Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment

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16 pages, 2668 KiB

Open AccessReview

Treatments for Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Literature Review

by Maurizio D’Amario, Giordano Foffo, Filippo Grilli, Mario Capogreco, Tommaso Pizzolante and Sofia Rastelli

Dent. J. 2025, 13(2), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13020066 - 31 Jan 2025

Viewed by 355

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This literature review aims to provide guidance on the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) based on studies published over the past 10 years. Methods: This study included randomized clinical trials involving human patients from 2013 and 2023, published in any language. The trials examined both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for aphthous lesions, mainly focusing on the adult population, with pain management as the primary outcome. The research was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and CINHAL databases. Results: Most of the 45 analyzed studies focused on non-pharmacological therapies, which led to positive results with minimal adverse effects or contraindications, even when compared to cortisone-based treatments. Laser therapy also showed excellent results, particularly in the immediate post-treatment period. Non-pharmacological therapies appeared to offer the best risk–benefit ratio for patients suffering from RAS. Conclusions: Treatment should be individualized based on the patient’s specific form of RAS, and laser therapy can be used either as a standalone treatment or as an adjunct to other treatments considered in the review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)

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14 pages, 793 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Survey of Physicians’ Knowledge and Practices Towards Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

by Chaniporn Ananwattananon, Supatchai Boonpratham, Yodhathai Satravaha, Chaiyapol Chaweewannakorn and Supakit Peanchitlertkajorn

Dent. J. 2025, 13(2), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13020063 - 30 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Background: Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is an effective treatment alternative for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Understanding physicians’ knowledge and practices regarding OAT is crucial for improving OSA treatment, particularly in Southeast Asia, where there is limited research on this topic. Objectives: This study sought to survey physicians’ knowledge and practices regarding OAT for OSA treatment. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among Thai physicians attending the annual Sleep Society of Thailand meeting. The questionnaire included questions on demographics (six items), educational background (four items), OAT knowledge (two items), indications (three items), effectiveness (seven items), referral practices (five items), treatment planning (eight items), and the importance of OAT education (one item). Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed using SPSS to assess differences in knowledge and referral practices across various demographics. Results: This study achieved a response rate of 51.7% (30/58), with the respondents averaging 37.8 ± 6.0 years in age and 13.7 ± 6.7 years in practice. Although over 66.7% of the respondents recognized OAT’s effectiveness and understood its indications, only 36.7% regularly prescribed OAT, and 57.7% referred patients to specific dentists. Knowledge and referral practices differed significantly based on years of practice and postgraduate training in sleep medicine. Physicians with 11–20 years of practice demonstrated higher pediatric OAT knowledge scores compared to those with less experience. Those with postgraduate training achieved higher adult OAT knowledge scores and had greater referral experience. Conclusions: Despite the general awareness and good knowledge of OAT among physicians, clinical use and referral rates remain low. To bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, it is recommended that postgraduate training in dental sleep medicine is promoted and further research is conducted to identify barriers to the adoption of OAT. Full article

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36 pages, 3188 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Early Exposure Rate and Vertical Bone Gain of Titanium Mesh for Maxillary Bone Regeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Felice Lorusso, Sergio Alexandre Gehrke, Iris Alla, Sergio Rexhep Tari and Antonio Scarano

Dent. J. 2025, 13(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13020052 - 23 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: The use of titanium meshes in bone regeneration is a clinical procedure that regenerates bone defects by ensuring graft stability and biocompatibility. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of titanium mesh procedures in terms of vertical bone gain and the exposure rate. Methods: The product screening and eligibility analysis were performed using the Pubmed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar electronic databases by two authors. The selected articles were classified based on the study design, regenerative technique, tested groups and materials, sample size, clinical findings, and follow-up. A risk of bias calculation was conducted on the selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized trials and a series of pairwise meta-analysis calculations were performed for the vertical bone gain (VBG) and exposure rate. A significantly lower exposure rate was observed using coronally advanced lingual flaps (p < 0.05). No difference was observed between the titanium mesh and GBR techniques in terms of VBG (p > 0.05). Results: The initial search output 288 articles, and 164 papers were excluded after the eligibility analysis. The descriptive synthesis considered a total of 97 papers and 6 articles were considered for the pairwise comparison. Conclusions: Within the limits of the present investigation, the titanium mesh procedure reported high VBG values after the healing period. The mesh exposure rate was drastically lower with passive management of the surgical flap. Full article

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12 pages, 894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Relationship Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Dento-Skeletal Maturation: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study

by Alessio Verdecchia, Inmaculada Coronado de la Torre, Ivan Menéndez Diaz, Veronica García Sanz, Yolanda García Mesa, Teresa Cobo and Vanessa Paredes Gallardo

