Three years long-term impact of powered vs. manual toothbrushes on hypersensitivity and gingival recession: A randomized controlled trial.

Oral health is an essential component of general health and well-being, especially in childhood and adolescence. Evaluation of students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding oral health is critical to establishing effective school-based interventions. This cross-sectional study assessed oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among primary and intermediate school students in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia, with an emphasis on the students' perceptions of causes and protective factors of tooth decay. A cross-sectional study design was conducted. The final sample involved 321 primary and intermediate school students aged 7-15 years from around the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. This study collected data through a structured, investigator-administered questionnaire and using clinical oral health indices (DMFT, DI, CI, and OHI). Descriptive statistics, along with chi-square tests, were applied to investigate any gender differences and distributions of responses. The researchers obtained ethical clearance, informed assent, and parental consent before the data collection. Students had moderate-to-high levels of KAP regarding oral health. The most frequently identified causes of tooth decay by students were frequent consumption of sugary food (82.0%) and poor oral hygiene (77.0%), whereas regular tooth brushing (87.2%) and use of fluoridated toothpaste (76.3%) were the most frequently reported protective factors against tooth decay. There were no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) by gender across each of the KAP items. Notably, while awareness of oral health in general was high, there were knowledge gaps regarding fluoride use and regular dental visits. Primary and intermediate school students in the Qassim Region have high levels of oral health knowledge, but gaps remain in oral health behaviors. This study highlights the need for comprehensive, integrated, school-based oral health approaches that focus on converting knowledge into long-term change. The data specific to the Qassim Region may inform the national oral health strategy and provide direction to oral health interventions that are culturally appropriate.

Fluoride-free toothpaste formulations demonstrate measurable biological effects, but evidence is dominated by surrogate outcomes and short-term study designs. While hydroxyapatite-based products have the most consistent evidence base, no fluoride-free category currently has evidence comparable to fluoride for long-term caries prevention in children. • Fluoride toothpaste has strong evidence for long-term caries prevention. • Fluoride-free alternatives are increasingly used, but existing evidence is largely based on surrogate or short-term outcomes. • Across formulations, observed effects are driven more by study design, delivery context, and outcome selection than by specific ingredients. • No fluoride-free category shows equivalent clinical evidence to fluoride for long-term caries prevention, although hydroxyapatite demonstrates relatively more consistent, yet still limited data.

Community water fluoridation has been acclaimed as an effective mode of caries control at the population level. However, a recent review has concluded that in high-income populations with widespread access to topical fluorides, water fluoridation (0.7ppm F) has a minor effect on the development of caries. It may therefore be relevant to take a historical look at the benefits of an oral health intervention that does not rely on the use of systemic fluorides, such as toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste. We summarize the evidence from large population studies in the Nordic countries during the past 50-yr and show that it is possible to obtain and sustain low caries levels over decades by self-performed use of fluoride toothpaste. Topical fluoride at low concentrations treats/arrests active/progressing caries lesions by controlling mineral loss in dental hard tissues, thereby reducing the development of cavities. Toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste shifts the entire caries distribution to the left, including the right-hand tail end of the distribution, ensuring that also the more disadvantaged groups may benefit. Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste should be promoted and trained through school-based oral health programs for children. It is time for a reappraisal of fluoride toothpaste for public oral health.

More and more patients with malocclusion are choosing fixed orthodontics to improve their chewing ability, maintain dental health and aesthetics. However, inappropriate timing of treatment, lack of management programmes during treatment and neglect of follow-up strategies after removal of appliances can lead to a succession of oral health problems. Therefore, oral health management throughout the patient's treatment period is necessary. This review systematically synthesises published evidence on oral health management in fixed orthodontic treatment patients. Systematically searched the Up to date, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), BMJ Best Practice, the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Web of Science, CNKI and other resources. Guidelines, expert consensus, evidence summaries, systematic reviews, clinical decision-making on the management of oral health of fixed orthodontic patients were included, which were published from the establishment of each database until October 31, 2023. AGREE II and AMSTAR 2 were used to evaluate literature quality. The JBI evidence Pre-grading and Recommendation level system (2014 edition) was used to classify evidence levels and recommend evidence based on the FAME structure. A total of 2 guidelines and 33 systematic reviews were included, involving 37 evidence concerning assessment, timing of treatment, selection of orthodontic materials, use of fluoride-containing materials, development of an oral health management plan, remote administration and improvement of patient compliance, the use of fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash and toothbrush selection. This study summarises the best evidence related to oral health management of fixed orthodontic patients, which can provide reference for healthcare professionals and patients in oral health management, promote patients' participation in self-management and contribute to the improvement of patients' adherence. In clinical practice and application, healthcare professionals need to take the clinical context into account and fully consider the patients' preferences and economic situation in order to develop individualised treatment strategies and management plans for patients.

