The aim of the present study was to assess by atomic force microscopy (AFM) the surface roughness of a traditional glass ionomer cement- GIC (Fuji IX GP, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) and a resin modified glass ionomer cement- RMGIC (Vitremer, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) after different immersion regimes on some acidic drinks. Sixteen cylindrical samples having the height of 5 mm and the thickness of 2 mm were obtained from each material and they were divided into two groups: Group I (Fuji IX samples) and Group II (Vitremer samples). Specimens of each group were then randomly divided into 4 subgroups: subgroup A (control)—15 samples were kept in artificial saliva and in the other three subgroups, each having 15 samples the samples were immersed in Coca-Cola (subgroup B), Cappy lemonade and mint (subgroup C) and Fuzetea (subgroup D) for 7 days (subgroups A1–D1), 14 days (subgroups A2–D2), and 21 days (subgroups A3–D3). AFM qualitative and quantitative surface evaluation (mean value of surface roughness parameter, Sa) of each sample was performed. The highest surface roughness was determined when both materials were submerged 14 days in acidic drinks. Traditional GIC was more affected by acidic environment when comparing to RMGIC.

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan and major component of the extracellular matrix, has attracted increasing interest as a therapeutic adjunct in oral wound management due to its biological activity and biocompatibility. The search for the current narrative review literature was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published up to December 2025. Eligible studies included experimental investigations, clinical trials, and relevant reviews assessing HA applications in oral mucosal or gingival wounds. Available clinical evidence suggests potential benefits of HA in reducing postoperative discomfort, accelerating re-epithelialization, and improving soft tissue healing following periodontal and surgical procedures. However, substantial heterogeneity exists regarding molecular weight, formulation, concentration, and application protocols, which limits direct comparison between studies and precludes definitive conclusions. Further well-designed, standardized clinical trials are required to clarify optimal formulations and confirm long-term therapeutic benefits.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of gastric acid associated with the effect of toothbrushing on the surface roughness of different types of composite resin used for direct restorations. Materials and Methods: The materials used in this study were two microhybrid (Filtek Z250, Herculite XRV) and two nanohybrid (Filtek Z550, Herculite XRV Ultra) composite resins. Two hundred and forty cylindrical samples with a height of 2 mm and a diameter of 6 mm were divided into four groups (groups A, B, C and D) corresponding to each tested material (n = 60). Each group was divided in two subgroups: subgroup I—the samples were submersed in hydrochloric acid and immediately submitted to toothbrushing; subgroup II—the samples were submitted only to toothbrushing. The simulation of the acid attack was performed by immersing the samples in a 0.01 M hydrochloric acid solution for 90 min. This procedure was followed immediately by toothbrushing simulation with 10,000 cycles. The acid attack and toothbrushing simulation were performed for two times. The surface roughness evaluation was performed with a Proscan 2100 profilometer. Repeated Measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to perform the statistical analysis. Results: Simulation of one year of toothbrushing associated or not to hydrochloric acid exposure increases the surface roughness of microhybrid and nanohybrid composite resins. Six months of toothbrushing associated to six months of hydrochloric acid exposure increase the surface roughness of nanohybrid composite resins. Conclusions: Microhybrid composite resins surface becomes rougher after toothbrush and acid submersion when comparing to nanohybrid composite resins.

The integration of bioactive natural compounds into dental materials has gained increasing attention as a strategy to improve biological functionality while maintaining material performance. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence regarding the main classes of natural compounds investigated in dental materials, their incorporation methods, and their influence on material properties. A literature-based narrative approach was conducted using major scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies addressing natural compound incorporation into restorative, prosthetic, adhesive, cementitious, and hydrogel-based dental materials. The reviewed literature indicates that polyphenols, polysaccharides, proteins and peptides, terpenoids, and microbial- and marine-derived compounds have been incorporated using bulk modification, surface functionalization, coating systems, and hybrid material architectures. While these compounds may provide antimicrobial, antioxidant, and bioactive properties, they may also influence mechanical behavior, physicochemical stability, optical characteristics, surface properties, and release behavior, depending on compound chemistry, concentration, and incorporation strategy. The available evidence highlights the need for a balanced approach that considers both biological activity and material performance, as well as the importance of stability, standardization, and long-term clinical performance when integrating natural bioactive compounds into dental materials.

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that is associated with inflammatory changes, reduced salivary flow, and altered saliva composition. The effects of medications and injuries to the salivary ducts can contribute to the increased salivary viscosity with serious consequences for the teeth and soft tissues. The remineralization capacity of saliva is based on its ability to provide the necessary minerals, maintain a favorable pH balance, and support the natural mechanisms implied in the repair processes of the tooth structure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of salivary pathology in Sjögren's Syndrome, and the correlations on certain cariogenic risk parameters. Materials and method: The study was conducted on 30 patients: Study group (15 patients) with primary Sjögren's Syndrome; Control group (15 patients) - without associated general pathology. The evaluation focused on the analysis of DMFT and the following salivary parameters: resting salivary flow (RSF), stimulated salivary flow (SSF), buffering capacity (BC), saliva viscosity (SV), and the index of salivary microcrystallization (IMK). The evaluated results demonstrate that the effects of Sjögren's syndrome on the selected indicators (DMFT, RFR, RFS, CT, SV, IMK) are significantly different compared to the control group, indicating the Sjögren syndrome's impact on the dental and salivary status of affected patients. Conclusions: There is a correlation between dental caries, saliva, and Sjögren's syndrome. Reduced saliva production in Sjögren's syndrome can lead to xerostomia-associated phenomena, disturb the balance between demineralization and remineralization processes, and may contribute to an increased risk of caries.

Resin composites are the first choice for direct restoration of posterior teeth in the treatment of dental caries. This article reviews factors that influence the clinical performance of composite restorations and the results of clinical trials assessing longevity of posterior resin composite restorations. Materials and method. PubMed, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched for articles investigating the clinical performance of direct resin composite restorations placed in posterior teeth. Results and discussions. Factors with significant influence on longevity of posterior composite restorations include patient-related factors (age, carious risk, periodontal disease, bruxism), dental group, cavity size and volume, cervical margin extension, root-filled teeth, oclusal stress. Conclusions. Dental resin composites are material of choice for use in direct minimal interventions in posterior teeth. For patients without bruxism, in medium size cavities, direct composite resins demonstrate similar clinical performance with amalgam restorations. The clinical performance of restorations depends on a number of factors including variables related to the restored tooth, the materials and techniques employed, the patient’s risks, and professional clinical decisions.