Search Results (2,008)

Oral pathobionts are essential in instigating local inflammation within the oral cavity and contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases in the gastrointestinal tract and other distant organs. Among the Gram-negative pathobionts, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum emerge as critical drivers of periodontitis, exerting their influence not only locally but also as inducers of gut dysbiosis, intestinal disturbances, and systemic ailments. This dual impact is facilitated by their ectopic colonization of the intestinal mucosa and the subsequent mediation of distal systemic effects by releasing outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) into circulation. This review elucidates the principal components of oral pathobiont-derived OMVs implicated in disease pathogenesis within the oral–gut axis, detailing virulence factors that OMVs carry and their interactions with host epithelial and immune cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we shed light on the less acknowledged interplay between oral pathobionts and the gut commensal Akkermansia muciniphila, which can directly impede oral pathobionts’ growth and modulate bacterial gene expression. Notably, OMVs derived from A. muciniphila emerge as promoters of anti-inflammatory effects within the gastrointestinal and distant tissues. Consequently, we explore the potential of A. muciniphila-derived OMVs to interact with oral pathobionts and prevent disease in the oral–gut axis. Full article

This study explores the recent advances of and functional insights into hydrogel composites, materials that have gained significant attention for their versatile applications across various fields, including contemporary dentistry. Hydrogels, known for their high water content and biocompatibility, are inherently soft but often limited by mechanical fragility. Key areas of focus include the customization of hydrogel composites for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery systems, wound dressings, and tissue engineering scaffolds, where improved mechanical properties and bioactivity are critical. In dentistry, hydrogels are utilized for drug delivery systems targeting oral diseases, dental adhesives, and periodontal therapies due to their ability to adhere to the mucosa, provide localized treatment, and support tissue regeneration. Their unique properties, such as mucoadhesion, controlled drug release, and stimuli responsiveness, make them ideal candidates for treating oral conditions. This review highlights both experimental breakthroughs and theoretical insights into the structure–property relationships within hydrogel composites, aiming to guide future developments in the design and application of these multifunctional materials in dentistry. Ultimately, hydrogel composites represent a promising frontier for advancing materials science with far-reaching implications in healthcare, environmental technology, and beyond. Full article

Background/Objectives: The “One Health” approach underscores the connection between human, animal, and environmental health, promoting solutions to global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. The Planetary Health Diet (PHD) promotes a plant-based diet with organically grown plants to reduce the environmental impact of meat production and decrease the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The BIOQUALIM project will evaluate the PHD’s effectiveness in preventing NCDs like periodontal diseases and cancers through four inter-related studies. Methods: The clinical study will involve volunteers reducing their meat consumption and incorporating einkorn into their diet, allow for analysis of their interdental microbiota, oral health, general health, and quality of life. The chemical analysis will study nutrients and anti-cancer compounds in einkorn and common wheat varieties. The behavioral study will explore PHD knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to PHD. The psycho-social study will evaluate the impact of peer-support workshops on plant-based dietary cooking among post-therapy cancer patients. Results: The results are expected to demonstrate that einkorn varieties possess nutritional properties that, when incorporated into the PHD enriched with einkorn, can enhance health markers. This study will identify barriers to and facilitators of PHD adoption and highlight how peer-support workshops can improve dietary adherence. Conclusions: BIOQUALIM’s transdisciplinary approach will demonstrate the PHD’s role in preventing NCDs. Full article

Background and Objectives: Modernization and population aging have increased the prevalence of systemic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, which are often accompanied by various dental diseases. Our aim was to investigate associations between common dental conditions and major systemic diseases in an elderly Korean population. Materials and Methods: Utilizing electronic medical record data from 43,525 elderly patients, we examined the prevalence of systemic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, dementia) and dental conditions (caries, periodontal disease, pulp necrosis, tooth loss). The analysis focused on the correlations between these diseases. Results: Significant associations were found between systemic diseases and an increased prevalence of dental conditions. Patients with systemic diseases, especially those with multiple conditions, had higher incidences of periodontal disease and tooth loss. The correlation was particularly strong in patients with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Interestingly, temporomandibular joint disorder was less frequent in this cohort. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of integrated dental care in managing systemic diseases in elderly populations. Enhanced dental monitoring and proactive treatment are essential due to the strong association between systemic diseases and dental conditions. Collaboration between dental and medical professionals is crucial for comprehensive care that improves health outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients. Full article

