Oral candidiasis is one of the most common infections in the immunocompromised. Biofilms of Candida species can make treatments difficult, leading to oral infection recurrence. This research aimed to isolate a Lactobacillus with anti-Candida effects from the oral cavity. An oral Lactobacillus was isolated in caries-free individuals. The best isolate was evaluated against Candida spp. planktonic and biofilm forms. The bacterial impacts on Candida biofilms’ adhesion to acrylic discs were analyzed through an in vitro test. L. reuteri AJCR4 had the best anti-Candida activity in the preliminary screening. Results were promising in both planktonic and biofilms, particularly with C. albicans SC5314 and C. tropicalis ATCC750, where no viable cells were detected when using the cell-free supernatant (undiluted). In C. glabrata ATCC2001 and C. parapsilosis ATCC22019 biofilms, reductions of 3 Log₁₀ and more than 2 Log₁₀, respectively, were noted when using a cell suspension of L. reuteri ACJR4 (10⁸ CFU/mL). On polymethyl methacrylate acrylic discs, the cell-free supernatant reduced Candida adhesion, resulting in no viable cell detection on the surface. In conclusion, L. reuteri AJCR4 demonstrated notable antifungal activity against Candida biofilms. This oral isolate and its postbiotic can be a potential alternative strategy to oral candidiasis, especially to treat recalcitrant infections.

Several techniques have been described for maxillary sinus graft augmentation, including the lateral window technique and crestal approach with osteotomes or osseodensification. Platelet-rich fibrin has been used in maxillary sinus lift procedures due to its ability to accelerate soft and hard tissue healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of PRF in combination with the synthetic hydroxyapatite NanoBone^® to enhance bone regeneration in sinus floor elevation with the lateral window technique. Out of the 50 individuals screened in a preoperative assessment visit from the CESPU—Famalicão clinical unit and intervened upon between January 2023 and December 2023, only 6 patients who met the study’s inclusion criteria consented to participate. In a split-mouth study, twelve sinus graft surgeries were carried out. Our observations reveal that for the test group (NanoBone^®/PRF), there is a 27.5 ± 4.9% increase new vital bone, 23.0 ± 3.7% increase in inert bone particles, and 49.4 ± 2.8% increase in connective tissue. Meanwhile, for the control group (NanoBone^®), there is a 19.5 ± 3.0% increase in new vital bone, 23.4 ± 5.7% increase in inert bone particles, and 57.0 ± 3.5% increase in connective tissue. The results strongly indicate that mixing liquid PRF with NanoBone^® does not have a negative influence on the amount of viable bone formation, and it seems to slightly increase the amount of new bone formation and revascularization in sinus bone graft procedures with the lateral window technique compared to the single use of NanoBone^®.

Background: Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri), present in the oral and intestinal microbiota, can colonize the oral cavity through breastfeeding and dairy intake, promoting oral health by balancing the microbiota, inhibiting pathogens, and modulating immune responses. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive role and therapeutic potential of L. reuteri in pediatric oral health. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Wiley Library, and the Cochrane Library, supplemented by manual screening, according to PRISMA guidelines and covering the period from January 2011 to 31 December 2024. Results: From 835 records identified, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data shows that L. reuteri strains produce antimicrobial substances that disrupt biofilms and inhibit Streptococcus mutans and other lactobacilli, leading to increased oral pH and improved periodontal indices. The effectiveness of probiotics was found to be strain-specific and transient, with continuous intake and adequate oral hygiene enhancing their ability to colonize the oral cavity. Conclusions: Probiotics show significant potential as therapeutic interventions for controlling cariogenic bacteria and supporting gum health in children. Through mechanisms including bacterial co-aggregation, competitive exclusion, antimicrobial compound synthesis, and immune modulation, probiotics may effectively reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Their effectiveness depends on the strain, regular intake, proper dosing, good oral hygiene, and suitable delivery, which enhance oral colonization and clinical benefits.

Background: In the last decade, infections caused by Candida species have increased. Although C. albicans remains the most predominant species, fungal infections caused by non-albicans Candida (NAC) species have also been rising. This study aimed to determine which Candida spp. are most frequently associated with oral candidiasis. Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases. The search used the keyword combination “candida spp” AND “oral candidiasis” AND “oral isolates” and included articles published between 2013 and 31 October 2025. Results: A total of 658 articles were identified, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Across these studies, 12,750 isolates were reported. C. albicans was the most prevalent species, accounting for 81.7% of all isolates. NAC species were detected at lower frequencies, including C. tropicalis (7.2%), C. glabrata (4.5%), C. krusei (4.1%), C. parapsilosis (1.0%), C. dubliniensis (0.8%), C. kefyr (0.2%), C. guilliermondii (0.1%), C. lusitaniae (0.1%), and other rare or unidentified species (0.2%). The increasing prevalence of Candida infections is associated with a growing population of immunocompromised individuals, and treatment remains challenging due to rising antifungal resistance. Conclusions: Although C. albicans remains the most prevalent, the appearance of NAC species is gradually increasing. With the increase of Candida spp. resistant to conventional antifungal agents and with the competitive or synergistic interaction between Candida spp., it is necessary to develop new therapeutic approaches.

