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Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases

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A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 15279

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Dr. Jyothi Tadakamadla

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Guest Editor

1. Dentistry and Oral Health, Department of Rural Clinical Sciences, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3550, Australia
2. Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3550, Australia
Interests: oral health; oral diseases; oral pathology; oral medicine; dental caries; dental surgery; dentistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Sudheer Babu Balla

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Guest Editor

Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Hyderabad, India
Interests: bite marks; forensics; odontology; legal medicine; forensic; anthropology; forensic medicine

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Globally, oral diseases contribute to a significant health burden. Most oral diseases are associated with systemic health and could significantly impair quality of life, especially when the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. With an increase in the prevalence and incidence of oral diseases, a prompt diagnosis is pivotal for preventing disease progression. There has been significant interest among clinicians and researchers to develop cost-effective and simple diagnostic techniques to diagnose debilitating diseases such as oral cancers, oral potentially malignant disorders, and other oral mucosal lesions, as well as prevalent oral conditions such as dental caries and periodontal diseases. In this Special Issue, we welcome original research articles and reviews on the advances in diagnostic techniques for any oral diseases. Studies evaluating the validity of diagnostic techniques and risk prediction models are also welcome. Our goal is to provide up-to-date research findings that could be translatable to clinical or community oral health practices.

Dr. Jyothi Tadakamadla
Dr. Sudheer Babu Balla
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 9172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial Profiles in Oral Lichen Planus: Comparisons with Healthy Controls and Erosive vs. Non-Erosive Subtypes

by Hye-Min Ju, Yong-Woo Ahn, Soo-Min Ok, Sung-Hee Jeong, Hee-Sam Na and Jin Chung

Diagnostics 2024, 14(8), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14080828 - 17 Apr 2024

Viewed by 207

Abstract

Recent studies have begun exploring the potential involvement of microbiota in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP), yet comprehensive investigations remain limited. Hence, this study aimed to compare the microbial profiles in saliva samples obtained from patients with OLP against those from healthy controls (HC), along with a comparison between erosive (E) and non-erosive (NE) OLP patients. Saliva samples were collected from 60 OLP patients (E: n = 25, NE: n = 35) and 30 HC individuals. Analysis revealed no significant differences in alpha diversity, as assessed by the Chao1 and Shannon index, across the three groups. However, Bray–Curtis distance analysis indicated a significant disparity in microbiome composition distribution between HC and E-OLP, as well as HC and NE-OLP groups. The six most abundant phyla observed across the groups were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Saccharibacteria (TM7). Notably, OLP groups exhibited a higher prevalence of Bacteroidetes. Prevotella emerged as the predominant genus in the OLP groups, while Capnocytophaga showed a relatively higher prevalence in E-OLP compared to NE-OLP. This study’s findings indicate a notable difference in microbiota composition between HC and patients with OLP. Additionally, differences in the microbiome were identified between the E-OLP and NE-OLP groups. The increase in the proportion of certain bacterial species in the oral microbiome suggests that they may exacerbate the inflammatory response and act as antigens for OLP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases)

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11 pages, 942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Asthma and Periodontitis

by Sung Joon Park, Hahn Jin Jung, Min Woo Park, Hyo Geun Choi, Heejin Kim and Jee Hye Wee

Diagnostics 2023, 13(24), 3637; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13243637 - 10 Dec 2023

Viewed by 934

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the association between asthma and periodontitis in the Korean adult population. Data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Health Examinees between 2004 and 2016 were considered. Of the 173,209 participants, 2521 asthmatic and 132,806 control participants were selected. The participants were categorized according to their current status of asthma, as ‘well-controlled’, ‘being treated’, and ‘not being treated’. The prevalence of periodontitis was found to be significantly higher in the participants with asthma (13.1%) than in the controls (7.3%). In the fully adjusted model, the patients with asthma had a higher odds ratio (OR = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.59–2.02, p < 0.001) for periodontitis than those without asthma. The results were consistent across all the age and sex subgroups. The adjusted ORs for periodontitis were 2.15 (95% CI = 1.68–2.76, p < 0.001) in the ‘well-controlled’ asthma group, 1.44 (95% CI = 1.16–1.78, p < 0.001) in the ‘being treated’ asthma group, and 1.86 (95% CI = 1.55–2.22, p < 0.001) in the ’not being treated’ asthma group compared to the control group. Overall, we found asthma to be associated with periodontitis in Korean adults, and the participants with well-controlled asthma had the highest ORs for periodontitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases)

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10 pages, 1826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Age and Gender on Taste Function as Measured by the Waterless Empirical Taste Test

by Rong-San Jiang and Yi-Fang Chiang

Diagnostics 2023, 13(20), 3172; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13203172 - 11 Oct 2023

