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BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jan 2024Artificial sweeteners are listed as ingredients of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs), a new product category with rapidly growing market share. The exact sweetener contents...
INTRODUCTION
Artificial sweeteners are listed as ingredients of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs), a new product category with rapidly growing market share. The exact sweetener contents of ONPs remain unknown. Artificial sweeteners in ONPs may facilitate initiation and encourage consumption behavior.
AIMS AND METHODS
Artificial sweetener contents in major US-marketed ONP brands (Zyn, on!, Velo) were determined by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Sweetener effects during the initiation of ONP consumption were modeled in single- and two-bottle tests, offering mice ONP extracts calibrated to contain nicotine levels similar to saliva of people who use smokeless tobacco. To examine the contribution of sweet taste perception, consumption behavior was compared between wild-type mice and mice deficient in the sweet taste receptor (Tas1r2).
RESULTS
Acesulfame-K was detected in on!, Zyn and Velo ONPs (~0.3-0.9 mg/pouch), including products marketed as "Unflavored" or "Flavor ban approved". In Velo ONPs, sweetened with sucralose (0.6-1.2 mg/pouch), higher nicotine strength products contained higher sucralose levels. Tas1r2 mice consumed less ONP extracts than wild-type mice in both sexes. ONP extracts with both higher nicotine and sweetener strengths were tolerated by wild-type mice, but produced stronger aversion in Tas1r2 mice.
CONCLUSIONS
ONPs contain significant amounts of artificial sweeteners, with some brands adding more sweetener to ONPs with higher nicotine strengths. Artificial sweeteners, at levels present in ONPs, increase nicotine consumption. Increasing sweetener contents facilitates consumption of ONPs with higher nicotine strengths. Sweetness is a key determinant of ONP use initiation, likely reducing the aversive sensory effects of nicotine and other ONP constituents.
IMPLICATIONS
Artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame-K or sucralose reduce aversion and facilitate initiation and continued consumption of ONPs. The marketing of some artificially sweetened ONPs as "Unflavored" of "Flavor ban-approved" suggests that the tobacco industry rejects sweet taste as a determinant for the presence of a characterizing flavor. Sweetness as imparted by artificial sweeteners in tobacco products needs to be addressed by regulators as a component of a characterizing flavor, with the aim to reduce product appeal and initiation by never users, and especially youth attracted to sweet flavors.
PubMed: 38328200
DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.26.577472 -
BMC Oral Health Jul 2023Dental caries initiates with non-cavitated enamel lesions as the first stage. The cariogenic potential of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) may be due to its usage frequency and...
BACKGROUND
Dental caries initiates with non-cavitated enamel lesions as the first stage. The cariogenic potential of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) may be due to its usage frequency and form. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of exposure time of NAC on initial enamel caries-like lesions in primary teeth by assessing the morphological alteration using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and mineral content using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX).
METHODS
Forty primary incisor teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups S, S1, S2, and S3 (10 specimens/group). Teeth crowns were cut from their roots and inserted into an acrylic mold with its buccal surface directed upward. Centrally isolated enamel window (2 × 2 mm) on the tooth was done. Ten specimens were selected to evaluate normal enamel while the remaining thirty specimens were immersed in demineralizing solution for 96 h to produce enamel caries-like lesions. PH cycling was performed by immersing each tooth sample in 20 mL of demineralizing solution for 3 h then, preserved for the remaining day hours in 10 ml of artificial saliva interspersed with treatments applications with 10 ml NAC for 10 min twice a day for one- or three-months different treatment modalities. Thermocycling was done for all specimens then they were subjected to SEM and EDX analysis. ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests were utilized in data analysis.
RESULTS
In teeth treated by NAC for 3 months (group-S3), SEM images showed severe loss of enamel architecture with large NAC deposits detected. A meaningful difference was observed among different groups concerning calcium, phosphorus, fluoride, ca/P ratio, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen contents (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
NAC had a detrimental impact on enamel caries-like lesions in human primary teeth.
