Reduction of the bacterial load on the tooth surface
introduction
Periodontal disease is a disease caused by a polymicrobial pathogenic Bioflim. This biofilm, also known as plaque, forms on the gum line. The body’s defense mechanisms create gum pockets. The plaque can now get into these pockets and continue to grow. The body tries to suppress this growth. This leads to an interplay of toxin production by the plaque and an inflammatory reaction in the body. The problem here is that the plaque is very resistant and cannot be removed by home dental care alone, and this interplay leads to continuous loss of gums. In the ongoing process, the teeth holding apparatus are attacked and bones are broken down. Targeted biofilm control is important so that it doesn’t get that far. One approach for this can be the use of hydroxyapatite: Historical findings show that the bacteria found and the diet were similar to today’s, but no such microbial infections could be observed here. One theory is that due to constant abrasion of the teeth, hydroxylapatite particles were permanently available in the mouth and the oral microorganisms have attached themselves to them. This accumulation led to a reduction in the bacterial load on the tooth surfaces and on the gum line. As a result, the biofilms could only rarely reach a critical mass and become pathogenic. however, no such microbial infections could be observed here. One theory is that due to constant abrasion of the teeth, hydroxylapatite particles were permanently available in the mouth and the oral microorganisms have attached themselves to them. This accumulation led to a reduction in the bacterial load on the tooth surfaces and on the gum line. As a result, the biofilms could only rarely reach a critical mass and become pathogenic. however, no such microbial infections could be observed here. One theory is that due to constant abrasion of the teeth, hydroxylapatite particles were permanently available in the mouth and the oral microorganisms have attached themselves to them. This accumulation led to a reduction in the bacterial load on the tooth surfaces and on the gum line. As a result, the biofilms could only rarely reach a critical mass and become pathogenic.
Question
What antibacterial and non-adherent properties does hydroxyapatite have in a mouth rinse solution compared to a mouth rinse solution containing chlorhexidine?
material and methods
In this in situ study, sterilized and polished enamel plates from bovine teeth were used in a total of 6 test persons. Different dilutions of the mouthwash solutions were prepared and given to the test subjects in random order. The test solutions used were a mouth rinse solution containing hydroxylapatite and a mouth rinse solution containing chlorhexidine. The sample discs were removed from the test subjects after 6 and 12 hours and prepared for further investigations. Following the intraoral application, the platelets were examined for the total number of bacteria (DAPI staining) and for living and dead cells (BacLight staining) with the aid of fluorescence microscopy. In addition, the mouthwashes were used in vitroexamined: Streptococcus mutans was incubated for 10 minutes with the respective solution and the living and dead cells (live / dead staining) were identified. The groups were then examined for statistically significant differences (Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test).
Figure: Hydroxyapatite reduces bacteria just like CHX. Sketched from Hannig et al.
Results
Hydroxyapatite reduces bacterial accumulation in situ. Both the tested product with hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite alone in aqueous dispersion showed anti-adherent effects similar to those of chlorhexidine. This effect can be seen both after 6 and after 12 hours. The in vitro investigations showed that, in contrast to CHX, hydroxyapatite does not lead to bacterial cell death.
conclusion
Hydroxyapatite is an ideal active ingredient for biofilm control, especially because of its non-adherent properties. Dental care products containing hydroxyapatite also show antimicrobial properties and thus support biomimetic plaque control.