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Purpose The aim of the current work was to compare the antibacterial activity of Enamelast® and Fluor defender® fluoride varnish on biofilm generation by Streptococcus mutans on extracted primary teeth. Methods Thirty-six primary molars were collected and sliced into seventy-two test model disks. All specimens were examined, and the cracked or broken ones were discarded. A total number of specimens (n = 54) were divided into two experimental analyses viz; biofilm formation (n = 27) and microscopic examination (n = 27). Specimens of each analysis were tested under different experimental conditions: a negative control group (n = 9), Fluor defender group (n = 9), and Enamelast group (n = 9). Following treatment, biofilms were generated by adherent Streptococcus mutans on the test model disks on three time intervals: 24 h (n = 3), 48 h (n = 3), and 72 h (n = 3) for each analysis. Then, for biofilm formation analysis, the biofilm was detected spectrophotometrically at 620 nm after being stained by crystal violet. For microscopical analysis, the surfaces of the test model disks were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and each image was processed and analyzed using ImageJ software. Results At 48 and 72 h, Enamelast® and Fluor defender®-treated group showed significantly (p < 0.001) slight adhered bacterial cells when compared with the negative control group as revealed by the absorbance and SEM. Compared with the Fluor defender®-treated group, the absorbance of the Enamelast®-treated group showed a significant (p < 0.001) increase by approximately 7- and 16.5-fold at 48 and 72 h, respectively. Similarly, SEM showed that the number of bacterial cells adhered to enamel surfaces in the Fluor defender®-treated group was significantly (p < 0.001) fewer than the Enamelast®-treated group by approximately 36.55% and 20.62% at 48 and 72 h after exposure, respectively. Conclusion We conclude that the anti-biofilm activity of Fluor defender® against Streptococcus mutans was significantly (p < 0.001) greater than Enamelast® fluoride varnish. The use of Fluor defender® is encouraged as a preventive measure in children with the high risk of developing dental caries.

Objectives The aim of the present study was to compare the surface morphology alterations, mineral content, and surface roughness of eroded enamel surface versus eroded enamel surface which was preceded by Bioactive Glass 45S5 (BAG45S5) application in both primary and permanent human dentitions. Materials and methods Fifty-two primary teeth and fifty-two permanent teeth were selected. Teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups of twenty-six teeth each. Groups A1 and B1 underwent erosion with 1% citric acid, while groups A2 and B2 were subjected to application of BAG45S5 powder followed by the same erosive conditions as A1 and B1. Measurements were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and surface profilometry. They were used to examine the surface morphology alterations, mineral content, and surface roughness, respectively. Results SEM of enamel which received BAG45S5 showed smoother surface in primary teeth post erosion. EDX analysis showed that enamel exhibited crucial resistance to mineral loss in the group which received BAG45S5 prior to inducing erosion as compared to the induced erosion-only group. This was significant (p < 0.005) in both human dentitions. Erosion-only groups showed significantly less surface roughness in permanent teeth (p < 0.045). A marked decrease in surface roughness was observed in surfaces receiving BAG45S5, primary teeth (p < 0.001), and permanent teeth (p < 0.001). Conclusions Bioactive Glass 45S5 proved successful against erosive conditions in both primary and permanent teeth with better performance in the permanent teeth so it can be regarded as a means of prevention. Clinical relevance Bioactive Glass 45S5 powder could be used not only to remove stains but also as a prophylactic preventive measure against the multiple episodes of acidic food and beverage consumption in children.

Background Incorporation of bioactive agent into pit and fissure sealant would halt demineralization and promote further remineralization. The aim was to assess the effect of bioactive and fluoride fissure sealants on calcium and phosphate content and surface topography of artificially demineralized enamel in young permanent teeth. Methods 30 sound extracted premolars free from cracks or any developmental anomalies were used. They were divided into group I bioactive fissure sealant, group II fluoride fissure sealant and group III no material applied. Each tooth was divided into halves in a buccolingual direction and evaluated by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX) at baseline, demineralization and after applying the material. Another set of 7 sound extracted premolars was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at the same phases. Results EDX showed that regaining calcium to demineralized enamel was significantly higher with bioactive sealant than either fluoride or the control group. SEM revealed minerals deposits with formation of distinct white zone at tooth/sealant interface for both pit and fissure sealant groups. Whereas no white zone formation was detected in control group. Conclusions Incorporating bioactive material into pit and fissure sealant through microcapsules provided better results than incorporating fluoride by enhancing the biological process of remineralization. Clinical relevance: The more use of bioactive pit and fissure sealant would maintain the occlusal surfaces as sound structures and decrease the need for operative procedures to restore teeth cavitation.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of established mathematical regression models for estimating the age of Egyptian children, develop new models that would better match this population and to evaluate the validity and reliability of these new models. Results One thousand one hundred fifteen children ranging in age between 6–14 years participated in the study. Group I consisted of 1000 children; 513 (51.3%) children were of the age group 6–< 9 years and 487 (48.7%) children were 9–14 years. Male children were 484 (48.4%) while female children were 516 (51.6%). Group II consisted of 115 children; 84 (73%) children were of the age group 6–< 9 years and 31 (27%) children were 9–14 years. Male children were 58 (50.4%) while Female children were 57 (49.6%). Foti regression models showed poor agreement of Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) with chronological age of children in the mixed dentition stage. The new regression models for estimating dental age showed ICC of more than 0.7 with chronological age suggesting better accuracy in age estimation than Foti models. Conclusions The newly formulated regression models are reliable for estimating the age of Egyptian children during the mixed dentition stage. A good agreement was found between the estimated age obtained from the first two models and the chronological age. However, the third model had the least agreement, suggesting that age estimation may be more accurate using only the first two models.