Frontiers in oral health最新文献

Introduction: Gingival melanosis is characterized by a change in the physiological color of the gingiva, that usually ranges from brown to black. It can be a source of discomfort for affected people, an attractive gingiva being associated with a pink color. The main objective of this study was to compare knowledge about gingival melanosis between fourth- and fifth-year dental students and dental professors at the European University of Valencia.

Methods: The conduct of this cross-sectional observational study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the European University of Valencia. The survey used was drafted by the authors of the study. Participants completed the questionnaire between February and March 2024. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 23.0.

Results: Significant differences were found between the knowledge of both groups regarding monthly and annual detection frequency (p < 0.001), diagnostic with the DOPI index (p = 0.048), treatment options (p < 0.001), recurrence (p = 0.004) and impact on the patient's life (p = 0.012). Professional knowledge was higher, except regarding the impact. Conversely, there were no significant differences in the detection of gingival melanosis, etiologies, the ways to transmit information to the patient and diagnosis using the melanin and gingival pigmentation indices.

Conclusions: It can be concluded that teachers' knowledge is more important in terms of detection frequency, use of the DOPI index, treatment options and recurrence, except for the impact on the patient's life. However, in terms of detecting gingival melanosis in the oral cavity, possible etiologies and diagnostic methods such as the melanin and gingival pigmentation index, knowledge is the same between both groups.

Background and aim: Orthognathic surgeries often involve significant blood loss due to the high vascularity of the maxillofacial region. Conventional tools such as saws and burrs, while effective, can cause tissue damage and heat that may delay healing. Piezosurgery, a newer technique using ultrasonic vibrations, allows for precise bone cutting while protecting the soft tissues and nerves. This review aimed to compare intraoperative blood loss between piezosurgery and conventional osteotomy methods.

Materials and methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted up to 5 October 2025, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies involving patients who underwent orthognathic surgery using either piezosurgery or conventional tools, with reported blood loss data, were included. Six studies with 144 participants and 252 surgeries met the criteria. The data were analyzed using STATA 18 to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD). Heterogeneity was assessed, and publication bias was evaluated with funnel plots.

Results: Piezosurgery significantly reduced blood loss compared to conventional methods, with a WMD of -81.73 mL (95% CI: -97.30 to -66.16, P < 0.001). The sensitivity analysis confirmed the reliability of these results, and formal statistical tests indicated no significant publication bias.

Conclusion: Piezosurgery significantly reduces intraoperative blood loss during orthognathic surgeries, likely due to its precision and minimal tissue damage. Although it is more costly and takes longer, it offers a safer alternative, particularly in complex cases. Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm these findings.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD420251232995.

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.