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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 November 2022) | Viewed by 35186

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Prof. Dr. Claudia Dellavia

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Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20123 Milan, Italy
Interests: functional anatomy; masticatory muscles; temporomandibular disorders; craniofacial morphology; oral tissue microscopy; oral disease epidemiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The maintenance of general health, well-being and of the overall quality of life recognizes the key role of oral health. Most oral diseases have multiple etiologic and pathogenetic items and present risk factors related to the environment and to the patient lifestyles that interact with genetic heritage.

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the appearance of a wide spectrum of clinical systemic and oral manifestations that suggest different responses of the single patient to the same infective agent. In the oral cavity, alveolar bone pain, mucosal ulcerations, xerostomia, and alteration of the taste perception were reported in patients affected by SARS-CoV-2. Genetic and immune system features may represent predisposing factors to different presentation of oral signs and symptoms in terms of localization, severity, and clinical course. Evaluation of these aspects during the diagnosis and treatment planning together with the development and application of even more precise, non-invasive, and early diagnostic tools is crucial to design patient-centered clinical intervention. Personalized medicine needs to investigate the integration of environmental risk factors with innate variables to set a therapeutic customized program with a multidisciplinary approach.

After the success of the previous Special Issue on “Oral Diseases and Public Health,” we are pleased to invite researchers to contribute to the second Special Issue. Similarly, this Special Issue seeks research papers on the various aspects of the oral diseases management including diagnostic, epidemiologic, therapeutic and maintenance strategies with both basic and clinical research focus. In particular, we encourage the submission of original and review studies assessing how all these factors may impact public health.

Prof. Dr. Claudia Dellavia
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

oral epidemiology
oral health
early diagnosis
risk factors
diagnostic tools
oral diseases
community dentistry
immunology
genetics

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Related Special Issue

Oral Diseases and Public Health in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (13 articles)

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Underdiagnosis in Background of Emerging Public Health Challenges Related to Peri-Implant Diseases: An Interventional Split-Mouth Study

by Boris Djuran, Zoran Tatic, Neda Perunovic, Natasa Pejcic, Jovana Vukovic, Aleksandra Petkovic-Curcin, Danilo Vojvodic and Mia Rakic

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010477 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2445

Abstract

Peri-implant diseases are an emerging public health problem, and it’s considered that limitations of standard diagnostics play the role herein. The study objective was the estimation of pathological bone resorption at clinical and biological level in patients with peri-implant mucositis (PIM) and peri-implantitis (PI) before and 6 months after standard treatment and to compare them with healthy controls (HC). The split-mouth interventional study included 60 patients affected with PIM or PI. Patients that also presented at least one more HC were enrolled in the study and underwent standard non-surgical and surgical treatment, respectively. Standard clinical parameters and soluble levels of RANKL were measured in peri-implant crevicular fluid baseline and 6 months following treatment. Clinical parameters and RANKL significantly decreased following treatment in PIM and PI. However, bleeding on probing and probing depth remained significantly increased when compared to HC. RANKL answered requests for biomarker of peri-implant diseases, its baseline levels were significantly increased in PIM and PI, they decreased following treatment and reached HC in peri-implantitis, while in PIM RANKL remained significantly increased. Presence of pathological bone resorption in patients lacked its clinical signs, and respective persistence following treatment suggest the need for biomarker-supported diagnosis for timely diagnosis of peri-implantitis and appropriate orientation of respective management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Oral Diseases and Public Health)

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14 pages, 338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution of Malocclusion Traits in the Pediatric Population of Milan: An Observational Study

by Paolo Caccianiga, Lorenzo Giovanni Mantovani, Marco Baldoni and Gianluigi Caccianiga

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14199; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114199 - 30 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1610

Abstract

Background: Epidemiological investigations define the prevalence and distribution of the various types of malocclusions, and can help to identify etiological factors and set the most correct orthodontic therapy. Aim: The goal of this study was to verify the prevalence and distribution of various types of malocclusions in the pediatric population. Methods: The study was performed on a sample of 350 patients (ages 5–9) being treated at the ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda in Milan. A comparison was presented with one similar epidemiological investigation conducted 22 years earlier by the same researchers. The values of the malocclusion indices were reported from the cephalometric analyzes of the patients and were differentiated on the basis of gender and ethnicity. Results: The predominant traits of malocclusion in the general population of the analyzed sample were: skeletal class II (47.43%), hyper-divergence (40.86%), maxillary retrusion (46%), mandibular retrusion (66%), maxillary hypoplasia (50%), mandibular hypoplasia (49.14%), Wits index > 2 mm (22.57%); overjet > 4 mm (31.1%) and overbite > 4 mm (24.86%). Substantial differences were found between Italian patients and patients belonging to different ethnic groups in almost all parameters, and between the male and female genders in some of them. Patients in the 2000 study had a higher prevalence of Class II and hyper-divergence. Conclusions: This epidemiological investigation can suggest different approaches in setting the orthodontic treatment plan based on the ethnic group of the patient taken in charge and encourage more specific and large-scale analytical studies on the subject. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Oral Diseases and Public Health)

