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Oral Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 24077

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Razia Abdool Gafaar G. Khammissa

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Guest Editor

Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
Interests: periodontics; oral medicine; implantology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Oral medicine is a discipline of dentistry that fosters the link between medical health and dental health. It is a specialty that deals with the diagnosis and non-surgical management of almost all of these oral conditions/lesions. It has been recognized as an important subspecialty of dentistry in many parts of the world; however, there is still a significant gap in the knowledge pertaining to this subspecialty and, consequently, in the management of patients presenting with oral lesions/conditions.

Today, dentists face a number of challenges, including having to manage not only young and healthy patients, but also older patients who have a number of chronic illnesses, and to further exacerbate the challenges they face, these dentists appear to have a lack of awareness and understanding about the oral medicine profession. It is evident that dentists have the potential to improve the quality of and access to oral healthcare, and should be provided with the knowledge and skills to identify and manage patients presenting with oral lesions/conditions and understand the importance of referral and a multidisciplinary approach in the management of these conditions.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to showcase common and important oral lesions or conditions that affect the oral cavity and their prevention, diagnosis and management.

Prof. Dr. Razia Abdool Gafaar G. Khammissa
Guest Editor

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Keywords

oral medicine
oral lesions
oral health
multidisciplinary approach
soft tissue lesions

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Evaluation of Dental Caries Status in Children with Oral Clefts: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Lucimara Teixeira das Neves, Beatriz Costa, José Roberto Pereira Lauris, Ana Lídia Ciamponi and Marcia Ribeiro Gomide

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(2), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22020227 - 6 Feb 2025

Viewed by 801

Abstract

Oral health is a prerequisite for the rehabilitation of children with oral cleft (OC). Thus, caries negatively affects individuals with OC. This study aimed to investigate dental caries in children with OC, determining the first period of the most significant susceptibility to caries. This cross-sectional study evaluated caries’ prevalence and mean dmft in the primary dentition of 300 children with OC, distributed among ten groups at six-month intervals. The exams were carried out using the WHO diagnostic criteria. Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t-test were used for statistical comparisons with a significant level of 5%. The caries prevalence in the total group was 59.4%, and the dmft was 3.4. The first period of susceptibility occurred between 13 and 18 months and 19 and 24 months, with a prevalence ranging from 6.6% to 40% (p < 0.05) and a dmft ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 (p < 0.05). The prevalence and dmft increase with age. Our findings suggest that in children with OC, the first period of susceptibility to caries occurs from 13 to 18 months. These findings demonstrate the need for pediatric dentistry to establish an early preventive protocol for children with clefts during the first year. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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12 pages, 3048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incidence of Tooth Loss in Remote Indigenous Populations of the Amazon Region: A 13-Year Cohort Study Before and After Belo Monte Dam

by Renata Travassos da Rosa Moreira Bastos, Eduardo Oliveira da Costa, Lucca Sicilia and David Normando

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010128 - 20 Jan 2025

Viewed by 733

Abstract

Tooth loss among indigenous people in the Amazon emphasizes the need for culturally appropriate oral health interventions. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence of tooth loss in two remote Amazon indigenous populations. This prospective cohort evaluated a total of 47 indigenous in the permanent dentition at T0 and thirteen years later (T1) from two villages, Arara-Laranjal (n = 28, mean age 16.1 and 29.9 years) and Assurini do Xingu (n = 19, mean age 15.9 and 29.5 years), of different ethnic groups. A multilevel Poisson regression model assessed the influence of village, sex, and age on tooth loss. At T0, the indigenous people had all their permanent teeth. Forty-two lost at least one tooth (89%), and a total of 172 teeth were lost at T1 at an incidence of 97% among females and 76% in males. There was no influence of ethnicity on tooth loss (p = 1.000). A lower risk of tooth loss was associated with male subjects (β = −0.50, p < 0.05) but not with age. In females (22/46.8%) and males (11/23.4%), the highest incidence of tooth loss was the lower second molars. The risk was higher among females, and there was no influence on age, village, or ethnicity. The second and first molars were the most affected teeth. These findings suggest an increase in tooth loss caused by close contact between indigenous and urban populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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16 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Provision of Public Dental Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Dental Staff in Greater Western Sydney, Australia

by Tiffany Patterson-Norrie, Ariana Kong, Albert Yaacoub, Ravi Srinivas, Shwetha G. Kezhekkekara and Ajesh George

