Search

Purpose: The relationship between the number of chronic diseases and oral health problems is unclear. We sought to determine whether the number of chronic diseases and multimorbidity have an association with oral health problems in Korean adults. Materials and Methods: Data from 23,246 adults aged ≥ 19 years, who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016 to 2019, were considered for our analyses. Participants with either masticatory or speech problems were defined as the oral health problems group. Individuals who reported having had dental treatment in the last year were defined as the dental treatment group. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The proportions of oral health problems and dental treatment were higher in participants with multimorbidity than in those without multimorbidity (all p < 0.001). Moreover, ORs of oral health problems demonstrated a tendency to increase with the number of chronic diseases, even after adjustment (p for trend < 0.001). Compared to the participants without multimorbidity, the risk of having oral health problems increased by 25% (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.12–1.39), and that of receiving dental treatment increased by 23% (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.13–1.34) in patients with multimorbidity. Conclusion: The risk of oral health problems and dental treatment increased in association with the number of chronic diseases in Korean adults. The authors emphasise the risks and importance of oral health in a large population affected by multiple chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid emergence of antibiotic‐resistant pathogens, nanomaterial‐assisted catalytic sterilization has been well developed to combat pathogenic bacteria by elevating the level of reactive oxygen species including hydroxyl radical (·OH). Although promising, the ultra‐short lifetime and limited diffusion distance of ·OH severely limit their practical antibacterial usage. Herein, the rational design and preparation of novel virus‐like copper silicate hollow spheres (CSHSs) are reported, as well as their applications as robust artificial bacteriophages for localized bacterial capture and enhanced catalytic sterilization in the treatment of oral infectious diseases. During the whole process of capture and killing, CSHSs can efficiently capture bacteria via shortening the distance between bacteria and CSHSs, produce massive ·OH around bacteria, and further iinducing the admirable effect of bacterial inhibition. By using mucosal infection and periodontitis as typical oral infectious diseases, it is easily found that the bacterial populations around lesions in animals after antibacterial treatment fall sharply, as well as the well‐developed nanosystem can decrease the inflammatory reaction and promote the hard or soft tissue repair. Together, the high Fenton‐like catalytic activity, strong bacterial affinity, excellent antibacterial activity, and overall safety of the nanoplatform promise its great therapeutic potential for further catalytic bacterial disinfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most prevalent oral health issues affecting mankind is tooth loss. Besides extractions due to periodontal disease and caries, accidents and lack of dental knowledge can also result in tooth loss. Nevertheless, no known published studies have examined how edentulous patients in Uganda have lived with tooth loss. The objective of the present study was to investigate experiences of tooth loss among Ugandan edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study using purposive recruitment of respondents. A total of 15 respondents were chosen from a variety of socio-economic groups. Qualitative data were collected using oral interviews in form of note taking and an audio-recorder. The data collected comprised the causes of tooth loss, the physical and psychological effects of losing teeth, the difficulties in managing oral hygiene when one is toothless, coping mechanisms, and supportive interventions after losing natural teeth. The collected data were transcribed and analyzed thematically using a software, Atlas Ti. The generated qualitative data were summarized as text, while demographic characteristics were presented in a table. Results: Oral infections such as periodontal disease (which destroy tooth supporting tissues), tooth decay and trauma from accidents were reportedly the main causes of tooth loss. In case of tooth pain as a first symptom, most patients choose self-medication with over-the-counter drugs and home remedies. They only consult dental professionals when the condition deteriorates. Tooth loss was associated with problems of eating, facial aesthetics and low self-esteem. Conclusion: The present study found that tooth loss was caused by periodontal disease, tooth decay and trauma from accidents. Loss of teeth was escalated by poor health seeking behavior. Tooth loss resulted in pain, eating difficulties, speech difficulties, poor facial appearance and consequently low self-esteem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent oral diseases leading to tooth loss in adults, and is characterized by the destruction of periodontal supporting structures. Traditional therapies for periodontitis cannot achieve ideal regeneration of the periodontal tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising approach to periodontal tissue regeneration. Recently, the prominent role of MSCs in this context has been attributed to microRNAs (miRNAs), which participate in post-transcriptional regulation and are crucial for various physiological and pathological processes. Additionally, they function as indispensable elements in extracellular vesicles, which protect them from degradation. In periodontitis, MSCs-derived miRNAs play a pivotal role in cellular proliferation and differentiation, angiogenesis of periodontal tissues, regulating autophagy, providing anti-apoptotic effects, and mediating the inflammatory microenvironment. As a cell-free strategy, their small size and ability to target related sets of genes and regulate signaling networks predispose miRNAs to become ideal candidates for periodontal tissue regeneration. This review aims to introduce and summarize the potential functions and mechanisms of MSCs-derived miRNAs in periodontal tissue repair and regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study utilized data from the 2022 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey to examine the utilization of preventive dental care among adolescents from multicultural families and analyze the associated factors. Methods: The number of adolescents from multicultural families, based on parental nationality, was 1361. The dependent variables were asymptomatic dental visits, sealant experience, and scaling experience. The independent variables included health perception factors (subjective health status, subjective oral health status), health behaviors (fruit consumption frequency, vegetable consumption frequency, sugary drink consumption frequency, drinking experience, smoking experience), and oral health behaviors (daily tooth-brushing frequency, tooth brushing after lunch, use of oral care products, oral symptom experience). Confounding variables included demographic variables (age, grade) and socioeconomic variables (academic performance, economic level, parental education level, mother's nationality). Statistical analyses were conducted using a complex samples cross-tabulation and complex samples logistic regression. Results: Asymptomatic dental visits were significantly associated with subjective oral health status and sugary drink consumption. Those who perceived their oral health as "Healthy" had an odds ratio (OR) of 3.34 (CI = 1.76–6.32; p < 0.001), and those who perceived themselves "Normal" had an OR of 2.03 (CI = 1.08–3.82; p = 0.029). A sugary drink consumption of less than three times per week was linked with an OR of 1.68 (CI = 1.05–2.70; p = 0.031). Sealant experience was associated with brushing before bedtime (OR = 2.27, CI = 1.18–4.35; p = 0.014) and using more than one oral care product (OR = 1.97, CI = 1.27–3.07; p = 0.003). Scaling experience associated with oral symptoms (OR = 1.94, CI = 1.21–3.11; p = 0.006). Conclusions: To enhance access to preventive dental care utilization for adolescents from multicultural families, efforts are needed to raise subjective oral health awareness, improve oral health behaviors, and develop strategies that ensure timely preventive dental care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral complications such as parageusia, xerostomia, and oral ulcers are frequently observed in patients with COVID-19. The aim of this study was to understand the oral complications and their influencing factors during the two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in China between December 2022 and May 2023. Methods: A total of 347 patients during the COVID-19 pandemic from December 2022 and January 2023 and 163 patients during the second COVID-19 pandemic were recruited through the Disease Prevention and Control Reporting System. Data on oral complications were collected via researcher-made questionnaires. Results: During both pandemic periods, more than 50% of the subjects developed oral complications. Specifically, the incidence of parageusia, pathological tongue coating, and xerostomia all exceeded 20%, while the incidence of oral ulcers surpassed 7%. Patients with allotriosmia and xerostomia had a significantly higher likelihood of developing other oral complications. Hospitalized patients requiring supplemental oxygen had a significantly higher incidence of oral complications. Conclusions: The results of our study underline that oral complications during the COVID-19 pandemic are prevalent, and their incidence has not decreased during the subsequent pandemic. In the context of the ongoing global spread of COVID-19, this study lays the foundation for physicians in recognizing and managing oral complications, which will improve the oral health of communities globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that remains a major diagnostic challenge due to the variety of its clinical presentations. This case highlights the importance of early biopsy of oral lesions without tendency to heal to attain the diagnosis more quickly. