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Clinical Management of Oral Healthcare in Diverse Patient Populations

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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: 30 December 2024 | Viewed by 7515

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Antonella Polimeni

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Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Via Caserta 6, 00161 Roma, Italy
Interests: pediatric dentistry; oral cancer; orthodontics; oral health; periodontics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Iole Vozza

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Guest Editor

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: pediatric dentistry; oral cancer; oral pathology; dental materials; medical device
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to explore the clinical management of oral healthcare in diverse patient populations, shedding light on the research status, core problems to be solved, and potential solutions within this field. Oral healthcare plays a crucial role in overall health and quality of life, and it is vital to address the unique challenges and considerations faced by diverse patient populations.

This Special Issue will focus on gathering research and insights related to the effective management of oral healthcare for individuals with varying needs, including but not limited to special needs patients, elderly individuals, medically compromised patients, and individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds. It seeks to explore evidence-based strategies, best practices, and innovative approaches that can improve oral healthcare outcomes and promote equitable access to quality care.

The scope of this Special Issue encompasses a wide range of topics, such as preventive measures, diagnostic techniques, treatment modalities, patient communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and oral health promotion. It aims to encourage contributions from researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to address the existing gaps and identify barriers, and to propose practical solutions for the clinical management of oral healthcare in diverse patient populations.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to mobilize the dental and healthcare community to foster a greater understanding of the challenges faced by diverse patient populations and facilitate the development of patient-centered approaches that promote optimal oral health outcomes for all individuals.

Prof. Dr. Antonella Polimeni
Prof. Dr. Iole Vozza
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

special needs patients
oral healthcare
pediatric dentistry
dental hygiene
oral pathology
orthodontics
periodontics

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 845 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Orthodontic Pain and Dietary Impact Considering Age Groups: A Comparative Study

by Bianca-Maria Negruțiu, Luminița Ligia Vaida, Claudia Judea-Pusta, Cristian Romanec, Abel Emanuel Moca, Cristina Paula Costea, Claudia-Elena Staniș and Marius Rus

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(4), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13041069 - 14 Feb 2024

Viewed by 480

Abstract

(1) Background: orthodontic treatment can frequently be associated with discomfort and pain, a significant factor contributing to treatment discontinuation. (2) Methods: This study, conducted on 160 orthodontic patients across different age groups, aimed to explore the influence of age on patients’ responses to treatment, particularly regarding changes in dietary patterns and weight loss. The patients were categorized into three age groups and assessed through a questionnaire about pain perception, pain latency, dietary changes, and weight loss associated with orthodontic appliances. (3) Results: Younger patients (6–12 years) reported lower pain levels, shorter pain latency and fewer alterations in dietary habits compared to adults (over 18 years). Females over 18 represented a significant portion of the sample, suggesting a self-driven inclination towards orthodontic treatment for aesthetic reasons. Fixed orthodontic appliances induced more significant pain than removable ones. Adults experienced more changes in dietary habits and weight loss than younger individuals. (4) Conclusions: the results provide valuable insights for orthodontic practitioners aiming to mitigate adverse effects and improve overall patient experience during treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management of Oral Healthcare in Diverse Patient Populations)

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11 pages, 4437 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dental Treatment Needs of Male Inmates in Relation to the Analysis of Medical Databases

by Rafał Korkosz, Agata Trzcionka, Dagmara Mączkowiak, Maksymilian Kiełbratowski, Anna Kuśka-Kiełbratowska, Mansur Rahnama and Marta Tanasiewicz

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(3), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13030858 - 01 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 455

