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Oral Pathologies and Their Impact on Public Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 29847

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I would like to invite you to submit a contribution to a Special Issue on "Oral Pathologies and their Impact on Public Health" in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

This Special Issue welcomes manuscripts that can contribute the knowledge necessary to better understand the pathology, etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and management of oral pathologies. The listed keywords suggest just a few of the many possibilities.

Preventive strategies in public health should be implemented to reduce oral problems, due to the negative consequences for individuals and communities in terms of pain and suffering, functional impairments, and reduced quality of life. Psychosocial factors, such as improved awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward dental health care in both children and adult patients, healthy or with special needs, are included in general health status improvements.

The published findings should lead to improving the prevention and management of medical disorders affecting the oral and maxillofacial areas.

Adopting multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary perspectives, expected submissions have to include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  1. Diagnosis and treatment of benign or malignant lesions of the oral mucosa;
  2. Management of special needs patients in private or public oral healthcare organizations;
  3. Education to oral pathology;
  4. New technologies in dentistry and oral pathology;
  5. Oral prevention project for improving awareness and knowledge of oral health.
  6. Oral diseases in patients with systemic problems;
  7. Management of oral and maxillofacial pain;
  8. Oral carcinoma and public health.

All original articles, case reports, case series, and review articles will be accepted. We hope you will contribute your high-quality research, and we look forward to hearing from you. 

Prof. Iole Vozza
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 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. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2500 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

  • Oral prevention
  • Oral pathology
  • Public health
  • Oral health
  • Healthcare management
  • Oral education
  • Oral carcinoma
  • Special needs patients

