Shim YS, et al. J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2015 Jun;15(2):53-61. http://dx.doi.org/10.17245/jdapm.2015.15.2.53

Gelatin, a natural polymer, provides excellent tissue compatibility for use in tissue rehabilitation. Bioactive glasses (BAG) offer superior capacity in stimulating a bioactive response but show high variability in uptake and solubility. To tackle these drawbacks, a combination of gelatin with BAG is proposed to form composites, which then offer a synergistic response. The cross-linked gelatin structure’s mechanical properties are enhanced by the incorporation of the inorganic BAG, and the rate of BAG ionic supplementation responsible for bioactivity and regenerative potential is better controlled by a protective gelatin layer. Several studies have demonstrated the cellular benefits of these composites in different forms of functional modification such as doping with zinc or incorporation of zinc such as ions directly into the BAG matrix. This review presents a comprehensive perspective on the individual characteristics of BAG and gelatin, including the synthesis and mechanism of action. Further, adaptation of the composite into various applications for bone tissue engineering is discussed and future challenges are highlighted.

Objectives: National oral health data is required to assess a population's oral health needs, monitor oral health, plan effective intervention community programs and health policies, and evaluate progress toward health objectives. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence, severity, and inequality in dental caries distribution among Korean young people. Study Design: Trained, calibrated examiners at the Korea Ministry of Health & Welfare conducted epidemiological surveys in 2000, 2006, and 2012 during which dental caries were assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria. Decayed, missing, and filled surface and tooth (DMFS/DMFT) indices were estimated. Results: DMFT indices decreased in all regions between 2000 and 2012, with values of 3.3, 2.2, and 1.8 for 12-year-old children in 2000, 2006, and 2012, respectively. The prevalence of caries was higher among female versus male subjects and in rural versus urban areas. Conclusions: Despite the observed decrease in caries experience indicators in Korea, the caries prevalence remains considerably higher than that in European countries and than the targets set by WHO within the Health21 policy framework. Therefore, Korea apparently retains further potential for caries reduction. Community-based oral disease prevention programs are urgently needed to promote oral health.

Park SB, et al. J Periodontal Implant Sci. 2017 Jun;47(3):154-164. https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2017.47.3.154

Chamaecyparis obtusa (C. obtusa) is known to have antimicrobial effects and has been used as a medicinal plant and in forest bathing. This study aimed to evaluate the anticariogenic activity of essential oil of C. obtusa on Streptococcus mutans, which is one of the most important bacterial causes of dental caries and dental biofilm formation. Essential oil from C. obtusa was extracted, and its effect on bacterial growth, acid production, and biofilm formation was evaluated. C. obtusa essential oil exhibited concentration‐dependent inhibition of bacterial growth over 0.025 mg/mL, with 99% inhibition at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL. The bacterial biofilm formation and acid production were also significantly inhibited at the concentration greater than 0.025 mg/mL. The result of LIVE/DEAD® BacLight™ Bacterial Viability Kit showed a concentration‐dependent bactericidal effect on S. mutans and almost all bacteria were dead over 0.8 mg/mL. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that gene expression of some virulence factors such as brpA, gbpB, gtfC, and gtfD was also inhibited. In GC and GC‐MS analysis, the major components were found to be α‐terpinene (40.60%), bornyl acetate (12.45%), α‐pinene (11.38%), β‐pinene (7.22%), β‐phellandrene (3.45%), and α‐terpinolene (3.40%). These results show that C. obtusa essential oil has anticariogenic effect on S. mutans.

Yun J, et al. J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2018 Oct;18(5):277-285. https://doi.org/10.17245/jdapm.2018.18.5.277