Periodontology is a crucial component of dental education, focusing on the supporting structures of teeth and the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases. This scoping review aims to explore various educational approaches and outcomes related to periodontology, highlighting their effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Education Resource Information Center, and Scopus databases was conducted using the search terms related to dental education, periodontology, and educational methods. Inclusion criteria included original dental education articles that described periodontology as the subject of interest. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this scoping review. The studies used a variety of educational methods to teach periodontology, including lecture-based teaching, problem-based learning, simulation-based education, hands-on training, flipped classrooms, and team-based learning. The results suggest that different educational methods have varying levels of effectiveness in achieving knowledge gain, clinical skills, and student satisfaction. Simulation-based education and hands-on training were found to be more effective in improving clinical skills than lecture-based teaching. This scoping review highlights the importance of innovative educational strategies in periodontology, including active learning and blended learning. The findings suggest that a variety of educational methods can be effective in teaching periodontology and that the choice of method depends on the specific learning objectives and outcomes desired. The results of this review can inform the development of effective educational programs in periodontology and highlight the need for further research in this area.
This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate the effectiveness of soft-tissue augmentation (STA) techniques for enhancing peri-implant soft-tissue thickness and volume around dental implants with compromised soft tissue. A comprehensive electronic and manual search was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed and EMBASE via Ovid, covering studies published in English up to December 2024. Human studies investigating STA techniques for peri-implant soft-tissue volume augmentation were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools, selected according to study design, were used to assess the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective clinical studies (PCS), and case series (CS). Due to methodological heterogeneity, data were synthesized qualitatively rather than through meta-analysis. Thirty-one studies (20 RCTs, 5 PCS, and 6 CS) were included. Reported soft-tissue thickness gain ranged from 0.08 to 3.59 mm and volume gain from 0.16 to 186.38 mm3, where gains ≥2 mm were generally considered clinically relevant for peri-implant tissue improvement and mucosal stability. Despite a predominantly high risk of bias, the subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) combined with a split-thickness flap provided the most consistent outcomes. Variations in surgical protocols, follow-up durations, and measurement methods precluded quantitative meta-analysis. Within the limitations of heterogeneity and potential bias, STA techniques, particularly SCTGs, show promising potential for enhancing peri-implant soft-tissue thickness and volume. However, given the moderate-to-high risk of bias and the lack of a pooled analysis, these results should be interpreted with caution. Further well-designed RCTs with standardized methodologies, consistent outcome measures, and long-term follow-up are essential to validate these findings and optimize clinical protocols.
The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACP), bonding agent, and herbal agent for the reduction of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). A multi-centered, single-blinded study was carried out, comprising 210 systemically healthy subjects with at least 2 sensitive teeth. Three sessions of therapy were administered to each of the three groups, with a 72-h interval in between administrations. The hypersensitive teeth were subjected to tactile and evaporative stimuli at baseline, after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd sessions, and then after the 1st week and 4th week posttreatment. On the Visual Analog Scale, the individuals' reactions to the stimuli were noted. Furthermore, the Dentin Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire was given to the subjects and was asked to fill on the basis of 5-point Likert scale at baseline and after 1 month of the treatment. The collected data showed that all the three agents are effective in the treatment of DH; however, CPP-ACP is the most effective followed by bonding agent followed by herbal agents. Treatment of DH showed a positive impact on the quality of life of all subjects. This study showed that, following a 1-month follow-up, the CPP-ACP, bonding agent, and herbal agent were successful in lowering DH and improving the participants' quality of life.
Minimally invasive periodontal surgery (MIPS) is an emerging surgical approach that has demonstrated improved clinical outcomes in the management of interproximal intraosseous periodontal defects. Despite its potential, only a limited number of research groups have contributed to the development and refinement of MIPS techniques, which may hinder their broader clinical adoption. To examine publication trends and characterize the current state of research on MIPS through bibliometric indicators. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on Scopus-indexed documents published between 1996 and July 2023. Eligible records included original articles, reviews, and clinical trials that referenced MIPS techniques in their titles or abstracts. No categories of citable literature were excluded. Data extraction and analysis were performed using SciVal® and VOSviewer®. A total of 145 documents were identified. The most prolific contributors were P. Cortellini, S. Harrel, and L. Trombelli. Nearly 90% of publications on MIPS appeared in Q1 or Q2 journals. The simplified papilla preservation flap and the minimally invasive surgical technique were the most frequently reported approaches. Overall, annual publication growth in the field of MIPS reached 8.33%. Research output was primarily concentrated in Europe, particularly Italy, with limited contributions from other regions. Self-citation rates were high (23.3%). Research on MIPS is expanding rapidly. Future efforts should prioritize multicenter collaborations, standardized methodology, and the development of international clinical guidelines to strengthen the evidence base and facilitate broader clinical implementation.
