Teaching of silver diamine fluoride for the management of dental caries and hypersensitivity - situation in the Southeast Asia dental schools.

Background: Using silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for caries management has raised dentists' interests in Southeast Asia (SEA). However, information about the teaching of SDF in dental schools in SEA is limited. Therefore, this survey aimed to describe the extent to which SDF had been introduced into the education of undergraduate students in the dental schools in SEA.

The effectiveness of topical fluoride agents on preventing development of approximal caries in primary teeth: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: This 18-month randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of two topical fluoride applications versus placebo control on preventing development of approximal caries in primary teeth.

Methods: Preschool children were recruited if they had at least one initial approximal carious lesion at the distal surface of the canines, both approximal surfaces of the first molars, or the mesial surface of the second molars assessed from bitewing radiographs. The participants were randomly allocated into 3 intervention groups: Group 1 (placebo control), Group 2 (5% sodium fluoride [NaF] varnish), and Group 3 (38% silver diamine fluoride [SDF]).

Compositional profile of mucosal bacteriome of smokers and smokeless tobacco users.

Introduction: Smoked, and especially smokeless, tobacco are major causes of oral cancer globally. Here, we examine the oral bacteriome of smokers and of smokeless tobacco users, in comparison to healthy controls, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Methods: Oral swab samples were collected from smokers, smokeless tobacco users, and healthy controls (n = 44).

Comprehensive characterisation of flexural mechanical properties and a new classification for porosity of 11 contemporary ion-leaching dental restorative materials.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate 4 aspects of ion-leaching restorative materials (ILMs): 4-point bending flexural strength (4 PB-FS) and relative mechanical properties; biaxial flexural strength (B-FS) in relation to 4 PB-FS; porosity; and surface morphology. Eleven ILMs were used for the 4-point bending test. Bar-shaped (n = 15) samples were fabricated, stored in distilled water for 7 days.

Differences in the bacteriome of swab, saliva, and tissue biopsies in oral cancer.

Microbial dysbiosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of oral cancer. We analyzed the compositional and metabolic profile of the bacteriome in three specific niches in oral cancer patients along with controls using 16SrRNA sequencing (Illumina Miseq) and DADA2 software. We found major differences between patients and control subjects.

Fluconazole resistance in Candida albicans is induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing.

Microorganisms employ quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms to communicate with each other within microbial ecosystems. Emerging evidence suggests that intraspecies and interspecies QS plays an important role in antimicrobial resistance in microbial communities. However, the relationship between interkingdom QS and antimicrobial resistance is largely unknown.

Incorrect measurements and misleading conclusions in the article "Comparison of the efficacy of tooth alignment among lingual and labial brackets: an in vitro study".

Background/objective: To reproduce the methods and results of the study by Alobeid et al. (2018) in which the efficacy of tooth alignment using conventional labial and lingual orthodontic bracket systems was assessed.

Materials/methods: We used the identical experimental protocol and tested (i) regular twin bracket (GAC-Twin [Dentsply]) and lingual twin bracket systems (Incognito [3M]), (ii) together with NiTi 0.

Effects of Collagen Crosslinkers on Dentine: A Literature Review.

This aim of this review is to explore the current research related to crosslinking agents used on dentine. A systematic search of publications in PubMed and Web of Science databases was performed. Further retrieval was conducted using the search terms of specific names of crosslinkers.

Lipopolysaccharide and hypoxia-induced HIF-1 activation in human gingival fibroblasts.

Background: We previously reported that chronic periodontal inflammation causes the accumulation of the transcriptional activator hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in vivo. Here, evidence is provided that bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and cellular hypoxia, both associated with periodontitis, can individually, or in combination, lead to the accumulation and activation of HIF-1 in HGF in vitro.

Methods: Primary gingival fibroblasts were cultured from human gingival biopsies.

Speech intelligibility, acceptability, and communication-related quality of life in Chinese alaryngeal speakers.

Objective: To investigate (1) speech intelligibility and acceptability in using 4 different alaryngeal speech methods: esophageal (ES), electrolaryngeal (EL), pneumatic device (PD), and tracheosophageal (TE) speech; and (2) communication-related quality of life (QOL) in the alaryngeal speakers who used these 4 alaryngeal speech methods.

Design: Survey.

Participants: Alaryngeal speakers who had undergone speech rehabilitation and were recruited from the New Voice Club of Hong Kong.

Long-span, fixed-movable, resin-bonded fixed partial dentures: a retrospective, preliminary clinical investigation.

Purpose: Long-span, resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (FPDs) have been associated with higher debonding rates than short-span prostheses. The use of modified nonrigid connectors that allow movement between the abutments in long-span resin-bonded prostheses may reduce harmful interabutment forces that stress the metal framework and resin-bonded interface. This preliminary investigation aimed to evaluate the longevity of long-span resin-bonded FPDs of 4 or more units with a modified nonrigid connector and increased extension of the retainer framework around the major abutment.

Prosthodontic management of older severe hypodontia patients in general dental practice: a case series.

Although a detailed understanding of the etiology of hypodontia is lacking, there is a need for awareness among dental professionals of the social and psychological consequences of severe hypodontia, as well as knowledge of those affected by hypodontia have ongoing dental treatment needs. Although, there may be a need for immediate referral of children to different specialists for optimal multidisciplinary treatment planning, most older patients with severe hypodontia can be treated by general practitioners. Practitioners therefore need to be aware of the ramifications of the condition and be capable of providing adequate oral health care for these patients and referring them for additional services when necessary.

Longevity of two-unit cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial dentures.

Purpose: To examine the clinical performance of two-unit cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial dentures that were inserted at The Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong by students and staff between 1992 and 1998.

Materials And Methods: A search of the Hospital computer records system revealed a list of 130 patients who had received two-unit cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPD) placed more than 24 months previous to the review date. For each patient clinically examined, the following data were recorded: gender, age, operator, cementation date, endodontic treatment if performed, bone support, tooth mobility, the presence of shimstock contacts on abutment or pontic in intercuspal position, the presence of interproximal contacts adjacent to the prosthesis assessed by dental floss.

The use of group participation and an enquiry-based study guide with computer assisted learning.

Unlabelled: The aim of this investigation was to explore the use of group participation and an enquiry-based study guide to enhance the learning experience when using a computer assisted learning (CAL) program.

Materials And Methods: Forty-eight students were asked to complete a CAL program on resin bonded bridges in groups of 2-4 with an enquiry-based study guide. An evaluation questionnaire of the learning experience was included with the study guide with paired positive and negative questions and open-ended questions for students to complete and return.

Occlusal wear of a resin-modified glass ionomer cement following three surface treatments.

Unacceptable occlusal wear has been reported for resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs) placed in permanent molar teeth. Three different surface treatments of a RMGIC were evaluated over periods of up to 2 years for their effects on restoration wear behaviour: (a) sealing with a thin layer of low viscosity unfilled resin (sealed restoration), (b) sealing with a thicker layer of a lightly-filled pit and fissure sealant (sealant restoration), and (c) co-curing the RMGIC with a posterior resin composite (co-cured restoration). After 2 years the cumulative median (quartiles) wear was for (a) 100 (50-150) microns, (b) 25 (0-50) microns, and (c) 25 (25-38) microns.