Background: Various commercial mouthwashes are used in Korea. However, comparative data on how alcohol-containing andalcohol-free formulations differ in their ability to inhibit Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation remain limited. Few studies have assessed both planktonic antimicrobial activity and antibiofilm efficacy under conditions that simulate clinical use. This study aimed to evaluate these effects by comparing alcohol-containing and alcohol-free mouthwashes in a single species, S. mutans. Methods: Four commercially available mouthwashes were tested: two cetylpyridinium chloride-based formulations (GarglinOriginalⓇ , Garglin ZeroⓇ ), two essential oil (EO)-based formulations, one alcohol-containing (Listerine Cool MintⓇ ), and one alcohol-free (Listerine Cool Mint MildⓇ [LM]). Sterile distilled water and 0.1% chlorhexidine (CHX) served as the negative and positive controls, respectively. The planktonic antimicrobial activity was evaluated after a 1-minute exposure. For the biofilm experiment, S. mutans biofilms were formed on hydroxyapatite discs for 16 hours and subsequently treated with each mouthwash three times per day for 1 minute, totaling six treatments during a 64-hour maturation period that simulated clinical rinsing. Biofilm viability (log CFU/ml), thickness, and live/dead cell ratios were assessed using culture-based methods and confocal laser scanning microscopy with COMSTAT software. Results: All commercial mouthwashes demonstrated complete bactericidal activity below the detection limit against planktonic S. mutans. In contrast, only LM and CHX showed significant antibiofilm activity. LM reduced biofilm colony-forming unit (CFU) by approximately 0.7 log and decreased biofilm thickness and live/dead ratios by 39.0% and 30.8%, respectively, compared with the control (p＜0.01). CHX exhibited the greatest reduction across all parameters. Conclusion LM exhibited the strongest antibiofilm potential among all tested mouthwashes. These findings indicate thatalcohol-free EO rinses may be a clinically useful alternative for patients who cannot tolerate alcohol-containing products or long-term CHX use. Incorporating such formulations into daily oral hygiene routines may help prevent dental caries.

Background: Consumption of Tanghulu includes not only the fructose contained in the fruit itself, but also the simple sugarsderived from the sugar coating. In this study, we used sugar content and viscosity to calculate the dental caries index of Tanghulu and presented objective data on unhealthy snacks that may have a higher cariogenic potential than other foods. Methods: Tanghulu was used as the experimental group (EG); fruit, the primary ingredient of Tanghulu, was used as the negativecontrol group (NCG); and candy and jam, which have high cariogenic potential indices (CPIs), were used as the positive control group (PCG). Each sample was analyzed for sugar content, viscosity, and acidity. Subsequently, the CPI was calculated using the formula presented in a previous study. Results: The sugar content in PCG was significantly higher than that in EG and NCG. Viscosity was highest in the EG, although therewas no statistically significant difference among the three groups. Acidity was significantly lower in the PCG. The CPI was highest in the PCG, followed by the EG and then the NCG. In a subanalysis by formulation, the CPI of Tanghulu was similar to that of jam. Conclusion This study showed that the CPI of candy, a ubiquitous cariogenic snack, was the highest. However, the CPI ofTanghulu was also relatively high, similar to that of jam, and more than twice that of raw fruit. This study may help consumers become more aware of the cariogenic potential of Tanghulu and encourage healthier eating habits.

Background: The increasing prevalence of dental caries and oral candidiasis has led to growing interest in natural antimicrobialagents with fewer adverse effects than conventional antiseptics. Psoralea corylifolia, a traditional medicinal plant, has been reported to possess antimicrobial properties; however, its effects on major oral pathogens remain unclear. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of P. corylifolia ethanol extract against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Candida albicans was evaluated using the paper disk diffusion method, optical density (optical density at 600 nm) measurements at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, and colony-forming unit (CFU) assays. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test, with p＜0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The extract demonstrated significant concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms(p＜0.05). At 4 mg/ml, the maximum inhibition zones were 7.5±0.5 mm for S. mutans, 2.0±0.0 mm for S. sobrinus and 2.0±0.5 mm for C. albicans. Optical density and CFU analyses further confirmed significant reductions in microbial growth compared to that in the control group, with up to 94∼96% reduction in viable cell counts at 0.5 mg/ml. Conclusion P. corylifolia extract exhibits measurable antimicrobial effects against major oral pathogens in vitro. Although its inhibition zones were smaller than those of chlorhexidine (13.3±0.6 mm for S. mutans), the extract demonstrated consistent antimicrobial activity across all experimental methods. These findings suggest that the extract has the potential to be used as a complementary natural antimicrobial agent for preventive oral care. Further studies are required to evaluate its cytotoxicity, mechanism of action, and clinical applicability.

