Comparative evaluation of cognitive behavioural therapy versus standard treatment in temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has emerged as a potential intervention for TMDs, but its comparative effectiveness against standard treatments remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of CBT versus standard treatment interventions in managing TMDs. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases using MeSH keywords and Boolean operators. Inclusion criteria encompassed clinical trials comparing CBT/CBT in combination with standard treatment interventions or a control group in individuals with TMDs. The primary outcome measured was pain. Secondary outcomes such as disability, depression and jaw function were also looked into. Two reviewers independently assessed for the eligibility of the articles and conducted data extraction. Quality assessments were performed using RoB 2.0 for randomised clinical trials. RESULTS: The initial search identified 623 articles, of which a total of eight clinical studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Seven out of eight studies demonstrated improvements in outcomes related to TMD. Pain was significantly decreased in studies that showed a positive outcome. Jaw function, quality of life and psychological well-being were superior among individuals receiving CBT alone or in combination with conventional modalities, as well as hypnotic therapy coupled with CBT-based interventions. The quality of studies assessed showed all articles to be of good quality as per RoB-2 evaluation. CONCLUSION: This systematic review highlights the potential benefits of CBT in managing TMDs, suggesting its effectiveness in improving pain outcomes and enhancing overall well-being. The findings indicate that CBT may be a valuable adjunct or alternative to standard treatment interventions for individuals with TMDs. However, further research with larger sample sizes and standardised outcome measures is warranted to establish definitive conclusions regarding the comparative efficacy of CBT versus standard treatments in TMD management.

Applications of artificial intelligence in the field of oral and maxillofacial pathology: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Since AI algorithms can analyze patient data, medical records, and imaging results to suggest treatment plans and predict outcomes, they have the potential to support pathologists and clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial pathologies, just like every other area of life in which it is being used. The goal of the current study was to examine all of the trends being investigated in the area of oral and maxillofacial pathology where AI has been possibly involved in helping practitioners. METHODS: We started by defining the important terms in our investigation's subject matter. Following that, relevant databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using keywords and synonyms for each concept, such as "machine learning," "diagnosis," "treatment planning," "image analysis," "predictive modelling," and "patient monitoring." For more papers and sources, Google Scholar was also used. RESULTS: The majority of the 9 studies that were chosen were on how AI can be utilized to diagnose malignant tumors of the oral cavity. AI was especially helpful in creating prediction models that aided pathologists and clinicians in foreseeing the development of oral and maxillofacial pathology in specific patients. Additionally, predictive models accurately identified patients who have a high risk of developing oral cancer as well as the likelihood of the disease returning after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In the field of oral and maxillofacial pathology, AI has the potential to enhance diagnostic precision, personalize care, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. The development and application of AI in healthcare, however, necessitates careful consideration of ethical, legal, and regulatory challenges. Additionally, because AI is still a relatively new technology, caution must be taken when applying it to this industry.

Gene sequencing applications to combat oral-cavity related disorders: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Gene sequencing (GS) has numerous applications in combatting oral-cavity related disorders, including identifying genetic risk factors for diseases, developing targeted therapies, and improving diagnostic methods. It can help identify specific genetic mutations or variations that increase the risk of developing oral-cavity related disorders, such as oral cancer, periodontal disease, and cleft lip and palate. By the means of the following investigation, our primary objective was to assess the impact of GS technique in diagnosing and potentially treating diseases of the oral cavity by the means of a systematic review and meta-analysis. We commenced by defining the terms "gene sequencing," "oral cavity," and "disorders" as the important elements in our investigation's subject. Next, relevant databases like PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords and synonyms for each concept, such as "genomic sequencing," "DNA sequencing," "oral health," "oral diseases," "dental caries," "periodontal disease," "oral cancer," and "salivary gland disorders." We combined several search terms, such as "gene sequencing AND oral disorders AND periodontal disease" or "oral cancer OR genomic sequencing," to further hone your search results using Boolean operators like "AND" and "OR." The oral cavity analysis obtained by CS in the selected articles revealed that most of the disorders were, in fact, a direct causal event influenced by the oral microbiome. Moreover, each sampled oral cavity evidenced a different microbial community, which predicted the precipitation of benign as well as malignant conditions, though not on a definitive basis. In the last ten years, genomic sequencing had advanced remarkably as majority of our selected studies observed, making it possible to diagnose and treat a variety of oral and maxillofacial disorders, including cancer. It was also used to ascertain a person's genetic make-up as well as to spot numerous genetic abnormalities that can predispose individuals to diseases. Understanding the different sequencing techniques and the resulting genetic anomalies may help with their clinical application and lead to an improvement in illness diagnosis and prognosis as a whole in the field of dentistry.

