To provide dental practitioners and researchers with a comprehensive review of the historical development, chemical composition, mechanisms of action, advantages, and drawbacks of different chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) agents. An electronic search was performed for all articles published on CMCR agents in various databases, including the Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Scholar bibliographic databases, from January 1, 1975, to July 31, 2022. Records were identified using the following search terms: Brix3000, Carie-Care, Caridex, Carisolv, chemomechanical caries removal, conventional surgical method, and Papacárie. A total of 171 articles were screened based on the titles and abstracts, of which 126 were deemed eligible for inclusion after duplicates were removed. Following a manual search of the reference list, eight articles were added. Articles were then excluded for other reasons, such as being written before 1975, being written in a language other than English, and the non-availability of the full text. Overall, 120 articles were included in the analysis (literature reviews [n = 27], systematic reviews [n = 8], research articles [n = 82], case reports [n = 3]). CMCR is a potential method of caries control in the future as an alternative to the conventional surgical approach in standard dentistry applications. It is more widely accepted, less painful, and has comparable efficacy to the conventional surgical method. A continuous trend among manufacturers has been observed since 1975 to reduce the drawbacks of CMCR agents. Moreover, evidence-based minimally invasive techniques, including CMCR agents that require minimal or no aerosol-generating procedures, are preferred while measures to control the spread of coronavirus disease are in force.

The oral microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms residing in the oral cavity interacting with each other and with the host in a state of equilibrium. Disruptions in this balance can result in both oral and systemic conditions. Historically, studying the oral microbiome faced limitations due to culture-dependent techniques that could not capture the complexity and diversity of the microbial community. The emergence of advanced genomic technologies and the ease of sample collection from the oral cavity has revolutionized the understanding of the oral microbiome, providing valuable insights into the bacterial community in both health and disease. This review explores the oral microbiome in children, discussing its formation and dynamics in both states of health and disease, its role in various conditions such as dental caries, periodontal disease, oral cancer, cleft lip and palate, and explores its connection to several systemic consequences.

The first permanent molar (FPM) is considered the tooth most susceptible to caries, as it is the first permanent tooth to erupt in the oral cavity, making it susceptible to environmental conditions that may appear as caries, hypoplasia, or hypomineralization. Several treatment options are available for managing deep caries, including root canal treatment (RCT). However, there is a lack of data on the success and failure rates of RCT in FPM among children. This study aimed to determine the success and failure rates of RCT in FPM among children and related factors. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at three major centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Children aged 9–18 years who underwent an RCT between 2010 and 2019 were included. Clinical and radiographic examinations were also performed. Based on the loose criteria, most of the evaluated teeth (79.6%) were successfully treated. The treatment failed in only 20.4% of participants. Older patients and teeth with acceptable restoration quality had an increased success rate compared to younger patients and teeth with unacceptable restoration quality. A shorter time lapse between treatment and assessment resulted in a lower success rate compared to a longer time lapse. Based on strict criteria, 72.9% of the patients were successfully treated. The use of a microscope and teeth with acceptable restoration quality resulted in an increased success rate compared to teeth treated without the microscope and with unacceptable restoration quality. The success rate of this procedure was high. Several factors, including older age, acceptable restoration quality, and the use of a microscope, increase the probability of success.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a caries-arresting agent that gained popularity among clinicians and patients due to its effectiveness within hours of application. However, the exact mechanisms underlying its action are not yet fully understood. This narrative review explores the current knowledge of SDF's role in caries management, focusing on its mechanism of action, application methods, and safety. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Out of 820 identified studies, 40 were selected based on relevance to SDF's chemical properties and clinical application, following duplicate removal and screening of abstracts and full texts. Although the literature provides insight into SDF's benefits in managing caries, its exact mechanism of action and long-term outcomes remain insufficiently understood. Furthermore, variations in the composition of commercially available SDF products, particularly in silver, fluoride, and pH levels, may significantly affect their clinical performance. This variability raises concerns about consistency in therapeutic outcomes and underscores the need for formulation standardization. Understanding SDF antimicrobial and remineralization mechanisms is essential for optimizing its clinical use in caries management. While current evidence supports its efficacy, further studies are needed to standardize formulations, refine application protocols, and clarify its long-term therapeutic outcomes.