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to focus on both oral and pulmonary involvements in a patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Case presentation: The presented case describes an Iranian 18-year-old girl with chronic cough and dyspnea referred for evaluation of the upper jaw due to bone exposure, bone loss, and soft tissue ulceration. Her medical history revealed mediastinal mass, cavitary lesion, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. However, cytologic and immunohistochemical analysis did not show any evidence of malignancy. In this case a lymphoproliferative disease was suspected but ultimately the oral biopsy diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and chemotherapy could be started. Conclusions: Systemic conditions should be considered as a possible cause of oral lesions and a biopsy should also be performed immediately if there is any doubt concerning the nature of the lesion. Moreover, some conditions necessitate multiple biopsies to attain an accurate diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Oral mucosal lesions are prevalent and often cause pain, thus impacting patients' quality of life. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has emerged as a promising autologous biomaterial for wound healing, yet comprehensive evidence regarding its efficacy in treating oral mucosal lesions is limited. This study aims to update the current evidence on the effectiveness of PRF in treating various types of oral mucosal lesions. Materials and methods: We conducted a literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases until April 2024. The search included studies that investigated the use of PRF in treating oral mucosal lesions. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising three case reports, three randomized controlled trials, two animal studies, three split-mouth trials, and one retrospective study. We performed data extraction according to a predefined form. Results: PRF was applied in two forms—membranes and injectable gels—to treat a range of oral mucosal lesions, including ulcerative, red and white, pigmented, and potentially malignant or malignant lesions. Compared to control groups or conventional treatments, PRF generally demonstrated superior outcomes regarding faster healing, lesion size reduction, symptom relief, and lower recurrence rates. Histological and molecular analyses from some studies also indicated PRF's regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusion: PRF shows promise as an effective and safe alternative to current treatments for oral mucosal lesions due to its autologous nature, ease of preparation, and wound-healing capabilities. However, further research is needed to standardize PRF preparation protocols and confirm its long-term efficacy across different lesion types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, oral diseases remain a major public health problem. However, there is limited information about the oral health status and factors associated with oral disease among children in Uganda. The aim of this study was to examine the oral health status and factors associated with oral health of primary school children in urban and rural areas of the Gulu district of northern Uganda. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 356 school children aged 11–13 years attending six schools located in urban and rural areas. The children received a clinical oral examination and participated in a questionnaire survey that collected information on sociodemographic and oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices. All data were entered and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp statistical software. Logistic regression analyses examined factors associated with dental caries and gingival bleeding. Results: Of the 356 children (11–13 years) included, the mean age was 12.2 years, 140 (39.3%) were male and 176 (49.4%) were from urban areas. The proportion of school children with dental caries was 33.6% (n = 119), with the mean decayed, missing due to caries, and filled teeth (DMFT) index of 0.81 (25th percentile = 0; 75th percentile = 1.00). There was no significant difference in caries prevalence between rural and urban children (31.6% versus 35.6%, p = 0.33). Of the children involved in the study, 141(39.8%) had gum bleeding. The mean oral knowledge score was 2.85 ± 1.53 (range, 0–7), while the mean attitude, hygiene practice, frequency of sweets consumption, and oral health related impact scores were 4.25 ± 1.23 (range, 1–6), 5.40 ± 1.81 (range, 0–9), 25.66 ± 4.29 (range 9–54) and 2.1 ± 1.65 (range, 0–6), respectively. Using logistic regression analyses, as oral health knowledge score increased the odds of not having dental caries increased (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.02–1.39). Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries and gum bleeding of primary school children in Gulu district is high. Children lacked knowledge on causes of oral disease, and behaviour towards oral disease prevention. In addition, oral health knowledge scores were significantly associated with dental caries. Oral health education programs in schools should emphasise providing skills-based education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental caries remains the most prevalent chronic, oral biofilm-associated disease affecting majority of the globe's population in all age categories. Despite enormous and revolutionary progress in omics technologies, it's aetiology is not fully understood. The interest of current research is primarily focused on the identification and understanding of the crosstalk between main players such as host cell genome, oral microbiome's genome, factors of immune response, saliva content and nutrition. For accurate, multi-omix analyses, it is essential to know which patient's genes enter into crucial interactions. Identifying genes and understanding the mechanism of their action is the key for deeper understanding of their involvement in the pathogenesis of this disease. Serious alterations of these genes should be consequently used as markers to determine the extent of genetic predisposition to dental caries and identify susceptible patients. That should significantly improve the prevention, diagnostic and therapy of the disease with an individual approach and provide more efficient and effective implementation of newer preventive measures and novel therapeutic approaches in the management of the disease. This review focuses on contemporary evidence on genetics factors affecting dental caries and to provide an up-to-date comprehensive description and classification of the genes and their alterations influencing the disease. It also aims to delineate and discuss evidence gaps and potential novel applications of genetics in the context of recent advances [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: This systematic review explores the bioactive properties of Punica granatum (pomegranate) and its potential applications in the prevention and treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and other oral diseases. (2) Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on pomegranate and oral diseases. Inclusion criteria included studies evaluating the effects of pomegranate on oral health, while exclusion criteria eliminated non-peer-reviewed and non-English articles. This review aims to assess the efficacy of pomegranate extracts as a natural alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals in oral health care. A structured search strategy included key terms such as "pomegranate", "oral health", "gingivitis", and "periodontitis". A total of 125 relevant references were reviewed to identify the most pertinent findings. (3) Results: The results indicate that pomegranate extracts have demonstrated efficacy in reducing plaque, inhibiting harmful oral microorganisms, and promoting overall oral health. Furthermore, clinical studies highlight the potential of pomegranate-based products, such as mouthwashes and gels, as viable alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals, particularly in resource-limited settings. However, the review also notes the need for further research, particularly in the form of clinical trials, to establish optimal formulations and long-term safety. (4) Conclusions: Pomegranate presents a promising, natural solution for preventing and treating gingivitis and periodontitis. Further studies should focus on long-term effects and clinical efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Oral diseases causing mucosal lesions are normally treated with local or systemic anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial agents. The development of topical formulations, including wound-healing promoters, might speed up the recovery process, improving patients' quality of life, and reduce the risk of deterioration in health conditions. In this study, a mucoadhesive multilayer film, including a novel biocompatible substance (solubilized eggshell membrane, SESM), was rationally designed. Methods: The SESM preparation procedure was optimized and its biological effects on cell proliferation and inflammation marker gene expression were evaluated in vitro; preformulation studies were conducted to identify the most promising polymers with film-forming properties; then, trilayer films, consisting of an outer layer including chlorhexidine digluconate as a model drug, a supporting layer and a mucoadhesive layer, incorporating SESM, were prepared using the casting method and their mechanical, adhesion and drug release control properties were evaluated. Results: SESM proved to possess a notable wound-healing capacity, inducing a wound closure of 84% in 24 h without inhibiting blood clotting. The films revealed a maximum detachment force from porcine mucosa of approx. 1.7 kPa and maximum in vivo residence time of approx. 