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(11), 1451; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111451 - 31 Oct 2024

Viewed by 969

Abstract

Background and aim: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led to significant changes in health service delivery. Despite the risk in high-exposure environments, frontline workers such as dental staff were expected to continue delivering essential services. This study specifically sought to explore the experiences of dental staff in New South Wales and determine their perceptions of dental care delivery during a pandemic. Methods: Purposive sampling was used to recruit twenty-four dental staff from two local health districts. A deductive framework, as described by Braun and Clark, was used to analyse the transcripts. Four major focus areas were identified: responding to protocol changes, adapting to the impact of changes in policy and protocol, modifying dental treatment planning and recommendations for training and implementation of policies. Results: Dental staff reported that management staff were doing all they could and were most supported working in a team. Reduced contact with patients and personal protective equipment helped staff feel safe when seeing patients. Mental health and remote dentistry services could be more supported. Conclusions: Unique challenges were experienced by dental staff and their management during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Future considerations include improved support for staff and further investigation into the effectiveness of options such as teledentistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment)

10 pages, 1460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incidental Pathologic Findings from Orthodontic Pretreatment Panoramic Radiographs

by Phumzile Hlongwa, Mpule Annah Lerato Moshaoa, Charity Musemwa and Razia Abdool Gafaar Khammissa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3479; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043479 - 16 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3112

Abstract

Panoramic radiography is frequently performed for new patients, follow-ups and treatment in progress. This enables dental clinicians to detect pathology, view important structures, and assess developing teeth. The objective of the study was to determine prevalence of incidental pathologic findings (IPFs) from orthodontic pretreatment panoramic radiographs at a university dental hospital. A retrospective cross-sectional review was conducted of pretreatment panoramic radiographs, using data collection sheets with predefined criteria. Demographic data and abnormalities (impacted teeth, widening of periodontal ligament, pulp stones, rotated teeth, missing teeth, unerupted teeth, crowding, spacing, supernumerary teeth, and retained deciduous teeth) were reviewed. SPSS 28.0 was used to analyze data with statistical tests set at a 5% significance level. Results: One hundred panoramic radiographs were analyzed with an age range of 7 to 57 years. The prevalence of IPFs was 38%. A total of 47 IPFs were detected with altered tooth morphology predominantly (n = 17). Most IPFs occurred in males (55.3%), with 44.7% in females. A total of 49.2% were in the maxilla and 50.8% in the mandible. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0475). Other abnormalities were detected in 76% of panoramic radiographs; 33 with IPFs and 43 without. A total of 134 other abnormalities detected showed predominantly impacted teeth (n = 49). Most of these abnormalities were in females (n = 77). Conclusions: The prevalence of IPFs was 38%, predominated by altered tooth morphology, idiopathic osteosclerosis, and periapical inflammatory lesions. Detection of IPFs from panoramic radiographs underscored the importance for clinicians to examine them for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment planning, especially in orthodontics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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13 pages, 1652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Ze-Yue Ou-Yang, Yao Feng, Yi-Fan Yang, Ning-Xin Chen, Xiao-Lin Su, Qian Zhang, Meng-Mei Zhong, Jing Hu, Qin Ye, Jie Zhao, Ya-Qiong Zhao, Yun Chen, Li Tan, Qiong Liu, Yun-Zhi Feng and Yue Guo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3244; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043244 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2138