Background: Dental caries is a highly prevalent chronic disease among children and adolescents worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Fluoride toothpaste is a cost-effective preventive measure, but its effectiveness has not been systematically evaluated in Bangladeshi medical settings. Objectives: To assess the relationship between fluoride toothpaste use and dental caries experience among children and adolescents attending in the Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from March 2022 to February 2023 among 42 children and adolescents aged 5–18 years in the Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and clinical examination. Dental caries was recorded using the WHO Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Fluoride toothpaste use was defined as regular use of toothpaste containing ≥1000 ppm fluoride for at least six months. Statistical analysis included independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square test (p&lt;0.05). Results: The prevalence of fluoride toothpaste use was 66.7% (28/42). The mean DMFT score among fluoride users was significantly lower than non-users (2.54 vs. 4.29; mean difference = 1.75; 95% CI: 0.52–2.98; p = 0.008). Brushing twice daily was associated with the lowest mean DMFT (2.10), while irregular brushing had the highest (4.43; p = 0.045). Parental recommendation was significantly associated with fluoride toothpaste use (p = 0.048). The overall mean DMFT score was 3.15 (SD = 1.89), with the decayed component contributing the largest proportion (2.36). Conclusion: Fluoride toothpaste use was significantly associated with lower dental caries experience among children and adolescents in this urban Bangladeshi sample. Public health interventions should promote twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste and target parents as key influencers.

Li T, Guo H, Liu C, Jiang H, Gao S, Du M. Effectiveness of Bioactive Glass-Based Toothpaste for Early Childhood Caries Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int Dent J 2026;76:103985. Double-blind, multicentre, parallel group cluster-randomised controlled trial (class-level randomisation). Children aged 3-4 years at risk of early childhood caries (ECC) were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: a fluoride‑free bioactive glass (BAG) toothpaste group and a fluoride toothpaste (800 ppm) group. Both groups were followed over 27 months to monitor the incidence of new carious lesions. Caries outcomes were evaluated using established clinical caries assessment criteria suitable for early childhood populations, with comparisons made between groups to determine differences in caries incidence and overall preventive effect. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate group differences in caries development. The trial found that the fluoride-free BAG toothpaste was effective in preventing ECC and performed comparably to the fluoride toothpaste. Both formulations provided measurable caries preventive benefits, indicating that BAG has potential as a clinically relevant alternative to fluoride for young children. BAG toothpaste shows promise as a fluoride-free preventive agent for ECC. Its comparable effectiveness to fluoride toothpaste suggests it may be a useful option for children in situations where fluoride use is restricted, contraindicated, or declined by caregivers.

