Prevalence, Incidence and Risk Factors of White Spot Lesions Associated With Orthodontic Treatment - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The primary objective was to systematically assess the prevalence, incidence and risk factors of WSLs with orthodontic treatment. The secondary objective was to compare the prevalence of WSLs between conventional fixed appliances (CFA) and other appliances, as well as with no treatment. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACs, Virtual Health Library and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched.

Cytomorphological changes of oral mucosal cells among smokeless tobacco users in low and middle-income country settings: new findings from Pakistan.

Background: Chronic tobacco use, in any form, induces significant cellular alterations in the oral mucosa. This study investigates four distinct cytomorphological changes in oral mucosal cells among smokeless tobacco users, examining their association across different genders and age groups.

Materials And Methods: This cross-sectional study involved collecting mucosal samples from smokeless tobacco (naswar/snuff) users through consecutive sampling.

Influence of elastomeric and steel ligatures on periodontal health during fixed appliance orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Metallic and elastomeric ligatures are widely used in orthodontics to secure the archwire within the bracket slots, but elastomeric ligatures have traditionally been associated with increased microbial colonization, which could adversely affect periodontal health.

Aim: This systematic review compares the periodontal effects of elastomeric and steel ligatures used for orthodontic fixed appliances.

Methods: Unrestricted literature search of 7 databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Virtual Health Library) up to July 2023 were performed for randomized / non-randomized clinical studies on humans comparing the two ligation methods during fixed-appliance therapy.

Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement of cervical vertebral maturation staging: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: The accurate assessment of active growth is pivotal for the correction of skeletal malocclusion in growing patients. Cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) staging is easy and devoid of unnecessary radiation, but its inter- and intra-observer agreement is still debatable.

Objective: This study aims to assess inter-observer (reliability) and intra-observer agreement (reproducibility) for CVM staging.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders.

Background: Increased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression has been implicated in several tumors and is associated with increased tumor advancement as well as a potential drug target. The objective of the study was to compare the immunohistochemical expression of EGFR in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and their demographic and pathologic parameters.

Methods: This study was a comparative cross-sectional analytical study.

Healthcare workers safety in the COVID-19 era: the impact of pre-pandemic personal protective equipment (PPE) training in Pakistan.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed vulnerabilities in healthcare systems worldwide, emphasizing the importance of healthcare worker safety through adequate utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE). This study aims to assess the impact of pre-pandemic PPE training on the practices and other associated factors among frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan and provide insights into the implications of such training programs for future initiatives.

Methods: A cross-sectional study from May 9th to June 5th, 2020 was conducted among the frontline healthcare workers against COVID-19 in Pakistan, utilizing an online structured questionnaire shared via WhatsApp and Facebook by using purposive sampling.

Vertical effects of cervical headgear in growing patients with Class II malocclusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Cervical headgear (cHG) has been shown to be effective in Class II correction both with dental and orthopaedic effects but has traditionally been associated with vertical adverse effects in terms of posterior mandibular rotation.

Objective: To assess the treatment effects of cHG treatment in the vertical dimension.

Search Methods: Unrestricted literature search of five databases up to May 2023.

Effect Of Elastomeric Separator On Microbial Count In Gingival Crevicular Fluid.

Background: The separators are a preliminary step for band insertion, but there is a potential risk of bacteraemia during their placement, particularly in susceptible patients. The objective of the study is to determine the effect of separators on the bacterial count in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and to assess the efficacy of chlorhexidine mouth rinse and saline irrigation in the reduction of the bacterial count.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 51 participants who were divided into three equal g roups randomly (brushing only/control, saline irrigation, and 2% chlorhexidine mouthwash rinse).

Effect Of Dental Proximal Restorations On Periodontal Health In Patients.

Background: The oral cavity is colonized by more than 700 species of bacteria and hundreds of those can be present within oral biofilms. Objective was to determine the frequency of periodontal attachment loss in patients with dental proximal restorations.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 patients with Class II (mesial /distal or mesio-occluso-distal composite and amalgam restorations.

Effects of chlorhexidine use on periodontal health during fixed appliance orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Proper oral hygiene and absence of periodontal inflammation is pre-requisite for orthodontic treatment. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is an established oral antiseptic used in the treatment of periodontal disease, but its role in orthodontic therapy is unclear.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of adjunct use of CHX-containing products in maintaining gingival health among orthodontic patients with fixed appliances.