JDR Clinical & Translational Research最新文献

{"title":"Saliva and Oropharyngeal Swabs as Screening Tools for Mpox: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"K A Gammulle, S M Premarathne, P H Gammulle, T D Bandara, M Bhat","doi":"10.1177/23800844261470373","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844261470373","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The global mpox outbreak that began in 2020 was declared a public health emergency of international concern in 2024. However, there is limited scientific evidence regarding the use of salivary and/or oropharyngeal swab samples to detect the virus. In this review, we systematically examined existing literature to evaluate the potential of saliva and/or oropharyngeal swab samples as screening tools for mpox detection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The final analysis included 15 articles comprising 2,610 participants, including mpox-infected individuals (polymerase chain reaction confirmed) whose saliva and/or oropharyngeal samples (OPSs) tested positive for the virus. After a quality assessment, a random-effects model with logit transformation was used to pool the positivity rates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The pooled positivity rate of mpox virus DNA was 76.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.9%-96.6%) in saliva and 69.7% (95% CI, 40.1%-88.8%) in OPSs. The high heterogeneity between the studies (I² = 99.5%) for both specimen types was addressed through sensitivity analyses. The median shedding durations were 19 and 21 d for saliva and OPSs, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The high positivity rates and sustained shedding in saliva and OPSs indicate that these methods can serve as noninvasive, adjunct, early-phase alternatives for rapid mpox detection, supporting enhanced surveillance, outbreak monitoring, and global public health preparedness.Knowledge Transfer Statement:The findings of this systematic review are directly relevant to clinicians, dental surgeons, and infection control specialists in understanding the diagnostic value of saliva and oropharyngeal samples for mpox. This knowledge can aid in screening, infection control, and patient management within health care settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":14783,"journal":{"name":"JDR Clinical & Translational Research","volume":" ","pages":"23800844261470373"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148793394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nonlinear Association between Density of Dental Clinics and Dental Visits among Older Japanese.","authors":"K Honda, S Kiuchi, K Takeuchi, T Kusama, K Osaka, J Aida","doi":"10.1177/23800844261468748","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844261468748","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Correcting clinic maldistribution is key to universal health care. The imbalance in dental clinic supply, characterized by both oversupply and undersupply, remains underexplored, and few studies link geographic distribution with patient utilization patterns. This study examined the association between the density of dental clinics and dental visits among the older Japanese population.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This repeated cross-sectional study used data from 3 waves (2016, 2019, and 2022) of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study targeting functionally independent older adults aged ≥65 y. The dependent variables were dental visits for prevention and treatment. The independent variables were the density of dental clinics based on habitable areas, measured as both categorical and continuous variables. Covariates included age, sex, marital status, equivalent household income, and educational status. Multilevel Poisson regression analysis was conducted to calculate the prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of preventive and treatment dental visits according to the density of dental clinics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 48,088 participants were included (mean age: 73.9 y, 50.7% of men). Living in an area with the lowest density of dental clinics (0.0000-0.0199 clinics/km²) was significantly associated with lower preventive visits (PR = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57-0.85) and lower treatment visits (PR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.91) compared with the highest density category (≥5.00 clinics/km²). Similar associations were observed up to the density of 0.400 to 0.599 clinics/km². However, at 0.600 clinics/km² or more, there was no increase in dental visits, suggesting an oversupply of dental clinics.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Living in an area with fewer than 0.600 clinics/km² was significantly associated with lower dental visits, particularly for preventive care. On the other hand, no increase in dental visits was observed at 0.600 clinics/km² or more. This study emphasizes the importance of equitable clinic distribution in sustaining access to dental care.Knowledge Transfer Statement:This study suggests that the density of dental clinics is associated with the frequency of dental visits. Additionally, a ceiling effect was observed in this effect, suggesting the possibility of an oversupply of dental clinics. This study provides valuable guidance for researchers and policymakers in assessing dental health systems and addressing the uneven distribution of dental clinics to improve oral health.