Data analysis for differentiating temporo mandibular disorders (TMD) pain from tooth pain.

The factors differentiating temporomandibular disorders (TMD) pain from tooth pain is of interest to dentists. Prior to receiving therapy, participants answered the six-question TMD Pain Screener questionnaire. Applying validated Diagnostic Guidelines for TMD (DC/TMD), an orofacial pain specialist and endodontic resident with board certification performed endodontic and TMD examinations. In our study, sensitivity was higher for TMD screener regarding identification of all types of TMDs (0.94 (0.80-0.97), TMD pain not referring to teeth (0.94 (0.76-0.98), TMD pain referring to teeth only (0.94 (0.64-1.00)). TMD Pain Screener questionnaire can be applied in identification of TMDS in patient seeking endodontic therapy.

Association Between Oral Microbiota and Oral Leukoplakia: A Systematic Review.

Literature evidence suggests a significant gap in research exploring the association between the oral microbiota and leukoplakia. So, this review aimed to thoroughly assess the body of research and look at the connection between leukoplakia and the oral microbiome. Databases such as Pubmed/MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Embase (Excerpta Medica Database), Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL (Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and Cochrane Library were searched using MeSH keywords using a standard data extraction protocol that was designed to ensure comprehensive extraction of relevant information from the selected studies, adhering to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Seven studies were selected that were relevant to this review's objectives. The findings indicate that patients with leukoplakia had a diverse oral microbiota compared to healthy controls. The connection between the oral microbiomes of leukoplakia patients and oral cancer cases was also found, indicating possible microbial profile similarities. By shedding light on particular microbial species and variations in the oral microbial flora of leukoplakia, the studies that were included in this review reveal possible biomarkers and provide a deeper knowledge of the disease mechanism. The considerable overlap between oral microbiomes in leukoplakia cases highlights the need for more research into common microbial indicators and the implications for diagnosis and prognosis.

Analysis of salivary alpha-L-fucosidase and salic acid among oral sub-mucous fibrosis patients.

The salivary concentrations of alpha L fucosidase (AFU) and salic acid (SA) in oral submucous fibrosis patients and compare it with healthy controls is of interest to dentists. 40 patients of OSMF and 40 healthy controls were included. Estimation of AFU and SA in saliva and serum was carried out in every patient. The serum level of AFU was 37.4±26.8 in OSMF patients and saliva level of AFU was 35.4±14.5. The serum level of AFU was 19.2±4.3 in control group and saliva level of AFU was 35.4±14.5 in control group. The serum level of SA was 20.32±2.71 in OSMF patients and saliva level of SA was 18.21±2.40. The serum level of SA was 4.89 ±1.17 in control group and saliva level of SA was 3.13 ±1.04 in control group. Estimation of concentration of SA and AFU in saliva can be effective biomarker in diagnosis of OSMF.

Palatal Rugoscopy: A Tool for Ethnicity and Gender Identification Among Saudi and Kuwaiti Populations.

