Aim:The aim of the present study was to compare the undisturbed plaque formation on teeth bonded with Preadjusted (Captain Ortho, Libral Traders, Mumbai, India) and Begg Brackets (Captain Ortho, Libral Traders, Mumbai, India) with nonbonded control sites via a de novo plaque growth over a period of 7 days.Materials and Methods:A clinical trial with the split-mouth design was set up enrolling 10 dental students. Within each subject sites with (Preadjusted) (P-site), Begg brackets (B-site) and control sites were followed. Plaque index and gingival index were recorded on days 3 and 7. Supra-gingival and sub-gingival plaque samples were taken from the brackets and the teeth on days 3 and 7, and were sent for aerobic and anaerobic culturing. The total number of bacterial colony forming units (CFU) was assessed for each sample using a colony counter. Tukeys and Dunnett test then statistically analyzed data.Results:The mean plaque index and gingival index increased on P-site and B-site on the third and 7th day. The shift from aerobic to anaerobic species was observed earlier in P-sites than in B-sites. The CFU were significantly higher for all sites on day 7 when compared with day 3. The aerobe/anaerobe CFU ratio was significantly lower in P-sites than in B-sites and then control showing an increase in the number of anaerobic species on the 3rd and 7th day (P < 0.05). Based on observed means, the mean difference was significant (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The present data suggest that Preadjusted brackets accumulated more plaque than Begg brackets. Bracket design can have a significant impact on bacterial load and on periodontal parameters.

No abstract

Aim:The aim of this study was (1) To investigate the viability of bacteria within supragingival and subgingival calculus, (2) To examine motility of bacteria, and (3) To identify bacterial morphotypes in calculus.Materials and Methods:Supra and subgingival calculus were harvested from 30 subjects having clinical evidence of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease and were divided into two groups. Samples from both groups were immediately transported to the Department of Microbiology for gram staining, acridine orange staining, bacterial culture and to the Department of Oral Pathology for dark field microscopy.Results:Gram staining revealed presence of bacteria within the samples.Dark field microscopic examination revealed presence of filamentous organisms, spirochetes, and motile short bacilli. Acridine orange fluorescent stain showed that the viable bacteria appeared apple green. Bacterial culture revealed presence of a variety of aerobic organisms.Conclusion:From the results, it appeared that viable bacteria were present within calculus especially within internal channels and lacunae.

No abstract

Aim: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the bacterial survival rate on toothbrushes and efficacy of their decontamination by 4% disodium ethyl diamine tetra acetic acid [EDTA], 10% sodium perborate and 3% neem juice.  Methods: Forty subjects with chronic periodontitis enrolled to this randomized controlled clinical trial were provided with autoclaved toothbrushes which were free from microorganisms. Brushing instructions were given to each participant. Toothbrushes were collected from all study participants after one week and were placed with head down position in autoclaved test tube containing sterile peptone water. Toothbrushes collected were sent for aerobic culture in laboratory for growth of micro-organisms. Incubation was done for 24 hours at 37˚C.The toothbrushes were then divided into four groups and immersed in disinfectants like 4% disodium EDTA, 10% sodium perborate and 3% neem juice. Their efficacy was evaluated by aerobic culture analysis and chi – square test was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: The results obtained showed that 4% disodium EDTA and 3% neem juice showed 100% efficacy, whereas 10% Sodium perborate showed 40% effectiveness in decontaminating the toothbrushes. Distilled water as a control showed least effectiveness in cleaning toothbrushes.  Conclusion: The present data appeared to indicate that 4% Disodium EDTA and 3 % Neem juice are equally effective but 3% Neem juice may be considered non-toxic, cost effective and quite feasible for disinfection of toothbrushes.