Evaluation of Fluoride Release in Chitosan-Modified Glass Ionomer Cements

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the influence of chitosan nanoparticles on the fluoride-releasing ability of 4 glass ionomer cement (GIC) through an in vitro analysis.

METHODS

Four types of GIC (type II light cure universal restorative, type II universal restorative, GC Fuji VII, and type IX) were modified with nanochitosan particles; 10% chitosan was added to the glass ionomer liquid. Six specimens for each of the 4 groups were created, using expendable Teflon moulds. Discs of each type of GIC (n = 6) were immersed in deionised water at various time intervals. Electrodes selective for fluoride ions were employed to analyse the amount of released fluoride at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days.

RESULTS

Chitosan-modified GICs showed greater fluoride release than conventional GICs at all time points. All samples showed an initial high release of fluoride that tapered off with time. The total amount of fluoride released increased from the 1st day to the 28th day on adding chitosan to all the 4 types of GIC. Amongst those, type IX high-strength posterior extra with chitosan released a considerably higher quantity of fluoride at all time intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

In all the experimental groups, adding chitosan to the glass ionomer liquid had an accelerating effect on its fluoride-releasing property.

Impact of Gastric Acids on Surface Roughness of Dental Materials: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Dental materials whenever used for restorations in the oral cavity can be subjected to dental erosion because of the gastric juices and can cause roughness and act as a nidus for the growth plaque. Aim of this study was to evaluate impact of artificial gastric acid on surface roughness of dental restorations, examining scientific studies published from 2010-2020. Materials and Methods: This study follows and complies with principles of PRISMA guidelines for a systematic review research methodology. In March 2020, an initial search was carried out in the MEDLINE (PubMed), Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Saudi Digital Library database of indexed journals from 2010-2020 using the keywords: impact,” “effect,” “gastric acid,” “gastric juice,” “indirect restorations,” “dental materials,” “dental ceramics,” “crowns,”. Bibliographic materials from these articles were then utilized to find other sources.  Results: The MEDLINE (PubMed) search retrieved thirty articles, of which three were relevant to the study. Total articles found in Google scholar were 11,500 article, in which 11 were analyzed for further review and only seven matched the allocated inclusion and exclusion criteria. 512 articles were found in the Saudi Digital Library and only three of these articles followed the inclusion criteria of this study. Conclusions: It has been proved by numerous studies that acidic exposure significantly affects the surface roughness of dental ceramics negatively. There is lack of evidence to support the claim that Zirconia is the dental ceramic of choice for patients with intrinsic acid regurgitation. Thus, it is recommended to conduct further studies in order to assess and confirm the best material that can withstand such acidic environment.

Female lip esthetic and its effect on facial attractiveness in Saudi Arabia

AIM

The purpose of the present study was to determine opinions about beauty and attractiveness, to distinguish the rate of variables among gender and age groups, and to evaluate and determine the most attractive lip surface area (SA) and upper to lower lip ratio.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was performed in two phases: In phase 1, a set of 10 internet-based frontal facial images were used to generate 5 synthetic images that were distributed to participants, who were asked to choose the most and least attractive image. A total of 312 responses were received in this phase. In phase 2, the images that had been chosen in phase 1 were manipulated to reduce or augment the lip size. Five images had variable lip SA, and three had variable upper to lower lip ratio. A total of 687 responses were received in phase 2.

RESULTS

The majority of respondents preferred a more natural lip SA, while in terms of upper to lower lip ratio, 1:2 was considered the most attractive ratio, and 2:1 the least attractive.

CONCLUSION

The lips have a great impact on the perception of beauty. Age, gender, trends, and social media all play a role in determining what is considered to be the most attractive lip SA and upper to lower lip ratio.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The lip SA and upper to lower lip ratios determined in this study may provide guidelines for clinicians in the improvement of facial esthetics. Current trends and social media are the gold standard today regarding patient perception of beauty and esthetics.