Dental health care workers (DHCW's) are invariably at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. The objectives were; to investigate the current knowledge on COVID-19 among the DHCW's; and to conduct quasi-experiment among the DHCW's who were unaware of the disseminated COVID-19 information. A nationwide cross-sectional study targeting dental interns, auxiliaries, and specialists with a two-staged cluster sampling technique was performed. A 17-item questionnaire was subjected to reliability and validity tests before being administered. The participants for quasi-experiment were separated from the original sample after their initial response. Chi-square test assessed responses to knowledge statements between the participants. Difference in mean knowledge scores between the categories of DHCW's and sources of COVID-19 information was assessed using ANOVA. Data from the quasi experiment (pre vs post knowledge intervention) was subjected to paired t-test. Percentage of DHCWs providing correct or wrong responses to each knowledge statement at baseline and after 7 days were compared using McNemar test. The overall sample consisted of 706 (N) participants, and the DHCW's with no prior knowledge on COVID-19 (N=206) were part of the quasi experiment. Findings from cross-sectional study revealed that knowledge was significantly (p<0.05) related to the qualification level (interns vs auxiliaries vs specialists). However, the difference in the source of information (WHO/CDC vs Journal articles vs MoH) did not demonstrate any effect. Number of participants with correct responses to knowledge questions had significantly (p<0.05) increased after intervention. Also, the overall mean knowledge score (10.74±2.32 vs 12.47±1.68; p<0.001) had increased significantly after the intervention. In conclusion, the basic knowledge on COVID-19 among the DHCW's in Saudi Arabia is acceptable. Timely dissemination of information by the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia had a positive impact on the COVID-19 knowledge score of the DHCW's.

Background: In the era of the internet, patients seek health information ahead of getting the required treatment. Dental implant, which is among the most sought dental treatments, is not an exception. Incorrect health related information may lead to harmful deeds, so this study sought to assess the quality of web-based Arabic health information on dental implants. Methods: The following engines were searched: Google (http://www.google.com), Yahoo! (http://www.yahoo.com), and Bing (http://www.bing.com) on 13 January 2022 for specific Arabic terms on “dental implants”. The first 100 consecutive websites from each engine were analyzed for eligibility. The eligible websites were assessed using JAMA benchmarks tool, DISCERN tool, and HONcode. An online tool (including FKGL, SMOG and FRE) was used to assess readability of the websites. Results: There were 65 eligible websites, of which only one (1.5%) was HONcode certified. Only 3 (4.5%) websites attained a high score (> 65 out of 80) based on DISCERN tool: The mean DISCERN score was 41.14 ± 12.64. The mean JAMA score was 1.69 ± 1.13; however, only five (7.6%) met all JAMA criteria. The main shortcomings were attributed to not meeting the “Attribution” (54 [83.1%]) and “Authorship” (43 [66.2%]) criteria. The mean grade level of FKGL score was 7.0 ± 4.5. The majority of the websites (60%) scored less than 7, indicating easy content to understand. The mean grade level of SMOG score required to understand a website’s text was 3.2 ± 0.6. Around 91% of the websites had reading ease scores ≥ 80, suggesting that the website’s content was easy to read. Conclusion: Unfortunately, although readable, most of the easily accessible web-based Arabic health information on dental implants does not meet the recognized quality standards.

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is thought to stem from masticatory muscle hypersensitivity. Masticatory myofascial pain syndrome (MMPS) is characterized by multiple trigger points (MTrPs), also known as hyperirritable points, in taut bands of affected muscles, regional muscle pain, or referred pain to nearby maxillofacial areas like teeth, masticatory muscles or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Muscle stiffness, reduced range of motion, muscle weakening without atrophy, and autonomic symptoms may accompany regional discomfort. Multiple treatments have been utilized to reduce trigger points and mandibular function restrictions. As a result of these incapacitating symptoms, MMPS can significantly impair many elements of quality of life. The application of Kinesio tape (KT) is a non-invasive method of treating dormant myofascial trigger points. Utilizing the body’s innate capacity for self-repair, this technique entails taping specific regions of the skin. KT alleviates discomfort, decreases swelling and inflammation, enhances or suppresses motor function in the muscles, stimulates proprioception, promotes lymphatic drainage, stimulates blood flow, and expedites tissue recovery. However, studies conducted to assess its effects have frequently yielded contradictory results. To the best of our knowledge, just a few research has looked into the therapeutic effects of KT on MMPS. The purpose of this review is to determine the efficacy of KT as a therapeutic tool for regular treatment or as an adjunct to existing therapy for MMPS based on the evidence presented in this review. To establish KT as a reliable independent treatment option, additional research is necessary to confirm the efficacy of KT techniques and applications, specifically randomized clinical trials.

