Search Results (220)

Background: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent childhood diseases worldwide, with Streptococcus mutans playing a major etiological role. Coffee contains bioactive compounds, including chlorogenic acid and trigonelline, which have demonstrated antimicrobial and anticariogenic properties. Limited evidence exists on the preventive potential of coffee in Saudi adolescents. This study was designed to assess the benefits of coffee consumption in reducing dental caries among adolescents aged 12 to 16 years. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 375 participants aged 12–16 years in Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited from dental records and allocated into two cohorts: (1) consuming coffee at least twice weekly, subcategorized as sweetened versus unsweetened coffee consumers, and (2) non-coffee consumers. Clinical assessment included the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, which was assessed at variable follow-up times up to 5 years. Caries increment (ΔDMFT) was compared using independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc tests. Multivariable linear regression adjusted for tooth brushing frequency, dietary habits, and oral hygiene status was performed. Results: Coffee consumers had significantly lower caries increment than non-consumers (0.78 ± 0.65 vs. 1.34 ± 0.88; mean difference −0.56; 95% CI −0.71 to −0.41; p < 0.001; Hedges’ g = −0.71). Among coffee consumers, unsweetened coffee was associated with a lower increment than sweetened coffee (0.52 ± 0.48 vs. 1.09 ± 0.71; mean difference −0.57; 95% CI −0.76 to −0.38; p < 0.001) and non-consumers (mean difference −0.82; 95% CI −0.98 to −0.66; p < 0.001). After adjusting for oral hygiene and dietary factors, the protective associations remained significant for both unsweetened (adjusted mean difference −0.51; 95% CI −0.70 to −0.33; p < 0.001) and sweetened coffee (adjusted mean difference −0.22; 95% CI −0.41 to −0.04; p = 0.019). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this retrospective exploratory design, habitual coffee consumption, particularly that of unsweetened coffee, was associated with lower caries increment. These findings are hypothesis-generating and require confirmation in prospective studies with standardized exposure assessment and biological outcome measures. Full article

Background & Objectives: Periodontal disease (PD) is a common oral disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth and is a leading cause of tooth loss worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of PD among 9th-grade teachers in the northern West Bank and examine its association with key behavioral and socioeconomic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 920 teachers selected through proportional stratified random sampling from governmental and private schools. Periodontal health was assessed using the WHO Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs (CPITN), and oral hygiene status was measured with the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (S-OHI). A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on socioeconomic status, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and smoking behaviours. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Only 11.8% of participants exhibited completely healthy gingiva, with the mean condition ranging between calculus and shallow pockets. Oral hygiene practices were the strongest predictors of periodontal outcomes: frequent tooth brushing (Adjusted Odds Ratio: AOR = 0.015), morning brushing (AOR = 0.015), and regular toothbrush replacement (AOR = 2.514) were protective. Higher red meat intake was negatively associated with periodontal health (AOR = 0.032), while frequent nut consumption was protective (AOR = 0.227). The number of cigarettes smoked per week was positively associated with PD (AOR = 1.085). Conclusions: PD is highly prevalent among Palestinian adults, with significant behavioural and lifestyle-related determinants. Targeted oral health interventions are urgently needed to improve adults’ oral health. Full article

Analyzing the dynamics of muscle activation patterns and joint range of motion is essential to understanding human movement during complex tasks such as tooth brushing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). In individuals with neuromotor impairments, accurate assessment of upper limb motor patterns plays a critical role in rehabilitation, supporting the identification of compensatory strategies and informing clinical interventions. This study presents the validation of a previously developed novel, low-cost, wearable, and portable multimodal prototype that integrates inertial measurement units (IMU) and surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors into a single device. The system enables bilateral monitoring of arm segment kinematics and muscle activation amplitudes from six major agonist muscles during ADLs. Eleven healthy participants performed a functional task, tooth brushing, while wearing the prototype. The recorded data were compared with two established gold-standard systems, Qualisys^® motion capture system and Biosignalsplux^®, for validation of kinematic and electrophysiological measurements, respectively. This study provides technical insights into the device’s architecture. The developed system demonstrates potential for clinical and research applications, particularly for monitoring upper limb function and evaluating rehabilitation outcomes in populations with neurological disorders. Full article

