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Oral
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Recent Developments in Oral Health Research with Implications for Clinical...
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Recent Developments in Oral Health Research with Implications for Clinical Practice

A special issue of Oral (ISSN 2673-6373).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2026 | Viewed by 2345

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Nejat Düzgüneş

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Interests: gene therapy (of oral cancer); photodynamic therapy (of oral cancer; bacteriophage therapy (of mycobacterium infections); HIV eradication (via suicide gene therapy); nanomedicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to provide a focused yet versatile platform for high-quality oral health research with clear relevance and implications for clinical practice and public health. The emphasis is placed on studies that enhance clinical understanding, inform decision-making, or contribute to improving patient outcomes, supported by sound, transparent, and appropriate methodologies.

We welcome a broad range of study types, including original research articles, pilot studies, experimental studies, as well as narrative and systematic reviews, provided that their findings are discussed in the context of potential clinical or translational implications. Both clinically oriented and translational research are encouraged, allowing contributions at different stages of research maturity while maintaining strong scientific rigor.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, research related to oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, pedodontics, oral cancer, dental materials, dental public health, and translational studies in oral biology and pathology, with a clear connection to clinical practice or patient care.

Prof. Dr. Nejat Düzgüneş
Guest Editor

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. Oral 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 1200 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

  • evidence-based dentistry
  • clinical relevance
  • implications for clinical practice
  • translational oral research
  • experimental and clinical studies
  • oral health outcomes
  • dental public health

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

19 pages, 246 KB  
Article
Questionnaire Development and Exploratory Validation for Assessing Romanian Dental Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Smoking and Periodontal Health
by Florinel Cosmin Bida, Andrei Georgescu, Ionut Taraboanta, Claudiu Gabriel Palamaru, Ionut Luchian, Dana Gabriela Budala, Nicoleta Tofan, Carina Balcos, Oana Maria Butnaru and Dragos Ioan Virvescu
Oral 2026, 6(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral6020038 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 529
Abstract
Introduction: Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for periodontal disease, while perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes may influence smoking-related behaviors and preventive practices. The aim of this study was to develop and perform an exploratory validation of a questionnaire assessing these dimensions in [...] Read more.
Introduction: Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for periodontal disease, while perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes may influence smoking-related behaviors and preventive practices. The aim of this study was to develop and perform an exploratory validation of a questionnaire assessing these dimensions in relation to periodontal health. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire comprising 31 items. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis with Varimax rotation. Results: Sixty-six complete questionnaires were included in the analysis. The overall internal consistency of the instrument was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.770). Reliability across individual domains ranged from acceptable to good. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity confirmed the suitability of the data for factor analysis. Conclusions: The questionnaire demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties for exploratory use and may serve as a preliminary tool for assessing smoking-related perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes in relation to periodontal health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Oral Health Research with Implications for Clinical Practice)

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

14 pages, 278 KB  
Review
Burning Mouth Syndrome: Review of Current and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies
by Pierangelo Burdo, Roberta Pasqualone, Amar Ferati, Mattia Sozzi, Cristina Meuli and Giuseppe Varvara
Oral 2026, 6(2), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral6020046 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1385
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic idiopathic orofacial pain disorder characterized by persistent intraoral burning in the absence of detectable mucosal alterations. Diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of specific biomarkers and the need to exclude numerous systemic and local [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic idiopathic orofacial pain disorder characterized by persistent intraoral burning in the absence of detectable mucosal alterations. Diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of specific biomarkers and the need to exclude numerous systemic and local conditions that can mimic oral burning. This literature review aims to summarize current and emerging therapeutic strategies for BMS. Methods: A structured and filtered search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies evaluating pharmacological, phytotherapeutic, and non-pharmacological interventions. Results: Various antidepressants, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, H2 receptor antagonists, and low-dose naltrexone have demonstrated varying degrees of symptom reduction, while alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and phytomedicines such as capsaicin, Hypericum perforatum, Catuama, lycopene, crocin, and melatonin show mixed clinical benefits. Non-pharmacological approaches, including photobiomodulation (PBM), oral cryotherapy, neuromodulation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy, also provide meaningful symptom improvement in many patients. Conclusions: Across all modalities, therapeutic responses remain heterogeneous and generally incomplete, underscoring the absence of a universally effective treatment. Current evidence supports an individualized and multidisciplinary approach that integrates pharmacological, psychological, and adjunctive therapies to address the multifactorial nature of BMS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Oral Health Research with Implications for Clinical Practice)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

21 pages, 3167 KB  
Systematic Review
Clinical Evaluation of Adjunctive Nd:YAG or Diode Laser Application for Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
by Enrico M. Strappa, Charlotte Gemelli, Marisa Roncati, Francesco Zuffetti, Massimo Del Fabbro and Tiziano Testori
Oral 2026, 6(3), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral6030061 (registering DOI) - 19 May 2026
Abstract
Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the role of diode and Nd:YAG lasers as adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the non-surgical treatment of moderate-to-severe periodontitis. Methods: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420250603025) and conducted [...] Read more.
Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the role of diode and Nd:YAG lasers as adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the non-surgical treatment of moderate-to-severe periodontitis. Methods: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420250603025) and conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search in Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane CENTRAL (up to October 2024) identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective, and retrospective controlled clinical studies comparing SRP alone versus SRP plus adjunctive laser therapy. The primary outcome was probing pocket depth (PPD); secondary outcomes were bleeding on probing (BoP) and the clinical attachment level (CAL). Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool for RCTs and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for non-RCTs. Meta-analysis was undertaken when at least three studies presenting the same outcome at the same follow-up were found. Results: Nine studies with follow-ups from 3 to 120 months were included, representing a total of 423 participants. Both groups showed PPD reduction at all time points, with pooled analyses revealing no statistically significant differences (mean difference −0.12 to −0.35 mm; p > 0.05), although point estimates often favored laser-treated sites, particularly when baseline PPD ≥ 6 mm. Subgroup analysis showed significantly greater PPD reduction in laser-treated sites compared to SRP alone at 12 months in deep pockets (p = 0.001). These findings should be interpreted with caution, given their exploratory nature, limited sample size, and high heterogeneity. Similar patterns were observed for CAL and BoP, with substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 70% at several time points). No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the available evidence, adjunctive diode and Nd:YAG laser therapy does not demonstrate consistent statistically significant differences compared to SRP alone in non-surgical periodontal treatment. While a potential adjunctive effect may be observed under specific clinical conditions, particularly in deeper pockets, current evidence is insufficient to support its superiority. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments in Oral Health Research with Implications for Clinical Practice)
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