International Journal of Dentistry最新文献

Objetive: To evaluate the effect of the rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on the pterygoid process (PP), spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS), and sella turcica (ST) in two patients' skulls with Class II and Class III skeletal relationships and to identify differences in mechanical loading through finite element analysis (FEA).

Materials and methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of two patients' skulls were used: (1) a 13-year-old female with a Class II skeletal relationship due to maxillary protrusion and (2) a 14-year-old male with a Class III skeletal relationship due to maxillary hypoplasia. The computer-aided design (CAD) geometry of both skulls was imported into Ansys v14 software to construct the finite element mesh. A transverse force of 100 N was applied to the palatal surfaces of the first upper molar and first premolar to simulate RME. Von Mises stress (VMS) and maximum principal stress (MPS) were assessed at selected nodes representing the anatomical areas of interest.

Results: In VMS, the Class II model showed the highest value at Point 3 (2.077 MPa), similar to the Class III model (1.707 MPa). In MPS, the highest tensile stress in the Class II model occurred at Point 2 (1.396 MPa), while in the Class III model it was at Point 3 (1.813 MPa).

Conclusions: The PP, SOS, and ST in Class II and Class III skeletal patterns are subjected to tensile and compressive loads during RME. The Class III model exhibited higher stress distribution at the skull base compared with the Class II model.

Clinical significance: Understanding how delicate cranial structures respond to heavy orthopedic loads generated during RME may help refine treatment protocols for transverse maxillary deficiency across different malocclusions.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the awareness, attitudes, needs, and demands of patients at Ajman University regarding available tooth replacement options.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 patients attending Ajman University's dental clinics. The sample consisted of 51.5% males and 48.5% females, all aged 18 years or older with one or more missing teeth. Participants completed a structured, closed-ended questionnaire designed to reveal their knowledge of dental prostheses, the reasons for seeking or delaying replacement, and their preferences for prosthodontic treatment options. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests with a significance level of p  < 0.05.

Results: Significant associations were found between the demographic variables (independent variables) and the key prosthodontic-related measures assessed in the study (dependent variables). Age and gender were significantly associated with the number of missing teeth (p  < 0.001), with older individuals and males exhibiting greater tooth loss. Education level showed a significant association with the timing of seeking tooth replacement (p  < 0.001). Financial constraints were the most frequently reported barrier to treatment, particularly among older and more educated participants (p  < 0.001). Awareness and preference for prosthodontic options were strongly influenced by education (p  < 0.001) and age (p  < 0.001), with dental implants being the most preferred option. Employment status demonstrated a significant association only with awareness of complete dentures (p  < 0.001), while most other dependent variables showed no significant relationship with employment status or gender.

Conclusion: Patients demonstrated a high level of awareness of dental prostheses, particularly removable dentures, with implants emerging as the most preferred replacement option. Financial limitations and fear of discomfort were major barriers to seeking prosthetic treatment. Enhancing patient education and implementing financial support strategies may improve the uptake of prosthetic rehabilitation.

Objective: Periodontal disease is a chronic condition, and its etiology is mainly related to biofilm and the destruction of the attachment apparatus resulting from poor application of oral hygiene measures. The aim was to study the relationship between oral hygiene and the severity of periodontal disease, in addition to evaluating the relationship between periodontitis and tooth loss in Mexican adults aged 20-49 years.

Methods: Information from 10,897 Mexican adults between 2019 and 2022 was included by the Epidemiological Monitoring System for Oral Pathologies. The severity of periodontal disease was evaluated via the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and classified into four groups: CPI = 0 (healthy); CPI = 1 (bleeding on probing); CPI = 2 (calculus); and CPI = 3/4 (periodontitis).

Results: Of the total population, 20.4% presented bleeding, 30.3% presented dental calculus, 3.5% presented periodontitis, and 37.2% presented at least one missing tooth. Poor oral hygiene [OR = 4.01 (95% CI 3.24-4.96); p  < 0.001] and a low level of education [OR = 1.39 (95%CI 1.11-1.73); p = 0.003] were significantly associated with periodontitis. Adults with periodontitis are more likely to present tooth loss [OR = 2.51 (95% CI 2.01-3.15); p  < 0.001], with the probability of presenting the disease increasing in line with age.

Conclusion: Poor oral hygiene and tooth loss are related to periodontitis in Mexican adults. It is essential to design strategies that strengthen motivation and promote oral health, with the goal of reducing the prevalence of periodontal disease and improving the maintenance of the dental support system.

