Carious Teeth Research Articles

Impact of sodium fluoride and nano silver fluoride-based varnishes on remineralisation of enamel caries: an in-vitro study

Background: The aim of this study was to perform a comparative evaluation of 5% Sodium fluoride varnish, neutral nano silver fluoride (NSF) varnish and acidulated nano silver fluoride varnish in remineralising artificially induced enamel caries of primary teeth. Methods: 39 primary anterior teeth were sectioned 2mm below the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and mounted in acrylic resin blocks. Incipient enamel caries were induced on the samples artificially and primary Vicker’s surface microhardness (SMH) was assessed. Samples were divided equally and applied varnishes; Group 1: 5% Sodium fluoride varnish; Group 2: Neutral NSF varnish, and Group 3: Acidulated NSF varnish. A pH cycling protocol of 7 days was followed, and second Surface microhardness (SMH) testing was carried out. One sample from each group was observed for Scanning electron microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM EDS). Statistical analysis was conducted using HSD Tukey and one way ANOVA tests. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the pre-treatment and post-treatment values of all three groups. The difference in SMH after applying 5% Sodium fluoride varnish and acidulated NSF varnish was statistically significant (p<0.01). Similarly, neutral NSF varnish and acidulated NSF varnish also showed statistical significance (p<0.01). However, SMH after application of 5% Sodium fluoride varnish and neutral NSF varnish was statistically not significant. The SEM EDS analysis revealed the presence of an even fine granular layer of minerals on the surface of treated enamel in the acidulated NSF group whereas other groups showed uneven deposits of minerals. EDS showed fluoride and silver in groups containing NSF. Conclusions: Acidulated NSF varnish has the highest efficacy followed by neutral NSF varnish and 5% Sodium fluoride in remineralisation of enamel caries in primary teeth.

Smart Dental Materials Intelligently Responding to Oral pH to Combat Caries: A Literature Review.

Smart dental materials are designed to intelligently respond to physiological changes and local environmental stimuli to protect the teeth and promote oral health. Dental plaque, or biofilms, can substantially reduce the local pH, causing demineralization that can then progress to tooth caries. Progress has been made recently in developing smart dental materials that possess antibacterial and remineralizing capabilities in response to local oral pH in order to suppress caries, promote mineralization, and protect tooth structures. This article reviews cutting-edge research on smart dental materials, their novel microstructural and chemical designs, physical and biological properties, antibiofilm and remineralizing capabilities, and mechanisms of being smart to respond to pH. In addition, this article discusses exciting and new developments, methods to further improve the smart materials, and potential clinical applications.

Preparation of Nanocomposites for Antibacterial Orthodontic Invisible Appliance Based on Piezoelectric Catalysis.

Compared to fixed orthodontic appliances with brackets, thermoplastic invisible orthodontic aligners offer several advantages, such as high aesthetic performance, good comfort, and convenient oral health maintenance, and are widely used in orthodontic fields. However, prolonged use of thermoplastic invisible aligners may lead to demineralization and even caries in most patients' teeth, as they enclose the tooth surface for an extended period. To address this issue, we have created PETG composites that contain piezoelectric barium titanate nanoparticles (BaTiO3NPs) to obtain antibacterial properties. First, we prepared piezoelectric composites by incorporating varying amounts of BaTiO3NPs into PETG matrix material. The composites were then characterized using techniques such as SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy, which confirmed the successful synthesis of the composites. We cultivated biofilms of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) on the surface of the nanocomposites under both polarized and unpolarized conditions. We then activated piezoelectric charges by subjecting the nanocomposites to 10 Hz cyclic mechanical vibration. The interactions between the biofilms and materials were evaluated by measuring the biofilm biomass. The addition of piezoelectric nanoparticles had a noticeable antibacterial effect on both the unpolarized and polarized conditions. Under polarized conditions, nanocomposites demonstrated a greater antibacterial effect than under unpolarized conditions. Additionally, as the concentration of BaTiO3NPs increased, the antibacterial rate also increased, with the surface antibacterial rate reaching 67.39% (30 wt% BaTiO3NPs). These findings have the potential for application in wearable, invisible appliances to improve clinical services and reduce the need for cleaning methods.