Background: Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to oral diseases due to hormonal and behavioral changes, yet disparitiesin healthcare resources and limited access to structured oral health education persist. Plaque visualization technologies may improve self-awareness and encourage behavioral changes. Although digital education media are increasingly utilized, comparative evidence on their effectiveness and acceptability across modalities remains limited. This study aimed to compare the perceived effectiveness and preferences for plaque visualization-based digital oral health education media among pregnant women in Vietnam. Methods: In total, 497 pregnant women were recruited from obstetric and maternal health facilities in Vietnam. Participants useda mobile application with artificial intelligence-based dental plaque visualization and feedback once and viewed pregnancytailored infographics and video educational materials once. After exposure, they completed a structured post-intervention questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported periodontal symptoms, oral health behaviors, perceived effectiveness, satisfaction with each medium, and media preferences. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and t-tests were used to compare evaluation scores across media and preferences according to participant characteristics. Results: Overall, 85.1% of participants reported gingival problems during pregnancy. Media preference was highest for video-basededucation, followed by mobile applications and infographics. However, mobile applications received the highest scores for educational effectiveness. Internal consistency was acceptable to high across media (video α=0.81, infographic α=0.84, mobile application α=0.91), with the mobile application demonstrating the highest reliability. Preference for mobile applications was significantly higher among women aged 28∼34 years and those employed in the service and tourism sectors. Conclusion Perceived educational values and preferences varied by digital oral health education medium. Although video-basededucation was preferred for accessibility and initial understanding, plaque visualization-based mobile application education received higher ratings for supporting self-management and feedback. These findings suggest that a multimedia strategy integrating visual feedback technology with educational content may be effective for oral health promotion among pregnant women.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between oral health-related functional and symptomatic factors andrisk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among Korean adults aged ≥40 years, with a focus on identifying oral health indicators associated with different levels of OSA risk. Methods: Data from the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019∼2021) were analyzed. Among 22,559 participants, 8,603 adults aged ≥40 years with complete data were included. OSA risk was assessed using a modified STOP-B28 questionnaire (Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, high blood Pressure, and body mass index ＞28 kg/m 2 ).Participants were categorized into normal, low-risk, and high-risk OSA groups, enabling a risk-stratified analysis. Associations between OSA risk levels and multiple oral health-related factors reflecting oral function and symptom history were examined using complex sample cross-tabulation and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Male sex was associated with a higher likelihood of belonging to the low-risk (odds ratio [OR]=1.244) and high-risk(OR=1.587) OSA groups than the normal group (p＜0.05). Several oral health-related factors showed graded associations with increasing OSA risk. Individuals with masticatory discomfort had 1.349-fold and 1.595-fold higher odds of belonging to the low-risk and high-risk groups, respectively (p＜0.05). In the high-risk group, moderate speaking discomfort (OR=1.482) and a history of toothache within the past year (OR=1.487) were independently associated with an elevated OSA risk (p＜0.05). Conclusion Oral health-related functional discomfort and symptom history were significantly associated with increasing OSA risklevels among middle-aged and older adults. By adopting a risk-based, stratified approach rather than focusing on diagnosed OSA or single oral symptoms, this study revealed that oral health indicators may serve as accessible markers for identifying individuals at elevated risk of OSA, underscoring the potential role of dental and oral healthcare settings in early screening and prevention.

