Journal of Baghdad College of Dentistry

Background: Complete denture construction requires accurate measurements of the edentulous palate to ensure optimal fit and function. This study aimed to evaluate palatal dimensions in a sample of Kurdish edentulous population and determine the effects of age, gender and duration of edentulism on these measurements. Materials and Methods: Maxillary stone models were obtained from 51 edentulous participants, comprising 26 women and 25 men aged 40–75 years. Palatal linear measurements, including length, width and height, along with ratios involving palatal, rugae, and incisive papilla area size, were evaluated and correlated with age, sex and the edentulous duration. Digital caliber and ImageJ software were employed for accurate linear measurements and size evaluations. Results: A significant sex-related impact was found on the palatal size in middle palate width and posterior height, with men exhibiting higher values than women (45.29 and 12.47 mm vs. 43.2 and 10.78 mm). Palatal ratios remained consistent across both sexes. Notably, an increase in palatal height was observed with longer durations of edentulism (H1–H3 increased from 6.68, 10.42 and 10.07 mm, respectively, to 8.30, 12.72 and 12.87 mm, respectively). Conclusions: Men demonstrated significantly higher values in middle palatal width, posterior height and palate area size than women. This study underscores the influence of age and edentulous duration on palatal dimensions, providing valuable data to guide clinicians in their dental rehabilitation planning. Palatal height indices were identified as a valuable tool for exploring denture construction.

Background: In recent years, the application of complementary medicine to treat an array of conditions, including cancer, has surged in prominence. Investigations have indicated that amygdalin, a naturally occurring chemical derived from plants, has anticarcinogenic impacts on several types of cancer. Method: The current work used human oral cancer cell lines, namely the oral cell line SCC-9, to evaluate the anticarcinogenic impact of amygdalin extracted from almonds and apricots. A meticulous extraction method from fresh apricots and almonds was employed to accomplish this. After that, SCC-9 cells were treated with these extracts at different doses ranging from 0 to 100 μg/ml. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test, and neutral red uptake assay (NRU) were used to assess the effectiveness of amygdalin. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated the anti-cancer qualities of amygdalin, which is found in almonds and apricots. This demonstrates that it is a therapeutic strategy which can be helpful in treating oral cancer.

Background: Electronic cigarettes are rising in popularity not only amongst those who smoke cigarettes but also amongst the youth. Although thought to be less harmful than regular cigarettes, electronic cigarettes are now the subject of considerable debate. This study aimed to assess oral hygiene status, gingival health condition and salivary alkaline phosphatase concentration in relation to electronic cigarette smoking. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 80 college students aged 18–25 years old, who were divided into 40 users of electronic cigarettes and 40 non-users who were enrolled as the control group. They had been diagnosed for plaque index and calculus index according to the calculus component of the Periodontal Disease Index and gingival index. Enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay was used to chemically evaluate unstimulated salivary samples for the detection of alkaline phosphatase. Statistical analysis was carried out by SPSS version 22. Results: Results showed that electronic cigarette smokers had significantly higher mean values of plaque index, gingival index and salivary alkaline phosphatase concentration than the control group. No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the calculus index. Conclusion: This study revealed that daily use of electronic cigarettes is linked to an increased chance of poor oral health in adults, and using them increases the odds of developing periodontal disease and teeth loss.

Background: Dentists, safeguarding against contagious diseases, face infection risks. The study aimed to assess post-COVID immunity, quantification of salivary biomarkers for prognostication, and immune surveillance. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 91 working Iraqi dentists from June to August 2022. The dual IgG s1 &n, and IgA s1 &n specific to COVID-19 were measured by ELISA-specific kits from serum and saliva. From randomly selected 36 out of 91 participants CD4 and subtypes TH1 and TH2 were counted by flow cytometry from fresh whole peripheral blood. Results: All CD4, Th1, and Th2 percentage levels were reduced as a whole if compared to known normal value, and Th2 elevated and inhibited the level of Th1 in all study individuals. All cells were significantly associated with a positive history of COVID-19 infection whereas the CD4 was significantly related to the Pfizer type of vaccine, loss of both sense and recovery time within 15 days. A positive correlation was found between CD4 and Th2 and CD4 with IgG n in serum; this antibody was highly significant with positive COVID-19 infection higher than that of serum IgG s1. Noticeably, the IgA (s+n) in serum was associated with a positive history of infection and could be detected in individuals with a duration of the last infection >1-2 years and last vaccine duration > 6- 12 months. Conclusion: A low percentage level of CD4 and an imbalance Th1/Th2 ratio made the recovered individual more susceptible to re-infection but the significantly high percentage of specific COVID antibodies followed one time of infection or booster vaccine dose gave their protection.

