Improved Plaque-Induced Gingivitis in Students Using Calibrated Interdental Brushes: Results of a 3-Month Multicenter Educational Intervention.

To evaluate the short-term clinical impact of daily use of calibrated interdental brushes (IDBs) on gingival bleeding among dental and dental hygiene students within academic curricula. A prospective cohort of 117 students from three Italian universities was followed over three months. All participants received personalized training and calibrated interdental brushes matched to their interdental spaces.

Evaluation of Morphological and Chemical Composition of Dental Pulp Stones: A Combined Microanalytical Approach.

Introduction: Pulp stones (PSs) are mineralized ectopic structures within the dental pulp that vary in morphology, composition, and location. Their etiology remains uncertain and poses clinical challenges in endodontics. This study hypothesized that combined analytical techniques would enhance understanding of PS morphology and composition, facilitating clinical management of complex cases.

Human head and neck cancer cell lines response to cold atmospheric plasma activated media is affected by the chemistry of culture media.

Survival rate of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) patients are still to date very poor, and the application of innovative clinical approaches are urgently needed. Cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) are partially ionized gases that have shown anti-tumor effectiveness over a wide range of cancer types with potential application into clinics. However, the comprehension of the mechanisms underlying indirect CAP effects plays a key role for the prediction of treatment outcomes.

Physiological Root Resorption of Deciduous Teeth: An ATR-FTIR Approach.

: The study exploited, for the first time, Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform-InfraRed (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy on human dental pulps at different timings of root resorption (RR) to deepen the biological mechanisms occurring in deciduous teeth (De) during their replacement with permanent ones. : N:36 dental pulps from sound De were divided into the following: G0 (no RR); G1 (RR less than 1/3 of root length); G2 (RR not exceeding 2/3 of root length); and G3 (RR more than 2/3 of root length). Samples were analyzed by ATR-FTIR, and the spectral data were submitted to univariate (One-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison tests; statistical significance set at < 0.

Application of Bulk-Fill Composite to Simplify the Cementation of Indirect Restorations: The COMBO Technique.

This article proposes a technique to simplify the cementation of indirect restorations by exploiting the advantageous properties of bulk-fill composites (BFCs). The proposed technique consists of using a thin layer of a high-viscosity (HV) BFC in the interproximal margins of the preparation and applying low-viscosity (LV) resin luting agents (RLAs) to the rest of the prepared surface. The application of the HV BFC limits the extrusion of the LV RLAs in the interproximal area, deviating the excesses of LV RLAs only on the vestibular and lingual side.

A Modern Multidisciplinary Method to Characterize Natural White Spot Lesions with 2D and 3D Assessments: A Preliminary Study.

In this preliminary study, a multidisciplinary method based on high-resolution analytical techniques (such as microcomputed tomography, Raman Microspectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Vickers microhardness test) was exploited to evaluate the alterations that occur in human teeth at the initial stage of the carious lesion. To this purpose, six extracted molars displaying a natural white spot lesion (WSL) were investigated. Specific morphological, structural, and chemical parameters, such as the mineral density, indentation hardness, molecular and elemental composition, and surface micromorphology were obtained on the WSL, and the results were statistically compared (-test, < 0.

Non-Cariogenic Effect of Milk and Dairy Products on Oral Health in Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review.

Diet plays an important role in the etiopathology of dental caries. Milk and dairy products (DPs), especially in children and adolescents, are important sources of protein, calcium and phosphorus and could have an effect on dental and oral health. The aim of this scoping review was to analyze the scientific literature on the non-cariogenic effect of milk and DPs, with a focus on their potential to prevent dental caries in children and adolescents.

New insights on collagen structural organization and spatial distribution around dental implants: a comparison between machined and laser-treated surfaces.

Background: One of the main factors for the osseointegration of dental implants is the development of an adequate soft tissue barrier, mainly composed by collagen, which protects the implant from bacterial development. The structural features of the peri-implant collagen are influenced by the implant components and, in particular, by the type of the surface. In the clinical practice, healing abutments are characterized by smooth surfaces, named machined.

