African Journal of Dentistry

African Journal of Dentistry Vol. 1 (3), pp. 019-022, December, 2013. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper 

Dental erosion in patients with gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Golsa Alavi¹, Ali A. Alavi¹, Mehdi Saberfiroozi², Amir H. Sarbazi¹ and Mehran Motamedi¹*

¹Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

²Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 3 January, 2012

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) on dental erosion. The study group comprised 140 patients with the average age of 30 to 50 years old. All subjects completed a detailed questionnaire regarding dental and medical situations. Dental examination was performed by two examiners agreement method, and endoscopy was done by a gastroenterologist. Patients were divided into three groups of healthy, suspected of GERD, and with GERD. Data were collected and analyzed by Chi-Square test. The prevalence of dental erosion in GERD patients (22.6%) was found to be higher than suspected (5.3%) and healthy (7%) subjects. This study has showed that GERD patients are at increased risk of developing dental erosion compared to healthy subjects.

Key words: Dental erosion, reflux, heart burn.

African Journal of Dentistry Vol. 1 (2), pp. 012-013, November, 2013. © International Scholars Journals

Short Communication

Toothbrushes as fomites

A. Osho, B. T. Thomas*, Y. A. Akande and R. D. Udor

Department of Biological Sciences, Redeemers University, Mowe, Ogun State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +234 806 401 1412.

Accepted 22 August, 2013

Abstract

The role of toothbrushes in the cleanliness of the oral cavity cannot be overemphasized, but its importance as fomites in our homes cannot also be underestimated. This research was aimed at determining the probable role of toothbrush as fomite and quantifies the level of bacteria associated. A total of twenty toothbrushes of the same brand and type used by different individuals were collected and processed using standard microbiological techniques. Results from this study, revealed that none of the toothbrushes were found to be bacteria free. The isolated bacterial flora of toothbrushes were Escherichia coli and Enterococcus species 2 (10%), Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus 4 (20%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 8 (40%). In all, twenty strains of bacteria belonging to five different species were recovered from the toothbrushes. It was concluded, that toothbrushes can serve as fomites in various homes especially, if proper care and use of this device is not implemented.

Key words: Toothbrushes, fomites, bacteria, oral cavity.

Full Length Research Paper

Plaque removal efficacy of a novel oral care device: A microbiological assessment

Marisa Roncati¹* and Alessandra Lucchese²

¹School for Dental Hygienists, Polytechnic of Marche University, Italy.

²Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences of Communication and Behavior, Dental School, Ferrara University, Italy.

Accepted 1 July, 2013

Abstract

In adults with inflammatory problems, self-performed mechanical plaque removal is insufficiently effective and should be improved. The aim of this study was to determine the biofilm removal efficacy of a new oral care device, the digital brush (Enacare, Micerium), a disposable gauze product soaked in 0.12% chlorhexidine. Changes in supragingival microbiota were investigated in 30 Caucasian patients (14 males and 16 females) aged 8 to 90 years. All subjects provided written informed consent. Pre-treatment (pre-T) and post-treatment (post-T) samples of supragingival plaque were taken from the right vestibular and lingual mucosa in 15 subjects and from the buccal aspect of the anterior sextant in 15 subjects using sterile swabs flocked with sterile nylon fibers. The samples were analyzed to determine the presence of Candida albicans, Candida species, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus species, oral streptococci, and Enterobacter species. Groups were compared using Pearson’s chi-squared test. The following bacteria were detected: C. albicans (8 pre-T and 3 post-T), Candida spp. (3 pre-T and 0 post-T), Enterobacter spp. (2 pre-T and 2 post-T), S. aureus (12 pre-T and 4 post-T), S. epidermidis (2 pre-T and 1 post-T), Staphylococcus spp. (29 pre-T and 22 post-T), and Streptococcus viridans (29 pre-T and 22 post-T). Microbiota differed between sampling sites. Within the limits of this preliminary clinical and microbiological evaluation of biofilm reduction in a small sample, the digital brush appears to be an effective plaque removal device. Mechanical cleaning with this tool appears to be more effective on hard surfaces than on mucous membranes.

Key words: Plaque removal, home care, gauze, digital brush, chlorhexidine, bacteria, brush.

African Journal of Dentistry Vol. 1 (2), pp. 006-009, November, 2013. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of chemical denture cleansers on microorganisms over heat-polymerized acrylic resin

Dr Cem Sahin¹*, Dr Simel Ayyildiz², Dr Alper Ergin³ and Prof Gulay Uzun⁴

¹School of Health Services, Dental Prosthetics Technology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.

²Department of Prosthodontics, Center for Dental Sciences, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara,  Turkey.

³School of Health Services, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.

⁴School of Health Services, Dental Prosthetics Technology, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 05 September, 2013

Abstract

The aim of this study was to measure the anti-microbiological effect of the denture cleansers both on polished and non-polished surface six hundred disc shaped polished and non-polished resin specimens, were used. Six different oral microorganisms were selected. Each specimen was then inoculated into the specific medium for cultivation and than removed. Subsequently the media were incubated 24 h at 37°C. After colony counting, contaminated specimens were subgrouped and cleaned with Correga, Protefix, 2% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde and distilled water. Each specimen was then inoculated into new cultivation medium, after incubation, colonies were recounted in each group. Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney U tests. Cleaning efficiency of sodium hypochlorite and glutaraldehyde were better than Correga and Protefix. The latter two agents cleaned polished surfaces better than non-polished. S. aureus was the most adherent microorganism.All the agents except distilled water cleaned polished surfaces effectively but 2% hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde cleaned non-polished surfaces also. Despite of the corrosion and bleaching effects, in need of intense cleaning of resin materials, hypochlorite or glutaraldehyde may be the first choice.

Key words: Denture cleaners, sodium hypochloride, dentures, denture polish, oral microorganisms.

African Journal of Dentistry Vol. 1 (1), pp. 001-005, October, 2013. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Infection control knowledge attitudes and practices of dental practitioners in Kampala

¹Nanfuka Ejju Mary, *Kamulegeya Adriane and ²Dr S.E Chia

¹Uganda Martyr’s University, Nkozi, Uganada.

*Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.

²Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (MD3), National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 02 September, 2013

Abstract

Sterilization and personal protection procedures are extremely important in dental offices because infections such as hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis can be passed on to the health care worker or the patient during treatment. Thus, sterilization and personal protection procedures are extremely important in dental offices. The aim of the present study was to evaluate awareness of infection control procedures among dental practitioners in Kampala. In this descriptive study, 50 dental practitioners working in clinics and public hospitals with in Kampala City Council Authority were selected. Data were collected by means of an interviewer-administered questionnaire, which included respondents’ personal profile and questions on infection control and sterilization. There were no statistically significant differences in the level of knowledge between male and female care providers and between dental surgeons and public health dental officers. However, male care providers were more likely to take extra care when treating persons with HIV [difference 0.33; 95% confidence interval (CI):0.06 - 0.62 p=0.002]. Only 12% of respondents reported that all their staffs were vaccinated against HBV. Unfortunately fifty 50% of the subjects engaged in some form of needle recapping. The results of this study show that dental practitioners neglect the principles for personal protection and cross-infection control, whether this is due to lack of knowledge or unsupportive environment. Means must be designed so as to enforce knowledge attainment and practice.

Key words: Infection control, dentists knowledge attitudes, HBV, hospital infections, hand hygeine.