Search Results (491)

Background/Objectives: Oral diseases are highly prevalent in Hungary and driven in part by unhealthy beverage consumption, smoking, and other behaviors. No prior study has examined the impact of beverage consumption patterns on oral health in a representative Hungarian population. This study investigated the association between beverage intake, lifestyle factors, and oral health outcomes among Hungarian adults. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2019 Hungarian European Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative cross-sectional study. Oral health outcomes and key exposures, including beverage consumption, smoking, alcohol use, and sociodemographic variables, were self-reported. Associations were assessed using multiple logistic regression models. Results: Among 5425 adults, higher dairy intake was linked to less gum bleeding (odds ratio = 0.76; 95% confidence intervals [0.59–0.96]) and lower odds of teeth missing (0.63 [0.47–0.86]). Weekly juice intake reduced gum bleeding (0.62 [0.51–0.76]) and missing teeth (0.83 [0.71–0.96]). Daily soda was associated with more gum bleeding (1.94 [1.53–2.47]), caries (1.57 [1.27–1.94]), and poor self-perceived oral health (1.32 [1.10–1.59]). Alcohol (1–4 times/week) increased gum bleeding (1.38 [1.07–1.77]) and tooth mobility (1.47 [1.02–2.11]). Smoking raised odds for caries (1.42 [1.21–1.66]) and missing teeth (1.81 [1.55–2.10]). Conclusions: Increasing dairy and fresh juice intake while reducing sugar-sweetened and acidic beverages, alongside tobacco and alcohol control and routine oral health screening, are effective strategies for improving population oral health across all sociodemographic groups. Full article

The oral–gut microbiota axis is a relatively new field of research. Although most studies have focused separately on the oral and gut microbiota, emerging evidence has highlighted that the two microbiota are interconnected and may influence each other through various mechanisms shaping systemic health. The aim of this review is therefore to provide an overview of the interactions between oral and gut microbiota, and the influence of diet and related metabolites on this axis. Pathogenic oral bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, can migrate to the gut through the enteral route, particularly in individuals with weakened gastrointestinal defenses or conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease, contributing to disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Bile acids, altered by gut microbes, also play a significant role in modulating these microbiota interactions and inflammatory responses. Oral bacteria can also spread via the bloodstream, promoting systemic inflammation and worsening some conditions like cardiovascular disease. Translocation of microorganisms can also take place from the gut to the oral cavity through fecal–oral transmission, especially within poor sanitary conditions. Some metabolites including short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, indole and its derivatives, bile acids, and lipopolysaccharides produced by both oral and gut microbes seem to play central roles in mediating oral–gut interactions. The complex interplay between oral and gut microbiota underscores their crucial role in maintaining systemic health and highlights the potential consequences of dysbiosis at both the oral and gastrointestinal level. Some dietary patterns and nutritional compounds including probiotics and prebiotics seem to exert beneficial effects both on oral and gut microbiota eubiosis. A better understanding of these microbial interactions could therefore pave the way for the prevention and management of systemic conditions, improving overall health outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens HL1, isolated from kefir, exhibits antioxidant and anti-aging activities, defined here as improved cognitive function and reductions in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. However, its poor milk viability limits application. This study developed a novel fermented milk by co-culturing HL1 with Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris APL015 (APL15) to enhance fermentation and health benefits. Methods: HL1 and APL15 were co-cultured to produce fermented milk (FM), and fermentation performance, microbial viability, texture, and syneresis were evaluated. A D-galactose-induced aging BALB/c mouse model was used to assess cognitive function, oxidative stress, inflammation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and gut microbiota after 8 weeks of oral administration. Results: FM reached pH 4.6 within 16 h, with high viable counts (~10⁹ CFU/mL) for both strains. HL1 viability and texture were maintained, with smooth consistency and low syneresis. In vivo, FM improved cognitive behavior (Y-maze, Morris water maze), reduced oxidative damage (MDA), lowered IL-1β and TNF-α, and enhanced brain SOD levels. FM-fed mice exhibited increased short-chain fatty acid producers, higher cecal butyrate, and reduced Clostridium perfringens. Conclusions: The co-cultured fermented milk effectively delivers HL1 and provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects in vivo, likely via gut–brain axis modulation. It shows promise as a functional food for healthy aging. Full article