Aim: This study aimed to assess self-reported oral and orofacial health, hygiene habits, and oral health knowledge among Croatian athletes, and to determine factors influencing that knowledge. Differences between contact and non-contact sports, as well as the occurrence of dental trauma and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms, were also examined. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 1007 athletes (56% male, 44% female) aged 18–42 years, recruited through national sports federations and university sports clubs. The instrument comprised 85 items divided into five domains: sociodemographic data, oral hygiene habits, self-assessed oral health, TMJ symptoms, and oral health knowledge. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, and generalised linear modelling (p < 0.05). Results: Athletes demonstrated moderate oral health knowledge (mean score 11.3 ± 4.4/18). While 92.2% recognised that poor oral hygiene leads to caries and periodontitis, only 52.4% correctly identified the ideal time to replant an avulsed tooth. Female participants, older age groups, and those with higher education had significantly better knowledge (p ≤ 0.05). Recreational athletes scored higher than amateurs (p = 0.002), and those with prior dental trauma experience also showed greater awareness (p = 0.028). No significant difference was found between contact and non-contact sports (p = 0.287). Despite good brushing habits (86.9% brushed twice daily), only 25.4% regularly used dental floss or interdental brushes. A small proportion of athletes reported symptoms related to temporomandibular joint function, most commonly joint clicking (18.2%), tooth wear (13.4%), and nocturnal bruxism (14.3%). There were no significant differences between contact and non-contact sports, except for muscle stiffness near the temples (p = 0.024) and daytime or stress-related teeth grinding (p = 0.013 and p = 0.018). Conclusions: Croatian athletes demonstrated moderate oral health knowledge and satisfactory hygiene habits, but preventive practices remain inadequate. Education level, gender, and previous dental trauma were key determinants of knowledge. Systematic preventive programmes and targeted education are necessary to improve oral health awareness in sports populations. Full article

In order to alleviate the problems of lack of research on threshing and cleaning equipment and poor operational performance of castor harvester, an axial-flow threshing and cleaning device was designed and evaluated for a roller brush type castor harvester. This paper introduces the overall machine structure and elaborates on the working principles of the castor threshing and cleaning device. It clarifies the design and analysis of key components such as the conveyor design, rod-tooth structure design, collision force analysis between the fruit and rod-tooth, concave sieve design, and guide plate design. The main indicators for evaluating the castor threshing and cleaning device include the impurity rate, damage rate, and separation loss rate. Based on the previous experimental research, the working parameters of castor threshing and cleaning device are tested and studied by using the Box–Behnken central combined test method. The three-factor three-level quadratic regression orthogonal test design is carried out based on the forward speed, roller rotational speed, and threshing gap of concave sieve. A response surface mathematical model was established, analyzing the impact of various factors on work quality and conducting comprehensive optimization of influencing factors. The experimental results indicate that the significance order of factors affecting the impurity rate was forward speed > roller rotational speed > threshing gap of concave sieve; the significance order for damage rate was roller rotational speed > threshing gap of concave sieve > forward speed; and the significance order for separation loss rate was roller rotational speed > forward speed > threshing gap of concave sieve. The field test results show that the optimal working parameter combination is forward speed of 0.87 m∙s⁻¹, roller rotational speed of 462 r∙min⁻¹, and threshing gap of concave sieve of 30 mm, with an impurity rate of 2.95%, a damage rate of 1.75%, and a separation loss rate of 0.49%. The research findings can provide references for the structural improvement and operational parameter optimization of the castor harvester’s threshing and cleaning device. Full article

