The use of sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide in periodontal therapy: a review

Hamster Cheek Pouch Bioassay of Dentifrices Containing Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of hydrogen peroxide alone and in combination with 7,12-dimethylbenza[a]anthracene (DMBA) in the oral cavity because H2o2, has been implicated as a complete carcinogen or cocarcinogen in two animal models. In the two independent studies, golden Syrian hamsters were used to evaluate the carcinogenic and cocarcinogenic potential of dentifrices containing H2o2 and NaHCO3. In the first study, the cocarcinogenic potential of a dentifrice containing 0.75% H2O2/ 5% baking soda was compared with that of a commercial dentifrice with similar ingredients except baking soda and H2O2. In the second study, the cocarcinogenic potential of a dentifrice formulated with 1.5% H, sb>2O2/7.5% baking soda was compared with a mixture of 3% H2O2/baking soda. All materials were applied to the right cheek pouches of experimental animals, and the left cheek pouches were untreated. In the first study. 0.5% DMBA was administered five times weekly for 20 weeks, and the dentifrices were applied immediately after the DMBA. Dentifrices or mineral oil alone were also applied five times weekly. In the second study. 0.5% DMBA or 0.25% DMBA were applied three times weekly for 16 weeks; dentifrices (or 3% H2O2/baking soda) were applied five times weekly for 16 weeks. The dual-phase dentifrice containing 0.75% H2O2/5% baking soda was not carcinogenic, and in combination with DMBA resulted in no observable acceleration of tumor onset, compared with DMBA alone. In fact, animals treated with 0.5% DMBA and the H2O2/baking soda dentifrice had a significantly delayed onset of tumor formation than did animals treated with DMBA alone. In the second bioassay, an increased latency period for tumor formation was observed with 0.5% DMBA and a dual-phase dentifrice containing 1.5% H2O2/7.5% baking soda, compared with 0.5% DMBA alone. With 0.25% DMBA, latency was not affected by addition of the dual-phase dentifrice. In contrast, animals receiving 0.25% DMBA and 3% H2O2/ NaHCO3 had a significantly lower rate of tumor formation and overall mass incidence. Croton oil also reduced the rate of tumor formation when applied with 0.25% DMBA. Histopathologic examination of cheek pouches revealed squamous cell carcinomas in the majority of DMBA-treated animals. Cheek pouches of DMBA-treated animals killed at interim times indicated a progression from keratotic changes and/or dyskeratosis at 6 weeks with the occurrence of carcinomas in approximately half the animals examined at 12 weeks. No significant histopathologic abnormalities were observed in animals not receiving DMB A other than slight keratosis in the oral mucosa of one or two animals per group. These results demonstrated that an oral product containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide was not carcinogenic, and that baking soda and H2O2 did not enhance the tumorigenicity of DMB A. Furthermore, the tumor-igenic response of DMBA was reduced by coadministration of 3% H2O2 and sodium bicarbonate.

A novel aromatic oil compound inhibits microbial overgrowth on feet: a case study

Background

Athlete's Foot (Tinea pedis) is a form of ringworm associated with highly contagious yeast-fungi colonies, although they look like bacteria. Foot bacteria overgrowth produces a harmless pungent odor, however, uncontrolled proliferation of yeast-fungi produces small vesicles, fissures, scaling, and maceration with eroded areas between the toes and the plantar surface of the foot, resulting in intense itching, blisters, and cracking. Painful microbial foot infection may prevent athletic participation. Keeping the feet clean and dry with the toenails trimmed reduces the incidence of skin disease of the feet. Wearing sandals in locker and shower rooms prevents intimate contact with the infecting organisms and alleviates most foot-sensitive infections. Enclosing feet in socks and shoes generates a moisture-rich environment that stimulates overgrowth of pungent both aerobic bacteria and infectious yeast-fungi. Suppression of microbial growth may be accomplished by exposing the feet to air to enhance evaporation to reduce moistures' growth-stimulating effect and is often neglected. There is an association between yeast-fungi overgrowths and disabling foot infections. Potent agents virtually exterminate some microbial growth, but the inevitable presence of infection under the nails predicts future infection. Topical antibiotics present a potent approach with the ideal agent being one that removes moisture producing antibacterial-antifungal activity. Severe infection may require costly prescription drugs, salves, and repeated treatment.

Methods

A 63-y female volunteered to enclose feet in shoes and socks for 48 hours. Aerobic bacteria and yeast-fungi counts were determined by swab sample incubation technique (1) after 48-hours feet enclosure, (2) after washing feet, and (3) after 8-hours socks-shoes exposure to a aromatic oil powder-compound consisting of arrowroot, baking soda, basil oil, tea tree oil, sage oil, and clove oil.

Conclusion

Application of this novel compound to the external surfaces of feet completely inhibited both aerobic bacteria and yeast-fungi-mold proliferation for 8-hours in spite of being in an enclosed environment compatible to microbial proliferation. Whether topical application of this compound prevents microbial infections in larger populations is not known. This calls for more research collected from subjects exposed to elements that may increase the risk of microbial-induced foot diseases.