AIM:To assess the antibacterial competence of 650 nm diode laser, Methylene Blue (MB) and Silver Nano-Particles (Ag NPs) on Streptococcus mutans in biofilm-induced caries models.MATERIAL AND METHODS:One hundred eighty specimens were prepared and equally divided into 6 groups. One group was untreated (control), and the others were subjected to either MB, laser, Ag NPs, the combination of MB and Laser or MB, laser and Ag NPs.RESULTS:Comparison of the log10 mean Colony Forming Units per millilitre (CFU/ml) values of each of the treated 5 groups and the control group was found statistically significant (P-value < 0.05). The combination of MB, laser and Ag NPs recorded the greatest reduction (95.28%). MB alone represented the least capable (74.09%). The efficiency differences among the Ag NPs treated group; the Laser treated group and the combined MB/Laser treated group were found statistically insignificant.CONCLUSION:The combination of MB, 650 nm diode laser and Ag NPs may be among the highly effective modern antimicrobial therapeutics in dentistry.

Objectives:The aim of this study is to assess the antibacterial effectiveness of probiotic-experimental-based mouthwash (MW) against Streptococcus mutans in vitro.Materials and Methods:Antimicrobial screening of two active additives (probiotic-zamzam) was tested against S. mutans using disc diffusion method. A total of three MWs; (1) an experimental MW base formula, (2) an experimental MW base formula with the two active additives, and (3) commercial MW (hexitol), were evaluated against S. mutans by well diffusion method after 24 h and 72 h storage period. The survival profile of probiotic strain in the experimental MW was determined using colony counting method as well as the pH changes at three intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and t-test to compare the inhibition zone diameter.Results:For active additives, probiotic strain exhibited higher mean inhibition zones values than zamzam water against S. mutans. Regarding the inhibition zones for the three tested MWs, the experimental MW showed significant increase in the inhibition zone after 72 h, while there was insignificant change with commercial MW. For probiotic count in MW, there was insignificant change in bacterial count after 24 h, and significant decrease after 15 days, followed by insignificant change after 30 days. For the pH values of the experimental MW, a statistically insignificant change was found after 24 h, significant decrease after 15 days and insignificant change after 30 days.Conclusions:The probiotic-zamzam experimental MW was effective in reducing S. mutans. Zamzam water could be considered as prebiotic ingredient. Therefore, the probiotic-zamzam MW has a potential therapeutic value.

Objective Objective was to investigate the effect of NovaMin toothpaste and two experimental toothpastes on surface microhardness of hypersensitive dentin. Methods Eighty specimens were prepared and divided randomly into eight groups (n = 10/group) according to the tested toothpastes (NovaMin, moringa and propolis toothpastes) and the acidic challenge (with or without 6% citric acid challenge). Enamel surfaces were removed, and the dentin surfaces were exposed on which the three tested toothpastes were brushed twice a day for 1 week using an electric toothbrush, then a 4-d citric acid cycling model with pH 5 was performed. The prepared specimens were stored in artificial saliva until the microhardness test was performed. Statistical analysis was done using One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test. Results NovaMin-containing toothpaste showed an increased dentin surface microhardness following a week of twice daily brushing compared to other groups. However, NovaMin-containing toothpaste showed the highest microhardness values following pH cycling with citric acid of pH 5 compared to other tested groups. Conclusions NovaMin-containing toothpaste showed a partial recovery of dentin microhardness at pH 5 during the acidic challenge. Moreover, propolis- and moringa-containing toothpastes had an insignificant effect on dentin surface microhardness with and without citric acid challenge.

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Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different concentrations of titanium dioxide nano particles TiO 2 NP on the color and surface roughness of enamel surface. Material and methods: 20 bovine anterior teeth were selected. Each tooth was divided into two equal halves and distributed to two groups A and B. Group A: one half is subjected to bleaching agent (AI) and the other half to bleaching agent mixed with 5% TiO 2 NP (AII). Group B: one half is subjected to bleaching agent (BI) and the other half to bleaching agent mixed with 10% TiO 2 NP (BII). Surface roughness (Ra) and color changes were evaluated using stereomicroscope and spectrophotometer. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the roughness Ra between all bleaching groups at (p=5981>0.05). 10% concentration of TiO 2 NP group represented the lowest mean color value while there was no statistically significant difference in bleaching only groups and 5% concentration TiO 2 NP group using Pair-wise Tukey post-hoc (p>0.05). Conclusions: Titanium oxide nano particles had an influence on the efficiency of bleaching agent without jeopardizing enamel surface roughness.