Periodontal disease is a prevalent chronic inflammatory condition that impacts over a billion people worldwide, leading to substantial tooth loss, reduced quality of life, and heightened systemic health risks. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence regarding the global burden of periodontal disease, its established associations with systemic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, respiratory infections, and neurodegenerative disorders, and its significant socioeconomic implications. The review focused on the following research question: What is the global burden of periodontal disease, and how do its systemic and socioeconomic implications necessitate integrated public health strategies? A structured search of the PubMed, Scopus, and WHO databases from 2000 to 2024 was conducted to identify relevant literature using key terms, including “periodontal disease”, “global burden”, “systemic inflammation”, and “public health strategies”. Out of 312 initially identified articles, 175 satisfied the inclusion criteria for the final synthesis. The findings underscore the significance of periodontal disease as a modifiable risk factor for various noncommunicable diseases, the influence of healthcare disparities on disease progression, and the critical necessity for integrated public health strategies to mitigate the global burden of periodontal disease and its consequences. The review concludes that coordinated policy reform, health system integration, and enhanced research efforts are crucial for mitigating the global burden of periodontal disease and advancing health equity.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that destroys the tooth-supporting structures due to the host’s immune response to microbial biofilms. Traditional periodontal treatments, such as scaling and root planing, pharmacological interventions, and surgical procedures, have significant limitations, including difficulty accessing deep periodontal pockets, biofilm recolonization, and the development of antibiotic resistance. In light of these challenges, natural bioactive compounds derived from plants, herbs, and other natural sources offer a promising alternative due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and tissue-regenerative properties. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms through which bioactive compounds, such as curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), baicalin, carvacrol, berberine, essential oils, and Gum Arabic, exert therapeutic effects in periodontal disease. Bioactive compounds inhibit critical inflammatory pathways like NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and MAPK while activating protective pathways such as Nrf2/ARE, reducing cytokine production and oxidative stress. They also inhibit the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), preventing tissue degradation and promoting healing. In addition, these compounds have demonstrated the potential to disrupt bacterial biofilms by interfering with quorum sensing, targeting bacterial cell membranes, and enhancing antibiotic efficacy.Bioactive compounds also modulate the immune system by shifting the balance from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory responses and promoting efferocytosis, which helps resolve inflammation and supports tissue regeneration. However, despite the promising potential of these compounds, challenges related to their poor bioavailability, stability in the oral cavity, and the absence of large-scale clinical trials need to be addressed. Future strategies should prioritize the development of advanced delivery systems like nanoparticles and hydrogels to enhance bioavailability and sustain release, alongside long-term studies to assess the effects of these compounds in human populations. Furthermore, combining bioactive compounds with traditional treatments could provide synergistic benefits in managing periodontal disease. This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of natural bioactive compounds in managing periodontal disease, emphasizing their molecular mechanisms of action and offering insights into their integration with conventional therapies for a more comprehensive approach to periodontal health.

The objective of this study was to compare the physical and optical stability of resin composite materials with different filler characteristics. Ninety-six resin composite blocks (6 mm × 6 mm × 2 mm) were prepared using four different types of resin composite, divided into four groups. Specimens from the same material were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6) and allocated for Vickers hardness (VH), water sorption, solubility (WS/SL), and staining and aging challenges tests. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences in microhardness (p = 0.0001), WS (p = 0.0001), and SL (p = 0.003) among the tested groups. Beautifil II LS recorded the highest hardness, and CharmFil^®Flow had the lowest value. Beautifil Injectable X and II LS showed negative WS, whereas the other groups had positive values. All groups showed positive SL. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant color parameter alteration in the tested groups (p = 0.0001). All groups showed significant color shifting after one week of the staining challenge. Repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant color parameter (p = 0.0001) and weight (p = 0.001) alteration after the aging challenge. The optical and physical stability of resin composites may vary according to filler characteristics. Clinicians should choose the composite as per the desired outcome.

Periodontal regeneration is a multifaceted therapeutic approach to restore the tooth-supporting structures lost due to periodontal diseases. This manuscript explores the intricate interactions between regenerative therapies and the oral microbiome, emphasizing the critical role of microbial balance in achieving long-term success. While guided tissue regeneration (GTR), bone grafting, and soft tissue grafting offer promising outcomes in terms of tissue regeneration, these procedures can inadvertently alter the oral microbial ecosystem, potentially leading to dysbiosis or pathogenic recolonization. Different grafting materials, including autografts, allografts, xenografts, and alloplasts, influence microbial shifts, with variations in the healing timeline and microbial stabilization. Biologics and antimicrobials, such as enamel matrix derivatives (EMD) and sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD), play a key role in promoting microbial homeostasis by supporting tissue repair and reducing pathogenic bacteria. Emerging strategies, such as enzyme-based therapies and antifouling materials, aim to disrupt biofilm formation and enhance the effectiveness of periodontal treatments. Understanding these microbial dynamics is essential for optimizing regenerative therapies and improving patient outcomes. The future of periodontal therapy lies in the development of advanced materials and strategies that not only restore lost tissues but also stabilize the oral microbiome, ultimately leading to long-term periodontal health.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dental caries, dental anxiety, and salivary cortisol levels in children visiting pediatric dental clinics and their implications on pediatric oral health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a dental university in the UAE. A total of 60 children, aged 4–12 years, were included. Salivary cortisol levels were measured using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Dental caries status was evaluated, and dental anxiety levels were assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, were performed to determine significant differences and associations. Results: The study group showed significantly higher salivary cortisol levels compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). A strong positive correlation was found between salivary cortisol levels and dental caries status (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference in dental anxiety levels was observed between the study and control groups (p = 0.85). A strong positive correlation was found between dental anxiety levels and dental caries status (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant association between salivary cortisol levels and dental caries, suggesting that higher cortisol levels are associated with active caries. Dental anxiety levels were positively correlated with dental caries. Understanding the relationship between these variables can contribute to better oral health strategies and interventions for children, emphasizing the importance of managing dental anxiety and stress in pediatric dental care. Clinical Significance: This study highlights the potential of salivary cortisol as a biomarker for assessing stress and its impact on oral health in children. By addressing dental anxiety and stress, dental professionals can provide child-friendly dental care, enhance preventive measures, and improve oral health outcomes in pediatric patients.

Aim The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the mean age at which permanent teeth erupt in school-going children. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study at RAK College of Dental Sciences, UAE, involved 89 children aged 6–14 years. Erupted teeth in the mouth were included. Statistical analysis, including t-tests, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis, was conducted using SPSS version 29, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05. Results: Out of 89 children (41 girls and 48 boys) in the study, 56.17 % had normal weight, 20.22 % were overweight, 17.97 % were underweight, and 5.6 % were obese. Female children generally experienced earlier permanent tooth eruption than males. Additionally, there was an observed trend of earlier tooth eruption with increasing weight or BMI. Underweight children notably displayed a delayed mean age of tooth eruption. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a notable correlation between BMI and the mean age at which permanent teeth erupt in school-going children aged 6 to 14 years who visited our dental hospital. To establish a more precise understanding of the connection between BMI and dental development, we recommend conducting further longitudinal studies involving multiple centers. Clinical Significance: Monitoring a child's BMI is crucial for assessing dental health and planning tailored treatment for those aged 6 to 14. Understanding the BMI's connection to permanent tooth eruption timing allows dental professionals to identify trends in early or delayed development. This enables them to customize treatment strategies, promoting a precise and personalized approach for better oral health outcomes in this age group.