</p>","PeriodicalId":14783,"journal":{"name":"JDR Clinical & Translational Research","volume":" ","pages":"23800844261468748"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148793417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Untreated Caries in Persons with Taste or Smell Dysfunction.","authors":"E Kaye, M Velez, R I Garcia","doi":"10.1177/23800844261464520","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844261464520","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>We examined whether taste or smell dysfunction was associated with untreated caries and if sugar intake modified the association.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 5,882 adults aged 40+ who completed the dental examination and Taste and Smell protocols in 2011-2014. Self-reported dysfunction was defined as reporting at least 1 problem with taste and smell. Objectively measured dysfunctions (2013-2014 only) included inability to identify bitter and salty solutions on whole-mouth taste tests and ≤5 odorants correctly identified on the 8-item Pocket Smell Test (PST). Caries was assessed by calibrated dental examiners. Logistic regression estimated the odds and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for untreated caries among persons with dysfunction compared with those without dysfunction. Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, flossing frequency, alcohol use, dry mouth, and diabetes. Effect modification by added sugar level (<10% vs. ≥10% of calories) was examined. Results were weighted to account for the NHANES survey design.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fourteen percent of participants self-reported problems with smell, 9% with taste, and 9% with both. Measured taste dysfunction prevalence was 11% to 17%, and 12% had significant smell loss on the PST. Adjusted odds of untreated caries were higher in participants who self-reported both taste and smell problems compared to neither (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.03-1.84). Added sugar level modified the association between measured ability to taste bitterness and caries: nontasters with high added sugar intake had twice the odds of caries as tasters with low added sugar intake (OR = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.35-3.05). Smell dysfunction alone, self-reported or measured, was not significantly associated with caries.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Perceived dysfunction of taste and smell and inability to taste bitterness at high added sugar intakes were associated with increased odds of untreated caries. Screening for chemosensory dysfunction may identify persons with greater risk of dental caries and facilitate referral to a dentist.Knowledge Transfer Statement:Screening for taste dysfunction in primary care and community-based settings may identify persons with greater risk of dental caries and facilitate referral to a dentist.</p>","PeriodicalId":14783,"journal":{"name":"JDR Clinical & Translational Research","volume":" ","pages":"23800844261464520"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148706437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oral Nicotine Pouch Use and Associations with Periodontal Status and Salivary Microbiome Dysbiosis.","authors":"B W Chaffee, K Lieuw, H Zhang, E T Couch, Y J Jiang, F Momen-Heravi","doi":"10.1177/23800844261469532","DOIUrl":"10.1177/23800844261469532","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) are increasing in use, yet data on potential oral health effects are scarce. We evaluated whether ONP use is associated with clinical periodontal measures and salivary microbiome dysbiosis in a field-based regional sample. We recruited firefighters, as this population has historically featured an elevated prevalence of oral tobacco use.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this preliminary, cross-sectional study, 26 eligible participants (100% male; ages 26-53 y) were enrolled from fire stations near Sacramento, California (USA), in April-May 2025. Clinical measures from full-mouth periodontal examinations (probing depth, gingival margin position, clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing) were compared between ONP use (≥15 in the past 30 d, no more than minimal use of other tobacco, n = 12) and tobacco nonuse (n = 14) groups. We conducted 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of saliva samples to determine genus-level profiles using differential abundance testing and Bray-Curtis beta diversity analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Clinical periodontal measures were numerically worse with ONP use, including a higher percentage of sites with ≥3 mm clinical attachment loss (P = 0.009). Across all samples, approximately 130 genera were detected (Streptococcus most abundant). ONP use (vs. tobacco nonuse) was associated with higher abundance of Comamonas, Alloscardovia, F0058, and Dialister and lower abundance of the [Eubacterium] sulci group, Aminipila, Mannheimia, and Peptostreptococcus. Principal coordinates analysis showed substantial overlap between groups, whereas beta dispersion was lower in the ONP group (P = 0.035).