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 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 ...

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...

Since an acid attack can be extremely severe, could erosive attacks kill cariogenic bacteria, thus preventing caries in people with erosion? Mark Wolff: Several individuals with an erosion process show very low caries rates, but this is not necessarily related to the elimination of cariogenic bacteria. These bacteria are aciduric and survive at very low pH conditions, so that situation would no...

This study evaluated the inhibitory activity of copaiba oil (Copaifera officinalis against the cariogenic microorganism, Streptococcus mutans. For such purpose, a minimum inhibition concentration test of copaiba oil against S. mutans was performed, using the serial dilution in broth technique, with a negative control, a positive control (0.12% chlorhexidine) and a 10% copaíba oil solution as a ...