Background: Mouth rinses with regular use might alter the surface characteristics of tooth-colored restorative materials in the oral environment. With the increasing use of mouth rinses such as probiotic, green tea-based, and lactoferrin (LF) formulations, it is important to understand their potential effects on restorative materials. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different mouthwashes on the surface microhardness of tooth-colored restorative material. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six specimens of tooth-colored restorative material (Cention N) were made using molds of 4 mm × 2 mm diameter and were categorized into three groups depending on the immersion medium as Group I, Group II, and Group III (probiotic, green tea, and LF-based mouth rinses). Surface microhardness was measured using a Vickers microhardness tester. Results: One-way analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences in surface microhardness among three groups (P < 0.05). The mean reduction in Vickers Hardness Number was highest in Group II, followed by Group I and Group III. Conclusion: All tested mouthwashes lead to a decrease in microhardness of the esthetic restorative material, with the green tea-based mouthwash causing the most significant decrease.
Introduction: Oral cancer poses a major global health burden, with fusion genes contributing to its molecular pathogenesis through chromosomal rearrangements. Fusion genes are hybrid sequences resulting from the merging of two previously independent genes, typically driven by chromosomal rearrangements or translocations. Aim: The goal of this narrative review was to identify fusion genes that can help with prognosis and treatment approaches to oral cancer and related solid tumors. Methods: This review was conducted by searching electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Medknow, WebMD, and IndMed for literature on gene structure, fusion gene formation, and their therapeutic usefulness. Results: Based on our electronic search, we retrieved information about fusion genes from 18 articles. Discussion: Fusion genes can serve as potential targets for developing new molecularly targeted medicines for treating oral cancer.
Introduction: Dental bleaching may reduce enamel microhardness by causing mineral loss, highlighting the need for effective remineralization strategies. Aim: This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of chicken eggshell-derived remineralizing agents, compared with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and other natural agents, in improving enamel microhardness. Methods: A literature search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, EBSCO, and DOAJ. Additional grey literature and manual searches were conducted. Eligible in vitro studies that assessed enamel microhardness after treatment with chicken eggshell paste (CESP), CPP-ACP, or other natural remineralizing agents were included. A meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan. Results: The review includes six in vitro studies. CESP significantly improved enamel microhardness compared to controls and had remineralization potential equal to or better than that of CPP-ACP and grape seed extract in the meta-analysis. Baseline comparisons showed no significant differences, whereas postremineralization results favored eggshell-derived materials. Discussion: CESP is an effective remineralizing agent that enhances enamel microhardness after bleaching and may be a promising alternative to traditional remineralizing agents.
Background: In countries with limited resources and facilities, if students are not trained to treat difficult endodontic cases, the alternative will be tooth extraction. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of scientific research, community, and competency-based endodontic education and training in treating complex cases for 10 years at the University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sudan. Materials and Methods: Data on a modified undergraduate endodontic education program (2010–2020) were obtained from the Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry. The program involved training students in performing root canal treatment (RCT) in molars and encouraging the publication of original research and case reports. Furthermore, community-based endodontic education and self/peer assessment of the outcome of endodontic competency in treating complex cases were assessed. Results: The total number of enrolled students in the faculty of dentistry was 289. They published 33 original articles and 6 endodontic case reports on the treatment of difficult cases. The total number of root canal-treated teeth were 4.000; based on the requirement set by the department for three semesters (semester 8 = 2, semester 9 = 6, and semester 10 = 6). A satisfactory involvement in community-based endodontic education of more than 10 times, where they performed RCTs for uncomplicated cases, was achieved. Conclusion: Engaging undergraduate students in scientific research and self/peer assessment would enable them to adopt the analytical mindset of specialists and encourage them to be deeply involved in treating difficult endodontic cases.
Background: Collaboration with the engineering stream is essential for speeding dental innovations in India, and its absence leads to high treatment costs and advanced dentistry remaining out of bounds for most of the Indian population. Early exposure of dental and engineering undergraduates to interdisciplinary research may foster change. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Dental and Engineering students toward collaboration in dental and engineering fields. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 North Indian undergraduates (138 dental and 137 engineering). A validated questionnaire with 16 questions (12 quantitative and 4 qualitative) was distributed via email and WhatsApp. Quantitative responses were analyzed using mean values, percentages, and the Chi-square test (SPSS v23), with P and α set at ≤0.05, whereas qualitative responses were thematically coded. Results: Of all participants, 93.5% showed research interest, but 62.5% reported no prior research experience, and only 19.6% of dental students had participated in research (P < 0.05). Eighty percent of all participants felt research training should be part of the curriculum. Sixty-two percent of engineering students were unaware of dental applications of biomaterials and biomechanics (P < 0.05). Almost 95% of all participants supported integrated seminars and conferences to encourage collaborative research, and 100% endorsed increased government funding for joint dentistry–engineering ventures. Conclusion: Undergraduate exposure to interdisciplinary research is limited but strongly desired by dental and engineering students. Institutional initiatives, curricular integration, and government support were considered essential by undergraduates to develop overall and collaborative research capacity.
