Search Results (3,133)

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to intermittent hypoxemia, sleep fragmentation, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Affecting up to 11% of the adult Polish population and more commonly diagnosed in men, OSA poses a major public health concern due to its association with cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive complications. This review summarizes the current evidence on diagnostic methods, risk factors, and therapeutic approaches, with particular emphasis on oral appliance therapy using mandibular advancement devices (MADs). Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Scopus databases, covering publications from 2020 to 2025, including clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews evaluating the efficacy and safety of MAD therapy. Results: Findings demonstrate that MAD effectively reduces apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) values, improves oxygen saturation, and alleviates snoring and daytime fatigue, offering a patient-tolerable alternative for those intolerant to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). However, long-term use may cause occlusal or dental changes. Novel techniques, such as Er:YAG laser therapy, show potential in treating mild OSA. Moreover, epidemiological data suggest a correlation between tooth loss and an increased risk of OSA, particularly among men over 65. Conclusions: Dentists play a pivotal role in early detection, screening, and interdisciplinary management of OSA, underscoring the importance of collaboration between dental professionals and sleep medicine specialists for comprehensive care. Full article

Dental caries remains a major global public health problem characterized by pronounced social inequalities. This study aimed to identify, critically appraise, and synthesize the most recent evidence on the relationship between socioeconomic indicators and dental caries among adults aged 19–60 years, providing an updated systematic review that builds upon our previous reviews from 2012 and 2018. Reported following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of eight electronic databases for observational studies published between March 2017 and April 2024 (PROSPERO: CRD42017074434). Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Due to substantial methodological heterogeneity across the 22 included studies, a narrative synthesis was undertaken. The findings demonstrated a strong inverse association between socioeconomic position and caries experience. Lower income, lower educational attainment, and unemployment or employment in manual/unskilled occupations were associated with a higher overall caries experience. Advanced analytical approaches in recent studies, including life-course, reinforced that education and income are key contributors of these oral health inequalities, with persistent social disadvantage conferring the greatest risk. In conclusion, dental caries in adults aged 19–60 years is a social condition reflecting the cumulative effects of socioeconomic inequality across the life course. Addressing adult dental caries requires integrated approaches that combine clinical prevention with social and public policies aimed at reducing structural inequalities. Full article

