Abdulghani I. Mira

This study aimed to compare the remineralization potential of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO‐NPs) alone and when added to conventional remineralization agents. One hundred and eighty teeth were randomly divided into six groups ( n = 30), with each group assigned to a specific remineralization agent: control (no product used), MgO‐NPs with glycerol gel, Oral‐B Repair, GC Tooth Mousse Plus, Oral‐B Repair/MgO‐NPs, and GC Tooth Mousse Plus/MgO‐NPs. The MgO‐NPs were characterized by using x‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The teeth were artificially demineralized and then remineralized, with all samples undergoing assessments for surface roughness, microhardness, quantitative elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Results were recorded at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. The characterization showed a reduction in crystallite size and area, and that the chemical properties remained consistent. MgO‐NPs alone and added to other remineralization agents demonstrated the most mineral deposition and remineralization potential. The enamel of all tested agents was significantly harder, had less surface roughness, and exhibited higher mineral deposition than the demineralized enamel. MgO‐NPs, both alone and as an additive to the other tested agents, were effective in remineralizing the enamel layer, reducing surface roughness, and improving enamel microhardness.

Objective: The spectrum of socio‐economic backgrounds can lead to an unpredictable range of social interactions between patients and prospective dentists. Tolerance is essential for patient relationships and conflict resolution, making it a topic of significant scientific and practical importance. This study aimed to explore the tolerance levels of dental students at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) towards their patients in relation to the students' associated circumstances. Methods: A self‐administered questionnaire was used to assess the tolerance level of dental interns and senior dental students of KAU towards their patients. The Likert scale was used in the questionnaire with bi‐directional questions with points allocated. The questionnaire assessed demographic data and lifestyle patterns of the participant as well as the participant's tolerance towards various clinical scenarios involving patients of different nationalities and behaviours. Results: In this study, 193 participants out of 254 completed the questionnaire, for a response rate of 75.98%. The dental interns reported more tolerance than 6th‐year dental students, and students with a grade point average score of ‘B' were found to be more tolerant than those with other scores. Male and female students were more tolerant of different parameters. Diet and sleep could not be directly correlated to tolerance. Married students and students living with family exhibited higher tolerance than single students and those living alone. Conclusion: This study established a variety of factors that can influence tolerance levels. It would be informative to conduct future investigations with a broader range of patients and analyse the relationship between tolerance and other emotional parameters.

Background/Objectives: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has emerged as a valuable immunosuppressive agent used in the management of oral mucocutaneous diseases, particularly in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as pemphigus vulgaris (PV), oral lichen planus (OLP), mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), erythema multiforme (EM) and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). This review consolidates the current evidence regarding MMF’s efficacy, safety and clinical applications across these conditions. Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was performed, focusing on the mechanism of action, dosing strategies, therapeutic outcomes and adverse effects associated with MMF therapy in oral mucocutaneous diseases. The potential of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in optimizing MMF therapy and minimizing adverse effects was also explored. Results: The review demonstrates that MMF is effective in inducing disease remission in up to 80% of patients with PV, with notable steroid-sparing effects. In OLP, MMF provided significant clinical improvement, especially in patients with severe and refractory forms of the disease. For MMP, MMF showed an 89% response rate, particularly when combined with corticosteroids, though gastrointestinal side effects were noted in some patients. In SLE, MMF was effective in managing both renal and non-renal manifestations, with favorable remission rates observed in patients receiving MMF therapy. For EM, MMF’s effectiveness was limited, with only a small number of patients responding to therapy. In RAS, there is limited evidence of MMF’s efficacy, with only partial improvement in severe cases reported. MMF is a promising immunomodulatory therapy for oral mucocutaneous diseases, particularly in reducing corticosteroid dependence and improving patient outcomes. However, the variability in the study designs, dosages and patient populations complicates the generalization of these findings. Conclusions: There is a pressing need for randomized controlled trials to validate MMF’s efficacy and long-term safety across all disease categories. The integration of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) shows potential for improving disease control and minimizing adverse effects, making it a key consideration for future research.

