Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry最新文献

{"title":"Assessment of the Accuracy of Clear Aligner Therapy for Maxillary Expansion: A Prospective Clinical Study.","authors":"Puja Kumari, Rajiv Ahluwalia, Tina Chugh, Nishant Gupta, Mayank Gupta, Waqas Sami, Moattar Raza Rizvi","doi":"10.2147/CCIDE.S586073","DOIUrl":"10.2147/CCIDE.S586073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is increasingly used for transverse dentoalveolar expansion of the maxillary arch; however, the extent to which digitally planned movements are clinically expressed remains uncertain.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the accuracy of maxillary transverse expansion achieved with clear aligners by comparing digitally predicted changes with clinically measured outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twelve skeletally mature adults with Class I malocclusion and maxillary constriction underwent 16 weeks of CAT. Transverse widths were recorded at pretreatment, digitally planned, and post-treatment stages using a standardized three-dimensional digital workflow with calibrated measurements on high-resolution printed models. Measurements included intercanine, inter-premolar, intermolar (mesial and distal cusp), and trans-palatal landmarks. Accuracy was calculated as the percentage of achieved relative to planned expansion. Paired-sample <i>t</i>-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA were performed (α = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All transverse dimensions increased following treatment. Intercanine width increased by 1.59 mm, while first and second inter-premolar widths increased by approximately 1.21 mm. Posterior expansion was comparatively smaller, with first and second-molar widths increased by 0.7-1.0 mm. Overall accuracy ranged from 45.1% to 63.0%, indicating partial expression of digitally planned movements. Predictability was higher in the anterior and premolar regions (approximately 56-61%) than the posterior and trans-palatal sites (approximately 49-52%). Expansion remained symmetrical, with no significant right-left differences in buccolingual inclination. No clinically detectable adverse effects were observed during the study period. Males demonstrated slightly greater second-molar transverse dimensions (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Clear aligner therapy produced measurable and symmetrical dentoalveolar maxillary expansion in skeletally mature adults, however the magnitude of transverse change was consistently lower than digitally planned values. Predictability decreased posteriorly, suggesting that calibrated digital overcorrection may improve alignment between virtual planning and clinical expression.</p>","PeriodicalId":10445,"journal":{"name":"Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"586073"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033931/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147590415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Features of Non-Carious Cervical Lesions: An Observational Clinical Study.","authors":"Temitope Olabisi Omosebi, Gbenga Emmanuel Adebayo, Cynthia Osarugue Omoruyi, Temitope Elizabeth Soledolu, Kehinde Emmanuel Adebiyi, Bennett Tochukwu Amaechi","doi":"10.2147/CCIDE.S585513","DOIUrl":"10.2147/CCIDE.S585513","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) are among the most common dental pathologies observed in clinical practice. This study evaluated the clinical features of NCCLs in adult patients and assessed the relationship among age, lesion depth, dentin hypersensitivity (DHS), and sclerotic degree.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>A total of 78 patients were recruited, resulting in 178 teeth with NCCLs. An interviewer-assisted questionnaire was administered to obtain sociodemographic information and possible risk factors for each participant. Clinical assessments of the different features of NCCLs were evaluated and recorded. Pearson's Correlation coefficient was used to investigate the relationship between age, lesion depth, sensitivity, and sclerotic degree. P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant at 95% CI.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most of the affected teeth were first premolar 74 (41.6%), and abrasion constituted about two-third of the NCCLs (69%). Half of the total teeth with NCCLs had occlusal surface wear (51.7%). One hundred and sixteen (65.2%) teeth presented with saucer-shaped lesions, while 62 (34.8%) were wedge-shaped. There was a moderate positive correlation between the age and lesion depth (r = 0.394, p < 0.001) and a moderate positive correlation between the age and sclerotic degree (r = 0.408, p < 0.001). The correlation between the DHS and lesion depth was moderate and positive (r = 0.330, p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between DHS and the degree of sclerosis, but this was not statistically significant (r = -0.075, p < 0.322).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present study demonstrated that most adult teeth with NCCLs presented with abrasions, occlusal surface wear facets, saucer-shaped lesions, with lesion depths greater than 2.0 mm. There were moderate positive correlations between age, lesion depth, DHS, sclerotic dentin, and lesion depth. However, there was a negative correlation between the DHS and the degree of sclerosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":10445,"journal":{"name":"Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"585513"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033929/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147590411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Stain Reduction and Whitening Efficacy of an Enzyme-Enhanced Mouthwash: A Comparative Study.","authors":"Bennett Tochukwu Amaechi, Sima Abdollahi, Razina Vohra, Temitope Olabisi Omosebi, Ria Vazir, Duy Nguyen, Keely Ann Ussery, Amos Chinedu Obiefuna","doi":"10.2147/CCIDE.S590870","DOIUrl":"10.2147/CCIDE.S590870","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare the stain-removing and whitening efficacy of GuruNanda™ enzyme-enriched whitening mouthwash formulations with those of a commercially available comparator and a placebo mouthwash.