Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is highly prevalent in South East Asia with higher rates of malignant transformation in Indian subcontinent. Numerous biomarkers are now being studied to predict disease prognosis and detect malignant alterations at an early stage. Patients with clinically and biopsy-proven oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma were included in the study as the experimental group, while patients without a tobacco or betel nut habit who had their third molars surgically removed were included as the healthy control group. For the immunohistochemistry (IHC) investigation, 5-μm slices from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks (FFPE) were obtained. Fresh tissues (n = 45) from all three groups were collected and gene expression was studied using relative quantitation-based qPCR. The protein expression of octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4 (OCT 3/4) and sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX 2) was evaluated in the experimental group and compared with healthy controls. The IHC results showed a significant correlation with the expression of OCT 3/4 (p value = 0.000; χ2 = 20.244) and SOX 2 (p value = 0.006; χ2 = 10.101) among OSCC and OSMF patients in comparison to healthy controls. Both OCT 3/4 and SOX 2 showed overexpression of four-fold and three-fold in OSMF when compared to OSCC and healthy controls, respectively. This study shows the significant importance of cancer stem cell markers OCT 3/4 and SOX 2 to assess the disease prognosis in OSMF.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases of the oral cavity, which occurs as the result of infection and inflammation of the gingiva and the

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is an innovative approach that marks a substantial improvement in dental biofilm management, overcoming the limitations of conventional prophylactic techniques. GBT integrates the use of plaque disclosing agents and air-polishing devices to enhance the visualization of biofilm and its subsequent removal. This state-of-the art method allows both clinicians and patients to identify areas of plaque accumulation, thereby fostering improved patient compliance and motivation for oral hygiene. The method emphasizes minimally invasive techniques that prioritize patient comfort while effectively targeting biofilm around both teeth and implants. Clinical studies indicate that GBT not only matches but often outperforms the conventional oral prophylactic methods, such as scaling and root planning (SRP), in achieving favourable outcomes in periodontal and peri-implant health. This review consolidates current research on GBT, highlighting its effectiveness lowering inflammatory markers and the microbial burden, eventually encourages improved dental hygiene.Keywords: Biofilm, oral hygiene, dental plaque, air abrasion, scaling

Background: The integration of phytotherapy into healthcare practices has gained substantial attention in recent years. In the realm of dentistry, the exploration of herbal products and their potential applications has become a subject of growing interest. Herbal remedies have been traditionally used for oral care in various cultures, and their potential benefits are increasingly acknowledged in contemporary dental care. Aim: This survey aims to assess dental students' knowledge and awareness of phytotherapy in dentistry, an area of increasing interest due to the traditional use and potential benefits of herbal remedies for oral health. Material and Methods: A survey using a 15-question questionnaire was conducted to assess students' experience, information sources, awareness of herbal toothpaste, opinions on curriculum inclusion, and interest in prescribing herbal products. Results: A total of 260 students participated in the survey (20.38% male, 79.61% female) 94.23% were aware of herbal products in dentistry and 62.7% had used them, primarily learning about them through media and elders. While 72.1% had observed family members using herbal products, only 10.85% reported side effects. A significant number were interested in learning more about herbal products (90.1%) and favoured their inclusion in the curriculum (94.42%). Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were found regarding observed side effects, interest in prescribing, and opinions on curriculum inclusion. Conclusions: This survey reveals that while most dental students are aware of and have used herbal products, their knowledge is primarily sourced from media and family, highlighting a need for more formal education. Therefore, the dental curriculum should incorporate comprehensive, evidence-based information on herbal products to equip future dentists with the knowledge to critically evaluate and appropriately integrate herbal remedies into their practice.