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Topic Review
Nano-Drug Delivery Systems in Oral Cancer Therapy
Oral cancer (OC), characterized by malignant tumors in the mouth, is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Chemotherapy is a commonly used treatment for OC; however, it often leads to severe side effects on human bodies. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution for managing OC using nanomaterials and nanoparticles (NPs). Nano-drug delivery systems (nano-DDSs) that employ various NPs as nanocarriers have been extensively developed to enhance current OC therapies by achieving controlled drug release and targeted drug delivery.
  • 666
  • 04 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Photobiomodulation with Laser Technology in Fixed Orthodontic Treatment
Despite the growing demand for improving smile aesthetics and occlusal functionality, a significant percentage of patients still refuse or discontinue orthodontic treatment because of pain and discomfort related to this therapy. As consequence, controlling the pain experienced by patients during the same therapy represents a primary concern for both patients and clinicians. Pieces of evidence have suggested that photobiomodulation can reduce pain experienced by patients during the decrowding stage or during specific protocols, for example, rapid maxillary expansion. PBM can be performed with lasers and also with a light-emitting diode (LED) device. 
  • 663
  • 23 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Tactile Sensibility Thresholds in Implant Prosthesis/Complete Dentures/Natural Dentition
The periodontium has important proprioceptive receptors that prevent teeth from using excessive occlusal forces during chewing. There are other receptors from adjacent tissues that replace periodontal ones when teeth are extracted and rehabilitated with prosthesis, although they seem to be less effective. Psychophysical studies investigate tactile sensibility thresholds, which are useful to measure this masticatory efficiency in different prosthetic rehabilitations. There are two types of sensibility depending on the receptors that are activated during these studies: active and passive tactile sensibility. The mean values of active tactile sensibility thresholds in complete dentures, implant prosthesis and natural dentition are 64 µ, 23.3 µ and 16.1 µ, respectively. The mean values of passive tactile sensibility thresholds in implant prosthesis and natural dentition are 6.7 N and 0.8 N, respectively. Implant prosthesis have lower thresholds, that are very close to those present in natural dentition, than complete dentures due to an increased tactile sensibility. Active tactile sensibility thresholds present fewer differences between values than passive tactile ones; as these are only influenced by receptors from periodontal or periimplant tissues.
  • 662
  • 11 May 2022
Topic Review
Obesity, Bone Loss, and Periodontitis
Obesity and periodontitis are both common health concerns that have given rise to considerable economic and societal burden worldwide. There are established negative relationships between bone metabolism and obesity, obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM), and DM and periodontitis, to name a few, with osteoporosis being considered a long-term complication of obesity. In the oral cavity, bone metabolic disorders primarily display as increased risks for periodontitis and alveolar bone loss. Obesity-driven alveolar bone loss and mandibular osteoporosis have been observed in animal models without inoculation of periodontopathogens. Clinical reports have also indicated a possible association between obesity and periodontitis.
  • 661
  • 08 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Oral Microbiome in Systemic Pathologic Conditions
The human being is defined as a ‘superorganism’ since it is made up of its own cells and microorganisms that reside inside and outside the human body. Commensal microorganisms, which are even ten times more numerous than the cells present in the body, perform very important functions for the host, as they contribute to the health of the host, resist pathogens, maintain homeostasis, and modulate the immune system. In the mouth, there are different types of microorganisms, such as viruses, mycoplasmas, bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protozoa, often organized in communities. Normal microbial flora was present in the oral cavity both in physiological conditions and in local pathological conditions and in the most widespread systemic pathologies. Furthermore, the therapeutic precautions that the clinician can follow in order to intervene on the change in the microbiome.
  • 656
  • 23 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Antifungals in Preventing Oropharyngeal Candidiasis among HIV-Infected Adults
Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is attributed to the overgrowth of the commensal fungi, Candida spp., in the mouth and throat. Among HIV-infected adults, there is an increased risk of developing OPC due to the loss of cell-mediated immunity. Fluconazole can be considered as an effective agent with a better safety profile for the prevention of OPC in HIV-infected adults.