The effectiveness of topical fluoride agents on preventing development of approximal caries in primary teeth: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundThis 18-month randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of two topical fluoride applications versus placebo control on preventing development of approximal caries in primary teeth.MethodsPreschool children were recruited if they had at least one initial approximal carious lesion at the distal surface of the canines, both approximal surfaces of the first molars, or the mesial surface of the second molars assessed from bitewing radiographs. The participants were randomly allocated into 3 intervention groups: Group 1 (placebo control), Group 2 (5% sodium fluoride [NaF] varnish), and Group 3 (38% silver diamine fluoride [SDF]). All agents were applied semiannually. Two calibrated examiners evaluated the caries development from bitewing radiographs. Caries development was recorded when the baseline sound surface or initial approximal carious lesion surface developed dentin caries (beyond the outer one-third of dentine) at the follow-up examination. The intention-to-treat approach was adopted. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the effectiveness of topical fluoride agents in preventing approximal caries development and the effect of other variables. The multi-level logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relative effectiveness of topical fluoride agents in preventing approximal caries development at the 18-month follow-up.ResultsAt baseline, 190 participants with 2,685 sound or initial carries at the approximal surfaces were recruited. No differences in participant demographic backgrounds, oral health related habits, or caries experience were observed among the 3 groups (P > 0.05). After 18 months, 155 (82%) participants remained in the study. The rates of developing approximal caries in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 24.1%, 17.1%, and 27.2%, respectively (P < 0.001, χ2 test). After adjusting for confounding factors and clustering effect, the multilevel logistic regression analysis showed no differences in caries development rates between the 3 groups (P > 0.05). Tooth type and the extent of a carious lesion at baseline were the significant factors for caries development.ConclusionAt 18-month follow-up, after adjusting for confounding factors and clustering effect, there were no statistically significant differences in preventing of approximal caries development between the semiannual application of 5%NaF, 38%SDF, or placebo.Trial registrationThe study was registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry under the number TCTR20190315003 on 15/03/2019.

Current status of primary dental caries among 2 - 4 year-old children in some kindergartens in Ngu Hanh Son district, Danang city in 2022

Background: Early childhood caries is defined as the presence of one or more carious lesions, tooth loss or decay on any primary tooth in a child ≤ 71 months of age. This study aims to investigate the state of primary dental caries and its relationship with some factors in 2 - 4 year old kindergarten children in Ngu Hanh Son district, Da Nang city in 2022. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 423 children aged 2 - 4 years old in 2 kindergartens, in Ngu Hanh Son district, Da Nang city, during March-April 2022. The state of caries was assessed according to the dmf index, distributed by age, gender and related factors. Results: There were 75.9% with dmf index was 6.15 ± 5.80, which increased with age, no difference between two genders and most common in the maxillary middle incisors and the mandibular molars. Risk factors are associated with rates of caries, while protective factors did not significantly affect the rate of caries. Conclusion: The state of primary dental caries in Ngu Hanh Son district, Da Nang city is still high. Protective factors did not significantly affect the rate of caries. Therefore, it is necessary to consider implementing early and more appropriate preventive measures for childhood caries. Key words: primary dental caries, kindergarten children, dmf index, risk factor, protective factor.

Oral Microbiome Traits of Type 1 Diabetes and Phenylketonuria Patients in Latvia.