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eighty bovine enamel blocks were prepared and embedded in auto-polymerizing polymethyl methacrylate resin. Baseline tooth shade was digitally measured using a calibrated Vita EasyShade Advance spectrophotometer under standardized lighting conditions. Enamel surfaces were lightly etched (5 secs) with 32% phosphoric acid and then cycled several times between stain solution and natural saliva for pellicle formation over 24 hours, simulating extrinsic discoloration. The shade of stained tooth blocks was re-measured (post-staining shade). After staining, samples were randomly assigned to four experimental mouthwashes (n = 20): Gurunanda™ 6-Month-Aged-Enzyme (6M-GN-ENZ), Gurunanda™ Fresh-Enzyme (GN-ENZ), Comparator Whitening mouthwash (Comparator), and Placebo. Treatments simulated twice-daily with 2-minute swishing followed by 2-minute of toothbrushing with de-ionized distilled water (DDW) over 1, 4, and 8-week intervals. Post-treatment color measurements were obtained at each point. Data were analyzed statistically using Kruskal-Wallis, and ANOVA tests (α = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At each evaluation period, all active mouthwashes produced statistically significantly greater stain reduction than the placebo (p < 0.05). The mean percentage stain reduction differed significantly (p < 0.01) between time points (1, 4, 8 weeks) with 6M-GN-ENZ (38.96%, 47.58%, 52.35%) and GN-ENZ (28.69%, 37.95%, 39.95%). While Comparator (35.62%, 40.23%, 40.23%) and Placebo (0%, 14.62%, 21.87) showed no significant change over time.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Swishing with GuruNanda™ enzyme-enhanced mouthwashes effectively removed extrinsic stains on teeth surfaces at a comparable rate to Comparator mouthwash but significantly outperforming the placebo.</p>","PeriodicalId":10445,"journal":{"name":"Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"590870"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13033300/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147580721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Periodontitis Phenotypes and Treatment Outcomes Following Combined Periodontal and Orthodontic Therapy: A Cohort Study.","authors":"Hongtao Jiang, Qi Zhao, Zhaoxin Dong, Tianhao Li, Jiang Sun","doi":"10.2147/CCIDE.S592473","DOIUrl":"10.2147/CCIDE.S592473","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objectives: </strong>Periodontitis is a heterogeneous condition, and patients may respond differently to combined periodontal and orthodontic treatment. This study aims to identify latent phenotypes of periodontitis and to evaluate their associations with recurrence and bone regeneration after combined periodontal-orthodontic treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This single-centre observational cohort study included patients with periodontitis who completed combined periodontal and orthodontic treatment in 2023 and were followed for approximately two years, with re-evaluations conducted between January and July 2025. Latent class analysis was used to identify periodontitis phenotypes based on baseline periodontal characteristics. Outcomes included recurrence of periodontitis and bone regeneration. Associations between phenotypes and outcomes were examined using logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, and diabetes. Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex and age.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four distinct periodontitis phenotypes were identified: an inflammatory type, a high inflammation and structural damage type, a moderate and stable type, and a mild or minimal damage type. Compared with the mild or minimal damage phenotype, the high inflammation and structural damage phenotype was associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrence (OR 6.67, 95% CI 2.60-18.48). For bone regeneration, both the high inflammation and structural damage phenotype, and the moderate and stable phenotype showed a significantly lower likelihood of bone regeneration (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99, and OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.11-0.53, respectively). Subgroup analyses indicated that the association between the high inflammation and structural damage phenotype and recurrence was stronger among females and patients aged ≥40 years.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong> Periodontitis phenotypes differ in their risks of recurrence and bone regeneration following combined periodontal and orthodontic treatment. Baseline structural damage plays a key role in limiting regenerative potential, while severe structural damage combined with high inflammation substantially increases the risk of recurrence.</p>","PeriodicalId":10445,"journal":{"name":"Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"592473"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13031258/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147572479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alveolar Ridge Preservation in Posterior Extraction Sockets: A Literature Review and Proposal of a Novel Therapeutic Classification.","authors":"Li-Li Zhou, Wenlin Yuan, Xinyu Zhang, Lili Chen, Christian Graetz","doi":"10.2147/CCIDE.S584600","DOIUrl":"10.2147/CCIDE.S584600","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) is a critical procedure used to maintain post-extraction socket dimensions and the residual bone morphology is a key determinant of surgical outcomes. However, existing classification systems predominantly focus on the timing of implant placement rather than ARP protocols. Limited studies have developed classifications specifically for ARP, and none have addressed the unique anatomical challenges of posterior extraction sockets.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus from January 2000 to June 2025. Keywords such as \"extraction socket\", \"tooth socket\", and \"classification\" were used to evaluate existing classification systems.