200–240 min; finally, they released up to 98% of the loaded drug within 4 h. Conclusions: The formulated trilayer films were found to possess adequate properties, making them potentially suitable for protecting oral lesions and favoring their rapid healing, while releasing antimicrobial substances that might be beneficial in reducing the risk of bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of West China Journal of Stomatology is the property of Sichuan University, West China College of Stomatology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of West China Journal of Stomatology is the property of Sichuan University, West China College of Stomatology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, leads to severe complications in 30% of infected individuals, including acute myocarditis and chronic fibrosing cardiomyopathy. Despite the significant burden of this disease, there is currently no licensed vaccine available to prevent it. This study aimed to evaluate the mucosal and systemic immunogenicity as well as the prophylactic efficacy of a mucosal vaccine candidate and its impact on both acute and chronic cardiomyopathy. The results showed that the nasal administration of trans-sialidase (TS) plus c-di-AMP (TS+A) vaccine elicited a NALT expression of IFN-γ, IL-17a and IL-4 mRNA as well as a nasal-specific production of IgA. An in vivo challenge with TS also triggered increased proliferation of lymphocytes from the NALT, sentinel cervical lymph node, and spleen. TS+A immunization increased the plasma levels of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines and elicited an evident cellular response by which to judge enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity responses following a TS footpad challenge. After oral infection, TS+A-vaccinated mice showed significantly reduced parasitemia and parasite load in the heart, muscles and intestines, while markers of hepatic and muscle damage as well as clinical manifestations of acute infection were strongly diminished. TS+A also attenuated acute myocarditis and the expression of inflammatory markers in the heart. The protection conferred by TS+A extended into the chronic phase, where it resulted in a clear reduction in chronic myocarditis, fibrosis and functional electrocardiographic abnormalities, associated with a decreased expression of the pro-fibrotic TGF-β. These results revealed that it is possible to develop a mucosal vaccine against T. cruzi based on TS and c-di-AMP that is capable of reducing the development of Chagas cardiomyopathy, the hallmark of Chagas disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral diseases and conditions affect children's oral health and negatively influence their overall health. Early detection and intervention are important in mitigating these negative consequences. However, dental fear and anxiety (DFA) regarding dental procedures often hinder children from seeking necessary dental care. Non-pharmacological behavior management strategies, such as distraction techniques, are commonly adopted to manage children's behaviors. Distraction techniques have been developed rapidly in recent years and are widely accepted by both health professionals and parents due to their noninvasive and low-cost nature. This concise review aims to summarize current distraction techniques applied during dental treatments, especially for children. The most commonly reported techniques for children are audio distraction, audio-visual distraction, tactile distraction, olfactory distraction, and gustatory distraction. Audio distraction techniques involving music and storytelling help children relax. Audio-visual distraction techniques help to divert children's attention from the dental treatment. Tactile stimuli can reduce the transmission of pain signals. Olfactory stimuli can help children feel comfortable and relaxed. Gustatory distraction involving sweet substances can create a positive environment. These distraction techniques effectively reduce DFA in children and improve their satisfaction with dental procedures. As technology continues to develop, further research is needed to provide more robust, evidence-based guidance for dentists using distraction techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy (CT) and radiation therapy (RT), while effective against cancer, often cause severe side effects, such as oral mucositis and other oral diseases. Oral mucositis, characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the oral mucosa, is one of the most painful side effects that can reduce quality of life and limit cancer treatment. Curcumin, a polyphenol from Curcuma longa, has garnered attention for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties, which protect the oral mucosa by reducing oxidative stress and modulating inflammation. This study reviews the therapeutic potential of curcumin in preventing and managing oral mucositis caused by CT and RT. Clinical trials show curcumin's effectiveness in reducing the incidence and severity of oral mucositis. Although curcumin supplementation appears to be a promising and cost-effective approach for mitigating oral complications in cancer patients, further clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and optimize dosing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental caries and periodontitis are the most common oral diseases in humans and the main causes of tooth loss. Streptococcus mutans is primarily responsible for dental caries and dental plaque, which are triggered by biofilm formation on the tooth surface. In this study, biofilm inhibition by 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol (IPMP)-based agents, consisting of IPMP and polyoxyethylene-hydrogenated castor oil (POEHCO), was investigated in vitro. Notably, the use of POEHCO in addition to IPMP inhibited S. mutans biofilms more drastically than IPMP alone. Moreover, the effects of IPMP on the expression of biofilm-related genes (gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD) were examined using quantitative real-time PCR. IPMP at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations significantly downregulated the expression of these genes. These results suggested that the inhibitory effects on biofilm formation were synergistically enhanced by the surfactant and antibiofilm activities of IPMP. Therefore, IPMP-based agents as dentifrices may be useful to prevent oral diseases originating from biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Self-medication, particularly for oral and dental health problems, stands as a significant health and social concern. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and underlying causes of self-medication for oral and dental health problems. Method: Articles published until August 30, 2023, were searched in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. A manual search was also done in Google Scholar, references, citations, and Gray literature. The screening of articles was done independently by two members of the research team. The quality of reporting in the articles was evaluated using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist For Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. Meta-analysis was performed using the fixed effects model in Stata software (StataCorp, version 16). Results: The results of 37 studies involving 12,110 participants with a mean age of 32 years and 48% male were analyzed. Most of the studies were conducted in low- and middle-income countries. The overall prevalence of self-medication was estimated at 59% [95%CI: 55–63%], with 58% [95% CI: 53–63%] among dental patients, and 60% [95% CI: 52–67%] in the general public. Analgesics (60%) and antibiotics (19%) were the most commonly used drug categories. In terms of the mean proportion, having previous experience, unbearable pain, and lack of time had the highest percentages, and in terms of the number of repetitions among the reviewed articles, economic problems, lack of time, and limited access were the most repeated reasons. The most significant related factors in self-treatment were female gender, higher education, and occupation. Pharmacies were the primary source of self-treatment medications. Conclusion: The results showed a very high prevalence of self-medication for oral health problems, necessitating prompt and effective interventions. It is recommended to focus on regulating the consumption of analgesics and antibiotics, addressing financial issues, and overseeing the pharmacy operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to data in the literature, natural products and essential oils are often used in dental practice. To develop a new oromucosal spray for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, clove CO2 extract and essential oils of lavender and grapefruit were used as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Clove extract was obtained by the method of subcritical extraction from various raw materials, the choice of which was based on the yield of the CO2 extract and the study of its phytochemical and microbiological properties. Based on the results of microscopic and diffraction analyses, the rational time of ultrasonic exposure for the emulsion of active pharmaceutical ingredients was established. Mucoadhesive polymers were used as stabilizers of the two-phase system and prolongators. This article discusses the impact of the type and concentration of mucoadhesive polymers on the stability of the emulsion system; the viscous, textural, adhesive, and film characteristics of oromucosal spray; and the parameters determining sprayability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the correlation of titin (TTN) polymorphisms with the sensitivity of oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC) and clinical characteristics. Six TTN SNPs, including rs10497520, rs12463674, rs12465459, rs2042996, rs2244492, and rs2303838, were evaluated in 322 control groups and 606 patients with oral cancer. We then investigated whether the SNP genotypes rs10497520 had associations with clinical pathological categories. Our data showed that the TC + CC genotype of rs10497520 was associated with moderate/poor tumor cell differentiation. The carriers of TTN rs10497520 polymorphic variant "TC + CC" in OSCC patients with cigarette smoking were linked with poor tumor differentiation (p = 0.008). Our results suggest that the TTN SNP rs10497520 is a possible genetic marker for oral cancer patients in the cigarette-smoking population. The TTN rs10497520 polymorphisms may be essential biomarkers to predict the onset and prognosis of oral cancer disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral lesions are a common clinical symptom arising from various etiologies and disrupt the patient's quality of life. However, no definite treatment is not yet possible, due to the constantly changing environment of the mouth. In recent years, herbal treatments have gained popularity among patients and physicians due to their availability, safety, affordability, and antimicrobial properties. This research aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of a nano-emulsion of Plantago major standardized extract (PMSE) on oral ulcers in a Wistar rat model using histomorphometry and stereological parameters. Materials and Methods: The study involved 72 Wistar rats divided randomly into 24 groups of 3 each: groups A1 to A4 received one dose to 4 doses of 5% PMSE nano emulsion, groups B1 to B4 received one dose to 4 doses of 10% PMSE nano emulsion, and groups C1 to C4 received one dose to 4 doses of 20% PMSE nano emulsion, groups D1 to D4 received one dose to 4 doses of nano-emulsion without PMSE, groups E1 to E4 received one dose to 4 doses of PMSE, and group F served as the control group. An incision measuring 2 mm in diameter was made in the animals' hard palate using a biopsy punch. A swab containing the necessary material was used to administer the medication orally to the wound. Histological samples were collected on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 and sent to the pathology laboratory for examination. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26 and setting statistical significance at p < 0.05. Results: Group A showed a high rate of complete and normal re-epithelialization of the wound at 66.7%, compared to the other groups. Group D had a re-epithelialization rate of 50%, while groups C, E, and F had rates of 7.41% and group B had 7.16%. In terms of inflammation reduction, 23.88% of group A had no inflammation, a higher percentage compared to the other groups. Group B and D had no inflammation in 3.33% of cases, lower than the other groups. The study evaluated frequency of re-epithelialization and inflammation levels in different groups on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 after four doses of the drug with no significant differences found among the groups. Conclusion: None of the nano emulsions or PMSE enhanced the healing rate of oral ulcers. However, a 5% PMSE nano emulsion displayed an increase in lesion re-epithelialization. Key message: • Design of PMSE nano emulsion on oral wound healing. • Select a superior formulation for PMSE nano-emulsion on oral wound healing. • The composition of 5% PMSE nano emulsion is suggested for healing oral wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing studies have shown that poor oral health contributes to the progression of dementia. It is meaningful to find out the role of oral health interventions in maintaining people's cognition levels and delaying the progression of dementia. Thus, we conducted this review to summarize the present evidence on the effect of oral health interventions on the cognition change of people with dementia. Methods: Literature search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Dentistry and Oral Sciences by two independent reviewers from inception to 6 March 2024. Clinical studies such as randomized controlled trials reporting on the effect of oral health interventions on the cognition of people with dementia were included in this review. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were used to measure cognition level. The mean deviation (MD), generated by subtracting the baseline MMSE score from the MMSE score at follow-up was used to assess the change in cognition. Studies with oral hygiene practice as an oral health intervention were further conducted with a meta-analysis. Results: A total of 6646 references were identified by the literature search, and 5 studies were eligible to be included in this review. Among the included studies, 4 studies reported the cognition change after having various oral hygiene practice as oral health intervention, while the other study adopted oral exercises as the intervention. Two studies presented positive MD values after intervention provided, indicating improved cognition level at follow-up (MD = 0.6, MD = 0.9, respectively). Another two studies reported less cognition deterioration with smaller absolute MD values in the intervention group, (intervention vs. control, -0.18 vs. -0.75, p < 0.05 and − 1.50 vs. -3.00, p < 0.05, respectively). The random-effect model was selected in the meta-analysis, and the weighted mean difference (WMD) was 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 0.44 to 1.71), favoring the intervention group. Conclusion: With limited evidence, oral hygiene care may play a positive role in maintaining the cognition level of people with dementia. However, further studies are needed to provide direct evidence on the effectiveness of oral health interventions on oral health conditions as well as cognition status and to disclose the rationale behind it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal diseases, ranging from gingivitis to periodontitis, are prevalent oral diseases affecting over 50% of the global population. These diseases arise from infections and inflammation of the gums and supporting bones, significantly impacting oral health. The established link between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, underscores their importance as a public health concern. Consequently, the early detection and prevention of periodontal diseases have become critical objectives in healthcare, particularly through the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This paper aims to bridge the gap between clinical practices and cutting-edge technologies by providing a comprehensive review of current research. We examine the identification of causative factors, disease progression, and the role of AI in enhancing early detection and treatment. Our goal is to underscore the importance of early intervention in improving patient outcomes and to stimulate further interest among researchers, bioengineers, and AI specialists in the ongoing exploration of AI applications in periodontal disease diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Oral Erythema Multiforme (EM) is considered rare and less described variant in the world of EM. Examination of oral cavity lesions poses various diagnostic challenges and thus a thorough examination with history can help to reach a diagnosis. Due to possibility of subsequent severe attacks of EM, it has to be identified early in the course for better outcome of the patient. Erythema multiforme is an intriguing clinical entity characterized by acute, self‐limiting mucocutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. It can occur due to various etiological factors including infections, medications, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies; herpes simplex being the most common infection accounting for almost 90 percent of the overall cases. Here, we report a case of EM in an 8‐year‐old female child. The patient presented with an acute onset of crusting ulcers in the lips and oral cavity along with sparse cutaneous lesions around the lips. Based upon the patient's detailed history of prodromal symptoms, disease course and progression, careful clinical examination of wound and serology test, herpes simplex virus‐associated erythema multiforme (HAEM) was diagnosed ruling out other mucocutaneous diseases, such as pemphigus, paraneoplastic pemphigus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, and lichen planus. The patient was admitted and treated for HAEM. To conclude, a detail clinical history and thorough clinical examination suggested the diagnosis of EM followed by serology tests to confirm the HSV1 association where proper medicament with supportive care led to an uneventful management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral health is essential for both overall health and quality of life. The mouth is a window into the body's health, and nutrition can strongly impact the state of general and oral health. A healthy diet involves the synergistic effect of various nutraceutical agents, potentially capable of conferring protective actions against some inflammatory and chronic-degenerative disorders. Nutraceuticals, mostly present in plant-derived products, present multiple potential clinical, preventive, and therapeutic benefits. Accordingly, preclinical and epidemiological studies suggested a protective role for these compounds, but their real preventive and therapeutic effects in humans still await confirmation. Available evidence suggests that plant extracts are more effective than individual constituents because they contain different phytochemicals with multiple pharmacological targets and additive/synergistic effects, maximizing the benefits for oral health. Moreover, nutritional recommendations for oral health should be personalized and aligned with valid suggestions for overall health. This review is aimed to: introduce the basic concepts of nutraceuticals, including their main food sources; examine the logic that supports their relationship with oral health, and summarize and critically discuss clinical trials testing the utility of nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral findings such as inflammation, ulcerations, or lesions can indicate serious systemic diseases and should prompt suspicion of acquired chronic conditions or inborn errors of immunity (IEIs). Currently, there are approximately 500 disease entities classified as IEIs, with the list expanding annually. The awareness of the existence of such conditions is of paramount importance, as patients with these disorders frequently necessitate the utilization of enhanced diagnostic techniques. This is exemplified by patients with impaired antibody production, in whom conventional serological methods may prove to be undiagnostic. Patients with IEI may require distinct therapeutic approaches or antimicrobial prophylaxis throughout their lives. An accurate diagnosis and, more importantly, early identification of patients with immune deficiencies is crucial to ensure the quality and longevity of their lives. It is important to note that the failure to establish a proper diagnosis or to provide adequate treatment could also have legal implications for medical professionals. The article presents IEIs, which may manifest in the oral cavity, and their diagnosis alongside therapeutic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The provision of dental care in Pakistan is limited, with less than 5% of the population having access to qualified dental practitioners. The lack of contextually relevant local dental guidelines further adds to the problem. We developed clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and referral pathways to improve primary care for common oral diseases. Methods: Using the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT approach, recommendations from source guidelines (developed in Europe and the United States) were adopted (retained as is or with minor changes), adapted (modified according to the local context), or excluded (omitted due to lack of local relevance). The guidelines included diseases such as periodontitis, dental pain, intraoral swelling, and oral cavity malignancies. The end result was a set of locally relevant CPGs, which were then used to formulate referral pathways, with the incorporated suggestions being based on a thorough evidence review process. Results: We included four recommendations, three of which were adopted with minor modifications to the referral pathway. These changes focused on assessing potentially malignant oral conditions and counseling for risk factors. No content changes were needed for the CPGs of the other two disorders. We developed referral