Meningitis remains the leading infectious cause of neurological disabilities globally, disproportionately affecting children younger than 5 years and populations in the African meningitis belt. Whereas previous global estimates focused on ten pathogen categories, this study presents the most comprehensive analysis to date, assessing the meningitis burden attributable to 17 causative pathogens based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023 framework. GBD is a systematic, scientific effort aimed at quantifying the comparative magnitude of health loss caused by diseases, injuries, and risk factors across age groups, sexes, and geographical locations over time. We estimated meningitis mortality using the Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm) and morbidity using DisMod-MR 2.1, incorporating data from vital registration, verbal autopsy, surveillance, hospital data, and systematic reviews. Aetiology-specific estimates were generated with pathogen-linked case-fatality ratios and splined binomial regression models. Risk factor attribution was based on established risk-outcome pairs and population attributable fractions. In 2023, there were 259 000 (95% uncertainty interval 202 000-335 000) global deaths and 2·54 million (2·20-2·93) incident cases of meningitis. Children younger than 5 years accounted for more than a third of deaths (86 600 [53 300-149 000]). Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, non-polio enteroviruses, and other viruses were the leading causes of death, while non-polio enteroviruses caused the most cases. The four WHO-defined preventable meningitis pathogens of interest (S pneumoniae, N meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Group B streptococcus) contributed to 98 700 deaths (77 000-127 000) and 594 000 cases (514 000-686 000). Low birthweight, short gestation, and household air pollution were the top risk factors for meningitis-related mortality. Although mortality and incidence have declined significantly since 1990, progress is insufficient to meet WHO 2030 targets. Despite marked progress in reducing bacterial meningitis via global vaccination campaigns, a substantial meningitis burden persists, attributable both to common pathogens such as S pneumoniae and N meningitidis and to emerging non-bacterial pathogens such as Candida spp and drug-resistant fungi. Achieving WHO goals will require sustained investment in surveillance, vaccination, maternal screening, and health-system strengthening, especially in high-burden settings. Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and UK Department of Health and Social Care.
A noncarious cervical lesion (NCCL) is defined as the loss of tooth structure in the cervical one-third of the tooth due to causes other than dental caries. Descriptive epidemiological studies on NCCLs are justified because of their high frequency and their potential consequences for the periodontium. The present study aimed to analyze the trend of NCCLs in teeth with gingival recession, determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for these combined lesions, and evaluate patient acceptance of various treatment modalities, with emphasis on the minimally invasive restoration-guided creeping attachment (RGCA) technique. A total of 150 patients were enrolled in the present study. A total of 1200 teeth were examined clinically using ×3.5 magnification loupes and a UNC-15 probe to evaluate the cementoenamel junction and step-like defects according to the Pini-Prato classification of gingival recession. All patients were interviewed regarding potential etiological factors using a specially designed questionnaire. The questionnaire also included attitudinal factors related to willingness for treatment in general and specifically for the RGCA technique. Among the 1200 teeth with exposed root surfaces, 543 exhibited Class A - defects, 442 Class A+, 149 Class B+, and 66 Class B- defects. The distribution of combined defects across tooth types was incisors 39%, premolars 32%, canines 22%, and molars 6%, with 92% located in the anterior esthetic zone. Combined lesions were predominantly found in incisors, premolars, and canines located within the smile arc.
