This in vitro study evaluated the effects of dentifrices containing nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) on dentinal tubule occlusion and on mineral deposition. Dentin specimens of ten human teeth were submersed for 30 s in 40% citric acid and then randomly divided into four groups (three study groups and one control group). In the study groups, the dentin samples were exposed to three different n-HAp toothpastes: Karex (Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany), Biorepair Plus Sensitive (Coswell SpA, Bologna, Italy), and Dr. Wolff’s Biorepair (Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany); in the control group no toothpaste was applied. All of the samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. In the control group all of the samples showed a frank and wide opening of the dentinal tubules, whereas in the study groups different degrees of tubule closure by mineral depositions were observed. Toothpastes containing n-HAp determined a significant occlusion of dentinal tubules and a significant increase of mineral deposition on the dentin surface. All three tested toothpastes showed similar results regarding the degree of dentinal tubule closure. Varying degrees of differences in calcium, phosphate, carbon, and oxygen ion concentrations among the three tested toothpastes were obtained.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of simulated gastric acid associated with toothbrushing on the surface condition of three resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (RMGIC). Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty samples of each material were obtained and included in three study groups according to the tested material: Group I (Ionolux, VOCO GmbH, Cuxhaven, Germany); Group II (Vitremer, 3 M-ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA); and Group III (Fuji II LC, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). The samples were submersed in hydrochloric acid 0.01 M (pH 3.8) for 3 h and exposed to a toothbrushing procedure at a frequency of 10,000 cycles with medium and hard bristles immediately or 30 min after the acid attack. Profilometric measurements were performed by using a non-contact profilometer (Dektak XT, Bruker, Billerica, MA, USA) in order to assess the surface roughness. ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for the statistical analysis at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Exposure of RMGICs to the erosive effect of hydrochloric acid in association with toothbrushing 30 min after the chemical attack increased the surface roughness of all three RMGICs. Exposure of the three tested materials exclusively to the action of hydrochloric acid did not affect the surface roughness. Conclusions: One year of hydrochloric acid challenge associated with one year of toothbrushing with medium-hardness bristles performed 30 min after the acid attack increase the surface roughness of two of the three types of RMGIC tested (Ionolux and Fuji II LC).

Aims of study. The aims of study were as follows: assessment of esthetic, functional and biological FDI indices of posterior composite restorations; assessment of decisions for non-intervention vs. repair/replacement of the posterior composite restorations. Materials and method. The retrospective study was performed on a study group of 69 patients (mean age: 25.31± 4,45 yrs; gender: 36 males, 33 females) that were treated for various dental pathologies in Odontology-Periodontology, Fixed Restorations of Clinical Learning Base of Faculty of Dental Medicine, U.M.F. Grigore T.Popa Iași (Romania) with a total number of 309 posterior composite restorations (class I and II Black) aged 3-5 yrs. The composite restorations were clinically evaluated using visual-tactile method. The evaluations were carried out during the recall session by an independent examiner, according to the FDI criteria (esthetic, functional, biological). The frequency of non-intervention versus repair/replacement decision was assessed globally and related to the parameters of the study group (gender, cariogenic risk, cavity design, arch/dental group location). Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS 29.0. Quantitative variables were characterized by descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations). Results. In the study group, 38,8% of all composite resin restorations required repair or replacement (FDI scores 4-5). The decisions of repair/replacement related to the assessed variables were as follows: 22,4% (Class I) vs 54,2% (Class II); 30,6% (males) vs 31% (females); 42,9% (high cariogenic risk) vs 20,4% (low cariogenic risk); 29,7% (Mx location) vs 31,5% (Md location); 41,4% (premolars) vs 49,5% (molars). Conclusions. 31% of posterior composite restorations aged 3-5 years require repair or replacement. Surface condition and margin discoloration are most frequent esthetic scores related to decisions of repair or replacement. Significantly higher percentages of Class II composite restorations (versus Class I) and molars restorations (versus premolars) were associated to requires repair or replacement. The most frequent biological score related to replacement decisions is the presence of secondary caries, mostly in Class II restorations.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of acidic beverages on the mechanical properties of various dental resin-based materials. Methods: A total number of 160 samples were prepared using four types of resin-based materials—Group A (n = 40): flowable composite, Group B (n = 40): heavy-flow composite, Group C (n = 40): resin-based sealant and Group D (n = 40): nano-hybrid composite. Then, the samples were distributed into four subgroups according to the submersion solution: a (n = 10): artificial saliva, b (n = 10): coffee, c (n = 10): cola and d (n = 10): red wine. The Vickers microhardness, Young’s modulus of elasticity and scratch resistance were assessed using a CETR UMT-2 tribometer. Results: The obtained results showed that 14-day submersion of the resin-based materials in coffee, cola and red wine solutions significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the microhardness values (VHN), Young’s modulus of elasticity and scratch resistance. Fourteen days of storage in coffee decreased the microhardness values of flow resin from 117.5 to 81.59 VHN (p < 0.001) whereas the values of the nanohybrid resin decreased from 125.5 to 89.4 (p < 0.001). The elasticity modulus of the heavy flow resin showed a decline from 15.57 to 10.50 GPa after 14 days’ submersion in coffee (p < 0.001), and from 21.29 to 13.10 GPa for the nanohybrid resin after immersion in cola (p < 0.001). For the scratch test, the resin-based sealant showed a significant decrease after 14 days of storage in coffee, from 0.34 to 0.02 units. Conclusions: The submersion of conventional nanohybrid, flowable, heavy-flow composite resins and resin-based sealants in coffee, cola and red wine solutions changes the mechanical properties (Young’s modulus of elasticity, Vickers microhardness and scratch resistance). The most resistant resin-based material to acid attack was the conventional nanohybrid composite resin, followed by heavy flow resin, flowable resin and resin-based sealant.

