(1) Background: Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) has been reported to have a remineralizing effect on early carious lesions. The objective of this scoping review was to analyze the remineralization potential of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp)-containing dentifrices, by mapping the existing literature. (2) Methods: This review was performed using the PRISMA-ScR Checklist, which is an extension of the PRISMA Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. In this study, the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework was used to find relevant papers published between 2010 and 2021. Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and dentifrices containing nHAp as one of the ingredients were the two main concepts of the research question. MeSH phrases, keywords, and other free terms relevant to nano-hydroxyapatite and dentifrices were used to search the literature databases. (3) Results: Preliminary searches yielded 59 studies; the title and abstract screening results excluded 11 studies. The remaining studies were thoroughly reviewed by two reviewers on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 28 studies were included, and 20 studies were excluded. Most of the studies that were included reported that when nHAp was used alone, it had many different effects, such as remineralization, caries prevention, less demineralization, brighter teeth, less pain, and remineralization of enamel after orthodontic debonding. (4) Conclusions: Dentifrices that contain nHAp offer a variety of therapeutic and preventative effects. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of nHAp dentifrices in primary teeth. Additional long-term investigations using standardized protocols are required to reach decisive conclusions about the effects of nHAp dentifrices on primary and permanent dentitions.
An apical shift in the position of the gingiva beyond the cemento-enamel junction leads to gingival recession. This study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of digital measurements of gingival recession when compared to conventional measurements taken clinically using periodontal probes. Gingival recession was measured at 97 sites in the oral cavity by four examiners using the following methods: CP, direct measurement of gingival recession using William’s periodontal probe intraorally; CC, measurements on cast models using a caliper; DP, digital measurement on virtual models obtained by intraoral scanning, and DC, digital measurements on virtual models of dental casts. Intra-class and inter-rater correlations were analyzed. Bland Altman plots were drawn to visually determine the magnitude of differences in any given pair-wise measurements. In this study, good inter-methods reliability was observed for almost all the examiners ranging from 0.907 to 0.918, except for one examiner (0.837). The greatest disagreements between the raters were observed for methods; CP (0.631) followed by CC (0.85), while the best agreements were observed for methods DP (0.9) followed by DC (0.872). Variations in measurements between examiners can be reduced by using digital technologies when compared to conventional methods. Improved reproducibility of measurements obtained via intraoral scanning will increase the validity and reliability of future studies that compare different treatment modalities for root coverage.
Dental caries is a multifactorial disease caused by the interaction of dietary sugars, dental biofilm, and the dental tissue of the host. It results from repeated cycles of demineralization and remineralization at the interface of the biofilm and the tooth surface. Demineralization is the process of removing mineral ions from hydroxyapatite crystals in hard tissues, such as enamel, which can lead to dental caries if left unchecked. The remineralization process can reverse the lost mineral ions that occur during demineralization. The degree of demineralization and remineralization depends on several variables, including the amount of available calcium and phosphate and salivary pH levels. Over the past several decades, remineralizing or calcifying fluids with variable calcium, phosphate, and fluoride formulations have been developed. The management of early caries by remineralization has the potential to significantly advance the noninvasive clinical management of the disease. The chapter outlines the mechanisms by which the demineralization-remineralization process occurs and the use of remineralizing agents that reverse demineralization or enhance remineralization.
The 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Condition identified the gingivitis case by the presence of gingival inflammation at one or more sites and agreed upon bleeding on probing as the primary parameter for diagnosis of gingivitis. Clinical gingival health is generally associated with an inflammatory infiltrate and a host response consistent with homeostasis. The molecules that play a role in the pathogenesis are divided into two main groups: those derived from the subgingival microbiota (i.e., microbial virulence factors) and those derived from the host immune-inflammatory response. The immune system is essential for the maintenance of periodontal health and is categorized as innate immune system and the adaptive immune system. Innate immunity reflects the capacity of the host to defend against infectious attacks. Understanding the disease processes is important for the development of improved treatment strategies.
26 March 2021 in International Journal of Dental Hygiene
Background The association between diet and oral health is complex, yet understanding the influence of nutrition on oral health among dental professionals is limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge levels of dental professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding the relationship between diet and oral health. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 211 dental professionals in Saudi Arabia using an 18-item questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v23.0. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the mean, standard deviation (SD), and proportions. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test assessed data normality, while the Chi-squared test and post-hoc Tukey analysis were applied to evaluate associations between variables. Results The findings revealed that female practitioners (mean = 13.41, SD = 2.85) and older professionals had higher knowledge levels, with a total mean score of 12.33 (SD = 2.93). Significant correlations were observed between knowledge scores and age (ANOVA: F = 2.874; p = 0.024) and between knowledge scores and gender (t-test: t = 6.68, p < 0.001). Oral Medicine Specialists and Periodontists had the highest knowledge scores, with mean scores of 13.43 (SD = 2.87) and 13.63 (SD = 2.66), respectively, while General Dentists scored lower (mean = 10.49, SD = 3.12; ANOVA: F = 4.462; p < 0.001). Practitioners with less than five years of experience had significantly lower knowledge scores (mean = 11.14, SD = 3.23) compared to those with 5-10 years (mean = 13.40, SD = 2.34) and over 20 years of experience (mean = 12.69, SD = 2.22) (ANOVA: F = 5.016; p = 0.002). Conclusion Our findings reveal that dental professionals in Saudi Arabia have varying knowledge regarding the relationship between diet and oral health. While awareness exists, there are gaps in understanding the nutritional factors influencing oral health outcomes. Addressing these knowledge gaps through targeted educational interventions is essential, given the crucial role dental professionals play in promoting oral health and educating patients on the importance of nutrition. Enhancing this knowledge will improve patient care and contribute to better community health outcomes through informed preventive strategies and public health initiatives.