The gingival epithelium serves as the primary immune barrier against microbial invasion. Disruption contributes to chronic inflammation and the development of periodontitis. Understanding the gene interactions that regulate epithelial immunity is vital for effective diagnostics and treatment. Machine learning predicts key genes from differential and co-expression analyses, providing new insights into immune regulation. This study compares gradient boosting (GB) and neural network (NN) models in predicting genes involved in gingival epithelial immunity. Differential gene expression was analyzed using the iDEP web tool on the NCBI GEO dataset (GSE243173), which included samples from healthy, periodontitis, and LAD1 periodontitis subjects. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified gene modules that were correlated with specific phenotypes. Intersecting genes from differential expression and WGCNA were preprocessed and classified using GB and NN models in the Orange platform. Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, F1 score, and AUC metrics to assess the predictive efficacy of gingival epithelial immune gene clusters. The NN model outperformed GB in predicting clustered genes, accurately identifying positive and negative samples. It achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.987, a classification accuracy of 0.958, an F1 score of 0.958, a precision of 0.963, a recall of 0.958, and a specificity of 0.979. These results demonstrate the potential of NN in identifying intersecting genes involved in gingival epithelial immunity. The NN model's superior performance suggests its potential in genomic studies, particularly in identifying genes involved in immune responses. Further optimization and validation are necessary to fully explore its capabilities.
This study aims to evaluate the global burden of adverse effects of medical treatment (AEMT) using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021. Data were extracted from the GBD 2021, covering 204 countries/territories from 1990 to 2021. AEMT was defined using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes, encompassing complications from medical procedures, treatments, or healthcare exposures. Estimates were categorized into fatal and non-fatal outcomes and stratified by age, sex, year, and covariates, including the Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Mortality-incidence ratios (MIRs), defined as the ratio of mortality calculated by dividing the number of deaths by the total incident cases, were analyzed. In 2021, the global age-standardized prevalence, incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality rates of AEMT were 11.48 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 8.86-14.13), 150.44 (131.19-171.81), 64.19 (51.06-73.11), and 1.53 (1.29-1.68) per 100,000 population, respectively. DALY rates were highest in the early neonatal group (4,789.47 per 100,000 population [95% UI, 3,682.00-5,963.30]), while mortality rates followed a U-shaped pattern across age groups. In 2021, MIRs were highest at both ends of the age range: the early neonatal group (0.58 [95% UI, 0.55-0.58]) and the 95+ age group (0.05 [0.04-0.06]). This pattern was consistent across all SDI quintiles, with higher MIRs observed in lower SDI quintiles. The significantly higher prevalence and incidence rates of AEMT among the older population in high SDI quintiles, compared to lower SDI quintiles, could be attributed to the healthcare overutilization, highlighting the need for policy adjustments.
Statins, in addition to their hypolipidemic action, also show antibacterial and antifungal activity. The present research examines the antimicrobial activity of simvastatin (SMV) against periodontal microorganisms: Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), and Candida tropicalis (Ct). SMV was evaluated for minimum inhibitory concentration by microdilution and for antimicrobial susceptibility by agar disc diffusion. The antibiofilm effect of SMV was further compared with chlorhexidine (0.2%) (CHX) at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. SMV inhibited all three periodontal bacteria at 0.8 μg/ml and inhibited Ct at a minimum concentration of 50 μg/mL. The mean diameter of the zone of inhibition by SMV for Pi, Fn, Tf, and Ct was 13 ± 0.81 mm, 13.33 ± 0.47 mm, 15.33 ± 0.47 mm, and 14 ± 0.81 mm, respectively. SMV showed a peak reduction in colony-forming unit (CFU) counts from baseline (223.42 ± 10.50 CFU/mm) to 6 h (157.25 ± 8.081 CFU/mm), which was subsequently sustained. Compared with SMV, CHX demonstrated a slower but more consistent reduction in CFU counts for up to 72 h. The tested microorganisms were sensitive to SMV. In addition, SMV was as effective as the common antiplaque agent CHX at preventing these organisms and their proliferation in a biofilm environment during the testing periods. The study provides preliminary evidence of the antimicrobial effects of SMV, which warrants further exploration for its dual therapeutic benefits in periodontal applications.