Background: This study investigates the clinical characteristics and differences between primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS) and secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome (sSS) in a cohort of 50 patients. Methods: Conducted across two academic facilities in North-East Romania, the study emphasizes the importance of glandular and extraglandular manifestations, focusing on salivary flow rates, pH levels, and buffer capacity. Patients were diagnosed using the 2016 ACR-EULAR classification criteria, with a detailed examination including salivary tests, biopsies, and antibody presence. Results: The findings highlight significant differences between pSS and sSS, particularly in salivary function, with pSS patients exhibiting more severe glandular dysfunction. The study also notes a higher prevalence of inflammatory joint involvement in sSS patients, often associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Statistical analysis revealed correlations between salivary parameters and disease progression, underscoring the necessity of tailored treatment strategies. The research suggests that lower salivary flow rates and altered pH levels in pSS patients contribute to compromised oral health, including increased dental cavities and periodontal disease. Conclusions: The study’s results contribute to a deeper understanding of Sjögren’s Syndrome and reinforce the need for multidisciplinary management to address both systemic and oral health complications in these patients.

Background/Objectives: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, making enamel remineralization a key objective in minimally invasive dentistry. This in vitro study compared the remineralization efficacy of five therapeutic toothpastes containing fluoride, NovaMin, CPP-ACP, nano-hydroxyapatite, arginine, and xylitol. Methods: Sixty enamel specimens were prepared from extracted human posterior teeth and artificially demineralized. Samples were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 10): one negative control (C1) stored in artificial saliva and five treatment groups (P1–P5). A 28-day remineralization protocol with twice-daily applications was performed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to assess surface morphology and elemental composition (Ca, P, F, Na, O, Ca/P ratio) at days 1, 14, and 28. Vickers microhardness testing was used to evaluate changes in mechanical properties. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc test, and Kruskal–Wallis where appropriate (α = 0.05). Results: All therapeutic toothpastes produced some increase in mineral content compared to the demineralized control. At day 28, significant intergroup differences were observed for calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride (p < 0.001). The arginine–fluoride formulation (P4) and the NovaMin-based formulation (P3) showed the most consistent increases in Ca and P, with SEM revealing the formation of a continuous, compact surface layer and marked reduction in prismatic porosities. Fluoride-containing toothpastes (P1, P3, P4) showed significant fluoride incorporation (p < 0.001 vs. control). The nano-hydroxyapatite/xylitol prototype (P5) produced a delayed but progressive increase in Ca and P, with partial filling of prismatic spaces. The CPP-ACP-based toothpaste (P2) led to limited changes, with only slight differences vs. control at day 28. Vickers microhardness values increased significantly in groups P1, P3, P4, and P5 (p < 0.05), in agreement with the higher mineral levels found in these samples. Conclusions: Under the present in vitro conditions, toothpastes containing fluoride in combination with NovaMin or arginine, as well as nano-hydroxyapatite/xylitol, demonstrated the highest remineralization potential under the present in vitro conditions, both chemically and mechanically. Xylitol-based formulations without a direct mineral supply showed limited effects. The pH and active composition of the toothpaste strongly influenced enamel remineralization outcomes.