Background: Dental anxiety is a common psychological condition that may influence patients’ perceptions of oral health and well-being. Although its association with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) has been widely studied internationally, evidence from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between dental anxiety and OHRQoL among adult patients attending an academic dental clinic in the UAE. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult dental patients using a non-probabilistic sampling approach. Dental anxiety was assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used for bivariate analyses. Multiple linear regression was applied as an exploratory approach to assess adjusted associations between dental anxiety and OHRQoL after accounting for age and gender. Results: Higher dental anxiety scores were independently associated with poorer OHRQoL after adjustment for age and gender. Bivariate analyses showed no statistically significant differences in dental anxiety or OHRQoL scores between men and women; however, subgroup comparisons should be interpreted cautiously given the sample size. The findings indicate a consistent association between higher anxiety levels and greater perceived oral health impact within the study population. Conclusions: Dental anxiety was associated with impaired oral health-related quality of life among adult dental clinic attendees in the UAE. These findings reflect associations observed within a modest, non-probabilistic, cross-sectional sample and should not be interpreted as causal or generalized to the wider population. Further longitudinal and population-based studies incorporating clinical and contextual variables are needed to clarify temporal relationships and strengthen external validity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental implant placement protocols including immediate (IIP) and delayed implant placement (DIP) are likely to affect bone tissue repair and regeneration after the surgery. Despite many benefits of IIP, it has remained unclear whether IIP demonstrates comparable healing processes and outcomes to those observed in DIP. This review aims to summarize and compare biological and clinical outcomes of IIP and DIP, focusing on success and survival rates, periodontal status, esthetics and radiographic outcomes, and biochemical markers. Methods: A literature search of electronic databases was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Scopus databases (January 1983–February 2025). 109 articles published in English, consisting of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: This review shows that both IIP and DIP show similar implant survival rates, but IIP may lead to a higher risk of mid-facial recession in esthetic areas. DIP, on the other hand, can result in better soft tissue and bone healing. Histological and radiographic evidence shows comparable bone to implant contact (BIC) between the two methods, although peri-implant bone loss tends to be higher with IIP. Lastly, although specific molecular markers are well-established in all phases of osseointegration following DIP, there is no available literature comparing differences in biomarkers during healing periods between IIP and DIP. Conclusions: This review highlights the similarities and differences in the outcomes of IIP and DIP, as well as the knowledge gaps that require further investigation, providing valuable insights for predicting treatment outcomes and managing complications associated with dental implant placement. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute sinusitis (AS) is a common infection of the upper respiratory tract that places considerable clinical and economic burden worldwide. Although frequently encountered in practice, the factors that predispose individuals to AS remain poorly understood. This study examined how different respiratory disorders and comorbidities influence the likelihood of developing AS, aiming to clarify its underlying risk profile. Methods: A longitudinal analysis was performed using electronic health records from the Clinical Center of the University of Debrecen Hospital. The study cohort (2007–2022) encompassed 37,164 observations. To evaluate the risk of AS progression, Log-Rank tests and Cox proportional hazards regressions were applied whilst adjusting for covariates. Results: The risk of developing AS was significantly higher among individuals with preceding respiratory conditions. Patients with common cold demonstrated a 2.3-fold increased risk of developing AS (95% CI [1.51–3.40]). Compared to those without such disorders, participants with acute bronchitis had a 2.5-fold higher hazard of AS (95% CI 1.90–3.26). The strongest association was observed for allergic rhinitis (HR = 4.04, 95% CI 3.18–5.13), followed by chronic sinusitis (HR = 3.10, 95% CI 2.13–4.51). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was also identified as a significant predictor for AS (HR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.04–2.52), whereas dental pathologies were associated with a modest protective effect (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.48–0.97). Conclusions: Patients with allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, acute bronchitis, common cold, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have a markedly higher risk of developing AS. Clinicians should actively screen for these conditions when assessing patients with recurrent or severe sinus infections. Early recognition and management of underlying respiratory disorders may reduce AS episodes, promote symptom control, and lessen healthcare burdens. Future research should concentrate on precision medicine to leverage AS preventive and management strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Malocclusion is one of the most prevalent oral health concerns in paediatric dentistry, with anterior open bite (AOB) and posterior crossbite (PCB) being among the most common forms. Non-nutritive sucking habits (NNSHs), including digit-sucking habits (DSHs) and pacifier-sucking habits (PSHs), have been linked to malocclusion development. While both habits are known to impact dental and skeletal development, their comparative effects remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the difference in the development and prevalence of anterior open bite and posterior crossbite between patients with digit-sucking and pacifier-sucking habits. Materials and Methods: An exhaustive review of the literature was conducted on the 25 November 2024 across three databases, namely EBSCOhost (including PubMed-Medline), Web of Science and Scopus. The following PICO question was constructed for the systematic review: “In children and teenagers, is there a difference in the development and prevalence of malocclusions (Anterior Open bite & Posterior Crossbite) between patients with a history of digit sucking habits and patients with a history of pacifier sucking habits?”A meta-analysis was also performed with the selected studies, and the software used to carry out the meta-analysis was R 4.3.1 (R Core Team (2023)). Results: From the initial search, 102 articles were found and a further 11 articles were obtained from manual findings. 12 articles were included in the final systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated that the risk of AOB and PCB was increased by both DSH and PSH. Conclusions: Both DSH and PSH significantly increased the risk of AOB and PCB. PSH posed a significantly higher risk than DSH for PCB development (OR = 2.66, p < 0.001), while no significant difference in AOB prevalence was observed between DSH and PSH (OR = 1.77, p = 0.150). Full article

Aim of the study: Anxiety about dental treatment is one of the main barriers to accessing dental services and, at the same time, a well-known problem for dentists. The main objective of this observational pilot study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of dental anxiety and severe forms compatible with dental phobia among adult dental patients and to explore their association with psychological distress, as well as patients’ preferences for methods to reduce pain and anxiety during dental treatment. Materials and Methods: We carried out a pilot observational study using two well-established questionnaires, namely the BSI-18 (Brief Symptom Inventory-18), which assesses the psychological distress of patients visiting the dentist, and the DAS (Dental Anxiety Scale), which evaluates dental anxiety toward dental treatment. The questionnaires were administered in independent dental practices in Timisoara, and the study was conducted between August 2024 and January 2025 on a sample of 231 persons. Results: The results of our study revealed a clear link between sources of oral health information, the high prevalence of anxiety as a personality trait, anxiety towards the dentist, and referral to dental services. Conclusions: The intensity of dental anxiety is higher before the therapeutic manoeuvre. It has been found, however, that people who are more educated experience lower levels of anxiety in specific situations. Full article

Survival rates for children treated for malignant diseases continue to improve, yet many survivors face persistent late oral complications that affect function, aesthetics, and quality of life. Oncological therapy, especially at a young age and following head and neck radiotherapy or intensive chemotherapy, can disrupt dental and craniofacial development, resulting in dental developmental disorders, enamel defects, salivary gland dysfunction, caries susceptibility, periodontal problems, trismus, and osteoradionecrosis of the jaw. Although these effects are partially known, they are frequently underrecognized in routine practice, and many children do not receive adequate long-term dental follow-up. A key challenge highlighted in the recent literature is the absence of structured, evidence-based guidelines for monitoring and managing late oral effects. The article emphasizes the need for clearer recommendations, better communication of oncological treatment histories, and stronger integration of dental professionals within survivorship care. Developing standardized follow-up protocols will be essential to ensure timely detection, consistent management, and improved oral health outcomes for childhood cancer survivors. This article is intended as a narrative review, synthesizing available evidence from key publications to highlight clinically relevant late oral complications and gaps in current survivorship care. Full article

Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate oral health knowledge, self-perceived oral status, hygiene behaviors, prevalence of dental injuries, and mouthguard use among Croatian basketball players and coaches. Materials and Methods: A total of 414 participants of both sexes, spanning various levels of basketball participation in Croatia, completed an anonymous online questionnaire assessing oral health knowledge, hygiene habits, trauma history, and preventive practices. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: Participants demonstrated generally poor oral health knowledge, with coaches scoring significantly higher than players (p < 0.05), and knowledge levels varying according to education and socioeconomic status (p ≤ 0.001). A majority reported no prior dental trauma (69.6%), and mouthguard use was notably low (20.8%). While regular toothbrushing was prevalent (87%), the use of dental floss was limited (39.9%). The most reported oral health problems included gingival bleeding (37.9%), dental calculus (35.0%), and tooth sensitivity (34.3%). Conclusions: Despite relatively good hygiene habits, Croatian basketball players demonstrated low oral health knowledge and insufficient preventive practices, particularly regarding mouthguard use. These findings indicate the need for targeted education and preventive strategies within the basketball community. Full article

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of positive and negative visual aids used during verbal–active oral hygiene education on oral hygiene-related behaviors in children aged 7 to 14 years. Materials and Methods: In this single-blind design, sixty children were randomly assigned to three groups: G1:Positive visual aid, G2:Negative visual aid, and G3:Verbal–active education. Oral hygiene was evaluated using the Silness–Löe Index (plaque) and Rosenberg Organoleptic Scale (halitosis) at baseline, one week, and one month. Measurements were taken at baseline, at the end of the first week, and at the end of the first month. Data were analyzed using split-plot ANOVA. Results: The test groups did not show any statistically significant differences in terms of age (F = 0.530, p = 0.449) or gender (χ² = 1.600, p = 0.449). Additionally, the groups were similar in terms of clinical variables, including dentition stage (permanent or mixed) (χ² = 5.566, p = 0.062), presence of malocclusion (χ² = 3.801, p = 0.150), and presence of anterior dental caries (χ² = 1.250, p = 0.535). Significant reductions in both plaque and halitosis scores were observed over time in all groups (p < 0.001), and there were no statistically significant differences between the types of intervention (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that both verbal education aided by positive and negative visuals and structured-only verbal education improved children’s oral hygiene and halitosis scores in the short term. Full article

Background: Despite its crucial role in overall health, oral health is frequently overlooked within healthcare systems, partly due to the misconception that oral diseases are neither life-threatening nor directly disabling. This perception has led to an underestimation of the psychological, social, and economic burden associated with oral diseases. Τhe present study aimed to assess oral health status and oral health-related quality of life among dental patients attending a public Special Care Center in Greece. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 dental patients aged 18 years and older who visited a public Special Care Center for a routine check-up or a dental problem between September and October 2024. Data was collected through personal interviews and clinical examinations after informed consent was obtained. Oral health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) questionnaires. Categorical variables were presented as absolute and relative frequencies, while quantitative variables were summarized as mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, and maximum. Normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Bivariate analyses and multivariate linear regression models were performed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS 23.0. Results: The majority of participants were female (56.3%) with a mean age of 50.4 years (SD = 14.9). Overall oral health-related quality of life was moderate (OHIP-14: Mean = 21.0, SD = 14.8; OIDP: Mean = 14.0, SD = 12.8). Patients who attended the center due to a dental problem reported significantly poorer oral health outcomes than those attending routine check-ups (p < 0.001). Poorer self-rated oral health, having ≥12 missing teeth, prosthetic restoration, and foreign nationality were significantly associated with worse oral health-related quality of life. Conclusions: Dental patients attending the Special Care Center demonstrated moderate oral health status, which was associated with psychological distress, physical disability, and social limitations. These findings underline the need for targeted public oral health interventions, especially for vulnerable population groups. Full article

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) compromise the nutrition, growth, and quality of life in young children, and their relationship with breastfeeding practices remains disputed. Aim: To determine if prolonged breastfeeding increases the risk of dental caries in children aged under 71 months. Material and Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, and Evidence-Based Dentistry, was conducted through August 2025, including observational studies, randomized trials, narrative reviews, and meta-analyses on breastfeeding and ECC. Results: Thirty-one studies involving 28,000 children were included. Exclusive breastfeeding for under six months halves ECC probability (OR 0.53–0.58), whereas breastfeeding beyond 12 months and nocturnal feeds increase probability by 60–86% (OR 2.35–7.14). Parental factors—high plaque levels, feeding-to-sleep, and skipped post-feed cleaning—strongly predict ECC (OR 8.51–75.6). Interventions combining feeding counseling with home visits or visual aids reduce ECC incidence by 22–32% (RR 0.68–0.78). Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding through six months is protective against ECC, but prolonged or nocturnal feeding heightens risk. Integrating structured oral health education into breastfeeding promotion is recommended. Full article