Aim: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a widespread and multifactorial oral disease that affects children globally. Parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors are crucial in preventing ECC and supporting oral health. This study evaluated Croatian parents’ understanding of children’s oral health, their awareness of ECC risk factors, and their oral hygiene practices. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous and voluntary online questionnaire from October to December 2024 among 948 parents of children aged 1–7 years across Croatia. The study assessed parents’ knowledge of oral health, their understanding of the relationship between risk factors and early childhood caries, habits related to oral hygiene care, children’s experiences with oral health problems, parents’ self-assessment of their knowledge, as well as both their own and their children’s general and oral health and hygiene practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: Overall parental knowledge was moderate, with significantly higher scores among older parents, those with university education, healthcare workers, and families with higher incomes (p < 0.05). Parents demonstrated good awareness of the importance of supervising tooth brushing until age seven (93.8%) and fluoride use (81.8%); yet gaps persisted regarding bacterial transmission, tooth eruption, and early orthodontic evaluation. Preventive dental visits were frequently delayed, and only 25.0% of parents reported using interdental cleaning aids. Caries was the most common oral health issue among children (22.3%). Conclusions: Despite moderate awareness and some adherence to preventive measures, significant knowledge and practice gaps remain among Croatian parents. Targeted educational interventions and nationwide preventive strategies are necessary to strengthen oral health literacy and reduce ECC prevalence. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with the occurrence of oral infection sources in patients scheduled for total hip or knee arthroplasty, with the purpose of establishing standardized preoperative dental triage criteria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective research was conducted on a study group of 89 patients diagnosed with hip osteoarthritis and knee osteoarthritis at the Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital (Iasi, Romania). Patients were divided according to the status of their oral cavity: study group (n = 51)—patients with diagnosed oral infection sites (oral foci of infection); control group (n = 38)—patients without oral foci of infection. The statistical analysis included a univariate stage followed by a multivariate binary logistic regression to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with the presence of oral foci of infection. Results: The strongest predictor of the presence of oral foci of infection was and Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) scorer of 2, which increased the risk 14.583-fold, followed by being aged between 50 and 65 years (OR = 4.038), tooth brushing once a day or less (OR = 3.488), and male sex (OR = 3.433). An OHI score of 2 raises the probability of oral infectious pathology to 30.3%, which increases to 85.1% when combined with being aged between 50 and 65 years. Conclusions: The risk factors for the presence or oral foci of infection in patients scheduled for total knee or hip arthroplasty support the inclusion of the preoperative assessment and management of these factors in order to reduce the risk of the postoperative periprosthetic joint infections. Full article

Background/Objectives: Achieving and maintaining a smooth restoration surface is clinically significant, as surface roughness is linked to plaque accumulation, staining, and wear. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the effect of different polishing paste systems on reducing surface roughness and to assess their performance after simulated post-operative maintenance through toothbrushing. Methods: A total of 128 cylindrical, flat-surface specimens were fabricated from a nanohybrid composite (Filtek Supreme XTE, 3M, USA) using a standardized metal mold. All specimens were finished with silicon carbide paper and polished with a two-step rubber disc system (Hi-Luster, Kerr, USA). They were then randomly assigned to 16 groups (n = 8) according to the polishing protocol. One group was polished with a prophylaxis paste, while the other fifteen groups were treated with pastes indicated for composite and/or ceramic materials. Polishing was performed with a flat buff wheel. To simulate clinical maintenance, specimens underwent a standardized toothbrushing cycle equivalent to three months of use. Surface roughness parameters (Sa and Sq) were measured at three stages with an optical profilometer: after initial polishing, after paste application, and after simulated toothbrushing. Results: Mean Sa values ranged from 0.065 to 0.560 and Sq values from 0.075 to 0.676. Significant differences were found among pastes for both parameters (p < 0.05). Two-way ANOVA revealed significant differences after polishing paste application, both before and after toothbrushing (p < 0.05). Toothbrushing increased roughness in most groups (p < 0.05), although no significant deterioration was observed for nine pastes in Sa and eight in Sq (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: Polishing pastes vary in effectiveness, and not all produce measurable improvements in surface smoothness. Their efficiency appears to be unrelated to the abrasive or the number of steps. Simulated toothbrushing over a three-month period may reduce the initial benefits, emphasizing the importance of careful clinical selection. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental anxiety has been demonstrated to exert a significant influence on the frequency of treatment, the degree of patient compliance, and the long-term implications for oral health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent of dental anxiety experienced by patients attending an oral surgery practice in Germany. In addition, the study sought to assess their preventive dental behaviour and to explore any potential associations between anxiety levels and the utilisation of preventive care services. Methods: The present study comprised 102 consecutive adult outpatients from a private oral surgery practice. The assessment of dental anxiety was conducted using the Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). The behaviour of the subjects in relation to preventative dental care was measured using a series of six standardised items, including the frequency of tooth brushing, tartar removal, and professional tooth cleaning. The data analysis comprised descriptive statistics, chi-square (χ²) tests, multiple linear regression, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The mean DAS score was 12.69 (SD = 3.36). According to the DAS classification system, 28.4% of patients reported low anxiety, 50.0% moderate anxiety, and 21.6% high dental anxiety. Regression analysis explained 10% of the variance in DAS scores (R² = 0.128, adj. R² = 0.100). The analysis revealed that age (β = −0.218, p = 0.035) and lower educational level (β = −0.357, p < 0.001) were associated with higher anxiety scores, whereas sex was not a significant predictor. Preventive dental behaviour, encompassing practices such as tooth brushing, professional tooth cleaning, and tartar removal, did not exhibit significant disparities across anxiety groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: While dental anxiety was prevalent among the patient sample, it did not exert a significant influence on preventive dental behaviours. However, patients with lower levels of education and younger age exhibited higher dental anxiety scores. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted educational and preventive strategies in patients with elevated dental anxiety. Full article

