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A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 June 2026 | Viewed by 17293

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Prof. Dr. Massimo Amato

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Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, 84126 Salerno, Italy
Interests: endodontics; restorative dentistry; oral health
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Dr. Federica Di Spirito

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Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, 84126 Salerno, Italy
Interests: oral medicine and interconnected systemic disorders; oral microbiome, dysbiosis and interconnected systemic disorders; periodontology and implantology; applied technologies (disease prevention, teledentistry)
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Dr. Alessia Bramanti

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Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
Interests: data mining; computing in mathematics; natural science; engineering and medicine; computer graphics; bioengineering; biomedical engineering; electronic engineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The field of oral health and dental care is evolving rapidly, driven by breakthroughs in innovative materials, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced treatment approaches. As research continues to push boundaries, novel techniques improve patient outcomes, enhance precision, and optimize long-term oral and dental health.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest developments that are shaping modern dentistry, AI-driven diagnostics, computer-aided technologies and minimally invasive procedures. By bringing together leading experts, this collection provides valuable insights into emerging trends and future options in dental science.

We welcome manuscripts that explore new methodologies, clinical applications, and transformative advancements that will define the next generation of dental care.

Prof. Dr. Massimo Amato
Dr. Federica Di Spirito
Dr. Alessia Bramanti
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Journal of Clinical Medicine 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.

Keywords

oral health
dental care
technologies
innovation
dental materials

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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17 pages, 2069 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Gingival Sulcus Width Gain After Nd: YAG Laser and Astringent Retraction Paste Using Intraoral and Laboratory STL Analysis: A Pilot Split-Mouth Study

by Edwin Sever Bechir, Andrei-Mario Bădărău-Șuster, Mircea Suciu, Anca-Georgiana Zamfir, Zsuzsanna Bardocz-Veres and Farah Bechir

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(6), 2459; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15062459 - 23 Mar 2026

Viewed by 424

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Advancements in digital dentistry have led to new approaches for soft tissue management aimed at improving impression accuracy. This pilot split-mouth study included a single 39-year-old male patient with 19 abutment teeth (114 measurement points). Sulcus width gain was measured at six standardized points per abutment tooth (mesio-buccal, centro-buccal, disto-buccal, disto-oral, centro-oral, mesio-oral) using Exocad software. Methods: Nineteen abutment teeth (114 measurement sections) from one patient were included in a randomized split-mouth design. Gingival displacement was performed either with a Nd: YAG laser or astringent retraction paste. Sulcus width gain was measured at six standardized points per abutment using Exocad software version 3.1 on superimposed STL files obtained by intraoral (IOS) and laboratory (LABSCAN) scanners. Statistical analysis was conducted in JASP (α = 0.05). Results: Both gingival displacement methods achieved sufficient sulcus widening above the clinical threshold of 0.20 mm. Mean gains ranged from 0.270 mm (LASER, IOS) to 0.378 mm (PASTE, LABSCAN). Intergroup comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences between the two gingival displacement methods (p > 0.05), whereas a significant difference was found between scanning modalities (p < 0.001), with higher values recorded for the laboratory scanner. The results should be interpreted cautiously due to the pilot design and limited sample size. Conclusions: Both techniques proved clinically effective for soft tissue displacement, with the laboratory scanner yielding higher sulcus width measurements. As a preliminary investigation, these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the pilot nature of the study and the inclusion of a single participant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health and Dental Care: Current Advances and Future Options)

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19 pages, 1858 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Continuous Consumption of Yogurt Fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1, Salivary Antimicrobial Proteins, and Tongue-Coating Microbiota: An Observational Human Study

by Yuko Yamamoto, Toshiya Morozumi, Takehiro Yokoo, Toru Takahashi, Juri Saruta, Hanae Tsuchihashi, Hiroki Negishi, Junko Mochizuki, Yuta Hosomi, Wakako Sakaguchi, Masahiro To, Seiya Makino, Hiroshi Kano, Kenichi Hojo and Keiichi Tsukinoki

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(3), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15031244 - 4 Feb 2026