Abstract

Psychological therapies are important for comprehensive chronic orofacial pain (COFP) treatment. This study is to validate the effects of psychological factors on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among COFP patients in China. Pain catastrophizing, which is a subjective cognitive emotion used to manage the psychological aspects of pain among COFP patients, was examined in relation to COFP severity and OHRQoL. All 479 participants were recruited in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients (0.868–0.960), composite reliability scores (0.924–0.969), and average variance extracted from each construct (0.555–0.753) all indicated a good model fit. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that age and education status have a positive correlation with COFP severity, pain catastrophizing, and anxiety. COFP severity was related to anxiety, depression, and COFP-OHRQoL. Pain catastrophizing was related to employment status. Anxiety and depression symptoms indirectly mediated the correlation between COFP severity and COFP-OHRQoL. As a second-stage moderator, pain catastrophizing moderated the mediating effects of anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms. Our findings suggest that anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing should be evaluated jointly to improve COFP-OHRQoL among COFP patients. This evidence will help therapists to comprehensively treat patients for the best treatment effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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Review

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14 pages, 298 KiB

Open AccessReview

Human Papillomavirus: A Narrative Review for Dental Providers in Prevention and Care

by Martin S. Lipsky, Geo Wolfe, Brisa A. Radilla and Man Hung

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(3), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030439 - 17 Mar 2025

Viewed by 556

Abstract

(1) Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant public health concern associated with various cancers, including a rising incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Despite the availability of effective vaccines targeting high-risk HPV types, vaccination rates remain suboptimal. Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to contribute to HPV prevention through education, vaccination advocacy, and early detection. (2) Methods: This narrative review synthesized the literature from 2006 to 2024 on HPV epidemiology, pathophysiology, vaccine efficacy, and the role of dental providers in HPV prevention. Sources included peer-reviewed articles listed in Pubmed and Google Scholar, including observational studies and review articles, guidelines, clinical trials, and governmental data. Key barriers to HPV-related care in dental practice and strategies for overcoming them were analyzed. (3) Results: The review underscores the critical role of dentists in HPV-related disease prevention, highlighting their ability to detect HPV-related lesions, promote vaccine uptake, and address patient concerns. Barriers such as limited knowledge, discomfort discussing HPV, and misinformation were identified. Strategies like incorporating HPV education into dental training, utilizing emerging diagnostic tools, and adopting effective communication approaches can enhance the role of dental professionals in reducing HPV-associated cancer risks. (4) Conclusion: By integrating HPV education, vaccination advocacy, and early detection into routine dental care, dental professionals can play a transformative role in public health. A dental provider’s endorsement can increase HPV vaccine uptake and help prevent oral cancer. These efforts align with broader health promotion goals, offering a significant opportunity to reduce the burden of HPV-associated cancers and improve long-term patient outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment)

10 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effect of Synbiotic and Postbiotic Supplements on Dental Caries and Periodontal Diseases—A Comprehensive Review

by Svante Twetman and Daniel Belstrøm

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010072 - 8 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1740

Abstract

Caries and periodontitis affect a significant part of the global population. Regular oral hygiene, sugar restriction, and fluoride exposure are the main avenues for the maintenance of oral health, but the adjunctive use of prebiotics and probiotic bacteria has gained attention over the past decades. The microbial and clinical effects of these biological interventions have been thoroughly covered in systematic reviews. However, the combination of prebiotics and probiotics (synbiotics) may boost the clinical benefits, and postbiotics, being inanimate microorganisms, can, when added to oral hygiene products, offer a sustainable option. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize clinical trials on the adjunctive use of synbiotics and postbiotics in the prevention and management of dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. We searched two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) for relevant literature, and we identified 17 relevant papers, five on dental caries and 12 with periodontal endpoints. We found emerging evidence of low certainty that lozenges/tablets containing synbiotics or postbiotics could reduce caries incidence in preschool and schoolchildren in comparison with standard preventive care. The effect on adult patients with plaque-induced gingivitis was less consistent. For adults with periodontitis, the adjunctive use of synbiotic and postbiotic products seemed to enhance the outcome of conventional scaling and root planning. In conclusion, both dental caries and periodontitis are non-communicable diseases, closely associated with an unbalanced oral biofilm, and the application of microbial modulators, including synbiotics and postbiotics, display promising beneficial effects and warrant further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment)