Viewed by 673

Abstract

The effect of age and gender on taste function is rarely investigated. Therefore, we tried to study the effect of age and gender on taste function as evaluated by the Waterless Empirical Taste Test (WETT^®). The WETT^® consists of 40 strips that are coated with one of five tastants (sucrose, citric acid, sodium chloride, caffeine, or monosodium glutamate). Each tastant is prepared with four different concentrations. These 40 strips are interspersed with an additional 13 tasteless strips. To implement the WETT^®, a strip was placed on the middle portion of the tongue. The subjects closed their mouth and tasted the strip. They then chose one of six answers (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, brothy, or no taste at all). If the answer was correct, one score was acquired. One-hundred-and-twenty healthy men and women were collected in this study. Among them, there were 40 subjects in each age group of 20–39 years, 40–59 years, and ≥60 years. The overall taste and individual tastant function decreased with age, particularly between subjects aged 20–39 years and those aged ≥60 years. The overall taste and individual tastant function were better in females than in males, especially for subjects aged older than 59 years. Our results show that taste function is affected by both age and gender. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases)

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13 pages, 1079 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Odontogenic Factors Associated with Maxillary Sinus Schneiderian Membrane Thickness and their Relationship to Chronic Sinonasal Symptoms: An Ambispective Cohort Study

by Maha Alghofaily, Noura Alsufyani, Riyadh I. Althumairy, Amal AlSuhaibani, Fatimah Alfawzan and Lama AlSadhan

Diagnostics 2023, 13(16), 2710; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13162710 - 20 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1198

Abstract

Odontogenic sinusitis is a common maxillary sinus disease. It develops due to the violation of the Schneiderian membrane due to pathological, iatrogenic, or traumatic causes from dental and dentoalveolar structures. The aim of this cohort study was to investigate local and systemic factors associated with Schneiderian mucosal thickening (MT) in patients referred for evaluation of apical periodontitis (AP) and examine their relationship with chronic sinonasal symptoms. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 197 patients referred for evaluation of endodontic diseases were reviewed. Mucosal thickening in relation to the affected tooth was measured in the coronal section in millimeters at the maximum area perpendicular to the bone. Based on this measurement, the sinus floor was categorized for MT as present (>1 mm) or absent (<1 mm). The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants were assessed and compared according to the presence or absence of MT. Furthermore, the relationship between odontogenic sinusitis and chronic sinonasal symptoms was assessed using a chronic sinusitis survey. Male patients had a higher MT than female patients. The presence of periapical lesions and inadequate endodontic treatment were significantly associated with MT. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the presence of AP increased the odds of MT by approximately 2.5 times (p = 0.028), and nasal obstruction was significantly higher in patients diagnosed with mucosal thickness at different times of their follow-up period (p = 0.018). MT was 2.5 times more likely in the presence of apical periodontitis, and nasal obstruction was the most significant factor associated with the presence of MT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases)

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9 pages, 1084 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variations of Serum CRP Levels in Periodontal Health and Diseases: A Clinico-Biochemical Study

by Sidharth Shankar, Shiva Manjunath, Saad Mohammad Alqahtani, Kiran Kumar Ganji, Raghavendra Reddy Nagate, Shankar T. Ghokale, Anil Kumar Nagarajappa, Mukhatar Ahmed Javali, Shreyas Tikare and Mohasin Abdul Khader

Diagnostics 2023, 13(15), 2483; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13152483 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 835

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify serum C-reactive protein (CRP) values in periodontally healthy people and explore the relationship between serum CRP levels and chronic periodontitis, and the influence of scaling as well as root planing (SRP) on serum CRP levels. The study included 100 systemically healthy adults (n = 100; 50 males and 50 females) who were separated into two groups: Group A (control) n = 50; periodontally healthy subjects and Group B (test) n = 50; subjects with chronic periodontitis. The test group (group B) was further separated randomly into two groups: B1 (n = 25) and B2 (n = 25). The clinical parameters and serum CRP levels were measured only once in Group A and before SRP in Group B1 subjects. In Group B2 subjects the clinical parameters and serum CRP levels were measured only after two months following SRP. For group A, B1, and B2 (the readings recorded after SRP) the mean gingival index scores were 0.146, 2.437, and 1.052, respectively, while the plaque index was 0.414, 2.499, and 0.954, respectively. Probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) showed statistically significant differences between three groups, with higher values in patients with periodontitis before intervention (2.196 ± 0.49; 1.490 ± 0.23), respectively. Healthy controls (Group A) had a C-reactive protein level of 0.04820 mg/dL, while group B1 (test) had 1.678 mg/dL and 0.8892 mg/dL (group B2). C-reactive protein levels were observed to be greater in the test group (groups B1 and B2), and these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Chronic periodontitis enhances blood levels of systemic inflammatory markers like CRP, which has been reduced by periodontal treatment with SRP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases)

