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Background: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has favorable properties that make it able to be used as a denture base material, but it is also susceptible to the adhesion of microorganisms. In this study, we applied Octafluoropentyl (meth) acrylate (OFPA) coating on the PEEK polymer surface by using plasma spray and investigated the functional groups present on the surface, changes in the surface energy and Candida albicans adhesion. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the samples were placed in a control group without surface preparation and three experimental groups that were subjected to plasma spray for 10, 30, and 60 s and then impregnated with degassed Octa fluoropentyl (meth) acrylate (Sigma-Aldrich, USA) monomer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify the functional groups and new chemical bonds between PEEK and OFPA, and Sessile Drop Method was used to evaluate the surface's wettability. The surface morphology was checked using a LEXT OLS4000 (Olympus®-Japan) microscope, and the inhibition of C. albicans adhesion was also checked by counting the colonies in terms of colony forming unit/mL (CFU/mL). Kurskal–Wallis analysis was conducted to assess Candida adhesion, while wettability was evaluated using analysis of variance and post hoc analyses. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: FTIR analysis confirmed that a chemical between OFPA and PEEK was established. The samples showed a significant increase in the contact angle after 30 s of plasma application (CA = 88.2 ± 7.3). The contact angle decreased again by increasing the surface modification to 60 s (CA = 64.33 ± 5.5). Examining the surface morphology of the samples shows an increase in surface roughness with increasing plasma time up to 60 s. The number of adherent colonies was the lowest in 30 s group, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.658). Conclusion: No statistically significant difference in C. albicans CFU/mL count was found between groups. The contact angle of the 30 s group was significantly higher than the control group.

Introduction: Recently, toothpastes containing herbal antimicrobial ingredients have gained popularity due to their reduced side effects. This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of two herbal toothpastes and a nonherbal type on pathogens responsible for caries and periodontal disease. Materials and Methods: Full and 1:3 concentrations of two herbal toothpastes (Himalaya® and Herbex®) and a nonherbal type as the positive control (Crest® cavity protection) were prepared. Sterile distilled water was considered as the negative control. Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus casei, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A.a) were cultivated on agar plates and incubated after adding toothpaste preparations. The diameter of the inhibition zone was measured in millimeters. Two-way analysis of variance and Tukey Post-hoc tests were applied at P < 0.05. Results: The mean margin diameter was higher in full concentration than the diluted 1:3 formula for all examined toothpastes (P < 0.001). All three toothpaste types exerted a significant antimicrobial effect compared to the negative control (P < 0.05). The antimicrobial effect of Herbex® on S. sobrinus was significantly lower than the positive control, and it was significantly less effective against S. mutans compared to Himalaya (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the efficacy of Himalaya® on L. casei and A.a was significantly lower than the positive control (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in other pair comparisons. Conclusion: Considering the observed efficacy of herbal toothpastes against cariogenic bacteria and periopathogens, they potentially qualify as complementary agents for self-care oral hygiene procedures.

Background: Regarding the prevalence and importance of periodontal disease and the potential of salivary biomarkers for the early diagnosis of these diseases, this study was conducted to compare salivary concentrations of Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) in patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: The present research was a descriptive–analytical and also a cross-sectional study. Unstimulated saliva with full-mouth clinical periodontal recordings were obtained from 20 healthy individuals and 20 individuals with chronic periodontitis. The concentrations of salivary IL-17 and IL-18 were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The nonparametric Mann–Whitney U-test was used for statistical analysis of the findings. Alpha level was set at 0.05. Results: The mean salivary concentration of IL-18 in patients with chronic periodontitis was 143.10 pg/mL, which was higher than the same concentration in healthy controls (78.33 pg/mL), (P = 0.035). The mean salivary concentration of IL-17 in patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy controls was 3.51 and 4.57 pg/mL, respectively, and there was no difference between the two groups (P = 0.283). Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, it may be suggested that an elevated salivary IL-18 level in chronic periodontitis patients has the potential to be a biomarker for periodontal tissue destruction.

