• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.168-176
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• 2013

In this study, hydroxyapatite (HAp) was incorporated into toothpaste and its effect on the remineralization and restoration of dental enamel was evaluated. Different sets of toothpaste were incorporated with HAp levels of 0%, 5%, 10 %, and 15 %. The filler particles of the resulting toothpaste samples were observed via SEM and XRD and compared with compositions of several commercially available toothpastes, showing that the HAp was successfully incorporated into the toothpaste samples. Different sets of human enamel were inflicted with lesions and then treated with the different fabricated toothpaste samples for five minutes three times a day for seven days. During the treatment, the teeth were subjected to demineralization and remineralization cycles to simulate the effect of natural saliva. The surface of the enamel samples were observed using SEM before and after one week of treatment, showing the formation of HAp layers on the surfaces of the enamel samples. The effect of the toothpaste on the lesions was observed using an inverted light microscope and the lesion depth was found to decrease as the concentration of HAp in the toothpaste used increased. HAp was successfully incorporated in the toothpaste and its presence was found to lessen lesion depths and improve tooth remineralization.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.121-134
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• 2000

Root conditioning has introduced to dissolve the smear layer and to produce surface demineralization, resulting to exposure of dentin collagen fibril and opening of dentinal tubules. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of different concentration and application time of tetracycline-HCL on root conditioning. Total 40 root specimen were prepared from 20 periodontitis-prone human single rooted tooth. The specimen were treated with tetracycline-HCL solution(20mg/ml, 50mg/ml, 100mg/ml)for 20 sec, 3 min, 5 min., and saline for 30 sec. The application method was rubbing method with cotton pellet. Under the scanning electron microscopy(20KV), the extent of smear removal and opening of the dentinal tubules were examined at x 3000. The following results were obtained. 1. Treatment of root specimen with saline did not remove the smear layer and open the dentinal tubules. 2. Treatment of root specimen with different concentration of tetracycline-HCL for 20 sec also did not remove the smear layer completely. 3. Treatment of root specimen with different concentration of tetracycline-HCL for 3 min opened the dentinal tubules and removed smear layer. 4. Treatment of root specimen with 50mg/ml of tetracycline-HCL for 3 min showed collagen fibril within the opened dentinal tubules. In conclusion, the effect of root conditioning with tetracycline-HCL is more dependent on the application time than the application concentration. Root conditioning with 50mg/ml tetracycline-HCL for 3 min is enough for obtaining the periodontal regeneration.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.555-563
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• 2004

The pH of beverages is known to be low and have, therefore, been implicated in the increasing incidence of erosion. Erosion is believed to be the predominant cause of teeth wear in children and young adults, although there will always be a contribution from attrition and abrasion. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of yogurt on the progression of erosive demineralization in human enamel using demineralization model in vitro. In 4 yogurts, available on the market, pH, buffering capacity and the concentrations of calcium, phosphate and fluoride were determined. The buffering effect was determined by titration with NaOH. 50 milliliters of each drink was then titrated with 1M sodium hydroxide, added in 0.5 milliliters increments, until the pH reached about 7. Human deciduous enamel(n=40) samples were divided into four groups and exposed to 80ml of the yogurt for 30,60, 90 and 120min. Enamel surface microhardness(VHN) was examined before and after each exposure. 1. The average PH of fermented milk was 3.77 and this pH value was acidic enough to cause tooth erosion. 2. All of the fermented milks were found to be erosive(p<0.05) 3. The teeth exposed to the fermented milk all showed erosion like lesions and microhardness measurements showed that enamel surface hardness decreased proportionately with increased time of immersion in all tooth specimen groups. 4. After immersion for 30 and 60 minutes, reduction rate of microhardness values was not significantly different between the groups(p>0.05). However, after 90 and 120 minutes, reduction rate of each group was significantly different(p<0.05).

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.640-658
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• 1996