Oral leukoplakia (OL) is a potentially malignant disorder characterized by white lesions on the oral mucosa, with a variable risk of progression to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Its management remains challenging due to the potential for recurrence and malignant transformation. In recent years, laser-based therapies have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional treatments such as surgical excision and cryotherapy. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of various laser technologies, including ablative lasers, fractional lasers, and photodynamic therapy (PDT)-assisted laser treatments, for the management of OL. The review focuses on key clinical outcomes such as lesion regression rates, recurrence reduction, and the incidence of adverse effects. Evidence suggests that laser therapies not only achieve significant lesion regression but also minimize posttreatment discomfort and preserve healthy tissue structure. Among the laser modalities studied, PDT-assisted treatments have shown particular promise in reducing recurrence rates over long-term follow-up. Furthermore, fractional laser-assisted PDT has demonstrated high clinical efficacy with excellent tolerability, suggesting its potential as a front-line treatment option. Despite these encouraging results, further research with larger patient cohorts and longer follow-up periods is necessary to establish standardized treatment protocols. This review supports the adoption of laser-based treatments as effective and minimally invasive options for managing OL while reducing the risk of malignant progression.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate microshear bond strength between bovine dentin and glass ionomer cement (GIC) modified with the addition of grape seed extract (GSE).

Materials and methods: Twenty-four crowns of bovine incisor teeth were fixed with self-curing acrylic resin, leaving the buccal surface of the teeth exposed. The enamel surface was removed with SiC abrasive paper, exposing the dentin. Four transparent cylindrical matrices (1 mm high and 0.75 mm in internal diameter) were placed on the dentin surfaces of each tooth. The control groups were composed of the GICs Maxxion R and the GC Gold Label 9 R used in the proportion recommended by the manufacturers. For the experimental groups, GSE was added to the GIC liquid in the form of 10% glycolic extract. The set was stored at an absolute humidity of 37°C for 24 h. After storage, matrices were removed, and specimens were submitted to the microshear bond test.

Statistical analysis: Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05).

Results: The mean bond strength values did not exhibit statistically significant differences for different groups. For the independent factor material, the average bond strength values were significantly higher for GIC GC Gold Label 9 R (6.15 MPa) when compared to Maxxion R (3.93 MPa).

Conclusion: The incorporation of GSE into GIC did not negatively interfere with the adhesive properties of the GIC; the prevalence of the adhesive failure pattern was observed in all tested groups.

Introduction: To provide the optimum level of oral healthcare, the supply of dentists should mirror the population's oral health care needs. However, the ongoing inter-country movement of oral health professionals is reducing Ireland's capacity to maintain an adequate oral health workforce. This study aimed to identify the determinants of future dentists' intentions to engage in inter-country movement.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among final-year dental students at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. To collect the data, a Microsoft Forms based questionnaire was distributed among all students. Descriptive statistics were calculated to characterise students' motives for pursuing a future career abroad.

Results: A total of 50 out of 50 invited final-year dental students participated in the study. The sample consisted of equal proportions of Irish nationals and international students (n = 25 each). Canadian students represented the predominant international cohort, accounting for 42% of all participants. Regarding immediate career plans, 8% of Irish students intended to move abroad compared with 68% of international students. The sample consisted of equal proportions of Irish nationals and international students (n = 25 each), with Canadian students comprising the largest subgroup at 42% of the total sample. A marked difference was observed between the two cohorts in terms of immediate career intention. Only 8% of Irish students indicated plans to work abroad, compared with 68% of international students, the majority of whom expressed a desire to return to their home country. Regarding long-term career plans, 20% of Irish students anticipated relocating abroad, whereas only 12% of international students reported intentions to leave their country of origin. The most frequently cited push factors influencing decisions to emigrate from Ireland included more favourable economic conditions, improved lifestyle opportunities, increased access to training programmes and family-related considerations.

Conclusion: The majority of international dental students in Ireland are aiming to pursue their dental career in their home countries due to better economic conditions and living standards. These findings suggest that Irish policymakers and educational institutions might need to consider new approaches for the retention of newly graduating dentists.

Background: Oral health disparities among adults with disabilities remain a significant challenge.

Objective: To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of educational, behavioral, and pharmacological strategies intended to enhance oral health self-care among independent adults with disabilities.

Methods: This systematic review adhered to PRISMA 2020 recommendations and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251015528). We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English from 2000 to 2024 through extensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, the Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and relevant gray literature sources. Studies were eligible if they involved adults aged 18-70 years with psychiatric, neurological, intellectual, or physical disabilities who were able to perform their own oral hygiene. Interventions included educational, behavioral, or pharmacological strategies compared to any control. Two reviewers independently completed the screening and data-extraction processes and appraised study quality using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Narrative synthesis was conducted due to heterogeneity.

Results: Ten RCTs involving 681 participants from diverse countries met the inclusion criteria. Educational and behavioral interventions, including oral hygiene instruction (OHI), visual aids, hands-on demonstration, and motivational interviewing (MI), significantly improved oral health knowledge, attitudes, and self-care practices in adults with disabilities. These interventions were particularly effective when tailored to the specific needs of participants and delivered with ongoing reinforcement. Pharmacological strategies, primarily chlorhexidine-based adjuncts, further reduced plaque, gingival bleeding, and oral microbial load, especially when combined with education or behavioral support. While most interventions produced significant short-term improvements in clinical and behavioral outcomes, overall certainty of evidence was limited by heterogeneity in study designs, intervention protocols, and risk of bias.

