Search Results (1,514)

Background/Objectives: Contact areas between first and second primary molars, shaped by concave/convex proximal surface morphology, are associated with proximal caries with concave surfaces linked to biofilm stagnation. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and clinical feasibility of a scoring system for classifying contact types (concave–concave, concave–convex, convex–convex, convex–concave) for dental practitioners. Methods: Following ethical approval and informed consent, 116 4–5-year-old children were enrolled. A calibrated examiner assessed caries on the distal of first molars and mesial of second molars using ICDAS-merged criteria and scored 464 proximal contacts clinically and radiographically. Stone models from silicone impressions were also scored by 17 trained practitioners, who repeated scoring a week later and assessed contacts clinically in six children. Practitioners completed a feasibility and satisfaction questionnaire. Results: Convex–convex contacts were most prevalent (58.6%), followed by convex–concave (32.6%). Contact type significantly correlated with caries (OR = 13.5; 95% CI: 6.4–28.3). Inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility ranged from 0.71 to 0.82. Most practitioners felt very (64.7%) or moderately (35.3%) capable of applying the system, found it low in difficulty (70.6%), and expressed high satisfaction (82.4%). Conclusions: The study indicated that it is possible for dental practitioners to classify the proximal contact types between primary molars both in an accurate and clinically feasible way. The system exhibited high reproducibility and practitioner satisfaction, indicating its potential as a valuable tool for identifying caries-prone surfaces and supporting evidence-based caries management. Full article

Bacterium-triggered carious lesions implicate dental hard tissue destruction and the simultaneous initiation of regenerative events comprising dental stem cell activation. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a prominent pathogen of the oral cavity and the principal cause of caries. S. mutans generates complex products involved in interbacterial interactions, including Mutanobactin-D (Mub-D), which belongs to a group of non-ribosomal cyclic lipopeptides. In the present study, we aimed to analyse the potential role of the synthetic Mub-D peptide in cell populations involved in tissue regenerative processes. To this end, we assessed the in vitro effects of Mub-D in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs). Our data demonstrated a concentration-dependent effect of Mub-D on their viability and a significant increase in their proliferation and osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation. These events were associated with specific changes in gene expression, where CCDN-1, RUNX-2, OSX, OCN, DMP-1, DSPP, and BMP-2 genes were upregulated. The ability of Mub-D to modulate the osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of both hDPSCs and hBMSCs and considerably enhance mineralisation in a controlled and concentration-dependent manner opens new perspectives for stem cell-based regenerative approaches in the clinics. Full article

Dental diseases represent a significant global health concern, with traditional treatment methods often proving costly and lacking in long-term efficacy. Emerging research highlights nanoparticles as a promising, cost-effective therapeutic alternative, owing to their unique properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the application of antimicrobial and antioxidant nanoparticles in the management of dental diseases. Silver and gold nanoparticles have shown great potential for inhibiting biofilm formation and thus preventing dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Various dental products can integrate copper nanoparticles, known for their antimicrobial properties, to combat oral infections. Similarly, zinc oxide nanoparticles enhance the antimicrobial performance of dental materials, including adhesives and cements. Titanium dioxide and cerium oxide nanoparticles possess antimicrobial and photocatalytic properties, rendering them advantageous for dental materials and oral hygiene products. Chitosan nanoparticles are effective in inhibiting oral pathogens and reducing inflammation in periodontal tissues. Additionally, curcumin nanoparticles, with their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, can enhance the overall performance of dental materials and oral care products. Incorporating these diverse nanoparticles into dental materials and oral care products holds the potential to significantly reduce the risk of infection, control biofilm formation, and improve overall oral health. This review underscores the importance of continued research and development in this promising field to realize the full potential of nanoparticles in dental care. Full article