The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanism of improving acid resistance of Nd-YAG laser irradiated tooth enamel and determine the most effective energy density for improving acid resistance. The bovine tooth enamel were lased with a pulsed Nd-YAG laser. The energy densities of exposed laser beam were varied from 10 to $70\;J/cm^2$. To investigate the degree of improving acid resistance by irradiation, all the samples were submerged to demineralize in 0.5 N $HClO_4$ solution for 1 minute. After 1 minute, 0.05 % $LaCl_3$ was added to the solution for interrupting the demineralization reaction. The amounts of dissolved calcium and phosphate in the solution were measured by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and the UV/VIS spectrophotometer, respectively. To examine the mechanism of improving acid resistance, X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were taken. The X-ray diffraction pattern of the samples were obtained in the $10^{\circ}{\sim}80^{\circ}2{\theta}$ range with $Cu-K{\alpha}$ radiation using M18HF(Mac Science Co.) with X-ray diffractometer operating at 40 KV and 300 mA. The infra-red spectra of the ground samples in 300 mg KBr pellets 10 mm diameter were obtained in the $4000cm^{-1}\;to\;400cm^{-1}$ range using JASCO 300E spectrophotometer. The scanning electron microscopy was carried out using JSM6400(JEOL Co.) with $500{\sim}2000$ times magnification. The results were as follow 1. The concentration of calcium dissolved from laser irradiated enamel with $50J/cm^2$ was significantly lesser than that of unlased control group (p<0.05) 2. From the result of the X-ray diffraction analysis, $\beta$-TCP, which increases acid solubility, was identified in lased enamel but the diffraction peaks of (002) and (004) became sharp with increasing energy density of laser irradiation. This means that the crystals in lased samples were grown through the c-axis and subsequently, the acid solubility of enamel decreased. 3. The a-axis parameter was slightly increased by laser irradiation, whereas the c-axis parameter was almost constant except for a little decrease at $50J/cm^2$. 4. In the infra-red spectra of lased enamels, phosphate bands ($600{\sim}500cm^{-1}$), B-carbonate bands (870, $1415{\sim}1455cm^{-1}$), and A-carbonate band ($1545cm^{-1}$) were observed. The amounts of phosphate bands and the B-carbonate bands were reduced, on the other hand, the amount of the A-carbonate band was increased by increase the energy density. 5. The SEM experiments reveal that the surface melting and recrystallization were appeared at $30J/cm^2$ and the cracks were observed at $70J/cm^2$. From above results, It may be suggested that the most effective energy density for improving acid resistance of tooth enamel with the irradiation of Nd-YAG laser was $50J/cm^2$. The mechanism of improving acid resistance were reduction of permeability due to surface melting and recrystallization of lased enamel and reduction of acid solubility of enamel due to decrease of carbonate content and growth of crystal.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.32-39
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to assess the cariogenic potential of five infant formulas in vitro. as compared with 10% sucrose solution and whole bovine milk. Buffering capacities were determined by the amount of 0.1 N lactic acid consumed to titrate the 50ml specimen solutions to pH 4.0. The pH of the specimen solution inoculated by Streptococcus mutans was measured by pH meter and the surface microhardness of primary tooth enamel immersed in the specimen solution was measured by the microhardness tester, before and after 48 hours incubation. Also, the solubility of calcium from synthetic hydroxyapatite was evaluated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer The buffering capacity of infant formulas was higher than that of sucrose solution and lower than that of milk, and there were significant differences among infant formulas(P<0.01). The average pH of infant formulas after 48 hours incubation was lower than that of sucrose solution and milk, and there was significant difference between infant formulas and milk(P<0.05). There were no signifiant differences among oops in the microhardness change of primary tooth enamel and in the amount of dissolved calcium ion from synthetic hydroxyapatite after incubation with Streptococcus mutans. In conclusion, infant formulas seemed to fulfill the basic requirments to cause dental caries in primary teeth, and there were significant differences of cariogenic potential among infant formulas. Cooperative efforts of dentistry and manufacturers to reduce the cariogenic potential of infant formulas would be necessary to prevent the early childhood caries in children.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.288-297
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of light cured fluoride-releasing materials on the inhibition of demineralization. In addition, the pattern of fluoride uptake of adjacent tooth structure was analyzed with EPMA. Eighty intact premolars were restored with $Filtek^{TM}$ Z250(control group, composite), Fuji Filling $LC^{TM}$(RMGI), Dyract $AP^{(R)}$ (compomer) and Beautifil II(giomer). Restored teeth were stored in distilled water for 30 days. Then sixty teeth(n=15) were exposed to demineralizing solution(pH 4.3). Demineralized teeth were bisected and polished. The specimens were observed with confocal laser scanning microscope. The depth of outer lesion and the thickness of inhibition zone were measured. Remained twenty teeth(n=5) were bisected for fluoride uptake analysis. The fluoride analysis were taken at enamel-restoration interface and dentin-restoration interface by electron probe micro-analyzer. The results are as follows: 1. The depth of outer lesion of Fuji Filling $LC^{TM}$ Dyract AP, Beautifil II was shallower than that of $Filtek^{TM}$ Z250 at the margin of restoration(p<0.05). 2. The thickness of caries inhibition zone of Fuji Filling $LC^{TM}$, Dyract AP, Beautifil II was greater than that of $Filtek^{TM}$ Z250 at the margin of restoration(p<0.05). 3. Fuji Filling $LC^{TM}$, Dyract AP, Beautifil II groups showed the greater fluoride uptake into enamel and dentine around restoration than $Filtek^{TM}$ Z250 group. 4. In dentin the difference of fluoride concentration were greater than in enamel, and Dyract AP showed the greatest fluoride concentration in dentin.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.83-91
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• 2008