  • 654
  • 22 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Sports Mouthguards
Mouthguards are classified into three groups according to their fabrication: stock, boil and bite, and custom-made. Additionally, they can be fabricated from various materials that can influence their effectiveness. Among the most commonly used materials for producing this device are polyvinyl acetate–polyethylene or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, latex, acrylic resin, and polyurethane. Although using a mouthguard in sports activities is essential for preventing or reducing orofacial injuries, impacts affecting the rigid structure while using this device remain significant, especially in the anterior region of the maxilla.
  • 652
  • 30 Oct 2023
Topic Review
The Local Neuropeptide System of Keratinocytes
The synthesis and activity of neuropeptides and their receptors in epithelial cells of the skin and mucous membranes. Note that the term "neuropeptide" was originally coined to indicate small protein molecules that are contained in neurons, however it is now known that the synthesis of this class of peptides is not restricted to neurons.
  • 649
  • 04 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Oral Inflammatory Diseases
Oral inflammatory diseases (OIDs) include many common diseases such as periodontitis and pulpitis. The causes of OIDs consist microorganism, trauma, occlusal factors, autoimmune dis-eases and radiation therapy. When treated unproperly, such diseases not only affect oral health but also pose threat to people’s overall health condition. Therefore, identifying OIDs at an early stage and exploring new therapeutic strategies are important tasks for oral-related research. Mitochondria are crucial organelles for many cellular activities and disruptions of mitochondrial function not only affect cellular metabolism but also indirectly influence people’s health and life span. Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in the development and progression of OIDs and its associated systemic diseases. 
  • 647
  • 02 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Regular Physical Activity and Dental Erosion
Dental erosion is the irreversible pathological loss of hard tissues, which are chemically dissolved by acids, especially through external means, such as diet (e.g., fruit juices, isotonic or energy drinks). Regular physical activity was associated with an increased risk of dental erosion, especially under the influence of frequent consumption of sports drinks. 
  • 645
  • 24 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Implant Treatment by Guided Surgery Supporting Overdentures
This study aimed to show the clinical outcomes of implants inserted by guided surgery supporting mandibular overdentures in edentulous patients. Patients and methods: Mandibular edentulous patients were diagnosed with an oral examination, cone-beam computerized tomography, and diagnostic casts for intermaxillary relations and treated with overdentures over two implants by guided surgery. After flapless surgery, implants were early loaded with an overdenture at 6 weeks.
  • 642
  • 18 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Oral Malignant and Potentially Malignant Disorders
Oral Potentially Malignant Disorder (OPMD) is a significant concern for clinicians due to the risk of malignant transformation. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a common type of cancer with a low survival rate, causing over 200,000 new cases globally each year. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, the five-year survival rate for OSCC patients remains under 50%. Early diagnosis can greatly improve the chances of survival. Therefore, understanding the development and transformation of OSCC and developing new diagnostic methods is crucial. The field of oral medicine has been advanced by technological and molecular innovations, leading to the integration of new medical technologies into dental practice.
  • 635
  • 14 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Melatonin and Periodontitis-Related Systemic Diseases
Periodontitis has become the main reason for tooth loss/edentulism in adults worldwide. It is also linked closely with other systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer, thus profoundly impairing people’s quality of life. As the most common chronic inflammatory disease of humans, periodontitis has brought about huge socioeconomic impacts and healthcare costs. Periodontitis as a highly prevalent chronic infection/inflammatory disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and masticatory dysfunction. It also has a negative impact on general health and largely impairs quality of life. The tissue destruction during periodontitis is mainly caused by the excessive immune–inflammatory response; hence, how to modulate the host’s reaction is of profound importance for effective periodontal treatment and tissue protection. Melatonin, as an endogenous hormone exhibiting multiple biological functions such as circadian rhythm regulation, antioxidant, and anti-inflammation, has been widely used in general healthcare. The application of melatonin as an adjunctive approach in the treatment of periodontitis and periodontitis-related systemic comorbidities is witnessed. 