Dental caries is closely associated with microbiome dysbiosis. Incorporating antimicrobial agents can enhance the efficacy of fluoride toothpaste. Our previous studies showed that caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), derived from propolis, effectively inhibited cariogenic bacteria. To formulate a novel CAPE-containing fluoridated toothpaste and establish a multistage evaluation system assessing its caries-controlling efficacy. The CAPE toothpaste's physicochemical properties were characterized. Its in vitro antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans was examined using quantitative suspension and checkerboard microdilution assays. In vivo anticaries efficacy and biosafety were evaluated in a rat caries model (n = 9/group) comparing 5 groups: untreated control (group NC), base toothpaste without CAPE (group B, 600 ppm F-), CAPE-fluoride toothpaste (group C, 0.16 mg/mL CAPE + 600 ppm F-), fluoride control (group F, DARLIE®, 600 ppm F-), and propolis nonfluoride control (group P, Red Seal®). Caries severity was scored using the Keyes method. Finally, in situ enamel repair (n = 24 enamel blocks) and plaque microbiome modulation (n = 6 samples) were assessed in a 7-d clinical study (ChiCTR2400089643) with 4 groups (groups NC, C, F, and P). The novel formulation showed stable physicochemical properties. Group C reduced S. mutans by 1.5-log10 within 3 min (P = 0.0062 vs NC), and CAPE plus fluoride exhibited additive antibacterial properties (fractional inhibitory concentration index = 0.75). In rats, group C showed the lowest smooth-surface score (21.0 ± 1.7, P < 0.005 vs. all) and reduced sulcal lesion severity (slight dentinal lesions: P = 0.0181 vs. NC and P = 0.0318 vs. F). In situ, group C achieved 27.58% surface microhardness recovery (P < 0.01 vs. all), with significant reductions in mineral loss and lesion depth (P < 0.001 vs. all). Microbiome analysis revealed a preserved microbial diversity, increased Streptococcus oralis, and reduced cariogenic populations. The novel CAPE-containing fluoridated toothpaste effectively inhibited the onset and development of caries. Wider-ranging and longer-term clinical investigations are still needed.

This letter to editor would emphasise the position about topic fluoride into a choorte of children between 0-6 years of age after media messages, personal conviction by social media appeared in the last year about adverse fluoride effects in the topical application. After the preview letter to editor about the negative effects of water added with fluoride when had been highlighted that the hypothetical harmful effect of fluoride on intellectual quotient IQ of children is mainly an USA question because in Europe water is not fluoridated except for little areas of european's countries. Topic fluoride is safe and is a most strategy to carious lesion development if used in the correct modalities. No adverse effect of topic fluoride is possible to adress for yuong adult (> 18 yo) and 6 years old children. In that situation is suggest from paediatric scientific academy and ministerial guide lines to use the maximun concentration of fluoride permitted from European law and World Health Organisation WHO indications into toothpaste and mouthrinse (1500 ppm) for at home for oral hygiene. For children of age lower than 6 years old attention must be payed also for topic fluoride because an excess and not precise measurement of plasmatic fluoride may expose the children to dental fluorosis disease. In particullary the age from 0-2 years old is the most critically because during this stage some of the most important permanent teeth such first molars and incisor perform the mineralisation of protein matrix secreted by ameloblast during amelogenisis. Dose (rise o pea size) and toothpaste fluoride concentration (1000 ppm) are suggested from European Accademy of Paediatric Dentistry EAPD into a policy document and is highligted supervison of parents during at home children oral hygiene to avoid accidental ingestion of toothpate [Toumba et al., 2019]. Parents, Dentist and Paediatric must be pay attention about fluoride concentration of human use potable water and water to prepare the children food whilst there's not information about fluoride concentration into the child food. We just know that fish, tea and potatos peel are rich in fluoride. Avoid the final water rinse after toothbrush with fluoride toothpate is favourable as UK's National Health Service suggest to extend the contact time between fluoride and the dental enamel in order to form Fluoroapatite F-Ap more acid resistent than Hydroxiapatite HAp. We are talking about split the excess of foam at the end of toothbrushing and is very unlikely that this procedures could increase the fluoride concentration in the children lower 6 years old and expose those to dental fluorosis risk [Parakaw et al., 2024].

