The oral organ: A new vision of the mouth as a whole for a gerophysiological approach to healthy aging.

This article brings a new perspective on oral physiology by presenting the oral organ as an integrated entity within the entire organism and its surrounding environment. Rather than considering the mouth solely as a collection of discrete functions, this novel approach emphasizes its role as a dynamic interphase, supporting interactions between the body and external factors. As a resilient ecosystem, the equilibrium of mouth ecological niches is the result of a large number of interconnected factors including the heterogeneity of different oral structures, diversity of resources, external and internal pressures and biological actors. The manuscript seeks to deepen the understanding of age-related changes within the oral cavity and throughout the organism, aligning with the evolving field of gerophysiology. The strategic position and fundamental function of the mouth make it an invaluable target for early prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and even reversal of aging effects throughout the entire organism. Recognizing the oral cavity capacity for sensory perception, element capture and information processing underscores its vital role in continuous health monitoring. Overall, this integrated understanding of the oral physiology aims at advancing comprehensive approaches to the oral healthcare and promoting broader awareness of its implications on the overall well-being.

Students' perception of protective stabilization of pediatric dental patients: a qualitative study.

Protective stabilization (PS) has been utilized to safely perform examinations, make diagnoses and/or provide limited treatment of short duration to uncooperative children. The literature supports PS as an alternative technique when behavior management strategies are not sufficient to enable oral care. The use of PS in pediatric dentistry can be traumatic for patients, parents and the medical team and has sometimes been described as being non-compliant with standards of care. Semi-structured qualitative interviews on dental students' perception of PS were conducted in the pediatric department of dentistry at the University Hospital of Toulouse, France. A thematic analysis of the transcript of interviews was provided using the NViVo software. This analysis identified four main themes. The students described their first experience with physical restraint in pediatric dentistry and wondered about the definition of PS. The students' perception of PS showed that this procedure has a psychological impact and is disturbing. There is a lack of information on PS in dental curricula and didactic and clinical education which requires attention. Finally, the students took into consideration the role of PS in future practice. Dental students' perception of PS provides justification for the development and improvement of theoretical and clinical education in behavior guidance techniques for pediatric dental patients, in accordance with national and international guidelines.

Gingival Orofacial Granulomatosis Clinical and 2D/3D Microscopy Features after Orthodontic Therapy: A Pediatric Case Report.

Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) represents a heterogeneous group of rare orofacial diseases. When affecting gingiva, it appears as a chronic soft tissue inflammation, sometimes combined with the enlargement and swelling of other intraoral sites, including the lips. Gingival biopsy highlights noncaseating granulomatous inflammation, similar to that observed in Crohn's disease and sarcoidosis. At present, the etiology of OFG remains uncertain, although the involvement of the genetic background and environmental triggers, such as oral conditions or therapies (including orthodontic treatment), has been suggested. The present study reports the results of a detailed clinical and 2D/3D microscopy investigation of a case of gingival orofacial granulomatosis in an 8-year-old male patient after orthodontic therapy. Intraoral examination showed an erythematous hyperplasia of the whole gingiva with a granular appearance occurring a few weeks after the installation of a quad-helix. Peri-oral inspection revealed upper labial swelling and angular cheilitis. General investigations did not report ongoing extra-oral disturbances with the exception of a weakly positive anti-Saccharomyces cerevicae IgG auto-antibody. Two- and three-dimensional microscopic investigations confirmed the presence of gingival orofacial granulomatosis. Daily corticoid mouthwashes over a period of 3 months resulted in a slight improvement in clinical signs, despite an intermittent inflammation recurrence. This study brings new insights into the microscopic features of gingival orofacial granulomatosis, thus providing key elements to oral practitioners to ensure accurate and timely OFG diagnosis. The accurate diagnosis of OFG allows targeted management of symptoms and patient monitoring over time, along with early detection and treatment of extra-oral manifestations, such as Crohn's disease.

The pedagogical value of parallel charts for dental students in clinical education: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Narrative medicine is a novel approach aimed at attending to the socio-emotional aspects of illness and care. Parallel charts represent one of the tools of narrative medicine and are brief accounts of care in which practitioners can express their feelings and emotions towards patients and treatments. They are, therefore, intended to collect practitioners' feedback in the form of "narrative" tools to encourage reflection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-centre observational pilot study comprising the setting up and analysis of parallel charts in two classes of 5th and 6th year students in a Paediatric Dentistry Department in France. Forty-four students completed 126 parallel charts. A qualitative, thematic, analysis was conducted and the charts were also classified according to the three types of description of illness made by Arthur Kleinman. RESULTS: This work showed that dental students mainly compiled parallel charts from a disease-centred perspective. The qualitative analysis identified the various themes addressed by the student: relationship with patients and managing children's anxiety, student stress, relationship with the environment or with lecturers. CONCLUSION: The qualitative analysis highlighted the usefulness of compiling parallel charts by the students to allow them to express both positive and negative feelings, and thus to adopt a self-evaluative approach regarding their practices based on emotional impact. Parallel charts may improve patient-practitioner relationship, but more extensive studies over longer periods of time need to be undertaken.

