Inorganic nanoparticles have been widely incorporated in conventional dental materials to help in improving their properties. The literature has shown that incorporating nanoparticles in dental materials in different specialties could have a positive effect on reinforcing the mechanical properties of those materials; however, there was no consensus on the effectiveness of using nanoparticles in enhancing the mechanical properties of dental materials, due to the variety of the properties of nanoparticles itself and their effect on the mechanical properties. This article attempted to analytically review all the studies that assessed the effect of different types of inorganic nanoparticles on the most commonly used dental materials in dental specialties such as polymethyl methacrylate, glass ionomer cement, resin composite, resin adhesive, orthodontic adhesive, and endodontic sealer. The results had shown that those inorganic nanoparticles demonstrated positive potential in improving those mechanical properties in most of the dental materials studied. That potential was attributed to the ultra-small sizes and unique physical and chemical qualities that those inorganic nanoparticles possess, together with the significant surface area to volume ratio. It was concluded from this comprehensive analysis that while a definitive recommendation cannot be provided due to the variety of nanoparticle types, shapes, and incorporated dental material, the consensus suggests using nanoparticles in low concentrations less than 1% by weight along with a silane coupling agent to minimize agglomeration issues and benefit from their properties.

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) have a variety of applications that have contributed to their elevated popularity, however, the safety and toxic effects on humans are also of concern with these increased applications. There is insufficient data regarding the effect of MgO NPs on reproductive organs, which are crucial aspects to the body's vital physiological functions. The present study was undertaken in male and female rats to assess the reproductive toxicological potential of two doses (low versus high) of MgO NPs on testicular and ovarian tissues. The toxicity was evaluated using histological, hormonal, and oxidative parameters. In this work, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were synthesized by the sol-gel route and were characterized by X ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). Forty-eight adult Wister albino rats were used in this experiment which were divided into groups of male and female, and then further into control, low dose MgO NPs, and high dose MgO NPs. The low dose used was 131.5 mg/kg b.w. (1/10 LD50) while the high dose used was 263 mg/kg b.w. (1/5 LD50). All doses were given orally by gastric tube. After 4 weeks, blood samples were collected to investigate the level of sex hormones and both ovarian and testicular tissues were examined for variable oxidative parameters and histopathological changes by light microscopy. The obtained findings showed that high dose of MgO NPs produced considerable changes in sex hormones and stress parameters in both male and female rats in comparison to the low dose and control groups. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated the presence of histopathological alterations in the testicular and ovarian tissues. The results of this study showed dose-dependent adverse effects of MgO NPs on the testis and ovary both functionally and histopathologically as compared to the control rats.

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries and periodontal diseases among 14–19-year-old schoolchildren with limited access to dental care services. A cross sectional study design was conducted during field visits to seven governmental schools in Al-Khomrah district, South Jeddah, over the period from September 2015 to May 2016. Clinical examinations and administered questionnaires were carried out in mobile dental clinics. The dentists carried out oral examinations using the dental caries index (DMFT), the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), and the community periodontal index for treatment needs (CPITN). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20. A total of 734 schoolchildren were examined. The prevalence of decayed teeth was 79.7% and was significantly higher among boys (88.9%) than girls (69.0%). About 11% of students had missing teeth, with a significantly higher figure among females than males (15.9% versus 7.3%); 19.8% of students had filled teeth. Moreover, a DMFT of seven or more was significantly more prevalent among males (43.3%) than females (26.8%), while the percentage of females with sound teeth was significantly higher than for males (20.4% and 9.6% respectively). The CPITN revealed 0, 1 and 2 scores among 14.6%, 78.2%, and 41.6% respectively. Males had a significantly higher percentage of healthy periodontal condition (23.8%) than females (3.8%). Dental caries prevalence was moderate to high, calculus and gingival bleeding were widespread among schoolchildren, and were more prevalent among students with low socioeconomic status.

Magnesium-based biomaterials have been explored for their potential as bone healing materials, as a result of their outstanding biodegradability and biocompatibility. These characteristics make magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) a promising material for treating bone disorders. The purpose of this investigation is to assess the osteogenic activity of newly-developed locally administered glycerol-incorporated MgO NPs (GIMgO NPs) in rabbits' calvarial defects. Characterization of GIMgO was done by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Bilateral calvarial defects were created in eighteen New Zealand Rabbits, of which they were divided into 3 groups with time points corresponding to 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively (n = 6). One defect was implanted with absorbable gel foam impregnated with GIMgO NPs while the other was implanted with gel foam soaked with glycerol (the control). The defects were assessed using histological, Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT), and histometric evaluation. The characterization of the GIMgO nanogel revealed the presence of MgO NPs and glycerol as well as the formation of the crystalline phase of the MgO NPs within the nanogel sample. The histological and micro-CT analysis showed time-dependent improvement of healing activity in the calvarial defects implanted with GIMgO NPs when compared to the control. Furthermore, the histometric analysis demonstrated a marked increase in the total area of new bone, connective tissue, new bone area and volume in the GIMgO NPs implanted site. Statistically, the amount of new bone formation was more significant at 6 weeks than at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively in the calvarial defects implanted with GIMgO NPs as compared to the control. The locally applied GIMgO NPs demonstrated efficacy in promoting bone formation, with more significant effects observed over an extended period. These findings suggest its suitability for clinical use as a therapeutic alternative to enhance bone healing.