Guided bone and tissue regeneration remains an integral treatment modality to regenerate bone surrounding teeth and dental implants. Barrier membranes have been developed and produced commercially to allow space for bone regeneration and prevent the migration of unwanted cells. Ideal membrane properties, including biocompatibility, sufficient structural integrity and suitable shelf life with easy clinical application, are important to ensure good clinical regenerative outcomes. Membranes have various types, and their clinical application depends on the origin, material, structure and properties. This narrative review aims to describe the currently available barrier membranes in terms of history, main features, types, indication and clinical application and classify them into various groups. Various membranes, including those which are resorbable and non-resorbable, synthetic, added with growth factors and composed of modern materials, such as high-grade polymer (Polyetheretherketone), are explored in this review.

The prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is increasing around the world. At least one in 10 individuals in the general population has been diagnosed with DH. It is a diagnosis that has significant negative effects on a person's oral health-related quality of life. This condition, which is characterized by sharp, short tooth pain in response to thermal, chemical, tactile, and evaporative stimuli, is more commonly seen in adults. DH has a tremendous impact on the social and financial aspects of patients and society at large. It is essential to recognize the factors that can contribute to a successful treatment outcome to guarantee the overall well-being of DH patients. The aim of this narrative review was to highlight strategies that can lead to successful DH treatment outcomes, along with current updates on DH mechanisms, treatment options, and the latest management approaches. A positive treatment outcome for DH requires a concerted effort from both the patient and the dental practitioner. Highly motivated patients and dental practitioners with sound knowledge of DH diagnosis and available treatment options will ensure successful long-term improvement of DH symptoms.

Purpose: Not all elements with beta-stabilizing properties in titanium alloys are suitable for biomaterial applications, because corrosion and wear processes release the alloying elements to the surrounding tissue. Chromium and molybdenum were selected as the alloying element in this work as to find balance between the strength and modulus of elasticity of beta-titanium alloys. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Titanium-10Molybdenum-10Chromium (Ti-10Mo-10Cr), Titanium-10Chromium (Ti-10Cr) and Titanium-10Molybdenum (Ti-10Mo) on the elemental leachability in tissue culture environment and their effect on the viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methods: Each alloy was immersed in growth medium for 0-21 days, and the elution was analyzed to detect the released metals. The elution was further used as the treatment medium and exposed to seeded HGFs overnight. The HGFs were also cultured directly to the titanium alloy for 1, 3 and 7 days. Cell viability was then determined. Results: Six metal elements were detected in the immersion of titanium alloys. Among these elements, molybdenum released from Ti-10Mo-10Cr had the highest concentration throughout the immersion period. Significant difference in the viability of fibroblast cells treated with growth medium containing metals and with direct exposure technique was not observed. The duration of immersion did not significantly affect cell viability. Nevertheless, cell viability was significantly affected after 1 and 7 days of exposure, when the cells were grown directly onto the alloy surfaces. Conclusions: Within the limitation of this study, the newly developed beta-titanium alloys are non-cytotoxic to human gingival fibroblasts. (C) 2020 Japan Prosthodontic Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In Malaysia, the homeless population is increasing due to structural and individual factors. Their living environment may expose them to various health problems, including poor oral health status. Currently, studies focusing on the oral health of the homeless population in Malaysia are limited. This study aims to assess oral health knowledge and the challenges in oral health practices among homeless adults in Jalan Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 69 adults living in Jalan Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur. A questionnaire was distributed to the participants to evaluate their oral health knowledge, practices and challenges in oral hygiene care. Only 26.1% (n = 18) of the participants were able to answer the question on the causes of gum disease. There is no association in gender and education level on oral health knowledge of the participants. However, most of the participants brush their teeth at least once daily (92.7%, n = 64). There were still some participants (11.6%, n = 8) had to share toothbrush with significant association between gender and sharing of toothbrush. There is no association in education level on oral hygiene practice of the participants. Most of the participants (82.7%, n = 57) denied having any challenge in performing their routine oral hygiene care. Financial problem was identified to be the main barrier in seeking dental treatment (29.6%, n = 13). In conclusion, the homeless adults in Jalan Chow Kit had acceptable oral health knowledge with particularly low knowledge on gum disease. Nevertheless, good oral hygiene practices were reported.

Miswak has been used as a tooth cleaning tool for thousands of years throughout the world. Following the introduction of the toothbrush, the usage of miswak is reducing but still exist especially among Muslims. Muslims are still using it as it is part of sunnah and is highly recommended by the Prophet P.B.U.H. Although there are numerous hadiths on the importance of miswak use, there are limited authentic resources on the methods of its usage. The technique of using miswak nowadays might be different from the method recommended in those authentic resources. To investigate the practice of miswak among current users and the miswak practice according to hadiths and Islamic scholars. A cross-sectional descriptive study among miswak users in Sri Petaling, Selangor using purposive sampling. Questionnaires on various aspects of miswak practice as oral hygiene tools were distributed among consented participants. The results were analysed descriptively and compared with miswak practice mentioned in hadiths and scholar’s recommendation. There were 37 subjects participated in the study. Several routines and practices explained in hadiths and Islamic scholars’ recommendations were practised by the participants. The use of miswak prior to ablution and prayer was highly recommended by the Prophet P.B.U.H and was practised by all participants (100%). Half of the participants used miswak upon waking up from sleep (59%) and 76% of them clean their tongue with miswak. All participants use miswak that is not too dry or too wet as suggested by an Islamic scholar. Majority of them (83.8%) cut the miswak stick before they use it and 35% of them soaked the miswak stick before use. Most of the current miswak users are practising the miswak as oral hygiene tool following the guidelines mentioned in hadiths and recommendations by Islamic scholars although there are some parts of miswak practice mentioned in hadiths and scholars’ recommendations were found not to be practised by the subjects and vice versa.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious disease that causes global outbreaks. The COVID-19 outbreak has forced various sectors to change their approach and daily practice to new alternatives. Dental education is no exception to the effects of this pandemic, which has severely disrupted teaching, learning and clinical activities. The impact of this pandemic on dental education can be classified into different aspects, including academic, practical, research and clinical services. Teaching and learning activities have been transformed into distance learning methods. However, dental educators are still struggling with psychomotor components, including practical and clinical sessions, which are the main course components that are severely affected. This sharing of experience focuses on the effects of the pandemic on the delivery of dental education and the actions taken by the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) to ensure continuous learning. The challenges faced by the faculty are overcome with careful planning and discussion through the establishment of specific committees related to various issues, such as online learning and clinical COVID-19 committees. The committees identify any issues, plan the strategies and monitor the implementation of the plan. All actions during the pandemic are closely monitored by managing the faculty and university to ensure implementation of organised and smooth work, good record keeping, and compliance with instructions and guidelines by the authority.