Background: Nanoparticles have been widely used in dentistry due to their numerous physical and biological benefits. Carbon quantum dots (CQD) are used in many biological applications due to their small size and low cytotoxicity. It is expected to improve the surface properties of tooth enamel against acid dissolution when applied at low concentrations. The objective: This study evaluated the effect of CQD solution on the microhardness and surface characteristics of sound and demineralized enamel surfaces. Material and Methods: The solution was prepared with laser ablation and then examined with UV light (325 mm). The distribution, size, and dimensions of particles were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopes and transmission electron microscopes. Forty solid teeth (the first upper premolar) were prepared and divided into four groups (n=10). Group 1 (control group), Group 2 (Sound + CQD), Group 3 (Sound + CQD + Demineralization) and Group 3 (Sound+ Demineralization + CQD). The sample was immersed in the test solution for 4 minutes at 37 °C. The enamel microhardness was tested using Vickers microhardness testers, and the morphological characteristics were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Results: The CQD particles appear to be sphere-shaped with diameters of 2-10 nm and blue cyan light. After application of CQDs, the average microhardness value increased significantly (p<0.001) compared to the control group. Demineralized enamel (group 4) recorded a higher microhardness (p=0.006) than sound enamel (group 3) after CQD application. The treated surface was smooth and homogeneous, with a better crystal structure and closed pores than the untreated surface. Conclusion: The addition of CQDs had a profound effect on the sound surface hardness and demineralized enamel with enhanced morphological properties, which is considered an effective method for the prevention of dental disease.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between oral health with salivary vitamin D and estradiol in postmenopausal women in Iraq. Materials and Methods: in this cross-sectional comparative study, 90 participants were divided into three groups based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry data either (i) osteoporosis (ii) osteopenia; or (iii) healthy con-trol. The questionnaire was used to measure level of xerostomia. Clinical parameters, including clinical attachment loss and missing teeth were recorded. Salivary flow rate was measured; and the salivary vitamin D and estradiol levels were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay. Result: In the osteoporosis group, the average clinical attachment loss was signifi-cantly greater and statistically significant, while the missing teeth was considerably higher in the osteopenia group. Meanwhile, the control group showed the highest levels of salivary flow rate, vitamin D, and estradiol. A negative association was found between estradiol and tooth loss in the osteoporosis group. On the contrary, a moderately positive correlation was found between vita-min D and salivary flow rate in the control group. Conclusion: Osteoporosis negatively impacted oral health by increasing the number of missing teeth and clinical attachment loss and decreasing the flow rate of saliva. Salivary vitamin D and estradiol correlate with tooth loss and salivary flow rate, among other oral health conditions. Thus, a person’s level of dental health can be an early warning sign of osteoporosis.

Background: This in vitro study was carried out to determine the marginal discrepancy (MD) and retention force (RF) values in the conometric systems (CSs) having poor retention after cementation using two distinct cements and procedures. Materials and methods: This study used 24 monolithic zirconia crowns that were cemented into 24 conometric caps and 24 conometric abutments attached to implant analogues. The researchers repeated the pull-out test until they achieved the RF values <40N. All samples were classified into two categories (n=12): grooved and ungrooved crowns. Every group was separated into 2 subgroups (n=6) depending on the cement type that was used i.e., either zinc phosphate cement (ZPC) or resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). After cementation, the researchers calculated the MDs with a stereoscopic microscope, and the RFs were calculated with the help of pull-out tests. The researchers statistically analysed the data using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test with a significance level <0.05. Results: They noted that the ungrooved crowns that were cemented using RMGIC (163±17.13μm) and ZPC (173.16±23.13μm) exhibited the highest average MDs. On the other hand, the grooved crowns that were cemented with RMGIC displayed the lowest average MD (38.16±22.85μm). Also, RMGIC showed a higher RF value (355.54±102.23N, 373.48±46.33N) compared to that shown by ZPC (199.79±114.01N, 189.86±21.33N). Conclusions: Both the cement groups in this study showed a higher and acceptable retention. Furthermore, it was seen that the incorporation of grooves in the crowns during the cementation procedure decreased the MD. Additionally, RMGIC-cemented grooved crowns displayed the best post-cementation MD and RF values.

Background: Corticosteroids are the most common treatment for oral lichen planus, a long-term immune-related condition, which is considered the most effective treatment. Photobiomodulation is a viable alternative treatment that can successfully treat various pathological disorders by relieving pain, decreasing inflammation, and facilitating tissue healing. Unlike steroid medications, photobiomodulation does not have any associated disadvantages. This study aimed to assess and compare the effects of topical application of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide and photobiomodulation on erosive oral lichen planus. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in this investigation, which involved 20 patients who were suffering from erosive oral lichen planus. The control group (n= 10) was administered a 0.1% topical solution of triamcinolone acetonide 3 times daily and a miconazole oral gel once daily, for 4 weeks. The patients in the second group (n = 10) engaged in laser therapy twice a week for 8 sessions over 4 weeks, utilizing a 980 nm diode laser with an output power of 300 mw. Pain and clinical scores of patients were evaluated at the start and 4 weeks postoperatively. Results: Both groups were not significantly different from one another, and both had substantial improvements in pain and clinical scores. Conclusions: Low-Level Laser therapy showed potential as a therapeutic approach for treating erosive oral lichen planus, offering an alternative to steroid therapy without the associated adverse effects.