povidone-iodine and Dental-Caries

Dental caries in young children frequently appears first on the maxillary primary incisors, where the liquids ingested by the infant sucking on a bottle or breast remain pooled away from salivary flow. This so-called early childhood caries can rapidly progress to result in rampant destruction of the primary dentition. ECC can affect children from all socioeconomic classes but is most often found in children of new immigrants or those with lower socioeconomic status. The treatment of ECC is costly, and treatment relapses are frequent. Prevention and treatment of ECC focus on inhibition of the growth of oral bacteria. Strategies include reducing the frequency of exposure to bacterial substrates, as well as controlling the growth of oral bacteria. Topical antibacterials such as 10 percent povidone iodine show promise for future use in the inhibition of ECC in young children.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bottle Feeding; California; Child, Preschool; Dental Caries; Diet, Cariogenic; Humans; Poverty; Povidone-Iodine; Prevalence; Tooth, Deciduous

Dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease. Products of metabolism by bacteria populating the tooth surface induce development and progression of cavities.. We sought to determine whether a polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I; povidone-iodine) and NaF topical varnish was superior to one containing only NaF in prevention of new dental caries lesions in a single-center randomized active-controlled trial based on a double-blind, parallel-group design.. The site was Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia. The study population was healthy children 49 to 84 mo old who were enrolled in early childhood education: 284 were randomized (1:1 allocation), and 273 were included in year 1 analysis and 262 in year 2. The test varnish contained 10% PVP-I and 5.0% NaF. The comparator contained only 5.0% NaF but was otherwise identical. Varnishes were applied every 3 mo during 2 y. The primary outcome was the surface-level primary molar caries lesion increment (d. At year 1, the caries lesion increment for primary molars sound at baseline was 0.9 surfaces (SD = 1.5) for the test varnish versus 1.8 (SD = 2.2) for the comparator varnish with fluoride alone (adjusted rate ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.81; P = .005). At year 2, the caries lesion increment for primary molars sound at baseline was 2.3 surfaces (SD = 2.8) for the test varnish as compared with 3.3 (SD = 2.7) for the comparator (adjusted rate ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.52 to 1.03; P = .073). Teeth that were already cavitated at baseline did not show a preventive effect. There were no harms.. A dental varnish containing PVP-I and NaF is effective in the primary prevention of cavities in the primary dentition (NCT03082196).. This study demonstrates that periodic application of a varnish containing NaF and PVP-I is effective in prevention of caries lesions and useful in assessing the potential of combined treatment.

Topics: Cariostatic Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Dental Caries; Fluorides; Fluorides, Topical; Humans; Micronesia; Povidone-Iodine

Dental caries (tooth decay) is a common disease in which the products of sugar metabolism by certain bacteria that populate the tooth surface induce the development and progression of lesions (cavities). This is a phase II single-centre randomised, double-blind, active-controlled, parallel-group trial to assess the efficacy of a combination povidone iodine and sodium fluoride dental varnish to determine if it is superior to a varnish containing only sodium fluoride in the prevention of new caries lesions. The objective of this report is to describe the rationale and protocol for the trial.. The Western Institutional Review Board (designated IRB) and the Institutional Review Board of the College of Micronesia-FSM approved all study procedures. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued IND 128835 covering this study. The study results will be published and submitted to the FDA in support of a new drug application.. NCT03082196.

Topics: Cariostatic Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Dental Caries; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Male; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Povidone-Iodine; Research Design; Sodium Fluoride; Treatment Outcome

The aim of the study is to reduce the high prevalence of tooth decay in children in a remote, rural Indigenous community in Australia, by application of a single annual dental preventive intervention. The study seeks to (1) assess the effectiveness of an annual oral health preventive intervention in slowing the incidence of dental caries in children in this community, (2) identify the mediating role of known risk factors for dental caries and (3) assess the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of the intervention.. The intervention is novel in that most dental preventive interventions require regular re-application, which is not possible in resource constrained communities. While tooth decay is preventable, self-care and healthy habits are lacking in these communities, placing more emphasis on health services to deliver an effective dental preventive intervention. Importantly, the study will assess cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness for broader implementation across similar communities in Australia and internationally.. There is an urgent need to reduce the burden of dental decay in these communities, by implementing effective, cost-effective, feasible and sustainable dental prevention programs. Expected outcomes of this study include improved oral and general health of children within the community; an understanding of the costs associated with the intervention provided, and its comparison with the costs of allowing new lesions to develop, with associated treatment costs. Findings should be generalisable to similar communities around the world. The research is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), registration number ACTRN12615000693527; date of registration: 3rd July 2015.

Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacterial Load; Cariostatic Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Dental Caries; DMF Index; Female; Fluorides, Topical; Health Education, Dental; Health Promotion; Humans; Lactobacillus; Male; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; Oral Hygiene; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Povidone-Iodine; Primary Prevention; Quality of Life; Risk Factors; Rural Health; Saliva; Streptococcus mutans; Treatment Outcome

For prevention of dental caries, S. mutans numbers must be reduced and prevented from returning to the original level. An antibacterial agent that is effective and also acceptable to young children can help to establish a favorable oral environment and halt the caries process.. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of topical antimicrobial (10% Povidone- Iodine) on S. mutans counts in children with Early Childhood Caries after full mouth rehabilitation. Also its effects on the clinical outcomes in terms of incidence of new caries and secondary caries were evaluated.. Full mouth rehabilitation was done in 30 children (mean age 4.2 years) suffering from Severe Early Childhood Caries (SECC). Stimulated saliva samples were collected to determine the post operative baseline S. mutans counts. Thereafter the subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received 10% Povidone Iodine at 3 months interval for a period of 12 months while the control group received placebo (deionized water) at similar intervals. Change in the S.mutans count at 6 and 12 month intervals were compared to the baseline post-operative mutans score. Results revealed that application of 10% Povidone Iodine caused a significant reduction in the rise of Streptococcus mutans levels from the baseline postoperative score after 12 months of treatment thus decreasing the oral load of the organisms. Reduction in counts; in turn decreased the relapse of caries in these children.. Thus oral rehabilitation coupled with regular application of 10% Povidone Iodine application can be a good alternative to control dental caries in children affected with Early Childhood Caries (ECC).

Topics: Administration, Topical; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Child, Preschool; Colony Count, Microbial; Composite Resins; Crowns; Dental Amalgam; Dental Caries; Dental Materials; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Placebos; Povidone-Iodine; Recurrence; Saliva; Streptococcus mutans; Treatment Outcome

To investigate the bacteriostatic and cariostatic effect of a novel povidone-iodine/fluoride foam in children at high risk for caries.. Sixty-one 6- to 9-year-old children with at least 1 active dental caries lesion were randomly assigned to 2 groups and treated weekly with either povidone-iodine/fluoride foam (n = 30, experimental group) or placebo fluoride foam (n = 31, control group) for 4 weeks. Stimulated saliva samples were collected for bacteriostatic assessment before each treatment and at 2 and 6 months during the experiment. In addition, laser fluorescence readings of the permanent first molars were taken for the evaluation of cariostatic effect before the treatment and at 2, 6, and 12 months during the experiment.. Both groups showed a constant decrease of salivary mutans streptococci over 6 months. Significantly lower laser fluorescence readings were observed for both groups at the 6th month, although with a slight reverse at the 12th month. However, no statistically significant difference was achieved between the 2 groups either for salivary bacteria levels over 6 months or laser fluorescence readings within 1 year.. As far as bacteriostatic and cariostatic effects are concerned, clinical application of povidone-iodine/fluoride foam shows no superiority over the regular fluoride foam during a 1-year period. Evidence is still lacking for the combination use of povidone-iodine and fluoride to achieve a better caries-prevention effect in a high-caries-risk population.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Cariostatic Agents; Child; China; Colony Count, Microbial; Dental Caries; Dental Caries Activity Tests; DMF Index; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Female; Fluorescence; Fluorides, Topical; Humans; Lactobacillus; Lasers; Male; Povidone-Iodine; Prospective Studies; Saliva; Streptococcus mutans; Surveys and Questionnaires