Some metabolic disorder treatments require patients to follow a specific diet or to consume supplements that, over time, can lead to oral microbiome alterations. Well-known disorders requiring such treatment are phenylketonuria (PKU), an inborn error of amino acid metabolism, and type 1 diabetes (T1D), a metabolic disorder that requires a specific diet regimen. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the oral health and microbiome characteristics that might contribute to caries activity and periodontal disease risk in PKU and T1D patients. In this cross-sectional study, 45 PKU patients, 24 T1D patients, and 61 healthy individuals between the ages of 12 and 53 years were examined. Their anamnestic data and dental status were assessed by one dentist. Microbial communities were detected from saliva-isolated DNA using 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 sequencing on Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform. Results revealed that the PKU patient group displayed the highest number of extracted teeth (on average 1.34), carious teeth (on average 4.95), and carious activity (44.44% of individuals) compared to the T1D and CTRL groups. The lowest numbers of filled teeth (on average 5.33) and extracted teeth (on average 0.63) per individual were observed in T1D patients. Gingivitis appeared more often in the T1D group; however, possible risk of periodontal disease was seen in both the T1D and PKU patient groups. The highest number of differentially abundant genera was detected in the PKU group (n = 20), with enrichment of Actinomyces (padj = 4.17 × 10-22), Capnocytophaga (padj = 8.53 × 10-8), and Porphyromonas (padj = 1.18 × 10-5) compared to the CTRL group. In conclusion, the dental and periodontal health of PKU patients was found to be significantly inferior compared to T1D patients and healthy controls. T1D patients showed early signs of periodontal disease. Several genera that correlate with periodontal disease development were found in both groups, thus suggesting that T1D and PKU patients should seek early and regular dental advice and be educated about proper oral hygiene practices.

Early Childhood Predictors for Dental Caries: A Machine Learning Approach

We aimed to develop and validate caries prognosis models in primary and permanent teeth after 2 and 10 y of follow-up through a machine learning (ML) approach, using predictors collected in early childhood. Data from a 10-y prospective cohort study conducted in southern Brazil were analyzed. Children aged 1 to 5 y were first examined in 2010 and reassessed in 2012 and 2020 regarding caries development. Dental caries was assessed using the Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) criteria. Demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral, and clinical factors were collected. ML algorithms decision tree, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) were employed, along with logistic regression. The discrimination and calibration of models were verified in independent sets. From 639 children included at the baseline, we reassessed 467 (73.3%) and 428 (66.9%) children in 2012 and 2020, respectively. For all models, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) at training and testing was above 0.70 for predicting caries in primary teeth after 2-y follow-up, with caries severity at the baseline being the strongest predictor. After 10 y, the SHAP algorithm based on XGBoost achieved an AUC higher than 0.70 in the testing set and indicated caries experience, nonuse of fluoridated toothpaste, parent education, higher frequency of sugar consumption, low frequency of visits to the relatives, and poor parents’ perception of their children’s oral health as top predictors for caries in permanent teeth. In conclusion, the implementation of ML shows potential for determining caries development in both primary and permanent teeth using easy-to-collect predictors in early childhood.

Potential Renal Acid Load, Salivary Buffer Capacity and Healthy Eating Index as Predictors of Children's Dental Caries: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Dental caries is one of the most common childhood diseases. This study purposed to investigate the prediction capability of potential renal acid load(PRAL), salivary buffer capacity (SBC), and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) on children's dental caries. The decay, missing, filing, and teeth for primary teeth (dmft)/Decay, Missing, Filling, and Teethfor permanent teeth (DMFT) indexes of the children aged 7-12 years who applied to our faculty were recorded. Approximately 1 mL of unstimulated saliva samples were collected, and SBC was evaluated. PRAL and HEI scores were calculated by entering the data in the form of a daily nutrition record of the children into the BeBiS software (Ebispro for Windows, Stuttgart, Germany). The association of dental caries indices with PRAL, SBC, and HEI was analyzed using an independent samplet-test. A binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the dental caries burden. The statistical significance level was adjusted to a=0.05. A total of 150 children, 88 (58.6%) females and 62 (41.4%) males, were included in the study. Significant differences were found between the low and high dental caries groups for dmft regarding PRAL and SBC (p<0.001). A significant difference was found between the low and high dental caries groups for DMFT in terms of SBC (p<0.05). In our study, established regression models significantly predicted dental caries in primary teeth. SBC was the most influential factor in predicting dental caries compared to PRAL and HEI. There was a significant relationship between SBC, PRAL, and caries in primary teeth. In the model we created, the strongest predictor was SBC.