Viewed by 635

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Oral microbial homeostasis is crucial for overall health. Nonetheless, the relationship between probiotics and the oral environment remains unclear. This study investigated the association between continuous consumption of yogurt containing Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 (LbR1 yogurt), salivary antimicrobial proteins (AMPs), tongue-coating microbiota, and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) frequency. Methods: This observational study was conducted on 53 nursing home care workers, categorized into a group who consumed LbR1 yogurt daily for over 1 year (n = 40, yogurt group) and a non-intake group (n = 13, non-yogurt group). Salivary and tongue-coating samples were collected. Results: The yearly URTI frequency was lower in the yogurt group than in the non-yogurt group (p = 0.003). The salivary β-defensin-2 (HBD2) and β-defensin-3 (HBD3) flow rates were higher in the yogurt group than in the non-yogurt group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.0009, respectively). Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) ssp. animalis abundance was lower in the yogurt group than in the non-yogurt group (p = 0.04). Bayesian network analysis indicated an association between yogurt consumption and the yearly URTI frequency and salivary HBD2 and HBD3 flow rates. Conclusions: Continuous consumption of LbR1 yogurt was associated with elevated salivary HBD2 and HBD3, reduced abundance of F. nucleatum ssp. animalis, and decreased URTI frequency. Thus, LbR1 yogurt intake is associated with modulated oral immunity and microbiota, suggesting a potential link to reduced URTIs. However, as an observational pilot study, its results should be interpreted with caution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health and Dental Care: Current Advances and Future Options)

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13 pages, 2381 KB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative 3D Evaluation of Facial Soft Tissue Modifications Following Complete Denture Treatment in Edentulous Patients: A Prospective Before–After Study

by Isabela Toser, Ioana Veja, Adrian Cândea, Andrei-Bogdan Faur, George Dumitru Constantin, Anca-Elena Anghel-Lorinti and Anca Jivănescu

J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(2), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15020796 - 19 Jan 2026

Viewed by 475

Abstract

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) facial scanning is an objective, non-invasive method for quantifying facial soft-tissue changes following complete denture (CD) rehabilitation. Reliable quantification of these changes in completely edentulous patients can support more predictable aesthetic and functional outcomes. Methods: This prospective before–after observational study included 30 completely edentulous patients (12 men, 18 women; age 48–87 years; mean ± SD: 67.8 ± 9.2 years) who received new maxillary and mandibular CDs. Structured-light 3D facial scans were obtained at baseline (edentulous, without dentures) and post-rehabilitation with dentures in place, in relaxed posture (RP) and maximal intercuspation (MI). Sixty-five validated anthropometric landmarks were analyzed. Primary outcomes were lower facial height (Sn-Gn), nasolabial angle (Cm-Sn-Ls), lower facial convexity (Ls-Li-Pg), mouth width (Ch-Ch), and upper vermilion height (Ls-Sto). Pre–post changes were assessed using paired-sample tests (p < 0.05). Results: Thirty-four of 65 parameters (52.3%) demonstrated significant post-treatment changes (p < 0.05), mainly in the perioral and lower facial regions. The reported parameters were selected due to their clinical relevance in evaluating perioral support and facial profile changes after complete denture treatment. In RP, upper lip thickness increased from 3.69 ± 0.97 mm to 4.96 ± 1.11 mm (Δ = +1.27 mm; p < 0.0001) and lower lip thickness from 6.18 ± 2.69 mm to 7.36 ± 1.52 mm (Δ = +1.18 mm; p = 0.0408). The nasolabial angle decreased from 116.08 ± 9.17° to 108.06 ± 9.56° (Δ = −8.02°; p = 0.0016). In MI, mouth width increased from 55.72 ± 3.43 mm to 57.97 ± 3.13 mm (Δ = +2.25 mm; p = 0.0102). Conclusions: Complete denture rehabilitation produces measurable, clinically relevant improvements in facial soft-tissue morphology in completely edentulous patients, particularly affecting lip support, mouth width, and the nasolabial profile. Structured-light 3D facial scanning provides a reproducible approach to objective outcome assessment and may support individualized denture design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health and Dental Care: Current Advances and Future Options)

