Introduction: The study aimed to analyze the level of salivary Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in subjects with healthy periodontium and patients with gingivitis and periodontitis stage I-III. Methods: A total of 90 individuals participated in the research, separated into five groups, clinically healthy (n = 10), gingivitis (n = 20), stage I periodintitis (n = 20), stage II periodontitis (n = 20), and stage III periodontitis (n = 20). Level of salivary IL-1β was assessed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Result: A statically significant difference (P < 0.001) found amongst study groups, further multiple group comparison revealed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) when comparing the experimental groups with control and when comparing gingivitis with stage II and III groups. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this cross-sectional study, IL-1β can be considered as a potential salivary biomarkers to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy periodontium.

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the possible role of the age, occlusion type, type of dentition (full dentition or free-end extensions), and type of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) to predict the presence of pain. Methods: Subjects were selected from volunteer male TMD patients with one partially edentulous jaw from the Baghdad city in 2022. Pain was assessed via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Angle’s and Kennedy’s classifications were employed to assess occlusion and partially edentulous jaw conditions. TMD was assessed using Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) for Clinical and Research Applications. Relationship between pain as ordinal dependent variable and other predictor variables was assessed via ordinal logistic regression using SPSS 26. Results: 240 subjects were assessed for eligibility and 180 TMD patients (mean age 41.1 ± 0.46) were included in the study. The omnibus test showed that the model outperforms the null model (p < 0.001). Disc displacement with reduction (odds ratio: 0.09) and Kennedy’s Class I (odds ratio: 0.42) were statistically significant inverse predictors for pain (p < 0.05). Age (p = 0.66) and Angle’s occlusion type (p = 0.91) were not significant predictors for pain. Conclusion: Probability of pain decreased in disc displacement with reduction and Kennedy’s Class I.

Introduction: We aimed to determine how the various adhesive systems affect the shear bond strength (SBS) to normal and artificially create caries affected dentin (CAD) in permanent teeth. Methods: Forty eight sound premolars had their occlusal enamel ground to create flattened midcoronal dentin. According to the dentin substrate, specimens were allocated into sound and artificially created CAD induction using the pH-cycling technique. Each group was further subdivided according to the adhesive materials: Scotchbond Universal Plus, Scotchbond Universal, and Adper Single Bond 2 adhesives (applied in Etch and Rinse Adhesive Protocol). After that, a composite was put on and shear bond strength (SBS) tests were done. Data analyzed using two-way ANOVA and chi-squared tests. Results: Overall model test of the ANOVA statistics showed that both type of dentin and types of adhesive had a significant effect on the SBS values (P <  0.001). Tuckey post hoc comparisons showed a significant difference for type of dentin (P <  0.001) and types of adhesive (P ≤  0.005). Mode of failure assessment is non-statistically significant difference (P = 0.41). Conclusion: All adhesives showed a decrease in SBS when used on artificial CAD.

Introduction: This study aimed to find out how exposure to gaseous ozone affected heat-cured acrylic resin’s transverse and impact strengths. Methods: Sixty samples of heat-cured acrylic resin were prepared and divided into three subgroups, control, microwave radiation (positive control), and gaseous ozone. Transverse strength and impact strength were evaluated using testing machines. At a level of significance of 5%, data were assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: Transverse strength analysis showed a significant difference among groups (P < 0.001). Post hoc test revealed significant differences between all multiple groups (P < 0.001). Impact strength analysis results showed a non-significant difference among groups (P = 0.13). Conclusion: Within the limits of this research, it is possible to conclude that gaseous ozone exposure improves the transverse strength of heat-cure acrylic resin.

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the early and delayed effects of chlorhexidine (CHX) and ozone disinfection on the shear bond strength (SBS) of dentin to glass hybrid restoration. Methods: The occlusal surfaces of 60 extracted premolars were trimmed to obtain a flat dentinal surface and randomly divided into three groups, including distilled water (control), 2% CHX, and ozonized water. Each group was further subjected to a shear bond strength test after 24 hours and 3 months. Results: The overall model test (P <  0.001), disinfectant and time (P <  0.001), and time (P = 0.017) showed statistically significant differences among study groups. Yet, the type of disinfectant revealed a non-significant difference (P = 0.238). Post hoc tests showed SBS significantly decreasing over time in the control group (P <  0.001) while the difference between 24 hours and 3 months for the CHX (P = 0.880) and ozone (P = 0.983) groups was not significant. Conclusion: Within the inherent limitations of in vitro studies, it can be concluded that cavity disinfection with CHX and ozone before glass hybrid restoration had a significant effect on the stability of SBS to dentin over 3 months. The type of disinfectant revealed non-significant difference.

Background: The objective of this research was to explore how the addition of boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles in the concentrations of 1% and 1.5% w/w affect the impact strength and surface roughness of heat-cured poly methyl methacrylate resin (PMMA). Methods: Sixty specimens were made from heat-cured acrylic resin and then divided into control, 1%, and 1.5% w/w BN groups. The impact strength and surface roughness were investigated. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test were used for data analysis. Results: Statistically significant difference is found among the three study groups regarding impact strength (P = 0.011) and surface roughness test (P <  0.001). The post hoc test showed significant differences for all multiple comparisons for the surface roughness test (P < 0.001). Yet, multiple comparisons for the impact strength test revealed only a significant difference between the 1.5% BN and control groups (P = 0.005). Conclusion: The addition of boron BN into PMMA improves impact strength with 1.5% concentration; while adversely increase the surface roughness.

