Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a facultative anaerobic bacterium. HP is a normal flora having immuno-modulating properties. This bacterium is an example of a microorganism inducing gastric cancer. Its carcinogenicity depends on bacteria-host related factors. The proper understanding of the biology of HP inducing gastric cancer offers the potential strategy in the managing of HP rather than eradicating it. In this article, we try to summarize the biology of HP-induced gastric cancer and discuss the current pharmacological approach to treat and prevent its carcinogenicity.

Objective: To evaluate antibiotic prescribing practices of dentists working in a major teaching hospital in Sudan, and to assess the need for establishing education programmes to enhance dentists' awareness of antibiotic use. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by distributing an anonymous self-administered questionnaire to a convenience sample of dental practitioners at major teaching hospital in Khartoum/Sudan. The questionnaire investigated knowledge and attitudes of participants in relation to antibiotic prescribing in dental practice. Results: One hundred out of 135 dental practitioners working at the hospital participated in the survey with 48 males and 52 females. Most of the participants (N=44) did not specify their preferable drug reference, while 32 participants specified British National Formulary, and the practice was significantly associated with a higher professional rank (p<0.001). Metronidazole was the most frequently cited antibiotic for dentofacial infections (N=73) and Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (N=56), while amoxicillin was the most frequently cited antibiotic for dento-alveolar infections and infective endocarditis prophylaxis (N=88 and N=47, respectively). Conclusion: Undergraduate, as well as postgraduate courses,, are required in Sudan to provide up-to-date orientation on antibiotic use, and to increase awareness of dentists about antibiotic prescribing.

New approaches to treating periodontal diseases aim to balance sustaining the natural oral microbiota and modifying the host immune response. Gum Arabic (GA) is a natural polysaccharide rich in prebiotics. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of GA on clinical (Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI)) and immunological (Gingival Crevicular Fluid Interleukin 1 Beta (GCF IL-1 β)) parameters in patients with plaque-induced gingivitis. This placebo-controlled, double-blinded randomised clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Periodontology at Khartoum Dental Teaching Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan, from July to October 2016. Patients diagnosed with plaque-induced gingivitis meeting the study eligibility criteria were enrolled. At baseline, PI, GI and GCF IL-1β were measured. Patients received full-mouth scaling and were randomly assigned to receive either GA powder (intervention group) or Microcrystalline cellulose powder (placebo group). The patients were instructed to apply the treatment twice a day throughout the study. The PI, GI and GCF IL-1β were reassessed after 30 and 60 days. A total of 60 patients were enrolled (30 in each group). Compared to the placebo group, the intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction in GI scores after 30 days and improved PI scores at 30 and 60 days. Between baseline and 60 days, patients who received GA exhibited a significant reduction in GCF IL-1β levels compared to the placebo group. GA was found to be effective in controlling plaque and gingivitis. Clinical Trial Registration. ISRCTN registry ISRCTN14209449.

This study aimed to assess and identify the associated proximal and distal factors of dental caries in underserved populations using charitable mobile dental services in Al Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia.A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among adults aged ≥18 years attending a charitable mobile clinic in the rural areas of Al Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia, between June and September 2023. Calibrated dentists examined the dental caries among patients who completed a questionnaire.Spearman's rho test, Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests, and negative binomial regression analyses were conducted.Of the 414 participants, 195 (47%) were males, and the age median/interquartile range (IQR) was 39 (19) years. Caries were identified in 412 of the sample with a median (IQR) decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score of 13 (9). Age showed a statistically significant positive association with DMFT scores (β = 0.015; rate ratio [RR] = 1.015; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.101, 1.02], p < 0.001) and likewise nationality and place of residence associated significantly with DMFT scores (β = −0.203; RR = 0.816; 95% CI: [0.676, 0.986], p = 0.035 and β = 0.161; RR = 1.175; 95% CI: [1.037, 1.331], p = 0.012, respectively). Educational level (university level) was negatively associated with DMFT scores (β = −0.079; RR = 0.924; 95% CI: [0.855, 0.998], p = 0.044). Visiting dentists was negatively associated with DMFT scores (β = −0.104; RR = 0.902; 95% CI: [0.858, 0.947], p < 0.001), but income, diabetes, hypertension, teeth brushing practice, use of fluoridated toothpaste, and acidic food consumption showed nonsignificant associations.This study highlights the significance of age, nationality, place of residence, educational level, and visiting dentists as factors associated with increases in DMFT scores, while income, oral hygiene practices, and certain chronic conditions showed no significant impact within this population.

In this study, we measured and compared serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) in pregnant women with periodontitis and pregnant women with a healthy periodontium. We also determined the prevalence of periodontitis among pregnant women attending Omdurman Midwifery Hospital. This was a hospital-based clinical study and laboratory investigation using ELISA tests of 80 pregnant women in the third trimester conducted at the Omdurman Midwifery Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan. The study group consisted of 50 women while the control group consisted of 30 women. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare serum and GCF levels of IL-1β between the study and control groups. Pearson's correlation analysis was also used to compare gingival parameters and IL-1β levels in the GCF. For each comparison, the p-value was fixed at 0.05. The GCF in the research group showed a considerable increase in IL-1β levels. There was also a strong positive association between high IL-1β levels in the research group's GCF and probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) levels. Our study provides further evidence that periodontitis, as measured by a PD ≥4 mm and a CAL ≥3 mm, is associated with an increased level of IL-1β in the GCF of pregnant women with active periodontal disease during pregnancy and may include the transient translocation of oral organisms to the utero-placental unit, inciting placental inflammation or oxidative stress early in pregnancy, ultimately resulting in placental damage and clinical manifestations.