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of resin infiltration (RI), casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), fluoride varnish (FV), and fluoride toothpaste on white spot lesions (WSLs) over a 24-month period. This study was a 24-month prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial. Stratified randomization by center was employed, and patients were randomized using allocation sequences, with allocation concealment achieved via sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. Seventy-nine participants who had finished orthodontic treatment were randomly assigned to be treated with RI, CPP-ACP, FV or fluoride toothpaste and were recalled every 6 months. The subjects in the RI group who received the RI treatment at baseline and had their teeth coated with fluoride toothpaste every six months starting from the second visit. In addition, all the participants used the provided fluoride toothpaste to brush their teeth twice daily for routine oral hygiene. The DMFT index was recorded at baseline and at each visit. Intraoral images were captured, and the changes in the WSLs area were assessed by ImageJ software. In this study, we enrolled 20 participants in the FV group, CPP-ACP group, and RI group and 19 participants in the fluoride toothpaste group. Ultimately, 14, 17, 12, and 14 participants in each group completed the final follow-up, respectively. After 24 months, there were no significant differences in the mean DMFT index between the groups. All four treatments effectively reduced the WSLs over time. After 24 months, the rate of change in WSLs area in the RI group (-56.66 ± 20.70, 95%CI: -62.23, -51.09) was significantly lower than those in the FV group (-42.01 ± 18.12, 95%CI: -46.28, -37.75), the CPP-ACP group (-45.27 ± 18.13, 95%CI: -49.83, -40.70) and the fluoride toothpaste group (-35.19 ± 25.79, 95%CI: -40.99, -29.38). Besides, the rate of change in WSLs in the CPP-ACP group was significantly lower than that in the fluoride toothpaste group. During the 24-month period, the combined use of RI, FV, CPP-ACP with fluoride toothpaste and fluoride toothpaste alone were effective in treating WSLs. RI management achieved the best and most stable effect in terms of reducing WSLs after 24 months. In addition, after 24 months, CPP-ACP management was better than fluoride toothpaste management alone for reducing WSLs. Chinese Clinical Trials Register, TRN: ChiCTR2000032516, Registration date: 1 May 2020.

To compare long-term clinical efficacy in relieving dentine hypersensitivity (DH) of two occlusion-technology toothpastes-a 5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSPS) toothpaste and a commercially available 8% arginine/calcium carbonate toothpaste-with that of a regular fluoride toothpaste control. This was a 12-week, randomised, examiner and participant-blind, parallel-group, controlled study in adults with self-reported and clinically diagnosed DH. Participants were randomised to one of three study treatments and brushed twice daily for 12 weeks. DH was assessed at baseline and after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks treatment in response to evaporative (air) (Schiff Sensitivity Scale/visual analogue scale [VAS]) and tactile stimuli (tactile threshold). One hundred twenty participants were randomised to treatment. All study treatments showed statistically significant reductions from baseline in DH after 12 weeks treatment (p < 0.05, all efficacy measures). The 5% CSPS toothpaste was significantly more effective than the control in reducing DH as assessed by Schiff sensitivity score (p < 0.0001, Week 12 [primary endpoint]; p < 0.001, all other timepoints) and tactile threshold (p < 0.05, all timepoints). The 8% arginine/calcium carbonate toothpaste was also statistically superior to control at all timepoints (p < 0.01, Schiff sensitivity score and tactile threshold). No significant differences were observed between either occlusion-technology toothpaste and the negative control in VAS scores at any timepoint, or between the two occluding toothpastes for any efficacy measure at Weeks 4, 8 and 12. Treatments were generally well tolerated. The 5% CSPS toothpaste demonstrated significant benefits over the control toothpaste and was comparable to an anti-sensitivity toothpaste containing 8% arginine/calcium carbonate in reducing DH over a 12-week period. DH is a prevalent condition that impacts oral health related quality of life. Twice daily use of a toothpaste containing either 5% CSPS or 8% arginine reduces dentine hypersensitivity within 2 weeks of first use. Further reductions in DH are observed with continued use. The use of an effective desensitising toothpaste can be recommended to help patients manage DH.