Abstract

The worldwide incarceration rate per 100,000 people varies from 30 in India, 580 in Europe, to 750 in United States. The health of prisoners is of great concern. Research in many countries has shown poor oral health conditions among prisoners, particularly reflected in the high number of lost and untreated decayed teeth. The aim of our study was to evaluate the quality and range in dental procedures conducted on male prisoners, based on a retrospective analysis of medical history gathered at the Academic Center of Dentistry and Specialistic Medicine of Medical University of Silesia in Bytom for the period 2018–2021, and its correlation with the results obtained from the analysis of the Web of Science (WoS) and SCOPUS medical databases. Our research was carried out on the examined group, 86 men (mean age 31 years old), and a control group, 106 men (mean age 32 years old). The retrospective analysis of the medical history was performed. Results of our own research showed the values for decayed and missing teeth were significantly higher in the examined group while the values for the filled teeth component were significantly higher in the control group. The chance for the occurrence of the radices was 2.5 times higher in the examined group than in the control. The examined group was characterized by 3.6 times higher chance of no root canal treatment than the control group. The number of the endodontically treated teeth was significantly higher in the control group. The examined group was characterized by 4.2 higher probability for periapical lesion occurrence in teeth that were not endodontically treated. The number of teeth qualified for the endodontic treatment was significantly higher in the examined group, while the number of teeth qualified for the reendow treatment was significantly higher in the control group. The probability for the occurrence of both vertical and horizontal atrophy in the alveolar process was twice and three times higher in the examined than in the control group. In conclusion, the oral status of inmates is worse when compared to those who live in freedom, which is why there is a need to prepare a scheme to improve the condition of the stomatognathic system in prisoners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management of Oral Healthcare in Diverse Patient Populations)

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10 pages, 806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vertical Dentofacial Skeletal Divergency Is Not Linked with Oral Health-Related Quality of Life

by Dinis Pereira, Vanessa Machado, João Botelho, Carolina Lemos, José João Mendes and Ana Sintra Delgado

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(3), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13030665 - 24 Jan 2024

Viewed by 475

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess how vertical skeletal malocclusion affects oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among a sample of individuals comprising adolescents, young adults, and adults seeking orthodontic treatment. From January 2019 to March 2020, participants were consecutively enrolled. The assessment of OHRQoL involved measurement using the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14). Lateral cephalograms were performed to measure the vertical skeletal divergency with four cephalometric measurements. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. The Mann–Whitney test was applied to compare OHRQoL scores according to the vertical dimension category. The mean age of the participants ranged between 30.3 ± 14.9 and 29.9 ± 14.4 and there was a majority of female participants, between 64.1% and 65.9%. There were no statistically significant differences observed between hyperdivergent and normodivergent groups in either the total score or any domain of the OHIP-14 questionnaire. Individuals with hyperdivergent facial morphology did not show a reduced OHRQoL compared with a normodivergent facial type. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management of Oral Healthcare in Diverse Patient Populations)

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9 pages, 882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validity of a Mobile Application to Diagnose Temporomandibular Disorders

by Yoo-Ree Hong, Na-Kyung Hwangbo, Alec-Hyung Kim and Seong-Taek Kim

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(22), 7193; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12227193 - 20 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1192

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a mobile application by comparing its diagnoses to those of Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine specialists and further imaging results (CBCT and MRI) in 500 patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The research focused on three diagnostic categories: the initial specialist diagnoses, the final diagnoses after imaging, and the mobile app’s diagnoses. The concordance rates, sensitivities, specificities, and positive predictive values of the diagnoses were examined, with further imaging serving as the gold standard. The mobile app demonstrated a high concordance rate compared to both the final (0.93) and the initial specialists’ diagnoses (0.86). The sensitivities, specificities, and positive predictive values also indicated strong reliability, affirming the app’s diagnostic validity. Although the concordance rate was slightly lower when comparing the app’s diagnoses to the imaging results (CBCT and MRI), the specialists’ diagnoses yielded similar results. The study suggests that user-friendly diagnostic mobile applications, based on the diagnostic criteria for TMD, could enhance the clinical management of TMD. Given the reliability of mobile applications for diagnostic purposes, their wider implementation could facilitate the provision of appropriate and timely treatments for patients with TMD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management of Oral Healthcare in Diverse Patient Populations)

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14 pages, 4057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oil Pulling and Polyphenols: Treatment of Gingivitis Patients with ‘Itri Extra-Virgin Olive Oil’

by Giulia Zumbo, Denise Corridore, Samantha Sciscione, Claudio Stamegna, Fabrizio Guerra, Antonella Polimeni and Iole Vozza

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(16), 5256; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12165256 - 12 Aug 2023