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In this hypothesis-generating study, ONP use was associated with worse periodontal status and salivary microbiome shifts. While these results await confirmation in future studies and additional populations, they suggest plausible oral health risks that should be incorporated into any comprehensive assessment of potential ONP harms.Knowledge Transfer Statement:Although preliminary, these findings provide some of the first evidence that use of oral nicotine pouches is associated with indicators of worse periodontal health. These results should encourage further research to confirm these signals and clarify potential mechanisms. Patients, providers, and product regulators should include oral health when evaluating the risk profile of this product.</p>","PeriodicalId":14783,"journal":{"name":"JDR Clinical & Translational Research","volume":" ","pages":"23800844261469532"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528704/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148706465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"New Frontiers for Implementation Science in Oral Health: Digital and Equity-Driven Pathways.","authors":"R A Bomfim, P K Talla, B F Nicolau","doi":"10.1177/23800844261466250","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844261466250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Implementation science has gradually entered the field of oral health, with important contributions to the adoption of clinical guidelines and recent debates on the deimplementation of low-value care. Yet, its application remains limited in scope, leaving critical opportunities underexplored. This perspective article argues that implementation science in oral health should move beyond a predominant focus on guideline uptake, provider behavior, and individual-level barriers toward a broader agenda that addresses digital transformation, community-driven implementation, environmental sustainability, misinformation, and commercial and colonial determinants of health. By applying an equity-driven and decolonial lens, this article highlights how power, trust, communication, governance, and structural inequities shape whether evidence-based oral health interventions are adopted, adapted, sustained, and equitably delivered. We propose a forward-looking agenda that positions implementation science not only as a field concerned with closing the evidence-practice gap but also as a pathway for advancing epistemic justice, sustainability, and structural change in oral health systems. Advancing these directions can support more effective, sustainable, and just oral health care worldwide.Knowledge Transfer Statement:This perspective article reframes implementation science in oral health by integrating digital health, equity, sustainability, and structural determinants, guiding researchers and policy makers toward context-sensitive, participatory, and just oral health interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":14783,"journal":{"name":"JDR Clinical & Translational Research","volume":" ","pages":"23800844261466250"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148678635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multiple Tobacco Product Use and Dental Pain: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"T Yamamoto, H Abbas, M Sato, M Iwasaki, T Tabuchi","doi":"10.1177/23800844261467716","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844261467716","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Although individual tobacco products, including new tobacco products, have been associated with adverse oral health outcomes, few studies have examined the association between multiple tobacco product (MTP) use and dental pain as an indicator of current oral health status.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from a nationwide internet survey in Japan. The 2023 survey included the outcome variable, current tobacco product use, and most covariates; however, it did not include the number of remaining teeth, an oral health-related covariate relevant to interpreting dental pain. Therefore, we included participants who responded to the 2023 survey and for whom information on remaining teeth was available from the 2022 survey. Current tobacco product use was assessed for 6 product types: cigarettes, heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipe/water pipes, and smokeless tobacco. Participants were categorized as having no current product use, single-product use, or MTP use. The outcome was self-reported dental pain within the past week. Covariates were sex, age, education, household income, living alone, marital status, drinking, self-rated health, psychological distress, number of remaining teeth, and daily toothbrushing. We used multivariable modified Poisson regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% CIs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We analyzed 19,703 participants; the mean age was 50.2 y (SD, 16.9) and 10,165 (51.6%) were men. Overall, 2518 participants (12.8%) reported dental pain within the past week, 2463 (12.5%) used a single tobacco product, and 1040 (5.3%) used MTPs. After adjustment for all covariates, MTP use was associated with a higher prevalence of dental pain (single-product use: aPR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.92-1.15]; MTP use: aPR, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.25-1.54]).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>MTP use was associated with dental pain. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the temporal and causal relationships between MTP use and oral health.Knowledge Transfer Statement:The findings of this study suggest that collaboration between policy makers in dental and oral health and those in tobacco control may be important for addressing oral health disparities between tobacco users and nonusers.