Periodontal (gum) diseases present one of the main threats to oral and general health; they are very prevalent across the globe and, if left untreated, lead to tooth loss, with a significant impact on the quality of life. In addition, the impact of gum infection and inflammation on diabetes and cardiovascular disease complications has been well documented. Having in mind the key role of bacteria and the host’s immune response in the development of periodontal diseases but also the subgingival niche anatomy that complicates the adequate management of the dental biofilm and post-treatment healing, the field of periodontics is open to new or additional therapeutic methods that would complement the conventional approaches to periodontal care. Lasers were one of the first instruments used for photon therapy in dentistry due to their ability to emit a collimated, coherent light beam with monochromatic and synchronous wavelengths. We reviewed here the possibilities of the application and therapeutic effects of lasers during the initial phase of periodontal therapy using Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, CO2, and diode lasers. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to summarize the use of lasers and their clinical effects as adjuncts to the conventional, nonsurgical treatment of patients with periodontitis and to facilitate a scientific debate on this under-researched and controversial field of dental care.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the possibility of applying the hyperlight fluid fusion essential complex in dental plaque control, and to evaluate the effectiveness of new and modern agents used for the prevention and early treatment of gingivitis. Methodology: The study included 60 subjects randomly divided into two groups. The control group was assigned to 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouth rinse, whereas the test group used a solution based on hyper-harmonized hydroxylated fullerene water complex (3HFWC), twice daily for 2 weeks. The plaque, gingivitis and bleeding scores were evaluated and recorded. Collected plaque samples were seeded on blood agar and incubated aerobically at a temperature of 37 °C for 24-48 hours. In order to isolate anaerobic bacteria, samples were seeded on Schaedler Agar and incubated anaerobically at 37 °C for seven days. Serial dilutions in saline from 101 - 106 were made, and grown colonies were counted and identified using the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) system. Results: The reduction in the number of bacteria was significant in both control and test groups. The reduction was greater in the control group compared to the experimental group, but without statistically significant difference. Conclusions: 3HFWC treatment causes significant reduction in the number of dental plaque microorganisms. Since 3HFWC solution exhibited a bacteriostatic effect similar to chlorhexidine it could be an adequate addition to solution of a growing problem in prevention and early treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis.