The resin composite restoration of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) still faces some drawbacks mostly related to the quality of the marginal seal. This study attempts to evaluate the adhesive capacities of two flowable and two conventional hybrid resin composite restorations of NCCLs having two types of cervical margins. Our null hypothesis assumes the same adhesive behavior of different materials. The relative composition of dental–restoration structures was also measured. Thus, restored wedge-shaped cervical cavities were realized on both the buccal and oral surfaces of extracted teeth. After immersion in dye solution, sectioning of the teeth was performed. We proposed an optical microscopy method to quantify the dye penetration along the restoration–tooth interface and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) to evaluate the quality of the peripheral seal. The data obtained revealed an amount of dentinal microleakage for all tested materials, despite the favorable results of the restoration peripheral seal. Therefore, data from this study failed to reject the null hypothesis. The adhesion is not influenced by the position of cervical margins. The SEM revealed occasional disruptions of the adhesive interface. EDX sustains the qualitative compositions as provided by the manufacturers. Conclusions: The four experimental composites are recommended to restore NCCLs in clinic.

Systemic sclerosis is a chronic, autoimmune, multisystemic disease characterized by aberrant extracellular matrix protein deposition and extreme progressive microvasculopathy. These processes lead to damage within the skin, lungs, or gastrointestinal tract, but also to facial changes with physiognomic and functional alterations, and dental and periodontal lesions. Orofacial manifestations are common in SSc but are frequently overshadowed by systemic complications. In clinical practice, oral manifestations of SSc are suboptimally addressed, while their management is not included in the general treatment recommendations. Periodontitis is associated with autoimmune-mediated systemic diseases, including systemic sclerosis. In periodontitis, the microbial subgingival biofilm induces host-mediated inflammation with subsequent tissue damage, periodontal attachment, and bone loss. When these diseases coexist, patients experience additive damage, increasing malnutrition, and morbidity. The present review discusses the links between SSc and periodontitis, and provides a clinical guide for preventive and therapeutical approaches in the management of these patients.

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Lactoferrin is a cationic glycoprotein found in different compartments of the body and secreted mostly by glandular epithelia and neutrophils. Although initially considered that its functions derive solely from its iron-binding capacity, further research demonstrated the pleiotropic nature of the glycoprotein. Thereby, lactoferrin fulfills various essential physiological functions based on its anti-infectious, immunomodulatory and antioxidative properties. In the oral cavity, lactoferrin is an central component of the local defense mechanisms, and based on its versatility, it can prevent the occurrence and progression of different local pathologies, including periodontitis. Microbiological and inflammatory periodontitis-induced modifications influence the local levels of secreted lactoferrin, the protein becoming a potential diagnosis biomarker of periodontal disease. Moreover, lactoferrin has a potential adjunctive therapeutic benefit in periodontal treatment, based on the interference of the biomolecule with local microorganisms, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity. Additionally, the adverse effects of lactoferrin administration seem less evident as compared to other adjunctive agents. Thus, the present study aims to review the most important characteristics of lactoferrin in different oral pathologies, particularly in periodontitis.