Pedialyte Promotes Periodontal Ligament Cell Survival and Motility

IntroductionThe search still continues to find the best storage media for avulsed teeth. Unfortunately, some of the recommended storage solutions are not commonly found in households or do not preserve the periodontal ligament (PDL) cells long-term. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether Pedialyte is a viable alternative storage solution for avulsed teeth by assessing its ability to preserve human PDL cell viability.MethodsHuman PDL cells were exposed to 6 different storage solutions (minimal essential medium [MEMα], Hank's balanced salt solution [HBSS], non-fat milk, coconut water, Pedialyte, or tap water) for 2, 6, 24, or 48 hours at 4°C or 25°C. Cell viability was quantified immediately or 1 week after exposure. The effects of these storage solutions on PDL cell motility and bacterial proliferation were also examined. The results were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance.ResultsPedialyte at 4°C and 25°C showed significantly (P < .001) higher cell survival compared with water after all time intervals. No significant difference was noted between control (MEMα), HBSS, coconut water, and Pedialyte at 4°C after 2 hours. Cells stored in Pedialyte for 24 hours at 25°C and assayed 1 week later showed significantly higher cell survivability compared with milk. Pedialyte supported significantly less bacterial growth compared with non-fat milk and coconut water. No difference in cell motility was observed for cells stored for 24 hours in Pedialyte, MEMα, HBSS, milk, or coconut water.ConclusionsPedialyte is a viable alternative as a storage solution for avulsed teeth.