%β-CaGPm or 0.25%β-CaGPn showed with reduced %SH values when compared with those treated with 1100 F alone (p < 0.001). Reduced lesion depths (ΔKHN and PLM) were observed for the slurry made up of 1100 F and 0.25%β-CaGPn (p < 0.001). The addition of β-CaGPm and β-CaGPn did not influence the enamel F concentration, with the 1100 F/0.25%β-CaGPn group exhibiting the highest Ca and P enamel concentrations (p < 0.001). Based on the findings of this in vitro study, we can conclude that the fluoride toothpaste produced a superior effect when combined at an appropriate β-CaGP molar ratio. This effect was achieved with a lower proportion of β-CaGP in the form of nanometric particles.

Does oral health goal setting during medical visits improve parents' oral health behaviors?

The Rocky Mountain Network for Oral Health (RoMoNOH) promotes the delivery of preventive oral health services (POHS) to children receiving care at community health centers (CHCs) in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. One POHS is oral health goal setting (OHGS). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of OHGS during medical visits on parent/caregiver-reported oral health behaviors (OHBs). The RoMoNOH implementation team trained CHC healthcare providers in POHS, including caries risk assessment, oral health education, fluoride varnish application, dental referrals, and parent/caregiver oral health engagement. To promote parents' oral health engagement, healthcare providers were trained in motivational interviewing (MI) with OHGS at medical visits. To evaluate the impact of MI with OHGS on parent/caregiver OHBs, a healthcare team member invited parents/caregivers to complete a baseline survey after their medical visits. The evaluation team sent a follow-up survey after 10-14 days. The surveys measured parents/caregivers' goals, confidence in goal attainment, OHBs, and sociodemographics; the follow-up survey also measured OHGS attainment. Improvement in parent/caregiver-reported OHBs was tested with a paired t-test and unadjusted and adjusted multiple linear regression. In total, 426 parents/caregivers completed the baseline survey; 184 completed both surveys. OHBs, including toothbrushing frequency, stopping bed bottles, drinking tap water, and brushing with fluoride toothpaste improved over the evaluation interval. After adjusting for covariates, brushing with fluoride toothpaste (p = 0.01), drinking tap water (p = 0.03), and removing bed bottles (p = 0.03) improved significantly. MI with OHGS with parents/caregivers during medical visits has potential to improve OHBs on behalf of their children.

PREVENTION OF DENTAL CARIES IN PRESCHOOL AGE

Dental caries affects all age groups, but especially children who are of preschool age. The disease is socially significant and affects the quality of life. Various interventions are used to prevent dental caries - water fluoridation, fluoride toothpaste, sugar restriction, antimicrobials, regular preventive examinations and, last but not least, oral hygiene. We have developed a health education program (conversation, discussion, film, practical activity) with the aim of preventing dental caries among children who are at the age of 5. The training was presented by 20 children attending the 'Prolet' kindergarten in the city of Pleven. A discussion was held among the children, a film was shown, proper brushing of the teeth was demonstrated, and they were given the opportunity to practice the technique shown to them. Parents were presented with an information board illustrating dental caries and its consequences; they were given flyers showing possibilities for its prevention. In this report, we show the changes in children's behavior (according to their parents) after the realization of the program. A positive effect of the program conducted among the children was reported. In conclusion, we can say that health education is an important element in the prevention of dental caries.

Effect of Plant-Based Mouthwash (Morinda citrifolia and Ocimum sanctum) on TNF-α, IL-α, IL-β, IL-2, and IL-6 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Plaque Scores of Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment.

Background and Objectives: To investigate the antiplaque properties of two plant-based mouthwashes, Morinda citrifolia (MC) and Ocimum sanctum (OS), and their effect on TNF-α, IL-α, IL-β, IL-2, and IL-6 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five individuals were recruited according to defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study was structured into two distinct phases. Phase I was a combination of toothbrushing using toothpaste containing fluoride (Protocol A), while Phase II toothbrushing included fluoride toothpaste and use of a mouthwash (Protocol B). For Phase II, individuals participating in this study were allocated into different groups through a randomization process: Group 1-0.12% CHX, Group 2-5% MC, and Group 3-4% OS. Each individual's Phase I and Phase II scores were assessed. GCF was measured in three phases to determine the level of inflammatory biomarkers. The paired t-test evaluated the disparities between the pre- and post-plaque index. Categorical data were subjected to crosstab analysis to assess qualitative variables. The mean values of cytokine levels were presented. An unpaired t-test was employed to assess the levels of cytokines between individuals in Phase I and Phase II. Results: Toothbrushing, fluoride toothpaste, and the supplementary use of mouthwash (Phase II) resulted in mean plaque scores significantly lower than group A (p < 0.001). Cytokines TNF-α, IL-α, and IL-β demonstrated a significant downward trend in herbal mouthwash users. Conclusions: In conjunction with fluoridated toothpaste and brushing, OS and MC can serve as a viable alternative to conventional synthetic mouthwash CHX. This combination demonstrates reducing mean plaque scores and diminishing the levels of cytokines TNF-α, IL-α, and IL-β.