Background: Hypophosphatemic rickets (HR) is a bone disorder affecting phosphate–calcium metabolism, with both skeletal and dental manifestations. This review aims to analyze dental manifestations of HR in children and, where possible, compare them to those in healthy children or affected adults. Methods: The protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42024596022). The study conformed to the PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were searched for studies reporting the prevalence or incidence of any dental manifestation in children with HR. Risk of bias was assessed using JBI, RoB 2.0, and ROBINS-E tools, and Stata/SE 18.0 was used for meta-analysis. Meta-regression was used to examine the effects of therapy duration and mean age on dental manifestations’ prevalence. The study received no funding. Results: A total of 1308 records were identified, with 660 screened after removing duplicates. Forty-six studies were eligible for full-text evaluation; sixteen were included in the qualitative analysis and twelve in the meta-analysis. The dental manifestations observed included dental abscesses, developmental defects of enamel and dentin, dental caries, taurodontism, and large pulp chambers. Dental abscesses were the most common manifestation, with a pooled prevalence of 0.39. Meta-regression showed no association between therapy duration and abscess occurrence but revealed a negative association between mean age and abscess prevalence. Conclusions: Dental abscesses were the most frequent manifestation in children with HR. The role of therapy in improving oral health remains unclear due to insufficient data, indicating a need for further studies on the impact of HR on children’s oral health. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop cinnamon bark essential oil (CEO), orange peel essential oil(OEO) and the combination of these two essential oils (OEO-CEO) loaded PLGA nanoparticles to prevent dental caries and to investigate their effectiveness in silico and in vitro methods. Methods: EO loaded PLGA nanoparticles were produced by single emulsion method. Detailed characterization studies were performed using different methods, and the controlled release profile was obtained. The antibacterial activity of the developed formulations was investigated on S. mutans and L. casei strains by in vitro and in silico methods. Additionally, the interaction mechanisms of EOs with DNA were evaluated. Results: Our findings showed that the average droplet size of EO-loaded PLGA nanoparticles varied between 243.1 ± 0.60 nm and 219 ± 4.49 nm, while PdI values varied between 0.069 ± 0.039 and 0.032 ± 0.01. In addition, the developed nanoparticles had high encapsulation efficiency (85.14% to 66.28%) and released the active ingredient in a continuous and controlled manner. Ames test showed that the genotoxicity of EOs was eliminated due to the encapsulation of EOs in PLGA nanoparticles and antibacterial tests showed that OEO-CEO-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were effective on L. casei and S. mutans. The antibacterial activity of EOs was also supported by in silico studies. Finally, it was revealed that EOs showed potential as antibacterial agents by interacting with DNA. Conclusions: The results showed that OEO-CEO-loaded PLGA nanoparticles have the potential to be a suitable nanoformulation for developing mouthwash or toothpaste for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Full article

Various bacterial strains with nitrate-reducing capacity (NRC), such as Haemophilus, Actinomyces, and Neisseria, are known to promote NH₃ production, control pH in the oral cavity, and inhibit the growth of aciduric bacteria. However, experimental evidence on various estimated bacterial networks within the salivary microbiome is insufficient. This study aims to explore potential bacterial compositional competition observed within saliva samples from dental caries patients through a co-culture assay of mitis Streptococci, which is a primary colonizer in the salivary microbiome, and nitrate-reducing bacteria Haemophilus parainfluenzae. We investigated bacterial growth efficiency change by co-culture time using the qRT-PCR method. In addition, we applied LC/Q-TOF-based metabolites screening to confirm metabolic interactions between oral bacterial species and their association with dental caries from a metabolomics perspective. As a result, we first found that the nitrate reduction ability of H. parainfluenzae is maintained even in a co-culture environment with the mitis Streptococci group through a nitrate reduction test. However, nitrate reduction efficiency was hindered when compared with monoculture-based nitrate reduction test results. Next, we designed species-specific primers, and we confirmed by qRT-PCR that there is an obvious competitive relationship in growth efficiency between H. parainfluenzae and two mitis Streptococci (S. australis and S. sanguinis). Furthermore, although direct effects of nitrate reduction on competition have not been identified, we have potentially confirmed through LC/Q-TOF-based metabolite screening analysis that the interaction of various metabolic compounds synthesized from mitis Streptococci is driving inter-strain competition. In particular, we constructed a basic reference core-metabolites list to understand the metabolic network between each target bacterial species (H. parainfluenzae and mitis Streptococci) within the salivary microbiome, which still lacks accumulated research data. Ultimately, we suggest that our data have potential value to be referenced in further metagenomics and metabolomics-based studies related to oral health care. Full article