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The existing classification systems primarily target timing selection for implant placement in the anterior zone. To date, only three studies have developed classification systems specifically for ARP, all of which fail to differentiate between anterior and posterior sites despite their distinct resorption patterns. Therefore, based on a synthesis of existing literature and clinical rationale, we propose a novel classification system specifically designed for posterior extraction sockets in the context of ARP. Type A sockets are characterized by one compromised wall with a vertical defect of less than 50%, while Type B involves one compromised wall with a vertical defect of no less than 50%. Type C extraction sockets are severely damaged and involve two compromised walls. For each type, specific ARP techniques were recommended, with varying levels of intervention required for optimal ridge preservation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study introduces a novel classification system specifically for posterior extraction sockets tailored for ARP procedure. Although the system enhances clinical decision-making, further clinical validation is required to confirm its applicability and effectiveness in practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":10445,"journal":{"name":"Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"584600"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13018099/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147572418","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sugary Snack and Drink Consumption and Tooth Retention Among Residents with Disabilities in Thai Foster Homes: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Nithimar Sermsuti-Anuwat, Tanit Arunratanothai, Itt Assoratgoon, Khunnakrit Ratchatasupak, Ronlada Porntirit, Daophon Ardiam, Apisit Chonkasem","doi":"10.2147/CCIDE.S596453","DOIUrl":"10.2147/CCIDE.S596453","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To examine the association between sugary snack and drink consumption frequency and tooth retention among residents with disabilities living in Thai foster homes.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>We employed a cross-sectional design using secondary data from a World Health Organization (WHO)-based oral health survey conducted in October 2025 across two government-run foster homes in Thailand (parent survey n = 301). The analytic sample included 247 residents aged 13-59 years with permanent dentition and complete tooth-level records. Remaining teeth were calculated using a 28-tooth definition (excluding third molars) and classified into three ordinal groups. High-frequency sugary snack/drink intake (>1 time/day vs. ≤1 time/day) was measured via interviewer-administered questionnaire, and tooth-retention category was modeled using ordinal logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>High-frequency sugary snack/drink consumption was reported by 88.7% of residents. After adjustment, this exposure was not associated with tooth-retention category (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-2.62). However, age was strongly associated with lower retention (aOR 0.90 per year; 95% CI 0.87-0.92), and partial caregiver assistance was independently associated with reduced retention (aOR 0.47; 95% CI 0.24-0.92).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this cross-sectional study of residents with disabilities in Thai foster homes, high-frequency sugary snack/drink consumption was not independently associated with tooth-retention category after adjustment. Age and partial caregiver assistance were associated with lower tooth retention, indicating a need to strengthen routine preventive support for residents with greater functional dependency alongside facility-level strategies to limit free-sugar exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":10445,"journal":{"name":"Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"596453"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13006014/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147503014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Evaluation of Fracture Resistance and Failure Patterns Among All-Resin Post and Core Designs: In vitro Study.","authors":"Mosa Altassan, Ruwaida Z Alshali, Osamah Abdulelah Alsulimani, Shooq Alharbi, Bashayer Murdi Alzaharni, Abdullah Fouad Abukhudhayr, Abdulmajeed Ghazi Alghanemi","doi":"10.2147/CCIDE.S560921","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S560921","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This in vitro study evaluated the fracture resistance of dual-cure resin cement and core build-up material (Core-X^® Flow) used as all-resin posts of two different lengths, compared with conventional fiber-reinforced posts, and to analyze failure patterns.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Thirty extracted human single-rooted mature teeth (premolars, canines, and maxillary central incisors) were endodontically treated and randomly assigned to three groups (n=10). Group A received a 10 mm fiber post with Core-X Flow, Group B received a 10 mm all-resin post with Core-X flow, and Group C received a 5 mm all-resin post with Core-X flow. Fracture resistance was evaluated under compressive loading using a universal testing machine, at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, and the failure patterns were assessed using a digital stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA (p>0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fracture resistance did not differ significantly among the three groups (p>0.05). Mean values were 430.28 N for Group A, 422.16 N for Group B, and 434.56 N for Group C. Failure mode analysis showed that Group C (5 mm all-resin posts) exhibited the highest number of favorable (repairable) fractures, followed by Group A (fiber posts) and Group B (10 mm all-resin posts).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>All-resin posts demonstrated fracture resistance comparable to fiber-reinforced posts. Shorter all-resin posts produced more favorable failure outcomes, suggesting that they may offer a conservative and clinically viable option for restoring endodontically treated teeth. These findings should be interpreted within the limitations of an in vitro design and small sample size.</p>","PeriodicalId":10445,"journal":{"name":"Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"560921"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12970035/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147431364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Accuracy, Reproducibility, and Reliability of Orthodontic Measurements Obtained from Conventional Plaster Models versus Digital Orthodontic Models.","authors":"Mohammed Awawdeh, Amjad Alghaihab, Lubna Alkadi, Aljood Abdulrahman Alsolaihim, Reem Sami Alwakeel, Emad Masuadi, Khalid A Abalkhail, Suliman Alsaeed","doi":"10.2147/CCIDE.S576536","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S576536","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Digital models are increasingly being proposed as an alternative to conventional plaster models in orthodontics. This study aims to evaluate the measurements obtained by CEREC Ortho software in terms of its accuracy, intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability, reproducibility, and time efficiency.