Search Results (747)

Anti-Porphyromonas gingivalis mechanisms of Berberis hemsleyana bark extract remain to be elucidated, and the anti-inflammatory activity of its n-butanol fraction (BNB) in RAW264.7 cells—mediated through suppression of the NF-κB pathway—require further validation. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the crude extract from B. hemsleyana were determined against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and bacterial protein leakage assays were used to evaluate its antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was applied to analyze the ethanol extract of B. hemsleyana bark, leading to the screening of 47 compounds. The antibacterial mechanisms of the compounds were predicted through Network Pharmacology analysis and Molecular docking. Anti-inflammatory activity mediated via the NF-κB pathway was verified using an LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammatory model. Specifically, the BNB showed a significant antibacterial effect on P. gingivalis. Meanwhile, it was confirmed that this fraction damaged the bacterial cell membrane structure, leading to the leakage of intracellular proteins in bacteria and thus impairing their infectivity. Network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking results indicated that B. hemsleyana bark’s biologically active compounds (Calenduloside E, Limonin, Acanthoside B, Dihydroberberine) antibacterial activity by regulating cytokines and cell apoptosis, thereby coordinating the body’s microbial homeostasis and inflammation. Additionally, BNB significantly reduced the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 in vitro via the NF-κB pathway. The crude extract from the bark of B. hemsleyana has antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory activity. The n-butanol fraction showed a significant antibacterial effect on P. gingivalis. Full article

Pinus koraiensis leaves are known for various bioactivities, including anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-hyperlipidemic effects. This study aimed to compare the essential oil from P. koraiensis leaves (EPO) and the supercritical-CO₂-extracted oil (SPO) for physicochemical traits, antibacterial and anticancer activities, and anti-inflammatory/antioxidant effects, and profiled fatty acids by means of GC-MS. SPO showed stronger antimicrobial activity than EPO against Streptococcus mutans, whereas EPO was more active against Candida albicans. In HaCaT keratinocytes and THP-1 monocytic cell line, SPO more effectively suppressed LPS-induced ROS and attenuated TNF-α and IL-6 upregulation. Across a panel of human cancer cell lines, SPO exerted greater cytotoxicity, particularly in non–small cell lung, prostate, and colon cancers. GC–MS revealed greater compositional diversity in SPO (16 fatty acids, 10 unique), while linolelaidic acid was detected only in EPO; pentadecenoic acid was abundant in all oils. Collectively, SPO demonstrates broader bioactivity and richer fatty-acid diversity than EPO, supporting its potential as a functional food or medicinal ingredient. Full article

Denture base resins are susceptible to microbial colonization, and current antibacterial additives often lose effectiveness and may weaken material properties. This study evaluated whether immersion in a quaternary ammonium methacryloxy silane (QAMS)-containing monomer can enhance antibacterial activity without compromising the mechanical properties of digital light processing–printed urethane dimethacrylate denture base resin. Specimens of printed denture base resin were immersed in mixtures of denture base resin and a QAMS-containing monomer at ratios of 10:0 (Control), 7:3 (K3), 5:5 (K5), 3:7 (K7), and 0:10 (K10), followed by post-curing. Flexural strength and modulus were measured by three-point bending, and surface hardness was assessed by Vickers microhardness testing. Antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans was assessed by inhibition-zone and colony-counting assays. All QAMS-treated groups preserved flexural strength, with a slight reduction in modulus in K5 (p < 0.05), while hardness remained unchanged. Antibacterial activity improved in all QAMS-treated groups; K5 and K7 showed the strongest results. Surface analyses using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy verified formation of a Si-rich modified layer. QAMS immersion followed by post-curing produced a stable, contact-active antibacterial surface without reducing mechanical properties. Among the formulations, K7 (~21 wt% QAMS) provided the most favorable balance of antibacterial activity and mechanical performance. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and its treatment with cyclosporine and extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) on salivary caries risk factors. Methods: In this exploratory single-centre cross-sectional pilot study, saliva samples from 22 cGVHD patients were analysed for flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, and counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. A detailed dental examination assessed plaque, carious lesions, and their progression. Caries risk was determined based on general health and diet questionnaires and clinical findings. Results: Patients receiving a combination of cyclosporine and ECP had significantly fewer carious teeth, affected tooth surfaces, and non-cavitated carious lesions compared with those treated with ECP alone (Bonferroni test, p = 0.004, p = 0.002, and p < 0.001, respectively). Patients treated with ECP had more carious teeth and affected surfaces than those who did not receive either ECP or cyclosporine (p = 0.008 and p = 0.002), whereas patients treated with cyclosporine only had more non-cavitated lesions than those receiving both cyclosporine and ECP (p < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between cyclosporine dose and stimulated salivary flow (R = −0.672, p = 0.0486), and a positive correlation between cyclosporine dose and caries risk (R = 0.640, p = 0.0461). Conclusions: The disease and its treatment were associated with reduced salivary flow and increased caries risk. Patients’ oral health should be monitored regularly and managed with care to prevent further deterioration. Full article

