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Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Oral Health Management for Special...
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Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Oral Health Management for Special Care Patients

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2025 | Viewed by 6520

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Hiromitsu Morita

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
The Center for Visiting Dental Service, Department of General Dentistry, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka 814-0193, Japan
Interests: oral biology; oral oncology; special needs dentistry; dentistry for medically compromised patients; visiting dental service; perioperative oral management; MRONJ; stomatology
Dr. Yoko Iwase-Saito

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Oral Pathogenesis and Disease Control, Department of Dentistry for the Disability and Oral Health, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Mizuho 501-0296, Japan
Interests: pediatric dentistry; special care dentistry; dental anesthesiology
Prof. Dr. Ourania Nicolatou-Galitis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CureCancer, 15451 Athens, Greece
Interests: osteonecrosis of the jaw in oncology patients; burden of oral mucositis in oncology; oral complications in cancer therapies; oral care in cancer; oral care in hsct recipient; quality of life in cancer; oral lesions in special care patients

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Special care in dentistry, such as dentistry for children in medical care, dentistry for patients with disability, dentistry for medically compromised patients, and dentistry for geriatric patients, is a less-explored topic that has been attracting increased interest from various professionals (e.g., dentists, medical doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, dental hygienists) in recent years. Successfully applied dental techniques and improved oral healthcare for patients who need special care will assist professionals in performing dental care safely and securely.

Dentistry in cancer patients, both those currently undergoing cancer treatment and those in the post-treatment phase, to manage either oral toxicity caused by cancer treatment or dental and periodontal problems, is an increasingly important topic in the field of special care in dentistry.

The aim of this Topical Collection is to provide information about the current status of oral health management for special care patients, including outpatient dental care, dental treatments under general anesthesia and during home visits or visits to facilities such as nursing homes, to professionals who provide oral healthcare for patients needing special care.

Authors conducting studies on these themes are welcome to submit original research articles, reviews, short communications, case series, and case reports..

Prof. Dr. Hiromitsu Morita
Dr. Yoko Iwase
Prof. Dr. Ourania Nicolatou-Galitis
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. Oral is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1000 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 care
  • special needs
  • disability
  • children in medical care
  • geriatric
  • medically compromised patients
  • oral healthcare
  • general anesthesia
  • visiting dental care
  • patients with cancer and cancer survivors
  • oral toxicity related to cancer therapies

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 1281 KiB  
Editorial
Good Oral Health Can Prevent or Reduce the Severity of Oral Toxicities in Cancer Therapies
by Ourania Nicolatou-Galitis
Oral 2023, 3(4), 487-489; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral3040039 - 12 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1460
Abstract
The mouth is an important target of cancer therapies, while oral supportive oncology has emerged as a new field in dentistry [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Oral Health Management for Special Care Patients)
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Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

