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Oral Healthcare: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment—2nd Edition
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Oral Healthcare: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment—2nd Edition

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 2 August 2026 | Viewed by 11330

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Vincenzo D'Antò

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Guest Editor
Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, NA, Italy
Interests: orthodontics; paediatric dentistry; preventive dentistry; obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome; biomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Stefano Martina

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Guest Editor
Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Via Salvador Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
Interests: orthodontics; temporomandibular disorders, orofacial pain; COVID-19; dental materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Silvia Caruso

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
Interests: orthodontics; interceptive orthodontics; clear aligners; early childhood caries; paediatric dentistry; digital monitoring; preventive dentistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are inviting submissions for this Special Issue on “Oral Healthcare: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment—2nd Edition”.

Diseases affecting the orofacial complex are among those with the highest prevalence and, thus, make it a healthcare issue. There is strong evidence that most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be easily treated in their early stages. Preventive dentistry is concerned with caries, periodontal disease, oral cancer, and other relevant conditions that affect the oral cavity and its related structures. In recent decades, patients with different general health problems have increased significantly, requiring specific treatments and increasing even more the importance of prevention and effective treatments.

Even in growing patients, it is very important to make an early diagnosis and start treatment with the correct timing to prevent more severe malocclusions and increase the effectiveness of treatment. This Special Issue will also cover several aspects of pediatric dentistry with an emphasis on childhood caries, the first months of life, and how to develop good oral health, as well as new frontiers in pediatric dentistry and prevention. Uneven epidemiology has consequences for caries risk assessment, treatment plans, patient/parent motivation, and public health measures, each itself a topic to be explored.

Furthermore, recent developments in the area of digital dentistry and teledentistry have revolutionized the workflow in all dental fields. Hence, there is an absolute need for more research on this issue.

This Special Issue is a call for research and recent advances in the field of oral health. Both theoretical and experimental studies are welcome, as well as comprehensive reviews and survey papers.

Prof. Dr. Vincenzo D'Antò
Prof. Dr. Stefano Martina
Dr. Silvia Caruso
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. Healthcare 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 2700 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.

Keywords

  • dental health
  • oral health
  • prevention
  • caries
  • periodontal disease
  • orthodontics
  • pediatric
  • dentistry
  • oral medicine
  • oral surgery
  • community dentistry
  • digital dentistry