In many cases, the etiopathogenesis of oral cavity diseases depends on the presence of variants in some genes. Being able to identify these variants defines the possibilities and limits of therapies. This multidisciplinary case describes several pathologies of the oral cavity in a young patient affected by type 1 diabetes. The patient presented with an impacted palatal canine. Further investigation revealed cervical root resorption of the upper right central incisor. Genetic testing was performed for interleukin, VDR receptor genes, and the evaluation of periodontopathogenic bacteria. The mutational analysis carried out for the VDR polymorphisms and the IL1A, IL1B, IL6, and IL10 polymorphisms showed the presence of pathogenetic variants. The results for bacterial load showed the presence of periodontal pathogenes. The first intervention was the intentional replantation of the incisor. The second intervention was the orthodontic recovery of the impacted canine, using light forces and a hybrid anchorage with a miniscrew. At the end of orthodontic treatment, a crack was found in the upper left first premolar, which was extracted. Throughout treatment, non-invasive periodontal interventions were performed periodically to control periodontal inflammation. This case is an example of the integration of genetic analyses into the multidisciplinary diagnostic pathway. Full article

Introduction: Apical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of the periapical tissues that is often asymptomatic and diagnosed through radiographic examination. A challenge in traditional endodontics is disinfection of the root canal system (RCS), which anatomically presents numerous variations, often leading to persistent infections. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) offer promising adjuncts, due to their antimicrobial and tissue-healing properties. Objective: The aim of this article was to report five cases of teeth with pulp necrosis and asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP) treated with aPDT and PBMT protocols. Materials and Methods: Five cases of pulp necrosis and AAP were treated with conventional endodontic therapy supplemented with aPDT and PBMT. The treatment protocol included chemomechanical preparation (CMP), aPDT using a 660 nm diode laser (DL) with methylene blue (MB) as a photosensitizer (5 min pre-irradiation time), and PBMT using a 940 nm DL. Treatment results were evaluated through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based evaluation over 1 year of clinical follow-up. Results: All cases showed significant bone regeneration and tissue healing, demonstrating the efficacy of the combination of aPDT and PBMT. Post-operative pain did not occur in any of the patients, suggesting a possible analgesic effect of PBMT. Conclusions: The combination of aPDT and PBMT in endodontic therapy promoted tissue recovery and improved the prognosis of AAP. Further research and randomized control trials are needed to optimize treatment protocols and evaluate the long-term effects. Full article

(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. Full article

Background: Toothbrushing is important for maintaining oral health and preventing periodontal disease. However, the association between toothbrushing and systemic diseases remains unclear in adolescence. In this study, the association between dental self-care (frequency and duration of toothbrushing) and systemic diseases/disorders in adolescents was examined. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of mandatory medical questionnaires administered during legally mandated freshman medical checkups between 2017 and 2019 at the University of Tokyo, Japan. Out of 9376 total responses, 9098 cases involving individuals under the age of 20 were included in the analysis. Respondents were classified into three groups based on their daily toothbrushing frequency: “1 time or less”, “twice”, and “3 times or more”. For the duration of each toothbrushing session, they were classified into three groups: “1 min or less”, “2–3 min”, and “4 min or more”. A statistical analysis was performed by Pearson’s χ² test and multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: Regarding frequency of daily toothbrushing: The χ² test showed no significant relationship between frequency of toothbrushing and 17 systemic diseases/disorders. A multivariate analysis found that gingival bleeding and sex were independent factors. The risk of gingival bleeding decreased dramatically with increased frequency of toothbrushing (odds ratio (OR): 0.428; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.366–0.501; p < 0.001). Regarding the amount of time spent on toothbrushing: The χ² test showed atopic dermatitis and arrhythmia were significantly associated with the duration of toothbrushing (p = 0.032 and p = 0.016, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, atopic dermatitis, gingival bleeding, and sex were independent factors regarding the duration of toothbrushing; longer brushing time was associated with a lower risk of atopic dermatitis (OR: 0.731, 95% CI: 0.578–0.924, p = 0.009) and a lower risk of gingival bleeding (OR: 0.643, 95% CI: 0.567–0.729, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Dental self-care was most strongly associated with gingival bleeding, while the risk of atopic dermatitis was found to increase with shorter toothbrushing times. The results suggest that dental self-care during adolescence is important not only for oral health but also for general health. Full article