Dent. J. 2025, 13(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13010008 - 26 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to establish if there is a relationship between body mass index (BMI) and skeletodental development in young obese patients in comparison with normal-weight patients. Methods: The sample consisted of 178 individuals (115 normal weight, 37 overweight and 26 obese), aged 6 to 16 years, with a mean biological age of 11.96 ± 2.44 years. Dental maturation (dental age) was determined by using Demerjian’s method; craniofacial growth pattern, skeletal and dental class were determined by using cephalometric measurements; skeletal maturation was determined by using Baccetti’s method. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: According to Demirjian’s method, the mean dental age of the overweight and obese subjects was significantly higher than that of the normal-weight subjects (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). A higher rate of dental class III was detected in the overweight group (p = 0.002). Concerning cephalometric records, statistically significant differences (p = 0.018) were observed in the distribution of SNA and SNB values, higher values being found in obese subjects. No difference was detected in the distribution of the ANB angle between the groups. As regards craniofacial growth pattern, no significant differences were found between the groups. Children with obesity presented more advanced skeletal maturation, reaching statistically significant differences (p = 0.02), in comparison with the normal-weight subjects. Conclusions: In conclusion, obese children showed increased tooth and skeletal development in comparison to the normal-weight subjects. These findings may be of interest for orthodontists, who should consider weight status when performing orthodontic treatment in children and adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)

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12 pages, 258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Status, Frailty, Oral Health, and Oral Motor Functions in Long-Term Care Residents with Swallowing Dysfunction

by Chih-Hung Ko, Chia-Ling Chao, Chih-Hsing Hung, Je-Kang Du and Ming-Chu Feng

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14010062 - 26 Dec 2024

Viewed by 522

Abstract

Background: Swallowing dysfunction is a prevalent but often overlooked problem in long-term care facilities. This study investigated the relationships between nutritional deficits, frailty, oral health, and swallowing dysfunction. Additionally, we explored the associations between oral muscle weakness, frailty markers, and swallowing dysfunction. Methods: We recruited 373 participants from seven long-term care facilities across Taiwan. Swallowing function, frailty, nutrition status, and oral health were assessed by research staff. Oral muscle function was evaluated through tongue strength measurements, cheek bulging function tests, the Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test (RSST), and a diadochokinetic task. Frailty was assessed through grip strength as well as mid-upper arm and calf circumference measurements. Results: The Functional Oral Intake Scale revealed that 97 participants (26%) had swallowing dysfunction. Participants with swallowing dysfunction had poorer nutritional status, higher frailty levels, and worsened oral health. Frailty was the factor most strongly associated with swallowing dysfunction. Participants with swallowing dysfunction also exhibited lower tongue pressure, decreased cheek-bulging ability, fewer repetitions in the diadochokinetic task, lower scores on the RSST, lower calf circumferences, and lower grip strength. Logistic regression demonstrated that cheek bulging was most strongly associated with swallowing dysfunction. Furthermore, lower grip strength was significantly associated with swallowing dysfunction. Conclusions: Frailty was most strongly associated with swallowing dysfunction, followed by poorer nutritional status and worsened oral health. These factors should be thoroughly assessed in long-term care residents. Participants with swallowing dysfunction also experienced oral muscle weakness, particularly in cheek bulging. Grip strength, which represents frailty, was directly associated with swallowing dysfunction and could serve as a crucial indicator of swallowing dysfunction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)

20 pages, 5171 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Sporadic Burkitt Lymphoma First Presenting as Painful Gingival Swellings and Tooth Hypermobility: A Life-Saving Referral

by Erofili Papadopoulou, Maria Kouri, Dimitrios Velonis, Anastasia Andreou, Maria Georgaki, Spyridon Damaskos, Evangelia Piperi, Konstantina Delli, Ioannis K. Karoussis, Antonia Vlachou, Georgia Avgerinou, Antonis Kattamis and Nikolaos G. Nikitakis

Dent. J. 2025, 13(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13010006 - 25 Dec 2024

Viewed by 499

Abstract

Background: Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), subdivided into endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated forms. While jaw lesions are common in endemic BL, they are infrequent in sporadic cases, only rarely constituting the first manifestation of the disease. The aim of this study is to present a rare pediatric case of sporadic BL first manifesting as gingival swellings and tooth hypermobility and provide a review of all the published sporadic BL case reports as the first sign of disease. Case report: An 11-year-old Caucasian female was referred for the evaluation of hypermobility of posterior lower teeth, associated with painful gingival swellings of 20 days duration. Clinical examination revealed right facial asymmetry and bilateral prominent swellings of the posterior lower gingiva. A panoramic radiograph revealed ill-defined radiolucent lesions in the posterior mandible bilaterally. On computed tomography, soft-tissue masses were identified along the mandibular ramus extending into the maxillary sinus bilaterally. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses of the lesions led to a diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma (BL). The patient underwent a full staging work-up, revealing bone marrow involvement and widespread disease. A multi-chemotherapy regimen was initiated with the regression of oral lesions and symptoms within a few weeks and complete disease remission after nine chemotherapy cycles. The patient remains free of disease 11 years later. Conclusions: This case underscores the critical importance of the timely diagnosis and life-saving referral of rapidly growing jaw lesions, which may represent the first sign of an underlying lymphoreticular malignancy with aggressive course, such as BL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)