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1017 KB  
Article
Patient Awareness and Recognition of Early Signs of Periodontitis in the Northwestern Romanian Population: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study on 518 Adults
by Casandra-Maria Radu, Carmen Corina Radu, Andra Irina Bulgaru-Iliescu, Ionut-Daniel Venter, Mihaela Alexandra Bogdan and Dana Carmen Zaha
Healthcare 2025, 13(20), 2613; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13202613 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 730
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a high global prevalence and substantial public health burden. Often diagnosed after irreversible damage has occurred, its early detection depends heavily on patient awareness. This study aimed to assess awareness of early periodontal signs, oral [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a high global prevalence and substantial public health burden. Often diagnosed after irreversible damage has occurred, its early detection depends heavily on patient awareness. This study aimed to assess awareness of early periodontal signs, oral hygiene behaviors, and the influence of demographic and behavioral factors among Romanian adults, to inform targeted public health strategies. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, 20-item questionnaire adapted from previously published instruments, reviewed by dental specialists, and pretested in a pilot group for clarity. A total of 518 adults participated. Collected data included demographic information, smoking history, oral hygiene habits, and symptom recognition. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses, and inferential tests (t-test, Mann–Whitney U, and Cramér’s V) were applied to assess associations. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the respondents, 58.1% were male and 41.9% female, with a mean age of 36 years; 67.8% resided in urban areas. Although 52.9% reported gingival bleeding, only 47.1% recognized it as abnormal. Gum recession was noticed by 46.1% but seldom interpreted as a health issue. Smoking prevalence was 40.5%, and smoking status showed significant associations with specific awareness items, though not with overall symptom awareness. Manual toothbrush use was common (48%), yet only 24% reported daily flossing. Younger adults showed better hygiene practices, but gaps persisted across all groups. Conclusions: Romanian adults show limited awareness of early periodontal symptoms and inconsistent oral hygiene behaviors. These findings highlight the urgent need for national oral health education campaigns and the integration of preventive strategies into primary care—particularly targeting rural residents, smokers, and younger populations—to reduce the burden of untreated periodontitis in Eastern Europe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Healthcare: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 271 KB  
Article
Prevalence of Signs and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders and Their Association with Emotional Factors and Waking-State Oral Behaviors on University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Davide Cannatà, Marzio Galdi, Mario Caggiano, Alfonso Acerra, Massimo Amato and Stefano Martina
Healthcare 2025, 13(12), 1414; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13121414 - 12 Jun 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1307
Abstract
Background/Objective: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among Italian university students and their association with emotional factors and parafunctional behaviors. Methods: A total of 321 students participated in this study. TMD signs and symptoms were evaluated using the DC/TMD [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among Italian university students and their association with emotional factors and parafunctional behaviors. Methods: A total of 321 students participated in this study. TMD signs and symptoms were evaluated using the DC/TMD criteria through clinical examinations and self-report questionnaires: physical (Symptom Questionnaire), psycho-emotional (PHQ-9, PHQ-15, PHQ-4, and GAD-7), and wake-state oral behaviors (Oral Behavior Checklist, OBC). The Mann–Whitney U test assessed associations between TMD, sociodemographic data, oral behaviors, and psychological vulnerability (p < 0.05). Results: Pain-related symptoms were present in 37% of students (male/female ratio 1:2.7; p < 0.001), and joint dysfunction in 28%, with no gender differences. The median score of PHQ-9 (2.0; interquartile range IQR 5.0), PHQ-15 (2.0; IQR 5.0), PHQ-4 (3.0; IQR 6.0), and GAD-7 (3.00; IQR 6.0) suggested negligible severity of anxious mood, depressed mood, and somatic symptoms among the university students. However, all scores were noticeably higher in students with pain-related TMD compared to pain-free ones (p < 0.05). OBC scores were significantly related to PHQ (p < 0.001), GAD-7 (p < 0.001), and pain symptoms (p < 0.001). Science faculty students (S) showed higher OBC scores than humanities ones (H; S: 20.0; IQR 13.0 vs. H: 16.0; IQR 14.0; p < 0.001), and an H/S ratio of 1:2 was found in pain prevalence (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study found a high prevalence of TMD signs and symptoms, particularly pain-related, among university students, strongly linked to emotional factors and oral behaviors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Healthcare: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 259 KB  
Article
Factors Affecting Dental Implant Failure: A Retrospective Analysis
by Raed AlRowis, Faris Albelaihi, Hamad Alquraini, Saud Almojel, Alwaleed Alsudais and Razan Alaqeely
Healthcare 2025, 13(12), 1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13121356 - 6 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3056
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the underlying causes of dental implant failure, focusing on implant-related complications and associated risk factors. Understanding these factors will help improve treatment planning and enhance implant success rates. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted using clinical, [...] Read more.
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the underlying causes of dental implant failure, focusing on implant-related complications and associated risk factors. Understanding these factors will help improve treatment planning and enhance implant success rates. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted using clinical, medical, surgical, and radiographic records of patients who underwent dental implant removal due to complications. Key factors analyzed included patient-related variables (age, gender, medical conditions, periodontal disease), implant-related factors (implant site, implant system, restoration status), and procedural aspects (previous surgical interventions and reasons for implant removal). Results: The findings revealed that implant type (p = 0.004) and type of restoration (p = 0.001) significantly influenced implant survival. Gender (p = 0.001), medical conditions, smoking status (p = 0.004), and restoration status (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with specific failure mechanisms. Lack of osseointegration (36.4%) and absence of primary stability (22.4%) were the predominant causes of implant failure. Prior surgical interventions (p = 0.001) and decisions for re-implantation (p = 0.005) significantly affected implant removal frequency. Conclusions: Implant survival is influenced by multiple factors, with implant type, restoration type, and gender playing key roles in failure outcomes. Patient-specific risk assessment, particularly regarding medical conditions and smoking, meticulous surgical technique, and appropriate prosthetic planning, is vital for improving implant longevity and minimizing failure rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Healthcare: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment—2nd Edition)
12 pages, 602 KB  
Article
Influence of Academic Training and Professional Experience on the Management of Deep Caries Lesions
by Sebastiana Arroyo-Bote, David Ribas-Perez, Catalina Bennasar Verges, Diego Rodriguez Menacho, Paloma Villalva Hernandez-Franch, Ignacio Barbero Navarro and Antonio Castaño Séiquer
Healthcare 2024, 12(19), 1907; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12191907 - 24 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2060
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Managing caries lesions that affect the inner third of the dentin is crucial to ensuring pulp vitality; the clinician must make decisions that will affect the vitality of the tooth. Our purpose is to understand the behavior of Spanish dentists in treating [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Managing caries lesions that affect the inner third of the dentin is crucial to ensuring pulp vitality; the clinician must make decisions that will affect the vitality of the tooth. Our purpose is to understand the behavior of Spanish dentists in treating deep cavities and to examine whether variations exist based on their academic training and/or years of professional experience. Methods: This study was approved by the ethics committee of the Balearic Islands CEI-IB. A survey was conducted using the SurveyMonkey platform with 11 questions, the first 4 of which focused on defining the characteristics of the respondents. The following six concerned a clinical case of deep caries in tooth number 4.7, and the last regarded the opinion of the actual treatment of the case. The survey was sent by email in April 2022. The results were analyzed with the SPSS 29.0 program using the chi-square test. Results: A total of 347 responses were obtained (93.95%), and those surveyed stated that they apply minimal intervention concepts in their treatments, with 90.49% performing conservative dentistry treatments daily. A total of 56.48% of the respondents had bachelor’s degrees, 12.39% had graduated, 33.14% had a postgraduate degree, 38.90% had a master’s degree, and 17% had a doctorate. Most (40.63%) had been in professional practice for 16–30 years. Conclusions: Significant differences were identified regarding years of professional experience in terms of decision-making in methods of treatment and the choice of materials used for pulp protection. Likewise, significant differences were found regarding the academic training of the respondents, the cavity cleaning method selected, and the use of chemical substances for removing carious dentin. We can conclude that academic training and years of professional practice influence decision-making at some points in treating deep caries lesions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Healthcare: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment—2nd Edition)
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Review

