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IntroductionIn the current climate of heightened terrorist activity, the deliberate release or threat of biological agents like viruses, bacteria, fungi, or their toxins to induce sickness or death among civilians has become a genuine possibility. The most crucial action during a bioterrorist strike is early warning. The possibility of such an occurrence in dental setting is underestimated. Methods and MaterialsSeventy five graduate students participated in the research. In a survey on zoonotic diseases, participants were asked whether they were familiar with the transmission from person to person, if the diseases caused significant morbidity and mortality, whether they were simple to produce and disseminate, and whether they posed a high risk of infection. ResultsGraph Prism was used to examine the data. A single proportion test was used to determine the “Aware Not Aware” group. The first 10 questions assessed dentists objective knowledge of bioterrorism. The importance of the last six questions was determined by their analysis of dentists’ preparedness and desire to respond to a bioterrorism associated occurrence via perceived knowledge. ConclusionGiven the real danger they may face, dentists needed to be vigilant regarding the prevention, detection, and treatment of zoonotic illnesses transmitted in their offices or as a vector while being commended for their courage in the face of adversity.

Childhood marks a crucial phase in dental development, laying the foundation for lifelong oral health. This narrative review explores the role of oral hygiene applications (apps) in promoting optimal oral care habits among children. The article highlights the significance of childhood oral health beyond immediate concerns, emphasizing its impact on physical comfort, emotional wellbeing, and long-term habits. With the proliferation of mobile technology, oral hygiene apps have emerged as innovative tools to engage children in dental care. These apps leverage interactive features, gamification elements, and educational content to make learning about oral hygiene enjoyable and effective. Research indicates that oral hygiene apps can positively influence brushing frequency, technique refinement, and plaque reduction among children. Despite their potential, challenges such as digital equity disparities, privacy concerns, and app sustainability persist. Future directions suggest personalized interventions, integration with telehealth services, and leveraging emerging technologies like augmented reality and artificial intelligence to enhance app effectiveness and engagement. Practical recommendations for healthcare professionals, parents, and app developers are provided to maximize the adoption and effectiveness of oral hygiene apps. Collaboration among stakeholders is essential to address challenges and harness the full potential of oral hygiene apps in pediatric dental care. In conclusion, oral hygiene apps represent promising tools in promoting lifelong oral health habits and enhancing dental outcomes among children. Sustained research, innovation, and collaboration are vital to overcome obstacles and ensure widespread acceptance of these digital interventions. By embracing technological advancements and addressing challenges, oral hygiene apps can play a pivotal role in advancing pediatric dental care and improving oral health outcomes for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of leaf extracts of Moringa Oleifera using different extraction methods. Ethanol, Acetone and water were used as solvents for preparation of leaf extracts of Moringa Oleifera. These extracts were tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against two commonly occurring cariogenic microorganisms, streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus. The antimicrobial potential was assessed using disc and well diffusion methods. Statistical analysis was done using one way Anova test to compare the inhibition zone diameter and t-test to compare between groups. The p value had to be = 0.05 to be considered as statistically significant. Ethanol and Acetone extracts did show comparable antimicrobial effects but the results of Acetone were statistically significant (P = 0.05). The aqueous (water) extracts did not show any antimicrobial effect. The leaf extracts of Moringa Oleifera showed significant antimicrobial potency against commonly occurring cariogenic microorganisms like streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is observed on permanent molars as demarcated opacities that vary from creamy-white or yellow to yellowish-brown discoloration. The condition is of systemic origin, affecting one to four permanent first permanent molars and often involving the permanent incisors. The current study was designed to determine the prevalence, pattern, distribution of MIH in Arab children in schools of United Arab Emirates. The associated risk factors like perinatal variables and early childhood illnesses were also assessed. A total of 1200 children with 656 boys and 544 girls were included in the study. The children belonged to the age group of 8-12 years of age. The children were examined for prevalence and distribution of MIH and risk factors like perinatal variables and early childhood illnesses were also assessed. The tabulated data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. The prevalence of MIH was reported at 21.16%. It was seen that MIH is more prevalent in girls when compared to boys with the p value being <0.001. The mandibular molars had a higher prevalence of MIH when compared to the maxillary molars with the results being statistically significant. MIH though associated with the perinatal variables but the results were not statistically significant. MIH had a strong association with the factors of early childhood illnesses and the results were statistically significant. The prevalence of MIH in Arab children in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) was 21.6%. The demarcated opacity type of MIH being the most common form of defect followed by post-eruptive breakdown. Further studies are recommended to better understand the possible etiologies of MIH in Arab children and the associated risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agenesis comprises of the most common developmental anomaly of the human dentition, and is seen to affect at least about 25% of the population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of agenesis of third molars, mandibular second premolars and maxillary lateral incisors in the patients visiting a dental college in United Arab Emirates. Orthopantamograms (OPGs) of 945 dental patients aged 6 years -30 years were examined for the agenesis of teeth. Bilateral agenesis was considered and unilateral missing teeth were excluded from the study. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the percentages and frequencies were calculated using chi square test and the level of significance was considered if p value was <0.05. The prevalence of bilateral agenesis or congenitally missing teeth within the selected 945 OPGs were at 8.99%. The most common bilateral agenesis or congenitally missing teeth were the third molars (31.7%) followed by mandibular second premolar (10.5%) and maxillary lateral incisors (8.2%). The most common tooth presenting with agenesis was the third molars. The agenesis was more in the males than females and also it was more common in the mandibular arch than in the maxillary arch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanistic details of the superoxide induced solvent degradation, is important in the development of stable electrolytes for lithium–oxygen (Li—O2) batteries. Propylene carbonate (PC) decomposition on a model electrode surface is studied here using in situ attenuated total reflectance surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS). The sensitivity of the SEIRAS technique to the interfacial region allows investigation of subtle changes in the interface region during electrochemical reactions. Our SEIRAS studies show that the superoxide induced ring opening reaction of PC is determined by the electrolyte cation. Computational modeling of the proposed reaction pathway of superoxide with PC revealed a large difference in the activation energy barriers when Li+ was the countercation compared with tetraethylammonium (TEA+), due to the coordination of Li+ to the carbonate functionality. While the degradation of cyclic organic carbonates during the Li—O2 battery discharge process is a well-established case, understanding these details are of significant importance toward a rational selection of the Li—O2 battery electrolytes; our work signifies the use of SEIRAS technique in this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive hyperplasias comprise a group of fibrous connective tissue lesions that commonly occur in oral mucosa secondary to injury. Peripheral fibroma is also a type of reactive hyperplasia. Peripheral fibroma is a reactive hyperplastic mass that occurs on the gingiva and is derived from connective tissue of the submucosa or periodontal ligament. It may occur at any age, although it does have a predilection for young adults. Females develop these lesions more commonly than do males. Here, we are presenting a case report of a child who is 6 years old and presented to us with a swelling in the lower anterior region which was providing discomfort to the child and also was obstructing the eruption pathway of the permanent central incisor in the region. The lesion was surgically excised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relentless conflict in Khartoum has severely crippled higher education, especially in specialized fields like dental education. The war has wreaked havoc on academic schedules, severely damaging infrastructure, and creating an atmosphere of pervasive uncertainty and stress for students and faculty alike. Academic continuity has been shattered, with courses and training programs facing frequent disruptions, leaving students struggling to complete their studies and gain essential practical experience. Faculty members, too, are under immense pressure, dealing with the dual burdens of maintaining educational standards and ensuring personal safety. This commentary delves into the devastating and far-reaching consequences of the ongoing conflict on dental education in Khartoum, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive recovery and support strategies to restore this critical field., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Nada Tawfig Hashim et al.)

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the remineralizing efficacy of novamin and tricalcium phosphate (TCP)., Materials and Methods: Nail varnish was coated to a total of 30 sound human premolars except for 5 mm × 5 mm window. Baseline microhardness was measured for all test samples. Artificial carious lesions were created for all teeth by subjecting them to demineralization process. Then microhardness of demineralized lesion was measured. Later artificial caries teeth were equally divided into two groups to treat with remineralization solution for 10 days; group I: novamin and group II: TCP. After 10 days of pH cycling, microhardness was measured. The data were statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software from Chicago SPSS Inc., version 21 and using analysis of variance (ANOVA) post hoc multiple comparisons test for intergroup and significant difference at p < 0.05., Results: In the present study, group I indicated a higher value for remineralization compared with group II (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: The present study showed that both novamin and TCP were effective in remineralizing the carious lesions., Clinical Significance: This study evaluates the remineralizing potential of novamin and TCP on initial carious lesions.