Current Issues in Oral Health

A special issue of Oral (ISSN 2673-6373).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 August 2024 | Viewed by 9470

Special Issue Editor

Department of Biomedical Sciences, Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Interests: gene therapy; HIV; oral cancer; liposomes; photodynamic therapy; membrane fusion; SARS-CoV-2 therapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Oral aims to amalgamate high-quality papers in all fields of oral health research. We encourage investigators working in these areas to contribute research articles and comprehensive reviews that highlight the latest and most significant developments in their research field and to invite relevant experts and colleagues to do so as well. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • Oral surgery;
  • Periodontics;
  • Orthodontics;
  • Endodontics;
  • Prosthodontics;
  • Oral cancer;
  • Dental materials;
  • Dental public health;
  • Oral biology;
  • Oral pathology;
  • Oral/dental epidemiology;
  • Digital dentistry.

Prof. Dr. Nejat Düzgüneş
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. Oral is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1000 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.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 9903 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Enamel Volume Loss after Exposure to Energy Drinks
by Karen A. Schulze, Noëlle M. Santucci, Bina Surti, Stefan Habelitz, Mouchumi Bhattacharyya and Warden Noble
Oral 2024, 4(1), 101-112; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral4010009 - 23 Feb 2024
Viewed by 415
Abstract
Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the erosive potential of various commercial energy drinks (EDs), sports drinks (SDs), and sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) and to correlate quantitative changes in tooth enamel volume loss based on the pH and titratable acidity of the [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the erosive potential of various commercial energy drinks (EDs), sports drinks (SDs), and sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) and to correlate quantitative changes in tooth enamel volume loss based on the pH and titratable acidity of the drinks. Methods: A flat plane on the facial surface of 36 human incisor teeth was created and embedded in sample holders using resin. After pre-scanning with a profilometer (Proscan 2000, Scantron, Ind Products Ltd., Taunton, UK), the six samples per group were immersed for 4 h into either Monster Energy™ (ED), Rockstar™ (ED), Red Bull™ (ED), or 5-h Energy™ (ED) and, for comparison with a sports drink, Gatorade™ (SD) and a sugar sweetened beverage, Coca-Cola® (SSB). After immersion and post-scanning, the quantitative volume loss of the tooth enamel of the 36 samples was calculated (Proscan 3D software V2.1.1.15B), and the pH and titratable acidity (TA) of each drink was determined. Results: All drinks tested caused enamel volume loss. The actual amount varied among the different drinks, from 0.39 mm3 for Red Bull™, up to 1.01 mm3 for Gatorade™. The pH measurements differed for each drink, ranging from 2.6 to 3.7. There was a small reverse correlation of 0.326 between the pH of all drinks and volume loss. Among the energy drinks, titratable acidity was similar and there was only a weak correlation between TA and volume loss (0.319 at p = 0.53). Conclusions: Energy drinks, sugar sweetened beverages, and sport drinks all have the potential to cause enamel tooth surface loss resulting in demineralization. Therefore, the pH of a drink cannot be the sole determinant for choosing a less harmful commercial beverage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Issues in Oral Health)
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13 pages, 2524 KiB  
Article
Role of Glutathione in Neutrophil Chemotaxis in Periodontitis
by Nurul Iman Binti Badlishah Sham and Melissa M. Grant
Oral 2023, 3(4), 526-538; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral3040043 - 23 Nov 2023
Viewed by 774
Abstract
Periodontitis is a common non-communicable inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of periodontal tissues and tooth loss. Initiated by the plaque biofilm, there is a strong innate immune response with an abundance of neutrophils in the periodontium of affected individuals. Previous reports [...] Read more.
Periodontitis is a common non-communicable inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of periodontal tissues and tooth loss. Initiated by the plaque biofilm, there is a strong innate immune response with an abundance of neutrophils in the periodontium of affected individuals. Previous reports have shown that the intracellular concentration of glutathione in peripheral blood neutrophils from periodontitis patients and the chemotactic ability of these cells are compromised. Furthermore, other studies have described that in oxidative stress conditions neutrophil chemotaxis is aberrant and causes the glutathionylation of F-actin, a key player in chemotaxis. In this study, the effects of glutathione-modulating compounds were assessed in neutrophils isolated from healthy donors, showing that the perturbation of glutathione homeostasis decreases the chemotaxis of neutrophils. Following this, the intracellular glutathione status and chemotactic ability of neutrophils isolated from periodontitis patients was compared to that of age- and sex-matched controls. A decrease in glutathione and chemotactic ability were confirmed. Finally, the proteome of these neutrophils was explored, demonstrating a change in the abundance of proteins involved in glutathione homeostasis. Together these data suggest that peripheral blood neutrophils from periodontitis patients are compromised in their ability to cope with oxidative stress and move. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Issues in Oral Health)
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Review

