Understanding the Role of Shape and Composition of Star-Shaped Polymers and their Ability to Both Bind and Prevent Bacteria Attachment on Oral Relevant Surfaces.

In this study, we have prepared a series of 4- and 6-arm star-shaped polymers with varying molecular weight and hydrophobicity in order to provide insight into the role and relationship that shape and composition have on the binding and protecting of oral relevant surfaces (hydroxyapatite, HAP) from bacteria colonization. Star-shaped acrylic acid polymers were prepared by free-radical polymerization in the presence of chain transfer agents with thiol groups, and their binding to the HAP surfaces and subsequent bacteria repulsion was measured. We observed that binding was dependent on both polymer shape and hydrophobicity (star vs.

Reduction of bacterial attachment on hydroxyapatite surfaces: Using hydrophobicity and chemical functionality to enhance surface retention and prevent attachment.

Water-soluble, linear polymers with high-acid functionality are commonly used in oral care formulations to provide benefits such as bioactive complexation and delivery, as well as inhibition of the bacteria deposition and colonization, commonly referred to as 'anti-attachment'. Unfortunately, structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of these polymers are scarce, thus, a systematic approach to design polymers with a desired property (e.g.

Evaluation of side effects and patients' perceptions during tooth bleaching.

Objective: The objective of this nightguard vital bleaching (NGVB) study was to compare tooth sensitivity (TS), gingival irritation (GIr), and other side effects, as well as patients' perceptions during tooth bleaching, from treatment with experimental 5 and 7% hydrogen peroxide (HP) bleaching solutions with those of a commercially available 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) product.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-one participants completed the study wearing a scalloped maxillary treatment tray without reservoirs with the different concentrations of bleaching gels for 30 minutes twice a day for 7 days. Parameters evaluated were changes in gingival index (GI), nonmarginal gingival index, nongingival oral mucosal index, and tooth vitality.