Frontiers in oral health最新文献

Introduction: Tobacco smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are well known to harm oral health, but the dangers of e-cigarettes are still not fully acknowledged, especially in Saudi Arabia where their use is steadily increasing. This study explored awareness of the oral and dental health consequences of tobacco and e-cigarette use among residents of the Al-Madinah region and compared awareness levels across smokers, e-cigarette users, dual users, and non-smokers.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out on 278 participants who are 16 years and over in 2025. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used in the collection of data on demographic characteristics, smoking habits, oral health habits, and awareness of smoking-related oral health risks. Chi-square and Fisher Exact tests were used to analyze the data at a statistical significance level of p ≤ 0.05.

Result: Of the respondents, 6.8% were traditional smokers, 6.5% were e-cigarette users, 2.2% were dual users and 84.5% were non-smokers. Although more than 80% identified smoking as a cause of oral health problems such as cancer, discoloration, halitosis, and impaired healing, only 17.6% considered e-cigarettes as harmful. The non-smokers and cigarette smokers were more aware than the e-cigarette and dual users who were more likely to underestimate the risks associated with e-cigarettes.

Conclusion: The results indicate that although the level of awareness on the negative effect of tobacco is high, the misconceptions on e-cigarettes are still present, thus suggesting the need for a public health campaign.

Background: Periodontitis, affecting 38.5% of adults globally with moderate-to-severe forms, represents a multifactorial inflammatory disease traditionally attributed to bacterial pathogens. Emerging evidence implicates viral cofactors, particularly Torque Teno virus (TTV), a ubiquitous anellovirus with 30%-95% prevalence in healthy populations.

Objective: To evaluate TTV prevalence in periodontitis patients vs. controls through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched multiple databases (2000-2024) for observational studies reporting TTV detection in oral samples using molecular techniques. Random-effects meta-analysis calculated pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Trial Sequential Analysis assessed evidence sufficiency.

Results: Four studies encompassed 583 participants (300 periodontitis, 283 controls). Meta-analysis revealed significant TTV-periodontitis association (RR = 1.67; 95%CI: 1.28-2.17; p < 0.001), indicating 67% increased TTV likelihood in periodontitis patients. Heterogeneity was minimal (I ² = 0%) with no publication bias detected. Trial Sequential Analysis showed current evidence represents only 31.6% of required information size (1,847 participants), suggesting preliminary findings requiring validation.

Conclusion: Despite consistent TTV-periodontitis association across studies, evidence remains insufficient for definitive conclusions. Larger prospective investigations using standardized diagnostic criteria are essential to establish causality and clinical significance.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD420251127439.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.962849.].

Oral health disparities are closely linked to broader health inequalities, particularly in global health contexts where disproportionate emphasis is placed on diseases other than oral health. In the field of dental genetics, recent investigations have highlighted persistent challenges and barriers in African genomic research. Colonial legacies continue to influence the structuring of research agendas and contribute to the marginalization of indigenous knowledge systems. We discuss the implications of these historical dynamics for the relevance of genetic research findings, and addresses the emerging ethical considerations in clinical applications and community engagement. We emphasize the need for equitable and culturally inclusive approaches to expand our genetic understanding of dental pathologies in underrepresented African populations.

Objective: This study aims to present a multidisciplinary, minimally invasive treatment approach for a rare labial-palatal dual developmental groove associated with anterior malocclusion, emphasizing long-term periodontal stability, functional rehabilitation, and esthetic outcomes.

Case presentation: A 29-year-old female patient presented with a deep labial groove and a shallow distopalatal groove on the maxillary central incisor, complicated by severe localized periodontal destruction and malocclusion. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed a communication between the labial groove and the periapical lesion, whereas the palatal groove was isolated. A comprehensive three-phase treatment protocol was implemented, including root canal therapy combined with apical surgery, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using Bio-Oss and Bio-Gide, and anterior esthetic rehabilitation through digital smile design and full-ceramic restorations.

