^{June 2026 Abstracts}

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                                                                                                                                                 Research Article

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Clinical trial of essential oil-based dentifrices for denture cleaning and patient satisfaction

 

Arthur Augusto Martins e Silva, dds, msc,  Lorena Mosconi Clemente, dds, msc, Adriana Barbosa Ribeiro, dds, msc, phd, Viviane de Cássia Oliveira, bsc, msc, phd, Ana Paula Macedo, bee, msc, phd,  Evandro Watanabe, dds, msc, phd,  &  Cláudia Helena Silva-Lovato, dds, msc, phd

 

Abstract: Purpose: This randomized, controlled, crossover, and triple-blind clinical trial evaluated the antibiofilm action and patient acceptance of four experimental dentifrices with essential oils at 1%. Methods: Participants (n= 24) selected based on eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to five groups: a positive control (chloramine T dentifrice), Melaleuca alternifolia (Ma), Pinus strobus (Ps), Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth (BvK), or Eucalyptus citriodora (Ec). They brushed their dentures three times/day with the provided brush and dentifrice for 14 days. A 7-day washout was established between each dentifrice use. Biofilm removal (computerized method), microbial load of Candida spp., Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Staphylococcus spp., Mutans streptococci, gram-negative bacteria, and total aerobes (colony-forming unit counting), cellular metabolism (XTT-assay), cell viability (flow cytometry), and patient satisfaction (questionnaire) were evaluated at baseline and after use of the dentifrices. Data were analyzed using Friedman’s ANOVA and Cochran’s Q Test for related samples (α= 0.05). Results: The amount of biofilm (P= 0.004) and the microbial load of C. albicans (P= 0.003) were significantly lower after the use of the dentifrices compared to baseline. The dentifrices did not significantly affect cell viability (P= 0.170) or cellular metabolism (P= 0.814). No significant differences in patient acceptance were found between the experimental dentifrices and the positive control. Experimental dentifrices with 1% Melaleuca alternifolia, Pinus strobus, Bowdichia virgilioides Kunth, and Eucalyptus citriodora effectively cleaned dentures, reduced C. albicans load, and were well accepted by users. (Am J Dent 2026;39:110-116).

 

 

Mail: Dr. Arthur Augusto Martins e Silva, Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Café Avenue, s/n – Campus of USP, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-904, Brazil. E-mail: arthur.amsilva@usp.br

 

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                 Research Article

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Laboratory evaluation of mixed-species biofilm formation by Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei on three dental resin-based restorative materials

 

Clint Conner, dds, Parveez Ahmed AbdulAzees, phd, Xiao-Dong Chen, md, phd, Chih-Ko Yeh, bds, phd &  Franklin Garcia-Godoy, dds, ms, phd,

 

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the biofilm-forming potential of mixed-species bacteria on three commercially available dental restorative composites and compare their resistance to biofilm accumulation. Given the increasing emphasis on bioactive and fluoride-releasing materials in caries prevention, the study specifically assessed the difference between restorative with and without fluoride content. Methods: Three restorative materials, Activa (bioactive fluoride releasing), Filtek Bulk Fill (non-fluoride releasing) and TPH (non-fluoride containing) were tested in the laboratory. Standardized resin-discs were fabricated, saliva-coated to simulate oral conditions, and inoculated with a 1:1 mixed culture of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei. Biofilm development was assessed at 24- and 48-hours using colony forming unit (CFU) quantification. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (α= 0.05). Results: Significant differences in biofilm accumulation were observed among materials at both points (P< 0.05). TPH exhibited the highest CFU counts at 24 hours (0.24 ± 0.03 × 10⁷ CFU/mL) and 48 hours (1.07 ± 0.12 × 10⁷ CFU/mL). In contrast, Activa and Filtek showed significantly lower biofilm formation at both points (24 hours: 0.093 ± 0.05 × 10⁷ CFU/mL; 48 hours: 0.47 ± 0.31 and 0.53 ± 0.12 × 10⁷ CFU/mL, respectively), with no significant difference between them. (Am J Dent 2026;39:117-120).