Background and Objectives: Global research has shown that 60–90% of school children have caries, and that oral health care is of great public health significance. We present the data of an oral health promotion Program conducted in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (PGC), Croatia, from 2008 to 2019. The Program includes comprehensive preventive oral status assessments of first- and fifth-grade elementary school students, as well as oral health promotional and preventative activities for preschool children, pregnant women, and new mothers. Here, we aimed to analyze the Program data and determine its applicability and sustainability. Materials and Methods: We assessed the changes in caries prevalence in first- and fifth-grade PGC students by comparing the 2008–2019 dental registry data on decayed, missing, and filled teeth for primary teeth (dmft)/decayed, missing, and filled teeth for permanent teeth (DMFT) index means. We also analyzed the data from the administrative Program reports. Results: We analyzed the dental registry data of 44,422 children in the PGC (21,714 first and 22,708 fifth grade). The average Program response rate was 83%. We noted a dmft/DMFT index decrease from 4.66 to 3.73 (first graders) and from 2.50 to 1.00 (fifth graders). The 2017–2019 dmft was significantly smaller than that of 2008–2009. There were 2336 workshops conducted in kindergartens, 1240 in first grades, and 1015 in fifth grades; health visitors educated 26,559 women. There was an increasing trend in the number of insured people under the age of six using pediatric oral health care. Conclusions: The Program improved the behavior and oral health of children and included various stakeholders, avoided additional financial expenses, increased the number of children in care, and proved its necessity and sustainability. It has been recognized on a national level and has led to the creation of two oral health care programs. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the levels of salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) in children diagnosed with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and Rampant Caries (RC). Additionally, it sought to determine whether salivary IL-6 levels vary with the increased activity or number of carious lesions in children with ECC and RC. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at RAK College of Dental Sciences (RAKCODS), Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Ethical approval was obtained, and 100 children aged 4 to 12 years were selected. Participants were divided into ECC and RC groups, each containing study and control subgroups of 25 children each. The study groups were children who had active carious lesions and the control groups were those children who had no active carious lesions. All of these children were screened and included as a part of the community engagement of the clinics. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed for IL-6 levels using an ELISA kit. Dental examinations and data collection adhered to standardized procedures, including specific clinical criteria for diagnosing ECC and RC and calibrated examiners to ensure consistent clinical assessments. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare salivary IL-6 levels between the study and control groups of each RC and ECC group and a test was also performed to assess the relationship between salivary IL-6 levels and the severity of dental caries. Results: This study found significantly higher mean salivary IL-6 levels in children with ECC (19.023 pg/mL) and RC (21.45 pg/mL) compared to their respective control groups (ECC: 6.42 pg/mL, RC: 11.43 pg/mL), with p-values < 0.0001. Strong positive correlations were observed between IL-6 levels and increased caries activity or severity, with Pearson’s correlation coefficients of 0.961 for ECC and 0.954 for RC. Conclusions: This study concludes that significantly elevated salivary IL-6 levels are observed in children with ECC and RC. Furthermore, salivary IL-6 levels were found to rise in correlation with the increase in number of carious lesions. These findings support the potential of salivary IL-6 as a biomarker for assessing caries severity and highlight the need for future research to explore diverse populations and additional clinical parameters. Full article