Oral health is intricately linked with systemic health. However, the knowledge and practice levels of medical practitioners (MPs) about this concern are extremely variable. The current study, therefore, sought to assess the status of knowledge and practice of MPs concerning the link between periodontal disease and different systemic conditions as well as the efficacy of a webinar as an interventional tool in enhancing knowledge of MPs of Jazan Province of Saudi Arabia. This prospective interventional study involved 201 MPs. A 20-item questionnaire on evidence-based periodontal/systemic health associations was used. The participants answered the questionnaire before and 1 month after a webinar training that explained the mechanistic interrelation of periodontal and systemic health. McNemar test was performed for statistical analysis. Out of the 201 MPs who responded to the pre-webinar survey, 176 attended the webinar and hence were included in the final analyses. Sixty-eight (38.64%) were female, and 104 (58.09%) were older than 35 years. About 90% of MPs reported not being trained on oral health. Pre-webinar, 96 (54.55%), 63 (35.80%), and 17 (9.66%) MPs rated their knowledge about the association of periodontal disease with systemic diseases as limited, moderate, and good, respectively. Post-webinar, these figures improved remarkably: 36 (20.45%), 88 (50.00%), and 52 (29.55%) MPs rated their knowledge as limited, moderate, and good, respectively. Around 64% of MPs had relatively good levels of knowledge about the positive influence of periodontal disease treatment on diabetic patients' blood glucose levels. MPs revealed low levels of knowledge on the oral and systemic disease interrelationship. Conducting webinars on the oral-systemic health interrelationship seems to improve the overall knowledge and understanding of MPs.

Plants belonging to the genus Prosopis L. (family Fabaceae, subfamily Mimosoideae) have gained significant popularity in traditional medicine due to their potential as anticancer, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, and antibacterial compounds. The primary objective of this work was to determine the phytochemical composition of the ethanolic extract derived from Prosopis juliflora leaves, as well as to assess its antibacterial and cytotoxic properties. The phytochemical screening using GC‐MS revealed the presence of phytosteroids, ketone, esters, diisooctyl phthalate, and triterpenes. Besides, varying amounts of some silicon derivatives, which were reported to have antimicrobial activity, were detected with octasiloxane, which showed the highest amount (18.47%). 6‐Ethoxy‐6‐methyl‐2‐cyclohexenone (antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiobesity, and antimicrobial) was detected in considerable quantity. Cytotoxic activity was seen in human breast cancer (MCF‐7), human ovary adenocarcinoma (A2780), and human colon adenocarcinoma (HT‐29) cell lines, as well as in normal human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC‐5), when subjected to the MTT assay. The plant extract exhibited the highest level of activity (5.75 μg/mL) against the A2780 cell line, with the MCF‐7 cell line showing a somewhat lower level of activity (18.49 μg/mL). The antibacterial effect of the plant extracts was evaluated against four standard Gram‐positive and four standard Gram‐negative. The antimicrobial potential was observed only against Staphylococcus aureus which recorded a 14.5 ± 0.05 mm inhibition zone. The present study has demonstrated the identification of bioactive constituents in P. juliflora plant extracts, which exhibit significant cytotoxic activity against breast and colon malignancies. The study also highlighted P. juliflora extract as an antibacterial against S. aureus.

The intricate interplay between the oral and intestinal microbiota holds increasing fascination within the context of health and nutrition. Serving as the gateway to the gastrointestinal tract, the oral microbiota hosts a diverse array of microbial species that significantly influence well-being or contribute to various diseases. Dysbiosis in the oral microbiota has been linked to conditions such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, and systemic disorders, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and colorectal cancer. This review aims to comprehend the nuanced relationship between oral and intestinal microbiotas, exploring the pivotal role of diet in developing strategies for wellness promotion and disease prevention. Drawing insights from a myriad of studies encompassing both animals and humans, we examine the implications of microbial dysbiosis and its impact on health. A bibliographic search of 78 scientific articles was conducted across PubMed Central, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Saudi digital library from January 2000 to August 2023. Following a rigorous screening process, the full texts of selected articles were critically reviewed to extract relevant information. Articles not meeting the inclusion criteria—specifically focused on oral–intestinal microbiota interaction and diet and nutrition—were meticulously excluded. Diet emerges as a key player in influencing both oral and intestinal microbiotas. Various dietary components, such as fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, and bioactive compounds, have demonstrated significant effects on the diversity and function of microorganisms in these ecosystems. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats correlate with dysbiosis and an elevated risk of oral and gastrointestinal diseases. Understanding the intricacies of this interaction is paramount for the development of innovative approaches fostering a balanced oral–gut microbiota axis and improving overall human health. The implications extend to preventive and therapeutic interventions, emphasizing the practical importance of unraveling these complexities for public health and clinical practice. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate relationship between gut and oral microbiota, shedding light on their roles in various diseases, particularly focusing on oral diseases. Key findings are summarized, and implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed. In conclusion, the review underscores the urgent need for special attention to key microbiota in developing targeted interventions for promoting oral and gut health.