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Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, both of which are essential for efficient orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). This study aims to explore the effects of Vitamin D deficiency on the rate and biological mechanisms of OTM. Evidence from animal models and clinical observations suggests that insufficient Vitamin D levels can impair bone remodeling by reducing osteoblastic activity and altering osteoclastic function. As a result, tooth movement may become slower and less predictable in Vitamin D-deficient individuals. Additionally, such deficiency may increase the risk of root resorption and prolonged treatment duration. Understanding the influence of Vitamin D status on OTM could aid in optimizing orthodontic treatment plans and outcomes. Further clinical studies are needed to establish clear guidelines regarding Vitamin D assessment and supplementation in orthodontic patients.

Background: Oral health is integral to a child's overall development, affecting nutrition, speech, self-esteem, and general well-being. Despite this, paediatric oral diseases such as caries, gingivitis, and enamel defects remain highly prevalent. Traditional oral hygiene measures, though foundational, often fail to achieve long-term success in children due to poor compliance and limited accessibility. This has led to the exploration of child-friendly, functional nutraceuticals to supplement oral care practices. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of JUNIOR SMART—a specially formulated oral health gummy containing prebiotics, probiotics (Bacillus coagulans), essential oils, minerals, and natural sweeteners—in improving various oral health parameters among paediatric patients with different dental conditions. Methods: A total of 200 children between 4 to 14 years of age were enrolled and grouped into eight clinical clusters based on oral health needs: gingivitis, early childhood caries (ECC), deep pits and fissures, enamel hypoplasia, post-procedural care (pulpectomy/extractions), special needs children, children using habit-breaking appliances, and those under preventive maintenance. Each group followed a tailored dosage regimen of JUNIOR SMART Gummies / Candies. Standardized indices were used to measure outcomes: Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI), ICDAS-II, Sealant Retention Index, White Spot Lesion Score, Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), and Salivary pH. Data were collected at baseline and after the intervention and analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: Significant improvements were noted in most clinical clusters. Children with gingivitis showed reduced GI, PI, and SBI scores (p < 0.05). The ECC group demonstrated a reduction in ICDAS-II caries scores. Enamel hypoplasia and white spot lesion clusters showed evidence of remineralization. Sealant retention was stable in the fissure group. Salivary pH improved across clusters, indicating reduced oral acidity. Special needs children showed notable improvements in overall hygiene scores, indicating high acceptability and compliance. Conclusion: JUNIOR SMART Gummies / Candies, as a functional nutraceutical supplement, proved effective in enhancing oral health outcomes in children with diverse clinical needs. Their ease of use, palatability, and positive clinical effects make them a promising adjunct in pediatric dental care, especially in populations where traditional methods show limited compliance.

Residual ridge resorption (RRR) is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible process characterized by the gradual loss of alveolar bone beneath the mucoperiosteum following the extraction of natural teeth. It is a multifactorial phenomenon influenced by anatomical, biomechanical, metabolic, and systemic factors. Among the two arches, the mandibular ridge typically undergoes more rapid and severe resorption than the maxillary counterpart, leading to a compromised denture-bearing foundation over time. This pronounced mandibular atrophy significantly impairs the stability, support, and retention of complete dentures, often resulting in functional limitations and reduced patient satisfaction. In prosthodontic practice, the rehabilitation of patients with severely resorbed mandibular ridges remains a formidable clinical challenge. The decreased surface area, altered ridge morphology, and loss of vertical height collectively contribute to poor denture base adaptation, reduced stability, and increased mucosal mobility. These issues are particularly pronounced in advanced stages of resorption as categorized by Atwood’s classification, where Order V denotes a low, well-rounded ridge and Order VI reflects a flat or depressed ridge form with minimal or no residual alveolar height. Such conditions severely compromise the effectiveness of conventional denture fabrication techniques and require careful modifications in clinical protocols. Among the many factors contributing to the long-term success of complete dentures, the stability of the mandibular denture often serves as a critical determinant. Lack of stability can trigger a cascade of issues such as soreness, ulcerations, masticatory inefficiency, and patient dissatisfaction. Additionally, poorly adapted dentures may exert uneven or excessive pressure on the underlying tissues, thereby accelerating the resorptive process. This clinical case report presents the prosthodontic management of a patient with a highly atrophic mandibular ridge (Atwood’s Order V) using a novel “cocktail impression technique.” Recognizing the limitations of a single impression philosophy, this hybrid approach integrates mucostatic, selective pressure, and functional techniques to enhance tissue adaptation, minimize displacement, and evenly distribute occlusal forces. The strategy is tailored to the patient's unique anatomy, promoting denture stability,

Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) refers to a group of hereditary developmental disorders that impact the structure and appearance of enamel on all or nearly all teeth in a relatively uniform manner. AI poses significant challenges by reducing oral health-related quality of life and causing various physiological issues. Here, we present a case report of the Hypoplastic type of AI, diagnosed based on characteristic clinical and radiographic findings.

