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ME

metronidazole (Elyzol / Pernyzol / Elyzol Dental Gel)

✓ Approved

Pfizer, Inc. · Small Molecule · Small Molecule

What is metronidazole?

metronidazole is a small molecule developed by Pfizer, Inc.. It is approved for therapeutic indications via topical.

Drug Profile

Brand NamesElyzol, Pernyzol, Elyzol Dental Gel
CompanyPfizer, Inc.
Drug ClassSmall Molecule
RouteTopical
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Pfizer, Inc.

Therapeutic Indications

metronidazole is developed for 1 unique indication across 1 therapeutic area.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Infections and infestationsPeriodontitis✓ Approved

Related Research Articles

PubMedJournal of molecular histology2026-08-30

Early effects of X-ray irradiation on rat incisor periodontal ligament morphology and MMP-2 expression.

Fischborn Amanda Regina AR, Sartor Letícia L, Omar Nadia Fayez NF, Gomes Jose Rosa JR

Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for head and neck cancer; however, it also induces alterations in healthy oral tissues. Although late radiation-induced damage has been extensively investigated, the early progression of morphological and extracellular matrix changes in the periodontal ligament (PDL) remains poorly understood. This study investigated early radiation-induced changes in collagen organisation, the type I-to-type III collagen ratio, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression in the lingual PDL of rat incisors. Adult Wistar rats were allocated to four irradiated groups (n = 5 per group) and exposed to a single 15 Gy X-ray dose directed to the head. Animals were euthanized at 4, 9, 14, or 25 days after irradiation. A non-irradiated control group was euthanized on day 4. Left hemimandibles were fixed, decalcified, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned. Histological analyses were performed using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and Picrosirius Red staining under polarized light. MMP-2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantified by grayscale pixel intensity analysis. Irradiation induced progressive alterations in the lingual periodontal ligament. Fibroblast nuclei exhibited morphological features consistent with cellular injury beginning on day 4, with increasing changes at subsequent time points. These changes were accompanied by progressive disorganisation of collagen bundles, increased interfibrillar spaces, and loss of normal extracellular matrix architecture. Picrosirius Red analysis demonstrated a reduction in the type I-to-type III collagen ratio on days 4, 9, and 14 after irradiation, supporting the morphological changes observed with H.E and Masson's trichrome staining. MMP-2 expression increased significantly on day 4, reached its highest level on day 9, and then progressively decreased on days 14 and 25. A single dose of X-ray irradiation induces early morphological and extracellular matrix alterations in the rat incisor periodontal ligament. The temporal association between increased MMP-2 expression, collagen fibre disorganisation, and a decreased type I-to-type III collagen ratio suggests that MMP-2 is associated with the early extracellular matrix remodelling observed on days 4 and 9 after irradiation. The subsequent decline in MMP-2 expression was accompanied by an apparent partial restoration of collagen fibre organisation on days 14 and 25.

PMID 42669096
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PubMedCureus2026-08-30

Navigating the Spectrum of Cariology: Laser-Mediated Theranostics in Pediatric and Adult Populations.

Medina Barreto Joanith J, Bazalar Giuliana G, Garcia Grisel J GJ, Paucarima Mejia Dayana D et al.

Laser technology has broadened the scope of dental caries management, supporting diagnosis, prevention, and treatment within a single minimally invasive framework, but its performance depends on operator expertise and on parameters matched to the tissue and the patient. This narrative review synthesizes contemporary evidence on laser-mediated theranostics in pediatric and adult cariology, comparing age-specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications and their impact on patient-centered, minimally invasive care. Peer-reviewed systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies from the last five years were identified in PubMed and Scopus. Across the evidence, laser-assisted approaches offer distinct benefits in each population. In primary dentition, laser fluorescence improves the detection of early enamel demineralization when dentition-specific thresholds are applied, while erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) systems reduce pain, anxiety, and the need for local anesthesia, improving cooperation. In permanent dentition, erbium lasers support conservative management of secondary caries, decontamination of affected tissue, and preservation of existing restorations. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) consistently reduces cariogenic biofilms in both populations, with particular value in adults presenting more complex periodontal and restorative conditions. Taken together, the evidence supports tailoring laser-assisted diagnosis and treatment to dentition type, lesion characteristics, and clinical objectives rather than relying on a single standardized approach; laser therapy is an effective, conservative option for caries management in both dentitions that improves patient comfort, although standardized clinical protocols are still needed.

PMID 42668475
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PubMedBMC oral health2026-08-30

Oral health status and associated influencing factors in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a case-control study.