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17 pages, 6362 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Challenges in Differential Diagnosis of Diffuse Gingival Enlargement: Report of Two Representative Cases and Literature Review

by Erofili Papadopoulou, Maria Kouri, Anastasia Andreou, Smaragda Diamanti, Maria Georgaki, Konstantinos Katoumas, Spyridon Damaskos, Emmanouil Vardas, Evangelia Piperi and Nikolaos G. Nikitakis

Dent. J. 2024, 12(12), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12120403 - 10 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1175

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The etiology of diffuse gingival enlargement is multifactorial, and the definitive diagnosis may be challenging. To highlight the nuances of the differential diagnosis, we present two cases of generalized gingival overgrowth and discuss the diagnostic dilemmas. Case description: In the first case, an 82-year-old male with a medical history of hypertension and prostatitis had a chief complaint of symptomatic oral lesions of a 20-day duration, accompanied by fever and loss of appetite. The clinical examination revealed diffusely enlarged, hemorrhagic, and focally ulcerative upper and lower gingiva, ecchymoses on the buccal mucosa, as well as bilateral cervical lymphadenitis. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings combined with the hematologic examination led to a final diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, and the patient was referred to a specialized hematology/oncology unit for further management. The second case was a 74-year-old female with a medical history of breast cancer (successfully managed in the past), type II diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease, taking various medications. An intraoral examination revealed diffusely enlarged, erythematous, and hemorrhagic upper and lower gingiva. An incisional biopsy showed hyperplastic granulation and fibrous connective tissue with a predominantly chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Considering the patient’s medical history and current medications, the clinical and microscopic findings were in support of the diagnosis of drug-induced gingival overgrowth associated with calcium channel blocker (amlodipine), partially controlled diabetes serving as an additional predisposing factor. Gingivectomy and periodontal scaling, along with substitution of the offending medication, were curative, and better diabetic control was recommended. Conclusions: Diffuse gingival overgrowth may be caused by a variety of diverse conditions, ranging from an exuberant response to local factors, potentially exacerbated by hormonal influences (e.g., puberty or pregnancy), to drug side effects to genetic, systemic, or even neoplastic diseases. A careful evaluation of the medical and drug history and clinicopathologic correlation is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Full article

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15 pages, 1638 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effectiveness and Personalized Approaches in the Correction of Gummy Smile: A Systematic Review of Orthodontic and Surgical Treatments

by Alessio Danilo Inchingolo, Angelo Michele Inchingolo, Fabio Viapiano, Anna Netti, Anna Maria Ciocia, Irene Ferrara, Antonio Mancini, Andrea Palermo, Francesco Inchingolo and Gianna Dipalma

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(22), 6843; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13226843 - 14 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1226

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This systematic review seeks to assess the effectiveness of different orthodontic and combined orthodontic–surgical approaches for correcting gummy smile, with a focus on treatment efficacy, duration, and the potential for integrating various techniques. The objective is to offer evidence-based recommendations for the optimal management of gummy smile. Methods: A thorough search of the literature was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering publications from 1 January 1982 to 4 November 2024. Only randomized controlled trials involving adult human subjects with available full-text articles were included, while systematic reviews, editorials, case reports, and studies involving animals or in vitro experiments were excluded. Studies were selected based on their relevance to orthodontic or combined orthodontic–surgical treatments for correcting excessive gingival display (gummy smile), particularly in cases where residual growth does not impact treatment outcomes. The primary focus was on evaluating the efficacy of these interventions in improving smile aesthetics. Follow-up data were considered when available, though not required for inclusion. Results: The findings revealed that both orthodontic and surgical methods are effective in reducing gingival display. Orthognathic surgery offers lasting outcomes, particularly for patients with vertical maxillary excess, whereas orthodontic treatments, including the use of skeletal anchorage devices, are particularly effective for less severe cases. Minimally invasive approaches, such as botulinum toxin injections, provided temporary but promising results for patients reluctant to undergo surgery. Conclusions: Orthodontic and surgical techniques are viable options for treating gummy smile, with treatment choices depending on the condition’s severity. Future research, particularly long-term randomized studies, is required to further refine treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Oral Health Management and Disease Treatment)

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Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Dentistry Journal dentistry	2.5	3.7	2013	26.2 Days	CHF 2000	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	8.1	2000	16.8 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Journal of Clinical Medicine jcm	3.0	5.7	2012	16 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Medicina medicina	2.4	3.3	1920	17.1 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Applied Sciences applsci	2.5	5.3	2011	18.4 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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