Oral health status in patients with inherited epidermolysis bullosa: a comparative multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic mucocutaneous disorder characterized by epithelial fragility leading to blister formation on skin and mucous membranes with even minor mechanical trauma. Most EB oral health publications give fragmented information, focusing on only one oral health aspect or one EB type. The aim of this study was to expand the knowledge of the overall oral health status of individuals with dystrophic, junctional, and simplex EB. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A comparative multicenter study, including a control group, and based on questionnaires and clinical examinations, was undertaken in three EB expert centers. RESULTS: Most EB (90.2%) participants brushed their teeth at least once a day despite the pain. The prevalence of enamel defects and caries experience did not differ between the 42 EB participants and the 42 age-/sex-matched healthy controls. Gingival inflammation unrelated to dental plaque accumulation was found in EB participants. Blisters, erythema, and erosion/ulceration mainly involved gingiva, buccal mucosa, lips, and palate, with different topographic patterns according to EB type. EB patients whatever the age showed a similar lesion distribution. Simplex and dystrophic EB patients under 12 years old displayed higher lesion severity than junctional EB ones. Only dystrophic type exhibited microstomia and ankyloglossia. CONCLUSION: Oral health status seemed to benefit from a close collaboration between dental practitioner and dermatologist, and from regular dental examination, starting at a young age and with a focus on prevention. The new appreciation of oral health involvement highlighted by this study is essential for EB patients care, regarding comorbidities and quality of life.

Periodontal Cell Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the loss of tooth-supporting tissues (or periodontium) leading to the formation of periodontal pocket then to tooth loss. Conventional therapies that involve tooth root debridement are still disappointing because they are more centered on periodontal repair than disease pathophysiology causes. The meta-analysis we present here focused on the results of experimental studies that investigated periodontal mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) therapy, a promising strategy to regenerate tissue, given to their immunomodulatory and trophic properties. METHODS: Using PubMed database and ICTRP search portal, 84 animal and 3 randomized human studies were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, our results highlighted that MSCs grafting, regardless of their tissue origin, enhances periodontal regeneration. A defect morphology suitable for an initial clot stabilization increases the procedure efficacy, especially if cells are carried using a vehicle from natural origin. Nevertheless, methodological biases have been highlighted and still limit the translation to human with high prognosis and regulatory considerations. Besides, because only 2 randomized human trials demonstrated the efficacy of the procedure, further studies are needed to investigate periodontal regeneration procedures on experimental models closer to human pathophysiology. CONCLUSION: Although MSCs grafting in periodontal disease demonstrated therapeutic benefits in animal, it is critical to define more accurately protocols translatable to human and focus on the treatment of the pathology as a whole rather than on the restitution of the sole destroyed tissues.

Systemic Periodontal Risk Score Using an Innovative Machine Learning Strategy: An Observational Study.

Early diagnosis is crucial for individuals who are susceptible to tooth-supporting tissue diseases (e.g., periodontitis) that may lead to tooth loss, so as to prevent systemic implications and maintain quality of life. The aim of this study was to propose a personalized explainable machine learning algorithm, solely based on non-invasive predictors that can easily be collected in a clinic, to identify subjects at risk of developing periodontal diseases. To this end, the individual data and periodontal health of 532 subjects was assessed. A machine learning pipeline combining a feature selection step, multilayer perceptron, and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) explainability, was used to build the algorithm. The prediction scores for healthy periodontium and periodontitis gave final F1-scores of 0.74 and 0.68, respectively, while gingival inflammation was harder to predict (F1-score of 0.32). Age, body mass index, smoking habits, systemic pathologies, diet, alcohol, educational level, and hormonal status were found to be the most contributive variables for periodontal health prediction. The algorithm clearly shows different risk profiles before and after 35 years of age and suggests transition ages in the predisposition to developing gingival inflammation or periodontitis. This innovative approach to systemic periodontal disease risk profiles, combining both ML and up-to-date explainability algorithms, paves the way for new periodontal health prediction strategies.

Undiagnosed mandibular degloving following dental trauma.