Results: After 4 years of follow-up, the probing depth improved from 10 to 1 mm, with radiographic and CBCT evaluations confirming complete bone regeneration and reattachment of periodontal tissues. Functional and esthetic outcomes remained stable, and no recurrence or inflammation was detected during maintenance visits.

Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic value of CBCT imaging and the effectiveness of an evidence-based multidisciplinary approach in managing complex labial-palatal dual-groove anomalies. Early diagnosis, bio-ceramic sealing, regenerative periodontal therapy, and meticulous long-term maintenance are essential for achieving predictable and durable clinical success in developmental radicular groove-associated lesions.

With the rapid evolution of esthetic digital dentistry, patient-centered tools were developed, such as digital smile design, to help improve patient communication and emotional participation. However, a major difference remains between these purely aesthetic simulations and the functional accuracy necessary with computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing restorative workflows. In this paper, we present the conceptual basis for a new, intelligent, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) wax-up design theory called Dental Unified CAD Utility (DUCU). This platform includes advanced artificial intelligence algorithms for tooth morphology, margin detection, intaglio surface generation, and occlusal correspondence, to combine emotional aesthetics with clinical function. Through facilitation of interdisciplinary teamwork and automation of restorative design workflows, Dental Unified CAD Utility sets out to drastically decrease laboratory time, reduce human errors, and boost treatment predictability. We describe implications and barriers to clinical implementation and future research directions necessary for the development and validation of the DUCU as a transformative tool in digital prosthodontics.

Objectives: Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is a devastating disease with significant mortality and morbidity. Patients suffer from compromised quality of life, due to the impact of the disease and its treatment on oral health and related functions. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the effects of HNC on oral health related quality of life (OHQoL).

Methods: The protocol followed PRISMA-2020 guidelines. Literature search was conducted in electronic databases (PSYC-INFO, EMBASE, OVID-MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and WEB OF SCIENCE) at three time points, yielding 1198 records. Abstracts and full-texts were screened, and 101 eligible articles were identified. The risk of bias assessment was conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Narrative data synthesis was conducted under broad themes that influenced OHQoL; patient factors, diagnosis and treatment, and post treatment.

Results: Studies were published between 2001 and 2024, a growing interest in OHQoL research was noted over time. 70.3% of the studies used oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) for OHQoL assessment. Among patient factors, low socioeconomic status, being without a partner and underweight were associated with worse scores. OHQoL varied with anatomical location of HNC, treatment modalities and their side effects such as mucositis and xerostomia. Prosthetic rehabilitation positively influenced OHQoL post-treatment.

Conclusions: OHQoL assessment is critical in HNC patients from diagnosis, during treatment and beyond. It is influenced by factors related to sociodemographic, diagnosis, treatment, reconstruction and rehabilitation. The findings of this study can inform and guide clinicians to update supportive care and existing management of HNC and OPMD patients.

The first 1,000 days of life represent a critical window for preventing Early Childhood Caries (ECC). However, a significant global data gap obscures the true scale of ECC within this critical period. This review aims to systematically examine the global availability of ECC data for children under 36 months, discuss age-specific prevalence trends, and synthesize evidence to highlight the implications of missing data. A comprehensive analysis of a global dataset reporting ECC prevalence across 193 United Nations member states (2007-2017) was conducted. Analysis of the data was organized by the World Health Organization Region. The analysis revealed a profound data gap: 73.6% of countries had no data for children under 36 months, and only 19.7% had current data. Where data existed, rates approach or exceed 50% in some countries (e.g., Egypt: 69.6%, Mongolia: 47.5%), indicating that ECC is often well-established in the first 1,000 days of life. Significant regional disparities were identified, with the highest burden in the European Region, the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and the Western Pacific Region. Even within regions, there are extreme disparities in prevalence between countries (e.g., Kuwait at 3.0% vs. Egypt at 69.6% in the Middle East; Finland at 0.3% vs. Kazakhstan at 45.0% in Europe). The scarcity of data and high prevalence rates highlight a public oral health problem in infancy. Closing this global data gap is an essential first step to mobilize resources and implement targeted, effective prevention strategies where we can have the greatest impact.