16 pages, 379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Indian Immigrants in Australia towards Oral Cancer and Their Perceived Role of General Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Nidhi Saraswat, Bronwyn Everett, Rona Pillay, Neeta Prabhu, Amy Villarosa and Ajesh George

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8596; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148596 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2751

Abstract

Oral cancer is highly prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. With the increasing immigration of Indians to Australia, a potential rise in oral cancer cases can be expected if they continue engaging in oral cancer risk practices. Unfortunately, little is known on this topic in the Australian context. This study aimed to generate new insights into this area by examining Indian immigrants’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding oral cancer in Australia and their perceived role of general practitioners in raising oral cancer awareness. Exploring these aspects could determine the oral cancer risk behaviours of Indians in Australia along with any contributing factors which could help identify potential preventative strategies. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken of 164 Indians across Australia. Data were analysed using SPSS software with descriptive statistics. Respondents had varying levels of knowledge about oral cancer (mean total score 61%), particularly around risk factors such as alcohol and areca nut use as well as oral cancer-related signs/symptoms. The majority (87.7%) had not received any information about oral cancer in a health care setting but were receptive (71–90%) to general practitioners playing a more active role in this area. Respondents were engaging in positive preventative oral health care though few were currently (6.7%) or previously (14.7%) chewing tobacco preparations. Further research is needed through larger studies to confirm the study findings and inform the development of culturally tailored strategies particularly involving general practitioners, to raise oral cancer awareness and provide early screening for Indian immigrants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Oral Diseases and Public Health)

11 pages, 575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Form for Assessing Dentists’ Knowledge about Oral Care of People Living with HIV

by Ricardo Roberto de Souza Fonseca, Rogério Valois Laurentino, Silvio Augusto Fernandes de Menezes, Aldemir Branco Oliveira-Filho, Ana Cláudia Braga Amoras Alves, Paula Cristina Rodrigues Frade and Luiz Fernando Almeida Machado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5055; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095055 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1703

Abstract

Oral lesions are usually the first sign of HIV infection. The present study aimed to determine the level of the knowledge of dentists on the dental care needs of People Living with HIV (PLWH). This cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2021, in the Brazilian state of Pará, during which a total of 51 dentists received an anonymous digital form (Google^® Forms Platform) composed of four blocks of discursive, dichotomous, and multiple-choice questions. The questions referred to various aspects of the dental care needs of PLWH, together with data on the professional activities of the dentists. After signing the term of informed consent, the dentists were divided into six subgroups according to the time (in years) since completing their bachelor’s degree in dentistry. The data were presented as descriptive statistics and percentages, and then analyzed using the Kappa test. Most (70.6%; 36 of 51) of the dentists were female, the mean age of the dentists was 32.5 years, and a majority (80.2%) were based in the city of Belem; the mean time since graduation was 8.5 years, with 22 (43.1%) having more than 5 years of professional experience, and 31 (60.8%) having graduated from a private dental college. Just over half (51%) of the 51 dentists had completed graduate courses, and the most common dental specialty was orthodontics (19.6%). Most (74.5%) of the dentists work in the private sector, 38 (74.5%) claimed to have already provided oral care to PLWH, and 43 (84.3%) had access to specialist content on the oral care needs of PLWH. In terms of the knowledge of the dentists with regard to the oral care needs of PLWH, four of the ten diagnostic questions obtained more inadequate answers than expected, whereas the final two questions (11–45.1% and 12–31.4%) demonstrated that many of the dentists adopt unnecessary modifications in their oral care protocol for PLWH, due to a fear of contamination. Overall, our results demonstrate a frequent lack of knowledge, especially with regard to the oral healthcare needs of PLWH, which may account for many of the stigmas that persist in the dental care of this vulnerable group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Oral Diseases and Public Health)

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16 pages, 392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptions and Practices of General Practitioners towards Oral Cancer and Emerging Risk Factors among Indian Immigrants in Australia: A Qualitative Study

by Nidhi Saraswat, Rona Pillay, Neeta Prabhu, Bronwyn Everett and Ajesh George

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11111; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111111 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2743

Abstract

Background: In Australia, Indian immigrants are one of the fastest-growing communities. Since oral cancer is widespread in India, the indulgence of Indians in customs of areca (betel) nut use in Australia may be linked to the recent rise in oral cancer cases. Since GPs (general practitioners) are primary healthcare providers, it is pivotal to ensure the oral cancer awareness of GPs. This study aimed to explore oral cancer risk-related knowledge, beliefs, and clinical practices of GPs in Australia. Methods: Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs practicing across New South Wales and Victoria. Purposive and snowball sampling were used for recruitment. Data were analysed through a directed content analysis approach. Results: All GPs were knowledgeable of major oral cancer causative factors including tobacco and alcohol, but some had limited understanding about the risks associated with areca nut preparations. Positive attitudes were evident, with all participants acknowledging the importance of oral cancer risk assessment. Most GPs recalled not performing oral cancer routine check-ups. Conclusion: GPs presented good oral cancer knowledge except for emerging risk factors such as areca nut use. Varied beliefs and inconsistent clinical practices relating to oral cancer screening is concerning. Accessible oral cancer training around emerging risk factors may benefit GPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Oral Diseases and Public Health)