pathways for three specific oral conditions, detailing primary care physicians' roles in diagnosis, initial treatment, and timely referral. Conclusion: Contextually relevant dental CPGs and referral pathways can improve patient outcomes in Pakistan. Our study produced four additional recommendations focused on risk factor counselling and mitigation, which could potentially reduce the burden of oral malignancies in our local population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A higher occurrence of oral cancer is observed in South Asian and Southeast Asian countries when compared with other countries in the world. Cancer, a disease with complex pathophysiology, has been linked to chronic inflammation. Inflammation has been considered an important component of tumor initiation and progression. This is supported by the fact that many cancers arise at the sites of chronic inflammation, but the exact mechanism by which inflammation influences cancer is unknown. Purpose: This review article correlates single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), chronic inflammation, and oral cancer. The article emphasizes the critical role that SNPs play in oral cancer susceptibility, progression, and prognosis. This involves discussing the impact of specific SNPs on oral cancer risk and patient outcomes. Review: Gene polymorphism has been documented in the molecular pathogenesis of various cancers, including oral cancer, and SNPs are the most common form of gene polymorphism. Genetic variation has been documented in the molecular pathogenesis of various cancers, including oral cancer, and SNPs are the most common form of gene polymorphism. SNPs have been documented in inflammatory conditions as well as in various diseases. Conclusion: SNPs have phenotypic consequences and therefore can serve as genetic fingerprints. The upregulation or downregulation of genes is able to drive oral carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: A retrospective study was conducted to clarify the clinical characteristics of taste disorder cases at the Department of Oral Medicine of Hokkaido University Hospital. The subjects were 322 taste disorder patients (86 male, 236 female, average age: 66 (13.1) years, mean duration of disorder: 15.2 (20.0) months) who were treated at our department from 2007 to 2018. Methods: Associations between symptoms and classification were examined. Results: When looking at the taste symptoms, 154 cases of quantitative taste disorder were observed as taste loss, abscission, and dissociative taste disorder, and 168 cases of qualitative taste disorder were observed as spontaneous abnormal taste, dysgeusia, and maltaste. There was no relationship between sex and quantitative/qualitative taste disorders at V = 0.08. When looking at the causes of taste disorders, the majority were psychogenic, idiopathic, and oral diseases. Conclusions: Approximately 20% of taste disorders are caused by oral diseases, so it should be noted that oral diseases such as oral candidiasis and xerostomia can cause taste disorders and that many of them can be improved with oral treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of review: This review investigates the oral microbiome's composition, functions, influencing factors, connections to oral and systemic diseases, and personalized oral care strategies. Recent findings: The oral microbiome is a complex ecosystem consisting of bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses that contribute to oral health. Various factors, such as diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions, can affect the balance of the oral microbiome and lead to dysbiosis, which can result in oral health issues like dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral candidiasis, and halitosis. Importantly, our review explores novel associations between the oral microbiome and systemic diseases including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, endocrinal, and neurological conditions, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. We comprehensively review the efficacy of interventions like dental probiotics, xylitol, oral rinses, fluoride, essential oils, oil pulling, and peptides in promoting oral health by modulating the oral microbiome. Summary: This review emphasizes the critical functions of the oral microbiota in dental and overall health, providing insights into the effects of microbial imbalances on various diseases. It underlines the significant connection between the oral microbiota and general health. Furthermore, it explores the advantages of probiotics and other dental care ingredients in promoting oral health and addressing common oral issues, offering a comprehensive strategy for personalized oral care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis can disrupt oral and gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis that affects overall systemic health. Besides the spread of periodontal pathogens by the hematogenous route, they can also be translocated into the gastrointestinal tract, possibly intervening in the neoplastic process in the gastrointestinal tract. This manuscript reviews the relationship between oral and gut microbiota due to periodontitis, discussing systemic health implications and potential links to gastrointestinal cancer. This article highlights the significance and effect of dysbiosis in the gut, emphasizing the importance of maintaining oral health to prevent systemic diseases. Lastly, it will go through therapeutic innovations such as probiotics and oral microbiota analysis tools for systemic disease detection. These findings will mark the integration of oral health management in clinical practice to lower systemic disease risk and improve overall patient outcomes. Aim of work: This manuscript aims to unravel the pathological interaction between oral and gut microbiota and their bidirectional effect on systemic diseases. Materials and methods: The review was performed using the MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases. Reviewed articles were published in English between the year 2015 and 2024. The search used keywords such as ("oral microbiota" AND "periodontal disease") OR ("oral microbiota" AND "gastrointestinal cancer") OR ("Porphyromonas gingivalis" AND "periodontal disease") OR ("Helicobacter pylori" AND "gastric cancer") OR ("gut microbiome" AND "inflammatory bowel disease") OR ("oral microbiome" AND "systemic diseases"). Conclusions: The dysbiotic change in the oral cavity due to periodontitis is linked directly and indirectly to systemic diseases such as IBS, neurodegenerative diseases, muscle joint diseases, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal cancer; this underscores the importance of maintaining oral hygiene for prophylaxis of oral diseases and the prevention of systemic diseases. A better understanding of the interconnections between oral health and systemic diseases will integrate oral health management to offer new prevention, diagnostic, and treatment opportunities to improve overall patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis, a systemic autoimmune disorder primarily affecting the skin, manifests through erythematous plaques and scales, impacting approximately 2–3% of the global population. Chronic periodontitis, a prevalent oral disease characterized by the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues, affects roughly 10–15% of adults worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between psoriasis and chronic periodontitis, supported by epidemiological studies indicating a higher prevalence of periodontitis among individuals with psoriasis and vice versa. Both conditions are chronic inflammatory diseases marked by dysregulated immune responses and altered cytokine profiles, notably involving proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-17. Clinical studies highlight a reciprocal impact of treating one condition on the other, underscoring the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration between dermatologists and periodontists in managing patients with both conditions. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between psoriasis and chronic periodontitis, examining epidemiological associations, shared inflammatory pathways, genetic insights, microbial dysbiosis, environmental factors, and clinical implications. The review emphasizes the importance of integrated care approaches and the potential for targeted therapeutic interventions to improve both psoriatic and periodontal patient outcomes, advocating for further research into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning the comorbidity of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background One of the most prevalent oral health issues affecting mankind is tooth loss. Besides extractions due to periodontal disease and caries, accidents and lack of dental knowledge can also result in tooth loss. Nevertheless, no known published studies have examined how edentulous patients in Uganda have lived with tooth loss. The objective of the present study was to investigate experiences of tooth loss among Ugandan edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital. Methods This was a cross-sectional qualitative study using purposive recruitment of respondents. A total of 15 respondents were chosen from a variety of socio-economic groups. Qualitative data were collected using oral interviews in form of note taking and an audio-recorder. The data collected comprised the causes of tooth loss, the physical and psychological effects of losing teeth, the difficulties in managing oral hygiene when one is toothless, coping mechanisms, and supportive interventions after losing natural teeth. The collected data were transcribed and analyzed thematically using a software, Atlas Ti. The generated qualitative data were summarized as text, while demographic characteristics were presented in a table. Results Oral infections such as periodontal disease (which destroy tooth supporting tissues), tooth decay and trauma from accidents were reportedly the main causes of tooth loss. In case of tooth pain as a first symptom, most patients choose self-medication with over-the-counter drugs and home remedies. They only consult dental professionals when the condition deteriorates. Tooth loss was associated with problems of eating, facial aesthetics and low self-esteem. Conclusion The present study found that tooth loss was caused by periodontal disease, tooth decay and trauma from accidents. Loss of teeth was escalated by poor health seeking behavior. Tooth loss resulted in pain, eating difficulties, speech difficulties, poor facial appearance and consequently low self-esteem.