Introduction: Dental caries and molar–incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) are prevalent conditions affecting children’s oral health, with functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial implications. In Spain, previous studies have highlighted geographic and sociodemographic disparities in their distribution, particularly among rural and migrant populations. Objective: To characterise oral health status, in terms of caries and MIH, among 6–7-year-old children from the towns of Palos de la Frontera, Mazagón, and San Bartolomé. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 229 children recruited from public primary schools. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and behavioural data were collected through clinical examination and interview. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Huelva. Results: The prevalence of caries (DMFT ≥ 1) was 53.3%, with mean DMFT and dft indices of 1.78 and 0.31, respectively. MIH affected 32.8% of the cohort, with a predominance in the first permanent molars (teeth 36 and 26). Multivariate analysis identified independent predictors of caries: African (OR = 7.47; 95% CI: 2.84–23.8) and European (OR = 4.56; 95% CI: 1.26–22.3) parental origin, poor oral hygiene (OR = 3.07; 95% CI: 1.60–6.03), and the presence of MIH (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.64–6.42). The municipality of San Bartolomé was associated with a higher risk of MIH (OR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.21–7.45). Conclusions: The high prevalence of caries and MIH in the Condado-Campiña district, exceeding national averages, reflects oral health inequities linked to social determinants (migrant origin, locality) and clinical factors (MIH, oral hygiene). Targeted preventive interventions are urgently needed in high-risk populations, including culturally tailored education and policies ensuring equitable access to dental care services. Full article

Traditionally studied in isolation, the oral and gut microbiota are now being recognized as interconnected through anatomical and physiological pathways forming a dynamic “oral–gut microbiota axis”. Both oral and gut microbiota undergo changes with aging, characterized by a decline in microbial diversity and a shift toward potentially harmful species. The aim of this review is, therefore, to provide an overview of oral–gut communications in mediating frailty and sarcopenia. PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles. We limited our search to manuscripts published in the English language. Interactions between oral and gut microbiota occur mainly through three pathways namely the enteral, the bloodstream and the fecal-oral routes. Alterations in the oral–gut microbiota axis contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation (i.e., “inflamm-ageing”) and mitochondrial dysfunction, key mechanisms underlying frailty and sarcopenia. Microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and modified bile acids, appear to play an emerging role in influencing microbial homeostasis and muscle metabolism. Furthermore, poor oral health associated with microbial dysbiosis may contribute to altered eating patterns that negatively impact gut microbiota eubiosis, further exacerbating muscle decline and the degree of frailty. Strategies aimed at modulating the microbiota, such as healthy dietary patterns with reduced consumption of ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates and alcohol, ensuring an adequate protein intake combined with physical exercise, as well as supplementation with prebiotics, probiotics, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, are increasingly recognized as promising interventions to improve both oral and gut microbiota health, with beneficial effects on frailty and sarcopenia. A better understanding of the oral–gut microbiota axis offers promising insights into nutritional interventions and therapeutic strategies for the age-related muscle decline, frailty and systemic health maintenance. Full article

Periodontal disease is a common and serious oral disease among older adults. As the global older population increases, preventing periodontal disease is vital for healthy ageing. Poor oral hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, and smoking are key risk factors of periodontal disease. Improving oral hygiene, diabetes management, and quitting smoking are essential health behavioural change interventions to manage periodontal disease. The objective of this study is to review the prevention of periodontal disease among older adults through health behavioural change interventions. Effective strategies to improve oral hygiene include personalised education on proper brushing and interdental cleaning. Educating caregivers is equally important as they supervise care-dependent older adults to maintain oral health. For those with diabetes, physical activity improves glycated haemoglobin levels and clinical periodontal parameters by reducing reactive oxygen species and systemic inflammation. Smoking cessation could be achieved through a multi-faceted approach. Effective smoking cessation combines brief interventions with intensive behavioural/pharmacological support for long-term success, especially in highly dependent individuals. Tailored strategies for older adults, integrated care, and expanded research improve outcomes and health equity in ageing populations. In conclusion, health behavioural change interventions are non-invasive preventive measures that include oral hygiene reinforcement, diabetic management, and smoking cessation. Prioritising these interventions empowers older adults to maintain oral health, reducing disease burden and enhancing overall well-being for healthy ageing. Full article