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11 pages, 2540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Mandibular Border Movements and Mastication in Each Skeletal Class Using 3D Electromagnetic Articulography: A Preliminary Study

by Nicole Constanza Farfán, María Florencia Lezcano, Pablo Eliseo Navarro-Cáceres, Héctor Paulo Sandoval-Vidal, Jordi Martinez-Gomis, Loreto Muñoz, Franco Marinelli and Ramón Fuentes

Diagnostics 2023, 13(14), 2405; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13142405 - 19 Jul 2023

Viewed by 835

Abstract

Mandibular movement recording is relevant for the planning and evaluation of mandibular function. These movements can include mandibular border movements (MBM) or mastication. Our objective was to characterize the kinematics of MBM and mastication among skeletal classes I, II, and III in the three spatial planes. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 participants. Instructions were provided on how to form Posselt’s envelope and to perform masticatory. After data processing, we obtained numerical values for the areas, trajectories, and ranges of MBM that formed Posselt’s envelope and the values for speed, masticatory frequency, and the areas of each masticatory cycle. Significant differences were found in the area of Posselt’s envelope in the horizontal plane between skeletal classes I and III and in the range of right laterality between skeletal classes II and III. Mastication showed significant differences in the area of the masticatory cycles in the horizontal plane between classes I and III and between classes II and III. In conclusion, there were differences in MBM and mastication between skeletal classes III and I in the horizontal plane. This study supports the need to establish normal values for mandibular kinematics in skeletal class III. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases)

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10 pages, 2292 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An ELISA Test Able to Predict the Development of Oral Cancer: The Significance of the Interplay between Steroid Receptors and the EGF Receptor for Early Diagnosis

by Mariarosaria Boccellino, Alfredo De Rosa and Marina Di Domenico

Diagnostics 2023, 13(12), 2001; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13122001 - 08 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1282

Abstract

Oral disorders including non-homogeneous leukoplakia, erythroplakia, erosive lichen planus, and many others can potentially progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Currently, the late diagnosis of OSCC contributes to high mortality rates, emphasizing the need for specific markers and early intervention. In this study, we present a novel, quick, sensitive, and non-invasive method for the early detection and screening of oral cancer, enabling the qualitative assessment of neoplastic forms even before the onset of symptoms. Our method directly examines the expression of oral cancer biomarkers, such as the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), and steroid receptors, including the androgen receptor (AR) and the estrogen receptor (ER). The crosstalk between sexual hormones and the EGF receptor plays a crucial role in the progression of different types of cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. To implement our method, we developed a kit box comprising nine wells or stations, each containing buffers, lysis systems, and dried/lyophilized antibodies stored at room temperature. The kit includes instruments for sample collection and a PVDF strip (Immobilon) with specific primary antibodies immobilized on it. These antibodies capture the target proteins from cytological samples. Additionally, complementary tools are provided to ensure efficient utilization and optimal test performance. The technique can be performed outside the laboratory, either “patient side” with an instant chemocolorimetric response or with a digital reader utilizing the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases)

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10 pages, 624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Expression Levels of miR-21-5p and miR-429 Genes in Biopsy Samples from Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

by Ata Garajei, Abdolamir Allameh, Mehdi Azadi, Azadeh Emami, Mostafa Atashbasteh, Melina Mostafavi, Bayazid Ghaderi, Francesco Inchingolo, Masoud Sadeghi, Santosh Kumar Tadakamadla, Hady Mohammadi and Jyothi Tadakamadla

Diagnostics 2023, 13(7), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13071244 - 25 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1449

Abstract

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRs) are a group of endogenous, non-coding, 18-24 nucleotide length single-strand RNAs that mediate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level through mRNA degradation or translational repression. They are involved in regulating diverse cellular biological processes such as cell cycle, differentiation, and apoptosis. The deregulation of miRs affects normal biological processes, leading to malignancies, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study evaluates the expression level of miR-21-5p and miR-429 genes in biopsy samples from patients with OSCC and performs a comparison with controls. Materials and Methods: In this study, tissue samples were obtained from 40 individuals (20 OSCC patients and 20 healthy controls) to determine miR-21-5p and miR-429 expression using the ΔCT method and analyzed by the Mann–Whitney test. Results: The mean age of subjects in the control and patient groups was 47.15 and 53.8 years, respectively. According to the Mann–Whitney test, significant differences were observed in miR-21-5p (p < 0.0001) and miR-429 (p = 0.0191) expression levels between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The expression of miR-21-5p, miR-429, and combined miRNAs in the OSCC group was significantly higher compared to the control group. As a result, changes in the expression of these biomarkers in cancerous tissues could potentially be considered as a marker for the early diagnosis of OSCC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases)