Dental caries which is one of the most common chronic disease complexly developed by the action of oral bacteria, diet, and host factor. Various prevention program enhance resistance of demineralization and reduce the acidogenecity of oral bacteria have been introduced, representative material is fluoride and chlorhexidine. The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare effectiveness of fluoride varnish and chlorhexidine varnish in vivo. Bovine tooth specimens were implanted in the lower space maintainers and applied with fluoride varnish and chlorhexidine varnish. After seven days in oral environment, metal mesh was covered to make similar condition of plaque accumulation and induce caries. All specimens were analysed by EPMA to evaluate quantitative change of Ca, P and by polarized microscope to identify histological changes. The results were as follows : After initial artificial caries induction in the mouth, there were remarkable enamel caries lesion in the control group under polarized light microscopy. The highest amount of mineral decrease were showed in control group. No statistically significant mineral decrease were showed in fluoride varnish group, while chlorhexidine varnish group showed only significant decrease of P(P<0.05). In conclusion both fluoride varnish and chlorhexidine varnish seemed to be effective for protecting enamel surface from caries activity, although fluoride varnish has more anticariogenic effect than chlorhexidine varnish.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2016

Streptococcus mutans plays a virtal role in trigering dental caries establishment due to its ability to synthesize two significant factors. The two factors are organic acids and glucans. The former demineralized dental enamel and the latter mediates the attachment of bacteria to tooth surface. It is believed that demineralization of dental enamel and attachment of bacteria are the crucial events that indicate and develop dental caries. For this reason, we studied the effect of the ethanol extracts of Radix Pulsatillae on the growth and acid production of S. mutans. Ethanol extracts of the Radix Pulsatillae showed concentration dependent inhibitory activity against the growth and acid production of S. mutans, and produced significant inhibition compared to the control groups (p<0.05). The extracts inhibited S. mutans adherence to hydroxyapatite treated with saliva, and cell adherence was repressed by Radix Pulsatillae. the ethanol extract of Radix Pulsatillae showed remarkable inhibition of glucosyltransferase, which synthesizes water insoluble glucan form sucrose. Phytochemical analysis showed Radix Pulsatillae contained major components such as phenolic compounds, glycosides, steroids, terpenoid, and saponin. These results suggest that Radix Pulsatillae may have anti-cariogenic properties, which may be related with major components such as phenolic compounds, glycosides, steroids, terpenoid, and saponin.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.357-369
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• 2005

Streptococci are Gram-positive, facultative anaerobes and have no catalase activities. Among mutans streptococci containing ${\alpha}-type$ hemolytic activity, S. mutans is a causative agent for dental caries. As well as acid production yielding the demineralization of tooth enamel, adherence and colonization of S. mutans to the teeth are also important for its virulence. These early colonization are accomplished by the bacterial fibrillar protein, Antigen I/II (Ag I/II) and glucosyltransferase (GTF). Therefore, Ag I/II and GTF are reasonable targets for the development of vaccine against S. mutans GS-5. The ag I/II and gtfD genes from S. mutans GS-5 were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analyses showed the nucleotides sequence of cloned genes had high homology to the sequences previously reported. The sequence alignment of 280 nucleotides between the cloned Ag I/II and the available sequence of the corresponding S. mutans GS-5 showed the perfect match. Comparing with the sequence of gtfD from S. mutans UA159, the corresponding nucleotide sequence of S. mutans GS-5 showed some mismatches and the mismatches introduced changes in four residues out of 105 amino acids, yielding four missense mutations.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.233-240
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• 2014

An in vitro study on cariogenic potential of four over-the-counter nutritional supplements for children was performed. The experimental groups were four over-the-counter nutritional supplements. The positive control group was 10% sucrose solution (S), and the negative control group was artificial saliva (T). The pH of each group, the buffering capacities, acid production, the microhardness changes of the bovine teeth specimens were measured. The pH of all experimental groups were lower than critical pH 5.5 where enamel demineralization starts. The buffering capacity of the Hama Vitamin Pharm (Hamsoa Pharm Co., Korea) was highest, and the Smart Chewable Vitamin A (JW Pharm Co., Korea) had the lowest buffering capacity. The reduction rates of the pH of the experimental groups were significantly higher than that of the negative control group (p < 0.05). The microhardness of enamel of all experimental groups and the positive control group significantly decreased. In contrast, the microhardness of enamel of the negative control group significantly increased after experiment (p < 0.05). The reduction rate of the microhardness of enamel of the Hama Vitamin Pharm (Hamsoa Pharm Co., Korea) was significantly higher and Hikid Plus (Sanga Pharm Co., Korea) was significantly lower than the other experimental groups.