Conclusions: Multifaceted interventions that combine tailored education, behavioral reinforcement, and pharmacological support improve oral health outcomes for independent adults with disabilities. Future research should prioritize standardized methodologies, rigorous risk-of-bias assessment, and long-term follow-up to strengthen the evidence base and guide clinical practice and policy.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of machine learning to automatically classify electromyography (EMG) data into bruxism simulated movement with tooth contact (BMwTC), bruxism simulated movement without tooth contact (BMwoTC), and non-bruxism movement (non-BM).

Methods: Twelve eligible healthy participants (female/male: 2/10, mean age: 35.3 ± 8.4 years) were asked to perform the simulated movements (all the tasks were performed five times for 5 s each with a 30-s rest interval). The electrodes were placed on the masseter, infrahyoid, inframandibular, and chin muscles. A sound sensor was placed adjacent to the masseter. The EMG and sound data were sampled at 1 and 44.1 kHz, respectively. Single- and multi-stream hidden Markov models (HMMs) were used to automatically discriminate the tested behavior from the others using a hamming window with 100 ms and shift length of 50 ms. The leave-one-out method was used for training and testing the model, with data from 11 participants used for training and one for testing. Each participant was evaluated, and the final performance was measured by averaging the results of 12 classification trials. The validity of the discrimination was assessed by calculating the harmony mean values using six EMG signals and the sound data.

Results: The masseter EMG demonstrated significantly higher discrimination accuracy in the single-stream model (p  < 0.05, One-way ANOVA, Tukey HDS). The multi-stream model also demonstrated higher accuracy; however, no significant difference was observed. Notably, the accuracy of BMwoTC was less than 0.5.

Conclusion: The machine-learning-based discriminative system accurately discriminates BMwTC from non-BM using masseter EMG.

Background: Chios mastic gum, a natural resin derived from the mastic tree, has a history of traditional use for its beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal system, its anti-inflammatory properties, and its antimicrobial activity.

Objective: This study aimed to integrate network pharmacology and standardized in vitro analyses to elucidate the antimicrobial mechanisms and therapeutic potential of P. lentiscus phytochemicals.

Material and methods: This study employed a systematic methodology integrating data mining, network construction, and network analysis to explore the intricate relationships between the constituents of mastic gum and their diverse biological targets. The primary active compounds of P. lentiscus were identified through multiple databases, including the Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry, and Therapeutics database. ADME/T profiling, Lipinski's rule of five, and target prediction were performed to assess drug likeness and pharmacokinetics. Protein-protein interaction networks and gene ontology (GO) enrichment were analyzed using STRING and Cytoscape to identify biological pathways associated with antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the antibacterial efficacy of these compounds was evaluated following the Polish-European standard 1040, and antifungal activity was assessed according to the European standard 1650 by enumerating colony-forming units after a 24-h incubation period.

Results: Four major phytochemicals - alpha-terpineol, linalool, myrcene, and verbenone - were identified as key bioactive compounds. These exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties and predicted interactions with targets related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and microbial virulence. In vitro, the ethanolic extract of P. lentiscus achieved ≥ 5 log reductions in both bacterial and fungal strains, demonstrating potent antimicrobial activity comparable to chlorhexidine. The hydroalcoholic extract showed moderate yet significant reductions.

Conclusion: The integrative in silico and in vitro analyses indicate that P. lentiscus exerts antimicrobial effects through multiple complementary mechanisms, including membrane disruption, inhibition of virulence and biofilm formation, and modulation of host inflammatory pathways. These findings provide a mechanistic framework supporting the use of P. lentiscus as a natural adjunct for managing periodontal infections and warrant further preclinical and clinical evaluation.

Objectives: This systematic review is meant to evaluate the effectiveness of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in gingival depigmentation and assess its potential as a minimally invasive alternative for managing gingival hyperpigmentation.

Materials and methods: Electronic searches were conducted across major databases, yielding eight relevant studies, including five randomized clinical trials and three case series. These studies reported different application techniques, with intramucosal injection (mesotherapy) being the most frequently used approach.

Results: All studies demonstrated improvement in gingival pigmentation following vitamin C therapy, as assessed by indices such as the Dummett-Gupta oral pigmentation index (DOPI). Mesotherapy generally produced faster and more pronounced results than topical gel application. High patient satisfaction and minimal adverse effects were consistently reported. Nevertheless, marked heterogeneity in study design, dosing, and outcome evaluation limited direct comparison among studies.

Conclusions: Vitamin C shows promise as an effective, safe, and minimally invasive treatment for gingival depigmentation. However, standardized clinical protocols and long-term randomized trials are required to establish its comparative efficacy and ensure consistent outcomes.