DESCRIPTION OF DENTAL CARIES ON PANORAMIC RADIOGRAPH AT RSGM UNJANI CIMAHI INDONESIA

Panoramic radiograph was a diagnostic method that can see the overall picture of caries in the maxilla and mandible, with a wide range of caries lesions. The large detail area seen on the panoramic radiograph was instrumental for diagnosing caries location for the entire jaw. This study aimed to determine the appearance of dental caries based on panoramic radiographs at RSGM Unjani. This research was a descriptive study using probability techniques in the form of simple random sampling with 43 panoramic radiographs as a sample. The results of the study showed that in panoramic radiographs at RSGM Unjani that the highest frequency based on sex was female patients, the highest frequency based on age were patients in the 45-65 years age group, the highest frequency was based on the incidence location of dental caries were patients with dental caries in the anterior teeth and M1 teeth, and the frequency of caries in deciduous teeth was 100% in the 5-11 years age group. The study conclusion was all panoramic radiographs at RSGM Unjani have caries.

ASSESSMENT OF ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIADHESIVE PROPERTIES OF ANTISEPTICS AGAINST CLINICAL ISOLATES OF KOCURIA SPP

According to the literature, microorganisms of the genus Kocuria are becoming widespread, but not as avirulent representatives of the normal microbiota of the human body, but as pathogens.&#x0D; Recently, after the identification of the causative agents of infectious and inflammatory processes, various types of Kocuria have been included in the list of etiological agents isolated from patients with cholecystitis, endocarditis, peritonitis, and meningitis as well as from carious tooth cavities and post-extraction tooth sockets. Bacteria of the genus Kocuria possess pathogenicity that enables them to play an important role in the occurrence of infectious and inflammatory processes in various organs and systems of the human body. Given that antibiotics are the most commonly used drugs of choice in medical and dental practice for the treatment of infections and inflammations, antibiotic resistance is considered as a global health and development threat.&#x0D; In order to overcome the challenge of antibiotic resistance, antiseptics, a group of medicines with a pronounced antimicrobial effect, are being increasingly used for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory processes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the antibacterial and antiadhesive activity of dekasan, and drugs of comparison, chlorhexidine and iodoform, against clinical isolates of Kocuria spp. isolated from the oral cavity of patients with infectious inflammatory post-extraction complications. Materials and methods: five clinical isolates of Kocuria spp. were studied as microorganisms isolated from patients, who received the treatment for infectious and inflammatory post-extraction complications at the medical and surgical departments of Poltava Regional Center of Stomatology – Dental Polyclinic. We determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBcC) of antiseptics against clinical isolates of Kocuria spp. taking into account ISO recommendations. The adhesive properties of clinical isolates of Kocuria spp. were assessed by exposing them to subbacteriostatic concentrations of antiseptics, namely dekasan, chlorhexidine, and iodoform. The evaluation was conducted using erythrocytes of blood group 1(0) Rh+ and considering the index of microorganism adhesion (IAM) following the method developed by V. I. Brillis. The results obtained have demonstrated variations in the antimicrobial and anti-adhesive activities among the tested antiseptics, dekasan, chlorhexidine, and iodoform.

Radiopaque properties of polyetheretherketone crown at laboratory study

ObjectivesThere have been no reports on the radiopaque properties of new polyetheretherketone (PEEK) crowns for locating crowns during accidental ingestion or aspiration and detection of secondary caries, which is essential information for clinical application. This study aimed to investigate whether the radiopaque properties of PEEK crowns could be used to identify the site of accidental ingestion or aspiration and detect secondary caries. MethodsFour types of crowns were fabricated: three non-metal crowns (PEEK, hybrid resin, and zirconia) and one full metal cast crown (gold-silver-palladium alloy). Initially, the images for these crowns were compared using intraoral radiography, chest radiography, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT); computed tomography (CT) values were calculated. Subsequently, the images for the crowns placed on the secondary caries model with two artificial cavities were compared using intraoral radiography. ResultsThe PEEK crowns displayed the lowest radiopaque properties on radiography and very few artifacts were observed on CBCT and MDCT. On the other hand, the CT values of the PEEK crowns were a little lower than those of the hybrid resin crowns and considerably lower than the zirconia and full metal cast crowns. The cavity could be detected in the PEEK crown-placed secondary caries model through intraoral radiography. ConclusionsThis simulated study of radiopaque properties with four types of crowns suggested that a radiographic imaging system can be used to identify the site of accidental ingestion and aspiration of PEEK crowns and to detect secondary caries of the abutment tooth within a PEEK crown.