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 317 KiB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of Esthetic and Structural Aspects in Class II Functional Therapy. A Case–Control Retrospective Study
by Gabriella Galluccio, Rosanna Guarnieri, Diana Jamshir, Alessandra Impellizzeri, Gaetano Ierardo and Ersilia Barbato
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6978; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18136978 - 29 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1695
Abstract
Background: To compare the skeletal, dental, and esthetic changes produced by three functional devices, Fränkel-2 appliance (FR-2), Twin Block (TB), and Occlus-o-Guide® (O-o-G®), for the treatment of Class II malocclusion. Methods: Sixty-five patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion [...] Read more.
Background: To compare the skeletal, dental, and esthetic changes produced by three functional devices, Fränkel-2 appliance (FR-2), Twin Block (TB), and Occlus-o-Guide® (O-o-G®), for the treatment of Class II malocclusion. Methods: Sixty-five patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion were divided into three groups and were analyzed through cephalometric analysis of skeletal, dental, and esthetic variables before and after treatment. The first group of 23 patients (F: 9; M: 14; mean age: 10.3 ± 1.08 years) was treated with FR-2, the second group of 18 patients (F: 8; M: 10; mean age 10.7 ± 1.05 years) was treated with TB, the third group (F: 11; M: 13; mean age: 9.05 ± 0.39 years) of 24 patients was treated with O-o-G®. The structural effects of the three devices were compared with a control group generated by the growth variations reported in the cephalometric atlas of Bhatia and Leighton. Esthetic analysis was performed comparing the results of the patients treated with a control group of 20 subjects with mandibular retrognathia and Class II Division 1 malocclusion, not subjected to therapy. Results: The three devices resulted in a significant increase in mandibular length, with higher results obtained for FR-2 and TB. A statistically significant increase in the IMPA angle was found for the O-o-G® group, and a notable reduction of both overjet and overbite was detected in all three groups of treated patients. The esthetic evaluation showed overall more significant results in the TB group, especially with regard to the reduction of facial convexity. The retrusion of the upper lip was on average more significant in the O-o-G® group, followed by that in the TB. Conclusions: All three devices have proven to be effective overall in resolving skeletal changes and improving facial esthetics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathologies and Their Impact on Public Health)
14 pages, 329 KiB  
Article
Dietary Fluoride Intake by Children: When to Use a Fluoride Toothpaste?
by Adriano Casaglia, Maria Antonietta Cassini, Roberta Condò, Flavia Iaculli and Loredana Cerroni
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5791; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18115791 - 28 May 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2798
Abstract
Fluoride is recommended for its cariostatic effect, but excessive fluoride intake may have health risks. Increased prevalence of dental fluorosis in areas with low fluoride content in drinking water has been attributed to the inappropriate excessive intake of fluoride supplements (tablets and drops) [...] Read more.
Fluoride is recommended for its cariostatic effect, but excessive fluoride intake may have health risks. Increased prevalence of dental fluorosis in areas with low fluoride content in drinking water has been attributed to the inappropriate excessive intake of fluoride supplements (tablets and drops) and toothpaste ingestion. The aim of the present study was to estimate the fluoride intake and the risk of fluorosis in children (6 months–6 years) in the Castelli Romani area (province of Rome, Italy), which is volcanic, therefore with a higher concentration of fluorine. Measurements of the fluoride content in drinking water, mineral waters, vegetables and commercial toothpaste for children were performed. The fluoride concentrations of all samples were determined using a Fluoride Ion Selective Electrode (GLP 22, Crison, Esp). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Differences between samples were determined by Student’s t-test. The fluoride content in tap water samples collected from public sources averaged from 0.35 to 1.11 ppm. The Pavona area showed the highest content of fluoride with respect to the others (p ≤ 0.05). The fluoride content in mineral water samples averaged from 0.07 to 1.50 ppm. The fluoride content of some vegetables showed increased mean values when compared to control vegetables (p ≤ 0.05). Within the limitations of the present study, considerations should be made when prescribing fluoride toothpaste for infants (6 months–4 years) in the areas with high fluoride content, because involuntary ingestion is consistent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathologies and Their Impact on Public Health)
12 pages, 1575 KiB  
Article
Bite Force in Elderly with Full Natural Dentition and Different Rehabilitation Prosthesis
by Licia Manzon, Iole Vozza and Ottavia Poli
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1424; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18041424 - 03 Feb 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2637
Abstract
(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate maximum bite force (MBF) in elderly patients with natural full dentition (FD), patients rehabilitated with Traditional Complete Dentures (CD), with overdentures (IRO) and edentulous patients (ED). We also tested whether MBF changes are associated with gender, [...] Read more.
(1) Background: This study aimed to investigate maximum bite force (MBF) in elderly patients with natural full dentition (FD), patients rehabilitated with Traditional Complete Dentures (CD), with overdentures (IRO) and edentulous patients (ED). We also tested whether MBF changes are associated with gender, age of the patients and body mass index (BMI) as result of altered food; (2) Methods: Three hundred and sixty-eight geriatric patients were included. We studied two types of prostheses: (a) IRO with telescopic attachments. (b) CD (heat polymerized polymethyl methacrylate resin). The MBF was measured using a digital dynamometer with a bite fork; (3) Results: We found that MBF is higher in males than females, regardless of teeth presence or absence (p < 0.01). In patients with CD or IRO, there are no differences between males and females; prostheses improve MBF compared to edentulous patients (p < 0.0001) and this effect is greater with IRO prostheses (p < 0.0001); the chewing force of FD subjects remains greater (p < 0.0001); there are no differences among chewing strength based on different BMI categories, although FD subjects have a reduced incidence of obesity; there is a significant negative correlation between MBF and age (p = 0.038; R = 0.145), and no correlation between MBF and BMI; (4) Conclusions: This study showed that MBF improves more in patients using IRO prostheses, although not reaching the MBF of FD subjects. MBF does not correlate with BMI, although we found increased percentages of obesity in edentulous subjects or those with prostheses. Thus, old people wearing prostheses require special attention by a nutritionist to avoid risk of malnutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathologies and Their Impact on Public Health)