A 12-year-old girl presented to the Department of Paediatric Dentistry of the Toulouse University Hospital 10 days after a facial injury, complaining of persistent pain and halitosis. Previous examinations only reported trauma of the upper incisors. Further clinical exploration showed an 8 cm laceration of the oral mucosa in the lower labial sulcus, 1.5 cm inferior to the gingival margin and exposing the symphyseal bone. The diagnosis of mental protuberance degloving was established. The treatment consisted of debridement of the wound, removal of the necrotic tissue, multiple plane sutures and antibiotics. Complete healing of the wound with no sensory deficit was achieved. Mental degloving injuries occur when a shearing force is applied to the soft tissues overlying the chin, stripping them from the labial bone. This type of wound is rare and can go undetected if a meticulous oral examination is not performed. Early management is essential so healing is not compromised.

Gingival Biopsy to Detect Mosaicism in Overgrowth Syndromes: Report of Two Cases of Megalencephaly-Capillary Malformation Syndrome with Periodontal Anomalies.

BACKGROUND: Megalencephaly-capillary malformation (MCAP) is a rare overgrowth syndrome caused by postzygotic activating mutations in the PIK3CA gene. AIM: To illustrate the benefits of gingival biopsy in the genetic diagnosis of overgrowth syndromes. DESIGN: Gingival biopsy was performed on a 13-year-old patient and a 16-year-old patient with MCAP and who suffered from periodontal disease. PIK3CA sequencing was performed on DNA extracted from gingival biopsies, blood, and saliva. RESULTS: Pathogenic p.Glu365Lys and p.Glu545Asp PIK3CA mutations were found in the gingival biopsies with an allelic frequency of 22% and 35%, respectively, while they were undetectable in blood or saliva. The genetic diagnosis of MCAP through detection of PIK3CA somatic mosaicism in a periodontal biopsy is unprecedented. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the tissue distribution and level of somatic mosaicism for PIK3CA mutation, the composite embryologic origin of periodontium and its high fibroblast cell content make it an ideal target for molecular analysis in overgrowth syndromes, and multidisciplinary approach including paediatric dentists should be encouraged. In addition, our clinical findings suggest that periodontal disease is part of the MCAP phenotypic spectrum and should be systematically investigated.

The mandibular plane: a stable reference to localize the mandibular foramen, even during growth.

OBJECTIVES: The location of the mandibular foramen is essential for the quality of the inferior alveolar nerve block anaesthesia and has often been studied with contradictory results over the years. The aim of this study was to locate the mandibular foramen, according to the dental age of the subject, through 3D analysis. METHODS: Three-dimensional images were reconstructed from mandibular computed tomography of 260 children, adolescents and adults. The occlusal plane was determined as the average plane passing through the buccal cusps of mandibular molars, premolars, and canines, and through the incisor edge. The mandibular foramen was located three dimensionally in relation to the anterior edge of the ramus (or coronoid notch), the sagittal plane and the occlusal plane. RESULTS: All along mandibular growth, the three distances defining the relative position of the mandibular foramen showed negligible changes. The mandibular foramen is located from - 0.4 to 2.9 mm above the occlusal plane. The distance between the mandibular foramen and the leading edge of the mandibular ramus ranged from 17 to 19.5 mm. The angle between the ramus and the sagittal plane ranged from 3° to 5.4°. CONCLUSION: In our sample, and using the occlusal plane and the anterior edge of the ramus as anatomical references, the location of the mandibular foramen was considered to be similar in all patients regardless of age.

Misdiagnosed Tooth Aspiration in a Young Handicapped Boy: Case Report and Recommendations.

Tooth inhalation remains a rare incident but it may occur during dental care, especially in children. We report here the case of a four-year-old boy with Down syndrome who came to the hospital after a dental trauma. During the extraction procedure, he aspired his maxillary incisor without presenting any signs of respiratory distress and was discharged by the surgical team, who thought that he had swallowed the tooth. Three weeks later, he was admitted to the emergency service because of a pulmonary infection. Two endoscopy interventions under general anesthesia were necessary to recover the foreign body inside the left lung. Because of the multiple symptoms associated with the trisomy 21 syndrome (general hypotonia, impaired immunity, etc.), practitioners should be very mindful of aspiration risks and complications during dental care. The systematic prescription of lung radiography would prevent the onset of pulmonary infections and enable an earlier intervention.

Comparison of student's perceptions between 3D printed models versus series models in paediatric dentistry hands-on session.