Introduction: The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) serves as a crucial tool in understanding the intricate relationship between oral health and systemic conditions like type 2 Diabetes. This study delves into the comparative analysis of OHIP in patients with and without type 2 diabetes, shedding light on the nuanced impact of this metabolic disorder on oral health-related quality of life (OHrQoL). By scrutinising factors such as oral discomfort, functional limitations and psychological well-being, this research aims to unearth valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by diabetic individuals in maintaining optimal oral health. Such findings hold immense significance in guiding tailored interventions and enhancing holistic healthcare approaches. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 232 diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Clinical examinations were conducted, and a validated Arabic version of the OHIP-14 instrument was used. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. Results: In total, 232 patients with and without diabetes were included in this study. A statistically significant effect was observed amongst diabetic compared to non-diabetic participants (P = 0.015). The overall OHrQoL across the seven domains of participants with diabetes was significantly lower than those without diabetes (P = 0.0001). Oral lesions were more common and showed statistically significant effects amongst diabetic compared to non-diabetic patients (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes have shown undesirable oral health which impacted their quality of life compared to those without diabetes. Future research focusing on developing preventive interventional strategies for diabetic patients, in addition to enhancing the awareness of oral diseases and dental care amongst those patients, is highly encouraged. Developing a standardised protocol with a unified OHrQoL instrument and methodological statistical analysis approaches that could be generalised and used worldwide periodically amongst diabetic patients may also be advocated.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) comprises more than 90% of oral cavity cancer and remains the leading cause of death in oral disease. Limited studies have been conducted to evaluate cellular histomorphometry changes in OSCC compared to premalignant lesions such as Dysplastic leukoplakia (DL), Nondysplastic leukoplakia (NDL), and normal epithelial. This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on total 72 samples, including superficial areas of squamous cell carcinoma (SCCSF), Invasive Front of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCCIF), Apparently Normal Adjacent Oral Mucosa (SCCANM) or normal margin, Dysplastic leukoplakia (DL), Nondysplastic leukoplakia (NDL), and normal oral mucosa tissue (NOM) (N = 12 per group). ANOVA was used to compare the nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio (N/C), nucleus area (NA), and cellular area (CA) of the stained hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) samples in the studied groups. A P value less than 0.05 was considered to be a significant level. There was a significant increase in the CA, NA, and N/C in the basal and parabasal layers from normal epithelium to dysplastic epithelium and OSCC. The highest NA, CA, and N/C were in the SCCIF and SCCSF groups, respectively, and the lowest was observed in NOM. In addition, SCCANM basal and parabasal layer cells had a significant difference in N/C compared to NOM, which indicates a high risk of SCCANM transformation into malignancy. Cell histomorphometry changes were observed from normal tissue to premalignant lesions and OSCC. These parameters can be used as indicators of the potential for transformation into malignancy in premalignant lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amal Mohammed Sindi, Khalid Aljohani Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Amal Mohammed Sindi, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Email amsindi@kau.edu.saPurpose: Diagnosing oral and maxillofacial lesions is a multi-step, multidisciplinary process. If a clinical diagnosis is achievable, then a histopathological diagnosis is indicated to support and confirm the diagnosis. Histopathological examination of tissue biopsies is therefore an essential part of the diagnosis and/or treatment plan. The purpose of this study was to investigate the agreement between the clinical and histopathological diagnoses of oral and maxillofacial lesions and the patient, lesion, and healthcare provider factors that may affect this agreement.Patients and Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study of all patients who had been referred to the Oral Pathology Central Laboratory at the Faculty of Dentistry and University Dental Hospital at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2018 and 2022 for diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial lesions. Data extracted included information about the referring dental provider such as their clinical experience (number of years), specialty, certification, and education. Agreement between the clinical and histopathological diagnoses was evaluated, and logistic regression was used to assess provider characteristics associated with the accuracy of diagnosis.Results: The clinical and pathological diagnoses were concordant in 44.1% (n=378) of cases, and concordance was highest for odontogenic tumors (72.7%, n=24), significantly higher than for inflammatory lesions (37.3%, n=111). The anatomical locations with the highest diagnostic accuracy were the ventral surface of the tongue (71.4%, n=5), followed by the lips (52.6%, n=20). Patient age and sex and the dentist’s years of experience were not associated with diagnostic agreement (p=0.2, p=0.9, and p=0.08, respectively). However, concordant diagnoses were significantly associated with the dentist’s rank (p=0.02) and specialty (p=0.01). Clinical diagnoses made by oral surgeons at the time of biopsy were 1.6-times more likely (p=0.01) to agree with the pathological diagnosis compared with those made by other specialties when controlling for education, certification, and years of experience.Conclusion: These data are a reminder that a clinical diagnosis alone is not sufficient to secure the final diagnosis and to plan treatment. Histopathological examination remains essential for most oral and maxillofacial lesions.Keywords: dentist, oral diseases, clinical diagnosis, biopsy, histopathological diagnosis

Oral health is an integral component of overall well-being, with the oral cavity serving as a channel for external communication and expression of emotions such as stress and pessimism. Oral diseases can intensify feelings of depression, whereas depression can worsen oral health conditions. As a crucial part of the human microbiome, an imbalance in oral microbiota can release oral pathogenic microbes, which, through pathways including the circulation, nervous, and immune systems, can reach the brain and significantly affect the central nervous system. This can lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, further intensifying the development of depression. Similarly, an imbalance in oral microbiota in individuals with depression can intensify the occurrence of oral diseases. The relationship between depression and oral diseases is not isolated but rather a complex interplay in which they mutually influence and act as causative factors. To elucidate the causal relationship between oral diseases and depression and devise strategies for the prevention and treatment of both conditions, we explore the interaction mechanisms between oral diseases and depression from the perspective of oral microbiota. The occurrence of dental caries, periapical periodontitis, and periodontal diseases is closely associated with the excessive proliferation of specific bacteria in the oral cavity, such as Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. These bacteria can directly invade the brain through the compromised blood-brain barrier, activating pro-inflammatory cytokines and worsening depressive symptoms. Inflammatory conditions and ulcers in the oral mucosa are caused by various factors, including infection and immune abnormalities. Because of compromised immune function in individuals with depression, these inflammatory responses are often more severe and difficult to control. Malocclusion, trigeminal neuralgia, and temporomandibular joint disorders increase the risk of depression because of psychological stress and changes in the immune system. We also outline the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for oral diseases in patients with depression, emphasizing the importance of early intervention for disease management. Future research will explore the therapeutic potential of oral microbiota in individuals with depression, with the aim to improve symptoms and treatment outcomes by adjusting oral microbiota, thus providing novel avenues for the prevention and treatment of depression.