</p>","PeriodicalId":14783,"journal":{"name":"JDR Clinical & Translational Research","volume":" ","pages":"23800844261467716"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148684630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beyond Publication: Clinical and Translational Research under Pressure.","authors":"H Benzian","doi":"10.1177/23800844261466249","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844261466249","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Clinical and translational research (CTR) aims to move scientific knowledge into practice and improve health outcomes. This function is increasingly challenged by declining confidence in institutions, fragmented information environments, and changing roles of researchers in society. CTR's impact depends not only on producing robust findings but also on credibility, legitimacy, and meaningful interaction beyond academia. Expanding roles for both established and early career researchers as public actors bring new opportunities but also risks and structural constraints. The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated both the importance and vulnerability of scientific voices in public discourse. Misaligned academic incentives, limited institutional support, and contested societal environments continue to hinder uptake into policy and practice. CTR will fulfill its promise only if it is embedded in systems that value engagement, support credible actors, and better align scientific work with real-world impact.Knowledge Transfer Statement:The impact of CTR depends not only on evidence generation but also on credibility, communication, and engagement with policy and practice. Clinicians, policymakers, and patients rely on trusted scientific voices and supportive institutions to inform decisions. Recognizing engagement as a core component of research and strengthening institutional and academic support can improve how evidence is translated into care and ultimately enhance health outcomes. The impact of CTR depends on evidence, credibility, communication, and interaction with policy and practice. Strengthening academic support for researchers' engagement improves translation into care and outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14783,"journal":{"name":"JDR Clinical & Translational Research","volume":" ","pages":"23800844261466249"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148664075","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Behavioral Change Techniques to Enhance Adherence to Oral Appliance Therapy in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"H Tallamraju, T Newton, A Johal","doi":"10.1177/23800844261465315","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844261465315","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To identify behavior strategies that affect adherence to oral appliance therapy (OAT) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>One-to-one interviews were conducted to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing adherence. The Behaviour Change Taxonomy model, Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW), and Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model were used to identify and categorize key behavior strategies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The abovementioned models identified 8 key behavior strategies influencing patient adherence. Strategies facilitating adherence included recognizing OAT benefits (improved sleep, reduced fatigue), establishing routines, using prompts, receiving social support, and employing self-monitoring tools like mobile apps. Barriers included routine disruptions and distractions, while the lack of social encouragement had a neutral effect. Comparing pre- and posttreatment experiences reinforced adherence, as did counseling on the consequences of nonuse.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Clinically, strategies such as reinforcing benefits, encouraging habit formation, and promoting self-monitoring should be used to enhance adherence. Identifying individual facilitators and barriers can help tailor interventions for optimal treatment outcomes.Knowledge Transfer Statement:The results of this study can be used by clinicians when deciding how best to support adherence to oral appliance therapy in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. By identifying key barriers and facilitators related to routine formation, perceived treatment benefits, self-monitoring, and social support, these findings can inform patient-centered counseling and follow-up strategies. This may lead to more tailored clinical approaches and improved long-term treatment outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14783,"journal":{"name":"JDR Clinical & Translational Research","volume":" ","pages":"23800844261465315"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148663951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders in Thailand: Regional Variations and Ecological Determinants.","authors":"R Owasitth, R Chaisuparat, S Lawpoolsri, P Soparat, P Detsomboonrat","doi":"10.1177/23800844261454274","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844261454274","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To quantify the provincial heterogeneity incidence of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and explore geographic disparities and ecological determinants in Thailand through Bayesian disease mapping.