Effect of selected beta-blockers on supragingival calculus formation.

Supragingival plaque and calculus indices, salivary flow rates, pH, ionic and total calcium concentrations, total phosphate concentration, and the number of cervical restorations and caries lesions were measured in 29 subjects using systemic beta-(beta) blockers and in 28 subjects who were not taking any systemic medication. After 8 weeks of normal oral hygiene following an oral prophylaxis, a second comparison of each of the above quantities was made. With the exception of the calculus indices and the incidence of cervical restorations, no significant differences were found for any of the measured quantities between the medicated and non-medicated groups at either examination.

The effect of certain systemic medications on oral calculus formation.

A quantitative comparison was made of supragingival calculus that formed in individuals using systemic medications for defined systemic medical problems and individuals not using medication. Measurements of supragingival plaque and calculus were made on the lingual surfaces of the 4 mandibular incisors of 68 consecutive patients presenting for dental examinations and oral prophylaxes. Variables noted in addition to medication and plaque status were: age, sex, time interval since previous prophylaxis, and smoking status.

The effect of supragingival plaque removal on anaerobic bacteria deep periodontal pockets.

A study was made to determine if the numbers of subgingival anaerobes in deep periodontal pockets can be controlled by removal of only supragingival plaque. The study was based on the premises that the subgingival flora is dependent on the supragingival plaque for its source of organisms as well as for its perpetuation. Daily professional removal of only supragingival plaque produced a statistically significant reduction per sample in subgingival facultative and obligatory anaerobes.

Stress and dental caries in the rat.

The stress of crowding and exposure to inescapable electric shock increased both the incidence and the severity of dental caries in rats housed in a conventional animal facility. Male Osborne-Mendel rats were inoculated intraorally with cariogenic bacteria, fed a high-sucrose diet, and housed in either a conventional or a sheltered facility. Rats in both housing conditions were subdivided into control and stress groups.

Alkylamine salts and amides: in vitro inhibition of S mutans 6715.

Our studies with the salts and amides of alkylamines have shown that the undecylenate salts have significant in vitro activity against S mutans No 6715, suggesting that these agents are worthy of additional evaluation. The attempt to increase activity by combining undecylenic acid with the alkylamines was not successful; however, better attachment to tooth surfaces and/or retention during washing did occur. Our results suggest that the free amino group of alkylamines and the free acid group of undecylenic acid are required for these two classes of agents to demonstrate antibacterial activity.

Prolongation of antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine adsorbed to teeth. Effect of sulfates.

The results suggest that the effectiveness of sulfates in prolonging the antibacterial activity of teeth treated with chlorhexidine gluconate is related to the acidity and concentration of the sulfate solutions. The acidity may contribute to the effectiveness by modifying the tooth surface for enhanced reaction with sulfate ions. It is suggested that during the priming process bonded crystals of calcium sulfate develop which become transformed by treatment with chlorhexidine gluconate to relatively insoluble chlorhexidine sulfate.

A physiochemical approach to the study of amines as antiplaque agents.

Alkyl and aromatic amines were evaluated for inhibitory activity against S mutans 6715. Only the alkylamines were active and this may be due to their greater basicity. The agents that showed good activity were decylamine, dodecylamine, tetradecylamine, and hexadecylamine.

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of 8-hydroxyquinoline analogs as inhibitors of dental plaque.

A group of 5-substituted 8-hydroxyquinolines with predicted log P values in the 1-4 range has been prepared from either 8-hydroxyquinoline or its appropriate derivative. 5-Formyl-, 5-iodo-, 5-fluoro-, 5-acetyl-, and 5-methoxymethyl-8-hydroxyquinoline in addition to methyl-5(8-hydroxyquinolyl)acetate and ethyl 5-(8-hydroxyquinolyl)acetate displayed greater in vitro antiplaque activity than 8-hydroxyquinoline.

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of 8-hydroxyquinolines as dental plaque inhibitors.

Some 4- and 5-substituted 8-hydroxyquinolines, with predicted log P values in the range of 1.48-2.90, were synthesized by modified Skraup reactions or thermal cyclization.