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Periodontal disease is caused by specific pathogens which results in inflammation of the tooth-supporting structures and subsequently causes the continued breakdown of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb with substantial medicinal value. Licorice extract is derived from dried, unpeeled stolons and roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and G. glabra. The bioactive ingredients in licorice extract such as glycyrrhizin, licoricidin, glabridin, licochalcone A, and licorisoflavan A have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-adherence effects that are beneficial against periodontal disease. Since periodontal disease has a complex etiology that includes the host response and microorganisms, licorice phytochemicals offer a therapeutic advantage due to their dual functionality. The aim of this review was to enumerate the bioactive compounds present in herbal licorice extract and to elucidate the beneficial effects of licorice and its derivatives in periodontal therapy. Literature review and clinical trials evaluating the effect of licorice on periodontopathogens and periodontal disease are included in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal diseases are inflammations of the periodontium caused by certain microorganisms, leading to progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Conventional medications have limitations such as extrinsic tooth discoloration, altered taste sensation, and the development of bacterial resistance. Licorice is an herb with glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) as its main active component. GA has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. There is limited evidence for the preparation and in vitro evaluation of licorice extract as a topical drug in periodontology. The aim of this study was the formulation and in vitro characterization of a controlled-release gel containing licorice extract that can be used as a topical agent in periodontal therapy. An in vitro study was conducted in which an ethanolic extract of licorice was prepared. The local drug delivery gel was formulated with the specified minimum inhibitory concentration of Glycyrrhiza glabra using Carbopol 940 polymer. In vitro characterization of the formulated gel was done in terms of physical appearance, determination of pH, squirtability, drug content, gelation temperature and time, viscosity, mucoadhesive force, in vitro drug release, thermodynamic stability and X-ray diffraction analysis. The licorice gel formulation was thermodynamically stable, mucoadhesive, and sprayable. It also released the drug slowly for up to 48 hours. The incorporation of licorice extract into a polymeric gel base exhibits good physicochemical properties, adequate mucoadhesiveness, and controlled drug release. Thus, it is a potential herbal extract for local drug delivery that can be used to improve the therapeutic results of scaling and root planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: : To assess the effects of Manuka honey, Ocimum sanctum, Curcuma longa, and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus levels.Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial will be conducted on dental students of Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad. The study participants will be divided into four groups. Each group will have a total of 20 individuals. By using a lottery system, Group A (Manuka honey mouthrinse), Group B (Ocimum sanctum mouthrinse), Group C (Curcuma longa mouthrinse), and Group D (0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse) will be chosen. To match the circadian cycle, saliva will be collected at baseline and again after 2 weeks between 10 and 10.30 a.m. The sterile container will subsequently be delivered to the microbiological laboratory and processed as soon as possible to measure Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus count. For 2 weeks, participants were told to use 10 mL of mouthrinse twice daily.Results: : The mean oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) score of all the four groups showed reduction in their scores from baseline to after the study period. For both S. mutans and L. acidophilus, there was a substantial Percentage Reduction (PR) between the prerinse and postrinse samples in all four groups.Discussion: : Because quantitative actions play a crucial part in the caries disease process, the changes in microbial activity before and after administration of experimental mouthwashes were examined.Conclusion: : Essential oil aqueous extracts were as efficient antibacterial mouthwashes as chlorhexidine and iodine mouthwashes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure which involves local intradermal therapy (LIT) with biologically active substances given in minor quantities to the area of pathology. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant agent which can modulate the attenuation of inflammatory process and enhance tissue repair., Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of local injections of Vitamin C for treating persisting inflammation of the gingiva., Materials and Methods: After phase I therapy was completed, five patients with persisting chronic inflammation of the gingiva were injected with the same dosages of Vitamin C into the gingival tissues. Patients were evaluated each week for resolution of gingival inflammation., Results: Clinical observation showed a significant improvement in inflammation of the injected sites during recall appointments., Conclusions: LIT with Vitamin C has a synergistic interaction along with scaling and root planing in the treatment of persistent gingival inflammation., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Indian Society of Periodontology.)

Nosocomial infections are a major concern to both clinicians and health care seekers. Investigations have suggested that laptops & mobile phones may contribute to cross-contamination and can serve as vehicles for infection transmission. Therefore, it is of interest to document the data on hidden reservoirs such as mobile phones and laptops of pathogens in dental settings at the Hazaribag College of dental sciences and Hospital, Jharkhand. The samples were collected from 25 laptops and 25 mobile phones from dentists working in a dental college in Hazaribag city. The samples were collected aseptically using sterile cotton swabs dipped in sterile saline by rotating the swabs on the keyboard surfaces of laptops and mobile phones, inoculated into Brain Heart Infusion broth, vortexed for 1 minute in Fischer Vortex Genie 2 on highest setting & streaked immediately on 5% sheep blood agar plates and were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours aerobically. The isolates were identified based on the colony morphology, colony characteristics and biochemical reactions. The bacterial species isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Bacillus species, Enterococci, Micrococci, and Pseudomonas etc. Predominant species isolated was Staphylococcus aureus and least was Micrococci. Higher percentage of organisms was found at the Department of Periodontics, Endodontics and least was found in Department of Public Health Dentistry. The percentage and type of organism isolated from keyboards of laptops and mobile phones were similar. Thus, laptops and mobile phones act as vehicles for transfer of potential pathogens associated with dental hospitals. Disinfecting the hands prior to examination of patients and disinfection of laptops and mobiles with alcohol wipes should be done to prevent nosocomial infections., (© 2021 Biomedical Informatics.)