Background: The relationship between the microbiome and oral health is intricate, yet there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding the microbiome's impact on oral health. Integrating knowledge regarding the oral microbiome and its significance in oral and systemic diseases holds profound implications for dental professionals in patient care and professional development. This study assessed dental professionals' oral microbiome comprehension and knowledge levels in Saudi Arabia and its implications for oral healthcare. Methods: Data were gathered using a cross-sectional design by administering a comprehensive online questionnaire to 253 dental professionals from diverse demographic backgrounds. The questionnaire, administered in English, was divided into four sections: (1) Microbiome awareness and understanding, (2) Diet, nutrition, and microbiome relationship, (3) Microbiome and oral and systemic diseases, and (4) Counselling, education, and implications. Statistical analyses were used to identify and understand underlying patterns, including descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, ANOVA, and post hoc tests. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient was applied to assess self-rated knowledge. Results: Of the 253 participants, 94.6% were familiar with the term "microbiome." Merely 13% of participants considered the oral microbiome to be the second most diverse, following the gut microbiome. About 39.9% of participants knew the connection between oral mucosal diseases and the oral microbiome. Furthermore, only 6.7% thought there was a connection between systemic diseases and the oral microbiome. Participant comprehension of oral microbiome questions averaged 9.19 out of 13, with 83.7% scoring "good". There were significant differences in knowledge scores among dental specializations (F = 7.082, P < 0.001) and years of professional experience (F = 4.755, P = 0.003). Significantly, 53.8% of participants had uncertain self-perceptions of their knowledge of the oral microbiome, while only 0.8% rated their understanding as 'very good'. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that dental professionals have varying levels of awareness and comprehension of the oral microbiome. Despite widespread awareness, understanding its diversity and implications for oral and systemic health remains limited. It is essential to address these gaps in knowledge through future research and educational interventions, considering the vital part that dental professionals play in promoting oral health through personalised dietary recommendations, lifestyle changes, and hygiene practices. These initiatives may promote a robust oral microbial community, enhance patient outcomes, and advance oral healthcare locally and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ideally, health services and interventions to improve dental health should be tailored to local target populations. But this is not the standard. Little is known about risk clusters in dental health care and their evaluation based on small-scale, spatial data, particularly among under-represented groups in health surveys. Our study aims to investigate the incidence rates of major oral diseases among privately insured and self-paying individuals in Germany, explore the spatial clustering of these diseases, and evaluate the influence of social determinants on oral disease risk clusters using advanced data analysis techniques, i.e. machine learning. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed to calculate the age- and sex-standardized incidence rate of oral diseases in a study population of privately insured and self-pay patients in Germany who received dental treatment between 2016 and 2021. This was based on anonymized claims data from BFS health finance, Bertelsmann, Dortmund, Germany. The disease history of individuals was recorded and aggregated at the ZIP code 5 level (n = 8871). Results: Statistically significant, spatially compact clusters and relative risks (RR) of incidence rates were identified. By linking disease and socioeconomic databases on the ZIP-5 level, local risk models for each disease were estimated based on spatial-neighborhood variables using different machine learning models. We found that dental diseases were spatially clustered among privately insured and self-payer patients in Germany. Incidence rates within clusters were significantly elevated compared to incidence rates outside clusters. The relative risks (RR) for a new dental disease in primary risk clusters were min = 1.3 (irreversible pulpitis; 95%-CI = 1.3–1.3) and max = 2.7 (periodontitis; 95%-CI = 2.6–2.8), depending on the disease. Despite some similarity in the importance of variables from machine learning models across different clusters, each cluster is unique and must be treated as such when addressing oral public health threats. Conclusions: Our study analyzed the incidence of major oral diseases in Germany and employed spatial methods to identify and characterize high-risk clusters for targeted interventions. We found that private claims data, combined with a network-based, data-driven approach, can effectively pinpoint areas and factors relevant to oral healthcare, including socioeconomic determinants like income and occupational status. The methodology presented here enables the identification of disease clusters of greatest demand, which would allow implementing more targeted approaches and improve access to quality care where they can have the most impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral microbiota comprises polymicrobial communities shaped by mutualistic coevolution with the host, contributing to homeostasis and regulating immune function. Nevertheless, dysbiosis of oral bacterial communities is associated with a number of clinical symptoms that ranges from infections to oral cancer. Peri-implant diseases are biofilm-associated inflammatory conditions affecting the soft and hard tissues around dental implants. Characterization and identification of the biofilm community are essential for the understanding of the pathophysiology of such diseases. For that sampling methods should be representative of the biofilm communities Therefore, there is a need to know the effect of different sampling strategies on the biofilm characterization by next generation sequencing. Methods: With the aim of selecting an appropriate microbiome sampling procedure for periimplant biofilms, next generation sequencing was used for characterizing the bacterial communities obtained by three different sampling strategies two months after transepithelial abutment placement: adjacent periodontal crevicular fluid (ToCF), crevicular fluid from transepithelial abutment (TACF) and transepithelial abutment (TA). Results: Significant differences in multiple alpha diversity indices were detected at both the OTU and the genus level between different sampling procedures. Differentially abundant taxa were detected between sample collection strategies, including peri-implant health and disease related taxa. At the community level significant differences were also detected between TACF and TA and also between TA and ToCF. Moreover, differential network properties and association patterns were identified. Conclusions: The selection of sample collection strategy can significantly affect the community composition and structure. Trial registration: This research is part of a randomized clinical trial that was designed to assess the effect of transepithelial abutment surface on the biofilm formation. The trial was registered at Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT03554876. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patients with mild oral and maxillofacial space infection (OMSI) usually need only antimicrobial therapy. However, surgical intervention is eventually needed after using antibiotics for a period. The objective of this study was to explore the risk factors for drug therapy failure in OMSI. Subjects and methods: A retrospective case‒control study was designed. From August 2020 to September 2022, patients at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital who were diagnosed with OMSI were retrospectively reviewed. The outcome variable was surgical intervention after the use of antibiotics. We collected common biological factors, including demographic characteristics, routine blood test results, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and composite indicators, such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR). The χ2 test and binary logistic regression were used to examine the association between biological factors and the outcome variable. Results: Forty-six patients were included in this study. Further surgical intervention was needed in 20 patients (43.5%). The NLR showed a significant association with further surgical drainage (p = 0.01). A binary logistic regression equation was found by using stepwise regression based on the Akaike information criterion (R2 = 0.443), which was associated with sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.216; p = 0.092), NLR (OR, 1.258; p = 0.045), red blood cell (RBC) count (OR, 4.372; p = 0.103) and monocyte (MONO) count (OR, 9.528, p = 0.023). Receiver operating characteristic analysis produced an area under the curve for NLR of 0.725 (p = 0.01) and for the binary logistic regression model of 0.8365 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Surgical interventions are needed in some mild OMSI patients when antimicrobial therapy fails to stop the formation of abscesses. The binary logistic regression model shows that NLR can be used as an ideal prognostic factor to predict the outcome of antimicrobial therapy and the possibility of requiring surgical intervention. Statement of clinical relevance: Using simple, inexpensive, and easily achieved biological parameters (such as routine blood test results) and composite indicators calculated by them (such as NLR) to predict whether surgical intervention is needed in the future provides a reference for clinical doctors and enables more cost-effective and efficient diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Prevention & Treatment For Stomatological Diseases is the property of Journal of Prevention & Treatment For Stomatological Diseases Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background/Objectives: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the oral mucosa that affects between 0.5% and 2% of the general population. In the last decade, several studies have associated cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) with some inflammatory skin diseases such as oral lichen planus, demonstrating the presence of dyslipidemia in these pathologies. The objective of this