Background The establishment of human identity has always been a concern after mass disasters, and the role of odontology in forensics has greatly evolved. Nowadays, palatal rugoscopy is a widely used method in the recognition of human identity due to its uniqueness in the course, direction, length, form, position, and enduring nature against disintegration. Its easy applicability, cost-effectiveness, and prompt results can be applied to festering, scorched bodies and in the absence of missing upper limbs and fingers. This study was undertaken to evaluate palatal rugoscopy as a tool to recognize human identity and gender between two different ethnic populations. Methodology A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to recognize ethnicity and gender among the Saudi and Kuwaiti populations. A total of 364 participants were selected from the outpatient department between September 2022 and December 2022. All 364 participants were distributed into two groups after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. After obtaining informed consent from all study participants, study models were prepared for final interpretation. The outlining of rugae was done with the help of a sharp graphite pencil, and the assessment of various parameters, including total number, length, direction, unification, and shape of rugae, was done. A comparison was made between the two populations. SPSS version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was employed to assess variations in the mean values of both the total number and the distribution of rugae on the right and left sides across different ethnic groups and genders. Results In this study, a total of 364 participants were included. Of the total participants, 184 were Saudis and 180 were Kuwaitis, with 188 males and 176 females. A comparative evaluation of rugae among ethnic groups showed that Saudi participants had a mean number of 8.92 ± 0.660 palatal rugae, whereas in Kuwaiti participants it was 8.68 ± 0.649 (p = 0.001). When rugae length was assessed between genders among Saudi participants, it was found that the majority of participants had primary rugae with a length of more than 5 mm, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). The majority of Saudi males had forwardly positioned rugae, while the majority of Saudi females had more backwardly placed rugae. When rugae length was assessed in males and females among Kuwaiti participants, it was found that males had more primary rugae than females. This study found that the majority of Kuwaiti males had a wavy shape of rugae, while the majority of Kuwaiti females had more straight rugae. Conclusions This study concluded that among the two ethnic groups, the total number, length, direction, unification, and shape of rugae were different between genders, with significant differences in some parameters. Therefore, palatal rugoscopy might be useful as a tool to recognize gender and ethnicity and may provide better results when used as an additional tool along with other dependable forensic tools.

The commercially available oral rinse vs. curcumin photosensitizers in an artificial mouth model mimicking their use after meals on early colonizers single species biofilm: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Commercially available oral rinses contain active ingredients with concentration that is claimed by manufacturers to be effective as antiplaque agent. To date there has been no mention of the effect of oral rinse on the adherence of early plaque colonizers in plaque formation and the concentration to be used before/after meals. OBJECTIVE: The chief aim of the study was to evaluate microbial retention on the salivary pellicle on treatment with oral rinses (CHX & EO)/PS (mimicking after meals use of mouth wash/PS). METHODS: Noordini's Artifical Mouth model was used for developing the single species biofilm with early microbial colonizers of oral biofilm (A. viscosus, Strep. mitis and Strep. sanguinis respectively). The microbial retention on use of oral rinses comprising of CHX and EO as an active ingredients respectively was compared with Curcumin PS. For evaluating the microbial retention, the pellicle with microbial inoculation was developed on the glass beads in the mouth model. Subsequently the respective single specie biofilm was exposed to the mouth wash and PS after inoculation. It mimicked as use of mouth wash/PS after meals. The bacterial count in the dental biofilm was evaluated on serial dilution (CFU/ml). Sterile deionized water was used as a negative control. For qualitative analysis, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the microbial count. RESULTS: From the data it was observed that for the treatment of single species experimental biofilm with commercially available mouth rinses (CHX & EO) and PS (curcumin), there was significant retention for S.mitis, S.sanguinis and A.viscosus. There was no significant difference observed between PS and CHX treated single species biofilm. Whereas a significant difference was observed between EO treated biofilms and CHX/PS treated biofilms (p⩽ 0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from the results that curcumin PS and CHX should not be used after meals whereas EO containing mouth rinse can be used to maintain the oral mocroflora.