Abstract: Reactive lesions of the oral cavity are a diverse group of benign lesions that arise due to chronic irritation, trauma, infection, or other external stimuli. Despite their generally non-neoplastic nature, they can present as clinically significant conditions that may mimic more serious pathologies, often complicating diagnosis. This review presents an up-to-date classification system for common reactive lesions in the oral cavity, delves into their underlying pathogenesis, and discusses their clinical features, differential diagnosis, and management. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of recognizing these lesions to avoid unnecessary invasive treatments while ensuring proper clinical intervention.

Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent oral health issues worldwide, primarily caused by bacterial activity within the oral cavity. This study investigates the antibacterial activities of clove oil bud against bacteria associated with dental caries. The clove buds were collected, identified, and processed for ethanol extraction of bioactive compounds. Also, 30 samples of dental caries were obtained using swab sticks and cultured on nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, and Mannitol salt agar, then incubated for 24 hours and identified using biochemical tests and molecular analysis. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids (5.033%), saponins (3.50%), flavonoids (0.407%), phenols (0.4545%), tannins (5.227%), and glycosides (2.1285%) in the ethanol extract, while the clove oil contained saponins (8.70%) and a small amount of glycosides (0.0375%). The extracted compounds underwent Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, which identified key constituents such as eugenol, Caryophyllene oxide, and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid. The characterization of the clove oil revealed a density of 0.86 g/cm³, viscosity of 113.59 mm²/s, refractive index of ≥36% Brix, saponification value of 39.19 mg KOH, iodine value of 21.488 g/ml, peroxide value of 13.4 mEq/kg, and a free fatty acid content of 1.37%. Biochemical tests on the bacterial isolates from dental caries samples identified several species, including Actinomyces spp., Streptococcus spp., Lactococcus spp., Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Staphylococcus aureus strain CIB, Bifidobacterium spp., Veillonella spp., and Bacillus subtilis. Antimicrobial activity assay shows that clove oil exhibited significant inhibition of microbial growth at higher concentrations: B.subtilis had inhibition zones of 12 mm at 100 mg/ml, 6 mm at 50 mg/ml, and 2 mm at 25 mg/ml. Similarly, Lacticaseibacillus agile 1365 showed inhibition zones of 14 mm at 100 mg/ml, 8 mm at 50 mg/ml, and 3 mm at 25 mg/ml. S.aureus strain B3A22 had inhibition zones of 10 mm at 100 mg/ml and 6 mm at 50 mg/ml. In contrast, L. paracasei showed minimal inhibition, indicating lower susceptibility to clove oil. On the other hand, the result also illustrates that clove extract was more effective at lower concentrations compared to clove oil. B.subtilis had inhibition zones of 14 mm at 100 mg/ml, 8 mm at 50 mg/ml, and 5 mm at 25 mg/ml. L.paracasei demonstrated inhibition zones of 16 mm at 100 mg/ml, 11 mm at 50 mg/ml, and 8 mm at 25 mg/ml. S.aureus strain B3A22 had inhibition zones of 10 mm at 100 mg/ml and 6 mm at 50 mg/ml. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of clove oil was found to be 25 mg/ml for B.subtilis, 100 mg/ml for L.paracasei, 25 mg/ml for L.agile 1365, and 25 mg/ml for both S.aureus strain CIB and strain B3A22 respectively. In comparison, clove extract demonstrated lower MIC values: 12.5 mg/ml for B.subtilis, 12.5 mg/ml for L.paracasei, 12.5 mg/ml for L.agile 1365, 25 mg/ml for S.aureus strain CIB, and 25 mg/ml for S.aureus strain B3A22. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of clove oil was 50 mg/ml for B.subtilis, for L.paracasei, 25 mg/ml for L.agile 1365, 50 mg/ml for S.aureus strain CIB, and 100 mg/ml for S.aureus strain B3A22. In contrast, clove extract showed an MBC of 25 mg/ml for B.subtilis, 50 mg/ml for L.paracasei, 25 mg/ml for L.agile 1365, 50 mg/ml for S.aureus strain CIB, and 25 mg/ml for S.aureus strain B3A22. These results underscore the significant antibacterial activity of clove extract, particularly due to its higher potency at lower concentrations compared to clove oil, supporting its potential use in developing alternative treatments for dental caries.