ObjectivesThe present systematic review assessed the efficacy of aloe vera mouthrinse on plaque and gingival inflammation.MethodsA comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted in February 2018 to identify all relevant studies using the following keywords: aloe vera, gingivitis, gingival inflammation, plaque‐induced gingivitis, periodontal health and plaque control. The eligibility criteria were all randomized clinical trials that assessed the efficacy of aloe vera mouthrinse in comparison to chlorhexidine on plaque and gingivitis. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool.ResultsSix randomized clinical trials comprising 1358 subjects were included in this systematic review. All included studies showed that aloe vera was effective in reducing plaque and gingival inflammation. Four studies found aloe vera as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing plaque scores, while two studies found chlorhexidine significantly more effective than aloe vera. With regard to gingival inflammation, three studies showed comparable results between aloe vera and chlorhexidine, while one study showed better results with chlorhexidine. Moreover, the results showed that aloe vera had no or very minimal side effects compared to chlorhexidine, which showed significant side effects including stains and altered taste sensation.ConclusionThe available evidence remains inconclusive but suggests that aloe vera mouthwash is comparable to chlorhexidine in reducing gingival inflammation but inferior to chlorhexidine in reducing plaque. These findings are preliminary and further high‐quality studies with adequate sample sizes are highly recommended.

Objectives Bisphosphonates (BPs) are used for treatment of various benign and malignant medical conditions. Medications-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a very serious complication of prolonged therapy with BPs. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding MRONJ. Materials and Methods This was a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire comprising close-ended questions about BPs and MRONJ was sent to a convenience sample of dentists in Saudi Arabia.Statistical Analysis SPSS software was used for data analysis. Chi-square test was used to compare between the groups. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results A total of 607 dentists participated in this survey. Overall, the respondents showed insufficient level of knowledge regarding BPORNJ, with only 70% of the respondents had heard about BPORNJ, and less than 50% recognized the risk factors and clinical features of the disease. Additionally, while two-thirds of the respondents recognized the importance of taking BPs history, the majority did not know the correct treatment approach. Respondents with higher degrees (specialists) showed far better knowledge than general dentists. Conclusion The knowledge regarding BPs therapy and its complications among Saudi dentists is unsatisfactory. Hence, interventions are highly required to improve dentists’ knowledge regarding BPs and MRONJ.

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Botulinum toxin is a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This toxin has eight known serotypes, among which both A and B are currently used in medicine. Its mechanism of action acts on inhibiting acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions following its local injection. This toxin has wide applications in dentistry in general and in oral and maxillofacial (OMF) surgery in particular. It can be applied in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders, neuropathic facial pain, facial nerve palsy, hypertrophy, and hyperactivity of masticatory muscles as examples. At present, it can be used in cosmetic treatment in the facial region to control wrinkles and asymmetry. The therapeutic effects of these toxins are temporary and relatively safe if used in an appropriate manner. This review was aimed to identify the uses of botulinum toxin in surgical and non-surgical treatment of OMF problems, the types of treatment available, and benefits of those treatments.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a term that encompasses a set of chronic painful conditions, and dysfunction in the orofacial region involving the muscles of mastication, the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and related structures. It can affect individuals of any age. AIM: We investigated the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and its association with anxiety and depression. METHODS: Cross sectional study that conducted among 105 dental students (age 20-35 years). The assessment instruments were the Fonseca Anamnestic Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: TMD was present in 52 (49.5%) students, and anxiety or depression was present in 53 (50.5%) students. The results of the HAD scale showed that 92 (83.4%) students had some level of anxiety or depression, 38 (36.2%) were border line for anxiety or depression, and 80 (76.2%) were diagnosed with anxiety or depression while regarding to the association of TMD with gender, 9 of 48 (17.3%) were males and 39 (82.7%) were females (P-value = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed a high prevalence of TMD. The women had a higher prevalence of TMD. Also, we reported the higher prevalence of anxiety and depression among TMD students.