Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface/mineral changes on enamel before and after the application of acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel, fluoride enhanced hydroxyapatite gel and propolis in conjunction with carbon-dioxide (CO ₂ ) laser. Materials and Methods: Crowns of 40 human maxillary central incisors were collected and were divided into four groups of 10 each: Topical fluoride application only, topical fluoride application followed by CO ₂ laser irradiation, CO ₂ laser irradiation followed by topical fluoride application and CO ₂ laser irradiation before and after topical fluoride application. The 10 crowns in each group was again sectioned into four equal parts of mesio-incisal, disto-incisal, mesio-cervical and disto-cervical sections rendering 40 samples in each group. Each group was again subdivided into four subgroups: Subgroup C - untreated enamel surface (control). Subgroup A - APF gel application, subgroup R - fluoride enhanced hydroxyapatite gel application and subgroup P - propolis application. The surface morphology of the test samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and mineral changes by energy dispersion X-ray spectrophotometer. Results: Total mineral content is maximum in Group 4A (CO ₂ laser irradiation before and after APF gel application) and calcium/phosphate ratio is highest in Group 4R (CO ₂ laser irradiation before and after Remin-Pro application). Group 2A (APF gel application followed by CO ₂ laser irradiation) has the maximum fluoride retention. Conclusion: Laser irradiation of enamel through a topically applied APF gel is effective in the prophylaxis and management of dental caries.

Aim : The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate the antibacterial property of various concentrations of green tea extracts and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) against Enterococcus faecalis 0(E. faecalis) in vitro. Materials and Methods: The activity of green tea extract and CHX on E. faecalis was measured on agar plates using the agar diffusion method. In addition, the tube dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of green tea extract against E. faecalis. Results: The MIC of green tea extract was found to be 3.5%. The zone of inhibition was found to be concentration dependent. The 2.5% concentration of green tea extract showed 20 mm zone of inhibition, while the 3% concentration demonstrated a 30 mm zone of inhibition. Two percent CHX showed 30 mm zone of inhibition. Conclusion: Three percent concentration of green tea extract showed an antibacterial activity equivalent to 2% CHX against E. faecalis.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the microleakage on the marginal integrity of nanohybrid composite during bleaching with carbamide peroxide after applying a protective coating of G-Coat plus (GC, Japan). Materials and Methods: Class V cavities were prepared and restored with nanohybrid composite restoration in 60 freshly extracted noncarious premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons. Then they were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 - bleaching with carbamide peroxide without G coat plus (n = 20), Group 2 - bleaching with carbamide peroxide with G-Coat plus (n = 20), Group 3 - without bleaching procedure (n = 20) (control group). In Group 2, G coat plus was applied over the restorative surface and margins. Then all teeth in Groups 1 and 2 were taken and mounted in dental stone. Bleaching trays were custom fabricated over the cast with the help of a heated vacuum-forming machine. 10% carbamide peroxide (opalescence PF) was applied over the tooth, and the bleaching process was done for about 2 weeks. Then all samples underwent thermocycling and were then immersed in the 2% methylene blue solution for 24 h and observed under a stereomicroscope to evaluate the amount of dye penetration. Data were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test using SPSS Inc.; Chicago, IL, USA, Version 17.0. Results: Mann-Whitney test shows that the difference in microleakage between Group 1-Group 2 and Group 2-Group 3 is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Significant reduction in microleakage was seen in Group 2 when compared to other groups.

Background: Toothache represents one of the most common reasons patients seek emergency dental care. While conventional analgesics remain the standard of care, phytotherapeutic agents offer potential alternatives with possibly fewer side effects. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy, safety, and clinical applications of plant‐derived analgesic compounds in dentistry. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science, for studies published between 15 ^th January 2015–25 ^th March 2025. Keywords included combinations of “phytotherapy,” “herbal medicine,” “plant extract,” “toothache,” “analgesic,” “visual analog scale (VAS),” and “dentistry.” Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical trials, and systematic reviews were included. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: A total of 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. The phytotherapeutic agents demonstrating the strongest analgesic properties in dental applications include clove oil (eugenol), turmeric (curcumin), capsaicin from chili peppers, ginger powder, capsaicin, jidabokuippo, cannabis, propolis, zingiber officinale , green tea, and punica granatum . Mechanisms of action range from inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis to modulation of inflammatory pathways and direct effects on nociceptors. Clinical applications included management of pulpitis, postextraction pain, temporomandibular disorders, and oral mucositis. Conclusion: Evidence supports the analgesic efficacy of several phytotherapeutic agents in toothache management, particularly eugenol, curcumin, and capsaicin. These offer promising alternatives or adjuncts to conventional analgesics, though standardization of preparations and larger RCTs are needed to establish optimal dosing regimens and long‐term safety profiles.