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Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of extra virgin olive (EVO) oil and fruity oil for the treatment of gingivitis. Materials and Methods: A sample of 75 patients over 18 years of age with gingivitis induced by plaque bacteria was divided into three groups: study group A, with extra virgin olive oil; study group B, with fruity oil; and control group C. In the two study groups, EVO oil was administered as a mouthwash to patients with gingival inflammation. The protocol included a daily application of the product for 30 days, with three recalls 15 days apart. Clinical parameters of plaque formation and gingivitis, including plaque index (PI) and bleeding index (BI), were assessed at each recall and scored on a specific periodontal chart. The control group received no mouthwash treatment in addition to normal daily oral hygiene procedures, and the same clinical parameters as the study group were evaluated. Data were evaluated using SPSS 27.0 software for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Then, the pre- and post-treatment values of the groups were compared using Student’s t-test, setting p < 0.05 as the significance level. Results: Comparison of the three groups showed that extra-virgin olive oil was an adjuvant in the treatment of gingival inflammation, improving PI and BI. In group A, the mean plaque index showed a 48% reduction, and the bleeding index showed a 64% reduction after 30 days. In group B, the mean plaque index showed a 35% reduction and a bleeding index reduction of 43% after 30 days. Conclusions: The collected data showed significant improvements in the formation of bacterial plaque and gingivitis. The exact mechanism of such treatment is still to be elucidated. As a result of this, further studies with a different sample of patients than those used and a comparison with other products need to be addressed to verify and demonstrate the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of the components of this natural product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management of Oral Healthcare in Diverse Patient Populations)

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Review

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15 pages, 2275 KiB

Open AccessReview

Analogies between HPV Behavior in Oral and Vaginal Cavity: Narrative Review on the Current Evidence in the Literature

by Miriam Dellino, Grazia Pinto, Antonio D’Amato, Francesco Barbara, Francesco Di Gennaro, Annalisa Saracino, Antonio Simone Laganà, Antonella Vimercati, Antonio Malvasi, Vito Maurizio Malvasi, Ettore Cicinelli, Amerigo Vitagliano, Eliano Cascardi and Vincenzo Pinto

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(5), 1429; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13051429 - 01 Mar 2024

Viewed by 982

Abstract

Human genital papilloma virus infection is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the world. It is estimated that more than 75% of sexually active women contract this infection in their lifetime. In 80% of young women, there is the clearance of the virus within 18–24 months. In developed countries, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is now the most frequent human papilloma virus (HPV)-related cancer, having surpassed cervical cancer, and it is predicted that by 2030 most squamous cell carcinomas will be the HPV-related rather than non-HPV-related form. However, there are currently no screening programs for oral cavity infection. While the natural history of HPV infection in the cervix is well known, in the oropharynx, it is not entirely clear. Furthermore, the prevalence of HPV in the oropharynx is unknown. Published studies have found wide-ranging prevalence estimates of 2.6% to 50%. There are also conflicting results regarding the percentage of women presenting the same type of HPV at two mucosal sites, ranging from 0 to 60%. Additionally, the question arises as to whether oral infection can develop from genital HPV infection, through oral and genital contact or by self-inoculation, or whether it should be considered an independent event. However, there is still no consensus on these topics, nor on the relationship between genital and oral HPV infections. Therefore, this literature review aims to evaluate whether there is evidence of a connection between oral and cervical HPV, while also endorsing the usefulness of the screening of oral infection in patients with high-risk cervical HPV as a means of facilitating the diagnosis and early management of HPV-related oral lesions. Finally, this review emphasizes the recommendation for the use of the HPV vaccines in primary prevention in the male and female population as the most effective means of successfully counteracting the increasing incidence of OSCC to date. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management of Oral Healthcare in Diverse Patient Populations)

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Other

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11 pages, 495 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Oral Findings in Male Prisoners: A Systematic Review

by Rafał Korkosz, Agata Trzcionka, Tomasz Hildebrandt, Maksymilian Kiełbratowski, Anna Kuśka-Kiełbratowska, Mansur Rahnama and Marta Tanasiewicz

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(6), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13061736 - 17 Mar 2024