К ПРОБЛЕМЕ ДИАГНОСТИКИ В ПРЕВЕНТИВНОЙ ЭНДОДОНТИИ

Subject. The most significant problem of modern preventive endodontics is to determine the vitality of the pulp and, accordingly, to make a decision about the choice of treatment method. The early stages of inflammation in the pulp may not be fully detected clinically and require the inclusion of additional examination methods that assess the state of microcirculation in the neurovascular bundle, as well as the severity of the immune response. These methods include: clinical and immunological examination of the gingival fluid (GF), as well as the assessment of tissue perfusion using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). &#x0D; Objectives. The purpose of the study is to optimize the diagnostics of the dental pulp condition in the context of implementing the concept of preventive endodontics.&#x0D; Methodology. 37 patients aged 19–29 years with a diagnosis of K 04.00 "Pulp hyperemia" were examined. In addition to the basic methods of examination, LDF and immunological study of GF (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-4) were used. In each patient, 1 tooth with pulp hyperemia and 1 intact (control) tooth were examined.&#x0D; Results. In the immunological analysis of DF in the area of teeth with pulp hyperemia, higher values of cytokines were obtained compared to intact teeth (p &lt; 0.05). At the same time, in the area of 2 teeth with pulp hyperemia (5.4%), the level of cytokines was higher than their average values in the group of carious teeth. LDF of teeth with pulpal hyperemia also revealed higher values of M and σ compared with similar parameters in control teeth (p &lt; 0.05). At the same time, in 2 cases, the highest levels of LDF were noted, which was consistent with the previously observed high values of cytokines in the gingival fluid in these loci. Moreover, after 2 weeks, a clinic of irreversible pulpitis was observed in these 2 teeth.&#x0D; Conclusion. When diagnosing reversible forms of pulpitis and deciding on the possibility of biological treatment of pulp hyperemia, it is necessary to assess the state of microcirculatory changes that have occurred in the pulp tissue, as well as the level of local immunological reactions.

World Health Organization's global oral health status report: Paediatric dentistry in the spotlight.

World Health Organization's global oral health status report: Paediatric dentistry in the spotlight.

How much do pregnant women know about the importance of oral health in pregnancy? Questionnaire-based survey

BackgroundAlthough pregnancy is a physiological process it causes hormonal changes that can also affect the oral cavity. Pregnancy increases the risk of gum disease inflammation and tooth caries which could affect the health of the developing baby. Proper oral health is crucial both for mother and her babies and is related with mothers’ awareness of this connection. The aim of this study was the self-assessment of women’s both oral health and oral health literacy as well as mothers’ awareness of the connection of oral health and pregnancy.Material and methodsIn the study anonymous questionnaire was prepared and provided to be filled in by 200 mothers at the age from 19 to 44 y.o. who gave birth in the gynecological clinic. The questionnaire included demographic, and concerning the areas of oral health before and during pregnancy and after the childbirth questions.ResultsOnly 20% of the investigated women underwent the oral examination before the pregnancy and the next 38.5% underwent it intentionally when the pregnancy had been confirmed. As much as 24% of women pointed out lack of awareness of the importance of proper oral hygiene during pregnancy.41.5% of investigated women declared complaints during the pregnancy concerning teeth or gums and 30.5% underwent dental treatment; 68%, brushed their teeth properly—twice a day; 32% of women observed deterioration of oral health state during the pregnancy. The knowledge of the importance of oral health during pregnancy presented by the majority of mothers was relatively proper, which was strongly connected with higher education status and living in big cities. A significant correlation between higher birth weight and more frequent daily tooth brushing was observed. Both higher frequency of problems concerning the oral cavity and dental treatment during pregnancy were significantly related to the younger age of mothers.ConclusionsThe knowledge of women concerning of oral health on the management of pregnancy and development of fetus is still insufficient. Gynecologists should inquire pregnant women if they have done dental examination, and provide wider education about importance of oral health in pregnancy.

