Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human teeth and bone marrow have been characterized by many research groups, but demonstrate inconsistent cellular phenotypes or functions, partly because of differences in culture methodology. Therefore, our aims were to resolve these inconsistencies and discuss the potential uses of these cells in research/clinical applications. We isolated and characterized dental stem cells (DSCs) from the dental pulp, periodontal ligament, apical papilla (APSCs) and dental follicle (DFSCs) of mature and immature teeth, along with bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) from the iliac crest. We compared the clonogenic and proliferative potentials of these cells in terms of colony-forming efficiency, proliferation potential, population doubling time and cell cycle. All DSCs, particularly APSCs and DFSCs, possessed greater proliferative potential than BMSCs. All stem cells expressed typical mesenchymal and embryonic markers, and developed alizarin red-positive mineralization nodules and Oil red O-positive lipid droplets when cultured in osteogenic and adipogenic media, respectively. Immunocytochemistry revealed that all stem cells developed neuronal markers when cultured in a control medium without neural inductive supplements. After 7 days of neurogenic culture, the differentiated cells showed a transition from fibroblast-like to neuron-like cell bodies with long processes, suggesting that the stem cells differentiated into mature neurons. Karyotyping confirmed that the stem cells maintained a normal karyotype and were chromosomally stable. Our results provide new insights into the physiological properties of stem cells with a normal karyotype and indicate that DSCs are appropriate for basic research and clinical applications.

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We examined the abrasiveness of glycine powders with particle diameters of 63 and 100 mum by measuring the depth and volume of defects produced during air polishing of human dentin. A total of 36 extracted human teeth were embedded in acrylic resin. The resin blocks were polished until the dentin surfaces were exposed. The nozzle of an air polisher was mounted 4 mm from the dentin surface, and the dentin surface was treated for 5 s at one of two angles of incidence (45 degrees or 90 degrees). Three materials were used in the polishing process: NaHCO(3) powder with a mean particle diameter of 100 microm (Handy Jet Powder), glycine powder with a mean particle diameter of 63 microm (Handy Jet Powder PMTC), and glycine powder with a mean particle diameter of 100 microm (Handy Jet Powder Recall). The defect depth at both angles was significantly deeper after treatment with Handy Jet Powder or Handy Jet Powder PMTC. The defect volume was the greatest with Handy Jet Powder, followed by Handy Jet Powder PMTC, and Handy Jet Powder Recall. The larger diameter glycine powder resulted in less damage to the dentin.

The objective of this study is to characterize the defects in the dentin surface after air polishing for three types of polishing powders and five different nozzle distances. Human teeth were embedded in acrylic resin and then polished until the dentin surface became exposed. The nozzle of the polisher was fixed at a specified distance (2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 mm) and orientation (45°) with respect to the dentin surface. The three powders were CLASSIC (NaHCO(3), 65 μm diameter), PERIO (glycine, 25 μm diameter), and SOFT (glycine, 65 μm diameter). With respect to nozzle distance, we find a significant difference in the mean defect depth only at 6 mm. The spray distance of 6 mm produced the shallowest defect depths. This variable had no effect on the defect volume. SOFT powder had significantly less depths and volumes of defects than the other two powders. The contact angle of the dentin increased significantly in all polishing tests, compared to an unpolished dentin surface (control). We find that spray distance of 6 mm from the nozzle of the polisher and orienting on 45° angle produced less dentin surface defects than any other distance in all powder systems used. At this distance, SOFT powder produced statistically significant smaller depth and volume defects than the other two powder groups.

To determine the influence of oral status on halitosis, the relationship between halitosis and periodontopathic bacteria present in plaque on the tongue and the subgingival sulcus was examined in 62 periodontally healthy adults. Halitosis indicators used were the organoleptic score; gas chromatography results [total volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) = H(2)S + CH(3)SH + (CH(3))(2)S]; Halimeter values; and the results of three clinical tests, plaque control record (PlCR), plaque index (PlI), and tongue coat status. Significant correlations with organoleptic scores was observed for PlCR, PlI, tongue coat status, VSC amounts, and Halimeter values, indicating that halitosis in periodontally healthy subjects tended to originate from tongue plaque deposits. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to detect six periodontopathic bacteria (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythensis, and Treponema denticola) from the tongue and subgingival plaque. Significant effects on the organoleptic scores, tongue coat status, total VSC, H(2)S and CH(3)SH amounts, and Halimeter values were observed only for T. denticola and F. nucleatum and only in the tongue plaque, not in the subgingival plaque. Thus, therapies developed to inhibit the growth of these bacteria may lead to future treatments of halitosis.