Topics: Humans; Dental Caries; Acetylcysteine; Dental Enamel; Fluorides; Tooth, Deciduous; Tooth Remineralization
PubMed: 37491222
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03224-3 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Sep 2023To compare the protective effect of commercial stannous-containing mouth rinses on enamel erosion in a simulated 5-day in vitro cycling model.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the protective effect of commercial stannous-containing mouth rinses on enamel erosion in a simulated 5-day in vitro cycling model.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
81 human enamel specimens were embedded in resin blocks and divided into nine groups as follows; group 1: stannous fluoride (1000SnF) toothpaste; groups 2,3, and 4 were the same as group 1 plus Elmex®, PerioMed™, and Meridol®, respectively, group 5: stannous fluoride (1450SnF) toothpaste, groups 6, 7, and 8 were the same as group 5 plus Elmex®, PerioMed™, and Meridol®, respectively, group 9: negative control. An erosive challenge was induced with a 1 min hydrochloric acid (0.01 M, pH 2.2) treatment 3 times per day. Each cycle included immersing in the toothpaste slurry twice for two minutes and a one-minute rinse. The enamel slabs were immersed in artificial saliva between each erosive cycle and incubated overnight at 37 °C. Surface hardness loss and enamel loss were determined by Knoop surface hardness and non-contact profilometry, respectively. Finally, enamel surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS).
RESULTS
All three mouth rinses had similar protective effects against erosion when using adjunct with 1000 SnF toothpaste (p > 0.05). With 1450 SnF toothpaste, Elmex® presented significantly lower surface hardness loss than Meridol® (p < 0.05). The combined use of Elmex® or PerioMed™ with toothpaste provided significantly better erosion protection than toothpaste alone, either 1000 or 1450 SnF. In addition, 1000SnF toothpaste adjunct with mouth rinse is comparable to 1450 SnF toothpaste alone in preventing enamel erosion.
CONCLUSION
All three mouth rinses reduced enamel erosion. The additional use of a high concentration stannous containing mouth rinse with 1450 SnF toothpaste increases the protective effect against enamel erosion in vitro.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
To date, no standard protocol for preventing dental erosion is available. There are three stannous-containing mouth rinses on the market; however, no study compared their efficacy or indicated whether using adjuncts with anti-erosion toothpaste provides additional benefits. This study found that adding stannous mouth rinse to twice-daily toothpaste increases erosion protection.
Topics: Humans; Tin Fluorides; Toothpastes; Mouthwashes; Sodium Fluoride; Tooth Erosion; Fluorides; Dental Enamel; Tooth Diseases
PubMed: 37432505
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05138-4 -
Cureus Oct 2023Background Among the various mechanical and biological properties of luting cement, the most important are its resistance to disintegration, degradation, and stability...
Background Among the various mechanical and biological properties of luting cement, the most important are its resistance to disintegration, degradation, and stability in the oral cavity. The sorption and solubility of cement alter the mechanical properties by impeding the half-life of the filling. It also leads to variations in dimensions, discoloration, and margin breakage. It is, therefore, essential to choose a low-solubility cement since there is always an interaction between teeth and restorative margins. The aim of this study is to assess and compare the solubility and sorption values of three different luting cements in three liquid media. Materials and methods Three luting cements were used for the investigation. Disc-shaped specimens of the cement, which were of 10 mm diameter and 2 mm height, were prepared. The sample included a total of 126 disc-shaped specimens made up of three materials, glass ionomer cement (GIC), resin cement, and resin-modified GIC, which were used in three liquid media (14 of each material in each medium). Fourteen specimens of each material were placed in glass vials containing 20 ml of each medium: distilled water, artificial saliva, and carbonated water. The samples were then put in an incubator at 37 °C. The measurements and masses of the samples were documented on days one, three, seven, 14, 21, 28, and 35. The samples were taken out of the solution after five weeks and stored in a desiccator with calcium sulphate for another five weeks. The weight and dimensional changes were estimated on days one, three, seven, 14, 21, 28, and 35. The values of water sorption (W) and solubility (W) were estimated. To determine the mean and standard deviation of each cohort, descriptive statistics were employed. Utilizing the Shapiro-Wilkinson test, the normality was determined. An independent test was used to determine the difference between all pairs of groups, while one-way ANOVA, Dunn test, and post hoc analysis were used to establish the distinction between the three groups. Results One-way ANOVA showed that significant differences existed among the groups: resin cement showed the least sorption and solubility, resin-modified GIC showed the highest solubility in distilled water (0.40 ± 0.03), and GIC showed the highest solubility in both artificial saliva (0.36 ± 0.03) and carbonated water (0.04 ± 0.05). Conclusion Considering the experimental outcomes and the limitations of an in vitro investigation, it was concluded that in the complex setting of the oral environment, this selection procedure is crucial for maintaining mechanical strength and for the long lifespan of dental restorations.
PubMed: 38021495
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47311 -
Cureus Aug 2023The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze the influence of various beverages on the surface microhardness of a single-shade composite resin.