Viewed by 503

Abstract

Background: Modern penitentiary systems attach great importance, at least in the area of formal and codified arrangements, to providing inmates with access to health care and rehabilitation. The aim of our study was to analyze the Web of Science (WoS) and SCOPUS medical databases in order to search for and evaluate the available literature discussing the oral status and dental treatment needs of adult male prisoners. Methods: The following terms were used: prisoners or inmates; oral health, oral status; periodontal status, periodontal disease; oral hygiene; caries; mucosa; and saliva. The studies were screened based on their title and abstract according to the PICO (population, intervention, control, and outcome) criteria. The research protocol was prepared on the basis of the 2020 PRISMA guidelines and was not registered. The available literature discussing the oral status and dental treatment needs of adult imprisoned patients was analyzed. The inclusion criteria were as follows: articles published in English between 1 January 2012 and 2022; articles discussing the oral cavity status of adult inmates over 18 years old (hard tissues, periodontal status, saliva, mucosa condition, or oral hygiene); articles with a full text available; and articles that were assessed as satisfactory according to the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: A total of 934 articles were identified, out of which 9 were included in the systematic review. Two articles discussed the oral condition of prisoners in Europe (Russia and Finland), four examined prisoners in Asia (three in India and one in Saudi Arabia), two examined prisoners in Africa (Nigeria), and one examined prisoners in the Americas (Brazil). Conclusions: The oral status of prisoners has been widely discussed in the available literature. Among inmates, a higher frequency of both caries and periodontal disease along with poorer oral hygiene were observed. It can be concluded that inmates should have access to specialized treatment from periodontists and endodontists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management of Oral Healthcare in Diverse Patient Populations)

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15 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Oral Manifestations in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review

by María Pilar Pecci-Lloret, Covadonga Linares-Pérez, Miguel Ramón Pecci-Lloret, Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Lozano and Ricardo Elías Oñate-Sánchez

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(3), 707; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13030707 - 25 Jan 2024

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Abstract

Background: The period of pregnancy is characterized by a multitude of diverse changes that exert a notable impact on the oral cavity of women. During this gestational phase, patients necessitate tailored oral care and specific recommendations to preempt and address potential oral diseases. This systematic review aimed to perform a detailed analysis of the research studies that focused on the oral manifestations observed in pregnant women. Methods: A meticulous search was conducted in the databases Medline, Scopus, and Scielo by employing the following search terms: ((pregnant OR pregnancy)) AND ((“oral manifestation*”) OR (“oral health”)). Articles that were published between 2013 and 2023 and written in English or Spanish and studies that scrutinized oral manifestations in pregnant women and included a diagnosis conducted by a qualified dentist were selected; we excluded articles published before 2013, articles that could not be accessed in full text, studies whose patients were not pregnant women at the time of the study, studies where patients were selected because they had a specific disease, studies where the clinical examination was not performed by a dentist, and articles written in languages other than English or Spanish. Subsequently, the risk of bias in the chosen articles was assessed in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) scale. Results: A total of 20 studies were included in the analysis, following the exclusion and inclusion criteria. These studies were categorized as cross-sectional, cohort, longitudinal, or case–control. Various oral manifestations in pregnant women were examined, with five studies comparing these manifestations with those observed in nonpregnant women. Conclusions: The most prevalent oral manifestations associated with pregnancy encompass dental caries, periodontitis, gingivitis, pyogenic granuloma, and candidiasis. Nonetheless, less common lesions may also emerge during the course of pregnancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management of Oral Healthcare in Diverse Patient Populations)

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15 pages, 451 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Oral Findings in Hemodialyzed Patients Diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus and/or Hypertension—A Systematic Review

by Agata Trzcionka, Dagmara Mączkowiak, Rafał Korkosz, Mansur Rahnama, Jan Duława and Marta Tanasiewicz

J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(22), 7072; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12227072 - 13 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 783

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease is classified as a civilization disease and is being diagnosed in an increasing number of patients. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus often coexist in hemodialyzed patients. The aim of the present study was to identify publications on the oral cavity status of multimorbid hemodialyzed adult patients additionally diagnosed with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus, published between 2012 and 2022 to establish evidence of the impact of hypertension and diabetes mellitus on the oral status of hemodialyzed patients. Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched. Eight articles were included in the review. In total, 3 articles discussed oral hygiene in hemodialyzed patients, 4 discussed periodontal status, 3 discussed mucosa condition and saliva parameters, and 3 discussed the problem of Candidiasis infections. The conclusions were as follows: there is still a limited number of publications discussing the oral status of hemodialyzed patients diagnosed with hypertension; involved articles have proven that coexisting diseases can influence the oral cavity status of hemodialyzed patients and cause periodontal disorders, lower hygiene status, saliva parameters and make the risk of Candida infections higher. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Management of Oral Healthcare in Diverse Patient Populations)

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