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Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic idiopathic orofacial pain disorder, characterized by persistent burning sensations and pain without clear pathological causes. Recent research suggests that small fiber neuropathy (SFN) may play a significant role in the neuropathic pain and sensory disturbances associated with BMS. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesize current evidence supporting SFN's involvement in BMS. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024555839). The results show eight studies reported reductions in nerve fiber density in tongue biopsies (ranging from 30% to 60%), along with morphological changes indicative of small fiber damage. Additionally, an increase in TRPV1-positive, NGF-positive, and P2X3-positive fibers, overexpression of Nav1.7, and slight underexpression of Nav1.9 mRNA were observed in BMS patients. Quantitative Sensory Testing in seven studies revealed sensory abnormalities such as reduced cool detection and cold pain thresholds. Blink reflex and corneal confocal microscopy also indicated peripheral and central small fiber damage, along with increased artemin mRNA expression. The evidence strongly supports SFN as a key factor in the pathophysiology of BMS, particularly due to reductions in nerve fiber density and altered sensory thresholds. However, variability across studies highlights the need for larger, standardized research to establish causal relationships and guide therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigates the psychological impact of COVID‐19 on burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients. It focuses on comparing post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), post‐traumatic growth (PTG), and resilience between BMS patients and Controls. Methods: A total of 100 BMS patients and 100 Controls from five Italian centers participated in this observational cross‐sectional study. They completed several assessments, including the General Health Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, Insomnia Severity Index, National Stressful Events Survey Short Scale, Impact of Event Scale‐Revised, Post Traumatic Growth Inventory Short Form, and Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale. Results: BMS patients had significantly higher stress, anxiety, and depression (DASS‐21 score) and post‐traumatic stress symptoms (IES‐R‐6 score), particularly in terms of intrusive thoughts. They showed lower post‐traumatic growth (PTGI‐SF score) compared to Controls. The resilience scale (CDRS‐10) was a key predictor of PTG in both groups, explaining a significant variance in PTGI‐SF scores. Conclusions: BMS patients experienced heightened post‐traumatic stress, stress, anxiety, and depression during the COVID‐19 pandemic, with reduced post‐traumatic growth. This highlights the need to prioritize their psychological well‐being, focusing on stress management and fostering post‐traumatic growth in challenging times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Osteomyelitis is characterized by an inflammatory process affecting both bone and bone marrow, leading to cell death and the formation of bone sequestrum. Recent literature from the past five years has documented instances of osteomyelitis following infections of SARS-CoV-2. This systematic review explores the link between osteomyelitis of the jaw (OMJ) and COVID-19 infections. Methods: This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines, systematically analyzing literature from 2020 to 2024 sourced from databases including Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. PROSPERO ID: CRD42024526257. Results: The review selected 42 articles, detailing 201 cases of osteomyelitis of the jaw related to COVID-19 (COMJ). The demographic breakdown included 195 male (74.4%) and 67 female patients (25.6%), with a median age of 52.7 years, ranging from 24 to 71 years. A significant portion of COMJ patients (41.5%) were hospitalized due to COVID-19, and 58.5% received corticosteroid therapy. Diabetes mellitus was a common comorbidity among COMJ patients (65.1%). Most cases involved maxilla (182 cases; 90.5%), with nearly half showing sinus involvement (49.4%). The mandible was affected in 19 cases (9.5%). Mucormycosis and aspergillosis emerged as the predominant fungal infections, identified in 103 (51.2%) and 50 (24.9%) cases, respectively. Conclusions: Individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes mellitus who have been treated for COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing OMJ, particularly maxillary fungal osteomyelitis. COMJ poses a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for dental and maxillofacial professionals, who are often the first to encounter these cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusions This study aims to assess and contrast cognitive and psychological aspects of patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS‐MCI) and geriatric patients (G‐MCI) with mild cognitive impairment, focusing on potential predictors like pain, mood disorders, blood biomarkers, and age‐related white matter changes (ARWMCs).The study enrolled 40 BMS‐MCI and 40 geriatric G‐MCI, matching them by age, gender, and educational background. Participants underwent psychological, sleepiness, and cognitive assessment including the Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE), Trail Making Test (TMT), Corsi Block‐Tapping Task, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Copying Geometric Drawings Test, Frontal Assessment Battery, and Digit Cancellation Test.G‐MCI patients exhibited higher ARWMCs scores in right (p = 0.005**) and left (p < 0.001**) temporal regions, which may relate to specific neurodegenerative processes. Conversely, BMS‐MCI patients showed higher levels of depression and anxiety and lower MMSE scores(p < 0.001**), also struggling more with tasks requiring processing speed and executive function, as evidenced by their higher TMT‐A scores (p < 0.001**).The study highlights particular deficits in global cognition and processing speed for BMS‐MCI. The influence of educational background, pain levels, cholesterol, sleep disturbances, and anxiety