Introduction: We aimed to assess how the addition of nano tellurium oxide (TeO₂) filler particles affected the elongation percentage, tensile strength, and tear strength of the maxillofacial silicone elastomer. Methods: Thirty samples were created by adding nano TeO₂ powder (518.9 nm) at percentages of 0%, 3%, and 5% w/w into the RTV VST-50 silicon elastomer. Elongation percentage, tensile, and tear strength were assessed according to the specifications of ISO 37:2017 using a computerized universal testing device. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s honest significant difference test using MedCalc 20.104. Results: There were statistically significant differences regarding elongation percentage, tensile, and tear strength among study groups (P < 0.001). All of the post hoc comparisons showed statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.002). Conclusion: The addition of 5% and 3% nano TeO₂ filler particle significantly increases the elongation percentage, tensile strength, and tear strength of maxillofacial silicone in comparison with the control group, concentration-dependently.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the amount of apical extrusion of debris after root canal instrumentation with three different reciprocating single endodontic file systems including R-motion, Edge One Fire, and Reciproc Blue. Methods: Forty-five human upper first molars that were extracted for periodontal reason included in the study and randomly assigned among three study groups (n = 15). Reciproc Blue, R-motion, and Edge One files were used to instrument the palatal root. Amount of apical extrusion of debris was assessed using the empty tube model of Myers and Montgomery. Data were analyzed blindly via one-way ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test using R. Results: There was statistically significant difference among study groups (p < 0 .001). Post hoc test showed nonsignificant difference among Edge One and Reciproc Blue groups (p = 0.106). The difference between R-motion and Reciproc Blue was marginally significant (p = 0.055). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, R-Motion showed the most amount of apically extruded debris followed by Reciproc Blue and Edge One.

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the anti-bacterial effect of the Juglans regia dry husk ethanolic extract against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. Methods: A quantity of 200 g of dry husk was ground into powder and sieved until no large particles were found, then mixed with 1 L of 70% ethanol, yielding 20 g of J. regia paste after ethanol exclusion by vacuum evaporator and lyophilization. The Agar well diffusion method was used to detect the antibacterial activity. Statistical analysis was carried out using Welch’s t-test (unequal variances t-test) via R software. Results: The J. regia dry husk extract showed statistically significant higher bacterial growth inhibition in comparison with prophylaxis pumice paste for both S. mutans and Lactobacillus. Conclusion: Ethanolic dry husk extract has antibacterial activity against both S. mutans and Lactobacillus.

Introduction: We aimed to examine the effect of amoxicillin and azithromycin suspensions on the microhardness of sliver-reinforced glass ionomer and nano-resin modified glass ionomer (GI). Method: Thirty discs (2 mm height x 4 mm diameter) of each type of GI were prepared, which were randomly assigned to amoxicillin, azithromycin, and artificial saliva groups. Microhardness was evaluated by Vickers hardness test before and after three immersion cycles. Results: The overall model (P <  0.001), before/after intervention (P <  0.001), intervention group (type of antibiotic) (P = 0.013), and type of glass ionomer (P <  0.001) showed significant differences among study groups (P <  0.001). Post hoc test showed only non-significant before/after difference for Azithromycin and artificial saliva (control) groups regarding nano resin-modified GI. Conclusion: We found significant microhardness loss for sliver reinforced GI in comparison to nano resin-modified GI after the immersion cycles. Yet, sliver reinforced GI would have higher level of microhardness than nano resin-modified GI after the immersion cycles. Longer time studies are required to assess trend of microhardness loss.

Introduction: This study was designed to examine the effects of addition of the combination of polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and zirconia (ZrO₂) particles to heat cure PMMA resin on impact strength, surface hardness, and roughness. Methods: The 70% (w/w) of polymerized PMMA powder (particle size: 0.70 µm) was mixed with 30% (w/w) of zirconia powder (ZrO₂) (1 µm) to produce PMMA-ZrO₂ filler. Ninety acrylic specimens created were divided into three groups containing 0% wt (Control group), 2% wt, and 4% wt, PMMA-ZrO₂ filler. Ten specimens were used for impact strength, surface hardness and roughness test, blindly. Data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test using R 3.6.3. Results: There was statistically significant difference among study groups regarding surface hardness and roughness (p < 0.001). Yet, nonsignificant difference was found on the subject of impact strength (p = 0.33). Post hoc test showed statistically significant difference for all pairwise comparisons as regards surface hardness and roughness (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The incorporation of PMMA-ZrO₂ filler did not improve impact strength (resistance during an unexpected blows or dropping). Yet, increased surface roughness and hardness, concentration-dependently.

There has been an increase in worldwide curiosity regarding how people can become healthier through the intake of natural and organic foods, the reduction of toxins, and the use of natural medicine and dentistry. Holistic dentistry has been practiced for over 40 years in the United States, but it is not recognized as a standard of care by the American Dental Association yet. In fact, holistic dentistry carries a stigma and tends to daunt traditional dentists due to a lack of formal holistic dentistry education in dental school or continuing educational courses. Holistic dentistry is the most comprehensive modern form of dentistry that incorporates traditional teachings. It has numerous advantages and should be included into the field of dentistry both in education and as a standard form of practice.