12 pages, 636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection on ORAL Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus

by Doina Iulia Rotaru, Radu Marcel Chisnoiu, Andreea Iuliana Kui, Sorana D. Bolboacă and Andrea Maria Chisnoiu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9382; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179382 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2617

Abstract

Background: oral lichen planus (OLP) is a mucocutaneous disease that affects about 4% of the global population. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was linked to lichen planus. The current study aimed to assess the impact of OLP associated or not with HCV infection on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods: The study included patients diagnosed with OLP who filled in the Romanian version of OHIP-14 questionnaire at their first appointment and 6 months later, after the OLP treatment. A control group of OLP-free subjects similar as age and sex was also included in the study. Results: 68 patients with OLP and 46 controls were included in the study. The OHIP scores are significantly higher on OLP group than controls (p-value < 0.0001) and significantly reduced at 6-month follow-up (p-values: < 0.0001 pre- vs. post-treatment in OLP group). Patients with and without HCV associated with OLP demonstrated a similar oral quality of life (p-values > 0.05). Conclusions: the OHRQoL for patients suffering from OLP is compromised but is improved after treatment. The HCV associated with OLP did not influence the overall OHRQoL, but the patients who associate HCV reported more frequently aching in the mouth and discomfort eating food at six-month follow-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Oral Diseases and Public Health)

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10 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Esteem and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life within a Cleft Lip and/or Palate Population: A Prospective Cohort Study

by Antonia Aleksieva, Giacomo Begnoni, Anna Verdonck, Annouschka Laenen, Guy Willems and Maria Cadenas de Llano-Pérula

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 6078; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116078 - 4 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3230

Abstract

(1) Objective: To investigate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and self-esteem (SE) of a population with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) and to compare it with a non-affected control cohort. (2) Materials and methods: This study comprised 91 CLP patients and a control group of 790 individuals, seeking orthodontic treatment. OHRQoL and SE were assessed by the Child’s Perception Questionnaire (CPQ) and the Dutch adaptation of the Harter’s Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents. Treatment need and self-perception of oral aesthetic were assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and the Oral Aesthetic Subjective Impact Scale (OASIS). Patients’ expectations and motivation for treatment were also scored. Linear models were used for statistical comparisons between groups. (3) Results: The cleft group scored higher in all domains of the CPQ, OASIS, IOTN and regarding SE for the domains of scholastic competence, athletic competence, physical appearance and behavioral conduct. The cleft group was not only more motivated and expected less discomfort during treatment but also had higher expectations for the treatment outcome. (4) Conclusions: The OHRQoL of CLP patients is strongly correlated with the presence of an oral cleft, while SE remains a personal resource not influenced by the malocclusion or medical condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Oral Diseases and Public Health)

Review

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10 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessReview

Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry—Narrative Review

by Agata Ossowska, Aida Kusiak and Dariusz Świetlik

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3449; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063449 - 15 Mar 2022

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 12979

Abstract

Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more important in medicine and in dentistry. It can be helpful in many fields where the human may be assisted and helped by new technologies. Neural networks are a part of artificial intelligence, and are similar to the human brain in their work and can solve given problems and make fast decisions. This review shows that artificial intelligence and the use of neural networks has developed very rapidly in recent years, and it may be an ordinary tool in modern dentistry in the near future. The advantages of this process are better efficiency, accuracy, and time saving during the diagnosis and treatment planning. More research and improvements are needed in the use of neural networks in dentistry to put them into daily practice and to facilitate the work of the dentist. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Oral Diseases and Public Health)

Other

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24 pages, 662 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Oral Health Status, Oral Health Behaviors, and Oral Health Care Utilization among Persons with Disabilities in Saudi Arabia

by Faris Yahya I. Asiri, Marc Tennant and Estie Kruger

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 16633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416633 - 11 Dec 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3834

Abstract

Various studies have indicated that persons with special needs may face several barriers to dental treatment, which increases the prevalence of oral diseases in this population. Moreover, these studies suggested that Saudis with special needs have a higher prevalence of oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease. The aim of this review is to synthesize evidence regarding the current status, trends in oral health behaviors, and oral health care utilization among these individuals, as well as to assess the quality of the literature. Furthermore, this review seeks to recommend directions for future research and oral health care policymaking. An electronic search was conducted using the following databases and registers: PubMed/Medline, Embase, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and CENTRAL. Gray literature, which included conference proceedings and unpublished literature, was searched via the library services and Google/Google Scholar, and the quality of studies was assessed using the AXIS scale for cross-sectional studies. A total of 38 studies were included in this review, with the majority of the studies graded as ‘low’. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that individuals with special needs have limited access to oral health care, poor oral health status, and a general lack of awareness in regard to oral health. Therefore, nationwide surveys should be carried out to ascertain the actual extent of the oral inequities among individuals with special needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2nd Edition of Oral Diseases and Public Health)

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