Background/Objectives: The extent to which patients with cancer discontinue dental treatment for financial reasons remains unclear. This study compared the prevalence of financially driven dental treatment discontinuation between patients with cancer and without cancer (controls) and identified factors associated with discontinuation among patients with cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey conducted in November 2024 comprised 500 patients who had one of five common cancers in Japan and 500 non-cancer participants allocated to reflect the cancer group age distributions, sex, and household income. Only patients who received cancer treatment within the past 5 years and had a family dental clinic were included. Discontinuation was assessed from self-reported dental treatment cessation for economic reasons. Univariate analyses were employed for group comparisons (p < 0.05). Results: Dental treatment discontinuation for financial reasons occurred in 3.4% (95% CI 2.1–5.4%) of patients with cancer and 5.8% (95% CI 4.1–8.2%) of controls (p = 0.096). Among the patients with cancer, those who discontinued were younger (58.8 vs. 66.1 years, p = 0.010) and frequently reported physical or psychological barriers to dental care and discontinuation being financially driven (all p < 0.001). They also had poor oral health-related quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile-14: 17.4 vs. 7.8, p < 0.001) and greater financial toxicity (Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity: 24.6 vs. 29.3, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Oral health-related quality of life was lower among participants reporting dental treatment discontinuation. Early identification of financial barriers and support may warrant further study. Full article

Background: Dentofacial anomalies, including malocclusion, emerge from the interplay of genetic, clinical, and environmental determinants. Understanding the factors associated with these anomalies is crucial at the primary care level. Our study aimed to determine the possible associated factors with dentofacial anomalies in patients attended at the primary care level. Methods: A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to a primary care population, with the presence of dentofacial anomalies as the dependent variable. Independent variables included age and selected clinical conditions of dental and neurological origin. Results: Age was inversely associated with dentofacial anomalies (OR = 0.991; 95% CI 0.985–0.998; p = 0.013). Significant clinical factors included vertigo (OR = 2.59; 95% CI 1.42–4.71; p = 0.002), hearing loss (OR = 4.34; 95% CI 2.44–7.72; p < 0.001), trigeminal neuralgia (OR = 8.54; 95% CI 3.22–22.67; p < 0.001), Bell’s palsy (OR = 9.19; 95% CI 4.01–21.04; p < 0.001), caries limited to enamel (OR = 17.92; 95% CI 12.99–24.71; p < 0.001), and acute gingivitis (OR = 10.64; 95% CI 5.61–20.20; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both oral and neurological conditions showed strong associations with dentofacial anomalies. The model identified key factors that may facilitate early detection and guide the development of targeted preventive strategies in oral health practice and policy, supporting the integration of multidisciplinary approaches to patient care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Edentulism represents a major public health challenge, causing disorders of social, psychological and biological origin. Full-arch implant-supported restorations represent a viable alternative to mitigate this problem. This study aimed to evaluate immediate implant-supported restorations for the rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla using four implants and distal implant tilting between 15 and 20 years. Methods: A total of 740 patients were included (women: 440; men: 300; average age: 55.3 years) rehabilitated with 740 prostheses, supported by 2960 dental implants. The primary outcome measure was prosthetic/implant cumulative survival and success (CSurR;CSucR). Secondary outcome measures included marginal bone loss (MBL), and the incidence of complications was evaluated as a secondary outcome measure. The outcomes were evaluated at 15 and 20 years. Results: In total, 287 patients (38.8%) with 1148 implants (38.8%) were lost to follow-up. A total of 170 implants (5.7%) in 101 patients (13.6%) failed, resulting in an implant CSurR and CSucR of 90.7% and 84.6%, respectively, after up to 20 years of follow-up. The prosthetic success rate was 98.1%. The average MBL was 1.07 mm ± 1.38 mm and 1.46 mm ± 1.56 mm at 15- and 20-years, respectively. Mechanical complication incidence was 78.5%, occurring in 581 patients (provisional prostheses: n = 448, 60.5%; definitive prostheses: n = 374, 50.5%). Biological complications occurred in 449 implants (15.2%) in 260 patients (35.1%). Biological complications and smoking habits were major risk indicators. Conclusions: Considering the study limitations, it can be concluded that the current rehabilitation concept is a viable treatment option in the long term, with mechanical and biological maintenance being necessary throughout the patients’ lives. Full article