Use of Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers can decrease microleakage to the level of bur preparation. Bur and laser cavity preparations are not significantly different in terms of microleakage at the enamel or dentin margins. Thus, considering the advantages of laser, it may serve as a suitable alternative to bur preparation in pediatric dentistry.

The cost of replacing toothbrushes at frequent intervals may be prohibitive in underdeveloped countries. The objective of this study in Tehran was to compare the plaque removal efficacy of new and 3-monthold toothbrushes in children. In a randomized, crossover study, 93 children aged 7-9 years old received a new manual toothbrush to use twice per day for 3 months. Plaque scores were measured using the modified Quigley-Hein plaque index after children had brushed for 60 seconds with either a new or their used toothbrush. Bristle wear of worn brushes was assessed by measuring brushing surface areas on digital images. Compared with new brushes in the same subjects, no statistically significant differences were found for plaque score reductions for 3-month-old toothbrushes exhibiting various degrees of wear. Worn toothbrushes are equally effective as new ones for children.

Based on these findings, it seems that CEM cement can induce a favourable biological response in dental pulps of primary teeth and CBCT may be useful to evaluate pulpotomy outcomes.

Background: Dental caries is still a major public health problem. The use of fluoride is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay. Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of fluoride entrapped in chitosan nanoparticles in vivo. Methods: Sodium fluoride was loaded in chitosan via ionic gelation of tripolyphosphate nanoparticles. Characterization of nanoparticles was investigated by using the zeta potential, size of particles, loading capacities, encapsulation efficiency, and Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy. Chitosan/ fluoride nanoparticles were fabricated by a method of fluoride/chitosan cross-linking with tripolyphosphate. Results: The size of nanoparticles was 219 nm. According to the zeta potential results, by adding sodium fluoride to chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles reducing the number of positive charges of chitosan, the result was diminished zeta potential from +30.8 mV to +14.9 mV. The optimum drug loading and percentage of entrapment efficiency were 70% and 30% respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed linked among tripolyphosphate, chitosan and fluoride nanoparticles. In vitro characterization of nanoparticles demonstrated higher fluoride uptake ability and smooth releasing profile. Conclusion: It is suggested that fluoride/chitosan nanoparticles synthesized in our study may be a promising means of delivering fluoride for the early prevention of tooth decay.

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