 

 

Mail: Dr. Franklin Garcia-Godoy, Department of Bioscience Research, College of Dentistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 875 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38183 USA.  E-mail: fgarciagodoy@gmail.com

 

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                 Research Article

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Effect of herbal ingredient toothpastes on resin composites’ surfaces and their antimicrobial activities

 

Elif Reyhan Durak, dmd, msd, Melek Hilal Kaplan, dmd, msd  &  Pelin Ozmen, ms, phd

 

Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the effects of herbal toothpastes compared to chemical toothpastes on restorative materials’ structure and antimicrobial effects. Methods: Four experimental herbal toothpastes and one chemical toothpaste (positive control group) were tested. Microhardness values, weights, and volumes of samples formed with dental composites were recorded before and after brushing. Minimal inhibitory concentration and agar well diffusion tests were used to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of toothpastes on contaminated surfaces. After brushing the samples with Streptococcus mutans plaque, colony counts were made as CFU/ml, and plaque inhibition was monitored by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) examination. The data obtained were evaluated statistically. Results: The study’s results showed a statistically significant change in the microhardness, weight, and volume values of dental composites used in both the anterior and posterior regions. In the antimicrobial activity evaluation results, plaque inhibition was detected in the FE-SEM images of the composite blocks where herbal toothpastes were used. (Am J Dent 2026;39:121-124).

 

 

 

Mail: Dr. Elif Reyhan Durak, Section of Restorative Dentistry, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Nevsehir Hacı Bektas Veli, 2000 Evler Mah. Zübeyde Hanım Cad. 50300, Nevsehir, Turkey. E-mail: elfryhndrk@gmail.com

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                     Review Article

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Locally delivered simvastatin and rosuvastatin in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

 

Roza Zarei, Pooya Vatankhah, dds, Saman Chaparzade, pharmd, Farbod Ebrahimirad, dds, Pardis Hassani, dds, Nima Khamisi, dds, Sahar Dehzadeh, dds, Zahra Sezavar, dds, Niloofar Deravi, md, Sharare Jahangiri, dds, Haleh Fakhimi Rezaei, dds, Amir Khashayar Jafari, dds &  Alireza Mokhtari Sakhvidi, dds

 

Abstract: Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of locally delivered simvastatin and rosuvastatin in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Methods: A thorough literature review was performed utilizing PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies published until June 2025. Titles, abstracts, and full texts of the eligible studies were obtained and reviewed. Data were subsequently extracted from the chosen studies and analyzed accordingly. Results: A total of 30 RCT studies with 1,211 participants were included. Our study showed that the local delivery of simvastatin and rosuvastatin significantly improved pocket depth [Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) 95% confidence interval (CI)] = -0.83, -1.31 respectively, P< 0.001), clinical attachment level
(-1.20, -1.59, P< 0.001), gingival index (-0.60, -1.42, P< 0.001), modified sulcus bleeding index (-0.61, -0.36, P< 0.001), plaque index (-0.38, P< 0.001), and relative attachment level (-0.54, -0.89, P< 0.001). However, there was no significant association between the plaque index and the use of rosuvastatin (-0.20, P< 0.05). (Am J Dent 2026;39:125-133).

 

 

 

 

Mail: Dr. Niloofar Deravi, SBUMS, Arabi Ave, Daneshjoo Blvd, Velenjak, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: niloofarderavi@sbmu.ac.ir   Mail: Dr. Alireza Mokhtari Sakhvidi, IAU Tehran Medical Sciences, Shariati St, Tehran, Iran. E-mail: dralirezamokhtari95@gmail.com

 

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                 Research Article

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Agreement among tooth color measurement devices: An experimental comparison

 

Ezgi Türkoğlu Tarı, dds  &  Yusuf Bayraktar, dds, phd

 

Abstract: Purpose: To compare the measurement results of different instrumental color analysis methods with a reference spectrophotometer. Methods: Six different methods (DSLR camera and smartphone camera with and without cross-polarizing filter, VITA Easyshade and Spectroshade spectrophotometers) were evaluated using four different shade tabs (1M1, 3R2.5, 3L2.5, 5M3). X-Rite MetaVue VS3200, a highly repeatable spectrophotometer, was used as the reference method. All images were captured in RAW format using standardized lighting and white balance for photographic methods and analyzed using Adobe Photoshop. Beside the L*, a*, b* values, the ΔE₀₀ values were measured. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (P= 0.05). Results: According to ANOVA test, the L*, a*, b* values of all groups showed significant differences for all shades (P< 0.05). When compared with the X-Rite MetaVue VS3200 group, the obtained ΔE₀₀ values also showed significant differences (P< 0.001) and were above the acceptability threshold. All ∆E₀₀ values were above the acceptability threshold (∆E₀₀> 1.8) for all groups. The color measurement methods used in dental literature often produce inconsistent results when compared to each other. In this study, the results obtained from the tested methods were also inconsistent with the reference method. Therefore, the commonly used color measurement methods in dental research should be reconsidered. (Am J Dent 2026;39:134-138).

