Tooth extraction pain — especially after wisdom tooth removal — is something many of us remember all too well. The discomfort, swelling, and sensitivity can last for days or even weeks. Healing takes time because the wound often involves not only the gum tissue but also the underlying bone, making recovery more complex.
While dentists focus on preventing infection and managing pain, there is growing interest in natural ways to actively support the healing process.
One promising natural option is flaxseed, a plant widely known as a nutritional superfood. Beyond its general health benefits, flaxseed contains bioactive compounds that may help support tissue repair and reduce inflammation. In my research, I designed a laboratory model that closely mimics oral wound healing after tooth extraction. Using this model, flaxseed extract significantly accelerated cell growth and wound closure compared to untreated cells.
These findings highlight the potential of plant-based compounds to support post-extraction recovery.
Imagine enhancing healing with a natural, plant-derived approach — supporting your body’s own regenerative process while potentially reducing discomfort.
Nature may hold more healing power than we realize.
Dr. Sama Naziyah Shaban
Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry
Qaiwan International University (QIU)
A 20-year-old university student was concerned about her appearance due to the presence of a pointed tooth in her mouth. She visited a dentist for seeking consultation with regards to her concern. She informed the dentist that she noticed a pointed tooth in her upper front tooth region since her childhood. Even though the tooth in question did not cause her any physical harm, she suffered a lack of confidence in social circles and avoided smiling due to the worry of displaying her abnormal tooth in public. She wonders why fate has punished her with such an ugly looking tooth.
The development of tooth also known as ‘Odontogenesis’ is a complex biologic process which begins during the development of embryo in the mother’s womb. This process continues into the childhood resulting in the formation of two sets of teeth in an individual’s life, namely, the ‘milk teeth’ and the ‘permanent teeth’. Additionally, there are complex genetic mechanism which dictates the type of tooth (its shape and size), and its location in the mouth. In this regard, the milk teeth show three types of teeth: the incisors, the canines and the molars; whereas the permanent teeth show 4 types: the incisors, the canines, the premolars and the molars. Any disturbance during the development of tooth or a genetic defect may affect the shape, size and texture of the tooth. Such disturbances are known as ‘developmental anomalies of teeth’. The tooth in the above scenario is a case of an anomaly called the ‘peg lateral’ which results in a pointed tooth in the mouth.
Humans can be affected by a range of developmental anomalies which can affect the shape, size, number, position or the structure of the tooth. Such anomalies as seen in a small number of population and reflect a genetic defect or some disturbance during the developmental stage of the tooth. Such teeth may present with a number of anomalies in shape (see image) and this could have serious consequences in proper maintenance of oral health for an individual. Teeth that are more or less than the normal number of teeth although normal in shape and size might have secondary problems related to the oral hygiene. Moreover, it is important is to recognize the anomalies that affect the structure of the tooth as the teeth in such cases have very poor quality and could result in severe deterioration or total loss from the mouth which in turn could cause serious ramifications for the individual. It is therefore important to be aware of such developmental anomalies and consult a dental specialist at the earliest in order to have a confident smile and a healthy mouth. Both are important for the overall well-being of an individual.
Assistant Professor Dr. Vinay Marla
Faculty of Dentistry
Qaiwan International University
REFERENCES
Shrestha A, Marla V, Shrestha S, Maharjan IK. Developmental anomalies affecting the morphology of teeth – a review”, RSBO. 2016 Mar; 12(1): 68–78.
Balic A. Concise Review: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Regulation of Tooth Initiation. Stem Cells. 2019 Jan;37(1):26-32. doi: 10.1002/stem.2917.
McKinney R, Brizuela M, Olmo H. Developmental Disturbances of the Teeth, Anomalies of Shape and Size. [Updated 2025 Feb 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK574555/
Thesleff I. The genetic basis of tooth development and dental defects. Am J Med Genet A. 2006 Dec 1;140(23):2530-5. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31360.
Tucker AS, Sharpe PT. Molecular genetics of tooth morphogenesis and patterning: the right shape in the right place. J Dent Res. 1999 Apr;78(4):826-34. doi: 10.1177/00220345990780040201.
Sleep is a crucial aspect of our lives that is often overlooked. Getting enough quality sleep is essential for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental health. Unfortunately, many people struggle with getting enough sleep, whether due to work, family obligations, or personal habits.
Lack of sleep can have numerous negative effects on your physical health. It can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illnesses and infections. Additionally, it can increase your risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Not getting enough sleep can also take a toll on your mental health. Lack of sleep can increase your risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. It can also make it harder to concentrate and affect memory and learning.
Sleep deprivation can also lead to emotional problems. It can cause irritability, mood swings, and even anger. This can impact your relationships with others and cause problems in your personal and professional life.
Moreover, lack of sleep can also affect your performance at work or school. It can make it harder to focus and complete tasks, leading to decreased productivity and performance. Additionally, it can increase the risk of accidents and injuries, especially in jobs that require physical labor or the operation of heavy machinery.