ObjectiveThe main objective of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of toothbrushing with fluoride and natural fluoride-free toothpastes on surface roughness changes of nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires as an indirect indicator of corrosion-related surface degradation.Materials and MethodsThirty rectangular superelastic NiTi wires (0.019 × 0.025”, 20 mm length; Orthometric) were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 10 each): Group 1 – fluoride toothpaste with brushing; Group 2 – fluoride toothpaste without brushing; Group 3 – fluoride-free toothpaste with brushing. Brushing was simulated with an electric toothbrush twice daily for 1 min over 28 days (cumulative 1 h). Initial and final surface roughness (Rz, µm) was measured using a portable roughness tester. Data were analyzed using paired Student’s t-test and ANOVA with Tukey post hoc comparisons (p < 0.05).ResultsSignificant increases in surface roughness were observed in Group 1 (0.717 ± 0.085 to 2.440 ± 0.225 µm; p < 0.001) and Group 2 (0.791 ± 0.082 to 1.904 ± 0.247 µm; p < 0.001). In contrast, Group 3 showed only a slight and non-significant increase in surface roughness (p = 0.167). Intergroup analysis revealed significant post-treatment differences (p < 0.001), with Tukey’s test distinguishing three subsets: Group 1 > Group 2 > Group 3.ConclusionsFluoride-containing toothpaste, particularly when combined with brushing, significantly increased surface roughness of NiTi wires, likely due to fluoride-induced degradation of the protective titanium oxide layer, which increases susceptibility to surface deterioration. Clinically, these findings suggest that fluoride-free formulations may represent a safer alternative for orthodontic patients requiring prolonged use of NiTi wires.

Purpose: To investigate associations between feeding practices and the prevalence of oral Rothia, at the species and genus level, with early childhood caries (ECC). Methods: A total of 438 children were included in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was completed by the parent of each participant. Based on the feeding history, participants were classified as exclusively breastfed, exclusively bottle-fed, or mixed (both feeding). Supragingival plaque samples were collected, and 16S rRNA sequencing was used to assess Rothia genus and species' relative abundances. The association between feeding practices and Rothia prevalence with ECC was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Low relative abundance of Rothia aeria was significantly associated with ECC, whereas there were no significant associations between the relative abundance of Rothia dentocariosa or Rothia mucilaginosa with caries status. Feeding practices were not associated with ECC. However, bedtime bottle use, bedtime snacking, living in a rural area, older age, use of fluoridated toothpaste, and having less-educated guardians were significantly associated. Conclusions: The findings suggest that low relative abundances of Rothia aeria and Rothia (genus) are associated with early childhood caries. Social environment and bedtime habits were also associated with ECC; however, feeding practices were not. Prospective studies examining Rothia and feeding practices with ECC would be beneficial to understand the relationship between Rothia and ECC and to help reach a consensus on the effect of different feeding practices on ECC risk.

Brushing with fluoride-containing toothpaste without rinsing significantly increases salivary fluoride concentration. To compare the effects of rinsing versus non-rinsing after toothbrushing with 1500 ppm fluoride (ppmF) toothpaste on salivary fluoride concentration up to 90 min and fluoride intake in 6-year-old children. A crossover clinical trial was conducted in 18 healthy 6-year-old children. Children brushed their teeth with 1500 ppmF toothpaste (0.6 g) with rinsing (WR) or without rinsing (WOR) in a three-day washout period. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and at 1, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 min after toothbrushing. Salivary fluoride concentration was measured using an ion-specific electrode. Fluoride intake was also determined. The geometric mean salivary fluoride concentration was significantly higher in WOR than in WR over time (p = 0.023). Pairwise comparisons at specific time points showed a significant difference at 1-min post-brushing (p < 0.001). Fluoride intake was significantly greater in WOR than in WR (0.216 ± 0.046 vs. 0.176 ± 0.056 mgF; p = 0.012). Toothbrushing with 1500 ppmF toothpaste without rinsing produced higher fluoride intake and total fluoride exposure (AUC) due to a large initial peak; however, salivary fluoride concentrations were comparable between rinsing methods from 5 min onward and remained caries-preventive for up to 90 min.