on these cognitive assessments underscores the need for personalized therapeutic strategies addressing both cognitive and emotional aspects of MCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Special needs dentistry (SND) is a vast and fragmented field of study. This comprehensive bibliometric analysis aimed to evaluate the scope of SND, including the existing knowledge base, distribution structure, quantitative relationships, and research trends. Material and Methods: A systematic search was conducted on March 10, 2022, using the Web of Science Core Collection database, covering the period from 1985 to 2021, focusing on studies reporting on special needs populations in a dentally relevant context. Records were title‐screened and analyzed for key bibliometric indicators. Results: Among 48,374 articles, 13,869 underwent bibliometric analysis. Peak SND research occurred during 1985–1997. United States led in productivity, trailed by Brazil and Japan. University of Sao Paulo excelled in Brazil, University of Washington and University of North Carolina in the United States. The Journal of Dental Research was the most productive source of research and also had the highest number of citations, followed by Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. Keyword analysis revealed that "elderly", "caries", and "epidemiology" were the most commonly used author keywords. Conclusions: This study represents the first bibliometric analysis of SND literature. It emphasizes the need for increased collaboration between institutions and authors. Furthermore, it suggests focusing on research input from non‐dental disciplines and populations with rarer intellectual or developmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the diagnostic delay, the number and type of referrals and the clinical and psychological profile in a wide sample of patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Materials and Methods: Data on the disease onset, oral symptoms, type and number of practitioners consulted, misdiagnoses, and the presence of medically unexplained extraoral physical symptoms were recorded in 500 BMS patients. Potential predictors of diagnostic delay were also evaluated. Results: The mean diagnostic delay was 29.71 ± 47.19 months. An average of 2.61 ± 1.65 practitioners were consulted by each patient, the most frequent being the general physicians (287; 57.4%), maxillofacial surgeons (111; 22.2%), and otolaryngologists (104; 20.8%). The mean number of misdiagnoses was 3.54 ± 1.85. Nonspecific stomatitis, candidiasis, and gastroesophageal reflux were the most common misdiagnoses. Higher age, low education, the presence of dysgeusia, and a previous history of psychiatric illness were predictors of a longer diagnostic delay (p‐value: 0.028, 0.050, 0.007, 0.034, respectively). Conclusions: The lack of knowledge among specialists, the high rate of misdiagnosis, and the diagnostic delay of BMS highlight the need to introduce educational interventions in all medical specialties in order to promote an early and appropriate diagnosis, thereby improving the prognosis and quality of life of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Several oral problems occurring during cancer treatment can lead to the discontinuation or interruption of the scheduled treatment, with a negative impact on patient's overall survival. Very few studies focused on patients' self-reported oral problems during chemotherapy treatment for solid tumors. Through the administration of a dedicated questionnaire, we aim at correlating the presence of oral complications to demographic and medical information. Metastatic disease represented a risk factor for the onset of oral mucositis and salivary gland hypofunction, while specific chemotherapy regimens increased the risk to develop a subjective reduction in the salivary flow and difficulty in swallowing. Most of the participants were informed by the oncologist about the possibility of oral problems arising during oncological therapies. It is of paramount importance to collect observational data on oral problems from the patients' perspective in order to plan information and prevention campaigns to inform patients about their possible occurrence by providing useful tools for prevention and management. PURPOSE: Oral problems in a group of oncological patients undergoing chemotherapy (CT) for solid tumors have been examined. Incidence and severity of patients' self-reported oral problems have been evaluated along their interaction with age, gender, tumor diagnosis and stage, presence of mestastasis, CT agent type, and number of CT cycle. We also analyzed the presence of paraesthesia and anaesthesia and their predisposing factors associated with clinical and treatment-related variables. METHODS: Patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire to evaluate the onset and the intensity of oral and perioral pain, oral mucositis, salivary gland hypofunction, dysgeusia, dysphagia, dysphonia, and sensitivity neuropathy (paraesthesia or dysaesthesia) since the last CT infusion. We also investigated which types of medications have possibly been used and who recommended it, as well as patients' degree of awareness about the possibility of oral problems arising during CT. RESULTS: We recruited 194 patients and obtained 491 questionnaires. We found that a metastatic disease was a risk factor for OM (OR 2.02, p = 0.026) and salivary gland hypofunction (OR 1.66, p = 0.042) and that platinum agents, compared to mitotic inhibitors, increased the risk of developing salivary gland hypofunction (OR 2.16, p = 0.013), dysphagia (OR 3.26, p = 0.001), and anaesthesia (OR 5.16, p = 0.041). Young age was a slight protective factor for most symptoms. The 80% of enrolled patients were informed by the oncologist about possible oral problems arising during CT. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlighted the importance of collecting observational data from the patients' perspective on oral problems arising during the routine oncology practice, across a range of solid tumors and CT regimens. The relevance of these findings focused on the key role of the multidisciplinary team in advising the patients on the possible occurrence of oral problems, also by recommending their management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Containing an abundance of bioactive molecules including polyphenols and flavonoids, the constituents of this beverage may exert antiproliferative, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to summarise the available evidence on the anticancer effects of coffee constituents and their potential therapeutic use for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Studies were identified through a comprehensive search of OVID MEDLINE, OVID EMBASE and Web of Science, including articles from any year up to 15 May 2023. Results: Of the 60 reviewed papers, 45 were in vitro, 1 was in silico and 8 were in vivo exclusively. The remaining studies combined elements of more than one study type. A total of 55 studies demonstrated anti‐proliferative effects, whilst 12 studies also investigated migration and invasion of neoplastic cells. The constituents studied most frequently were quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), demonstrating various cytotoxic effects whilst also influencing apoptotic mechanisms in cancer cell lines. Dose‐dependent responses were consistently found amongst the studied constituents. Conclusion: Whilst there was heterogeneity of study models and methods, consistent use of specific models such as SCC25 for in vitro studies and golden hamsters for in vivo studies enabled relative comparability. The constituents of coffee have gained significant interest over the last 30 years, particularly in the last decade, and present an area of interest with significant public health implications. Currently, there is a paucity of literature on utilization of active coffee constituents for the therapeutic treatment of oral cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Invasive dental treatment in patients exposed to antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs can cause medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Currently, the exact pathogenesis of this disease is unclear. Methods: In March 2022, Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, and Web of Science were screened to identify eligible in vitro studies investigating the effects of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic compounds on orally derived cells. Results: Fifty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Bisphosphonates were used in 57 studies, denosumab in two, and sunitinib and bevacizumab in one. Zoledronate was the most commonly used nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate. The only non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate studied was clodronate. The most frequently tested tissues were gingival fibroblasts, oral keratinocytes, and alveolar osteoblasts. These drugs caused a decrease in cell proliferation, viability, and migration. Conclusions: Antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs displayed cytotoxic effects in a dose and time-dependent manner. Additional research is required to further elucidate the pathways of MRONJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burning mouth syndrome is a chronic orofacial pain with intraoral burning and other oral dysaesthetic symptoms that significantly affects the quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the sexual desire in women with BMS and to investigate the possible related factors. Methods: A case–control study was performed. BMS patients were enrolled according to the International Classification of OroFacial Pain criteria. Demographic variables were collected. We evaluated pain with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Total Pain Rating Index (T‐PRI), anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS‐A e HADS‐D), sleep disturbances with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and sexual desire using Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI). Results: A total of 50 BMS women and 50 healthy controls were enrolled. Compared with the controls, the BMS patients showed higher scores in the NRS (7,81 ± 1,71 vs. 0,14 ± 0.40; p < 0.0001), TPR‐I (10,50 ± 4,86 vs. 0,36 ± 1,06; p < 0.0001), HADS‐A (11,86 ± 2,85 vs. 3,90 ± 2,81; p < 0.0001), HADS‐D (8,04 ± 3,18 vs. 1,42 ± 1,86; p < 0.0001) and PSQI (9,04 ± 2,62 vs. 4,64 ± 3,27; p < 0.0001). The mean SDI in the study group was significantly lower compared to healthy controls (32,36 ± 14,45 vs. 69,70 ± 19,94; p < 0.0001). No correlation was found between SDI and others items explored. Conclusion: In line with previous studies, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances are more common in BMS patients than in healthy population. This pilot study demonstrates for the first time an association between BMS and low sexual desire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Prior studies explored factors influencing dental study choice, but shifts from BDSc to DDS degrees in some countries impact demographics and motivations, potentially affecting the dental workforce. The aim of this study was to establish Australian DDS and BOH students' sociodemographics and career motivations., Methods: Questionnaires conducted in mid-2019 assessed sociodemographic profiles and career motivations. Statistical analysis utilized descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test., Results: The overall response rate was 71.3%. DDS students had an average age of 25.2 years, while BOH students averaged 21.5 years. Most BOH (80.7%) and DDS students (52.0%) were female. They were mainly single, local, Australian citizens from metropolitan areas. Self-motivation ranked highest, particularly for DDS students (P < 0.05). Significant motivators included healthcare occupation, helping others, interesting career, and flexible hours (P < 0.05). DDS students were more motivated by flexible hours and independence (P < 0.05), while females emphasized a healthcare profession (P = 0.003). International students were motivated by being their own boss (P = 0.003), and private school graduates valued lifestyle within the profession (P = 0.049)., Conclusion: Despite sociodemographic changes, the main motivations for studying dentistry remain consistent. DDS students prioritized lifestyle factors such as time and remuneration over BOH students.