Oral health status and oral habits of children and adolescents with hemophilia: a report from the children’s hemophilia comprehensive care center of China

In recent years, the diagnosis and treatment of hemophilic children in China has significantly improved. However, oral health conditions, which affect quality of life, haven’t received attention in this population. To explore the oral health status and oral hygiene of children and adolescents with hemophilia in the Children’s Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Center of China. Dental and oral hygiene examinations were performed in children and adolescents with hemophilia who visited Beijing Children’s Hospital. DMFT/dmft (decayed, missing, filled teeth in permanent and primary teeth) was assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) was used to evaluate the oral hygiene condition of the subjects. Questionnaires were completed by their parents. SPSS 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. A total of 114 children and adolescents were enrolled. The caries prevalence was 57.4%, 72.2% and 41.2% in primary, mixed and permanent dentitions respectively. The filling rates were 14.4%, 13.9%, and 11.4%, respectively, and the OHI-S scores of the three dentition groups were 1.49 ± 0.46, 1.57 ± 0.43, and 1.76 ± 0.46, respectively. A total of 103 valid questionnaires were collected. Sixty-nine children (67%) didn’t brushed their teeth 2 times a day. Nearly half of the parents knew little about fluoride toothpaste. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that brushing teeth with the help of parents had a significant positive impact on OHI-S. Conclusion: Dental health was unsatisfactory among hemophilic children and adolescents. The caries filling rates were low. Patients and their parents did not give much attention to oral health.What is Known:• Caries and gingivitis are the two main oral diseases that affect children with hemophilia.• However, the oral health conditions of children and adolescents with hemophilia have not received much attention in China.What is New:• This is the first study concentrating on the dental health of children with hemophilia in China.• Dental health was unsatisfactory among children and adolescents with hemophilia in China.

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Predisposing Factors in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Predisposing Factors in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of&#x0D; Port Harcourt&#x0D; Background: Dental caries is a common oral health disease of global interest. The burden of thedisease and predisposing factors must be determined before a preventive programme could bedesigned, but relevant data from community-based studies are not common in Rivers State.Aims and Objectives: This study was designed to determine the prevalence and predisposing factorsto caries development in the Local Government Area (LGA).Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among adultresidents in Obio-Akpor LGA of Rivers State. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was usedto collect personal data and caries predisposing factors while oral examination was carried out todetermine caries severity and oral hygiene status using DMFT and OHI-S indexes respectively. Thesample size (240) was determined using the formula for descriptive studies.Results: The mean (SD) age was 32(±1.113) years. Most of the participants were married, Ikwerres,skilled workers, earn &amp;lt;100dollar and most had secondary education. Most seldom/never use tobaccoproducts. Most ate fresh fruits every day or several times a week and most also ate cariogenic dietevery day or several times a day. Most use fluoride toothpaste once a day and most do not use floss.Most have never seen a dentist. The prevalence of untreated caries was 64.2%. DMFT score=0.91(very low). The OHI-S = 3.3. (&amp;gt;3 indicates poor OHI).Conclusions: The DMFT index was low while OHI-S was high. Poor oral hygiene status, oralhealthcare utilization and cariogenic diets predisposed the participants to caries.Key words: Caries, prevalence, predisposing factors, prevention

Antibacterial Effectiveness of Cinnamon Peel Ethanol Extract Toothpaste (Cinnamomum burmanni) In Inhibiting the Growth of Streptococcus Bacteria

&lt;div&gt;&lt;table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"&gt;&lt;tbody&gt;&lt;tr&gt;&lt;td align="left" valign="top"&gt;&lt;p class="Default"&gt;&lt;em&gt;Streptococcus is one of the dominant bacteria in the oral cavity. This bacteria is the bacteria that causes dental caries. Toothpaste containing fluoride is important for preventing tooth decay. Using fluoride toothpaste creates a dilemma because it can cause side effects in the form of fluorosis if used in concentrations that are not recommended. However, there is an alternative way, namely by using toothpaste which contains essential oils and plant extracts. The type of research used is the experimental method. The research was conducted at the pharmaceutical laboratory of the Health Polytechnic of the Ministry of Health Medan and the Microbiology laboratory of the University of North Sumatra Hospital, which was carried out from May to July 2023. The samples in this study were dental plaque taken from 30 respondents pre and post intervention application of 12.5% cinnamon bark ethanol extract toothpaste. The data obtained will be analyzed statistically using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test and the parametric Pair T-Test. The results showed that toothpaste with cinnamon bark ethanol extract with a concentration of 12.5% had significant antibacterial activity in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus bacteria with a p value &amp;lt;0.05. This toothpaste is able to significantly reduce the number of bacterial colonies found in dental plaque in all bacterial groups. It is hoped that these results will provide information to the public that the ethanol extract of cinnamon bark can be used as an active ingredient in toothpaste.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/td&gt;&lt;/tr&gt;&lt;/tbody&gt;&lt;/table&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords: Antibacterial, Cinnamon bark, Streptococcus, Toothpaste&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;

Improving predoctoral education related to caries risk assessment in adults.

This project examined patterns of adult patient management using a caries risk assessment (CRA) protocol at East Carolina University, School of Dental Medicine. Usage of the CRA protocol from 2014 to 2019 was assessed. Non-operative anti-caries treatments were measured against caries risk status (high, moderate, low, or none). Steps to improve the appropriate management of patients based on caries risk are presented to align with accreditation standards for predoctoral education programs. The CRA protocol is based on the Caries Management by Risk Assessment approach. Risk-based patterns for two non-operative interventions were examined: (1) prescriptions for 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) mouth rinse and (2) prescriptions for 5000 ppm fluoride toothpaste (PreviDent 5000 [PreviDent]). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and logistic regression. Over the study period only 16.4% of adult patients had completed the CRA form. Among 29,411 patients from nine community sites, treatment rates for PreviDent were 18.7% among high-risk patients, 11.6% for moderate-risk adults, and 6.4% for low-risk adults (p<0.01). Treatment rates for CHX were 23.0%, 22.6%, and 17.1%, respectively (p<0.05). Patients without a CRA status were least likely to receive any anti-caries treatments, indicating that CRA status affects clinical, non-operative care. Patterns for prescription of PreviDent and CHX are consistent with CRA status. Future efforts to improve usage of the CRA protocol using faculty calibration, tracking with quality improvement tools, and reassessment. Training in the community-based educational setting is enhanced through data-based tracking to assure evidence-based decision making.