Use of over-the-counter mouthwashes as an additional measure in individual oral prophylaxis on adults with plaque-induced gingivitis: a double-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial.

Background: Plaque-induced gingivitis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by complete reversibility of tissue damage once the periodontal biofilm has been disorganised. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two commercially available mouthwashes (MWs) versus a chlorhexidine (CHX) 0.12% MW in reducing gingival bleeding (GB) in adults with plaque-induced gingivitis.

Multidisciplinary evaluation of the remineralization potential of three fluoride-based toothpastes on natural white spot lesions.

Objectives: This in vitro study aimed assessing the remineralization potential of three commercial fluoride-based toothpastes in permanent teeth with natural white spot lesions (WSLs). A multidisciplinary approach based on Raman microspectroscopy (RMS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Vickers microhardness (VMH) was exploited.

Methods: N = 12 human molars with natural WSLs in the proximal-vestibular zone were selected and divided into 4 groups (n = 3) according to the different treatments: HAF (hydroxyapatite with fluoride ions); SMF (sodium monofluorophosphate with arginine); SF (sodium fluoride with enzymes), and CTRL (untreated group).

Multivariate curve Resolution-Alternating least squares coupled with Raman microspectroscopy: new insights into the kinetic response of primary oral squamous carcinoma cells to cisplatin.

Raman MicroSpectroscopy (RMS) is a powerful label-free tool to probe the effects of drugs at a cellular/subcellular level. It is important, however, to be able to extract relevant biochemical and kinetic spectroscopic signatures of the specific cellular responses. In the present study, a combination of Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is used to analyse the RMS data for the example of exposure of primary Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells (OSCC) to the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin.

Prevalence, Severity of Extension, and Risk Factors of Gingivitis in a 3-Month Pregnant Population: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

The scope of this study was to assess the prevalence, severity of extension, and risk factors of gingivitis among pregnant women. In this cross-sectional study, 220 nulliparous women at 3 months of pregnancy were recruited in 2022 at the first obstetrical visit in Dakar, Senegal. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, prenatal clinical status, and oral clinical parameters were recorded.

Assessment of the Remineralizing Potential of Biomimetic Materials on Early Artificial Caries Lesions after 28 Days: An In Vitro Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the loss of mineral content in the enamel surface in early artificial lesions and to assess the remineralizing potential of different agents by means of SEM coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The analysis was performed on the enamel of 36 molars divided into six equal groups, in which the experimental ones (3-6) were treated using remineralizing agents for a 28-day pH cycling protocol as follows: Group 1, sound enamel; Group 2, artificially demineralized enamel; Group 3, CPP-ACP treatment; Group 4, Zn-hydroxyapatite treatment; Group 5, NaF 5% treatment; and Group 6, F-ACP treatment. Surface morphologies and alterations in Ca/P ratio were evaluated using SEM-EDX and data underwent statistical analysis ( < 0.

A spectroscopic study on orthodontic aligners: First evidence of secondary microplastic detachment after seven days of artificial saliva exposure.

Clear orthodontic aligners have recently seen increasing popularity. The thermoplastic materials present several advantages, even if it is known that all plastic products can be subjected to environmental and mechanical degradation, leading to the release of microplastics (MPs). Their ingestion could cause oxidative stress and inflammatory lesions.

Advances in diastema closure and tooth shape change using direct composite restorations: the Front Wing Technique.

Closing a diastema with a direct composite restoration still represents a real challenge for clinicians, mainly due to the need to create a correct contact point and emergence profile at the cervical level. The present article describes a novel anterior direct composite restoration technique for closing diastemata and changing tooth shape. The proposed technique, called the Front Wing Technique (FWT), does away with the use of the traditional wax-up and silicone index-based procedures.

Micro-computed tomography for assessing the internal and external voids of bulk-fill composite restorations: A technical report.

