Physiopathology of nitric oxide in the oral environment and its biotechnological potential for new oral treatments: a literature review

Maintaining Hygiene in Orthodontic Miniscrews: Patient Management and Protocols-A Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Oral hygiene is crucial for the success of orthodontic therapy involving temporary anchoring devices like miniscrews. Plaque buildup, exacerbated by orthodontic appliances, causes inflammation that can undermine treatment outcomes. Individualized prevention plans based on patient risk factors are essential. This review emphasizes the importance of oral hygiene in orthodontic therapy with miniscrews, identifies optimal devices for ensuring long-term stability, and explores protocols for high-risk patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted on two primary databases, PubMed and Google Scholar, for relevant articles on oral hygiene and inflammation. Fourteen articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected, covering topics such as "orthodontic miniscrew", "miniscrew and laser", "miniscrew and mouthwash", "electric toothbrush", and "GBT".

RESULTS

Inflammation can compromise miniscrew stability by damaging surrounding bone. Miniscrews of 10 mm length have lower failure rates due to better bone contact and stability. Chlorhexidine reduces inflammation risk and inhibits epithelialization around the implant head. Laser therapy enhances miniscrew stability and reduces inflammation. Chitosan effectively suppresses inflammatory mediators and prevents microorganism adhesion. Both sonic and roto-oscillating electric toothbrushes remove plaque effectively, with roto-oscillating brushes showing superior results. The Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol offers professional hygiene benefits similar to traditional methods, with improved patient engagement and motivation.

CONCLUSIONS

Home oral hygiene maintenance is paramount for preventing inflammatory complications. Professional interventions such as diode laser usage, particularly in adult patients with a history of periodontitis or underlying systemic conditions, can mitigate orthodontic therapy failure risks. The GBT protocol fosters a more comfortable and participatory professional hygiene experience for patients, promoting better oral health awareness and compliance.

Whole-Genome Deep Sequencing of the Healthy Adult Nasal Microbiome

This study aimed to determine shifts in microbial populations regarding richness and diversity from the daily use of a popular over-the-counter nasal spray. In addition, the finding of nasal commensal bacterial species that overlap with the oral microbiome may prove to be potential probiotics for the "gateway microbiomes". Nasal swab samples were obtained before and after using the most popular over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray in 10 participants aged 18-48. All participants were healthy volunteers with no significant medical histories. The participants were randomly assigned a number by randomizing software and consisted of five men and five women. The sampling consisted of placing a nasal swab atraumatically into the nasal cavity. The samples were preserved and sent to Northwestern University Sequencing Center for whole-genome deep sequencing. After 21 days of OTC nasal spray use twice daily, the participants returned for further nasal microbiome sampling. The microbial analysis included all bacteria, archaea, viruses, molds, and yeasts via deep sequencing for species analysis. The Northwestern University Sequencing Center utilized artificial intelligence analysis to determine shifts in species and strains following nasal spray use that resulted in changes in diversity and richness.

Microbial metabolites in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases: a narrative review

The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight the importance of microbial metabolites in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. These diseases, involving gingivitis and periodontitis are inflammatory conditions initiated and maintained by the polymicrobial dental plaque/biofilm. Gingivitis is a reversible inflammatory condition while periodontitis involves also irreversible destruction of the periodontal tissues including the alveolar bone. The inflammatory response of the host is a natural reaction to the formation of plaque and the continuous release of metabolic waste products. The microorganisms grow in a nutritious and shielded niche in the periodontal pocket, protected from natural cleaning forces such as saliva. It is a paradox that the consequences of the enhanced inflammatory reaction also enable more slow-growing, fastidious, anaerobic bacteria, with often complex metabolic pathways, to colonize and thrive. Based on complex food chains, nutrient networks and bacterial interactions, a diverse microbial community is formed and established in the gingival pocket. This microbiota is dominated by anaerobic, often motile, Gram-negatives with proteolytic metabolism. Although this alternation in bacterial composition often is considered pathologic, it is a natural development that is promoted by ecological factors and not necessarily a true "dysbiosis". Normal commensals are adapting to the gingival crevice when tooth cleaning procedures are absent. The proteolytic metabolism is highly complex and involves a number of metabolic pathways with production of a cascade of metabolites in an unspecific manner. The metabolites involve short chain fatty acids (SCFAs; formic, acetic, propionic, butyric, and valeric acid), amines (indole, scatole, cadaverine, putrescine, spermine, spermidine) and gases (NH₃, CO, NO, H₂S, H₂). A homeostatic condition is often present between the colonizers and the host response, where continuous metabolic fluctuations are balanced by the inflammatory response. While it is well established that the effect of the dental biofilm on the host response and tissue repair is mediated by microbial metabolites, the mechanisms behind the tissue destruction (loss of clinical attachment and bone) are still poorly understood. Studies addressing the functions of the microbiota, the metabolites, and how they interplay with host tissues and cells, are therefore warranted.

Role of nitric oxide in orthodontic tooth movement (Review)

Nitric oxide (NO) is an ubiquitous signaling molecule that mediates numerous cellular processes associated with cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems. NO also plays an essential role in bone homeostasis regulation. The present review article summarized the effects of NO on bone metabolism during orthodontic tooth movement in order to provide insight into the regulatory role of NO in orthodontic tooth movement. Orthodontic tooth movement is a process in which the periodontal tissue and alveolar bone are reconstructed due to the effect of orthodontic forces. Accumulating evidence has indicated that NO and its downstream signaling molecule, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), mediate the mechanical signals during orthodontic-related bone remodeling, and exert complex effects on osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. NO has a regulatory effect on the cellular activities and functional states of osteoclasts, osteocytes and periodontal ligament fibroblasts involved in orthodontic tooth movement. Variations of NO synthase (NOS) expression levels and NO production in periodontal tissues or gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) have been found on the tension and compression sides during tooth movement in both orthodontic animal models and patients. Furthermore, NO precursor and NOS inhibitor administration increased and reduced the tooth movement in animal models, respectively. Further research is required in order to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms and the clinical application prospect of NO in orthodontic tooth movement.