 

 

 

 

Mail: Dr. Ezgi Türkoğlu Tarı, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Kırıkkale University Faculty of Dentistry, Kırıkkale, Turkey. E-mail: dtezgiturkoglu@gmail.com

 

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                                                                                                                                                 Research Article

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A randomized controlled clinical evaluation of anti-gingivitis and desensitizing efficacy of a newly developed toothpaste with zinc chloride and oriental herb extract

 

Kyo Tae Moon, phd,  Jong Hyun Lim, phd,  Kyeonghee Oh, ms, Wonho Ha, phd, Min-Jeong Cho, phd &  Kyu-Hwan Lee, dds, phd

 

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel toothpaste formulation containing potassium phosphates, zinc chloride, and botanical extracts in managing periodontal conditions and dentin hypersensitivity. Methods: A single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted over 4 weeks with 97 participants aged 30 years and older, all experiencing dentin hypersensitivity. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: a negative control group using standard toothpaste, an experimental group using the test toothpaste with conventional brushing, and another experimental group using the test toothpaste with topical application followed by brushing. Efficacy was assessed by measuring plaque deposition with the Patient Hygiene Performance (PHP) Index, gingival health with the Gingival Index (GI) and the Papillary, Marginal, and Attached gingival inflammation index, and dentin hypersensitivity with an electric pulp tester (EPT). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.5, with analysis of variance and paired t-tests to compare results across groups and time points. Results: The topical application followed by brushing method (Group 3) demonstrated significantly greater efficacy in reducing dentin hypersensitivity, plaque accumulation, and gingival inflammation than both the control group and the conventional brushing group (Group 2). After 4 weeks, Group 3 demonstrated a 38.7% reduction in plaque index scores and a 50.8% reduction in GI scores, significantly outperforming the control group. For dentin hypersensitivity, Group 3 exhibited a 10.8% immediate desensitization effect, which was statistically significant compared with the control group. Questionnaire responses indicated higher satisfaction and perceived improvements in gingival health and sensitivity reduction in Group 3. These findings suggest that prolonging the contact time of active ingredients through delayed brushing enhances therapeutic outcomes for both dentin hypersensitivity and periodontal disease management. (Am J Dent 2026;39:139-145).

 

 

Mail: Prof. Min-Jeong Cho, Gimcheon University, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 39528, Korea, E-*: bada964@hanmail.net and Prof. Kyu-Hwan Lee, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Gyeonggi-do 13620, Korea. E-mail: khlee@snudh.org

 

 

 

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                 Research Article

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Effect of pre-diagnostic stain removal on the detection of occlusal fissure caries: A laboratory study

 

Merve Kocuk, dt,  Dilan Kopuz, dds , Semsi Alp, phd,  Ozlem Kanar, dds,  Ozlem ErCin, dds,  Bora Korkut, dds, phd,  Pınar Yılmaz Atalı, dds, phd,  Dilek TaGtekin, dds, phd  &  Funda YanıkoGlu, dds, phd

 

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the laboratory cleaning efficacy of six commonly used non-invasive methods for removing stains from occlusal fissures before caries diagnosis. Methods: 60 extracted, caries-free permanent molars with visible occlusal staining were divided into six groups (n= 10): AquaCare air abrasion, Kerr prophylactic paste, Whiteness HP (35% H₂O₂), HealOzone, oxygenated water + pumice, and Opalustre. All samples were analyzed pre- and post-treatment using a dental microscope, Diagnodent Pen, QLF imaging (Qraypen), 3D Geomagic Control X software for volumetric evaluation and photo editing software for pixel evaluation. Statistical analyses were performed with Kruskal-Wallis and the Friedman’s two-way ANOVA test (P< 0.05). Results: All methods significantly reduced surface discoloration (P< 0.05). AquaCare showed the least residual staining, while HealOzone had the highest (P= 0.043). Volumetric analysis revealed no intergroup enamel loss (P> 0.05), although a significant change was noted in the Whiteness HP group (P= 0.017).  QLF parameters (ΔF and ΔQ) improved significantly in Aquacare, HealOzone, and Opalustre (P< 0.05). Diagnodent Pen readings decreased significantly in the Aquacare, Kerr paste, HealOzone, and oxygenated water + pumice groups (P< 0.05). All tested methods effectively removed fissure stains without causing measurable enamel loss. HealOzone, Aquacare, and Opalustre demonstrated the most balanced performance, combining high cleaning efficacy with minimal surface alteration. The findings emphasize the value of multimodal, minimally invasive approaches for optimizing diagnostic accuracy in occlusal fissure caries detection. (Am J Dent 2026:39:145-153).