Evaluation of Chitosan and Ferric Sulphate as Pulpotomy Agents in Primary Teeth: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Preservation of healthy pulp tissue is detrimental for the function and vitality of carious primary teeth. Several hemostatic agents used for pulpotomy in primary teeth showed adverse effects on viable surrounding structures. To assess the clinical and radiographic success of chitosan (CH) pulpotomy in primary molars and to compare it with ferric sulphate (FS). A total of 40 carious lower primary second molars in 5-9 years children are selected for conventional pulpotomy technique. Over radicular stumps, FS is placed for 15 seconds in the control group, and CH for 4-5 minutes in the study group, followed by intermediate restoration (IRM). Intraoral periapical radiographs were taken immediately after 1 week and after 3rd and 6th months. The clinical and radiographic success rate is assessed and statistically analyzed. Chitosan (CH) showed a 65% radiographical and 100% clinical success rate, and FS showed 55 and 95%, respectively. Chitosan (CH) showed better results than FS as a pulpotomy agent in primary teeth. Guguloth S, Jamnapalli SR, Patloth T, et al. Evaluation of Chitosan and Ferric Sulphate as Pulpotomy Agents in Primary Teeth: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):223-226.

Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage and Shear Bond Strength of Glass Ionomer Cement, Composite, Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement Restorative Material: An In Vitro Study

Aim: Evaluation of microleakage and shear bond strength of glass ionomer cement, composite, resin modified glass ionomer Cement Restorative Material. Material and Method: Thirty freshly extracted non carious teeth, free of cracks and restorations, collected for the present in-vitro study. Teeth were divided in three equal group i.e. group A: Glass Ionomer Cement. Group B: Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement, Group C: Composite Resin. All groups' shear bond strengths were evaluated using a universal testing machine. A rod in the shape of a chisel was positioned close to the bonded restorative material and directly next to the flat dentinal surface. To debond the material, a cross head of universal testing machine at a speed of 0.5mm/min was employed. Then, Mega Pascal Units (MPa) were used to calculate the shear bond strength. To evaluate the microleakage two coats of nail polish were applied to the samples, leaving a 1 mm window around the cavity boundaries. A wet cotton pellet was placed over the restoration to avoid desiccation while the nail polish was being applied. Inverted teeth were submerged for 24 hours at 37°C under vacuum in a solution of 2% Rhodamine-B dye. Only the coronal part of the teeth were dyed to avoid dye leakage via the root apices. The surface-adhered dye was washed off the specimens in tap water after removing them from the dye solution, and nail polish was then removed with a BP blade. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally in a bucco-lingual direction through the center of the restorations using a water-cooled low-speed diamond disc. The section with the greater leakage was evaluated with a stereomicroscope at ×25 magnification to determine the extent of dye penetration at the occlusal and gingival margins by two evaluators who were blinded to the experimental groups. Result: Composite resin showed highest shear bond strength followed by Bond Strength of Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement and least with conventional glass ionomer cement. Microleakage was found lower in composite resin as compared to Resin modified glass ionomer cement and glass ionomer cement. Conclusion: It can be stated that Composite resin and Resin modified glass ionomer cement have good shear bond strength and lower microleakage as compared to Glass Ionomer Cement.

