ABSTRACT
Tobacco smoking remains one of the most significant risk factors influencing the susceptibility to and progression of periodontal disease, as it adversely affects host immune response and compromises treatment outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) may exert biological effects on oral tissues comparable to those associated with conventional tobacco smoking. The use of ENDS has risen markedly in recent years, particularly among adolescents and current or former tobacco users. This growing prevalence underscores the urgent need to increase awareness among healthcare professionals and the general population regarding the risks associated with nicotine exposure and its potential impact on oral health. Tobacco use continues to represent a substantial global public health burden. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, highlighting their role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and discussing their implications for clinical management.

ABSTRACT
Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide, is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and osteogenic. When formulated as a hydrogel, chitosan can be used as a scaffold for the release of growth factors, drugs, and stem cells, promoting periodontal tissue regeneration. This article examines the mechanisms by which chitosan hydrogel facilitates periodontal regeneration and explores its potential in clinical applications.

ABSTRACT
Masticatory dysfunction caused by missing teeth impacts not only general health but also oral quality of life. Prevention and the rise of minimally invasive restorative dentistry have improved the oral health of the general population. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of dentists in the Bamako District regarding the production of fixed prostheses. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a two-month period, from August 4, 2023 to October 4, 2023. We included dentists in the Bamako District registered on the official list of the National Council of Dental Surgeons of Mali (ONCD) for the year 2023. The questionnaire was anonymous, and the data collected was confidential and stored in a secure location. The collected data were processed and entered using Word 2010 on Windows 7. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Males were the most common gender, with 78% of cases compared to 22% of cases, with a sex ratio of 3.5%. The 25-35 age group was the most common, with 71.7% of cases. During our study, 100% claimed to have knowledge of FP. Among our sample, 76.1% performed single-unit and multiple-unit fixed prostheses. This was followed by those who performed only single-unit fixed prostheses, with 15.2%. Among the crowns and prosthetic parts performed, CCC/CCM/CIV were the most common, with 45.7%. For 26.1% of participants, the choice of anchors was based on tooth anatomy, morphology, tooth group, and vitality. Alginate was the most used impression material for 67.4% of practitioners. This study shows that dentists need continuing education, especially in fixed prosthetics. It turned out that they were not at the same level of information, and that the majority presented insufficient knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the latter. As a result, prosthetic patient care is difficult and varies from one practitioner to another.

ABSTRACT
Introduction: The objective of this review was to identify the work carried out on the means of studying the root morphology and canal anatomy of permanent human teeth. Methodology: The search was carried out in the electronic databases Pub Med, Google Scholar, Scopus, using the following keywords: “Root canal anatomy and study methods”, “Root canal anatomy” in “permanent dentition”, “Dental root canal morphology”, “Dental root canal anatomy”. These terms were used separately. Duplicates were removed using the reference management software "Zotero". Titles and abstracts were manually reviewed. Original articles, published in French or English, on the means of studying root morphology and canal anatomy of permanent human teeth were included. Results: A total of 21 articles were selected for this literature review. Two types of study methods are used: in vivo methods which are carried out in the clinic and in vitro methods which are carried out in the laboratory on extracted teeth. Cone beam computed tomography (in vivo) was used in eight studies. The in vitro methods used were Micro-tomography (six studies), Diaphanization technique (five studies), direct vision, Dental Microscope, Two-dimensional Radiography and Micro-tomography (one study), direct observation and Microscope (one study). Conclusion: From this literature review, it should be noted that the means of studying the root morphology and canal anatomy of teeth are in vivo means (two-dimensional and three-dimensional radiographs) and in vitro means (direct vision, molding, operating dental microscope, two-dimensional radiography, diaphanization, anatomical sections, micro-computed tomography).

ABSTRACT
Background: Bone graft materials are widely used in periodontal therapy, implant dentistry, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Adequate knowledge of graft types, properties, and indications is important for appropriate clinical decision-making among future dentists. Objective: To assess the knowledge and awareness regarding different bone graft materials among Compulsory Rotatory Internship (CRI) dental students in Chengalpet district. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among CRI dental students in Chengalpet district. A structured, self-administered 20-item multiple-choice questionnaire was used to evaluate knowledge on bone graft definition, classification, biological properties, indications, contraindications, and clinical applications. Each correct response was scored as 1 (total score 0–20). Knowledge levels were categorized as poor (0–7), moderate (8–14), and good (15–20). Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages) were used to summarize data. Results: A total of 154 students participated. The mean knowledge score was 13.44 ± 4.66 (range: 2–20). Good knowledge was observed in 52.6% of participants, moderate knowledge in 31.8%, and poor knowledge in 15.6%. Higher awareness was noted for basic concepts and general clinical indications of bone grafts, while lower scores were observed for questions related to graft biology, specific material properties, and criteria for material selection. Conclusion: CRI dental students demonstrated overall moderate to good knowledge of bone graft materials. However, deficiencies in advanced concepts and material selection were identified. Strengthening undergraduate clinical teaching and focused educational interventions may help bridge these gaps and improve clinical preparedness.

ABSTRACT
Dental caries remains a major global health challenge, affecting billions through biofilm-mediated demineralization driven by dietary sugars and acidogenic bacteria. This comprehensive review synthesizes 2020-2025 evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses, covering pathogenesis (pH <5.5 threshold), epidemiology (72% prevalence in pediatric populations), advanced diagnostics (fluorescence scanners with ICC > 0.8 agreement), and interventions including fluoride (20-38% caries reduction) and silver diamine fluoride (SDF). High-burden regions, including India, demonstrate rising early childhood caries (ECC) trends projected to 2040 without significant policy interventions. Modern management emphasizes minimally invasive techniques (selective caries removal) and comprehensive risk assessment (CAMBRA protocols). Novel agents such as postbiotics show promising preliminary results for biofilm inhibition. Integrated prevention strategies—combining fluoride, sealants, dietary modifications, and health promotion—offer equitable solutions while linking oral health to systemic well-being [6]. These findings underscore the urgent need for tailored, evidence-based strategies addressing vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings.

ABSTRACT
Inflammatory bowel disease encompasses chronic inflammatory conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract, including the oral cavity. Oral manifestations occur in a variable proportion of patients and can be categorized as specific or non-specific lesions. These manifestations may precede, coincide with, or follow intestinal symptoms, emphasizing the importance of early recognition by dental professionals. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease demonstrate increased susceptibility to dental caries and periodontal disease compared to healthy individuals. Understanding these oral-systemic connections enables dentists to contribute to early diagnosis, facilitate multidisciplinary management, and improve patient outcomes through appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies.