In recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) have been receiving more attention in dentistry. Their advantageous physicochemical and biological properties can improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of numerous oral diseases, including dental caries, periodontal diseases, pulp and periapical lesions, oral candidiasis, denture stomatitis, hyposalivation, and head, neck, and oral cancer. NPs can also enhance the mechanical and microbiological properties of dental prostheses and implants and can be used to improve drug delivery through the oral mucosa. This paper reviewed studies from 2015 to 2020 and summarized the potential applications of different types of NPs in the many fields of dentistry.

Considering the high prevalence and recurrence of Candida-associated denture stomatitis (CADS), in vivo studies in animal models are necessary before those in humans to evaluate new therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to review the literature on murine models of CADS induction using acrylic intraoral devices simulating dentures. Rats are recommended as experimental animals in these models as well as the adoption of a pasty diet. For maintenance in the proper position during the experiments, intraoral appliances must be obtained by individual impressions, using and retained exclusively by cementation on the molars. The region of interest for histopathological analysis was standardized as that corresponding to the area between the first molars. However, there is no consensus among the studies on the CADS induction rat models in relation to the Candida albicans inoculation and need for immunosuppression and/or administration of antibacterial drugs of animals. The greatest difficulty of the available models refers to maintaining the course of the lesion for a sufficient period to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed treatment, considering the rapid and efficient murine immune response to candidal colonization. Therefore, future studies are necessary for the development of a robust and reproducible CADS model.

Denture stomatitis is the most prevalent form of oral candidiasis and the most frequent oral lesion in removable prosthesis wearers. It is characterized by an inflammatory response of the denture-bearing mucosa, especially the palatal mucosa, and its clinical signs include chronic edema and erythema, and papillary hyperplasia. Despite having a multifactorial etiology, its main etiological agent is the infection by Candida albicans . Given its high treatment failure rates, an in vivo model of denture stomatitis should be established to test alternative treatments. The aim of this study is to review the existing denture stomatitis models and to provide an overview of the main methodological differences between them. Over the last 40 years, different animal models were developed in order to study denture stomatitis etiopathogenesis and to assess novel therapies. Many approaches, including the use of antibiotics and immunosuppressors, have to be further investigated in order to establish which protocol is more appropriate and effective for the development of an animal model of denture stomatitis.

Periodontal therapy usually requires local anesthesia. If effective, a non-invasive, liposomal anesthetic gel could increase the levels of acceptance of patients in relation to periodontal therapy. This study investigated the efficacy of liposomal anesthetic gel for pain control during periodontal therapy. Forty volunteers with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were recruited, of which at least three sextants required periodontal therapy. At least one of the selected teeth had one site with a probing depth of ≥4 mm. The volunteers received the following three gels: a placebo, lidocaine/prilocaine (Oraqix®), or a liposomal lidocaine/prilocaine, which were applied to different sextants. Pain frequency was registered during treatment and the volunteers received a digital counter to register any painful or uncomfortable experiences. At the end of each session, the volunteers indicated their pain intensity using rating scales (NRS-101 and VRS-4). The volunteers had their hemodynamic parameters measured by a non-invasive digital monitor. Pain frequency/intensity did not show statistical difference between intervention groups. The tested gels did not interfere with the hemodynamic indices. Dental anxiety, suppuration and probing depth could influence pain during periodontal therapy. Our results suggest limited indications for the use of non-invasive anesthesia when used for scaling and root planing. Intra-pocket anesthetic gel could be a good option for anxious patients, or those who have a fear of needles.

Aim: This study aimed to develop, characterize and analyze the antifungal activity of chlorhexidine:β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (Chx:βCD). Materials & methods: Chx:βCD were characterized by ... Plain language summary Many people who wear dentures can get a fungal infection called denture stomatitis. Treating this infection is hard because it often comes back. There are many reasons why it...