Cannabinoids have been shown to have effective antibacterial applications. With the limitations of current intracanal endodontic medicaments and the rise of bacterial resistance, it is important to investigate novel treatment strategies for endodontic infections. The aim of this study was to test the antibacterial efficacy of cannabinoids on bacteria in persistent endodontic infections: Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Planktonic bacteria were exposed to a negative control (no exposure), a positive control (3% NaOCl), and the experimental groups Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabinol (CBN), and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were also investigated. Biofilms were cultured and treated with cannabinoids. A crystal violet assay (CVA) and live/dead analysis assessed the biofilm degradation and inhibition, respectively. A statistical analysis was performed using an ANOVA. CBD, CBN, and THC reached a MIC for both E. faecalis and S. mutans in planktonic forms. The MBC was found for the tested cannabinoids on planktonic E. faecalis. No MBC was found for S. mutans. The live/dead analysis of E. faecalis and S. mutans biofilms showed a decrease in the viability of the biofilm with an increased cannabinoid concentration. The CVA revealed that cannabinoids only degrade the E. faecalis biofilm. Planktonic F. nucleatum had no MIC for tested cannabinoids. Cannabinoids have inhibitory effects on E. faecalis and S. mutans in the planktonic and biofilm states. No inhibitory effects of F. nucleatum were found at tested concentrations of all three cannabinoids. The findings suggest that cannabinoids have distinct antibacterial effects on certain pathogens associated with persistent endodontic infections. Full article

Minimally invasive treatment is increasingly successful in managing carious lesions in primary teeth, owing to the regenerative capacity of the dental pulp and the possibility to influence the pulp–dentin complex. Chemo-mechanical caries excavation (CME) with Brix 3000, a papain-based enzymatic agent, allows selective removal of infected dentin while preserving affected dentin for potential remineralization. Fluorescence-aided caries excavation (FACE) enables visualization of porphyrins produced by cariogenic microorganisms, guiding selective dentin removal. In this study, 42 children aged 4–7 years with ICDAS II code 05–06 lesions in primary molars were treated, and the correlation between fluorescence intensity and cariogenic microbial load was evaluated. CME was performed using Brix 3000, and residual dentin was categorized by fluorescence as red, red with pale-pink areas, pale-pink, or non-fluorescent. Microbiological samples were collected pre- and post-excavation, cultured under standardized laboratory conditions, and quantitatively analyzed. Results showed that higher fluorescence intensity corresponded to increased presence of S. mutans (ρ = 0.945, p < 0.001), while other species were present in lower quantities. CME with Brix 3000 significantly reduced microbial load, and fluorescence reliably indicated areas requiring removal. These findings demonstrate that combining FACE with Brix 3000 allows precise, minimally invasive caries removal in primary teeth, providing an objective method to guide tissue-preserving excavation while effectively controlling cariogenic microorganisms. Full article

Background/Objectives: The main objective of this study is to report the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using an aqueous extract from Pelargonium x hortorum (P. hortorum) leaves. It also aims to evaluate its biological activity as well as assess its cytotoxic effects on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methods: Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesized through chemical precipitation using an aqueous extract from P. hortorum leaves. These CuONPs were characterized with various techniques, including UV–Vis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: The UV–Vis spectrum showed a characteristic absorption peak for CuONPs. FT-IR spectroscopy identified alkoxide and aromatic groups associated with flavonoids and phenolic compounds from P. hortorum. The Cu–O bond was also observed in the same analysis. XRD confirmed that the CuONPs had a monoclinic CuO structure and XPS revealed copper was in the Cu (II) oxidation state bonded to oxygen, consistent with CuO. The nanoparticles were spherical with an average size of 40–53 nm as shown by TEM. The biological activities of CuONPs were tested against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Candida albicans (C. albicans). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 20 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity tests on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) after 24 h showed a non-linear, dose-dependent cell viability profile, indicating CuONPs did not exhibit cytotoxicity within the tested range and could even promote cell proliferation at low and intermediate concentrations. Conclusions: This study successfully synthesized CuONPs via a green method, highlighting its potential as a biocompatible antimicrobial and antifungal agent. Full article

