Periodontal, Microbiological, and Proinflammatory Cytokines Levels in Fixed Orthodontics Patients Treated with Photodynamic Therapy Adjunct to Full Mouth Scaling.

Objective: To assess the efficiency of photodynamic therapy (PDT) adjunct to full mouth scaling (FMS) in improving periodontal, microbiological, and proinflammatory cytokines levels in patients undergoing fixed orthodontics treatment (FOT). Materials and methods: The study recruited 60 teenage patients who were undergoing FOT. All the patients were arbitrarily divided into two groups: Group 1, FMS +PDT and Group 2, FMS alone. Plaque scores (PS), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were assessed. Levels of biomarkers interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were evaluated. Samples were collected from gingival plaque for estimation of Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis load. All measurements were completed at three intervals baseline, 4th week, and 8th week. Post Hoc corrections and intergroup comparisons were examined using Student's t-test and Bonferroni correction. To find differences between repeated follow-ups, analysis of variance (ANOVA) multiple rank tests were used. Results: At baseline, all the gingival parameters displayed comparable outcomes between patients of Group 1 and Group 2 (p > 0.05). However, at 4 and 8 weeks of follow-up, PS and BOP among tested groups exhibited significantly lower values than baseline (p < 0.001). At 8 weeks, there was a significant difference in PS between the two groups tested. Moreover, at 4 and 8 weeks, BOP revealed a significant difference between the groups. PD remains comparable with baseline at follow-up visits (p > 0.05). A significant decrease in IL-6 and TNF-α levels was observed in both investigated groups at 4 and 8 weeks of baseline. Moreover, it was identified that P. intermedia and P. gingivalis were reduced significantly at 4 weeks. Moreover, a significant difference existed between both Group 1 and Group 2 at 4 and 8 weeks of recall visit (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of photodynamic treatment adjuvant to FMS aids in improving periodontal parameters and cytokines levels.

Monkeypox and oral lesions associated with its occurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: A zoonotic, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus, the mpox virus (MPXV) is most common in tropical regions of Central and West Africa. The frequency of monkeypox (mpox) cases, however, has sharply climbed globally since May 2022. Objectives: To establish the threat of mpox in terms of the oral lesions caused in sufferers. Materials and methods: After a thorough study of the literature identified in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases using the PRISMA framework, 103 papers were found. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, we chose research that was relevant for our review before shortlisting 14 papers that conformed to the review's guidelines. Results: In the 14 selected studies, it was found that oral lesions were among the first clinical signs of a mpox affliction, with ulcers on the dorsal surface of tongue lips being the most common areas affected. Conclusion: The rarely observed oral lesions of mpox infection may help in the diagnosis and management of this condition. It is critical to keep in mind that recognising and detecting oral lesions in mpox patients opens the door to more research and efficient patient management.

Dental Students' Perception, Awareness and Knowledge About HPV Infection, Vaccine, and Its Association with Oral Cancer: A Multinational Study.

Background: Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection forms a major etiological factor for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), which has exhibited increased global incidence. Aim: To compare the knowledge regarding HPV, its association with OPC, and HPV vaccine among students from different countries, years of the undergraduate program, and gender. Methods: The current multinational cross-sectional study was conducted in 886 undergraduate dental students from Egypt, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Sudan through Google survey forms from July 2021 to September 2021. The survey form comprised 27 items divided into four sections. The answers to the questionnaire were compared among students from different countries, different years of the undergraduate program, and males and females. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the correlation between the demographic characteristics of students and their knowledge regarding HPV and OPC. Results: Females exhibited a better knowledge regarding knowledge and perception on HPV vaccine, whereas males exhibited a better knowledge regarding HPV and its correlation with OPC, and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The third- and fourth-year undergraduate students displayed a higher awareness of OPC and its connection with HPV than other year students, and this variance was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Third-year and internship students exhibited a more positive attitude and comfort regarding the vaccine and discussing the same with patients than the other educational-level students. Students from India exhibited better knowledge about HPV and its association with OPC than the students from other countries, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Disparities in knowledge regarding HPV-related oral cancer have been detected among the female and male participants among different nations. From the entire study population, Indian students exhibited better knowledge regarding HPV. Females from all the nations exhibited a more positive attitude and comfort regarding the vaccine and discussing the same with patients than males. The results of this necessitate intervention measures including training workshops and awareness campaigns. Improving their knowledge regarding the same may increase their awareness, resulting in better patient care.

Estimation and comparative evaluation of teeth prominence values of Saudis for bracket prescription.

BACKGROUND: The racial and ethnic disparities in tooth morphology and alignment indicate the need for different orthodontic prescriptions. PURPOSE: This study aimed at utilizing the 3D digital models to measure the teeth prominence of Saudi adults and compare the results to previously published data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample included 60 sets of 3D digital dental models of subjects who presented with non-orthodontic normal occlusion and balanced profile. Rhinoceros™ 3D modeling software was used to mark the midpoint of the clinical crown (LA) and the embrasure line and then to measure the prominence of the teeth. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Inc., version 20, Chicago, IL, USA). The mean and SD scores were obtained for each measurement. Independent t-test, paired t-test, and student t-test were used for the comparison at a significant level of P ≤ 0.05. RESULT: Comparison between the right and the left sides, and between the male and female showed no significant differences, and hence the result data were combined. However, further comparison with the published data of the North American whites, Japanese, Indian, African and Italian showed significant differences in most of the teeth. CONCLUSION: Racial differences influence the teeth prominence values that should be considered in presenting orthodontic bracket prescriptions. More research in this field is needed.

Estimation and comparative evaluation of tip and torque values of Saudis for bracket prescription.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed at determining the tip and torque values of the teeth of Saudi adults with normal occlusion to develop orthodontic bracket prescription. In addition, we proposed to compare the results with published data of varied geographical distribution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 60 upper and lower study models of Saudi adults (30 males and 30 females) with normal occlusion and a balanced facial profile. Evaluated by experts, the torque and tip of teeth were measured using a torque angulation device. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Inc., version 20, Chicago, IL, USA). The mean, and standard deviation were obtained for each measurement. Paired t-test, Independent t-test and student t-test were used for the comparison at a significant level of (p ≤ 0.05). RESULT: The results of torque and tip of teeth for the Saudi adult population showed no significant differences between the right and the left quadrants of the analyzed study sample. In general, there was no significant observed difference between male and female samples, accordingly, the Saudi tip and torque data were combined. However, the comparisons of the combined Saudi data to the published data showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Statistically Significant differences were found between the combined Saudi data when compared to North American, Italian, African, Japanese, and Indian data. We inferred, that racial differences should be considered when presenting bracket prescriptions.

Esthetic self-perception of smiles among a group of dental students.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to assess undergraduate dental students' esthetic self-perception of their own smiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of two parts was distributed to 1400 dental students at all levels of study in the city of Riyadh. The first part was intended to measure students' self-perception of and satisfaction with their own smiles. In the second part, students were asked to rate the importance of specific features of an attractive face on a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) bar. RESULTS: The overall mean satisfaction index was 9.32. The participants in the intern group were the most satisfied with their smiles. The female students showed more dissatisfaction than the male students with their smiles. Among the facial features important to facial attractiveness, teeth scored the highest (86.54) on the VAS, and the rating of this feature increased in relation to academic progress. The ratings of female participants were higher than male participants for most facial features. CONCLUSION: Although the results indicated an overall negative esthetic self-perception among the dental students, their self-reported satisfaction with their appearance increased as they progressed academically.