Purpose: This technical report aims to describe and detail the use of micro-computed tomography for a reliable evaluation of the bulk-fill composite/tooth interface.

Materials And Methods: Bulk-fill composite restorations in tooth cavities were scanned using micro-computed tomography to obtain qualitatively and quantitatively valuable information. Two-dimensional information was processed using specific algorithms, and ultimately a 3-dimensional (3D) specimen reconstruction was generated.

Remineralization Efficacy of Four Remineralizing Agents on Artificial Enamel Lesions: SEM-EDS Investigation.

Dental remineralization represents the process of depositing calcium and phosphate ions into crystal voids in demineralized enamel, producing net mineral gain and preventing early enamel lesions progression. The aim of the present study was to qualitatively and quantitatively compare the remineralizing effectiveness of four commercially available agents on enamel artificial lesions using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) combined with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Thirty-six extracted third molars were collected and randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6), five of which were suspended in demineralizing solution for 72 h to create enamel artificial lesions, and one serving as control: G1, treated with a mousse of casein phosphopeptide and amorphous calcium−phosphate (CPP-ACP); G2, treated with a gel containing nano-hydroxyapatite; G3, treated with a 5% SF varnish; G4, treated with a toothpaste containing ACP functionalized with fluoride and carbonate-coated with citrate; G5, not-treated artificial enamel lesions; G6, not demineralized and not treated sound enamel.

Hydrogen Peroxide Release Kinetics of Four Tooth Whitening Products-In Vitro Study.

Tooth whitening efficacy can be influenced by several factors, of which concentration and application time are two of the most important. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the initial content and release kinetics of the hydrogen peroxide (HP) content, or the carbamide peroxide (CP) content as converted to its HP equivalent, of four tooth whitening products with different concentrations (6% HP, 16% CP, 10% CP, and 5% CP). Titrations with Cerium Sulphate IV were performed to determine HP concentration.

Oral Manifestations of COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients: A Systematic Review.

Background: COVID-19 disease first appeared in 2019 and quickly spread worldwide, causing a global pandemic. The oral cavity represents a target of SARS-CoV-2, and oral lesions are observed in both non-hospitalized and hospitalized patients. This systematic review aims to investigate the frequency of oral manifestations in COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

Comparison of three different bulk-filling techniques for restoring class II cavities: μCT, SEM-EDS combined analyses for margins and internal fit assessments.

Objective: Evaluation of the behavior of three different bulk-filling techniques in terms of internal adaptation and external marginal sealing for restoring class II cavities.

Methods: Fifteen extracted sound molar teeth were used. Two standardized class II mesio/disto-occlusal (MO/DO) slot cavities, 4 mm long, 4 mm wide and 3 mm deep were prepared in each tooth, obtaining n=30 cavity preparations.

Efficacy of personal protective equipment against coronavirus transmission via dental handpieces.

Background: This laboratory study was done to evaluate the efficacy of personal protective equipment (PPE) and high-volume evacuation (HVE) against the spread of human coronavirus type 229E (HCoV-229E) during a standard dental procedure.

Methods: Patient and operator manikins were used to recreate a dental setting inside a custom-built class III cabinet-like chamber. The mouth of the patient manikin was inoculated with an HCoV-229E suspension, the viral load of which was similar to that of asymptomatic people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

A Comparative Evaluation of Nanohydroxyapatite-Enriched Hydrogen Peroxide Home Bleaching System on Color, Hardness and Microstructure of Dental Enamel.

This study aimed to evaluate two hydrogen peroxide (HP)-based at-home bleaching systems in order to analyze whether nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) addition may represent a reliable and safe solution for tooth whitening without altering dental microstructure and hardness. Human third molars (N = 15) were treated with two bleaching agents, one containing 6%HP (6HP) and the other 6% HP nHA-enriched (6HP-nHA) with average particle diameter ranging from 5-20 nm. Their effects on enamel were assessed using a spectrophotometer, Vickers microhardness (VMH) test and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), comparing the treated groups with the non-treated control group (CTR).