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An observational ecological study analyzed clinically diagnosed OPMDs from Thailand's national electronic health record database (2023 to 2024) except Bangkok. Spatial autocorrelation with spatial Bayesian hierarchical models were used to evaluate their associations with behavioral, socioeconomic, and oral-health determinants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 5,956 OPMDs diagnoses were identified across 76 provinces. The median age at diagnosis was 62 y, with females comprising 68.2%. Lichen planus (45.9%) and leukoplakia (39.5%) were the predominant subtypes. The age-standardized incidence rate was 1.9 per 100,000 (female: 2.5; male: 1.3), peaking at ages 60 to 69 y. Spatial analyses revealed high-risk clusters in northern Thailand and identified smokeless tobacco use, dentist density, and Gini coefficient as significant ecological predictors of the incidence of OPMDs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This population-based analysis demonstrates spatial disparities in the incidence of OPMDs. Contextual social determinants of health including socioeconomic inequality, smokeless tobacco behaviors, and workforce availability contribute to variations in disease distribution at the population level. Strengthening the integration of big data analytics within oral health surveillance systems can enhance timely, evidence-informed decision-making and support the strategic refinement and resource optimization of Thailand's national oral cancer screening benefit package.Knowledge Transfer Statement:The results provide strategic insights for clinicians, public health professionals, and policymakers identifying high-risk geographic areas where preventive interventions and early detection efforts should be prioritized. By clarifying province-specific risk profiles, the study supports the development of targeted health promotion, prevention, and screening strategies aimed at reducing geographic inequalities and improving oral health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14783,"journal":{"name":"JDR Clinical & Translational Research","volume":" ","pages":"23800844261454274"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148584310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification and Categorization of Polarized Fluoride Messages in Facebook Posts.","authors":"A M Jucá, J R Leite, O S Jorge, M Lotto, T Cruvinel","doi":"10.1177/23800844261464610","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/23800844261464610","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to identify and categorize polarized messages about fluoride in Facebook posts shared by professionals or organizations engaged in scientific communication.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 250 English-language Facebook posts were retrieved using CrowdTangle. Posts were classified by a trained investigator according to their fluoride perspective (pro- or anti-fluoride) regarding dental caries prevention. Each post was segmented into individual sentences and analyzed using deductive thematic content analysis in QDA Miner to determine polarization status (polarized or nonpolarized). Polarized sentences were then categorized into 3 predefined themes: criticism, emphasis, and discordance. All classifications were validated by an experienced investigator. Category frequencies were analyzed, and topic modeling was conducted using WordStat. Cramér's <i>V</i> tests were performed to assess distribution differences (P < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Polarized posts comprised 56.00% of the sample (n = 140). Anti-fluoride content was significantly more frequent in polarized posts (n = 109, 92.37%), while pro-fluoride content predominated among nonpolarized posts (n = 101, 76.52%) (P < 0.001). Health professionals were the most frequent authors of polarized posts (n = 75, 53.57%), whereas mass media authors were more prevalent in nonpolarized posts (n = 50, 45.45%) (P < 0.001). Criticism was more common in pro-fluoride sentences (9.4%) compared to anti-fluoride sentences (5.1%), while emphasis appeared more frequently in anti-fluoride content (44.0%) than in pro-fluoride content (34.6%). Topic modeling revealed 4 polarized topics related to detoxifying behaviors, and 5 nonpolarized topics focused on oral health maintenance.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Polarized messages were frequently found in Facebook posts about fluoride, with a strong association with anti-fluoride perspectives. Pro- and anti-fluoride polarized content differed in intent, shifting between defense and attack, respectively, as reflected in the rhetorical strategies employed.Knowledge Transfer Statement:This study reveals patterns in the presentation of polarized fluoride content on Facebook. Specifically, anti-fluoride posts commonly used dramatization and skepticism, while pro-fluoride messages emphasized consensus and scientific authority. These findings may inform the development of more effective public health communication strategies aimed at countering misinformation and reinforcing evidence-based information regarding fluoride's role in the prevention of dental caries on social media platforms.</p>","PeriodicalId":14783,"journal":{"name":"JDR Clinical & Translational Research","volume":" ","pages":"23800844261464610"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148497573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}