Background/Objectives: The oral microbiome plays a central role in maintaining oral health from early life, with childhood representing a critical period for its establishment and long-term stability. While many environmental factors influence this dynamic microbial ecosystem, diet is distinct in being both universal and highly modifiable. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesize current evidence regarding the impact and mechanisms of distinct dietary habits, food matrices, and nutritional components on the composition, diversity, and ecological resilience of the pediatric oral microbiome. Methods: A literature review aligned with PRISMA guidelines was conducted via digital searches on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases (January 2015–December 2025). Search strategies combined MeSH terms and keywords targeting “Microbiota”, “Mouth”, “Child”, “Diet”, and “Oral health”. Results: From 1068 records identified, 16 relevant articles met the inclusion criteria. Dietary habits may influence taxonomic and functional profiles. Frequent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, sucrose-rich sodas, and sweet treats induces notable dysbiosis and enriches acidogenic/aciduric taxa. Conversely, protective food matrices, including probiotic-fortified dairy products, polyol-based sugar-free chewing gums (xylitol and maltitol), bovine milk, and bioactive-rich agents like green tea, actively suppress cariogenic pathways (specifically Streptococcus mutans) and support commensal, health-associated genera without disrupting overall microbial structures. Conclusions: Diet represents an important modifiable factor shaping the pediatric oral microbiome, capable of either driving dysbiosis or reinforcing symbiosis. Cultivating a microbiome-informed dietary approach early in childhood supports a resilient microbial architecture, offering a non-invasive, public health framework for long-term oral and systemic disease prevention.

Introduction: There are several minimally invasive treatments and sensitive clinical protocols which lead to the need to find an innovative alternative with different substances. Glycine, a non-essential amino acid with a simple structure and an important constituent in the extracellular structure of proteins such as collagen and elastin, has been used and tested in diverse dental medicine applications in the form of abrasive powder particles. Despite the mechanisms of action not being yet fully understood, it is believed to have anti-inflammatory therapeutic effects as well as helping in regulating the immune functions and synthesis of cytokines. Glycine is odorless, colorless and highly soluble in water. Objectives: To present the different glycine powder applications in dental medicine. Results: Different studies have been made to compare the glycine action with the use of various manual, rotary and polishing instruments, and with clinical protocols such as acid etching and pretreatment of the dentin structure. Glycine powder presents a reduced abrasive action, producing less damage to the teeth and gum surfaces. Its efficacy was observed in the removal of supra and subgingival biofilm, with reduced injury of the gingival structure when compared to the use of the sodium bicarbonate jet, root scraping and scaling. It achieved an excellent polishing and teeth surface smoothness, thus reducing the adhesion and maturation of the bacterial microflora. Conclusions: Glycine is nowadays regarded as an innovative substance in the world of dentistry and has been applied in the periodontics, polishing of dental surfaces, restorative material and in the pre-treatment protocol of dentin. Despite the good results obtained, further investigation is needed to validate these features and advantages. Introdução: São diversos os tratamentos minimamente invasivos e protocolos clínicos sensíveis, que levam à necessidade de encontrar substâncias inovadoras. A glicina, aminoácido não-essencial, de estrutura simples é um importante constituinte na estrutura extracelular de proteínas como o colagénio e a elastina, sendo apresentada em formato de partículas de pó abrasivo para aplicação diversificada nas áreas da medicina dentária. Apresenta mecanismos de ação ainda não totalmente compreendidos, sob o ponto de vista científico, mas que se julga que possuirão efeitos terapêuticos anti-inflamatórias, de regulação da função imune e síntese de citocinas. A glicina é inodora, incolor e altamente solúvel em água. Objetivos: Realização de uma revisão narrativa apresentando as diferentes vertentes de aplicação do pó de glicina na medicina dentária. Resultados: Em diferentes estudos têm vindo a ser aplicada, com o intuito de comparar, a ação da glicina recorrendo ao uso de diversos instrumentos manuais, rotatórios e de polimento e com protocolos clínicos diversos, tais como condicionamento ácido e o pré-tratamento da estrutura dentinária. Aplica-se na forma de partículas menos abrasivas, levando a um menor dano nas superfícies. É eficaz na remoção de biofilme supra e subgengival, com mínimo dano da estrutura gengival, comparativamente ao uso de jato de bicarbonato de sódio; raspagem radicular ou recurso ao destartarizador. Alcança-se por este método um ótimo polimento que se revela eficaz na diminuição da rugosidade de superfície, reduzindo a possibilidade de aderência e maturação da microflora bacteriana. Conclusões: A glicina é atualmente vista como uma substância inovadora no mundo da medicina dentária, sendo aplicada na periodontologia, no polimento de superfícies dentárias e do material restaurador, e igualmente no protocolo de pré-tratamento da dentina. Não obstante os bons resultados alcançados em vários ensaios, mais estudos serão necessários para a validação destas características e vantagens.