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14 pages, 1266 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rinsing a Pandemic Down: Effects of Oral Hygiene in SARS-CoV-2: A Two-Center Prospective Pilot Study

by Philipp Ehrmann, Carolin Goetz, Holger Bock, Lena Denk, Petr Posta, Herbert Deppe, Elisabeth Maier and Oliver Bissinger

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(23), 8280; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14238280 - 21 Nov 2025

Viewed by 781

Abstract

Background: Saliva sampling is increasingly used for respiratory virus diagnostics in dentistry and oral medicine due to patient comfort and reduced exposure risk. How routine behaviors—mechanical oral hygiene, rinsing, and food intake—affect short-term SARS-CoV-2 detectability remains insufficiently characterized for clinical workflows. Methods: In this international two-center pilot study, twelve RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients provided paired mouth-rinse saliva samples and pharyngeal swabs at predefined time points. The study assessed (I) an intensified 3 min mechanical oral hygiene protocol (toothbrushing of teeth, gingiva, tongue, and palate, followed by toothpaste–saliva gargling); (II) repeated short mouth rinses; and (III) postprandial sampling. Viral RNA was quantified by RT-PCR; Ct-trajectories were analyzed intra-individually. Results: Cycle threshold (Ct) values from pharyngeal swabs remained relatively stable over time, whereas mouth-rinse samples exhibited notable fluctuations throughout the 24 h period. An average increase of 3 Ct units was observed three minutes after the final mouth rinse (T24+3). Meal ingestion was associated with increased Ct values, rising by 4–5 units for pharyngeal swabs and 3–11 units for mouth rinses immediately after eating. Conclusions: In clinical dental settings, saliva diagnostics are feasible but acutely modulated by common behaviors. Mechanical oral hygiene, brief rinsing, and food intake can transiently reduce detectable oral SARS-CoV-2 RNA, with potential implications for timing of sampling, chairside triage, and infection-control protocols. This pilot study provides initial evidence supporting the development of standardized pre-analytical instructions (e.g., fasting window, pre-rinse policy, and sampling timing relative to oral hygiene and meals) to enhance the reliability of saliva-based testing in dental care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health and Dental Care: Current Advances and Future Options)

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13 pages, 1125 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Cariogenic Organic Acid Concentrations According to Combined Use of Sucrose and Sugar Alcohols

by Su-Yeon Hwang and Jung-Eun Park

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(21), 7535; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217535 - 24 Oct 2025

Viewed by 782

Abstract

Objective: This study involves a quantitative analysis of organic acids (lactate, acetate, propionate, formate, butylate, pyruvate, and valeric acid) concentrations after applying sucrose and sugar alcohols such as xylitol and erythritol in the oral cavity. Methods: Saliva samples were obtained from five volunteers before and up to 60 min after oral washing with sucrose and sugar alcohol (xylitol and erythritol). Concentrations of seven organic acids (lactate, acetate, propionate, formate, butyrate, pyruvate, and valerate) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography using ion chromatography with conductivity detection. Results: The combination of sucrose and sugar alcohols, particularly erythritol, led to lower average lactate levels compared with 10% sucrose. Moreover, 1:1 post hoc analysis revealed that the levels of acetate and propionate decreased in the group treated with 2.5% and 7.5% of erythritol compared with those treated with xylitol (p < 0.05). However, the results did not indicate concentration dependence; owing to the small sample size (n = 5) these findings must be interpreted with care. This necessitates follow-up research, including oral bacterial testing and studies with larger sample sizes. Conclusions: The concentrations of organic acids varied with respect to the combined administration of sucrose and sugar alcohols. Further studies are necessary to investigate the effect of other sugar alcohols on bacterial growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health and Dental Care: Current Advances and Future Options)

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23 pages, 1017 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Oral Health and Dental Care on Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Women of Reproductive Age

by Paulina Adamska, Hanna Sobczak-Zagalska, Zuzanna Gromek, Barbara Wojciechowska, Paulina Doroszkiewicz, Marek Chmielewski, Dominika Cichońska, Adam Zedler and Andrea Pilloni

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 5153; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14145153 - 20 Jul 2025