Background/Objectives: As antimicrobial dental treatments, based on chemical products, long tested for their efficacy, have been lately associated with developing antimicrobial resistance, there is a growing interest to identify and develop efficient alternatives. The aim of this paper is to assess the antimicrobial potential of eight selected essential oils (EOs): Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata), Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana), and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), more or less recognized and investigated for this particular therapeutic effect, on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), a key pathogen involved in oral pathology. Materials and methods: The chemical constituents of the EOs were identified and quantified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (CG-MS) method. Saliva samples, collected from nine patients with active dental caries, were tested in vitro. To assess the bacterial susceptibility of the selected EOs against S. mutans, the inhibition zones (IZ), minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined. Results: All EOs tested showed antimicrobial activity against S. mutans, with IZs over 20 mm. The highest antimicrobial efficacy was observed for spearmint, followed by Eucalyptus, Tea tree, and Lemongrass. The next in descending order were Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Rosemary, and Cedarwood. Considering the mean MIC and MBC values, the spearmint EO proved to be the most effective in inhibiting the growth of S. mutans, as well as in annihilating it, followed by the Eucalyptus EO, Tea tree EO and Lemongrass EO. The less effective were determined to be Cinnamon, Clove, Rosemary and Cedarwood EOs. Conclusions: The eight selected EOs demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. mutans, with Spearmint and Eucalyptus showing the most significant effects, advocating for their potential in dental caries prevention and treatment, and their potential role in oral hygiene applications. Full article

Oral microbial biofilms play a critical role in the development of various oral infectious diseases, including periodontitis and tooth caries, with Streptococcus mutans recognized as a key biofilm-forming bacterium due to its strong adhesion and acidogenic capacity. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have demonstrated antibacterial properties against various bacteria. This study investigated the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of ZnO NPs on S. mutans and elucidated their mode of action. Bacterial cultures were exposed to increasing concentrations of ZnO NPs, and planktonic growth, biofilm biomass and biofilm metabolic activity were measured. Complementary assays assessed bacterial ATP content, pH shift in the media, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, membrane integrity (SYTO 9/PI live/dead staining) and membrane potential. Morphological changes were examined by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), while gene expression was analyzed by real-time qPCR. We observed that ZnO NPs inhibited S. mutans growth and biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner, with both the minimum inhibitory and biofilm inhibitory concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. ZnO NP treatment disrupted bacterial membranes, caused cytoplasmic leakage, and induced ROS production. EPS production determined by Congo Red staining was significantly reduced. Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of vicR, luxS, wapA, gtpB, nox and ftsZ, and downregulation of spaP, gtpC and atpB. In conclusion, ZnO NPs compromise S. mutans viability and biofilm development through oxidative stress and membrane disruption, highlighting their potential use as bioactive materials in oral healthcare. Full article

Background/Objectives: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a primary cariogenic bacterium contributing to biofilm acidogenicity and enamel demineralization. Conventional caries prevention relies mainly on mechanical plaque control and dietary modification, but probiotics have emerged as potential adjuncts for oral microbiota modulation. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of a multi-strain probiotic containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on clinical and microbiological parameters associated with dental caries in children. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 40 children aged 6–14 years from a community setting. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive either probiotic or placebo lozenges for 30 days. Clinical assessments included the Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), salivary pH, buffering capacity, and salivary S. mutans concentration. The study was preregistered (10.17605/OSF.IO/GKVUW) and ethically approved. Results: The intervention was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported and high participant acceptability. Despite there being no statistically significant differences in any clinical or microbiological parameter (p > 0.05), we found trends toward higher salivary pH, improved buffering capacity, and reduced S. mutans counts in the probiotic group. Conclusions: Short-term probiotic supplementation was safe and well accepted among children but did not produce statistically significant improvements in oral health parameters over 30 days. These findings highlight the feasibility of probiotic use in pediatric populations and support the need for larger, longer-term trials to clarify their potential role as adjuncts in caries prevention. Full article

Hydrogels are versatile biomaterials for controlled drug delivery and tissue regeneration due to their biocompatibility and tunable degradation. Hydrogel was synthesized with a gelatin type A/polyvinyl alcohol functionalized with aqueous extract of roasted green tea (10% w/v) and evaluated its physiobiological performance in vitro. Degradation was assessed under enzymatic (collagenase II, trypsin) and hydrolytic conditions; swelling was performed with distilled water, cytocompatibility was tested on human periodontal ligament stem cells by MTT; antibacterial activity was measured against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The hydrogel showed complete hydrolytic degradation within 60 min and enzymatic degradation within 70 min, the hydrogel increased its mass by approximately 6.3 times relative weight, reached its maximum swelling in the range of 478–537%, (19% for the experimental group), while maintaining PDLSC viability (>80%). It exhibited significant antibacterial activity (inhibition: S. aureus 78.6%, S. mutans 67.4%, E. coli 73.2%). Importantly, in osteogenic medium, the hydrogel enhanced osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, evidenced by increased calcium deposition and positive Alizarin Red staining versus controls. These data position the gelatin/PVA/roasted green tea hydrogel as a bioactive, resorbable candidate for dental applications—particularly as an antimicrobial dressing and adjunct for periodontal bone regeneration material. Full article