Platelet concentrates play an important role in gingival recession (GR) treatments. Hence, the existing study aimed to evaluate two different coronally advanced flap designs with advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) in the treatment of human GR. This randomized clinical trial treated a total of 40 recession sites (20 per group). Trapezoidal and triangular flap designs were performed with A-PRF as biomaterial for GR. The clinical parameters such as probing depth, clinical attachment level, recession depth, recession width, width of keratinized tissue (WKT), and gingival thickness (GT), were recorded at baseline, 3, and 6 months. During intragroup comparison postoperatively, all the parameters showed a statistically significant difference. While intergroup comparison showed no significant difference, GT and WKT were increased at 3 and 6 months. At 3 months, percentage of mean root coverage (MRC%) obtained in Group 1 was 95.83% and in Group 2 was 97.3%. While at 6 months, MRC% for Groups 1 and 2 was 88.03% and 82.16%, respectively. Both the flap techniques helped in improvement of clinical parameters for RC. A-PRF that was utilized in both groups helped in rapid healing without any adverse events. Even though the trapezoidal flap design showed keloid formation (KF), it was superior to the triangular flap design in terms of root coverage, as evidenced by higher GT and WKT and improved MRC%. The triangular flap design had the benefit of prevention of KF and improved the esthetic outcomes.
This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA) against two key periodontal bacteria, Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum. These organisms play an important role in biofilm formation and disease progression in periodontitis. Standard laboratory strains of P. intermedia (ATCC 25611) and F. nucleatum (ATCC 25568) were cultured in anaerobic conditions. HA with different molecular weights (141 kDa, 757 kDa, and 1,300 kDa) was tested at concentrations from 0.5 to 2.0 mg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined through serial dilution in thioglycollate broth. Each test was performed in triplicate. Turbidity after 48-72 h of incubation served as an indicator of bacterial growth. Statistical significance was analyzed using G*Power with α = 0.05 and 80% power. HA showed concentration-dependent bacteriostatic effects. P. intermedia showed growth inhibition at 1 mg/ml, whereas F. nucleatum required 2 mg/ml for similar inhibition. Concentrations below these amounts did not inhibit growth. These findings suggest that HA may disrupt adhesion and nutrient uptake needed for bacterial growth and biofilm formation. High-molecular-weight HA shows potential as a nonantibiotic support agent in periodontal therapy by selectively inhibiting key anaerobic bacteria involved in biofilm development. Its two actions, antimicrobial and immunomodulatory, highlight its importance by breaking down pathogenic cooperation and supporting periodontal healing. Further research with multispecies biofilms, clinical isolates, and host interaction models is necessary for clinical application.
The primary objective was to assess the effect of periodontitis and its treatment on glycemic status, as measured by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and systemic inflammation employing C-reactive protein (CRP) in nondiabetic individuals with a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The secondary objective was to assess the relationship between periodontal parameters, glycemic status, and systemic inflammation. Sixty nondiabetic subjects with a family history of T2DM were recruited. They were grouped as those with periodontitis (Group 1) and those without periodontitis (Group 2). Biochemical parameters such as HbA1c, FBS, and CRP were assessed at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up in both groups. Both groups were given oral hygiene instructions. Group 1 received nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) consisting of supra- and subgingival professional mechanical plaque removal and oral azithromycin 500 mg for 3 days. Periodontal parameters such as full-mouth plaque score, full-mouth bleeding score, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss were assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up in Group 1. There were significant differences in HbA1c, FBS, and CRP between both groups at baseline. A significant difference was noted between baseline and 3-month follow-up values of HbA1c, FBS, and CRP in the periodontitis group. Periodontal parameters also showed improvement from baseline values after NSPT in 3 months. In patients with periodontitis, the HbA1c, FBS, and CRP levels were higher than those in periodontally healthy subjects, and the values reduced after NSPT. Hence, controlling periodontal inflammation may positively influence the future development of T2DM in prediabetic patients and the conversion of nondiabetics to prediabetes.