This study aimed to validate intraoral scanning (IOS) for oral health surveys, describe oral health status among rural older adults in China, and analyze associated factors and pathways to provide evidence for targeted interventions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024 among 2,179 rural adults aged ≥ 60 from four Chinese provinces using multistage cluster sampling. Data were collected through clinical oral examinations, IOS (dentition status, periodontal status, oral cleanliness, and denture status), and face-to-face questionnaires (general characteristics, oral hygiene behaviors, oral health service utilization, oral health literacy, oral frailty, and oral health-related quality of life). The diagnostic accuracy of the IOS was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, Cohen's Kappa, and the area under the curve (AUC), with clinical examination as the reference standard. Oral health status was characterized using descriptive analyses. Factors associated with the number of remaining teeth (categorized into three groups: 1-9, 10-19, and ≥ 20) were identified using ordinal logistic regression. Structural equation modeling (SEM), guided by the Wilson and Cleary model, was applied to incorporate variables and examine potential pathways. The Runyes intraoral scanner showed sensitivities of 95.24%-99.41%, AUC values of 0.821-0.919, and kappa coefficients of 0.736-0.845, compared with inter-examiner agreement for clinical examination (kappa: 0.84-0.91). The mean number of remaining teeth was 17.46 ± 10.59, and 13.4% of participants were edentulous. The mean DMFT score was 15.98, with dental caries present in 97.0%. Among dentate participants, dental calculus and gingival recession were observed in 99.9% and 97.3%, respectively, and over 95% had poor oral cleanliness. Approximately 50% of participants used dentures. Fewer remaining teeth were associated with older age, smoking, prior dental treatment, recent toothache, lower income, weaker grip strength, non-use of fluoride toothpaste and dental floss, and lower oral health literacy (OHL). SEM showed that oral health skill, including use of interdental cleaning tools, brushing duration, and brushing force, significantly moderated the downstream effects of poor oral health status into adverse oral health-related quality of life outcomes (interaction effects p < 0.05). 3D IOSs may serve as an efficient tool for oral health surveys. Rural older adults in China experience considerable oral health challenges. Improving OHL through targeted strategies could contribute to better oral health status in this population.

This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors associated with erosive tooth wear (ETW) among the adult population. Clinical examinations were conducted using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination index, which assesses the severity of ETW in six sextants of the oral cavity. The risk factors for ETW included: (1) socio-demographic characteristics, (2) general health conditions, (3) vitamin C consumption, (4) beverage consumption, (5) acidic foods and drinks, (6) dairy products, (7) use of fluoridated mouthwashes and toothpastes, and (8) type of toothbrush. A one-way ANOVA test and an independent sample t-test were used; a p-value of 0.05 was considered the threshold for statistical significance. A total of 312 participants were included; 174 (55.8%) were females. In terms of age distribution, the majority of participants were between 23 and 59years old (n = 261). Regarding education, predominantly (154, 49.4%) held a bachelor's degree. Regarding socioeconomic factors, 214 participants (68.6%) were framed into the lowest socioeconomic status (SES). The highest prevalence of ETW was observed in the maxillary anterior teeth (90.2%), followed by the mandibular anterior teeth (79.8%). Participants who used hard-bristled toothbrushes (teeth abrasion), consumed acidic products, and belonged to high SES groups had significantly higher erosive tooth wear scores. The overall prevalence of ETW among participants was 69%, with the highest prevalence observed in males, older age groups, and those with higher SES. The findings highlight the significant role of dietary habits, oral hygiene practices, and socioeconomic factors in the development of ETW.

Over the years, dental caries management strategies have evolved tremendously, and a recent paradigm shift toward the preventive approach has been observed. The use of biotics with conventional preventive measures has been reported to have beneficial effects, especially in children with special healthcare needs (SHCN) having increased oral health risks. To compare and evaluate the effects of toothpastes containing xylitol and xylitol- Bacillus coagulans, on levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli in the saliva of children with SHCN. A randomized controlled clinical trial including 90 children, divided into three groups, with an age range of 7-13 years, at a residential school for SHCN children. Group I received conventional (fluoride) toothpaste. Group II received prebiotic (xylitol), and Group III received prebiotic-probiotic (xylitol- B. coagulans ) toothpaste. Saliva samples were collected preintervention, at 3 and 6 weeks postintervention, and cultured to quantify S. mutans and Lactobacilli growth. Statistical analysis used repeated measures ANOVA for intragroup and One-way ANOVA for intergroup comparisons, with significance set at P < 0.05. All three groups demonstrated a significant reduction ( P < 0.001) in S. mutans CFU counts at all time points in order of Group III > Group II > Group I, whereas for Lactobacilli , none of the toothpaste groups showed a significant reduction ( P > 0.001) at 3- and 6-weeks postintervention. Xylitol- B. coagulans containing toothpaste demonstrated the highest antimicrobial efficacy against S. mutans, compared to xylitol and conventional fluoride toothpaste.