 

 

 

 

Mail: Dr. Merve Kocuk, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul Kent University, Istanbul, Turkey. E-mail: merve.kocuk@kent.edu.tr

 

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                 Research Article

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Effect of different surface treatments on the repair bond strength of flowable single-shade bulk-fill composites

 

Betül Kübra Kurucu Karadeniz, dds, phd  &  İbrahim Doğan, dds, phd

 

Abstract: Purpose: To assess how various surface treatment methods affect the repair shear bond strength (SBS) of flowable single-shade bulk-fill composite resins. Methods: 200 composite discs were fabricated using a nanohybrid composite (GrandioSo, VOCO) to simulate aged restorations. All specimens underwent 5,000 thermal cycles to mimic oral aging. Five different surface treatment approaches were tested: no treatment (control), diamond bur abrasion, phosphoric acid etching, Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation, and silane application. After treatment, three flowable single-shade bulk-fill composites: Omnichroma Flow Bulk (Tokuyama Dental), SimpliShade Bulk Fill Flow (Kerr), and Charisma Bulk Flow ONE (Kulzer) were bonded onto the aged surfaces using a universal adhesive (Tokuyama Universal Bond). SBS was measured with a universal testing machine, and failure modes were examined under a stereomicroscope. Statistical analyses were conducted with robust ANOVA and chi-square tests (α= 0.05). Results: Both resin composite type and the surface treatment protocol, as well as their interaction, had significant effects on SBS values (P< 0.001). Among the tested groups, the highest SBS was recorded for GrandioSo combined with silane treatment (23.85 MPa), while the lowest was found for Charisma Bulk Flow ONE after acid etching (10.8 MPa). Silane application resulted in significantly greater SBS compared to other treatments (P< 0.001). Adhesive failures were most prevalent in the acid and control groups, whereas laser and silane groups displayed more cohesive and mixed failures. (Am J Dent 2026:39:153-159).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mail: Dr. Betül Kübra Kurucu Karadeniz, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey. E-mail: kurucubetulkubra@hotmail.com

 

 

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                                                                                                                                                 Research Article

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Surface hardness ratios and surface roughness of bulk-fill resin composites following different heating protocols

 

Dilan Kopuz, dds, Özlem Erçin, dds, Merve Kocuk, dt, Elif Alkan, dds, Bora Korkut, dds, phd, Dilek Tağtekin, dds, phd  &  Funda Yanıkoğlu, dds, phd

 

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the impact of preheating on the physical properties of bulk-fill resin composites, with a particular focus on microhardness and surface roughness. Methods: In this study, seven bulk-fill resin composites (SonicFill 3, Opus Bulk-Fill Flow, Opus Bulk-Fill, Metafil Bulk-Fill, Tetric PowerFlow, Tetric N-Ceram, and Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow) and one conventional resin composite (Filtek Z250) were tested. Specimens were divided into two main groups: Group 1 (preheated 68°C for 10 minutes) and Group 2 (stored at room temperature). For each group, five disc-shaped resin composites (4 mm thickness x 5 mm diameter) were prepared. Each bulk-fill resin composite was applied in a single increment, whereas Filtek Z250 was placed in the molds in 2 mm layers. To complete the polymerization, the samples were kept in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours. Then, the surfaces of the samples were polished with Twist Dia (Clearfil) polishing discs to imitate the finishing and polishing processes. Baseline microhardness and surface roughness values were measured. Subsequently, specimens underwent artificial aging simulating 2 years of clinical use (10,000 brushing cycles + 1,200 thermal cycles). Post-aging measurements were repeated, and statistical analyses were conducted. Results: Significant differences in microhardness values were observed among the experimental groups for all restorative materials, except for Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow (P> 0.05). The highest bottom-to-top hardness ratio was found in both preheated and non-preheated Opus Bulk-Fill Flow, while the lowest was observed in preheated Tetric PowerFlow. Microhardness generally decreased with depth, and the impact of preheating varied among materials. Post-aging surface roughness increased in all groups. Preheated Metafil Bulk-Fill exhibited the highest surface roughness, whereas Estelite Bulk-Fill Flow (both preheated and non-preheated) showed the lowest. Preheating reduced viscosity and enhanced microhardness in certain resin composites but also increased surface roughness over time. The effects of preheating are material-dependent due to compositional differences. (Am J Dent 2026;39:160-164).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mail: Dr. Özlem Erçin, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul Kent University, Istanbul, Turkey. E-mail: ozlem.ercin@kent.edu.tr