Maxillary sinus augmentation is a predictable procedure to increase bone height in atrophic posterior maxilla. Different protocols and procedures for sinus lift are available. Many biomaterials are employed in this technique; however, no biomaterial has been proven as the best. A single-center, prospective, interventional, single-arm study was done for evaluation of the efficacy of biphasic calcium phosphate mixed in a 1:1 ratio with autogenous bone graft. Patients with ≤5 mm of subantral bone height were recruited. Sinus membrane was elevated using piezosurgical tips and sinus elevators, and a graft was placed to achieve the desired bone height. Lateral window was covered by platelet-rich fibrin membrane, and suturing was done. After 6 months, bone biopsy specimens were harvested, and histomorphometric analysis was performed. Subantral bone height was measured on cone-beam computed tomography at baseline and at 6 months to get the bone height gain. (1) The mean gain of bone height was 8.53 ± 1.07 which was statistically significant. (2) On histologic evaluation, new bone% was 48.08% ± 2.41%, soft tissue% was 27.25% ± 3.18%, and residual graft% was 24.36% ± 2.91%. (3) The density and distribution of cells were favorable. (4) All patients had pain and swelling in mild range. (5) No major intra- or postoperative complications were noted. The described surgical technique using a combination of hydroxyapatite + beta-tricalcium phosphate 30/70 along with autogenous bone in a 1:1 ratio offers a predictable and practical treatment choice in direct sinus augmentation. It provided significant bone height gain, new bone formation, and good implant stability in grafted sites.
The study compared the clinical effectiveness of Giomer and Zirconomer in patients with gingival recession (GR) associated with noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs), and evaluated their outcomes when combined with coronally advanced flap (CAF). Nine subjects with bilateral Cairo et al. recession type 1 associated with NCCL suggestive of CAF with restorations underwent a split-mouth randomized clinical trial. Eighteen sites were randomly assigned to one of the two groups and restored using Zirconomer (Group A) or Giomer (Group B). CAF was performed after 2 weeks, and patients were followed up at 3 and 6 months. Plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), pocket depth (PD), relative GR (RGR), clinical attachment level (CAL), height of NCCL (NCCL-H), thickness (KTT), and width (KTW) of keratinized tissue and dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) were recorded at baseline, 3, and 6 months postsurgery. Both groups revealed excellent root coverage and CAL gain, although Group A significantly had higher KTW than Group B. After 6 months, the PI, PD, CAL, RGR, and KTW displayed statistically notable variations between the groups. At 6 months, Group A displayed better relief in DH as well as improved RGR and CAL. Both Zirconomer and Giomer, coupled with CAF, achieved sufficient soft-tissue coverage after 6 months. The Zirconomer group, however, had marginally better outcomes in terms of PI, RGR, NCCL-H, KTW, and DH, while Giomer performed better in terms of PD and CAL.
Antibiotic resistance poses a major challenge in the control of bacterial infections, including chronic periodontitis. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance of Porphyromonas gingivalis to commonly prescribed antibiotics, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and metronidazole, in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples obtained from patients with chronic periodontitis, with and without prior antibiotic exposure. This study included 24 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised 12 patients with a history of antibiotic exposure within the preceding 6 months and Group 2 comprised 12 patients without any prior antibiotic exposure. GCF samples were collected using sterile absorbent paper points and cultured under anaerobic conditions for the isolation of P. gingivalis. Antibiotic sensitivity was assessed by measuring the zone of inhibition (ZOI) on nutrient agar plates. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test, and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Patients without prior antibiotic exposure demonstrated a slightly higher mean ZOI (17.66 mm) compared to patients with prior antibiotic exposure (16.66 mm), suggesting marginally better antibiotic effectiveness in the former group. However, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.663). The findings indicate a reduced antibiotic effectiveness in patients with previous antibiotic exposure. These results underscore the importance of avoiding empirical antibiotic use and support the consideration of narrow-spectrum antibiotics or alternative treatment approaches, such as local drug delivery systems, to mitigate the development of antibiotic resistance.
Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a highly effective antiseptic agent. Allergic reactions on use of CHX are rare, but an increase in the percentage of cases is witnessed due to rapid increase in CHX-containing products in recent times. CHX forms an indispensable part of dentistry. The present case report showcases allergic reaction seen as a result of the use of CHX mouthwash, where in patient develops redness and inflammation on gingiva as well as urticarial rash on the skin of the back. The case report warns us for a cautious use of CHX products.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are gaining attention as adjunctive agents in periodontal therapy due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and host-modulatory properties. Their potential adjunctive applications include use as local drug delivery agents, topical pastes, gels or mouthrinses, reinforcements of membranes or implant surfaces, and other applications. While numerous in vitro and animal studies have investigated their utility, the evidence remains scattered, with no comprehensive synthesis available. This scoping review aimed to map the existing available evidence on AMPs in periodontal therapy, focusing on AMP types, delivery systems, and reported biological, microbiological, and clinical outcomes. A systematic literature search was conducted across Medline-PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar for studies published in the past 20 years. Studies were included if they evaluated AMPs for periodontal therapy in vivo or in vitro. The key data extracted included the type of AMP, study model, outcomes, and conclusions. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A total of 21 studies were included, comprising 13 in vitro studies, 5 animal studies, and 3 clinical studies. The commonly investigated AMP was LL-37. Delivery systems ranged from gels, spays, nanoparticles, and conjugates. Included studies reported significant antimicrobial activity against various periodontal pathogens. Preclinical models and clinical models showed enhanced healing and tissue regeneration. However, variability in experimental design, AMP concentrations, and outcome measures limits comparability across various designs. The existing literature proves AMPs to be a promising therapeutic adjunct in periodontal applications. Clinical data, however, are lacking. Bridging the gap between experimental findings and clinical application requires robust translational research, including well-designed human trials, to evaluate safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes. This scoping review serves as a foundational reference for guiding future studies toward the clinical integration of AMPs in periodontal therapy.
Platelets are discoidal and anuclear structures which are formed in bone marrow from megakaryocytes. They play a major role in the release of growth factors at the site of injury to initiate wound healing. Platelet rich fibrin which belongs to second generation of platelet concentrates has an important role in hard and soft tissue regeneration. This research aims to determine advanced PRF (A-PRF) as a medium for prolonged release of antibiotics locally and its effects on Porphyromonas gingivalis. This in vitro study consisted of four groups, where for each group 10 ml of blood was collected from healthy volunteers after obtaining informed consent. Before centrifugation, to each of the tubes, one among the three antibiotics, such as 0.5 ml amoxicillin, 0.5 ml of metronidazole, and 0.5 ml of azithromycin was added. The fourth tube had 0.5 ml of saline solution, which served as the control. Tubes were centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 14 min at room temperature. A-PRF membrane containing different antibiotics and control was placed on the blood agar plates containing four wells. These plates were then transferred to the anaerobic chamber at 37°C for 7 days. Antimicrobial activity of the A-PRF was assessed at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h. This study compared the antibacterial action of A-PRF against P. gingivalis at the 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h. A-PRF with amoxicillin at 24 h showed less anti-P. gingivalis activity, whereas maximum activity was noted at 72 h and 96 h. Results showed that among antibiotic solutions with A-PRF, metronidazole had more antimicrobial efficacy compared to amoxicillin and azithromycin against P. gingivalis.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of an innovative "oral hygiene robot" (OHR) compared to traditional audiovisual aids in motivating dental students to enhance their brushing skills. The study included thirty-two dental students, divided into two phases, which were further randomized into two groups: Group A and Group B. During the initial phase, no motivational methods were applied to both the groups. In the second phase, Group A received audiovisual education, while Group B utilized the OHR. Clinical parameters (gingival index and plaque index) for both the groups were recorded before oral prophylaxis (at day 0) and subsequently at the completion of the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 8th weeks. The findings revealed that both the methods of motivation significantly improved plaque control compared to the absence of motivational tools. However, students who interacted with the OHR demonstrated superior results in maintaining oral hygiene as the mean gingival index reduced from 1.661 ± 0.404 to 0.836 ± 0.349 (P < 0.001) and the mean plaque index reduced from 3.203 ± 0.338 to 1.582 ± 0.283 (P < 0.001). The data were statistically analyzed using paired "t-" test for intragroup analysis and unpaired "t-" test for intergroup analysis. All statistical comparisons were conducted at the 0.05 level of significance. The study highlights the potential of the OHR as an advanced educational tool for promoting better oral health practices. Its interactive and time-efficient design offers a more dynamic learning experience, making it a valuable addition to dental health education. This approach could pave the way for innovative strategies in oral hygiene training, ultimately enhancing patient care standards.