work is to review whether patients with OLP show higher dyslipidemia and CRP levels compared to a healthy control population without OLP. Methods: Searches were carried out in Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane. The studies had to perform a histopathological diagnosis for OLP and the patients could not take any medication to treat this disorder. Non-lichenoid reactions were included. Results: After an initial search that provided us with 254 papers, this number was reduced to 10 articles after a detailed evaluation. All of them were case–control studies that compared the presence of analytical cardiovascular risk factors in patients affected by OLP and in healthy subjects. Conclusions: There is no scientific evidence of the possible association between OLP and CVDs. The only association we can prove is the one between OPL and CVD risk factors, especially those related to the lipid profile. More studies are needed in order to evaluate this relationship in patients diagnosed with CVDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental caries and periodontal disease are typical oral diseases frequently observed in patients with renal diseases. Tooth loss is an outcome of dental caries and periodontal disease, and the number of existing teeth is an indicator of oral health status. However, the association between the number of existing teeth and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has not been investigated in detail. This study aimed to investigate the association between oral health status, expressed by the number of existing teeth, and ESKD. We analyzed data from the second survey of the Longitudinal Evaluation of Multi-phasic, Odontological, and Nutritional Associations in Dentists, a cohort study conducted among members of the Japan Dental Association. From August 2016 to July 2017, self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 16,128 male dentists and 8,722 responded. Among them, 7,479 men with complete data on age, number of existing teeth, and ESKD were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted, with ESKD as the dependent variable and the number of existing teeth (≥23 teeth and <23 teeth) as the independent variable. Subgroup analysis by age (<65 years and ≥65 years) was also conducted. The <23 teeth group had a significantly higher rate of ESKD than did the ≥23 teeth group. After adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking habits, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, there was no significant association between having <23 teeth and ESKD in all participants. However, the subgroup analysis revealed a significant association after adjustment for covariates in participants aged <65 years but not in those aged ≥65 years. In conclusion, having <23 teeth was associated with the risk of requiring maintenance dialysis therapy among Japanese men aged <65 years. Therefore, tooth loss may be associated with renal function decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal disease (PD) during pregnancy may trigger systemic inflammation, increasing the risk of developing cardiometabolic disease (CMD). As a consequence, PD may result in the activation of cellular and molecular pathways, affecting the disease course and pregnancy outcome. Although microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered ideal biomarkers for many diseases, few studies have investigated salivary miRNAs and their role in pregnancy or neonatal outcomes. In this study, we sought to investigate the associations between salivary miRNAs of pregnant women with oral diseases and their effects on neonatal outcomes. Eleven (n = 11) salivary miRNAs from a cohort of pregnant women with oral diseases (n = 32; oral health, H; gingivitis, G; and periodontitis, P) were detected using a previous profiling analysis with an FDR < 0.20 and a fold change (FC) < 0.5 or FC > 2 for the most highly expressed miRNAs. Spearman correlations were performed for 11 salivary microRNAs associated with oral-derived inflammation, which could affect neonatal outcomes during pregnancies at risk for cardiometabolic disease (CMD), defined by the presence of a high pregestational BMI. In addition, ROC curves demonstrated the diagnostic accuracy of the markers used. Upregulation of miR-423-5p expression and a decrease in miR-27b-3p expression were detected in the P-group (p < 0.05), and ROC analysis revealed the diagnostic accuracy of miR-423-5p for discriminating oral diseases, such as gingivitis versus periodontitis (P vs. G, AUC = 0.78, p < 0.05), and for discriminating it from the healthy oral cavity (P vs. H, AUC = 0.9, p < 0.01). In addition, miR-27b-3p and miR-622 were also able to discriminate the healthy group from the P-group (AUC = 0.8, p < 0.05; AUC = 0.8, p < 0.05). miR-483-5p was able to discriminate between the G-group (AUC = 0.9, p < 0.01) and the P-group (AUC = 0.8, p < 0.05). These data support the role of salivary miRNAs as early biomarkers for neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with periodontal disease at high risk for CMD and suggest that there is cross-talk between salivary miRNAs and subclinical systemic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Oral health-related general health diseases and conditions refers to medical conditions or diseases that have a connection or impact on both oral health and overall health. (1) Background: A study was undertaken to provide a comprehensive profile of the prevalence and distribution, by selected socio-demographic characteristics, of chronic diseases and health conditions including those that impact the oral health and oral health self-care of independently living older adults in rural areas of the state of Victoria; (2) Methods: The study analyzed data from the Crossroads-II project, with a total of 1407 participants aged 55 years and older. Participants responded to questionnaires about their medical health history, health service use, and socio-demographics. In total, 572 attended a 2-h health screening that included an assessment of prescribed medications; (3) Results: Most participants were female (55.3%), with a mean age of 69.1 (SD = 9.2) years. Participants had a high prevalence of medical conditions; the most common were high blood pressure, arthritis, high lipids, hearing loss, and chronic pain. Almost all participants reported taking medications, with an average of 4.3 medications per person. Among those who attended the health screening, 78.1% were taking medications that could cause xerostomia (dry mouth); (4) Conclusions: This study provides initial information on the prevalence of medical conditions, medication usage, and the potential impact on the oral health of older adults living in rural Victoria. This information would be valuable for healthcare and dental workforce planning, policy development, and improving the overall well-being of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Nail biting is a very common oral disorder whose dental and clinical implication are not well-known. Therefore, this study is a novelty in the field of oral disease since it considers changes on tooth shape caused by nail biting. Nail biting (NB) is a repetitive and uncontrolled parafunctional activity that can affect oral health by altering tooth shape and intraoral position. Nowadays, there is not enough scientific evidence about the impact of NB on teeth; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of NB on the length, width and inclination of upper central incisors. This retrospective study involved 76 patients, 40 males and 36 females, with a mean age of 10.6 ± 0.3 years. Digital scans of the maxillary arch of each patient were recorded. Next, the length, width and inclination of upper central incisors used and not used for NB were measured. Finally, data were analysed with a paired t-test. Statistical analysis showed statistically significant differences in the length and inclination of upper central incisors used for NB compared with those of upper central incisors not used for NB, while the width did not show a significant difference. There were relevant changes in upper central incisors subjected to NB, demonstrating that NB impairs the shape, morphology and inclination of teeth. Therefore, because of the potentially negative consequences of NB, it is recommended that NB not be underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic and persistent inflammatory illness of the bowels, leading to a substantial burden on both society and patients due to its high incidence and recurrence. The pathogenesis of IBD is multifaceted, partly attributed to the imbalance of immune responses toward the gut microbiota. There is a correlation between the severity of the disease and the imbalance in the oral microbiota, which has been discovered in recent research highlighting the role of oral microbes in the development of IBD. In addition, various oral conditions, such as angular cheilitis and periodontitis, are common extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) of IBD and are associated with the severity of colonic inflammation. However, it is still unclear exactly how the oral microbiota contributes to the pathogenesis of IBD. This review sheds light on the probable causal involvement of oral microbiota in intestinal inflammation by providing an overview of the evidence, developments, and future directions regarding the relationship between oral microbiota and IBD. Changes in the oral microbiota can serve as markers for IBD, aiding in early diagnosis and predicting disease progression. Promising advances in probiotic-mediated oral microbiome modification and antibiotic-targeted eradication of specific oral pathogens hold potential to prevent IBD recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the therapeutic potential of propolis, a natural resin produced by bees, by analyzing recent literature spanning from 2005 to 2023. Various databases including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, SCOPUS, and WoS were searched to uncover recent findings. Propolis exhibits a diverse array of pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and wound-healing effects. It shows promise in treating respiratory infections, oral diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin conditions. Additionally, recent research suggests its potential as an anticancer agent. The review also investigates efficacy of propolis in addressing antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders (diabetes), reproductive disorder (PCOS), cardiovascular diseases, hepatotoxicity, and wound healing properties of propolis. Hence, propolis could emerge as a natural remedy with significant potential for enhancing healthcare outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]