This first-in-human clinical study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a bioglass incorporated in a toothpaste, in reducing dentin hypersensitivity (DH) compared to a sodium fluoride (NaF) toothpaste over a 2-week period. A double-blind, randomized, parallel-arm, proof-of-concept clinical trial was conducted with 46 participants experiencing self-reported and clinically confirmed DH. Participants were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) Test toothpaste (5wt% bioglass with 1425ppm fluoride as NaF), or (2) NaF toothpaste (1425ppm fluoride). Outcomes included Schiff Airblast Sensitivity Score (primary endpoint), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and Yeaple Probe tactile sensitivity (secondary endpoints). Statistical analyses, including analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and descriptive statistics, were performed to evaluate intergroup differences. The Test group exhibited a statistically significant reduction in Schiff Airblast Sensitivity Scores at Day 14 compared to the NaF group (ΔMean: -0.8 vs. -0.5, p=0.0341). Significant improvements were also observed in VAS pain scores in as little as 2 days (ΔMean: -1.03 vs. 0.04, p=0.0057). Rapid pain relief was noted within 2 days, indicating both immediate and cumulative effects. The difference in tactile scores was not statistically significant between groups although greater change was seen with Test toothpaste (ΔMean 13 vs. 3g; p=0.068). No severe adverse events were reported, and safety profiles were comparable across groups. The toothpaste containing the bioglass demonstrated superior efficacy in alleviating DH symptoms at both early and later time points through its mechanism of rapid tubule occlusion. This innovative approach aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for fluoride use and addresses unmet needs in DH management globally. Further research is warranted to explore its long-term applications in preventive and restorative dentistry. U.S. National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Registry (http://www. gov) ID NCT06166745.

Background: The study aimed to assess caregivers’ knowledge regarding the oral health of children aged 2–5 years at Kajjansi Health Center IV, Wakiso District. Methodology: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative design to assess caregivers’ oral care practices for children aged 2–5 years at Kajjansi Health Center IV, Wakiso District. A sample of 96 caregivers was obtained using the Kish and Leslie (1965) formula and selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires translated into Luganda and pretested at Seguku Health Center III. Responses were coded and analyzed using SPSS to generate frequencies and percentages. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained, and confidentiality was maintained throughout the study. Results: A total of 96 caregivers participated in the study. Respondents were aged 20–30 years (42, 43.8%), followed by 31–40 years (30, 31.3%), while 16 (16.6%) were aged 41 years or above, and 8 (8.3%) were below 20 years. Half of the caregivers had secondary education (44, 45.8%), while 24 (25.0%) had tertiary education, 22 (22.9%) had primary education, and 6 (6.3%) had no formal education. Regarding employment, 36 (37.5%) were unemployed, 30 (31.3%) were self-employed, 28 (29.2%) were employed, and 2 (2.1%) were retired. Knowledge results showed that 62 (64.6%) identified twice-daily brushing, while 78 (81.3%) knew sugar causes dental caries. Awareness of fluoridated toothpaste was reported by 56 (58.3%). Also, 70 (72.9%) recognized the need for primary teeth check-ups, 52 (54.2%) knew the brushing technique, and 88 (91.7%) reported that brushing prevents tooth decay. However, only 30 (31.3%) identified the six-month dental visit interval. Conclusion: The study finds that caregivers at Kajjansi Health Center IV have moderate to good knowledge. Recommendation: Health workers should educate caregivers on tooth-brushing techniques, the use of fluoridated toothpaste, and the risks of frequent sugary snacks.

Comparative evaluation of the cytotoxic effects of fluoridated and non- fluoridated toothpaste on the buccal mucosa: A 12 week follow up- a randomized controlled study.