Dong Rui R, Wu Han H, Jin Feifei F, Yang Qiqi Q et al.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the second most prevalent chronic pediatric condition worldwide. Its core ADHD symptoms-inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity-impair oral hygiene behaviors, and first-line medications such as methylphenidate may further increase oral disease risk. However, systematic epidemiological data on oral health status of children with ADHD remain limited in China. This study aimed to investigate oral health status of children with ADHD and identify factors associated with adverse oral health outcomes in this population. This case-control study included 130 children with ADHD and 143 age-matched healthy controls (6-12 years old) recruited from Dezhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shandong Province, China, between July and December 2025. Oral examinations assessed dental caries (using the DMFT index for permanent teeth and dmft index for primary teeth, collectively reflecting the mixed-dentition caries burden), caries activity (Cariostat), periodontal status (Plaque Index [PI], Modified Gingival Index [MGI]), malocclusion, and dental trauma. Parent-reported questionnaires collected data on oral health behaviors, socioeconomic characteristics, and medication use. Between-group differences were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Fisher exact test. Multivariate logistic regression with backward likelihood ratio selection was used to examine factors associated with adverse oral outcomes after adjusting for confounders. The English versions of the questionnaires are provided in Supplementary Files 1 and 2. The ADHD group had significantly higher overall dental caries prevalence (80.77% vs. 52.45%, P < 0.001), higher median DMFT+dmft scores (3 vs. 1, P < 0.001), higher plaque index (PI) scores (2 vs. 1, P < 0.001), higher modified gingival index (MGI) scores (2 vs. 1, P < 0.001), and higher Cariostat values (P < 0.0001) than the control group. In contrast, the fissure sealant rate was significantly lower in the ADHD group (6.15% vs. 47.29%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that methylphenidate use (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] = 39.65, 95% CI: 15.79-271, P < 0.001) and frequent candy consumption (aOR = 84.54, 95% CI: 12.2-584, P < 0.001) were associated with higher odds of dental caries in the adjusted model. In contrast, a higher parental education level (college degree or above) was associated with lower odds of dental caries (aOR = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.014-0.684, P = 0.019). Perfunctory toothbrushing (aOR = 8.78, 95% CI: 3.12-24.71, P < 0.001) was associated with higher odds of poor oral hygiene (PI ≥ 2), whereas higher household income (aOR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12-0.74, P = 0.009) and twice-daily toothbrushing (aOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05-0.43, P = 0.001) were associated with lower odds of poor oral hygiene (PI ≥ 2). For gingivitis (MGI ≥ 2), higher household income (aOR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.84, P = 0.019) and parental supervision of toothbrushing (aOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.04-0.31, P < 0.001) were associated with lower odds of gingivitis, whereas longer disease duration (aOR = 11.30, 95% CI: 3.78-33.75, P < 0.001) was associated with higher odds of gingivitis. Notably, the wide confidence intervals for these adjusted odds ratios indicate limited precision for quantifying exact effect magnitudes, and the case-control design precludes causal inference; all reported associations should therefore be interpreted with caution. Children with ADHD in this cohort exhibited significantly poorer oral health than healthy controls, characterized by higher rates of dental caries, poorer oral hygiene, and more severe gingival inflammation. These adverse oral health outcomes were associated with ineffective oral hygiene practices, frequent high-sugar dietary habits, ADHD-related neurobehavioral characteristics, and socioeconomic factors. Comprehensive oral health interventions integrating preventive clinical care, behavioral support, family involvement, and socioeconomic assistance are urgently needed for this population.

PMID 42668354
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PubMedCase reports in dentistry2026-08-29

Single-Session Combined Endodontic-Periodontal Management of External Cervical Resorption: A 28-Month Clinical and CBCT Follow-Up.

Marval Figueroa Mercedes Elvira ME, Mendez Rodulfo Maria Antonieta MA, Gomez-Sosa Jose Francisco JF

External cervical resorption (ECR) is a progressive condition that may compromise both periodontal and pulpal tissues. This report describes the outcome of a single-session combined endodontic-periodontal approach for the management of ECR in a previously treated maxillary central incisor. A 41-year-old male presented with ECR affecting the maxillary left central incisor, associated with previous trauma, a sinus tract, and defective root canal treatment. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used for diagnosis, classification, and treatment planning. A single-session approach combining endodontic retreatment and periodontal surgery was performed. At 28 months, the tooth remained asymptomatic and functional, with clinical periodontal stability and radiographic periapical healing. However, no new bone formation was observed in the cervical buccal bone plate, and a residual probing depth of 5 mm persisted without bleeding or mobility. A single-session combined approach may be a reasonable option for moderate ECR when adequate access and defect sealing are achievable. In this case, the outcome reflected disease control and structural stability rather than complete tissue regeneration.