12 pages, 1318 KiB

Open AccessReview

Oral Piercing: A Pretty Risk—A Scoping Review of Local and Systemic Complications of This Current Widespread Fashion

by Giuseppina Malcangi, Assunta Patano, Giulia Palmieri, Lilla Riccaldo, Carmela Pezzolla, Antonio Mancini, Alessio Danilo Inchingolo, Daniela Di Venere, Fabio Piras, Francesco Inchingolo, Gianna Dipalma and Angelo Michele Inchingolo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(9), 5744; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20095744 - 8 May 2023

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5263

Abstract

Piercing insertion is a common practice among people of all ages for different reasons (e.g., esthetics, culture, religion). In the oral cavity, the jewel can be placed in the lips, cheeks, tongue, and frenulum. The presence of an oral piercing could cause local and systemic complications in the short term. In the long term, irreversible damage may occur to the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. Different authors in the past have produced publications focusing on this issue. This study analyzes 10 published articles sourced from online databases according to the PRISMA flowchart. These articles were chosen from the 501 suitable papers initially found. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were used as the online databases for searching for papers that matched the topic, using the keywords “complication” and “oral piercing”. The purpose of this review is to describe and analyze all possible complications related to the presence of a piercing in the mouth. Local and systemic complications are related to the presence of plaque and localized pathogenic micro-organisms that can spread via the bloodstream, although they rarely occur in patients without predisposing conditions. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and frequent check-ups are essential to avoid the onset of complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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10 pages, 748 KiB

Open AccessReview

Tumour Genetic Heterogeneity in Relation to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Anti-Cancer Treatment

by Gal Feller, Razia Abdool Gafaar Khammissa, Raoul Ballyram, Mia-Michaela Beetge, Johan Lemmer and Liviu Feller

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2392; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032392 - 29 Jan 2023

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3020

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents more than 90% of all oral cancers and is the most frequent SCC of the head and neck region. It may affect any oral mucosal subsite but most frequently the tongue, followed by the floor of the mouth. The use of tobacco and betel nut, either smoked or chewed, and abuse of alcohol are the main risk factors for oral SCC. Oral SCC is characterized by considerable genetic heterogeneity and diversity, which together have a significant impact on the biological behaviour, clinical course, and response to treatment and on the generally poor prognosis of this carcinoma. Characterization of spatial and temporal tumour-specific molecular profiles and of person-specific resource availability and environmental and biological selective pressures could assist in personalizing anti-cancer treatment for individual patients, with the aim of improving treatment outcomes. In this narrative review, we discuss some of the events in cancer evolution and the functional significance of driver-mutations in carcinoma-related genes in general and elaborate on mechanisms mediating resistance to anti-cancer treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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Other

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19 pages, 1033 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

White Spots: Prevention in Orthodontics—Systematic Review of the Literature

by Assunta Patano, Giuseppina Malcangi, Roberta Sardano, Antonio Mastrodonato, Grazia Garofoli, Antonio Mancini, Alessio Danilo Inchingolo, Daniela Di Venere, Francesco Inchingolo, Gianna Dipalma and Angelo Michele Inchingolo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(8), 5608; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20085608 - 21 Apr 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4513

Abstract

Early-stage dental demineralization, called white spots (WS), get their name from the characteristic colour that enamel takes on due to the acid attack of salivary cariogenic bacteria. They are often associated with fixed orthodontic therapy (FOT) and, if left untreated, evolve into caries with repercussions on oral health and dental aesthetics. This review aims to identify the most effective prophylaxis strategies to prevent WS during FOT. The search for the reviewed studies was conducted on the Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, selecting English-only articles published in the 5 years from January 2018 to January 2023. The keywords used were “WS” and “fixed orthodontic*”, using “AND” as the Boolean operator. A total of 16 studies were included for qualitative analysis. Prevention begins with maintaining proper oral hygiene; fluoride in toothpaste, mouthwashes, gels, varnishes, and sealants can be added to prophylaxis and used regularly. Using a laser in combination with fluoride helps prevent the occurrence of WS and assists in the repair processes of initial lesions. Further studies are needed to establish international guidelines for preventing WS in orthodontically treated patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Diseases: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment)

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