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

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a significant global health challenge, representing 90% of oral malignancies. Despite therapeutic advances, patient outcomes remain poor, highlighting the need for novel prognostic biomarkers and treatment targets. We investigated the expression patterns of NTRK genes and their corresponding proteins (TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC) in OSCC, analyzing their relationships with clinical outcomes and potential as therapeutic targets. We examined 93 OSCC tissue samples using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression was quantified using the H-score method. We analyzed correlations between Trk expression, clinicopathological parameters, and 2-year survival rates using chi-square tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. TrkA showed near-universal expression (97.8%—91 patients) in OSCC samples, with high expression levels significantly correlating with lower tumor grade (p = 0.014) and improved 2-year survival (p = 0.011). While TrkB and TrkC were expressed in 65.5% and 84.9% of cases, respectively, neither showed significant associations with clinical parameters. NTRK2 and NTRK3 mRNA levels demonstrated a strong positive correlation (R = 0.64, p = 0.002), suggesting coordinated regulation. Our findings establish TrkA as a promising positive prognostic marker in OSCC, warranting investigation as a therapeutic target. The strong correlation between NTRK2 and NTRK3 expression suggests shared regulatory mechanisms in OSCC pathogenesis. Further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods are needed to validate these findings and explore their therapeutic implications. Full article

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a pathogen that has caused various epidemics and sporadic localized cases. It is considered to be a public health problem worldwide. HEV is a small RNA virus with a significant genetic diversity, a broad host range, and a heterogeneous geographical distribution. HEV is mainly transmitted via the faecal–oral route. However, some animals are considered to be natural or potential reservoirs of HEV, thus elucidating the zoonotic route of transmission via the environment through contact with these animals or consumption of their by-products. Other routes of human-to-human transmission are not negligible. The various human–animal–environment entities, taken under one health approach, show the circulation and involvement of the different species (mainly Paslahepevirus balayani and Rocahepevirus ratti) and genotypes in the spreading of HEV infection. Regarding P. balayani, eight genotypes have been described, of which five genotypes (HEV-1 to 4 and HEV-7) are known to infect humans, while six have been reported to infect animals (HEV-3 to HEV-8). Furthermore, the C1 genotype of the rat HEV strain (HEV-C1) is known to be more frequently involved in human infections than the HEV-C2 genotype, which is known to infect mainly ferrets and minks. Contamination can occur during run-off, flooding, and poor sanitation, resulting in all of these genotypes being disseminated in the environment, contaminating both humans and animals. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO 2025 CRD420251071192. This research highlights the importance of investigating the transmission routes and major circulating HEV genotypes in order to adopt a holistic approach for controlling its emergence and preventing future outbreaks. In addition, this article outlines the knowledge of HEV in Africa, underlining the absence of large-scale studies at the environmental, human, and animal levels, which could improve HEV surveillance on the continent. Full article