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16 pages, 723 KiB  
Review
Treatment Strategies for Incisors of Children Affected by Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: A Narrative Review
by Berkant Sezer and Burak Çarıkçıoğlu
Oral 2024, 4(1), 74-89; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral4010007 - 01 Feb 2024
Viewed by 651
Abstract
Today, molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), which affects approximately one in seven children, is defined as a hypomineralized developmental enamel defect that often impacts at least one permanent first molar and frequently affects permanent incisors as well. Symptoms and signs include demarcated opacities of [...] Read more.
Today, molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), which affects approximately one in seven children, is defined as a hypomineralized developmental enamel defect that often impacts at least one permanent first molar and frequently affects permanent incisors as well. Symptoms and signs include demarcated opacities of various colors, post-eruptive enamel deterioration, atypical caries and restorations, hypersensitivity, tooth loss due to MIH, and difficulty in achieving anesthesia. A detailed review of the scientific literature shows that there are many studies evaluating different treatment approaches for permanent first molars affected by MIH. On the other hand, there are very few scientific studies evaluating treatment approaches for affected incisors in patients with MIH. Most of these studies consist of case reports or series. White/creamy and/or yellow/brown demarcated opacities are commonly observed in affected incisors in patients with MIH. While these opacities increase the susceptibility of enamel to deterioration and dental caries, they also cause aesthetic problems and related psychosocial consequences. Treatment methods, such as resin infiltration, microabrasion, and/or dental bleaching, have been proposed for aesthetic and restorative purposes in affected incisors in patients with MIH. Additionally, various approaches to increase mineral content and relieve hypersensitivity have been recommended. The number of randomized controlled and prospective studies is quite low, but many case reports and case series have been encountered. The purpose of this review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the different treatment management modalities for permanent incisors affected by MIH. As a result, while resin infiltration, dental bleaching, microabrasion, and/or etch–bleach–seal techniques are preferred for aesthetic and restorative purposes in these teeth, it has been observed that agents containing casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate, casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate, fluoride, and calcium glycerophosphate increase the mineral content. Additionally, studies have reported that ozone and low-level laser therapy, in addition to these remineralizing agents, reduce hypersensitivity in these teeth. Although the findings of this review indicate that the level of evidence for current approaches is not high, clinicians may prefer one or more of the treatment approaches mentioned in this article based on experience and patient expectations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Issues in Oral Health)
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13 pages, 626 KiB  
Review
Periodontitis and Alzheimer’s Disease: Is There a Connection?
by William Lundergan, Kavitha Parthasarathy and Navid Knight
Oral 2024, 4(1), 61-73; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral4010006 - 22 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1069
Abstract
The oral health/systemic health connection has been an area of research interest that increased dramatically during the 1990s. Periodontal disease has been associated with a number of systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pre-term low-birth-weight infants, respiratory conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s [...] Read more.
The oral health/systemic health connection has been an area of research interest that increased dramatically during the 1990s. Periodontal disease has been associated with a number of systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pre-term low-birth-weight infants, respiratory conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation is the obvious link that connects periodontal disease with these conditions, but is this association casual or causal? We will address the biologic plausibility, evidence from human studies, evidence from animal studies, and therapeutic interventions as we review the current understanding of the link between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Issues in Oral Health)
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14 pages, 2898 KiB  
Review
Zirconia Implants: A Mapping Review
by Steven J. Sadowsky
Oral 2024, 4(1), 9-22; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral4010002 - 25 Dec 2023
Viewed by 504
Abstract
The advent of zirconia ceramics with excellent mechanical, biomechanical, and optical properties has made them attractive metal-free substitutes for titanium implants. Both animal and human studies have documented shortcomings with titanium implants. A mapping review of the current literature on three iterations of [...] Read more.
The advent of zirconia ceramics with excellent mechanical, biomechanical, and optical properties has made them attractive metal-free substitutes for titanium implants. Both animal and human studies have documented shortcomings with titanium implants. A mapping review of the current literature on three iterations of zirconia implant designs has been challenging due to heterogeneous success data and limited follow-up. Zirconia implants hold promise for a new generation of dental implants, but technical developments are needed for design and material enhancements that will need to be validated by long-term rigorous studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Issues in Oral Health)
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27 pages, 1412 KiB  
Review
Diagnostic and Prognostic Predictors for the Success of Pulpotomy in Permanent Mature Posterior Teeth with Moderate to Severe Pulpitis: A Scoping Review
by Helen McHugh, Patricia P. Wright, Christine I. Peters and Ove A. Peters
Oral 2023, 3(4), 545-571; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral3040045 - 27 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2045
Abstract
A partial or complete pulpotomy is a type of vital pulp therapy (VPT) that aims to remove the inflamed, infected pulp, leaving behind healthy, vital pulp that is capable of healing. VPT has gained renewed popularity as a treatment option in permanent mature [...] Read more.