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22 pages, 327 KB  
Review
Fluoride in Dental Caries Prevention and Treatment: Mechanisms, Clinical Evidence, and Public Health Perspectives
by Chin-Hsuan Yeh, Yung-Li Wang, Thi Thuy Tien Vo, Yi-Ching Lee and I-Ta Lee
Healthcare 2025, 13(17), 2246; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172246 - 8 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3346
Abstract
Background: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. Fluoride has long been recognized as a cornerstone of caries prevention through enamel remineralization, inhibition of demineralization, and antibacterial activity. However, controversies persist regarding systemic exposure, potential health risks, and ethical [...] Read more.
Background: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide. Fluoride has long been recognized as a cornerstone of caries prevention through enamel remineralization, inhibition of demineralization, and antibacterial activity. However, controversies persist regarding systemic exposure, potential health risks, and ethical debates over community water fluoridation. Previous reviews often focused on isolated interventions, whereas a critical synthesis of mechanisms, clinical efficacy, safety, and public health perspectives is still lacking. Methods: This narrative review synthesized peer-reviewed publications from 2000 to 2025 retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and leading dental journals. Emphasis was placed on randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and major policy documents. Evidence was thematically appraised across mechanisms of action, clinical applications, comparative efficacy, safety, and sociocultural considerations. Results: Fluoride consistently shows preventive and therapeutic benefits across multiple delivery forms, including toothpaste, varnishes, mouthrinses, supplements, and silver diamine fluoride, with particular advantages for high-risk groups such as children, orthodontic patients, and older adults. Nonetheless, study heterogeneity, variations in protocols, and concerns regarding fluorosis and possible neurodevelopmental effects highlight persistent uncertainties. Comparative analyses reveal trade-offs between efficacy and acceptance, for example, the high caries-arrest rate of silver diamine fluoride compared with its esthetic drawback. Emerging alternatives such as nano-hydroxyapatite, fluoride-containing bioactive glass, and probiotic-based approaches are promising but currently supported by limited clinical data. Conclusions: Fluoride remains central to caries prevention, yet its optimal use requires balancing benefits against risks, addressing cultural and socioeconomic barriers, and tailoring strategies to individual and community contexts. This narrative synthesis underscores the need for well-designed multicenter randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies to refine safe exposure thresholds, evaluations of novel biomaterials and delivery systems, and the incorporation of patient-reported outcomes to guide future evidence-based policies and clinical practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Healthcare: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment—2nd Edition)
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