No abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether chlorhexidine combined with copper would exert a synergistic, growth-inhibitory effect against selected oral bacteria. Actinomyces viscosus, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Streptococcus mutans were all susceptible to chlorhexidine individually, with S. mutans displaying the highest sensitivity. Much higher concentrations of copper were needed to achieve growth inhibition of the micro-organisms tested. Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of chlorhexidine and Cu2+ combinations suggested synergistic activity. Bactericidal kinetics assays confirmed synergism of chlorhexidine and Cu2+ combinations with 1 to 2 log greater decreases in viable cell numbers compared with chlorhexidine alone. Under the constraints of the conditions employed, these data demonstrate the efficacy of chlorhexidine and Cu2+ combinations against the oral bacteria tested. These studies suggest that a chlorhexidine and copper formulation could be useful as a mouthrinse in helping control cariogenic micro-organisms and/or in the treatment of gingivitis.

The relationship between salivary immunoglobulins and dental caries experience was studied by determining the caries experience, IgA concentration, and IgG concentration in whole, unstimulated saliva of 106 people. The findings indicate that some individuals are immunized, but it is not clear if this antibody provides protection.

Our previous studies have shown that pyrophosphate (PPi), the anticalculus component of tartar‐control dentifrices, inhibits the growth of organisms associated with coronal and root surface caries. The purposes of this investigation were to: 1) determine if periodontal pathogens are similarly susceptible to the growth‐inhibitory properties of PPi; and 2) determine if combinations of pyrophosphate‐sodium dodecyl sulfate (PPiSDS) inhibit growth synergistically. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Eikenella corrodens, and Campylobacter rectus (formerly Wolinella recta) were cultured in appropriate enriched media under anaerobic conditions. Inhibition assays were performed in tubes containing media supplemented with PPi and/or SDS. A range of concentrations of PPi and SDS in 2‐fold increments was employed, with each concentration assayed in triplicate. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) analyses revealed all of the bacteria were susceptible to PPi and SDS, with MICs of 0.67% (25 mM) and 0.01% w/v respectively. Combination studies with PPi‐SDS showed much greater growth inhibition against P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans than achieved with the agents individually. Determination of fractional inhibitory concentration indices indicated a synergistic growth‐inhibitory effect. Under the constraints of the conditions employed, these studies demonstrate the efficacy of PPi‐SDS combinations in inhibiting the growth of periodontal pathogens. It is conceivable that these compounds may have clinical benefit as a subgingival irrigant.J Periodontol 1992; 63:696–700.

Saliva flow, protein concentration, and blood group substance concentration in the whole saliva of 106 persons were compared. Some of these variables then were compared with age, decayed surfaces, DMF surfaces, and immunoglobulin concentration (IgA and IgG).