Treating a carious tooth in children with high caries experience by providing a restoration does not cure the disease. If the unfavorable oral environment that caused the cavity persists so will the disease and more restorations will be required in future. Treating the oral infection by reducing the number of cariogenic microorganisms and establishing a favorable oral environment to promote predominantly remineralization of tooth structure over time will stop the caries process. The present study was conducted: (1) To evaluate the efficacy of povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine mouth rinses on plaque Streptococcus mutans when used as an adjunct to restoration. (2) To compare the anti-microbial effect of 1% povidone-iodine and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinses on plaque S. mutans count.. Forty-five study participants in the age group of 6-12 years with dmft (decay component) of three or four were selected from one government school in Bangalore city. They were divided into three groups after the restorative treatment. Group-A, Group-B, and Group-C received 1% povidone-iodine mouth rinse, 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinse and placebo mouth rinse, respectively, twice daily for 14 days. The plaque sample was collected and S. mutans count was estimated at six phases: (1) Baseline, (2) 3 weeks after restoration, (3) First day after mouth rinse therapy, (4) 15 days after mouth rinse therapy, (5) 1 month and (6) 3 months after mouth rinse therapy. After the restoration the percentage change in S. mutans count was 28.4%. Immediately after mouth rinse therapy there was significant reduction in S. mutans count in all the three groups. After which the count started to increase gradually and after 3 months the bacterial counts in the povidone-iodine group and placebo group were almost near the postrestorative count.. Mouth rinses can be used as adjunct to restoration for short duration as temporary measure in reduction of S. mutans count and restorations provide longer effect. In case a mouth rinse has to be used, chlorhexidine can be recommended as it has shown to have better effect than Povidone-iodine and placebo.

Topics: Child; Chlorhexidine; Colony Count, Microbial; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Dental Restoration, Permanent; DMF Index; Humans; Mouthwashes; Povidone-Iodine; Streptococcus mutans

To assess the effects of a single 10% povidone iodine application as an adjunct to extensive surgical procedures in the clinical treatment of children with early childhood caries.. Twenty-two children scheduled for dental treatment under general anesthesia were randomized into either an intervention group (10% povidone iodine), or a control group (phosphate buffered saline). Either povidone iodine or phosphate buffered saline was applied to teeth and soft tissues after prophylaxis and all operative dental procedures, followed by 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel. Saliva samples taken at baseline, and after 1 hour, 3 weeks and 3 months were assayed for mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and total viable bacteria. Caries lesions were recorded at baseline and at one year.. Mutans streptococci and lactobacilli levels in the povidone iodine group were significantly reduced relative to baseline at 1 hour, 3 weeks and 3 months. At one year at least 60% of subjects had new caries lesions in each group, and there was no significant difference in caries increment between the two groups.. Even prophylaxis, fluoride gel application and complete surgical treatment of caries at baseline were insufficient to prevent new caries in over 60% of the patients in these high caries risk infants. Although the one-time treatment with povidone iodine reduced mutans streptococci and lactobacilli levels for up to 3 months this therapy failed to additionally reduce future caries formation over one year, indicating that repeated antibacterial treatments will be needed to control high levels of cariogenic bacteria.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Child; Child, Preschool; Colony Count, Microbial; Dental Caries; Epidemiologic Methods; Humans; Lactobacillus; Povidone-Iodine; Saliva; Streptococcus mutans

This study evaluates the effect of a topical intervention comprising of fissure sealant, povidone-iodine, and fluoride varnish in preventing caries on occlusal, approximal, and smooth surfaces. This three-year clinical trial was conducted in a remote Indigenous community of Australia. All schoolchildren (age range: 4-17) were invited to participate; those with parental consents to receive three-annual epidemiological examinations and interventions constituted the experimental group, while those with consents for only the epidemiological examination formed a comparison group. The intervention group received an annual application of fissure sealant, povidone-iodine and fluoride varnish for two consecutive years along with the restoration of any cavitated lesions, while the comparison group did not receive any intervention except for the usual care that included emergency treatment and restorations. Incipient and advanced caries were recorded in the permanent dentition while data on confounding variables were collected through questionnaires. Caries increment and progression were the outcome variables. A total of 408 children participated in the baseline examination, 208 finished the study. After adjusting for confounders, the prevented fraction (PF) on occlusal surfaces for advanced caries in the experimental group was 76.1% (mean difference- -0.35, 95% CI: -0.67-0.04), while the PF for progression from incipient to advanced caries was 100%(mean difference- -0.30, 95% CI: -0.52-0.09). The mean number of smooth surfaces that progressed from incipient to advanced caries in the comparison group was more than twice that of the experimental group, the mean difference was -0.25 (95% CI: -0.46--0.03) with a PF of 61%. The intervention was only effective in preventing advanced caries on occlusal surfaces and in halting the progression of caries on occlusal and smooth surfaces but not on approximal caries.