INTRODUCTION: Dental education emphasises the acquisition of technical skills. Recent advances in 3D printing technologies have enabled the emergence of new educational tools usable in hands-on work sessions. The possibility to print 3D models from CT scans of patients is now available to dental practitioners. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a 3D printed model for paediatric dentistry training and compare it to the reference model used in our faculty. MATERIALS AND METHOD: 3D models were obtained by modifying and printing the CT scan of a young patient using the Voco® Solflex 350 3D® printer and Voco® V-print resin. Thirty-four students were asked to perform a pulpotomy and preparation for a stainless steel paediatric crown on tooth 85 on both the 3D printed model and the industrial model (Frasaco®), and then to answer a questionnaire. The data were analysed using R software. RESULT: Both models obtained high scores. The learning potential and its applicability to clinical practice showed no statistically significant difference. Although the colour and the simulation of the proximal area disturbed the students (P = 0.009), the 3D models were seen as a good idea (P = 0.012). When it came to model design, the students appreciated the simulation of caries on 3D models (P = 0.0001) and considered the use 3D of models as a more realistic experience (P = 0.017). DISCUSSION: Although this study has some limitations (number of participants, choice of the models to be compared), it constitutes the first attempt to compare students' perception of 3D and series models. It shows that 3D technology makes it possible to obtain models of similar quality while offering a more realistic experience. CONCLUSION: There are still many ways in which these models could be improved. For example, modifying the quality of resins could improve the milling sensation, and the design could be improved to achieve better contact points. Nevertheless, these 3D models offer the possibility to give the patient a more central place in the education of future practitioners.

Chair-Side Direct Microscopy Procedure for Diagnosis of Oral Candidiasis in an Adolescent.

Oral candidiasis is caused by fungi of the genus Candida and one of the most common opportunistic fungal infections of the human oral cavity. Given the clinical variability of this disease, microbiological techniques are often required for clinical confirmation, as well as establishing a differential diagnosis with other diseases. The aim of this brief technical report is to illustrate a simple chair-side method, which can provide immediate microscopic diagnosis of this disease. We present the case of a 14-year-old boy suffering from a denture-related erythematous stomatitis, diagnosed and followed-up with a simplified direct microscopy technique. It enables an accurate diagnosis with a noninvasive and painless sampling method, linked to laboratory results.

Trichomonas tenax and periodontal diseases: a concise review.

Periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis), result from a disruption of the host-oral microbiome homoeostasis. Whereas the pathological role of some specific bacterial strains during periodontal diseases is well documented, the impact of parasites in periodontium pathophysiology is still under debate. This review aims to collect data about the prevalence and the potential role of Trichomonas tenax during periodontal diseases. Data from 47 studies revealed that T. tenax prevalence in diseased periodontium ranged from 0 to 94·1%. The prevalence of oral protozoan infections was found to be largely greater in patients with periodontal diseases than with healthy periodontium. The parasite detection was mainly performed by direct microscopy. Trichomonas tenax presence was clearly correlated with periodontal disease. The high heterogeneity of its periodontal prevalence may be correlated with the diversity of the population screened (age, sex, systemic diseases), and the methods used for diagnosis. This protozoan seems to have the capacity to be involved in the inflammatory process of gum disease. Animal experimentation, using relevant physiopathological models of periodontitis, needs to be performed to investigate the ability of T. tenax to cause and/or worsen the disease. Further investigations using standardized experimental designs of epidemiologic studies are also needed.

Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Objective Efficacy and Impact of a Chairside Fabricated Mandibular Advancement Device.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been described as a common sleep respiratory disorder. Its prevalence in the adult population has been reported to be high, varying from 3% to 28%. Dental practitioners play a key role in the treatment of this disease, using tailor-made mandibular advancement devices (MADs). This pilot study assessed the efficacy and compliance of a custom-fitted thermoplastic MAD for the treatment of moderate to severe OSA syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this open study without a control group, OSA syndrome sufferers were enrolled by four centers. One specific MAD was custom fitted to the patients. Polysomnography, Epworth, and snoring scales were administered from inclusion to 45 days postinclusion. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 33 men and 8 women; 35 patients completed the study. Patient response was high with 69% of them considered as responders, and 60% showing a complete response. Also, 77.3% of patients with moderate OSA syndrome presented a complete response. An improvement was observed in the apnea hypopnea index, which decreased from 34.1 ± 18.9 to 12.8 ± 14.1. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, snoring, and quality of sleep scores decreased with the device (p < 0.0001). Compliance rates were high, with patients wearing the device 6.5 nights a week. Side effects and patient complaints were minor and transient. CONCLUSION: This custom-fitted MAD improved respiratory and somnolence parameters, with response rates similar to those published in the literature with other devices.

Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases in Children: A Literature Review and Adjustment of Treatment.

Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, sometimes observed in young children, may lead to necrotizing stomatitis and noma. Therefore, its interception is a necessity and a challenge for the paediatric practitioners. First, this article aims to propose a systematic review of recent literature on the use of local antiseptic and antibiotic prescription in this particular periodontal condition. Then, a protocol is proposed to have a simple, costless and reproducible treatment on children.