13 pages, 1076 KiB  
Article
Effects of Tooth Loss and Denture Wear on Nutritional Status of a Sample of Elderly Patients Attending the Dental Teaching Hospital in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
by Pannilage Bimali Teshani Perera, Weerakkody Sachini Nimthara Perera, Udaveediya Lekam Ralalage Hansini Amanda Premathilaka, Sachith Piyumal Abeysundara, Kehinde Kazeem Kanmodi, Ruwan Duminda Jayasinghe and Rasika Manori Jayasinghe
Oral 2025, 5(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral5020037 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 197
Abstract
Background: The rapidly growing elderly population in Sri Lanka faces multiple challenges, including the ill effects of tooth loss. Tooth loss and denture wear could both affect the amount and variety of food intake of the elders, leading to a state of compromised [...] Read more.
Background: The rapidly growing elderly population in Sri Lanka faces multiple challenges, including the ill effects of tooth loss. Tooth loss and denture wear could both affect the amount and variety of food intake of the elders, leading to a state of compromised health. Therefore, it is essential to identify whether both tooth loss and denture wear affect the nutritional status of the elderly. This study evaluated the associations between tooth loss, denture-wearing status, and nutritional levels among a sample of the elderly population attending the Dental Teaching Hospital in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out at the Dental Teaching Hospital in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Using the G*Power v3.1 statistics software, a sample size of 61 patients aged 60 years and above was determined as the minimum sample size. Data were gathered by means of a self-administered questionnaire, patients’ files, and an examination to identify height and weight for assessing body mass index (BMI). Minitab v18.0 statistical software was used for analysis of data, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: One hundred patients were recruited for this study, and the majority (sixty-seven) were female. The majority (71%) were between the ages of 60 to 69 years. The majority (60%) were denture wearers and 8% had nine or more occluding pairs (of natural teeth), 25% had five to eight, and 67% had four or fewer occluding pairs. Fifty-two percent (52%) were of normal weight, while 40% were over-weight and 8% were underweight, respectively. No statistically significant associations were identified between BMI and the denture status or number of missing teeth (p-values > 0.05). There were no statistically significant associations between the underweight or overweight status and denture wearing or occluding pairs (p-values > 0.05). However, the frequency of grain intake and the number of occluding pairs were significantly associated with each other (p-value = 0.024). Also, the frequency of taking snacks was associated with denture wearing (p-value = 0.006). Conclusions: The nutritional status (BMI) of the elderly does not necessarily correlate with their denture-wearing status or the number of existing occluding pairs/number of missing natural teeth. There is no significant association noted between the denture-wearing status and the food avoidance (soft, hard food, fruits, and grains, except snacks). There is no significant association between the number of occluding pairs available in natural dentition and the avoidance of soft foods or snacks, except for grains. Given the limitations of this study, it can be suggested that nutritional strategies for the elderly population could be designed universally, irrespective of their dentate or denture status. However, further research with a larger cohort is needed to validate these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Oral Health Management for Special Care Patients)
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15 pages, 310 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Oral Health on the Quality of Life of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families: Parental Perspectives from an Online Cross-Sectional Study
by Marija Badrov, Lana Perkov and Antonija Tadin
Oral 2025, 5(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral5020036 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 261
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to determine the oral health profile of children with autism spectrum disorder and to analyze the impact of their oral health status on their personal quality of life and the quality of life of their families. Materials and Methods: [...] Read more.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the oral health profile of children with autism spectrum disorder and to analyze the impact of their oral health status on their personal quality of life and the quality of life of their families. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online study was conducted on 121 parents. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, parents’ perceptions of their child’s oral health, oral hygiene practices, and access to dental care. Additionally, the Parental–Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ-16, 16 items) and the Family Impact Scale (FIS-8, 8 items) were employed. The data were analyzed descriptively and using the Mann–Whitney U test and the Kruskal–Wallis H test. Results: No significant differences were found in FIS-8 and P-CPQ-16 scores between parents and children based on their sociodemographic characteristics. However, a significant association was observed between P-CPQ-16 and FIS-8 total scores and the type of used dental care (general dental practice vs. adapted practice and general anesthesia, p ≤ 0.001), dental visit frequency (regular vs. occasional, p < 0.05), child cooperation level during dental visits (cooperative vs. uncooperative, p ≤ 0.001), and dental care access challenges (p < 0.05). Parents reported a high prevalence of poor oral health in their children: the experience of tooth decay (48.1%), malocclusion (47.1%), bruxism (38.8%), bad breath (34.7%), and toothache (28.8%) in the previous 12 months. Most children brushed their teeth daily (89.3%), often with the help of their parents (44.6%). The most frequently reported difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene was the children’s unwillingness to cooperate (62.8%). Conclusions: Poor perceived oral health in children with autism spectrum disorder is significantly linked to a lower quality of life for both them and their families, especially when access to dental care is difficult and there is a lack of cooperation. Addressing these barriers and the high prevalence of oral health problems through tailored strategies is critical to improving children’s well-being. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Oral Health Management for Special Care Patients)
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8 pages, 1206 KiB  
Article
Advancing Management of Oral Lesion Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa: In Vivo Evaluation with Optical Coherence Tomography of Ultrastructural Changes after Application of Cord Blood Platelet Gel and Laser Photobiomodulation
by Alessio Gambino, Ezio Sindici, Simona Astesano, Lucia Basiglio, Valeria Vallone and Paolo Giacomo Arduino
Oral 2024, 4(4), 441-448; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral4040035 - 27 Sep 2024
Viewed by 982
Abstract
Background: Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of genetic disorders with skin fragility and blistering. The use of Cord Blood Platelet Gel (CBPG) in combination with laser photobiomodulation (PBM) leads to a reduction in lesions. The aim of this study is to [...] Read more.
Background: Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of genetic disorders with skin fragility and blistering. The use of Cord Blood Platelet Gel (CBPG) in combination with laser photobiomodulation (PBM) leads to a reduction in lesions. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical and morphometric changes with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) during GPC-PBM therapy. Methods: OCT scanning before the first session (T0), with relative measurement of the thicknesses of the epithelium (EP) and lamina propria (LP), and three consecutive sessions (once daily for 3 days) of CBPG and PBM applications were performed. A new OCT scan at the end of the three sessions (T1) and a week after (T2) were performed. All OCT scans were compared with the values of healthy reference tissues of the same site. Results: A statistically confirmed increase in EP thickness and a decrease in LP thickness with a progressive reduction in inflammatory content were highlighted. This case series did not have recurrences in the treated sites, or adverse reactions to therapy. Conclusions: This study shows the advantages of OCT monitoring in evaluating the effects of therapy at an ultrastructural level with a possibility of obtaining objective, precise, and repeatable measurements with an atraumatic device. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Oral Health Management for Special Care Patients)
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Review