Topics: Adolescent; Australia; Cariostatic Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Dental Caries; Female; Fluorides; Fluorides, Topical; Humans; Male; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Povidone-Iodine; Rural Population

This paper reports on a mechanism to manage caries as a disease and to medically intervene in the disease process to halt progression. The goal of this paper is to provide this alternative to a surgical-only approach. The management of caries begins with assessing lesion activity and the potential for arrest. This requires a clinical and radiological assessment and evaluation of risk. Hopeless teeth are extracted and large cavities filled to reduce infection. Risk reduction strategies are employed so efforts to arrest lesions can be successful. Teeth with lesions in the enamel or outer third of the dentin should be sealed, not restored, as restorations can weaken teeth and can be traumatic to pulps.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Biofilms; Chewing Gum; Dental Caries; Dental Cavity Preparation; Dental Enamel; Dental Plaque; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Dentin; Disease Progression; Humans; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Physical Examination; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Povidone-Iodine; Radiography, Bitewing; Risk Assessment; Risk Reduction Behavior; Sweetening Agents; Tooth Extraction; Tooth Remineralization

The current caries management model in the United States is based on restoring teeth rather than preventing disease. Scarce resources make this approach unsustainable, especially in clinical settings that serve vulnerable child populations. This paper presents specific prevention-centered caries management strategies that should form the basis of clinical interventions targeted at children during four critical periods in childhood: pre-age 1, ages 1-3, ages 4-5, and ages 6-7.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Cariostatic Agents; Chewing Gum; Child; Child, Preschool; Dental Care; Dental Caries; Dental Restoration, Permanent; Disease Transmission, Infectious; Female; Fluorides; Fluorides, Topical; Humans; Infant; Maternal Health Services; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Povidone-Iodine; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Primary Prevention; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Risk Assessment; Silver Compounds; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus mutans; Tooth, Deciduous; Toothbrushing; Vulnerable Populations; Xylitol

This communication examines the combined effect of topical polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP)-iodine plus fluoride varnish in the prevention of tooth decay in erupting first permanent molars in an ongoing public health program.. The evaluation employed a retrospective cohort design with two groups of children 60-83 months. Cohort 1 (2004-05) received three times per school year topical fluoride varnish, and Cohort 2 (2008-09) received topical application of 10 percent PVP-iodine followed at each visit with topical fluoride varnish. The children were examined clinically at the beginning and end of the school year.. The proportion of children with caries-free first permanent molars in Cohort 2 (PVP-iodine plus fluoride varnish) was 0.883 and was greater than that in Cohort 1 (varnish), which was 0.785 (Chi-square = 1.000E1, df 1, P < 0.002).. This evaluation of an ongoing dental public health program adds evidence that topical antiseptics applied at the same time as fluoride varnish are more effective than varnish alone. Randomized trials are needed.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Cariostatic Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Dental Caries; DMF Index; Drug Combinations; Female; Fluorides; Fluorides, Topical; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Molar; Povidone-Iodine; Retrospective Studies; Tooth Eruption; Toothbrushing; Toothpastes; Treatment Outcome

