Recent developments in molecular methods have revolutionized the detection and characterization of microorganisms in a broad range of medical diagnostic fields, including virology, mycology, parasitology, microbiology and dentistry. Among these methods, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has generated great benefits and allowed scientific advancements. PCR is an excellent technique for the rapid detection of pathogens, including those difficult to culture. Along with conventional PCR techniques, Real-Time PCR has emerged as a technological innovation and is playing an ever-increasing role in clinical diagnostics and research laboratories. Due to its capacity to generate both qualitative and quantitative results, Real-Time PCR is considered a fast and accurate platform. The aim of the present literature review is to explore the clinical usefulness and potential of both conventional PCR and Real-Time PCR assays in diverse medical fields, addressing its main uses and advances.

Labial frenulums are sagittal fibrous folds of oral mucosa with a periosteal insertion that extend from the lips to the alveolar or gingival mucosa. Occasionally, they assume inadequate size or location and may lead to functional and esthetic limitations. The aim of the present study was to compare pre-, trans-, and postsurgical clinical parameters of labial frenectomies performed with conventional surgery and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Forty individuals were assessed as a convenience sample and were divided into two groups according to the treatment: group 1 (G1), conventional surgery (n = 22), and G2, Nd:YAG laser surgery (n = 18). Clinical parameters such as frenulum insertion, location, bleeding, surgical time, suturing, preoperative fear, and postoperative discomfort/functional limitations were evaluated. All surgeries were performed by the same operator, and the level of fear, pain, and discomfort related to oral functions were assessed with a visual numeric scale. Most of the frenulums (90%) were classified as papillary or transpapillary insertion. Preoperative fear was similar between groups (p = 0.593). All G2 patients did not require suture (p < 0.001), did not bleed during the procedure (p < 0.001), and had surgical time diminished (p < 0.001). No significant statistical difference regarding pain or oral function could be observed. Three individuals (7.5%) experienced postsurgical complications. Nd:YAG laser frenectomies reduces transoperative bleeding, avoiding the need of suturing, and promotes a significant reduction of surgical time in comparison with conventional surgery. Therefore, further studies are necessary to provide a complete understanding and standardization of the technique as well as the expected clinical results.

Objective To describe oral alterations in children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Methods This was a case series, whose research instrument was a structured questionnaire, associated with the use of medical record data and extra and intraoral clinical examination. Results Thirty‐two children were evaluated, the majority male (18/32%–56.3%), mean age 22 months (SD = 2.71). It was also observed that the majority of the patients (19/32%–59.4%) presented a low family income. All the children had a mean head circumference of 29.43 cm (SD = 1.42). Regarding the alterations, an ogival‐shaped palate was observed in 14 children (43.7%), and delayed chronology of eruption was observed in 15 children (46.9%), of whom 7 children (21.9%) did not present eruption of the upper left lateral incisor (p = .0002) and upper right lateral incisor (p = .002) until the moment of analysis. Additionally, 03 children with yellowish dental pigmentation were identified in erupted teeth after the onset of phenobarbital use. Enamel hypoplasia was identified in 9 children (28.1%) and only one child with ankyloglossia. Conclusion CZS may present delayed chronology of eruption, ankyloglossia, ogival‐shaped palate, and enamel hypoplasia, requiring dental follow‐up aimed at prevention, promotion, and rehabilitation of the health of these children.

LLLT may be an alternative treatment for the relief of oral burning in patients with BMS.

"In vitro antimicrobial activity and antiadherence of Rosmarinus offi cinalis Linn. against oral planktonic bacteria". In this study was investigated the antimicrobial activity and in vitro adherence inhibition of a hydro alcoholic Rosmarinus offi cinalis Linn. (alecrim) on standard strains of Streptococcus mitis ATCC 98811, Streptococcus sanguinis ATCC 10556, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Streptococcus sobrinus ATCC 27609 and Lactobacillus casei ATCC 7469 extract. The test was carried out by inundation tecniques in Petri dishes to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and inclined tubes techniques the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Adherence to glass (MICA) at the presence of 5% sucrose. Tests with gluconate of chlorexidine 0.12% were performed as controls. MICs of the Rosmarinus offi cinalis extract dilutions (mg/mL) against S. sanguinis ATCC 10556, S. mutans ATCC 25175, S. sobrinus ATCC 27609 and L. casei ATCC 7469 were 1:1, 1:4, 1:1 e 1:4, respectively. The extract from alecrim inhibited all the standard strains growth tested, except for S. mitis ATCC 98811. MICAs of the Rosmarinus offi cinalis extract dilutions (mg/mL) against S. mitis ATCC 98811, S. mutans ATCC 25175 e S. sobrinus ATCC were 1:8, 1:16 e 1:8, respectively. The results suggest that there is a possibility of the alecrim use as an oral antimicrobial. Nevertheless, study models which could reproduce situations similar to those seen in bucal caries are necessary for the antimicrobial agents evaluation in the treatment and biofi lm dependant oral infections prevention.