Interest in the topic of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanomaterials used in dentistry is growing in research as well as clinical settings. In recent years, an increasing number of nanomaterials have been developed and tested, enabling novel solutions unavailable in dentistry before. The aim of the article is to review the current status of knowledge regarding NPs used in modern dentistry. The analysis was made using Science Direct, PubMed and Scopus databases, and articles were selected based on relevance and topicality. The exclusion criteria determining timeliness consisted of a selection of essential works on this topic no older than 2017. Regarding appropriateness, only studies on nanoparticles in the field of dentistry were considered, and were categorized into three subtopics: antimicrobial NPs, therapeutic NPs, material property improving NPs. Each category was further divided into specific groups focusing on the clinical use of the particles. Inside every section, analysis concerning the current state of knowledge about the use and properties of nanoparticles within specific material groups was conducted. Additionally, within this article, common and rising trends in the NPs field were analyzed; additionally, based on novel NPs approaches, possible future applications and dangers were considered.

Apart from conventional treatment, dentists are increasingly relying on physical therapy modalities in their clinical practice. The aim of this literature review is to analyze the clinical relevance and potential uses of ozone in modern dentistry. The research question is geared towards detailing the multiple potential applications of ozone therapy in a range of dental specialties. Based on the available literature, accessed via the PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and EBSCO databases, a detailed search of the electronic literature was performed for 2001–2022. Eligible studies were chosen according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, using keywords: ozone, ozone therapy, therapeutic applications, oxidants, dental disinfectants, oral medicine, physical therapy in dentistry. Out of 834 manuscripts, 273 studies were curated. A total of 70 publications were used in the final consideration. After assessing their quality, they were analyzed to determine the relevance and potential use of ozone in the various aspects of modern dentistry. Ozone therapy is used mainly as an adjunct to the primary clinical or pharmacological treatment. In some cases of oral mucosal disease, it has proven effective as a primary therapy. During the literature analysis, it was noted that ozone therapy in dentistry is a subject of ongoing research, and the results are not always consistent. The multitude of studies in the literature on the applications of ozone in dentistry reflects the search for its undiscovered physical therapeutic potential.

Analog space missions were created to study the human factor in extraordinary conditions that would occur in future space habitats. Isolation has been shown to cause stress and disrupt individuals’ daily routine, which can also affect their oral hygiene and lead to an increased risk of dental caries and gingivitis. The astronauts’ specific freeze-dried diet is associated with “lazy” chewing, potential dehydration and vitamin A deficiency, which may adversely affect their saliva. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the freeze-dried diet on selected oral hygiene indicators in analog astronauts (AA) enduring strict isolation conditions during six consecutive analog space missions at the LunAres Research Station. During the experiment the oral hygiene and gingival inflammation status measurements were conducted on the group of AAs at the beginning and at the end of each mission. Measurements included four oral hygiene indicators: API, sOHI, PI by Silness and Loe and GBI by Ainamo and Bay. Each AA’s individual scores were noted and analyzed. Statistically significant reduction in the amount of plaque and intensity of gingival bleeding was observed over the course of the study, which could indicate positive results of applied oral hygiene procedures despite unfavorable dietary and stressful isolation conditions.

Introduction: According to official data, COVID-19 emerged in China in December 2019 and has spread worldwide since then. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) recordings between convalescent COVID-19 patients and a healthy control group, which could help to clarify the pathomechanism of dysgeusia in COVID-19. Material and methods: The study included 16 participants, comprised of 8 convalescent COVID-19 patients and 8 healthy controls. All participants were examined with fNIRS. The amplitude of changes in oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) concentration in the cerebral cortex was analyzed statistically (for the test and control groups after stimulation with a taste stimulus – citric acid solution). Results: The differences in the amplitude of changes in oxyHb concentration in the cerebral cortex were not statistically significant between the groups. Discussion: Using fNIRS, a strong stimulation of the visual cortex was discovered in response to the taste stimulus, consisting of large, repetitive changes in oxyHb concentration occurring in parallel with stimulation of areas of the taste cortex. This phenomenon has not, to our knowledge, been described previously in the scientific literature. The exact location of the primary taste cortex is controversial, but to date the occipital cortex has not been considered to be involved. Conclusions: No difference was observed in the dynamics of changes in oxyHb in the examined areas of the cerebral cortex between convalescent COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. However, the determination of the role of the occipital cortex in the perception of taste requires further research.

The evaluation of manual Trigger Point Therapy (TrPt) on mandible abduction range of Analog Astronauts (AA) surviving isolation conditions during consecutive missions at the LunAres Habitat was performed. This physiotherapy method was applied to decrease stress-related neuromuscular tension. Abduction measurements were conducted on the two groups of five AA, who endured severe isolation conditions for 14 days in the limited space of the LunAres Research Station Habitat (Piła, Poland) during missions. The test group consisted of abduction measurements of AA who received TrPt and control group of abduction measurements of AA who did not receive TrPt. All measurements were noted in the TemporoMandibular Joint (TMJ) diagnosis aspect of the integrated dental examination card SZOPPDP©. The ischemic compression was performed on an active localized trigger point—resulting in cessation of pain. Maximum abduction measurements were made with an electronic caliper, and the abduction range was compared. The change of abduction range in AA with TrPt was bigger than in AA without TrPt. A larger increase in abduction range was observed in every case in the group receiving TrPt compared to the control group. TrPt effectively decreases the neuromuscular tension, which results in an increased mandibular abduction range of AA. Observations conducted in LunAres Research Station regarding stress-related neuromuscular tension can help identify effective therapeutic methods for circumstances of social isolation.

This study evaluated the physicochemical and morphological properties of tooth enamel in patients with caries-predisposing SNPs (rs4694075 in AMBN and rs2337359 in TUFT1 genes), based on the DMFT index. We included 40 of 120 individuals (aged 19–43), collecting stimulated saliva and 58 healthy teeth extracted for orthodontic/surgical reasons. Saliva DNA was genotyped. Enamel properties were assessed using Vickers microhardness, deposition thickness, and calcium content. Genotype and allele frequencies aligned with the literature. The TUFT1C/C genotype subgroup showed a significantly higher DMFT index (p = 0.03) compared to the T/T genotype, while AMBN showed no such correlation. Calcium content, microhardness, and enamel thickness were similar across all polymorphic variants of both genes. A statistically significant correlation (p = 0.003) was found between reduced enamel calcium content and a higher DMFT index. Despite existing literature on the subject, the studied SNPs did not reflect any correlation with morphological or physicochemical changes in enamel. The above results suggest that genetic variability identifies patients classified by dentists as being at higher risk of caries, even though these patients follow a non-cariogenic diet and adhere to a hygiene regime. As no structural or physicochemical changes in the enamel of this group were observed, the potential cause may be disturbances in the remineralisation mechanisms or enamel surface properties that promote biofilm adhesion in polymorphic patients. Intensive tooth calcification control algorithms using LIF and RVG, as well as remineralisation cycles to increase hydroxyapatite saturation with calcium phosphates and bioadhesive fluoride delivery systems for long-term biofilm control, are used to more effectively prevent or slow down the progression of caries.