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty conventional plaster models were scanned into CEREC Ortho software by three independent examiners. Linear measurements in the transverse (y-axis), anteroposterior (x-axis), and vertical (z-axis) planes acquired by the software were compared with those obtained manually using an electronic digital caliper.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Statistically significant differences were observed in the mean values of all measurements between the two methods; however, the majority of these differences were within clinically acceptable limits. Only a few measurements obtained by the software showed statistical difference upon assessing intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability. Manual measurements showed a higher correlation. The average software scanning time was 2.67 ± 1.30 min. The time required for obtaining measurements was significantly less for the electronic digital caliper.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Measurements obtained using CEREC Ortho software demonstrated acceptable accuracy and reliability under laboratory conditions and may be considered a reliable complementary tool to conventional plaster models in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. This study is among the first to evaluate CEREC Ortho software in terms of accuracy, intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability, reproducibility, and time efficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":10445,"journal":{"name":"Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"576536"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12912011/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146218918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers to the Utilization of Government Dental Health Services Among Low-Income Families in Ugwuaji, Enugu South LGA of Enugu State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey.","authors":"Kelechi Aniagboso, Chimkanma Chimnazaekpere Chinedu-Ogbodo, David Nono","doi":"10.2147/CCIDE.S587269","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S587269","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oral health, a cornerstone of overall well-being, remains a neglected global public health priority despite its profound impact on quality of life. Despite the availability of public dental facilities, underutilization persists, contributing to preventable oral health disparities in peri-urban communities and low-income countries. This study assessed barriers to the utilization of government dental health services among low-income families in Ugwuaji, Enugu South LGA, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional survey study design was employed, where 437 participants aged 18 years and above from low-income households (≤₦70,000 monthly) took part. Households were selected using stratified sampling. The participants were selected using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 which was used to analyse quantitative data. Inferential statistics of Chi Square were used. Chi-Square Tests examined sociodemographic associations and utilization with key outcomes (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study concluded that 79.9% were non-users (never or last visit >3 years ago) showing a utilization crisis. Participants showed agreement in their barriers to utilization in Financial (fees, transport, lost wages: >79% agreement), structural (distance, wait times: >65% agreement), and perceptual (pain fear: 82.6%; herbal remedy preference: 58.1%). Education level, travel time, income level, and occupation were statistically significant. The participants' recommended free check-ups (81.7%), mobile clinics (74.6%), and extended hours (62.2%) as the solutions. Around 68.4% volunteered for community dental outreach if need be.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ugwuaji's underutilization of dental services mirrors financial challenges which lead health inequities across rural Nigeria. There is a need for the government to increase healthcare financing to ensure free access to basic health care services to miminize out of pocket health expenses.</p>","PeriodicalId":10445,"journal":{"name":"Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"587269"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12912176/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146218920","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products Among Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.","authors":"Amal Suleiman Al Awdah, AlHanouf AlHabdan, Raghad Abdullah Alfehaid, Aldanah Abdullah Alshaloob, Miaad Alotaibi, Rasha M Alotaibi","doi":"10.2147/CCIDE.S561045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S561045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products are widely accessible and commonly used without professional supervision. However, public knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding these products remain insufficiently explored in Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. A total of 420 adults participated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to assess associations between demographic variables and whitening-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Awareness of OTC whitening products was high (93.8%), with 53.6% reporting prior use. Whitening toothpaste was the most commonly used product (51.4%). Tooth sensitivity was the most frequently reported side effect (39%), while gingival irritation was less common (4.9%). Despite this, only 5.7% perceived OTC whitening products as posing health risks. Neutral satisfaction was reported by 46.6% of participants. Social media was the primary source of information (43%), and tooth color concern was the main motivation for use (45.4%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although awareness of OTC whitening products is high, perceived health risks remain low despite frequent reports of adverse effects. These findings highlight the need for increased professional guidance and public education regarding the safe use of OTC whitening agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":10445,"journal":{"name":"Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry","volume":"18 ","pages":"561045"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12912002/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146218902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}