AIM
The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze the influence of various beverages on the surface microhardness of a single-shade composite resin.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Seventy-five Omnichroma composite discs were fabricated and divided into five subgroups according to the beverages. The groups were Group A: tea; Group B: coffee; Group C: beer; Group D: whisky; and Group E: artificial saliva. The samples were immersed in their respective beverages for 15 minutes per day for 15 days. The Vickers microhardness values were taken before and after the immersion of the composite disc samples in their respective beverages. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA), with a statistical significance level of 5%.
RESULTS
It was observed that there was a reduction in the surface microhardness of the composite resin after immersion in most of the solutions. An increase in the mean percentage change of surface microhardness was observed in the beer group (29%; mean difference = 16.52±12.05), followed by the coffee group (27.2%; mean difference = 15.51±9.28). The least mean percentage change in microhardness was noted in group E, artificial saliva (8.5%; mean difference = 4.81±3.04).
CONCLUSION
The surface microhardness of composite resin can be influenced by the type of beverages used for immersion and the duration of immersion. However, it is important to note that the interaction between composite resin and various beverages is influenced by a complex interplay of multiple variables.
PubMed: 37724241
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43669 -
PloS One 2024Dental erosion is a chemical-mechanical process that leads to the loss of dental hard tissues. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pomegranate juice on the...
AIM
Dental erosion is a chemical-mechanical process that leads to the loss of dental hard tissues. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pomegranate juice on the enamel.
METHODS
Enamel blocks were randomly divided into three groups: deionized water, cola, and pomegranate juice. The blocks were immersed in the solutions four times a day for 14 days, and stored in artificial saliva for the remaining period. The surface hardness was measured on days 7 and 14. The surface structures of the demineralized blocks were observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the depth of demineralization was observed via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The pH, calcium, and phosphorus levels of the three solutions were analyzed.
RESULTS
The microhardness values of the blocks in the pomegranate juice and cola groups decreased with the increase in the demineralization time. The blocks in the pomegranate juice group exhibited large fractures in the enamel column, whereas those in the cola group had pitted enamels with destruction of the interstitial enamel column. Compared with cola group, fluorescent penetration increased in pomegranate juice (P < 0.01). The pH of cola (2.32 ± 0.09) was lower than that of pomegranate juice (3.16 ± 0.16). Furthermore, the calcium content in pomegranate juice was significantly higher than that in cola (P < 0.01). Alternatively, the concentration of phosphorous in cola was significantly higher than that in pomegranate juice (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
These findings indicate that pomegranate juice can cause enamel demineralization with an erosive potential comparable to that of cola.
Topics: Humans; Pomegranate; Calcium; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Tooth Erosion; Hardness; Cola; Dental Enamel
PubMed: 38598496
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298404 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Salivary pH is one of the crucial biomarkers used for non-invasive diagnosis of intraoral diseases, as well as general health conditions. However, standard pH sensors...
Salivary pH is one of the crucial biomarkers used for non-invasive diagnosis of intraoral diseases, as well as general health conditions. However, standard pH sensors are usually too bulky, expensive, and impractical for routine use outside laboratory settings. Herein, a miniature hydrogel sensor, which enables quick and simple colorimetric detection of pH level, is shown. The sensor structure was manufactured from non-toxic hydrogel ink and patterned in the form of a matrix with 5 mm × 5 mm × 1 mm individual sensing pads using a 3D printing technique (bioplotting). The authors' ink composition, which contains sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and bromothymol blue indicator, enables repeatable and stable color response to different pH levels. The developed analysis software with an easy-to-use graphical user interface extracts the R(ed), G(reen), and B(lue) components of the color image of the hydrogel pads, and evaluates the pH value in a second. A calibration curve used for the analysis was obtained in a pH range of 3.5 to 9.0 using a laboratory pH meter as a reference. Validation of the sensor was performed on samples of artificial saliva for medical use and its mixtures with beverages of different pH values (lemon juice, coffee, black and green tea, bottled and tap water), and correct responses to acidic and alkaline solutions were observed. The matrix of square sensing pads used in this study provided multiple parallel responses for parametric tests, but the applied 3D printing method and ink composition enable easy adjustment of the shape of the sensing layer to other desired patterns and sizes. Additional mechanical tests of the hydrogel layers confirmed the relatively high quality and durability of the sensor structure. The solution presented here, comprising 3D printed hydrogel sensor pads, simple colorimetric detection, and graphical software for signal processing, opens the way to development of miniature and biocompatible diagnostic devices in the form of flexible, wearable, or intraoral sensors for prospective application in personalized medicine and point-of-care diagnosis.
Topics: Colorimetry; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Saliva; Hydrogels; Humans; Biosensing Techniques
PubMed: 38931525
DOI: 10.3390/s24123740 -
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Sleep disorders are common in older individuals and are most prevalent in those who are institutionalized. Sleep complaints are often comorbid with medical and...