Background and Objectives: Early Childhood Caries affect children’s quality of life and overall health. This study aimed to assess the involvement of dentists in implementing early preventive measures, including fluoride use, for children aged 6–33 months. Materials and Methods: a multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed in six German states, consisting of two sections: Section I covered participant demographics and Section II included items on dental preventive measures for children. The questionnaire was adapted from a validated German-language source, reviewed by five experts at Kiel University, and tested in a focus group of 30 dentists. Descriptive statistics (mean ± SD or median [IQR]) and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to assess pediatric dentists (PD) and general dentists (GP) involvement in early dental preventive measures. Results: A total of 511 eligible questionnaires were returned (mean age 47 ± 11 year, 63.8% females, 36.7% PD). Both GP and PD routinely recommended a diagnostic dental visit (1 = never, 5 = always), with PD reporting higher frequency (GP: 4 [3–5], PD: 4.5 [4–5]; p = 0.001). Parental training in oral hygiene was performed significantly more often by PD (p < 0.01). PD also recommended tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste after the eruption of the first tooth more frequently than GP (GP: 5 [3–5], PD: 5 [4–5]; p = 0.06). Surprisingly, fluoride-free toothpaste was still recommended by a relevant number of respondents in both groups. Conclusions: PDs showed greater involvement in early caries prevention than GP. While most recommended fluoridated toothpaste, many still advised fluoride-free options, highlighting gaps in guideline adherence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gingival recession (GR), characterized by the apical displacement of the gingival margin leading to root exposure, risk of root caries, dentine hypersensitivity (DH), and plaque accumulation. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, causes, and consequences of gingival recession among adults in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional self-reported survey was conducted from September 2023 to December 2024, involving 619 participants (51.53% male). Participants were recruited through dental clinics, community centers, and online platforms across multiple regions in Saudi Arabia to ensure diverse demographic and socioeconomic representation. A validated 27-question survey collected data on demographics, oral hygiene practices, and GR awareness and related factors. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.4, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of GR was 26.66%, dental plaque was the most frequently reported causing factor, followed by medical conditions (45.4%). Aesthetic concerns were the most recognized consequence (78.4%) followed by periodontitis and tooth mobility and tooth loss (58.5%). Medical disease (Odds Ratio OR = 2.149, p < 0.0001), trauma (OR = 1.515, p = 0.0078), and rough brushing (OR = 1.431, p = 0.0233) were identified as significant risk factors for gingival recession. The association between gingival recession (GR) and its perceived consequences was generally not statistically significant. However, a significant relationship was observed with dental caries (p = 0.0472). Conclusions: Gingival recession awareness among Saudi adults was influenced by age, gender, smoking, and oral hygiene factors. The findings emphasize the importance of raising awareness and promoting preventive strategies targeting modifiable risk factors to reduce GR prevalence and clinical impact. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental enamel constitutes the first barrier of defense against external factors that constantly generate wear and damage. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the abrasion and roughness of dental enamel using toothpaste with and without activated charcoal and to analyze this under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Materials and methods: The research design was experimental; 10 enamel blocks were randomly assigned to each group to perform brushing cycles with soft- and medium-filament brushes with two types of toothpaste, one with activated charcoal and one without activated charcoal. A pumice stone with etching acid was used as the positive control and artificial saliva served as the negative control; both were analyzed separately. Roughness was evaluated using a roughness meter and abrasion with an analytical balance. The surface of the enamel blocks of each group was randomly analyzed under an SEM. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro–Wilk test and the homogeneity of variances with Bartlett’s test. Student’s t-test (two-tailed) was applied to compare tooth enamel roughness and abrasion. Results: Both enamel roughness (p = 0.0016) and abrasion (p = 0.0001) were significantly higher in the groups using activated charcoal paste and medium-filament brushes. SEM observation revealed greater alteration on the surface of the enamel subjected to brushing cycles with activated charcoal paste and a medium-filament brush. Conclusions: The in vitro study showed that the use of toothpaste with activated charcoal increases the roughness and abrasion of tooth enamel, especially when the medium-filament brush is used. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of acidic environment and tooth brushing on the color stability and translucency of stained 3D-printed ceramic-reinforced composite (CRC) resins for indirect restorations and hybrid prostheses. Twelve specimens were prepared from each 3D-printing resin material: Ceramic Crown (CC), OnX (ONX), and Tough 2 (T2), and one CAD/CAM milling resin, Lava Ultimate (LU). After preparation, all specimens were stained, then immersed in either water or citric acid. Subsequently, the specimens underwent simulated tooth brushing for 3650 cycles. Color stability (ΔE) and translucency parameter (TP) were measured using a spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, post hoc Tukey tests, and independent Student t-tests (α = 0.05). Material type, immersion medium, and their interaction did not significantly influence the mean ΔE (p > 0.05). The lowest ΔE value was for LU in acid (ΔE = 1.11 ± 0.39), and the highest for T2 in water (ΔE = 2.09 ± 1.47). Except for ONX and LU in acid, all materials had ΔE values above the perceptibility threshold (ΔE = 1.2). The mean TP was significantly affected by material type, immersion medium, and their interaction (p < 0.05). The lowest TP value was for group CC in acid (0.91 ± 0.26); the highest was for group LU in acid (6.24 ± 0.56). After immersion and subsequent tooth brushing, TP values decreased for all materials. Exposure to an acidic environment and tooth brushing did not affect color stability but significantly reduced translucency. Both the 3D-printed CRCs and milled resin material displayed comparable color stability below clinically acceptable thresholds, though the translucency of 3D-printed materials remained lower compared to milled material. Full article

Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) is a perennial herb native to Japan, traditionally consumed as a health-promoting food and herbal medicine. This study evaluated the antimicrobial, anti-halitosis, and anti-inflammatory effects of Ashitaba extract on canine periodontal disease (PD) caused by Porphyromonas gulae (P. gulae). In vitro, Ashitaba extract (0.006–0.1%) significantly inhibited P. gulae viability by up to 80% and reduced biofilm formation by approximately 10% at 0.1%. The extract also suppressed the production of volatile sulfur compounds—hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan—by over 80% and 40%, respectively, within 10 min. Furthermore, Ashitaba extract markedly decreased P. gulae-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) by up to 90% in murine, canine, and human macrophage and gingival cell lines. In vivo, daily oral application of 0.05% Ashitaba-extract gel for four weeks, with or without tooth brushing, significantly improved gingivitis scores (by 40–60%), reduced halitosis levels, and decreased P. gulae DNA detection and enzymatic activity in dogs with PD. These findings demonstrate that Ashitaba extract possesses potent bactericidal, anti-halitosis, and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its potential as a natural adjunctive therapy for the prevention and management of canine periodontal disease. Full article

Background: The demand for natural, minimally invasive teeth whitening solutions has led to interest in products using natural abrasives. Zirconium, known for its abrasive properties, has been suggested as a potential whitening agent, but its efficacy compared to traditional methods is underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating zirconium powder at various concentrations as a novel approach to tooth whitening while preserving the enamel surface. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted mandibular teeth (twenty anterior, twenty posterior) were allocated into four groups and brushed for 2 min with zirconia toothpaste at one of the four concentrations. Color parameters (CIE Lab*), ΔE, and WID were measured before and after brushing using a spectrophotometer; surface roughness was assessed with a profilometer. Data were analyzed with paired tests and ANOVA/Kruskal–Wallis (p < 0.05). Results: All groups showed detectable color change (ΔE > 1.2); several exceeded clinical acceptability (ΔE ≥ 2.7). WID increased in all groups, with the largest gains at 2% zirconia for posterior teeth (+31.58) and 1% or 5% for anterior teeth (+21.07, +21.19). Surface roughness decreased significantly at 0.5% (p ≈ 0.002) and increased at 5% (p ≈ 0.002); no significant change occurred at 1% and 2%. Conclusions: Zirconia toothpaste at 1–2% offers the best balance between whitening efficacy and enamel preservation, while 5% increases roughness and 0.5% produces smaller whitening results. Full article