Background: Periostin acts as a necessary protein for tissue integrity and maturity and has a key role as a modulator of periodontal ligament hemostasis. It has been shown that periostin acts as a supportive protein. The aim of this study was to compare the concentration of periostin in the saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: In this case–control, cross-sectional study, a total of 45 individuals (25 patients with chronic periodontitis and 20 healthy controls) were evaluated. Whole saliva samples were collected, and periostin levels were evaluated by standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results were analyzed by SPSS and Mann–Whitney analysis. Results: The results of this study showed that the level of periostin in saliva in patients with periodontitis was significantly lower than healthy controls (P < 0.05). Periostin was detectable in all samples. Conclusion: The results show that there is a significant relationship between the level of periostin in saliva and chronic periodontitis. Periostin may be considered as an inflammatory marker in periodontal disease. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Aims: In Iranian traditional medicine Anbarnesa (derived from smoke from burning female donkey′s stool) has been used to treat ulcers and inflammatory conditions like stomatitis and ear infections (otitis). We assess the properties of Anbarnesa as an alternative mouthwash. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, Anbarnesa smoke was analyzed using aGC-mass device. The smoke collected was dissolved at different densities in propylene glycol and incubated in Dulbecco′s modified Eagle′s medium in direct contact with fibroblast cells. Assessment of cytotoxicity was done at 1, 24 and 72 h. Cell viability was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium test, and ELISA Reader machine was used to read the results. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. Results: The findings of this study showed Anbarnesa was nontoxic in 1/64, 1/128 and 1/256 dilutions. In 1/32 dilution, toxicity was seen after 72 h. In dilutions, 1/8 and 1/16 toxicity were seen in the 1 st h. Conclusion: According to the initial results of Anbarnesa may be used as an alternative mouthwash with fewer side-effects for plaque control and prevention of periodontal disease.

Background: Fungi may play a key part in periradicular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antifungal properties of two root-end filling materials, ProRoot Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and MTA-Angelus, against Candida albicans using tube-dilution test. Materials and Methods: The antifungal properties of ProRoot MTA and MTA-Angelus against C. albicans was assessed at 1, 24, and 48 hours following administration of two concentrations of the antifungal agents (50 and 100 mg/ml). A total of 50 culture wells were divided into four experimental groups (Freshly mixed MTA, Freshly mixed MTA-Angelus, 24-h set MTA, and 24-h set MTA-Angelus) and two control groups. Each well was prepared for one specific agent with a specific concentration. For the set groups, the mixture was prepared and left for 24 hours. One milliliter of suspension of fungal colonies with concentration of 10 4 CFU/ml was then added to the mixtures in each well. All wells were incubated at 37΀C and assessed at 1, 24, and 48 hours. This observation was based on the turbidity of the suspension in the tubes. At each time point, 0.02 ml of each suspension was cultured on a Sabouraud dextrose agar plate to confirm C. albicans growth. The results were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: Although all fresh and set samples were incapable of killing C. albicans at 1 hour, they demonstrated fungicidal ability on agar plates at 24 and 48-hour time points. Conclusion: MTA-angelus proved to be an effective antifungal agent compared to ProRoot MTA at concentrations of 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml.

Background: Endodontic sealers usually come in contact with adjacent tissues and their biocompatibility is key in a successful treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of three resin-based sealers, namely AH Plus, EndoREZ, and Epiphany in set and fresh states on an L929 cell line. Materials and Methods:In this in vitro experimental study, the materials were mixed according to the manufacturers′ instructions, and were divided into two groups, fresh and set. The elutes of materials were prepared separately and were incubated with L929 fibroblasts for 1 hour, 24 hours, and 72 hours. Pulp Canal Sealer and Dulbecco′s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) served as positive and negative controls respectively. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay ([3-4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide succinate), after 1 hour, 24 hours, and 72 hours. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey multiple comparison test. Results: After 1 hour, fresh Epiphany and fresh AH Plus were significantly more cytotoxic than their set samples. No significant difference was perceived between cytotoxicity of fresh state of sealers and positive control, or between set state and negative control. After 24 hours, both fresh and set samples of all materials were significantly more cytotoxic than the negative control group, and were less cytotoxic than the positive control group. After 72 hours, the fresh and set samples of all materials were as cytotoxic as the positive control group. At each time point, no significant difference was perceived among different materials in terms of cell viability. Conclusion: The observed differences among the cytotoxicity of AH Plus, EndoREZ, and Epiphany did not reach a significant level at comparable time points after exposure.