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13 pages, 7656 KiB  
Review
Investigating Masticatory Cycle Parameters and Functional Wear Characteristics in Older Removable Complete Denture Wearers: A Targeted Literature Review
by Savvas Kamalakidis, Athanasios Stratos, Dimitrios Tortopidis, Norina Consuela Forna and Vassiliki Anastassiadou
Oral 2025, 5(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral5020034 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 244
Abstract
Background: Mandibular movement is inherently complex, involving both lateral and vertical components. In older adults, this complexity is compounded by diminished neuromuscular coordination and reduced proprioceptive feedback, often impairing effective mastication. Objectives: This study aimed to review dental literature on the influence of [...] Read more.
Background: Mandibular movement is inherently complex, involving both lateral and vertical components. In older adults, this complexity is compounded by diminished neuromuscular coordination and reduced proprioceptive feedback, often impairing effective mastication. Objectives: This study aimed to review dental literature on the influence of masticatory parameters in the formation of wear facets on acrylic resin denture teeth. Methods: A targeted literature review was conducted, analyzing peer-reviewed studies from 1991 to 2024 through PubMed and Scopus. The review focused on masticatory parameters, age-related neuromuscular adaptations, chewing patterns, and preferred-side denture tooth wear, affecting older adults using complete removable dentures. Results: Mandibular movement characteristics—particularly velocity, duration, and cycle frequency—were found to significantly influence denture tooth wear, often resulting in reduced bite force and masticatory efficiency. Contemporary denture materials demonstrated improved wear resistance, aiding in the regulation of chewing frequency and velocity. These factors are increasingly important as age-related changes impact the stomatognathic system. Notably, wear facets were most prominent on the maxillary first molars, regardless of the occlusal scheme. Conclusions: This review provided a comprehensive overview of existing research, analyzed current evidence, and offered insights into the role of masticatory function and wear characteristics in older complete denture wearers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Oral Health Management for Special Care Patients)
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23 pages, 644 KiB  
Review
Nonpharmacological Interventions in the Management of Xerostomia: A Review on Topical Treatments, Alternative Medicine, and Innovative Therapies
by Luigi Sardellitti, Enrica Filigheddu, Francesca Serralutzu, Antonella Bortone, Egle Bandiera and Egle Milia
Oral 2024, 4(4), 616-638; https://doi.org/10.3390/oral4040048 - 11 Dec 2024
Viewed by 2202
Abstract
Background: Despite incidence rates and complications, the clinical management of xerostomia lacks guidelines. Aim: The aim of this overview is to summarize the clinical experience over the past 10 years of treating xerostomia using non-pharmacological interventions. Materials and Methods: A literature search was [...] Read more.
Background: Despite incidence rates and complications, the clinical management of xerostomia lacks guidelines. Aim: The aim of this overview is to summarize the clinical experience over the past 10 years of treating xerostomia using non-pharmacological interventions. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, covering publications from 1 January 2013 to 30 January 2023. Results: Topical therapies are the mainstays in cases of longstanding oral dryness. Their aim is to relieve oral discomfort by retaining mouth moisture. Macro-molecular lubricants were largely used in xerostomia due to radiotherapy for Head and Neck cancer (HNC) and xerostomia due to the chronic use of drugs. However, none of them provided stable relief for dry mouth. Traditional Medicine (TM), through the administration of different medicinal herbs and plants, has recently been evaluated against xerostomia in clinical trials. Matricaria chamomilla L., Linum usitatissimum, and Malva sylvestris L. together with Althea digitata Boiss, Licorice root, and Salvia Officinalis are among the most used compounds. They were formulated as water extracts with health benefits that are attributed to the presence of polyphenols. However, the low number of clinical evaluations represents the greatest limitation for validating the efficacy of TM against xerostomia. Regarding acupuncture, it did not show significant effects in the trials in comparison to the control groups. Further, electrostimulation, photo-biomodulation and hyperbaric therapy need more randomized clinical evaluations to effectively demonstrate their ability to relieve dry mouth. Conclusions: No topical treatment has shown stable relief of xerostomia. Consequently, the management of xerostomia and its devastating complications remain a significant void in daily clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Oral Health Management for Special Care Patients)
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