Sleep disorders are common in older individuals and are most prevalent in those who are institutionalized. Sleep complaints are often comorbid with medical and neuro-psychiatric illness and associated with polypharmacy. Various studies show an association between sleep disorders and altered levels of inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6. In this study, an objective sleep analysis was performed using actigraphy, and IL-6 measurements in saliva in 61 older people residing in long-term nursing homes (72.1% women). Almost half (49.2%) of the people had no or mild cognitive impairment, and the rest suffered from moderate to severe dementia, mainly due to Alzheimer's disease (25 out of 31 individuals). A significant correlation was found between salivary IL6 and sleep parameters; e.g., less salivary IL-6 had significantly ( < 0.05) worse sleep efficiency and more night awakenings. In turn, actigraphy detected alterations in people with dementia in average sleep time, daily bedtime, and average daily time out of bed. There was no significant correlation between these sleep patterns and the total number of psychotropic drugs. No significant differences were found in salivary IL-6 between individuals with or without dementia. These results should be considered in future research with institutionalized people to detect sleep disturbances and to establish interventions aimed to improve sleep quality.
PubMed: 37489445
DOI: 10.3390/diseases11030093 -
In vitro effect of beer, red and white wine on the morphology and surface roughness of human enamel.Advances in Clinical and Experimental... Nov 2023Beer, red and white wine are acidic drinks whose frequent consumption can increase the risk of dental erosion.
BACKGROUND
Beer, red and white wine are acidic drinks whose frequent consumption can increase the risk of dental erosion.
OBJECTIVES
To establish the effect of beer, red and white wine on the morphology and surface roughness (SR) of human enamel using different exposure times in a cyclic deand remineralization model in vitro.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The experiment included 33 surgically extracted impacted human third molars from patients aged 18-25 years. Enamel samples obtained by cutting crowns (n = 132) were submitted to alternate cycles of demineralization in (1) beer, (2) red wine, (3) white wine, (PC) positive control (orange juice), and remineralization in artificial saliva, which also represented a medium for negative control (NC). The experiment included cycles with different exposure times in alcoholic beverages and orange juice of 15, 30 and 60 min. Thus, 12 groups were formed (for each drink and each exposure time) containing 10 samples each, while the NC group consisted of 12 samples. Experiments were repeated 3x/day for 10 days. Enamel surface alterations were determined by stylus profilometry (average surface roughness (Ra)) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Shapiro-Wilk test, independent samples Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple comparisons (all pairwise) were performed.
RESULTS
With increasing exposure time, there was a positive correlation with Ra for white wineand orange juice-immersed samples (60 min compared to 15 min), which was also observed using SEM. There was no significant difference in the Ra between the other experimental samples for the same exposure time.
CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms a certain erosive potential of beer, red and white wine, and a significant relationship with pH, titratable acidity (TA) and SR, but not with the exposure time for all tested alcoholic beverages. Moreover, differences among the ultrastructural patterns caused by alcoholic beverages over the enamel surface were observed.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Beverages; Tooth Erosion; Wine; Beer; Citrus sinensis; Dental Enamel; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
PubMed: 37077143
DOI: 10.17219/acem/161856 -
Journal of Oral Science Jun 2024This study aimed to evaluate the surface properties and bacterial adhesion of computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) restorative materials.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to evaluate the surface properties and bacterial adhesion of computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) restorative materials.
METHODS
Four CAD-CAM resin-based blocks (Vita Enamic, Shofu block HC, Cerasmart [CS] and Lava Ultimate [LU]) and a leucite-reinforced glass ceramic block (IPS Empress CAD) were used in the present study. Specimens prepared with dimensions of 10 × 10 × 1 mm were polished. Surface characteristics were assessed with hydrophobicity and surface free energy (SFE) analysis. Surface roughness was measured using a profilometer, and elemental and topographic evaluations were performed with SEM-EDX analysis. After being kept in artificial saliva for 1 h, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus mitis (S. mitis) were incubated separately in 5% CO atmosphere at 37°C for 24 h. The adhered bacteria were counted as ×10 CFU/mL.
RESULTS
Surface roughness, contact angle and SFE measurement values were found to be in the range of 0.144-0.264 Ra, 28.362°-70.074° and 39.65-63.62 mN/m, respectively. The highest adhered amount of S. mutans was found in CS and the lowest in LU, while there was no significant difference between the amounts of adhered S. mitis.
CONCLUSION
Despite differences in the surface properties of the materials used for the study, the materials exhibited identical properties with respect to bacterial adhesion.
PubMed: 38866551
DOI: 10.2334/josnusd.24-0056