It’s important to recognize the dangers of lack of sleep and take steps to ensure you’re getting enough quality rest. Some tips to help improve sleep include creating a sleep-friendly environment, sticking to a sleep schedule, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and engaging in relaxing activities before bed. If you’re struggling with sleep issues, consider seeking help from a qualified medical professional.
In conclusion, sleep is an essential component of our overall health and well-being. Lack of sleep can have numerous negative effects on physical, emotional, and mental health. By prioritizing quality rest, we can improve our health, mood, and overall quality of life.
Shna Sami Amin
Assistant Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry
Qaiwan International University
A gummy smile, or excessive gingival display, occurs when more than 2–3 millimeters of gum tissue are visible above the upper front teeth during smiling. While it does not affect oral function, it can significantly impact self-esteem, social interactions, and confidence, as individuals may feel their smile appears unbalanced or less attractive.
The condition affects approximately 10% of the population, with a higher prevalence in women. It often becomes noticeable in young adults, coinciding with important social and professional milestones when appearance plays a meaningful role.
Common etiologic factors include:
Altered passive eruption, where teeth are partially covered by excessive gum tissue.
Hyperactive upper lip, which elevates excessively during smiling.
Vertical maxillary excess, a skeletal discrepancy leading to disproportionate gum display.
Gingival hyperplasia, characterized by thickened gum tissue.
Treatment options are tailored according to the underlying cause and may include:
Gingivectomy or crown lengthening for excessive gum tissue.
Lip repositioning surgery.
Botox injections for hyperactive lip elevation.
Orthodontic treatment to adjust tooth position.
Orthognathic surgery in severe skeletal cases.
Addressing a gummy smile not only improves esthetics but also enhances confidence and social comfort, making early evaluation and personalized treatment essential.
As part of the Continuous Assessment activities in Medical Sciences, our students (batch 3) participated in a Case-Based Learning (CBL) poster presentation. Eight different clinical cases were presented, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life medical scenarios and enhance their analytical and presentation skills.
The activity was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Sama, Dr. Israa, and Ms. Shna , who guided the students throughout the preparation and presentation process.
The activity encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and integration of biomedical concepts. Among the presented cases, the poster on Parkinson’s disease was selected as the winning presentation for its clarity, scientific depth, and excellent case analysis.
We congratulate all participating students for their hard work and active engagement in this academic activity.
A seminar on Long COVID was successfully conducted by Esteemed Lecturer Ms. Shna Sami Amin. The seminar addressed the long-term health effects of COVID-19, focusing on persistent symptoms and their implications for healthcare and public health.
The seminar titled “Oral Cancer Awareness: Early Detection and Prevention” was successfully conducted by distinguished Lecturer Ms Shelan Shwan. The session focused on raising awareness of oral cancer, emphasizing early detection and prevention strategies.
The MySOMOI webinar titled “Association Between Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease” was successfully held on 17 September 2024 via Google Meet. The session was delivered by Prof. Dr. Faraedon M. Mostafa Zardawi, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at Qaiwan International University, and moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Basma Ezzat Mustafa Alahmad from the International Islamic University Malaysia.
The webinar highlighted the scientific link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular conditions and promoted academic discussion among participants
The session provided valuable insights into the impact of oral health on general well-being and encouraged academic discussion among participants. The forum was attended by dental professionals, academics, and students, contributing to meaningful knowledge exchange and professional engagement.
The Faculty of Dentistry at Qaiwan International University (QIU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). This MoU aims to strengthen academic cooperation through collaborative initiatives in education, research, and faculty collaboration, fostering mutual institutional development.
A seminar on Research Ethics was delivered by our distinguished faculty lecturer, Dr. Sama Nazih. The seminar focused on the fundamental principles of ethical research and emphasized the importance of integrity and responsible conduct in academic work.
The Faculty of Dentistry at Qaiwan International University organized a panel discussion titled “Oral Cancer: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Clinical Challenges.” The session explored key topics including prevention, epidemiology, risk factors, early detection, and clinical management of oral cancer.
An upcoming seminar by our distingushed faculty lecturer (Ms. Zanwer Azad), titled Dental Veneer which will be held at Faculty Of Dentistry Qaiwan International University on 17th of February 2026.
venue: G-11
On 27/6/2025, a group of Faculty of Dentistry Students helf a dental checkup at Majidi Mall Booth.
A dental check-up visit was conducted at Kurdistan Technical Institute on December 1, 2025, to promote oral health and preventive care.
On 21/10/2025, a group of Faculty of Dentistry Students visited the Kurd Genius School to perform Dental Checkups.
On 30/10/2025, a group of Faculty of Dentistry Students visited the PAP Department students to perform Dental Checkups
The Faculty of Dentistry at Qaiwan International University has a research collaboration for FYP students with the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) as part of the ongoing MoU between both universities. This collaboration aims to enhance dental research, support student training, and promote academic exchange across the two universities.