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 9319

Abstract

Background: Prematurely born newborns with low birth weight constitute a group of patients who require special care from the first days of life. Prematurity and low birth weight affect about 13.4 million infants. Risk factors include placental disorders but also factors related to the mother, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, drug use, malnutrition, or certain diseases. It is imperative to educate women of reproductive age (15–49) about the basic factors influencing embryonic development, such as oral health, diet, medicine intake, and harmful habits. Even though most women are aware of the negative impact of harmful habits on the fetus, still too little attention is paid to oral health in pregnant women. Poor oral health may influence the well-being of the future mother, as well as of the child. Therefore, women of reproductive age and those who are pregnant must have adequate knowledge on this subject. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of Polish women of reproductive age (15–49) regarding oral health during pregnancy, including the impact of dental treatment, oral hygiene, and maternal oral conditions on pregnancy outcomes and the health of the newborn. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 508 women, in the reproductive age, whose age ranged from 18 to 49 years old. The surveys were conducted from April 2020 to November 2020. The questionnaire was originally developed based on the available literature and consisted of seven sections: basic information, general health and habits, pregnancy status and dental care, knowledge of treatment options during pregnancy, oral health status and its association with the risk of preterm birth, prematurity and the child’s oral health, and breastfeeding and oral development. Results: After excluding incomplete questionnaires, a total of 499 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Women participating in the study had a fairly good understanding of the impact of oral health on the fetus and the role of breastfeeding in the development of the stomatognathic system (from 50% to 70% correct answers). However, even though most respondents had completed higher education (344/68.94%), their knowledge of oral health, preterm birth, and low birth weight was very limited (including the impact of inflammation on the intrauterine development of the child or bacteria and transfer across the placenta). In these sections, the percentage of correct answers ranged from less than 20% to 50%. When analyzing knowledge by age, education, number of births, and place of residence, the highest levels of knowledge were observed among respondents with higher education, particularly those aged 27–32. Conclusions: Respondents had a fairly good understanding of the general impact of oral health during pregnancy and recognition of the importance of breastfeeding for infants. However, their knowledge about the impact of bacteria and inflammation in the mother’s oral cavity on prematurity and low birth weight was limited. Therefore, educating women of reproductive age and pregnant women on this topic is essential, as it may help reduce the adverse consequences of prematurity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health and Dental Care: Current Advances and Future Options)

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53 pages, 2897 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Hypersensitivity in Orthodontics: A Systematic Review of Oral and Extra-Oral Reactions

by Alessandra Amato, Stefano Martina, Giuseppina De Benedetto, Ambrosina Michelotti, Massimo Amato and Federica Di Spirito

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4766; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134766 - 5 Jul 2025

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3892

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This systematic review analyzed the epidemiologic and macro/microscopic features of manifestations of hypersensitivity reactions with oral and extra-oral involvement in orthodontic patients with fixed (FAs) or removable (RAs) appliances or clear aligners (CAs), and evaluated them based on patient and treatment characteristics to provide clinical recommendations. Methods: The study protocol followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024517942). Results: Thirty-one studies were qualitatively assessed and synthetized, involving 858 subjects (114 males and 714 females, 9–49 years old), of whom there were 86 with a history of allergy, and 743 wearing recorded appliances (FAs = 656, FAs and RAs = 81, intra- and extra-oral RAs = 3, CAs = 3), with a mean treatment duration of 21.5 months (6 weeks–40 months). Among 75 reports, 29 (38.67%), describing burning, gingival hyperplasia, erythema, and vesicles, had oral involvement, while 46 (61.33%) had skin, eye, and systemic involvement, with erythema, papules, conjunctival hyperemia, and vertigo. Positive allergy tests concomitant with the manifestations identified nickel 451 times, cobalt 6 times, titanium 5 times, and chromium 4 times. Management included antihistamines or corticosteroids and removing the offending materials, with treatment discontinuation/appliance substitution. Conclusions: Pre-treatment evaluations, including patient histories and allergy testing, are essential to identify potential allergens and select hypoallergenic materials like titanium or ceramic brackets; regular monitoring and early intervention during treatment are crucial to prevent severe outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health and Dental Care: Current Advances and Future Options)

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