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder prevalent in women of reproductive age, often requiring complex pharmacological management. The heterogeneity of the syndrome and the use of on- and off-label therapeutic agents—ranging from insulin sensitizers and ovulation inducers to oral contraceptives and herbal supplements—pose significant challenges, including adverse effects, drug interactions, and poor adherence. This narrative review explores the role of pharmacists in identifying and mitigating drug-related problems (DRPs) associated with PCOS therapy. Through thematic synthesis of the current literature, the study highlights common DRPs such as suboptimal drug selection, inappropriate dosing, prolonged therapy duration, and treatment-related safety concerns. It underscores the value of pharmacists’ interventions in enhancing medication adherence, optimizing therapeutic regimens, providing patient education, and monitoring adverse events. A structured, patient-level pharmaceutical care model is proposed, emphasizing personalized assessment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous follow-up. The integration of clinical pharmacists into PCOS care teams has the potential to improve treatment effectiveness, patient satisfaction, and long-term health outcomes. Pharmacists’ contributions are especially critical given the widespread use of off-label therapies and supplements with variable evidence of benefit. Tailored pharmaceutical care can thus bridge the existing gaps in PCOS management and enhance the quality of life for the affected individuals. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the experiences and attitudes of dentists toward treating patients with mental disorders and to investigate how these attitudes correlate with factors such as sex, age, and years of clinical experience. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted from March to July 2021 via an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: demographic information, self-assessment of experiences and attitudes toward treating patients with mental disorders, knowledge of psychotropic drugs and their interactions, and personal experiences with patient care. Results: Overall, 101 dentists, mostly females (78.22%), completed the questionnaire, of which 65.35% consistently checked whether their patients were taking psychotropic drugs and 48.51% inquired about mental disorders when taking medical history. Still, 39.60% reported unpleasant experiences when treating such patients—mostly female dentists—and as many as 14.85% of all dentists refused to treat them. More than 94% of dentists recognized that patients with mental disorders are at greater risk for poor oral health and in need of early referral and professional support. Older dentists demonstrated better knowledge of oral manifestations and drug interactions relevant to dental treatment. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the need for improved training, an interdisciplinary approach, and greater dissemination of new scientific evidence for managing patients with mental disorders in dental practice. Considering that this is a pilot study using a combination of non-probabilistic convenience and snowball sampling method, the findings should be considered preliminary and interpreted with caution, as the sampling method limits the ability to make statistical inferences. Full article

Oral cancer, the most common form of head and neck cancer, is worldwide a serious public health problem. Most patients present a locally advanced disease, and face poor prognosis, even with multimodality treatment. They may also develop second primary tumors in the entirety of their upper aerodigestive tract. The most altered signaling pathways are the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, TP53, RB, and the WNT/β-catenin pathways. Genomic and molecular cytogenetic analyses have revealed frequent losses at 3p, 8p, 9p, and 18q, along with gains at 3q, 7p, 8q, and 11q, and several genes frequently affected have been identified, such as TP53, CCND1, CTTN, CDKN2A, EGFR, HRAS, PI3K, ADAM9, MGAM, SIRPB1, and FAT1, among others. Various epigenetic alterations were also found, such as the global hypomethylation and hypermethylation of CDKN2A, APC, MGMT, PTEN, CDH1, TFP12, SOX17, GATA4, ECAD, MGMT, and DAPK. Several microRNAs are upregulated in oral cancer, including miR-21, miR-24, miR-31, miR-184, miR-211, miR-221, and miR-222, while others are downregulated, such as miR-203, miR-100, miR-200, miR-133a, miR-133b, miR-138, and miR-375. The knowledge of this molecular pathogenesis has not yet been translated into clinical practice, apart from the use of cetuximab, an EGFR antibody. Oral tumors are also genetically heterogenous and affect several pathways, which means that, due to the continuous evolution of these genetic alterations, a single biopsy is not sufficient to fully evaluate the most adequate molecular targets when more drugs become available. Liquid biopsies, either resorting to circulating tumor cells, extracellular vesicles or cell-free nucleic acids, have the potential to bypass this problem, and have potential prognostic and staging value. We critically review the current knowledge on the molecular, genetic and epigenetic alterations in oral cancer, as well as the applications and challenges of liquid biopsies in its diagnosis, follow-up, and prognostic stratification. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral health (OH) in early childhood is a key determinant of long-term well-being, shaped by parenting-related dietary and hygiene habits. While these influences are well-documented, they remain underexplored among Brazilian immigrant families in the United States (U.S.). Therefore, this study was designed to examine how Brazilian immigrant parents’ perceptions and practices regarding diet and oral hygiene affect their preschool-aged children’s OH. Methods: This qualitative study consisted of in-depth interviews with Brazilian immigrant parents of preschool-aged children (ages 2–5) living in the U.S. Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted via Zoom, recorded, and transcribed in Brazilian Portuguese. Two native Brazilian researchers experienced in qualitative methods conducted a thematic analysis of the transcripts in Brazilian Portuguese using MAXQDA, a qualitative data analysis software. The analysis focused on identifying key perceptions, parenting practices, and barriers related to children’s diet and OH. Results: Parents strongly associated sugary foods with poor OH, identifying sugar as a major contributor to dental issues. Both mothers and fathers reported limiting sugar intake and encouraging good oral hygiene practices. While parents prioritized educating their children on healthy habits, barriers such as time constraints, reliance on external childcare, and economic limitations affected the consistent implementation of strategies. Conclusions: Brazilian immigrant parents understand the importance of diet and oral hygiene in in supporting their children’s early OH but face barriers in broader social contexts, such as daycare, preschools, and communities. Interventions should aim to support parents in their caregiving roles while simultaneously addressing systemic and environmental obstacles. Public health efforts should account for cultural, economic, and contextual factors to more effectively support Brazilian immigrant families in promoting their children’s OH. Full article

