We developed a novel bioluminescent assay for detection of pyrophosphate in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product. The principle of this method is as follows: pyrophosphate released by PCR is converted to adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) by pyruvate phosphate dikinase in the presence of the substrate pyruvate phosphate and the coenzyme adenosine 5'-monophosphate; subsequently, ATP concentratio...

BACKGROUND The correlation between knowledge of dental care knowledge and its practice varies among the different health professionals. AIM The aim of the following study is to assess the knowledge and practice of health workers in a private medical health facility on dental care. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on the health workers in Faith Medical...

Background The formation of biofilm on the tooth surface is a result of the process of colonization of cariogenic bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, the main responsible for cariogenic (acid production) of dental biofilms [1]. The removal and chemical control of dental biofilm with chlorhexidine digluconate 0.12% (CLX) has been the most effective antimicrobial agent of choice clinic. Ho...

Eighteen different infants' drinks from five manufacturers were examined for their carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus and acid contents, and their attack on tooth mineral. Seven of the drinks were compared with nine varieties of adults' soft drinks, and demineralization was studied with and without the presence of a cariogenic oral streptococcus. The influence of the acids already in the drinks ...

Twelve presweetened breakfast cereals were evaluated for cariogenic potential by in vitro methods. The parameters evaluated were the levels of acid produced by a cariogenic strain of Streptococcus mutans as influenced by each cereal, the percentage of sugar content, and the salivary retention time of glucose after ingestion of each cereal with or witho~¢t milk. Cariogenicity was found to be rel...

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDTa) on cariogenic dental biofilm. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED Studies in vivo, in vitro, and in situ were included. Articles that did not address PDTa, those that did not involve cariogenic biofilm, those that used microorganisms in the plankton phase, a...