Background: This study investigated the fluorescence characteristics associated with cracks and evaluated the relationshipbetween crack depth and fluorescence-derived variables using quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital (QLF-D) and microscope-QLF hybrid techniques. Agreement between maximum fluorescence loss (ΔFmax) values obtained from the two modalities was also assessed. Methods: Extracted teeth with confirmed cracks were examined using QLF-D and a microscope-QLF hybrid technique integratinga fluorescence light source with an operating microscope. Fluorescence-derived variables, including ΔFmax and red fluorescence (ΔR) and maximum red fluorescece (ΔRmax) variables, were quantified using dedicated analysis software. The crack depth was measured using micro-computed tomography as the reference standard. Associations between the crack depth and fluorescence-derived variables were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. Agreement between ΔFmax values obtained from the two imaging modalities was evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis. Results: Cracks displayed characteristic fluorescence loss and red fluorescence patterns in both imaging modalities. Among thefluorescence-derived variables, ΔFmax demonstrated the strongest correlation with crack depth for both the QLF-D and the microscope-QLF hybrid techniques (p＜0.01). The corresponding ΔFmax values obtained from the two modalities were strongly correlated. Bland-Altman analysis indicated a small systematic bias, with the microscope-QLF hybrid technique slightly overestimating ΔFmax; however, all measurements remained within the 95% limits of agreement. Conclusion The microscope-QLF hybrid technique showed a measurable and consistent relationship with QLF-D for quantitativefluorescence assessment. Although systematic differences were observed, the hybrid technique may serve as a supportive tool for assessing relative crack severity during endodontic procedures.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between obesity and periodontitis among Korean adults and examinewhether the intensity of physical activity modifies this relationship. Methods: The analysis included 11,230 adults aged 19 years and older who participated in the 7th Korea National Health andNutrition Examination Survey between 2016 and 2018. Periodontal status was assessed using the community periodontal index, and obesity was defined as a body mass index of 23.0 kg/m2 or greater. Physical activity intensity was categorized as none, moderate, or high. Multivariable logistic regression analyses, including interaction terms, were conducted to assess the moderating effect of exercise intensity on the association between obesity and periodontitis. Results: Obesity was significantly associated with high-risk periodontitis, and this association varied according to exerciseintensity. The adjusted odds ratios for obesity were 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09∼1.40) among non-exercisers, 1.43 (95% CI: 1.09∼1.87) among those engaging in moderate-intensity exercise only, and 2.21 (95% CI: 1.27∼3.85) among those engaging in high-intensity exercise only. Conclusion Obesity is a significant risk factor for periodontitis in Korean adults, and the intensity of physical activity modifies thisrelationship. Contrary to expectations, high-intensity exercise may increase the risk of periodontal disease in individuals with obesity. These findings underscore the importance of personalized exercise recommendations and the need to consider metabolic and behavioral factors in oral health promotion strategies.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of an educational program utilizing virtual reality (VR) on learning immersion and satisfaction and intention to use VR for performing various techniques among dental hygiene students. The study also intended to assess the adverse effects of using VR devices and analyze the intention to use VR to comprehensively evaluate the educational benefits of VR. Methods: A 31-item survey was conducted with 64 dental hygiene students who took the “Oral Radiology Practice” course from March to June 2024. Data were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient using IBM SPSS Statistics 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient using IBM SPSS Statistics 24.0. Results: Immersion was positively correlated with satisfaction with the VR device (r=0.746) and negatively correlated with satisfaction with learning (r=–0.785) and intention to use VR (r=–0.779). The positive correlation between satisfaction with learning and intention to use VR was very strong (r=0.965). Immersion had a strong negative correlation with satisfaction with learning (r=–0.804) and intention to use VR (r=–0.801). Conclusion Learners exhibited low immersion; however, their satisfaction with learning and intention to use VR were relatively high. These results suggest that, despite the limitations in immersion due to the technical constraints of VR practice, its practicality and effectiveness positively influenced satisfaction with learning. Rather than using VR training alone, applying a blended learning model appears to yield more effective educational outcomes.

Background: As the use of digital intraoral scanners (DIS) has expanded, the demand for digital capabilities is accelerating along with changes in the duties of dental hygienists. This study aimed to understand the actual use, awareness, and educational requirements of DIS among dental personnel. Additionally, it intends to provide foundational data to inform improvement plans for DIS education. Methods: This survey was conducted between March 2023 and April 2023 among 295 dental hygienists, dentists, and dental technicians working in dental institutions. The results are presented below. Results: Of the respondents, 96.3% were aware of the DIS, with 75.3% having experience with using it in various dental institutions where they worked. The response rate indicating that they received DIS training was 72.2%, but among them, only 20.7% had received training at a university, suggesting that the training experience rate is low compared to the DIS awareness rate, indicating a need for improvement. The average DIS awareness rating among respondents was 3.82 out of 5, with higher levels of awareness among dentists and dental technicians compared to dental hygienists. Furthermore, a correlation was noted where an increase in the education level corresponded to increased awareness. Among the 72.2% of respondents who had experience with DIS education, 70.0% had education provided by companies that produce and sell DIS products. The percentage of respondents who indicated that DIS education is necessary was found to be 93.2%, indicating that most research subjects recognized the need for DIS education. Additionally, 90.8% of respondents stated that a university-level curriculum related to DIS is necessary. Conclusion In response to these developments, a digital dentistry curriculum, including the DIS, should be integrated into the dental hygiene curriculum, and continuous education should be provided post-graduation.

Background: Elementary school is a critical period for oral health because the incidence of dental caries is high, and early symptoms of gingivitis manifest. While existing oral health education improves knowledge, it has limitations in sustaining oral health behaviors. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an oral health education program based on motivational interviewing (MI), which enhances intrinsic motivation and promotes behavioral change. Methods: Thirty-five elementary school students (Grades 4∼6) were recruited and assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group (n=16) received an MI-based oral health education program, whereas the control group (n=16) received standard education. The program was conducted once per week for five weeks (1 hour/session) and covered: Session 1: Understanding tooth structure, causes of caries, and setting oral health goals; Session 2: Learning how to perform rotational brushing and exploring ambivalence; Session 3: Learning how to use dental floss and tongue cleaners while reinforcing motivation; Session 4: Identifying cariogenic and protective foods; and Session 5: Developing a change plan and assessing self-confidence. Oral health behaviors, diet-related oral health behaviors, and oral hygiene skills were assessed pre- and post-intervention, and at follow-up. Results: Both groups showed significant post-intervention improvements. However, the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant group-time interactions and sustained improvements in all areas except diet-related behaviors. The control group showed a temporary increase followed by a decline. Conclusion The MI-based oral health education program effectively improved and maintained oral health behaviors and oral hygiene skills. It can be applied to elementary school students to promote long-term changes in oral health behaviors.