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an extremely widespread pathology characterized by numerous metabolic alterations, including impairments of calcium–phosphorus and of vitamin D metabolisms, which lead to a condition known as CKD–mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBDs). In CKD children, this pathological condition induces anomalies in physiological growth processes, alterations in bone morphology, renal osteodystrophy and rickets. CKD-MBDs are not only associated with systemic complications but also show dental and maxillofacial manifestations in children. In fact, children affected by CKD-MBDs present defects in enamel development and dental anomalies when compared to healthy children. Therefore, the aims of this narrative review are to focus on the hard dental tissues and to investigate the possible correlation between the CKD-MBDs in children and the presence of developmental defects of enamel. In addition, the possible risk and protective factors of dental caries in CKD pediatric patients are analyzed. The review describes, with a multidisciplinary nephrological–dental approach, the pathogenic mechanisms that can cause anomalies in dental structure in CKD pediatric patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Preclinical training in pediatric dentistry is traditionally performed on acrylic primary teeth or natural extracted teeth in phantoms or dental manikins. With technological advancements, virtual simulation has become increasingly common, enhancing the development of cognitive and motor skills in dental students while complementing traditional methods. Specific objectives included assessing whether preclinical theoretical knowledge impacts motor skill scores, comparing the quality of dental preparations on acrylic teeth versus those performed using virtual simulation (Simodont^®) and evaluating students’ perceptions of Simodont^® use. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. Students first completed a theoretical knowledge survey on dental preparations, class II caries, and pulpotomies. They then performed dental preparations on both acrylic primary teeth and the Simodont^® simulator, with their work assessed by a pediatric dentistry professor. Finally, students completed a perception survey regarding their experience. Results: The introduction of the Simodont^® was positively received. Theoretical knowledge prior to preclinical exercises did not significantly influence practice scores. Average scores for preparations on acrylic teeth (class II: 2.57; pulpotomy: 3.60) were higher than those achieved using Simodont^® (class II: 1.97; pulpotomy: 2.92). Conclusions: Dental preparation scores were higher on acrylic teeth compared to the virtual simulation. While students reported a positive experience with Simodont^®, they expressed a preference for traditional learning methods involving acrylic teeth on phantoms or dental manikins. Full article

Dental caries is the most common oral disease in the world and a chronic infectious disease. The cariogenic microbiome plays an important role in the process of caries. The ecological imbalance of microbiota leads to low pH, which causes caries. Therefore, antibacterial materials have always been a hot topic. Traditional antibacterial materials such as cationic antibacterial agents, metal ion antibacterial agents, and some natural extract antibacterial agents have good antibacterial effects. However, they can cause bacterial resistance and have poor biological safety when used for long-term purposes. Intelligent antibacterial materials, such as pH-responsive materials, nanozymes, photoresponsive materials, piezoelectric materials, and living materials are emerging antibacterial nano-strategies that can respond to the caries microenvironment or other specific stimuli to exert antibacterial effects. Compared with traditional antibacterial materials, these materials are less prone to bacterial resistanceand have good biological safety. This review summarizes the characteristics of cariogenic microbiota and some traditional or emerging antibacterial materials. These emerging antibacterial materials can accurately act on the caries microenvironment, showing intelligent antibacterial effects and providing new ideas for caries management. Full article

Background/Objectives: The excessive consumption of free sugars adversely impacts health, contributing to systemic disorders and significantly increasing the risk of dental caries. Children are particularly vulnerable to dental caries due to their dietary habits and oral hygiene practices. This study aimed to examine the relationship between sugar intake and dental caries experience in a sample of children aged 6–12 years. Methods: Data were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) covering the years 2011–2016. This cross-sectional study utilized nationally representative data from NHANES, which provides comprehensive health assessments on the U.S. population. This study focused on 3658 children aged 6–12 years. Free sugar intake and its association with dental caries were evaluated using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, a widely accepted measure for assessing cumulative caries experience in permanent teeth. Demographic and socioeconomic factors were also accounted for. The sample primarily consisted of generally healthy children, with mild to moderate health conditions included in the analysis. Results: The average Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score was 1.69 (SD = 2.61). Untreated dental caries affected 19.1% of the sample, with disproportionately higher rates observed among Mexican American children (23.8%), children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds (24.2%), those with less-educated parents (25.1%), and overweight children (22.9%). Mean daily free sugar intake was 72.46 g (SD = 50.45), with significant variations across race/ethnicity, parental education, and gender. A statistically significant association was found between free sugar intake and dental caries in U.S. children (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Free sugar intake is strongly associated with an increased risk of dental caries. Disparities in caries prevalence were evident based on race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and parental education levels. Regulating sugar intake and promoting dietary education are effective strategies to reduce the risk of dental caries and improve oral health outcomes among children. Full article