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15 pages, 879 KiB  
Article
Knowledge of Emergency Management of Avulsed Teeth among Italian Dentists-Questionnaire Study and Next Future Perspectives
by Marta Mazur, Maciej Jedliński, Joanna Janiszewska-Olszowska, Artnora Ndokaj, Roman Ardan, Gianna Maria Nardi, Roberto Marasca, Livia Ottolenghi, Antonella Polimeni and Iole Vozza
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 706; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18020706 - 15 Jan 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2419
Abstract
(1) Background: In Italy, about one fourth of all schoolchildren experience a trauma to the permanent dentition. Management of avulsion trauma is challenging and requires adherence to clinical protocols. The aim of this study was to investigate the management knowledge of avulsed teeth [...] Read more.
(1) Background: In Italy, about one fourth of all schoolchildren experience a trauma to the permanent dentition. Management of avulsion trauma is challenging and requires adherence to clinical protocols. The aim of this study was to investigate the management knowledge of avulsed teeth among Italian dentists and to promote the guidelines’ dissemination through the use of new social media. (2) Methods: The survey was carried out during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy (March–May 2020). The questionnaire was sent anonymously to a total of 600 dentists. The questionnaire consisted of two parts. Part A—demographic and professional data and Part B—management of traumatic avulsion. (3) Results: The response rate was 50.6% and the mean fraction of correct responses was 0.524. Issues related to the therapeutic management of avulsed teeth were shown to be not well understood by the respondents. Professionals with qualifications in dentistry and those who declared to know the guidelines responded better, while other demographic and professional factors were insignificant. (4) Conclusions: Italian dentists’ knowledge of the management of avulsion trauma should be improved. Educational programs and campaigns must be undertaken to improve their awareness and adherence to the Italian and international guidelines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathologies and Their Impact on Public Health)
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12 pages, 684 KiB  
Article
Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Association between Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Disease Using the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Data
by Soo Hwan Byun, Sunki Lee, Sung Hun Kang, Hyo Geun Choi and Seok Jin Hong
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(14), 5237; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17145237 - 20 Jul 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3677
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) by reviewing and discussing the role of the oral microbiome in periodontitis and CVD. This prospective cohort study used epidemiological data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study from [...] Read more.
This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) by reviewing and discussing the role of the oral microbiome in periodontitis and CVD. This prospective cohort study used epidemiological data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study from 2004 to 2016. We selected 9973 patients with periodontitis and 125,304 controls (non-periodontitis) from 173,209 participants and analyzed their medical histories to determine the relationship between cerebral stroke/ischemic heart disease and periodontitis. The participants were questioned about any previous history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, cerebral stroke (hemorrhagic or ischemic), ischemic heart disease (angina or myocardial infarction), and periodontitis. Their body mass index, smoking habit, alcohol intake, nutritional intake, and income were recorded. The Chi-square test, independent t-test, and two-tailed analyses were used for statistical analysis. The adjusted OR (aOR) of periodontitis for stroke was 1.35 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16–1.57, p < 0.001). The aOR of periodontitis for ischemic heart disease was 1.34 (95% CI = 1.22–1.48, p < 0.001). We concluded that periodontitis was associated with CVD and may be a risk factor for CVD. However, further studies are required to determine the association between periodontal treatment and CVD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathologies and Their Impact on Public Health)
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9 pages, 316 KiB  
Article
Multiple Sclerosis: Impact on Oral Hygiene, Dysphagia, and Quality of Life
by Francesco Covello, Giovanni Ruoppolo, Camilla Carissimo, Giulia Zumbo, Carla Ferrara, Antonella Polimeni and Iole Vozza
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 3979; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17113979 - 04 Jun 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3941
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts by damaging the central nervous system, specifically myelin and oligodendrocytes. It is the most debilitating neurological disease among young adults, causing personal, familiar, social, and professional limitations. Multiple sclerosis can [...] Read more.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts by damaging the central nervous system, specifically myelin and oligodendrocytes. It is the most debilitating neurological disease among young adults, causing personal, familiar, social, and professional limitations. Multiple sclerosis can cause disturbances in the orofacial district, due to a demyelination process on the nerves of the head and neck district. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral health status, dysphagia, and quality of life of patients affected by MS. For this study, 101 patients aged between 12 and 70 (47 males, 54 females) affected by MS were selected, and three questionnaires were handed out and anonymously filled in by them: An oral hygiene test, DYMUS (DYsphagia in MUltiple Sclerosis), and IOHIP-14 (Italian version Oral Health Impact Profile). Through the analysis of the questionnaires it was possible to observe pathological conditions, such as gingival inflammation, xerostomia, dysphagia, neuralgia, and dysarthria. Through the analysis it was possible to outline how the roles of a medical team, composed of a dentist, otolaryngologist, and dental hygienist, are fundamental in coping with other medical figures, during the whole development of the diseases, as well as to prevent possible complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathologies and Their Impact on Public Health)

