The Potential Application of Green-Synthesized Metal Nanoparticles in Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review.

Orodental problems have long been managed using herbal medicine. The development of nanoparticle formulations with herbal medicine has now become a breakthrough in dentistry because the synthesis of biogenic metal nanoparticles (MNPs) using plant extracts can address the drawbacks of herbal treatments. Green production of MNPs such as Ag, Au, and Fe nanoparticles enhanced by plant extracts has been proven to be beneficial in managing numerous orodental disorders, even outperforming traditional materials. Nanostructures are utilized in dental advances and diagnostics. Oral disease prevention medicines, prostheses, and tooth implantation all employ nanoparticles. Nanomaterials can also deliver oral fluid or pharmaceuticals, treating oral cancers and providing a high level of oral healthcare. These are also found in toothpaste, mouthwash, and other dental care products. However, there is a lack of understanding about the safety of nanomaterials, necessitating additional study. Many problems, including medication resistance, might be addressed using nanoparticles produced by green synthesis. This study reviews the green synthesis of MNPs applied in dentistry in recent studies (2010-2021).

A Novel Developed Bioactive Composite Resin Containing Silver/Zinc Oxide (Ag/ZnO) Nanoparticles as an Antimicrobial Material against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, and Candida albicans.

AIM: The objectives of this study were to develop a new bioactive composite resin containing silver/zinc oxide (Ag/ZnO) nanoparticles and investigate the effects on mechanical, cytotoxic, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disc-shaped specimens were prepared from composite with and without nanoparticles in separate culture media containing Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, and Candida albicans. Bracket bonding evaluation was performed on composite without nanoparticles (O), composite containing ZnO (Z) nanoparticles, composite containing ZnO nanoparticles and silver ions (A&Z), and composite containing Ag/ZnO nanoparticles (AZ) synthesized using optical precipitation. RESULTS: Composite resin with nanoparticles (AZ, A&Z, and Z) showed significant antimicrobial properties (P < 0.05). The mean shear bond strength of A&Z composite resin (13.61 ± 0.73 MPa) was significantly less than that of conventional composite resin (19.03 ± 4.12 MPa) (P < 0.05). In addition, the mean shear bond strength of AZ composite resin (20.49 ± 1.03 MPa) was significantly higher than that of Z (16.35 ± 1.03 MPa) and A&Z composite resins. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles and their compounds into orthodontic composite resins induced antibacterial properties against oral pathogens, and of all these nanoparticles, the AZ group exhibited the best antimicrobial activity and highest shear bond strength.

Efect of Anaheal (Bromelain) Drug on the Periodontal Clinical Indices in Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment of Patients with Chronic Periodontitis

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Anaheal (Bromelain) drug on the periodontal clinical indices in nonsurgical periodontal treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis. Material and Methods: In this double blind clinical trial, 80 patients with chronic moderate periodontitis and a healthy systemic status were chosen, and divided into two 40-subject groups. Thereafter, the standard treatment of periodontitis including scaling and root planning in one session by the unit operator was performed for all patients. Eventually, one group of the patients was administered Bromelain medication (500-mg capsule twice a day) one hour before food, while the other group was given placebo. Four and eight weeks after the treatment, the clinical periodontal indicators were measured and recorded in both groups. The data were assessed using descriptive statistics and analytical test methods (Mann-U-Whitney and Chi-square). P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Gingival index, probing depth and plaque index before the treatment were similar in both groups (Anaheal and placebo). However, four and eight weeks after the treatment, the three studied indices were significantly lower in the Anaheal group as compared to the placebo (p<0.05). The index of bleeding on probing was also similar before the treatment and four weeks after the treatment in both groups. However, eight weeks after the treatment, this index was significantly lower in the Anaheal group as compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Administration of oral Anaheal medication after nonsurgical periodontal treatments reduced all the clinical periodontal indices among patients with chronic periodontitis as compared to the control group. Therefore, it can be a suitable substitute for the common oral industrial antibiotics.

Evaluation of the Antifungal Effect of Chicory Extracts on Candida Glabrata and Candida Krusei in a Laboratory Environment.

AIM: This research has evaluated the extract's antifungal effects on Candida glabrata and Candida krusei in a laboratory environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this research, to evaluate the antifungal effect and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination of chicory extract, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) was used. Candida glabrata and C. krusei funguses were procured from the Tehran Pasteur Institute; they were grown in the relative growing environment according to the required conditions. Also for further assurance about the macrodilution method reality, the agar well diffusion method was used. Finally, the obtained results were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16 software. RESULTS: The MIC for the chicory extract was 50 µg/mL for C. krusei and 100 µg/mL for C. glabrata. On the contrary, in the evaluation of different concentrations of the chicory extract by the agar well diffusion method, C. krusei's lack of growth in similar concentrations was greater than that of C. glabrata. As a result, the findings related to both the methods of agar well diffusion and MIC prevention concentration maximization proved that C. krusei sensitivity to the chicory extract is more compared with the sensitivity of C. glabrata. CONCLUSION: Chicory extract has the benefits of low price, accessibility, and proper taste as compared with nystatin. It also has fewer side effects, and after a clinical test, it could be considered a proper candidate as an antifungal drug against infections caused by C. krusei and C. glabrata. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results obtained from this research have shown that chicory extract has antifungal features and is the best choice as an antifungal drug because of its low price, accessibility, and proper taste as compared with nystatin.