The urge to implement innovative approaches that align with eco-friendly practices and hold promise for enhancing oral health while promoting environmental sustainability has been increasing. This current work aims to develop a sustainable treatment for oral traumatic ulcers using licorice-based hydrogels (LHGs) containing hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as the green gelling agent. Licorice root aqueous extract was phytochemically profiled using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Forty-three compounds were detected, with Glycyrrhizic acid being the major component of the extract (34.85 ± 2.77%). By implementing a Quality by Design (QbD) approach, the study investigates the effects of different licorice extract and HEC concentrations on key variables such as pH and viscosity of the prepared formulations, ulcer and wound healing scores, and tissue growth factors via a Full Factorial Experimental Design. The LHGs exhibited desirable consistency, spreadability, and clarity. Statistical analysis, employing an ANOVA test, revealed the high significance of the constructed models with the licorice concentration being the key independent factor affecting all dependent outputs. The pH as well as the viscosity of the prepared LHGs were positively influenced by licorice extract concentration, with higher concentrations leading to increased alkalinity and viscosity. Rheological behavior analysis revealed a pseudoplastic flow with demonstrated thixotropy which is advantageous for application and prolongation of residence time. The wound healing process was assessed through ulcer size, traumatic ulcer healing score (UHS), collagen-1 expression (COL-1), growth factors (EGF, VEGF), pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α), wound healing score (WHS). LHGs prepared using higher levels of both factors, 30% dried licorice root extract and 4% HEC, demonstrated enhanced wound healing, elevated growth factor expression of 66.67% and 23.24%, respectively, and 88% reduced inflammation compared to the control group, indicating their potential in expediting oral ulcer recovery. Overall, these findings highlight the promising role of green licorice-based hydrogels in promoting sustainable oral mucosal healing.

Objective: To compare patient satisfaction and peri-implant soft tissue changes of PEEK (BioHPP®) bar versus cobalt chromium (Co-Cr) bar retaining four implants mandibular overdenture. Material and methods: Ten completely edentulous patients were received four implants, and were connected with bar attachment. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of bar construction. Group I: Co-Cr-bar attachment, Group II: BioHPP® -bar attachment. Overdentures were attached to the bars and opposed by conventional maxillary complete denture. Patient satisfaction and Peri-implant soft tissue were assessed at the time of overdentures insertion (T0), and twelve months later (T12). Results: Co-Cr bars recorded significant higher plaque and bleeding scores than those of BioHPP® bars. Regarding mucosal recession and probing depth, Co-Cr bars recorded significant increase than that of BioHPP® bars. In addition, BioHPP® bars recorded significant higher patient satisfaction scores regarding patient comfort, taste of food, esthetics than Co-Cr bars. Conclusion: mandibular overdenture on four implants supported Co-Cr bar or BioHPP® bar is considered a promising treatment solution. BioHPP® bar showed better results than those of Co-Cr bar regarding soft tissue changes and patient satisfaction.

Objective: to assess cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) accuracy in measuring the facial soft tissue thickness around immediate implants before and after connective tissue grafting.Methods: 20 patients received immediate implants and connective tissue grafts in the esthetic zone. Facial soft tissue thickness was evaluated at 2mm, 4mm and 6mm from free gingival margin by bone sounding using endodontic file with silicone stopper and digital caliper and by CBCT after putting lip retractor.Results: Paired t test showed a significant difference between base line and 6 months follow up readings in both methods. No significant difference was reported between both methods. On the other hand, Pearson correlation coefficient showed an inverse correlation between both methods.Conclusion: CBCT provided a noninvasive, accurate and reliable data for measuring the facial soft tissue thickness and can be used for the analysis and planning of immediate implants placement in the esthetic zone.Clinical significance: Using CBCT in soft tissue assessment at the time of implant/bone evaluation can aid in saving the clinician and patient time and prevents the painful invasive bone sounding process.

Objective: Vitamin E has an antioxidant effect and was suggested to induce positive effect when used in periodontitis cases. In periodontitis, malondialdehyde (MDA) is a parameter of oxidative stress and a well-established lipid peroxidation (LPO) product that was used to weigh the oxidative damages in periodontitis patients. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of systemic use of vitamin E as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy in treatment of stage II periodontitis patients and evaluate its effect on the MDA levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Subjects and method: Thirty patients having stage II periodontitis were included and divided into two groups: Control group only receiving scaling and root planing (SRP) and test group receiving SRP in addition systemic administration of vitamin E 400mg every other day. Clinical parameters Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing Depth (PD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL)) were recorded and GCF samples to assess the MDA level were collected at baseline and at 8 weeks follow up. Results: At follow up, both groups showed statistically significant changes in all clinical parameters with no significant difference between both groups. Reduction in MDA was significant in control and test groups at the 8 weeks follow up. However, it was more significant in the test group. Conclusion: The adjunctive use of systemic vitamin E in periodontal therapy have showed to be effective in reducing the lipid peroxidation in stage II periodontitis patients. However, the clinical profit of its use is questionable.

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous disease. The cause of oral lichen planus is not well known and the successful management of OLP is still difficult to achieve. Aim: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the therapeutic effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) preparation versus topical 50% coconut cream preparation in the management of atrophic OLP. Methods: 20 patients who had atrophic OLP were selected and randomly divided into two equal groups. (Group I) received topical 50% coconut cream, and (Group II) received topical 0.1% triamcinolone for a period of 4 weeks and patients were evaluated at baseline before treatment and on days 14, 21 and 28. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used for evaluating pain and burning sensation in addition to the evaluation of the degree of erythema and size of erosive area. Results: Our results showed that both topical 50% coconut cream and 0.1% TA were found to reduce the VAS score, the degree of erythema, and size of the lesions. Conclusion: 50% coconut cream showed a significant reduction in the VAS, degree of erythema and lesion size with no signs of toxicity nor side effects informed during the treatment or follow-up period, thus proving to be a safe and promising medication for OLP.