Topic Review
Effects of Wearing Bite-Aligning Mouthguards
The purpose of the present entry was to determine the acute effects of wearing bite-aligning mouthguards on muscle strength, power, agility and quickness in athletes. A search of the current literature was performed using the electronic databases (until 1 May 2021) Web of Science, Scopus and Medline. The inclusion criteria were: (1) descriptive design studies; (2) with randomized clinical trials; (3) examining the within-subject acute effects of wearing mouthguards on functional and neuromuscular performance parameters; (4) in physical active, recreational or highstandard athletes. Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Sixteen reported positive effects in some of the variables assessed, two reported negative effects and the rest found no significant differences. Overall, the main findings described in the literature are inconclusive concerning the neuromuscular advantages of using mouthguards in muscle strength, power, agility and quickness. These discrepancies might be related to several factors such as differences in testing protocols, poor control of the jaw magnitude and improper mouthguard designs. Despite these differences, after conducting the present systematic review, the authors speculate that jaw clenching while wearing custom-made, bite-aligning oral devices might promote beneficial effects in lower limb power actions, especially in jump ability and knee extension movements. Thus, athletes might consider the use of mouthguards, not only for their protective role but also for the potential ergogenic effects in specific actions, mainly those for which lower limb muscular power are required.
  • 435
  • 21 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Tongue and Systemic Connections Microbiota
The tongue is able to quickly reflect the state of health or disease of the human body. Tongue inspection is an important diagnostic approach. It is a unique method that allows to explore the pathogenesis of diseases based on the guiding principles of the holistic concept that involves the observation of changes in the lining of the tongue in order to understand the physiological functions and pathological changes of the body. It is a potential method of screening and early detection of cancer.
  • 1.6K
  • 07 Jul 2021
Topic Review
COVID and Dentistry
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, whose first case was reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. In January 2021, the pandemic is still ongoing and is getting worse [1]. Dental surgery is considered to be a profession at high risk for being infected, and therefore transmitting SARS-CoV-2. Our professional practice was disrupted by lockdowns, resulting in reduced activity, new dental protocols and additional costs for staff protective equipment. This has caused unexpected financial difficulties for many dental practitioners. Even with treatments or vaccines, our professional practice will probably never revert back to the previous situation, as the new constraints may become permanent.
  • 674
  • 23 Jun 2021
Topic Review
CAD/CAM Ceramics
CAD/CAM ceramics present a promising alternative to metal-ceramic fixed dental prostheses.
  • 868
  • 23 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Selective Antimicrobial Therapies for Periodontitis
Traditional antimicrobial therapies for periodontitis (PD) have long focused on non-selective and direct approaches that give  immediate though short lived clinical improvements. Professional cleaning of the subgingival biofilm by instrumentation of dental root surfaces, known as scaling and root planning (SRP), is the mainstay of periodontal therapy and is indisputably effective. Non-physical approaches, used as adjuncts to SRP, such as chemical and biological agents, will be the focus of this review. We will review traditional antibiotic and antiseptic approaches,  but will emphasize immunotherapeutic agents under development that indirectly inhibit microbial colonization/growth and/or bone loss by reducing inflammation. Moreover, those agents that have clear molecular targets and defined mechanisms of action will be stressed.   Many of these 'host modulation' agents,  have only become possible through decades of research on host-pathogen interactions and the immunopathogenesis of PD. More investment in such approaches is warranted and a goal worth pursuing given the tremendous benefits selective approaches might offer to patients with periodontitis.
  • 558
  • 23 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Motor Skill Learning
Motor skill learning requires the control and integration of a range of stimuli and responses to be able to perform the desired motor task. How can we explain, support, or predict how people learn these skills? Several learning theories have been developed to explain how learning motor skills occurs and what stimulates individuals to learn and change.
  • 778
  • 16 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Photodynamic Therapy in Orthodontics
Treatment of malocclusions using fixed orthodontic appliances makes it difficult for patients to perform hygiene procedures. Insufficient removal of bacterial biofilm can cause enamel demineralization, manifesting by visible white spot lesions or periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis periodontitis or gingival hyperplasia. The classic methods of preventing the above problems include, in addition to proper hygiene, ultrasonic scaling, periodontal debridement, and oral rinses based on chlorhexidine. There is a growing interest among researchers in the possibility of using photodynamic therapy in orthodontics.
  • 767
  • 03 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Dental Pulp Regeneration
Dental pulp regeneration requires an integrated use of three key elements, including cells, biomaterial scaffolds, and signaling molecules, which enables the recapitulation of biological processes for normal tissue development.
  • 811
  • 03 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Spectroscopic Techniques for Dental Materials
The presented work focuses on the application of spectroscopic methods, such as Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, Ultraviolet and Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray spectroscopy, and Mass Spectrometry (MS), which are widely employed in the investigation of the surface properties of dental materials.
  • 1.1K
  • 03 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Post-COVID-19 Symptoms and Dental Management
The available data regarding the short and long-term consequences of COVID-19 is still insufficient. This entry aims to provide information on the prolonged COVID-19 symptoms in recovered patients and their implications during dental management. 
  • 3.5K
  • 27 May 2021
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