Beta-thalassemia major is an inherited disorder that requires lifelong blood transfusions, with the risk of complications including poor oral health and dental caries. The objective of this study was to compare the oral microbiome diversity and composition in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients and relate it to oral hygiene and dental caries. A cross-sectional analysis of 35 patients of beta-thalassemia major aged 6–18 years was performed. The status of oral hygiene was examined through the Oral Hygiene Index—Simplified (OHI-S) and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Saliva was taken for DNA extraction, followed by the 16S rRNA sequencing of V3-V4 hypervariable regions. The bioinformatics pipeline in QIIME2 was utilized for analyzing the comparison of microbial composition and diversity in groups of varying oral hygiene status and severity of caries. Metagenomic analysis revealed 3334 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), of which the most prevalent genera were Streptococcus, Haemophilus, Veillonella, Rothia, and Prevotella. High-oral-hygiene groups presented increased levels of cariogenic bacteria, while moderate-oral-hygiene groups presented an equilibrated microbiome. No statistically significant differences in microbial diversity were found between the study groups (p > 0.05). This study sheds light on the critical importance of oral hygiene in microbiome diversity in patients with beta-thalassemia major. Full article

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which accounts for over 90% of all oral malignancies, remains a major global health challenge due to its aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis. Periodontitis, a widespread chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, has increasingly been implicated as a potential risk factor for the development of various cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that microbial dysbiosis within the oral cavity may contribute to the creation of a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment, thereby promoting tumor initiation and progression. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms linking periodontitis to OSCC, particularly through alterations in the oral microbiota, remain insufficiently understood. This article seeks to comprehensively analyze the association between periodontitis and OSCC and to elucidate the potential role of oral microbiota dysbiosis in mediating this relationship. Methods: In this study, a ligature-induced periodontitis model was established in C57BL/6J mice, and after two weeks, an OSCC model was introduced by the subcutaneous injection of SCC-7 cells to investigate the impact of periodontitis on OSCC progression. The effects of periodontitis on OSCC cell proliferation and invasion were assessed using scratch wound healing assays and CCK-8 proliferation assays. 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing was conducted to profile the microbial communities present in the oral cavity and OSCC tissues, with particular emphasis on α-diversity indices (including Pielou’s evenness and Chao1 richness) and taxonomic composition at both the phylum and class levels. Furthermore, qPCR was utilized to assess the expression levels of cytokines in both periodontal and OSCC tissues, thereby elucidating the inflammatory milieu, potentially linking periodontitis to OSCC progression. Results: Our findings demonstrated that periodontitis significantly promoted OSCC growth and enhanced the invasive potential of OSCC cells. Microbial profiling revealed marked alterations in both the oral and OSCC microbiota, characterized by significant shifts in community composition and increased microbial diversity. Notably, these microbial changes exhibited consistent patterns between the oral cavity and the OSCC microenvironment, suggesting a potential mechanistic link between periodontitis-associated dysbiosis and OSCC progression. Consistently, qPCR analysis revealed elevated expression levels of IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-18 in both periodontal and OSCC tissues, providing evidence that the microbial alterations were accompanied by intensified inflammatory responses, which may contribute to OSCC progression. Conclusions: This study underscores the intricate interplay between periodontitis-induced microbial dysbiosis and the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The findings suggest that periodontal inflammation, together with associated shifts in the oral microbiota, acts synergistically to drive OSCC progression. The elevated expression of cytokines further supports the role of a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment in mediating this interaction. These results offer important insights into the microbial and inflammatory mechanisms underlying the connection between periodontitis and OSCC, highlighting the critical role of maintaining periodontal health in the prevention and management of OSCC. Full article