Periodontal disease is considered one of the diabetic complications with high morbidity and severity. Recent studies demonstrated the involvement of the epigenome on diabetic complications. Histone modifications change chromatin architecture and gene activation. Histone modifications have been reported to alter chromatin structure and regulate gene transcription. In this study, we investigated the impacts of H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) and specific histone methyltransferases of H3K4 methylation, su(var)3-9, enhancer-of-zeste, and trithorax domain 1A (SETD1A) on periodontal tissue affected by the diabetic condition. We observed the increase in H3K4me3 and SETD1A in gingival tissue of diabetic rats compared with the normal rats. Cultured human fibroblasts (hGFs) confirmed a high glucose-induced increase in H3K4me3 and SETD1A. We further demonstrated that high glucose increased the gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1 and MMP13, which were canceled by sinefungin, an SETD1A inhibitor. Our investigation suggests that diabetes triggers histone modifications in the gingival tissue, resulting in gingival inflammation. Histone modifications may play crucial roles in the development of periodontal disease in diabetes. Full article

Background and Objectives: Periodontal therapy aims to arrest the progression of periodontal diseases and possibly to regenerate the periodontal apparatus. To shift healing from repair to regeneration, the blood clot that fills the periodontal defect and remains in contact with structures such as tooth root, mucosa and bone needs to be stable, which is a reason why the treatment of non-containing periodontal bone defects, in which the clot may undergo displacement, is challenging. The gingival soft tissue, properly sutured, may act as a wall for blood clot stabilization. Knowledge on the response of the blood clot to stress and how it might vary according to the characteristics of the tissues it gets in contact with might be deepened. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro, by means of a micro-loading device, the response of the complex formed by a blood clot and diverse tissues, simulating those involved in periodontal regeneration, to a displacing tensile test. Materials and Methods: Experimental samples made of two layers of either hard dental tissues, cancellous bone or oral mucosa, between which fresh blood was interposed, underwent a debonding experiment by means of a micro-loading device that measured their response to uniaxial tensile stress. Results: The peak of tensile stress and the overall work needed for the complete rupture of the clot’s fibrin filaments were significantly higher for hard dental tissues than for other tissues. However, mucosa sustained the highest maximal strain in terms of relative displacement between the plates of the micro-loading device to accomplish the complete rupture of the fibrin filaments compared to the other tissues, suggesting that the mucosa might act as a stable interface with the clot and be able to sustain tensile stresses. Conclusions: This in vitro study seems to support the use of mucosa to act as a wall for regenerative procedures of suprabony periodontal defects given its capability to form a stable interface with the clot. Full article

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Clinacanthus nutans extracts, focusing on the 95% ethanol (95E) extract and its nanoemulsified form, against oral pathogens and their bioactive effects. The findings demonstrate potent antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus, essential for combating periodontal diseases, and significant anti-biofilm properties crucial for plaque management. Additionally, the extracts exhibit promising inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase enzymes, indicating potential for diabetes management through glucose metabolism regulation. Their anti-inflammatory properties, evidenced by reduced nitric oxide production, underscore their potential for treating oral infections and inflammation. Notably, the nanoemulsified 95E extract shows higher efficiency than the conventional extract, suggesting a multifunctional treatment approach for periodontal issues and metabolic disorders. These results highlight the enhanced efficacy of the nanoemulsified extract, proposing it as an effective treatment modality for periodontal disease in diabetic patients. This research offers valuable insights into the development of innovative drug delivery systems using natural remedies for improved periodontal care in diabetic populations. Full article