PMID 42666812
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PubMedDental materials : official publication of the Academy of Dental Materials2026-08-29

Metabolic-reprogrammed MnO₂-Mg/Pt@BBF nanozyme disrupts biofilm cohesion for enhanced chemodynamic therapy of periodontitis.

Bo Meng M, Fang Jiao J, Wu Yuning Y, Chen Zixuan Z et al.

To overcome the intrinsic incompatibility between dense periodontal biofilms and chemodynamic therapy (CDT), we developed a vacancy-engineered MnO₂ nanozyme that integrates redox-state programming, Mg²⁺-enabled endogenous H₂O₂ amplification, and covalently immobilized quorum-sensing inhibition for the local treatment of periodontitis. Mg²⁺-coordinated MnO₂ nanoflowers were decorated with Pt nanoparticles and covalently functionalized with BBF. Physicochemical properties, Mn valence states, H₂O₂ and ·OH generation, LuxS/AI-2 signaling, Porphyromonas gingivalis metabolomic changes, antibiofilm activity, and therapeutic efficacy in rat periodontitis were evaluated. Pt decoration increased the Mn²⁺ fraction from 33% to 51%, while Mg²⁺ enhanced SpxB-mediated H₂O₂ production by Streptococcus gordonii. Immobilized BBF reduced AI-2 activity from 67.8% to 22.8% and downregulated luxS, fimA, mfa1, kgp, and rgpA. In dual-species biofilms, MnO₂-Mg/Pt@BBF yielded 68.7% dead cells, an approximately 4-log₁₀ reduction in viable bacteria, and the lowest residual thickness. Metabolomics revealed depletion of G6P, R5P, NADPH, ATP, and α-ketoglutarate in P. gingivalis. In vivo, treatment reduced periodontal bacterial burden by approximately 3 orders of magnitude and decreased the CEJ-ABC distance from 1.44 ± 0.28 mm to 0.56 ± 0.15 mm, accompanied by reduced inflammation and IL-6 expression, improved collagen organization, and elevated Arg-1 levels. This locally deliverable platform couples vacancy/valence-tuned catalysis, Mg²⁺-primed endogenous oxidant supply, and surface-immobilized quorum-sensing blockade, offering a composition-guided strategy for controlling polymicrobial periodontal biofilms and limiting infection-associated tissue destruction.

PMID 42668248
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PubMedCureus2026-08-29

Role and Relevance of Warm Saline Mouth Rinses in Contemporary Dental Practice: A Narrative Review.

Harshini G G, Roshan Arbaaz B B, Bandlamudi Sowjanya S, Adalarasan Subramanian S et al.

Warm saline mouth rinsing is one of the oldest and most widely practiced adjuncts in dentistry; however, its evidence base has been substantiated only recently, both mechanistically and clinically. In vitro studies have shown that short-term rinsing with hypertonic sodium chloride promotes gingival fibroblast migration and extracellular matrix protein expression via a chloride-dependent pathway, offering a cellular explanation for its long-observed wound-healing benefits. Clinically, saline rinsing has consistently been shown to be effective in reducing alveolar osteitis following tooth extraction, with benefits comparable to those of several antimicrobial rinses, and randomized evidence supports its use as a practical, postoperative default. In oncology, saline is part of standard basic oral care during radiotherapy and chemotherapy, although systematic reviews have found evidence for its independent efficacy against oral mucositis to be inadequate or conflicting, with several herbal and iodine-based comparators showing comparable or superior symptomatic benefits. In critical care, saline-based oral hygiene protocols show a favorable mortality and microbial diversity profile relative to chlorhexidine in mechanically ventilated patients, despite chlorhexidine's superior effect on ventilator-associated pneumonia incidence. Comparative trials across periodontal and antimicrobial contexts generally position saline below chlorhexidine and several herbal formulations for plaque and gingival index outcomes, although its safety profile makes it a suitable substitute for patients intolerant to chlorhexidine. Limitations include a thin mechanistic evidence base, potential effects on enamel surface hardness with prolonged use, and reliance on small and heterogeneous studies. For dental practitioners, warm saline mouth rinsing remains a safe, low-cost, and evidence-based adjunct across surgical, periodontal, oncological, and critical care contexts and is best positioned as a first-line or complementary rinse rather than a substitute for targeted antimicrobial therapy, where high-potency plaque or pathogen control is required.

PMID 42666700
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