Clinical Research Directory

Effectiveness of Coconut Oil Pulling and Moringa Mouthwash Versus Chlorhexidine in Reducing Gingivitis in Diabetic Children

Gingivitis is a common and reversible inflammatory condition, mainly caused by dental plaque, and is particularly prevalent among children. Children with diabetes mellitus are more susceptible because of altered immune responses, impaired healing, and changes in the oral microbiota. Although mechanical plaque control is the primary method of prevention, poor oral hygiene compliance in children highlights the need for safe adjunctive treatments. Chlorhexidine, while highly effective, can cause staining, taste alteration, and mucosal irritation, limiting its long term pediatric use. Natural alternatives such as coconut oil and Moringa oleifera have attracted attention because of their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Coconut oil, particularly its lauric acid content, may reduce oral pathogens, plaque, and gingival inflammation. Moringa contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and isothiocyanates that may help reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and microbial load. However, comparative clinical evidence on coconut oil versus Moringa for managing gingivitis in diabetic children remains limited, highlighting the need for further clinical research to determine their safety and effectiveness in this vulnerable population.

Clinical and Radiographic Comparison of SMART Hall and Conventional Hall Techniques in Children With Carious Primary Molars

Brief Summary Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children, particularly in primary molars, and may lead to pain, impaired function, reduced quality of life, and an increased risk of caries in permanent teeth. Managing caries in young children can be challenging because of behavioral and developmental factors, highlighting the need for minimally invasive, child-friendly treatment approaches. The Hall Technique is an effective minimally invasive approach that uses stainless steel crowns to seal carious primary molars without caries removal, tooth preparation, or local anesthesia. It has demonstrated high clinical success and good patient acceptance. However, concerns remain regarding the activity of residual bacteria within deeper carious lesions. The Silver-Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique (SMART) incorporates silver diamine fluoride (SDF), which has antibacterial and remineralizing properties, before restoration and sealing. This may provide additional caries-arresting and antibacterial benefits compared with the conventional Hall Technique. Although both techniques have shown promising clinical outcomes, there is limited evidence directly comparing the SMART Hall technique with the conventional Hall Technique, particularly regarding long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes. Therefore, the proposed study aims to evaluate whether adding SDF to the Hall Technique improves treatment success in carious primary molars. The findings may help identify an effective, minimally invasive, and child-friendly approach for managing dental caries in pediatric patients.

Effects of Topical Fluoride in Orthodontic Patients

This study was born from the need to improve caries prevention in orthodontic patients, a group particularly at risk. Fixed orthodontic appliances make daily oral hygiene more difficult, leading to increased plaque accumulation and the proliferation of cariogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and, more recently, Selenomonas sputigena. Although the latter does not cause cavities on its own, it enhances the action of Streptococcus mutans, making the caries process more aggressive. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of two different types of professional topical fluoride-gel and varnish-in reducing the presence of these bacteria and improving certain clinical parameters, such as salivary pH, the DMFT index (which measures decayed, missing, and filled teeth), and the Plaque Control Record (PCR%). The study involved 45 patients, all between 8 and 17 years old and wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. They were divided into three groups: one received fluoride gel, another received fluoride varnish, and the third group underwent only a professional oral hygiene session, without any fluoride application. All patients were evaluated at the beginning of the study (T0) and again after four months (T1), both clinically and microbiologically, through saliva and plaque analysis. The results showed that in the fluoride-treated groups-especially the varnish group-there was a significant reduction in plaque, an improvement in salivary pH (mainly in the gel group), and a decrease in the presence of S. mutans and S. sputigena. Furthermore, there was a reduction in oral Streptococci and Lactobacilli levels in the treated groups, whereas these levels increased in the control group. Interestingly, although not all differences were statistically significant, the improvements observed in the treatment groups suggest a clinically relevant benefit of topical fluoride, especially in varnish form. In conclusion, professional application of fluoride-whether in gel or varnish form-proved effective in counteracting key bacteria responsible for dental caries in orthodontic patients and in improving several relevant clinical parameters. This confirms the importance of combining professional oral hygiene with specific fluoride treatments in patients wearing orthodontic appliances.