Browsing by Subject "oral bacterium"

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    Effect of epigallocatechin gallate on nicotinetreated Fusobacterium nucleatum biofilm
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2016-04-08) Kaur, Mandeep; Dhami, Amarjeet; Gregory, Richard L.
    Abstract Tea polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have exhibited antimicrobial properties. Fusobacterium nucleatum is an oral bacterium that is associated with periodontal diseases. Biofilm adheres to the enamel surfaces of our teeth as plaque. Biofilm formation in the oral cavity leads to many complications such as caries and periodontal diseases. Those who smoke tend to have increased risk of periodontal diseases and F. nucleatum biofilm formation. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of EGCG (0.25 mg/ml) and varying concentrations of nicotine (0-32 mg/ml) on F. nucleatum biofilm. The study was conducted by treating F. nucleatum biofilm with various concentrations of nicotine (0-32 mg/ml) and EGCG. Biofilm formation was measured using a crystal violet dye staining assay and a spectrophotometer. Biofilm formation of F. nucleatum with EGCG and nicotine exhibited a significant decrease in biofilm formation at low concentrations of nicotine (0-4 mg/ml). EGCG alone without nicotine significantly reduces F. nucleatum biofilm formation. EGCG can be added to dental treatments such as toothpaste and mouthwash for those who smoke. Periodontal diseases lead to many health problems in other parts of the body, therefore it is important to find ways to decrease biofilm formation of F. nucleatum.
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    Nicotine Kill Time of Streptococcus Mutans
    (Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, 2015-04-17) Cavazos, Ana; Gregory, Richard L.
    Cigarettes have thousands of components aside from tobacco and nicotine that are harmful to the smoker’s body. Smoking is considered a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and periodontal disease. Yet smoking also plays a significant role in the buildup of plaque in the mouths of smokers. This is in part due to the formation of biofilm by Streptococcus mutans. S. mutans is an oral bacterium found in most humans that is considered to be the causative agent for dental caries. Particularly, S. mutans UA159 was used in this experiment. Biofilm formation regarding S. mutans and nicotine concentrations has previously been studied. It was found that at high concentrations of nicotine, biofilm formation of S. mutans decreased significantly. One of the aims of this study is to determine the time required to kill S. mutans.