  • 634
  • 02 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Nerve Injury and Photobiomodulation
The available therapeutic options for restoring function and sensitivity in long-term nervous injuries pose challenges. Microsurgery interventions for direct nerve repair often lead to serious complications and limited success. Non-surgical methods, although somewhat effective, have limited benefits. These methods involve drug administration, such as with analgesics or corticosteroids. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has emerged as a promising approach based on clinical and laboratory studies. PBMT stimulates the migration and proliferation of neuronal fiber cellular aggregates. Experimental studies on animal models with peripheral nerve compression injuries have shown that PBMT can enhance the functionality of damaged nerves, preserving their activity and preventing scar tissue formation. The mechanism of action depends on the wavelength, which can positively or negatively affect photo acceptor resonances, influencing their conformation and activities. These findings suggest that photobiomodulation may accelerate and improve nerve regeneration.
  • 628
  • 01 Sep 2023
Topic Review
COVID-19 on Oral Health
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and transmission are generally known to be produced by respiratory droplets and aerosols from the oral cavity (O.C.) of infected subjects, as stated by the World Health Organization. Saliva also retains the viral particles and aids in the spread of COVID-19. 
  • 622
  • 05 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Salivary myeloperoxidase in Patients with Systemic Diseases
Salivary myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a key mediator of the oral immune system, acting as an enzyme that utilises H2O2 to generate molecules with high bactericidal activity. While MPO determination in plasma is quite common, the use of saliva is still rare.
  • 612
  • 01 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Biomarkers from Peri-Implant Crevicular Fluid
Some inflammatory biomarkers harvested from peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) (collagenase-2, collagenase-3, ALP, EA, gelatinase b, NTx, procalcitonin, IL-1β, and several miRNAs) seem to be correlated with peri-implant bone loss (BL) and may assist in the early diagnosis of pathological BL, that characterizes peri-implantitis. MiRNA expression demonstrated a predictive potential of peri-implant BL that could be useful for host-targeted preventive and therapeutic purposes. PICF sampling may represent a promising, noninvasive, and repeatable form of liquid biopsy in implant dentistry.
  • 600
  • 27 Apr 2023
Topic Review
The Roles of Periodontal Bacteria in Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis (AS) is an inflammatory vascular disease that constitutes a major underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and stroke. Infection is a contributing risk factor for AS. Epidemiological evidence has implicated individuals afflicted by periodontitis displaying an increased susceptibility to AS and CVD. 
  • 599
  • 06 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Impact of Communication on Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders
There are no communication protocols for patients who are diagnosed with Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs). Healthcare professionals must develop and practice communication skills throughout their training and practice, starting by incorporating specific training in the dental school curriculum. Due to the limitation in the time available in clinical settings, developing and making available an easily accessible and accurate web-based patient information sheet that could be recommended to an OPMD patient should be considered by professional bodies.
  • 592
  • 20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Current Salivary Glands Biopsy Techniques
Biopsy is a surgical procedure performed to collect a portion of tissue or organ for diagnostic studies. A search was performed using the following MeSH terms: biopsy, fine-needle biopsies, image-guided biopsies, frozen sections, and salivary glands disease. A current overview of major and minor salivary glands biopsy techniques was provided. In the oncological field, a comparison was made between the most widely used biopsy method, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB), and an alternative method, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-guided CNB), highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each. Finally, intra-operative frozen sections (IOFSs) were presented as an additional intraoperative diagnostic method. Minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) is the simplest diagnostic method used by clinicians in the diagnosis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. In neoplastic lesions, US-FNAB represents the most performed method; however, due to its low diagnostic accuracy for non-neoplastic specimens, US-guided CNB has been introduced as an alternative method. 
  • 589
  • 26 Aug 2022
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