Study of Galla Chinensis and Clorhexidine On Deminerlization of Enamel

Objective: Chlorhexidine is a kind of effective antibacterial chemical compounds, which is widely used in prevention of caries. Recently studies have demonstrated the restriction of use in clinic because of its side effect. Galla Chinensis, a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, has verified activity of anti-bacteria and anti-virus in vitro.The aim of this study is to compare the cariostatic effect of Galla Chinensis with that of Chlorhexidine in Chemostat. Methods: A continuous culture biofilm-enamel model was constructed in the chemostat. The bovine enamel blocks (n=4/treatment) were treated with different medicine, and the demineralization of enamel blocks underlying biofilms were analyzed on both surface and section of enamel by scanning electromicroscopy (SEM) and polarizes light microscopy respectively. Results: Compared with sucrose group, both of Galla Chinensis (4000mg/l) and Chlorhexidine (2000mg/l) could reduce the enamel surface softening and subsurface demineralization of enamel blocks, and there was an obvious reminerlization region in the zone of subsurface in Galla Chinenesis group. Conclusion: Galla Chinensis has definite cariostatic effect, and no obvious difference is found in inhibiting the formation of initial caries with that of Chlorhexidine in Chemostat. Therefore, Concerning less side effect of this natural medicine than that of chemical agent, it may be a promising caries prophylaxis agent. Support for this study is provided from Chinese Natural Science Grant (Grant No.30171175)