Review

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15 pages, 1827 KiB  
Review
Surface Treatment of the Dental Implant with Hyaluronic Acid: An Overview of Recent Data
by Gabriele Cervino, Agron Meto, Luca Fiorillo, Alessandra Odorici, Aida Meto, Cesare D’Amico, Giacomo Oteri and Marco Cicciù
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4670; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18094670 - 27 Apr 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3767
Abstract
Recently, interest has grown by focusing on the evaluation of a molecule already produced in the human body such as hyaluronic acid (HA), as an application to the surface of the titanium implant. Its osteo-conductive characteristics and positive interaction with the progenitor cells [...] Read more.
Recently, interest has grown by focusing on the evaluation of a molecule already produced in the human body such as hyaluronic acid (HA), as an application to the surface of the titanium implant. Its osteo-conductive characteristics and positive interaction with the progenitor cells responsible for bone formation, consequently, make it responsible for secondary stability. The aim of this work was to analyze the various surface treatments in titanium implants, demonstrating that the topography and surface chemistry of biomaterials can correlate with the host response; also focusing on the addition of HA to the implant surface and assessing the biological implications during early stages of recovery. Used as a coating, HA acts on the migration, adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of cell precursors on titanium implants by improving the connection between implant and bone. Furthermore, the improvement of the bioactivity of the implant surfaces through HA could therefore facilitate the positioning of the dental prosthesis precisely in the early loading phase, thus satisfying the patients’ requests. It is important to note that all the findings should be supported by further experimental studies in animals as well as humans to evaluate and confirm the use of HA in any field of dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathologies and Their Impact on Public Health)
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Other

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13 pages, 803 KiB  
Study Protocol
The Efficacy of Lingual Laser Frenectomy in Pediatric OSAS: A Randomized Double-Blinded and Controlled Clinical Study
by Miriam Fioravanti, Francesca Zara, Iole Vozza, Antonella Polimeni and Gian Luca Sfasciotti
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 6112; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18116112 - 06 Jun 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5971
Abstract
This randomized, double-blind and controlled clinical trial investigates how a diode laser lingual frenectomy can improve obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in pediatric patients. Background: Several authors have shown that a short lingual frenulum causes a reduction in incoming air flow and the [...] Read more.
This randomized, double-blind and controlled clinical trial investigates how a diode laser lingual frenectomy can improve obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in pediatric patients. Background: Several authors have shown that a short lingual frenulum causes a reduction in incoming air flow and the relationship between OSAS and a short lingual frenulum. Methods: Thirty-two pediatric patients were equally randomly divided into a Study Group (SG) and a Control Group (CG). On each SG patient a polysomnography 1 (PSG1) and a lingual frenectomy were performed using a diode laser via Doctor Smile Wiser technology, power 7 W. After three months, a new polysomnography (PSG2) was performed to evaluate the lingual frenectomy efficacy in pediatric patients. The pain was assessed by a numerical rating scale (NRS) before and after surgery. The CG followed the same protocol without a lingual frenectomy but myofunctional and speech therapy were conducted to qualitatively and quantitatively improve the lingual functionality. In the SG, eight subjects (50%) had severe OSAS and eight had moderate (50%) while in the CG, three subjects had severe OSAS (18.8%) and thirteen had moderate (81.2%). Results: In the SG, 93.8% were classified as mild OSAS and 6.2% as moderate. In contrast, in the CG, 18.75% were classified as mild OSAS, 62.5% as moderate and 18.75% as severe. Conclusion: The study demonstrates how a lingual laser frenectomy can improve OSAS in pediatric patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathologies and Their Impact on Public Health)
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12 pages, 313 KiB  
Concept Paper
A New Medical Record Proposal to the Prognostic Risk Assessment for MRONJ in Oncologic Patients: “Sapienza Head and Neck Unit” Proposal
by Edoardo Brauner, Silvia Mezi, Alessandro Ciolfi, Chiara Ciolfi, Resi Pucci, Andrea Cassoni, Andrea Battisti, Gabriele Piesco, Francesca De Felice, Nicola Pranno, Matteo Armida, Francesca De Angelis, Umberto Romeo, Mauro Capocci, Gianluca Tenore, Vincenzo Tombolini, Valentino Valentini, Livia Ottolenghi, Antonella Polimeni and Stefano Di Carlo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1851; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18041851 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1739
Abstract
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is an adverse event associated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs. The use of these drugs in the treatment of cancer patients with bone metastasis is necessary and standardized in the literature. A multidisciplinary approach for the patient’s [...] Read more.
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is an adverse event associated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs. The use of these drugs in the treatment of cancer patients with bone metastasis is necessary and standardized in the literature. A multidisciplinary approach for the patient’s management is strongly recommended. Therefore, it should be necessary to integrate the path of these subjects with a dedicated dental screening in order to first assess the individual risk of developing a MRONJ, and then to plan dental treatments and oral hygiene sessions, and finally to schedule a follow-up to intercept and treat early osteonecrosis. The aim of this manuscript is to propose a new simple medical report to evaluate patients affected by metastatic bone cancer in order to reduce the risk of developing MRONJ. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Pathologies and Their Impact on Public Health)
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