AIM. This systematic review aims to systematically assess the efficacy of selective enamel etching compared to conventional etching methods in reducing the incidence and severity of white spot lesions during fixed orthodontic therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. A systematic literature search was performed following the PRISMA 2020 statement and was registered on PROSPERO (CRD420251026790). The databases PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials, split-mouth studies, and prospective cohorts up to 15 July 2025 that compared selective and conventional enamel etching in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. The primary outcomes included incidence, severity, and timing of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment. The study quality was assessed using the JBI checklist.

RESULTS. Four studies, including 131 patients, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All the included studies showed that selective etching decreased the early development of white spot lesions or delayed it for a period, especially in the first 3–6 months of orthodontic treatment. The long-term differences, however, were less pronounced at the end of the treatment. No adverse effects or an increased bond failure rate related to selective etching was reported.

CONCLUSIONS. Selective enamel etching offers an initial protective effect because it delays the development of white spot lesions in the early stages of orthodontic treatment. However, it is not known with certainty if selective enamel etching has a long-term benefit due to the limitation of evidence. Therefore, it must be considered an adjunctive preventive measure until confirmation is obtained from larger, standardized clinical trials.

AIM. Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive facultative anaerobe commonly known as the primary pathogen implicated in persistent and secondary endodontic infections, due to its exceptional capacity to invade dentinal tubules, form resistant biofilms and survive in nutritionally adverse alkaline environments. Although effective, conventional chemical irrigants like sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine have been found to cause cytotoxicity and other unwanted effects. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a medicinal plant that has shown promise as a natural antimicrobial agent due to its richness in flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids. The purpose of this review is to summarize and examine existing evidence on the antimicrobial efficacy, mechanisms of action, and clinical potential of sea buckthorn against E. faecalis in the context of root canal infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The literature review was conducted thoroughly by using the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. The review incorporated studies in English that involved phytochemical, microbiological, in vitro, and in vivo studies that were relevant to the study involving the use of sea buckthornderived agents when conducting dentistry and endodontics research.

RESULTS. Extracts of sea buckthorn exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that can be ascribed to bioactive compounds, such as quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, palmitoleic acid and ascorbic acid. Disruption of bacterial cell membranes, inhibition of biofilm formation, suppression of acid production, and modulation of host inflammatory responses are all reported antibacterial mechanisms. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaf extracts have demonstrated growth-inhibitory action against E. faecalis, whilst, pulp oilbased preparations have demonstrated anti-biofilm activity against a variety of oral pathogens. Comparative studies indicate similar, and in certain cases better, efficacy compared with chlorhexidine, and much better biocompatibility.

 CONCLUSIONS. Sea buckthorn is a biocompatible, multifunctional adjunct that can be used as an endodontic irrigant or intracanal medicament. Nonetheless, before it can be adopted into routine clinical practice, standardization of extraction techniques, optimal concentrations, and optimally designed randomized clinical trials are required.