A partial or complete pulpotomy is a type of vital pulp therapy (VPT) that aims to remove the inflamed, infected pulp, leaving behind healthy, vital pulp that is capable of healing. VPT has gained renewed popularity as a treatment option in permanent mature posterior teeth with irreversible, moderate to severe pulpitis; its high success rates matching that of root canal treatment (RCT). There is currently no consensus regarding diagnostic and prognostic predictors of success of pulpotomies for managing such cases. Therefore, we conducted a scoping review to identify and analyze how these factors affect the outcome of treatment. A literature search using the PRISMA guidelines was undertaken using PubMed and Scopus on 7 July 2023. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria and were qualitatively analyzed by two reviewers. The following diagnostic and prognostic factors were recognized and discussed; presenting signs and symptoms, periapical diagnosis, bleeding time, indicators of inflammation (bleeding time, concentration of inflammatory biomarkers), patient age and medical status, the depth, activity and location of caries, and restorative factors. Based on the studies assessed, there is limited evidence to support their prognostic value. Further research is necessary to identify solid predictors of outcome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Issues in Oral Health)
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15 pages, 586 KiB  
Review
Protocols for Oral Health Management of Paediatric Patients with Inherited Bleeding Disorders: A Narrative Review
by Ashleigh F. V. Raikuna and Neeta Prabhu
Oral 2023, 3(4), 462-476; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral3040037 - 05 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1094
Abstract
Introduction: The provision of dental care for paediatric patients with inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) can present a challenging scenario for dentists. Although patients with a low bleeding risk can safely receive preventive procedures in the community, many dentists lack confidence when treating this [...] Read more.
Introduction: The provision of dental care for paediatric patients with inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) can present a challenging scenario for dentists. Although patients with a low bleeding risk can safely receive preventive procedures in the community, many dentists lack confidence when treating this cohort. Consequently, most patients with IBD are seen in hospital dental clinics. There is currently no protocol for shared delivery of primary dental care for paediatric patients with IBD in Australia. Aim: To provide a narrative review of the protocols for oral health management of paediatric patients with inherited bleeding disorders. Materials and methods: An electronic search of four databases relating to the oral health management and outcomes of paediatric patients with IBD was conducted. Results: Thirty-eight papers were included in this review. Several patient and clinician factors in accessing and providing dental care for paediatric patients with IBD were identified. IBD specific considerations for the provision of safe dental care were discussed relating to elective and emergency dental management principles. There was a paucity of paediatric specific protocols for dental management of children with IBD, with only one paediatric specific shared care protocol identified in this review. Conclusions: This review has highlighted the need for further exploration into patient and clinician related barriers and enabling factors in accessing and providing primary dental care for paediatric patients with IBD. The development of a shared model of care between community and hospital dental clinics may improve both clinician and patient experiences in providing and accessing safe dental care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Issues in Oral Health)
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13 pages, 273 KiB  
Review
Corticotomy-Assisted Orthodontic Treatment: A Literature Review
by Athanasia Patatou, Niovi Iacovou, Paraskevi Zaxaria, Michail Vasoglou and Georgios Vasoglou
Oral 2023, 3(3), 389-401; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral3030031 - 14 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1330
Abstract
The increased number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment has led to the need for faster results as social limitations arise with the use of fixed or even removable appliances. Corticotomy-assisted orthodontic treatment (CAOT) has been proposed as a technique that accelerates tooth movement [...] Read more.
The increased number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment has led to the need for faster results as social limitations arise with the use of fixed or even removable appliances. Corticotomy-assisted orthodontic treatment (CAOT) has been proposed as a technique that accelerates tooth movement and leads to a substantial reduction in treatment time. This review was conducted by searching four databases for original articles about CAOT, review articles and articles about alternative techniques and periodontal effects up to 31 December 2022. The aim of the review was to present the historical and biological background of CAOT, the description of the technique and some alternative and less invasive techniques that have been proposed. Indications, contraindications and periodontal side effects are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Issues in Oral Health)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

10 pages, 6344 KiB  
Case Report
A Completely Digital Workflow of an Interim Complete Arch Fixed Implant Prosthesis Using a Novel High-Performance 3D Printed Polymer
by Steven J. Sadowsky and Jeffrey W. Stansbury
Oral 2023, 3(4), 477-486; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral3040038 - 09 Oct 2023
Viewed by 850
Abstract
The advent of osseointegration has offered a quantum shift in treatment planning patients with missing teeth. Patients with a terminal dentition or edentulous arch have become candidates for a fixed rehabilitation with immediate function. A striking limitation of this modality, however, has been [...] Read more.
The advent of osseointegration has offered a quantum shift in treatment planning patients with missing teeth. Patients with a terminal dentition or edentulous arch have become candidates for a fixed rehabilitation with immediate function. A striking limitation of this modality, however, has been the mechanical failure rate of the reconstructions, especially the interim prostheses. This clinical report describes a completely digital workflow and additive manufacturing of an interim complete arch fixed implant prosthesis, immediately placed after extraction. The prosthesis is supported by four immediately loaded implants on the maxillary arch, using stackable guides and the use of a novel 3D printed high-performance UDMA to improve precision, efficiency, and prosthetic stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Issues in Oral Health)
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