D-tagatose is a rare, naturally occurring low-calorie hexose, with a sweetness of 92% sucrose but only 1/3 of the calories. It has beneficial functions in lowering blood sugar, controlling obesity, preventing dental caries, and improving intestinal flora. In recent years, biotechnological routes to D-tagatose production from renewable raw materials have been regarded as very promising approaches. In this review, we provide an overview of the properties and applications of D-tagatose, with a focus on the current developments in the production of D-tagatose using enzymatic transformation and whole-cell catalytic synthesis. The biosynthetic pathways and the types and characteristics of the catalytic enzymes involved have been summarized, providing a reference for the design of D-tagatose synthesis pathways. We also expect that rapid developments in the fields of systems biology and synthetic biology will accelerate protein and metabolic engineering for microbial D-tagatose production in the future. Full article

Background: Dental caries remains one of the most widespread chronic diseases that also affects first permanent molars (FPMs). In this study, we analyzed the prevalence of carious lesions using a standardized evaluation system, while following the analysis of the influence of favoring factors represented by the type and frequency of snacks and the frequency of tooth brushing. Method: A clinical–statistical study was carried out on a group of 311 children from both urban and rural environments, aged between 6 and 19 years old. As a diagnostic system and assessment of the depth of carious processes, we used the ICDAS system. The following parameters were recorded: odontal status of the 4 FPMs, age, gender, residence, frequency of dental brushing, and frequency of between-meal snacks and their type. The ICDAS system was used as a diagnostic system and assessment of the depth of carious processes. The data were statistically analyzed with SPSS, using the Kruskal–Wallis H and Chi-Square tests. Results: The occlusal surface was the most interesting in the presence of odontal lesions. Sweet snacks were the most frequent snacks consumed by the subjects. The age group of 13–19 years presented fewer healthy FPMs, compared to the age group of 6–12 years. The higher involvement of older subjects was found for all four molars, both in the case of identified carious lesions and the presence of root debris and edentations. Brushing twice a day was more frequent in the 6–12 age group. In analyzing the status of the first molars in relation to the gender of the subjects, in the present study, no statistically significant differences were recorded between the status of the molars relative to gender, except for molar 1.6 (p > 0.05). Regarding the other types of snacks, children from rural areas consume more fruits than those from urban areas. Conclusions: The frequency of tooth brushing and the type and frequency of snacks between meals influence the prevalence of carious lesions at the level of the first permanent molars. Full article

Lactoferrin is a highly safe antibacterial protein found in the human body and in foods. Calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles with immobilized lactoferrin could therefore be useful as intraoral disinfectants for the prevention and treatment of dental infections because CaP is a mineral component of human teeth. In this study, we fabricated CaP nanoparticles with co-immobilized lactoferrin and heparin using a simple one-step coprecipitation process. Heparin, a negatively charged polysaccharide, was used as both an immobilizing agent for lactoferrin and a particle-dispersing agent. The immobilization efficiency for lactoferrin in the CaP nanoparticles depended on the concentrations of both the lactoferrin and heparin in the reaction solution and was over 90% under optimal conditions. The nanoparticles had a hydrodynamic diameter of about 150–200 nm and could be well dispersed in water, owing to their relatively large negative zeta potential derived from heparin. They were found to exhibit antibacterial activity against Actinomyces naeslundii, which is involved in the initial formation of dental plaque that consequently leads to dental caries and periodontal disease. These results indicate the potential of the proposed nanoparticles as intraoral disinfectants. Full article