biofilm

Dental Material that Kills Bacteria and Resists Biofilm Growth

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Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have developed a dental material tethered with an antimicrobial compound that can kill bacteria and resist biofilm growth. The material is also effective with minimal toxicity to the surrounding tissue, as it contains a low dose of the antimicrobial agent that kills only the bacteria that crosses it’s path. The researchers were motivated to develop a new dental material because the current composite materials to perform restorative procedures, such as filling cavities, are vulnerable to the growth of plaque, the biofilm that leads to tooth decay. The researchers had two goals in mind when developing the dental biomaterial: 1) kill pathogenic microbes effectively, and 2) withstand severe mechanical stress. The newly developed material is composed of a resin embedded with the antibacterial agent imidazolium. Unlike some traditional biomaterials that slowly release a drug, this material is non-leachable … Read more

It may be impossible to remove all bacteria from dental equipment

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A few stories have appeared in articles in recent years where someone has gotten an infection at an oral surgeon or dentists office due to unsafe practices. See for example http://blog.teethremoval.com/unsafe-injection-practices-plaque-u-s-outpatient-facilities/. This has occurred when a lapse in following proper infection control practices has occurred. However, even when proper protocols are being followed at dental offices it may still be possible to come down with an infection (although rare). This is supported by a new study in the Journal Water Research titled “Efficacy of dental unit waterlines disinfectants on a polymicrobial biofilm.” The study reveals that disinfectants recommended by companies that manufacture dental unit water lines don’t actually shift all the bacteria in the lines, which means the water lines are never completely clean. The dental water lines are used by dentists to keep their dental equipment, which is always … Read more