Introduction Osseointegration stands as a pivotal concept within the realm of dental implants, signifying the intricate process through which a dental implant integrates with the adjoining bone tissue. Graphene oxide (GO) has been shown to promote osseointegration, the process by which the implant fuses with the surrounding bone. The objective of this study was to assess the osseointegrative and antimicrobial properties of GO nano coated dental implants. Methods A systematic search was conducted using electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) to identify relevant studies published. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies that evaluated the effects of GO nano coating on osseointegrative and antimicrobial characteristics of dental implants. Studies not written in English and published before 2012 were excluded. Results The initial search yielded a total of 127 potential studies, of which six met the inclusion criteria and five were included in the review. These studies provided data on GO nano coated dental implants and their osseointegrative and antimicrobial properties. All the included studies showed moderate risk of bias. None of the studies provided information related to sample size calculation or sampling technique. Discussion The findings from the included studies demonstrated that GO nano coating had a positive impact on osseointegrative properties of dental implants. Enhanced bone-implant contact and increased bone density were observed in animals and humans receiving GO nano coated implants. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of GO nano coating were found to inhibit bacterial colonization and biofilm formation on the implant surface, reducing the risk of implant-associated infections. Conclusion The findings indicate that GO nano coating holds promise in enhancing the success rate and longevity of dental implants. However, more studies with larger sample sizes, are needed to further strengthen the evidence and determine the long-term effects of GO nano coated dental implants.

The oral microbiome, populated by a diverse range of species, plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. The most dominant yet little-discussed players in the microbiome, the bacteriophages, influence the health and disease of the host in various ways. They, not only contribute to periodontal health by preventing the colonization of pathogens and disrupting biofilms but also play a role in periodontal disease by upregulating the virulence of periodontal pathogens through the transfer of antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. Since bacteriophages selectively infect only bacterial cells, they have an enormous scope to be used as a therapeutic strategy; recently, phage therapy has been successfully used to treat antibiotic-resistant systemic infections. Their ability to disrupt biofilms widens the scope against periodontal pathogens and dental plaque biofilms in periodontitis. Future research focussing on the oral phageome and phage therapy’s effectiveness and safety could pave way for new avenues in periodontal therapy. This review explores our current understanding of bacteriophages, their interactions in the oral microbiome, and their therapeutic potential in periodontal disease.

Background: Dental caries is a serious public health issue globally. It is one of the most prevalent chronic disease in children worldwide. An important public health concern is the existence of one or more decayed, missing, or filled tooth surfaces in any primary teeth of preschool children. Early childhood caries (ECC) can be halted with the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution. Previous research has indicated that it may have a preventive impact in the treatment of ECC. It is well known that 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is helpful at preventing dental caries. On the other hand, there is not enough evidence on SDF’s ability to prevent caries in primary teeth. To date, no well-planned clinical study has been carried out to investigate SDF’s impact on caries protection. Objective: The study’s objective is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 12%, 30%, and 38% silver diamine fluoride in preventing ECC in children aged 24 to 72 months in Mangaluru Taluk. Methods: This is a single-center, randomized, active-controlled, parallel-group pragmatic trial. Children attending preschool in Mangalore Taluk aged 24 to 72 months will be included in the study. There will be three study groups: group 1 will receive 12% SDF semiannually; group 2 will receive 30% SDF semiannually; and group 3 will receive 38% SDF semiannually. After 6 and 12 months, the principal examiner will conduct a clinical examination of the teeth with a visual and tactile assessment. The effectiveness of the various concentrations of SDF will be determined after 12 months. Results: The research was funded in September 2020, and data collection started in September 2022. As of February 2023, 150 participants have enrolled in the study. The project is still underway, and it is expected to be completed in December 2023. Conclusions: Uncertainty surrounds the efficacy of 38% SDF in preventing ECC. Consensus-Based Clinical Case Reporting (CARE) guidelines recommending the use of SDF for ECC prevention will be modified if the findings are as expected. Additionally, since the findings will be broadly disseminated, more nations will implement the use of SDF, easing the burden of ECC on the entire world. Future research on the treatment and prevention of ECC will benefit from the study results. If SDF is successful in preventing caries in a classroom or community context, it will mark an important turning point for preventive dentistry. Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry of India CTRI/2020/02/023420; https://tinyurl.com/3ju2apab International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/46144

Purpose of Review: Currently, periodontal disease is the sixth most prevalent disease in the world. Emerging evidence suggests the possibility of pre-historic humans having relatively low occurrences of oral diseases, particularly periodontitis when compared to modern humans. In this review, we look back into the history of Homo sapiens and explore the emerging scientific literature to discuss the evolution of the human oral microbiota and the prevalence of periodontitis from pre-historic to modern times. Recent Findings: Most of the scientific literature points to a more health-associated, eubiotic oral microbiota and a seemingly lower prevalence of periodontitis in pre-historic humans compared to modern times. The oral microbiome has evolved along with humans. Humans of the contemporary era are exposed to a far greater number of risk factors for periodontal disease. Also, major lifestyle changes induced by the agricultural revolution and the industrial revolution have led to the development of a more dysbiotic oral microbiota and a rise in the prevalence of periodontitis in modern humans. Summary: An understanding of the prevalence of periodontitis across human history, the evolution of the oral microbiota, and the factors that influenced its nature and complexity helps identify and modify the disease-associated lifestyle factors acquired through modernization to manage the common worldwide problem of periodontitis.