Alone in a cave: Examination of a 5200 BCE skeleton from the Judean Desert, Israel

The remains of a &gt;50-years-old male, thus far representing the only complete skeleton dated to the Early Chalcolithic (Wadi Rabah) period in Israel, were recovered in a cave in the Judaean desert (Nahal Mishmar, F1-003). The old male suffered abscesses in the maxilla following tooth caries, and a well-healed trauma in the left tibial midshaft. Skull and mandibular morphology were described using plain measurements, indices and angles, and compared with similarly taken Chalcolithic data. In addition, mandibular morphology was captured using a landmark-based geometric morphometrics method and compared to Natufian hunter-gatherers, Pre-Pottery Neolithic early farmers, and Late Chalcolithic populations. The results, although cautionary, reveal similarity to the succeeding Ghassulian Chalcolithic period populations and suggest population continuity from the Early to the Late (Ghassulian) Chalcolithic period. Future ancient DNA study may clarify this hypothesis and further reveal population affinity in this period in Israel.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate/mineralization precursors co-delivery hollow mesoporous nanosystem for synergistic manipulation of dentin exposure.

As a global public health focus, oral health plays a vital role in facilitating overall health. Defected teeth characterized by exposure of dentin generally increase the risk of aggravating oral diseases. The exposed dentinal tubules provide channels for irritants and bacterial invasion, leading to dentin hypersensitivity and even pulp inflammation. Cariogenic bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on dentin are responsible for tooth demineralization and caries. It remains a clinical challenge to achieve the integration of tubule occlusion, collagen mineralization, and antibiofilm functions for managing exposed dentin. To address this issue, an epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and poly(allylamine)-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (PAH-ACP) co-delivery hollow mesoporous silica (HMS) nanosystem (E/PA@HMS) was herein developed. The application of E/PA@HMS effectively occluded the dentinal tubules with acid- and abrasion-resistant stability and inhibited the biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans. Intrafibrillar mineralization of collagen fibrils and remineralization of demineralized dentin were induced by E/PA@HMS. The odontogenic differentiation and mineralization of dental pulp cells with high biocompatibility were also promoted. Animal experiments showed that E/PA@HMS durably sealed the tubules and inhibited biofilm growth up to 14 days. Thus, the development of the E/PA@HMS nanosystem provides promising benefits for protecting exposed dentin through the coordinated manipulation of dentin caries and hypersensitivity.

Clinical Assessment of SDF Effect in Arresting Dental Caries in Deciduous Teeth.

Current research was done to evaluate the effectiveness of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on carious lesions in deciduous teeth. The study included kids who had at least one carious lesion in accordance to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II. A 38% SDF (FAgamin, Tedequim Company, Córdoba, Argentina) solution was applied directly to the lesion on the deciduous teeth as per the manufacturer's instructions. A follow-up evaluation was performed after one, three, and six months. Clinical results were used to assess the efficacy of SDF. The obtained data were statistically evaluated. When it came to halting dental caries in primary teeth, 38% SDF was 92% effective. In conclusion, 38% SDF can be used to effectively stop caries in primary teeth.

Impact of oral intervention on the oral and overall health of children living with HIV in Cambodia: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMaintaining oral health is essential for improving overall health of children living with HIV. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of an oral health intervention for improving their oral and overall health. In addition, we examined their longitudinal association between changes in oral and overall health.MethodsWe conducted a 2-year randomized controlled trial involving children living with HIV in Cambodia. Children aged 3–15 years and their caregivers were randomly allocated either to the intervention (group A) or control (group B) arm. A second control arm (group C) included children without HIV. The group A children received oral health education sessions and practiced home-based daily care.ResultsIn the baseline survey, 482 children participated (group A: n = 160, group B: n = 168, group C: n = 154), and 350 completed the endline survey. An interaction effect in teeth brushing duration was observed in children in group A relative to group B (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.37–5.31) and group C (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.70–8.40). Longitudinal associations were observed between changes in oral hygiene and overall health, as presented by alterations in dental caries in permanent teeth with viral load detection (adjusted odds ratio = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.10 − 11.73), in salivary flow quantity with the overall quality of life (β = 0.07, 95% CI: < 0.01 − 0.13), as well as in dental caries, salivary pH, debris index with body mass index for age among group A children.ConclusionsOral health intervention may improve oral care behaviors and potentially enhance overall health among children living with HIV in antiretroviral therapy in a resource-constrained setting.Trial registrationISRCTN 15177479.