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17 pages, 17029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heterozygous Variants in FREM2 Are Associated with Mesiodens, Supernumerary Teeth, Oral Exostoses, and Odontomas

by Piranit Nik Kantaputra, Kanich Tripuwabhrut, Robert P. Anthonappa, Kanoknart Chintakanon, Chumpol Ngamphiw, Ploy Adisornkanj, Nop Porntrakulseree, Bjorn Olsen, Worrachet Intachai, Raoul C. Hennekam, Alexandre R. Vieira and Sissades Tongsima

Diagnostics 2023, 13(7), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13071214 - 23 Mar 2023

Viewed by 2684

Abstract

Background: Supernumerary teeth refer to extra teeth that exceed the usual number of dentitions. A mesiodens is a particular form of supernumerary tooth, which is located in the premaxilla region. The objective of the study was to investigate the genetic etiology of extra tooth phenotypes, including mesiodens and isolated supernumerary teeth. Methods: Oral and radiographic examinations and whole-exome sequencing were performed on every patient in our cohort of 122 patients, including 27 patients with isolated supernumerary teeth and 94 patients with mesiodens. A patient who had multiple supernumerary teeth also had odontomas. Results: We identified a novel (c.8498A>G; p.Asn2833Ser) and six recurrent (c.1603C>T; p.Arg535Cys, c.5852G>A; p.Arg1951His, c.6949A>T; p.Thr2317Ser; c.1549G>A; p.Val517Met, c.1921A>G; p.Thr641Ala, and c.850G>C; p.Val284Leu) heterozygous missense variants in FREM2 in eight patients with extra tooth phenotypes. Conclusions: Biallelic variants in FREM2 are implicated in autosomal recessive Fraser syndrome with or without dental anomalies. Here, we report for the first time that heterozygous carriers of FREM2 variants have phenotypes including oral exostoses, mesiodens, and isolated supernumerary teeth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases)

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Review

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17 pages, 2237 KiB

Open AccessReview

Orofacial Pain and Dentistry Management: Guidelines for a More Comprehensive Evidence-Based Approach

by Mauro Labanca, Marzia Gianò, Caterina Franco and Rita Rezzani

Diagnostics 2023, 13(17), 2854; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13172854 - 04 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2202

Abstract

Orofacial pain represents one of the most common health problems that negatively affects the activities of daily living. However, the mechanisms underlying these conditions are still unclear, and their comprehensive management is often lacking. Moreover, even if pain is a common symptom in dentistry, differential diagnostic procedures are needed to exclude other pain origins. Misinterpretation of the pain origin, in fact, can lead to misdiagnosis and to subsequent mismanagement. Pain in the orofacial area is the most common reason for patients to visit the dentist, but this area is complex, and the pain could be associated with the hard and soft tissues of the head, face, oral cavity, or to a dysfunction of the nervous system. Considering that the origins of orofacial pain can be many and varied, a thorough assessment of the situation is necessary to enable the most appropriate diagnostic pathway to be followed to achieve optimal clinical and therapeutic management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases)

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18 pages, 1326 KiB

Open AccessReview

Label-Free Optical Spectroscopy for Early Detection of Oral Cancer

by Siddra Maryam, Marcelo Saito Nogueira, Rekha Gautam, Shree Krishnamoorthy, Sanathana Konugolu Venkata Sekar, Kiang Wei Kho, Huihui Lu, Richeal Ni Riordain, Linda Feeley, Patrick Sheahan, Ray Burke and Stefan Andersson-Engels

Diagnostics 2022, 12(12), 2896; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12122896 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2105

Abstract

Oral cancer is the 16th most common cancer worldwide. It commonly arises from painless white or red plaques within the oral cavity. Clinical outcome is highly related to the stage when diagnosed. However, early diagnosis is complex owing to the impracticality of biopsying every potentially premalignant intraoral lesion. Therefore, there is a need to develop a non-invasive cost-effective diagnostic technique to differentiate non-malignant and early-stage malignant lesions. Optical spectroscopy may provide an appropriate solution to facilitate early detection of these lesions. It has many advantages over traditional approaches including cost, speed, objectivity, sensitivity, painlessness, and ease-of use in clinical setting for real-time diagnosis. This review consists of a comprehensive overview of optical spectroscopy for oral cancer diagnosis, epidemiology, and recent improvements in this field for diagnostic purposes. It summarizes major developments in label-free optical spectroscopy, including Raman, fluorescence, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy during recent years. Among the wide range of optical techniques available, we chose these three for this review because they have the ability to provide biochemical information and show great potential for real-time deep-tissue point-based in vivo analysis. This review also highlights the importance of saliva-based potential biomarkers for non-invasive early-stage diagnosis. It concludes with the discussion on the scope of development and future demands from a clinical point of view. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis of Oral Diseases)

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