Background: The relationship between mental disorders and oral health is complex, involving behavioral, biological, and psychosocial factors. This review aims to investigate the impact of mental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, on oral health outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted to analyze the oral health outcomes associated with each mental disorder. The focus was on examining dietary habits, oral hygiene behaviors, physiological changes, and medication side effects that contribute to oral health issues. Results: The findings indicate that individuals with ASD often exhibit unique dietary habits and reduced oral hygiene capabilities due to sensory sensitivities, leading to a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Depression and bipolar disorder are associated with physiological changes such as reduced saliva production and poor oral hygiene behaviors, increasing the risk of oral health problems. Medications used for these conditions exacerbate issues like xerostomia, further elevating the risk of dental diseases. Schizophrenia poses additional challenges, including cognitive impairments and medication side effects that hinder effective oral care, heightening susceptibility to oral diseases. Conclusions: This review highlights the specific oral health challenges associated with different mental disorders and emphasizes the need for tailored dental care strategies that integrate mental health considerations. The study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the unique oral health impacts of these disorders. However, the findings are limited by the scope of available cross-sectional data and the absence of longitudinal studies. Future research should focus on longitudinal and intervention-based studies to explore causal relationships and develop effective treatments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Periodontitis (P), a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the supportive tissues around the teeth, is three to four times more prevalent in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM), with a direct correlation between its severity and the levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). This study aimed to evaluate the periodontal clinical parameters following non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) in P patients with or without type 2 DM. Methods: Forty patients with P were divided into two groups: Group DM/P and Group P. All the patients were assessed at baseline and at 90 and 180 days after receiving NSPT. The parameters evaluated included the HbA1c level, plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BoP). A statistical analysis was performed with a significance level set at α = 5%. Results: There were significant differences in the HbA1c levels between the DM/P and P groups at baseline, 90, and 180 days, as expected. Importantly, the HbA1c levels did not change after NSPT. Group P showed a significant reduction in both the PI and the BoP values at 90 and 180 days (p < 0.05). In contrast, Group DM/P demonstrated a significant increase in the percentage of sites with a PPD ≥ 5 mm at 180 days (p < 0.05). Additionally, Group P exhibited an increase in sites with a PPD ≤ 4 mm and a decrease in sites with a PPD ≥ 5 mm at both 90 and 180 days (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that DM may compromise the effectiveness of NSPT, potentially hindering favorable outcomes during the follow-up period. Full article

Background: Periodontal disease is an inflammatory, chronic, and multifactorial disease. The objective of this study is to analyze the association between periodontal disease and some disorders such as papillomas (benign lesions), lichen planus (a chronic immune-mediated disorder), leukoplakia (potentially malignant lesions), and oral cancer (malignant lesions). Methods: For this study, 42 patients were recruited whose supragingival and subgingival plaque was qualitatively analyzed using a phase-contrast microscope, which allowed for the detection of compatible bacterial flora (immobile and composed mainly of cocci) indicative of periodontal health and incompatible bacterial flora (mobile and composed mainly of spirochetes) indicative of periodontal pathology. Patients with incompatible bacterial flora were then subjected to a laser-assisted periodontal treatment with irrigation with hydrogen peroxide within the periodontal pockets (a non-surgical laser-assisted periodontal protocol which is referred to as dye-free photodynamic therapy). Results: Based on the 42 patients recruited, there was no association between oral cavity lesions and periodontal pathogenic bacteria. Four of them were found to have incompatible bacterial flora. Indeed, it was found that almost all the patients had been previously instructed in the proper techniques of home oral hygiene, and more than half of them reported that they carried out periodic check-ups by a dental hygienist. Of the four patients with signs and symptoms of periodontitis, two stated a willingness to undergo the non-surgical laser-assisted periodontal protocol and showed improvements in periodontal indices such as CAL, PPD, and BoP. Conclusions: hygienists and dentists are determining factors in the prevention of periodontal disease and for the maintenance of good oral health. Full article

To better understand the link between periodontitis and metabolic diseases, our in vitro study aimed to assess the influence of the adipokine apelin and/or the periodontal pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum on periodontal cells. Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells were exposed to F. nucleatum in the presence and absence of apelin. Scratch assays were used to analyze the in vitro wound healing and velocity of cell migration. To investigate if F. nucleatum and/or apelin have a regulatory effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis, proliferation and viability assays were performed as well as an analysis of caspase 9 expression. Both the in vitro wound closure and the cell migration rate were significantly reduced by F. nucleatum. Simultaneous incubation with apelin counteracted the adverse effects of F. nucleatum. The proliferation assay demonstrated that neither apelin nor F. nucleatum significantly affected PDL cell proliferation. Furthermore, neither apelin nor F. nucleatum was cytotoxic or affected apoptosis after 48 h. Apelin could play a modulatory role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, as it was able to compensate for the inhibitory effects of the periodontal pathogen F. nucleatum on PDL cell migration in vitro. Full article