Clear aligners have gained popularity in orthodontics due to their aesthetics, comfort, and removability; however, their prolonged intraoral wear and frequent removal–reinsertion cycles create favorable conditions for microbial colonization. This in vitro study evaluated the efficacy of seven commercially available mouthwash formulations in inhibiting biofilms of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, and Candida albicans formed on four different clear aligner materials. Standardized aligner fragments were incubated for 24 h with microbial suspensions to allow biofilm formation, treated for 1 min with one of the mouthwashes, and then assessed for residual viability through spectrophotometric optical density measurements after a further 24 h incubation. Biofilm inhibition varied according to both mouthwash composition and aligner material. The chlorhexidine-based rinse (MW-D) consistently showed the highest inhibition across microorganisms, while the fluoride–cetylpyridinium chloride rinse (MW-B) performed strongly for S. oralis and C. albicans. An essential oil-based formulation with xylitol (MW-G) showed notable antifungal activity against C. albicans. Monolayer polyurethane aligners generally achieved higher inhibition rates than multilayer or copolyester-based materials. These findings indicate that antimicrobial efficacy on aligners depends on both mouthwash type and material, supporting a tailored approach to biofilm management in clear aligner therapy to reduce the risk of caries, periodontal disease, and candidiasis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Certain components of natural products help maintain the oral microbiota balance, thereby promoting oral health. This study aimed to identify natural components with anticariogenic properties by analyzing evidence from in vivo studies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature search was performed across multiple databases and included English-language studies published between 2013 and 2025. The review included intervention and comparative studies that examined the effects of dietary habits involving natural components in participants of any age, with or without dental caries. Results: A total of 77 studies were included in the review, most of which were clinical trials conducted in pediatric populations. To assess the impact of the interventions, most studies measured outcomes such as Streptococcus mutans levels, dental caries incidence, and salivary pH, among other parameters. The most frequently studied components included probiotics, plant extracts, sugar substitutes, propolis, arginine, dairy products, among others. Significant effects were most reported on biological risk factors (72.8%). In addition, 16.9% of the studies reported a statistically significant reduction in clinically diagnosed dental caries. Conclusions: This review identified preliminary evidence suggesting that certain natural compounds may play a role in modulating cariogenic factors. However, further high-quality studies are needed to strengthen the evidence base and confirm these findings. The protocol for this review was registered on the Open Science Framework platform. Full article

Pineapple fibers were used as a sustainable raw material to isolate native cellulose from alkaline–acid treatment. The cellulose fibers were regenerated into transparent and flexible cellulose hydrogels using the lithium chloride/N,N-dimethylacetamide (LiCl/DMAc) solvent system, followed by a phase-inversion process of the cellulose solution under ethanol vapor. Chlorhexidine was incorporated into the hydrogels to provide antibacterial properties. The concentration of chlorhexidine ranged from 0.1 to 0.8 wt%. The prepared hydrogels showed better early onset cytocompatibility than the cell culture dish used as a control. For the evaluation of antibacterial properties, strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, and Streptococcus anginosus were used. The results indicated antibacterial activity at all chlorhexidine concentrations tested, with the area of bacterial inhibition increasing with increasing bactericidal content in the hydrogel films. Adding bactericide into cellulose films did not compromise their early onset cytocompatibility in the first 72 h. The study suggests that adding chlorhexidine provides the hydrogel films with antibacterial properties, potentially expanding their applications in dentistry. Full article

Background: Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri), present in the oral and intestinal microbiota, can colonize the oral cavity through breastfeeding and dairy intake, promoting oral health by balancing the microbiota, inhibiting pathogens, and modulating immune responses. This study aimed to evaluate the preventive role and therapeutic potential of L. reuteri in pediatric oral health. Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Wiley Library, and the Cochrane Library, supplemented by manual screening, according to PRISMA guidelines and covering the period from January 2011 to 31 December 2024. Results: From 835 records identified, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data shows that L. reuteri strains produce antimicrobial substances that disrupt biofilms and inhibit Streptococcus mutans and other lactobacilli, leading to increased oral pH and improved periodontal indices. The effectiveness of probiotics was found to be strain-specific and transient, with continuous intake and adequate oral hygiene enhancing their ability to colonize the oral cavity. Conclusions: Probiotics show significant potential as therapeutic interventions for controlling cariogenic bacteria and supporting gum health in children. Through mechanisms including bacterial co-aggregation, competitive exclusion, antimicrobial compound synthesis, and immune modulation, probiotics may effectively reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Their effectiveness depends on the strain, regular intake, proper dosing, good oral hygiene, and suitable delivery, which enhance oral colonization and clinical benefits. Full article