A recent study has shown that the use of both chlorhexidine mouthwash and combined mouthwash resulted in a notable increase in maximum mouth opening. However, there were no notable differences in efficacy observed between the two cohorts. The results of this study were documented in the BMC Oral Health journal. 
In this randomized clinical trial, forty-eight pericoronitis patients (average age of 21.56 yrs) were randomized into two groups. The control group was given a 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash, while the case group was provided with a mouthwash that contained Chlorhexidine, Nanosilver, Benzydamine, Amoxicillin, and Metronidazole. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were monitored for seven days, and Maximum mouth opening (MMO) was measured at the beginning and after seven days. The data analysis was performed using SPSS v20.
The groups did not show any substantial variation in pain reduction. However, both groups experienced a decrease in pain and an improvement in Maximum mouth opening (MMO) following the treatment. There was a balanced gender distribution in both groups.
The above study demonstrated that both chlorhexidine mouthwash and combined mouthwash usage led to a marked improvement in maximum mouth opening. However, there were no substantial variations in efficacy between both groups.
 

A recent observational study has revealed that erbium laser therapy significantly outperforms traditional desensitizing treatments in managing dentin hypersensitivity among adults. 
Conducted on 138 participants aged 18 to 65, the study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Fotona LightWalker® Erbium laser compared to conventional methods.
Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving laser therapy and the other undergoing traditional treatment, which included the application of 5% sodium fluoride varnish and the use of desensitizing toothpaste. The laser therapy was administered bi-weekly over three months, with each session lasting five minutes at an energy density of 20 J/cm².
Follow-up assessments at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-treatment demonstrated that laser therapy led to a marked reduction in dentin hypersensitivity, as measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. 
The laser group recorded mean VAS scores of 2.5 (±1.5), 1.2 (±0.9), and 0.6 (±0.5), in stark contrast to the traditional treatment group, which had higher scores of 3.8 (±1.2), 4.5 (±1.0), and 4.0 (±0.7) respectively. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of these differences (p < 0.001).
Similarly, tactile hypersensitivity assessments indicated that laser therapy maintained lower scores at 6 and 12 months compared to traditional treatments. While the study did not employ a randomized controlled design, its findings support the potential of erbium laser therapy as a safe and effective alternative for alleviating dentin hypersensitivity.
 

According to a recent study, the brush tip attached to the applicator is suggested for dental bleaching procedures performed in the office, as it may help reduce the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS).
A total of forty-eight participants were included in this study, with one group undergoing bleaching with an attached brush tip and the other group with a conventional tip. Whiteness Automixx Plus 35% was used in the bleaching treatment. Bleaching efficacy (BE) was assessed at different time points (beginning, weekly, one month and twelve months after bleaching) using a Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer (ΔE*ab, ΔE00, and WID) and Vita classical A1-D4 as well as Vita Bleachedguide shade guides units (ΔSGU). Additionally, the absolute risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale. Statistical analysis included the use of two one-sided t-tests for paired samples to assess the equivalence of bleaching efficacy, the McNemar test to evaluate the absolute risk of tooth sensitivity, and the paired t test to measure the intensity of tooth sensitivity (α = 0.05).
Both groups exhibited BE equivalence in all colour evaluations (p value > 0.05). The attached brush tip showed lower absolute risk and intensity of TS compared to the conventional tip (p value < 0.003 and p value < 0.0001).
Therefore, a brush tip attached to the applicator is recommended for in-office dental bleaching procedures, as it can potentially minimize the risk and severity of TS. 
 

A recent study has shown that the use of ozone therapy while placing dental implants is effective in minimizing systemic inflammation, pain, and plaque deposition among dental implant recipients. The results of this study were published in the Indian Society for Dental Research. 
Forty adult patients scheduled for implant placement were split into two groups: case group of twenty patients received ozone therapy, while the control group of twenty patients received normal saline and gel during the procedure. Inflammation and pain were monitored on the first- and the seventh-day, as well as at three- month intervals, by measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and evaluating visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. At three months, soft tissue outcomes were assessed in terms of gingival index, plaque index, and pocket depth, while crestal bone loss was evaluated using radiographs.
Significantly higher mean CRP levels were observed in the control group in comparison to the case group on first and seventh day follow-ups (P value < 0.05). Additionally, mean VAS scores for pain were lower in the case group at all follow-ups, with statistical significance only on first day (P value = 0.061). The plaque index was significantly lower in the case group compared to the control group at the final follow-up (P value = 0.011). No significant difference was noted between the two groups in terms of crestal bone loss. 
The above study demonstrated that the application of ozone therapy has proven to be successful in decreasing systemic inflammation, pain, and plaque deposition in patients who have undergone dental implant procedures.