This study investigates the impact of tightening torque (preload) and the friction coefficient on stress generation and fatigue resistance of a Ti-6Al-4V abutment screw with an internal hexagonal connection under dynamic multi-axial masticatory loads in high-cycle fatigue (HCF) conditions. A three-dimensional model of the implant–abutment assembly was simulated using ANSYS Workbench 16.2 computer aided engineering software with chewing forces ranging from 300 N to 1000 N, evaluated over 1.35 × 10⁷ cycles, simulating 15 years of service. Results indicate that the healthy range of normal to maximal mastication forces (300–550 N) preserved the screw’s structural integrity, while higher loads (≥800 N) exceeded the Ti-6Al-4V alloy’s yield strength, indicating a risk of plastic deformation under extreme conditions. Stress peaked near the end of the occluding phase (206.5 ms), marking a critical temporal point for fatigue accumulation. Optimizing the friction coefficient (0.5 µ) and preload management improved stress distribution, minimized fatigue damage, and ensured joint stability. Masticatory forces up to 550 N were well within the abutment screw’s capacity to sustain extended service life and maintain its elastic behavior.

Inorganic nanoparticles have been widely incorporated in conventional dental materials to help in improving their properties. The literature has shown that incorporating nanoparticles in dental materials in different specialties could have a positive effect on reinforcing the mechanical properties of those materials; however, there was no consensus on the effectiveness of using nanoparticles in enhancing the mechanical properties of dental materials, due to the variety of the properties of nanoparticles itself and their effect on the mechanical properties. This article attempted to analytically review all the studies that assessed the effect of different types of inorganic nanoparticles on the most commonly used dental materials in dental specialties such as polymethyl methacrylate, glass ionomer cement, resin composite, resin adhesive, orthodontic adhesive, and endodontic sealer. The results had shown that those inorganic nanoparticles demonstrated positive potential in improving those mechanical properties in most of the dental materials studied. That potential was attributed to the ultra-small sizes and unique physical and chemical qualities that those inorganic nanoparticles possess, together with the significant surface area to volume ratio. It was concluded from this comprehensive analysis that while a definitive recommendation cannot be provided due to the variety of nanoparticle types, shapes, and incorporated dental material, the consensus suggests using nanoparticles in low concentrations less than 1% by weight along with a silane coupling agent to minimize agglomeration issues and benefit from their properties.

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) have a variety of applications that have contributed to their elevated popularity, however, the safety and toxic effects on humans are also of concern with these increased applications. There is insufficient data regarding the effect of MgO NPs on reproductive organs, which are crucial aspects to the body's vital physiological functions. The present study was undertaken in male and female rats to assess the reproductive toxicological potential of two doses (low versus high) of MgO NPs on testicular and ovarian tissues. The toxicity was evaluated using histological, hormonal, and oxidative parameters. In this work, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were synthesized by the sol-gel route and were characterized by X ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). Forty-eight adult Wister albino rats were used in this experiment which were divided into groups of male and female, and then further into control, low dose MgO NPs, and high dose MgO NPs. The low dose used was 131.5 mg/kg b.w. (1/10 LD50) while the high dose used was 263 mg/kg b.w. (1/5 LD50). All doses were given orally by gastric tube. After 4 weeks, blood samples were collected to investigate the level of sex hormones and both ovarian and testicular tissues were examined for variable oxidative parameters and histopathological changes by light microscopy. The obtained findings showed that high dose of MgO NPs produced considerable changes in sex hormones and stress parameters in both male and female rats in comparison to the low dose and control groups. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated the presence of histopathological alterations in the testicular and ovarian tissues. The results of this study showed dose-dependent adverse effects of MgO NPs on the testis and ovary both functionally and histopathologically as compared to the control rats.

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries and periodontal diseases among 14–19-year-old schoolchildren with limited access to dental care services. A cross sectional study design was conducted during field visits to seven governmental schools in Al-Khomrah district, South Jeddah, over the period from September 2015 to May 2016. Clinical examinations and administered questionnaires were carried out in mobile dental clinics. The dentists carried out oral examinations using the dental caries index (DMFT), the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), and the community periodontal index for treatment needs (CPITN). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20. A total of 734 schoolchildren were examined. The prevalence of decayed teeth was 79.7% and was significantly higher among boys (88.9%) than girls (69.0%). About 11% of students had missing teeth, with a significantly higher figure among females than males (15.9% versus 7.3%); 19.8% of students had filled teeth. Moreover, a DMFT of seven or more was significantly more prevalent among males (43.3%) than females (26.8%), while the percentage of females with sound teeth was significantly higher than for males (20.4% and 9.6% respectively). The CPITN revealed 0, 1 and 2 scores among 14.6%, 78.2%, and 41.6% respectively. Males had a significantly higher percentage of healthy periodontal condition (23.8%) than females (3.8%). Dental caries prevalence was moderate to high, calculus and gingival bleeding were widespread among schoolchildren, and were more prevalent among students with low socioeconomic status.