This investigational study assessed the suppressive effect of 10 percent povidone iodine (PI) coupled with elimination of active carious lesions on salivary mutans streptococci (MS) populations in children with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC).. 77 children (38 females, 39 males) were treated for S- ECC in one session; a 0.2 ml PI solution was applied to the dentition after dental surgery was completed and immediately wiped off. The subjects aged from 2 to 5 years (mean = 3.78 years) at baseline. Whole nonstimulated saliva samples were obtained at baseline, 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days post dental surgery. Samples were placed on ice and processed within 2 hours. The MS level in each sample was expressed as colony forming units (CFUs) per ml of saliva.. Approximately 50 percent of subjects had a >95 percent reduction in CFU/ml of saliva at each time point after baseline. The percentages of subjects with a >50 percent reduction in MS level were 85 percent at 30 days, 83 percent at 60 days, 84 percent at 90 days. The median (25th, 75th percentiles) CFUs/ml of saliva counts were 8.40 x 10(5) (1.49 x 10(5), 5.00 x 10(6)) at baseline (n= 77), 4.12 x 10(4) (8.40 x 10(3), 1.89 x 10(5)) at 30 days (n = 74), 4.62 x 10(4) (7.00 x 10(3), 1.36 x 10(5)) at 60 days (n = 70), and 5.09 x 10(4) (1.16 x 10(4), 1.00 x 10(5)) at 90 days (n = 70). The changes from baseline to 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days were statistically significant (P < 0.0001).. PI coupled with dental surgery has a significant suppressive effect on salivary MS levels in the setting of S-ECC for at least 90 days. These data strongly suggest that treatment with PI may be an important adjunct to dental surgery for S-ECC.

Topics: Cariostatic Agents; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Child, Preschool; Colony Count, Microbial; Dental Caries; Female; Humans; Male; Povidone-Iodine; Saliva; Streptococcus mutans

The glucosyltransferase (GTF) and fructosyltransferase (FTF) enzymes play a pivotal role in dental biofilm formation as they synthesize polysaccharides that act as the extracellular matrix of the biofilm. Iodine is a unique antibacterial agent that has distinct properties from other conventional antibacterial agents. In this study we have examined the effect of iodine and povidone iodine (PI) on gtf and ftf expression in biofilm and planktonic environments and on immobilized and unbound GTF and FTF activity.. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR was used to investigate the effect of iodine and PI on ftf, gtfB and gtfC expression. The effect of iodine and PI on GTF and FTF activity was tested using radioactive assays.. Our results indicate that iodine and PI in a tetraglycol carrier cause enhancement of expression of gtfB in Streptococcus mutans in biofilms but not in planktonic bacteria. PI in water induced expression of gtfB and gtfC in planktonic bacteria. However, iodine and PI strongly inhibit polysaccharide production by GTF and to a lesser extent by FTF activity. The inhibitory effect on GTF activity was similar in solution compared to its activity in the immobilized environment. This unique effect may be attributed to the distinct chemical properties of iodine compared with other antibacterial agents.. This study indicates that iodine at sub-bactericidal concentrations demonstrates molecular and enzymatic effects that are highly associated with biofilm formation.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biofilms; Dental Caries; Enzymes, Immobilized; Gene Expression; Genes, Bacterial; Glucosyltransferases; Hexosyltransferases; Iodine; Phytoplankton; Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Povidone-Iodine; Streptococcus mutans

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a virulent form of dental caries that can destroy the primary dentition of toddlers and preschool children. It occurs worldwide, afflicting predominantly disadvantaged children. High-risk North American populations include Hispanic and Native American children, as well as children enrolled in Head Start, a federally funded program for preschool children living in poverty. The prevalence of EEC among these children ranges from 11% to 72%. ECC is an infectious disease, and Streptococcus mutans is the most likely causative agent; diet also plays a critical role in the acquisition and clinical expression of this infection. Early acquisition of S. mutans is a key event in the natural history of the disease. Acquisition may occur via vertical or horizontal transmission. Primary oral colonization by S. mutans coupled with caries-promoting feeding behaviours results in accumulation of these organisms to levels exceeding 30% of the total cultivable plaque flora which in turn leads to rapid demineralization of tooth structure. Treatment of ECC is costly because the cooperative capacity of babies and preschool children usually necessitates the use of general anesthesia. Treatment usually consists of restoration or surgical removal of carious teeth along with recommendations regarding feeding habits. However, this approach has resulted in unacceptable clinical outcomes, and relapse rates of approximately 40% have been reported within the first year after dental surgery. Primary prevention of ECC has largely been restricted to counselling parents about caries-promoting feeding behaviours. This approach has also had minimal success. Newer strategies addressing the infectious component through use of topical antimicrobial therapy appear promising.

Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bottle Feeding; Child, Preschool; Dental Caries; Diet, Cariogenic; Early Intervention, Educational; Guidelines as Topic; Health Education, Dental; Hispanic or Latino; Humans; Indians, North American; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Inuit; Mothers; Povidone-Iodine; Prevalence; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus mutans; United States

Enamel blocks bearing artificial caries are used in intra-oral appliances for cariogenicity tests. These blocks are often sterilised to prevent the possibility of cross-infection via this route. This study therefore aimed to determine the effect of sterilisation methods on the structural integrity of artificial enamel caries used for intra-oral cariogenicity tests. Four experimental groups were devised. Ten bovine incisors were used in each group. Artificial caries was produced in each tooth which was subsequently cut into two halves. One half of each tooth was reserved as control while the other was sterilised. The four groups were subjected to respective sterilisation methods: gamma irradiation (approximately equal to 25 KGy), steam autoclaving (121 degrees C for 15 min), sodium hypochlorite (12% w/v for 24 h) and povidone-iodine (7.5% w/v for 24 h). The control and sterilised specimens in each group were examined for microbial growth after incubation in nutrient broth for up to 7 days at 37 degrees C under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Mineral loss and lesion depth were quantified from microradiographs of sections from control and sterilised specimens using transverse microradiography. Data were analysed statistically by paired Student's t-test. Microbial growth was observed only in control specimens. Gamma irradiation and NaOCL caused cream discolouration and bleaching of the enamel surface, respectively. Autoclaving, sodium hypochlorite and povidone-iodine resulted in further demineralisation of the lesions. The four sterilisation methods were all effective sterilants for artificial caries. However, gamma irradiation appears the most acceptable method considering the more adverse effects of the other methods with regards to cariogenicity tests.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Cattle; Dental Caries; Dental Caries Activity Tests; Dental Enamel; Disease Models, Animal; Gamma Rays; Incisor; Microscopy, Polarization; Povidone-Iodine; Radiation Dosage; Sterilization

The aim of this project was to determine the effectiveness of sterilisation methods for dental enamel for use in intra-oral cariogenicity tests, and their possible effect on the degree of demineralisation of enamel. Bovine incisors were cut vertically into five portions and each assigned to one of five groups. Group 1 was used as a control while the other four groups were subjected, respectively, to gamma irradiation ( congruent with 25kGy), steam autoclaving (121 degrees C for 15 min), sodium hypochlorite (12% w/v for 24h) and povidone-iodine (7.5% w/v for 24h). Total viable counts of microorganisms remaining following sterilisation of the specimens were performed following incubation of the specimens for 24h at 37 degrees C. Caries-like lesions were produced in each specimen using an acidic buffer solution (pH4.5). Sections were cut from each specimen, ground to 80-microgram thickness, and microradiographed. Mineral loss and lesion depth were quantified using transverse microradiography. Statistical analysis was by ANOVA. Dunnett's and Tukey's tests. Microbial growth (Staphylococcus aureus and bacilli) was observed only in control specimens in both brain heart infusion broth and on blood agar plates. The sterilisation methods affected the enamel surface as follows: gamma irradiation (cream discolouration), NaOCl (bleaching), and povidone-iodine (white spot-like lesion). Compared with the control, there was no significant difference in mineral loss and lesion depth with any of the groups, but the numerical values of mineral loss and lesion depth in groups can be ranked as follows: gamma irradiation

Topics: Acids; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacillus; Buffers; Cattle; Colony Count, Microbial; Dental Caries; Dental Enamel; Disinfectants; Gamma Rays; Microradiography; Minerals; Povidone-Iodine; Sodium Hypochlorite; Staphylococcus aureus; Steam; Sterilization; Tooth Demineralization; Tooth Discoloration