Purpose: Oral problems in a group of oncological patients undergoing chemotherapy (CT) for solid tumors have been examined. Incidence and severity of patients' self-reported oral problems have been evaluated along their interaction with age, gender, tumor diagnosis and stage, presence of mestastasis, CT agent type, and number of CT cycle. We also analyzed the presence of paraesthesia and anaesthesia and their predisposing factors associated with clinical and treatment-related variables., Methods: Patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire to evaluate the onset and the intensity of oral and perioral pain, oral mucositis, salivary gland hypofunction, dysgeusia, dysphagia, dysphonia, and sensitivity neuropathy (paraesthesia or dysaesthesia) since the last CT infusion. We also investigated which types of medications have possibly been used and who recommended it, as well as patients' degree of awareness about the possibility of oral problems arising during CT., Results: We recruited 194 patients and obtained 491 questionnaires. We found that a metastatic disease was a risk factor for OM (OR 2.02, p = 0.026) and salivary gland hypofunction (OR 1.66, p = 0.042) and that platinum agents, compared to mitotic inhibitors, increased the risk of developing salivary gland hypofunction (OR 2.16, p = 0.013), dysphagia (OR 3.26, p = 0.001), and anaesthesia (OR 5.16, p = 0.041). Young age was a slight protective factor for most symptoms. The 80% of enrolled patients were informed by the oncologist about possible oral problems arising during CT., Conclusions: Our study highlighted the importance of collecting observational data from the patients' perspective on oral problems arising during the routine oncology practice, across a range of solid tumors and CT regimens. The relevance of these findings focused on the key role of the multidisciplinary team in advising the patients on the possible occurrence of oral problems, also by recommending their management.

Background: Cases of severe autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs) have recently been reported in association with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination., Aims: To describe a report of oropharyngeal Pemphigus Vulgaris (OPV) triggered by the mRNABNT162b2 vaccine (Comirnaty®/ Pfizer/ BioNTech) and to analyze the clinical and immunological characteristics of the AIBDs cases reported following the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination., Methods: The clinical and immunological features of our case of OPV were documented. A review of the literature was conducted and only cases of AIBDs arising after the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were included., Case Report: A 60-year old female patients developed oropharyngeal and nasal bullous lesions seven days after the administration of a second dose of the mRNABNT162b2 vaccine (Comirnaty®/ Pfizer/BioNtech). According to the histology and direct immunofluorescence findings showing the presence of supra-basal blister and intercellular staining of IgG antibodies and the presence of a high level of anti-Dsg-3 antibodies (80 U/ml; normal < 7 U/ml) in the serum of the patients, a diagnosis of oropharyngeal Pemphigus Vulgaris was made., Review: A total of 35 AIBDs cases triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were found (including our report). 26 (74.3%) were diagnosed as Bullous Pemphigoid, 2 (5.7%) as Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis, 6 (17.1%) as Pemphigus Vulgaris and 1 (2.9%) as Pemphigus Foliaceus. The mean age of the sample was 72.8 years and there was a predominance of males over females (F:M=1:1.7). In 22 (62.9%) cases, the disease developed after Pfizer vaccine administration, 6 (17.1%) after Moderna, 3 (8.6%) after AstraZeneca, 3 (8.6%) after CoronaVac (one was not specified). All patients were treated with topical and/or systemic corticosteroids, with or without the addition of immunosuppressive drugs, with a good clinical response in every case., Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the potential, though rare, occurrence of AIBDs as a possible adverse event after the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. However, notwithstanding, they should encourage their patients to obtain the vaccination in order to assist the public health systems to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)