Odontology最新文献

{"title":"Untargeted salivary metabolomics for early prediction of chemotherapy-induced oral toxicities in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.","authors":"Nitya Krishnasamy","doi":"10.1007/s10266-026-01583-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-026-01583-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chemotherapy-induced oral toxicities, including oral mucositis, xerostomia, and dysgeusia, are common complications in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), often leading to impaired quality of life, treatment interruptions, and poor therapeutic outcomes. Reliable non-invasive biomarkers capable of predicting these toxicities before severe clinical manifestations remain limited. This study investigated salivary metabolomic alterations associated with chemotherapy-induced oral toxicities using untargeted liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). A prospective observational study was conducted among 60 patients with histopathologically confirmed OSCC receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected before and after chemotherapy and analyzed using untargeted LC-QTOF-MS. Metabolomic data were processed using Agilent MassHunter software and annotated against HMDB, METLIN, LipidMaps, and KEGG databases. Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), variable importance in projection (VIP) analysis, hierarchical clustering, volcano plot analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment, multivariable logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to identify biomarkers associated with chemotherapy-induced oral toxicities. Oral mucositis occurred in 63.3% of patients, xerostomia in 55.0%, dysgeusia in 48.3%, and severe mucositis in 18.3%. Untargeted metabolomic profiling identified significant perturbations in lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and amino acid metabolism. Ceramide, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), glutathione disulfide, arachidonic acid, taurine, and citrulline were among the most significantly dysregulated metabolites. PCA and PLS-DA demonstrated distinct metabolic separation between patients with and without oral toxicity (R² = 0.86; Q² = 0.74; permutation p < 0.001). KEGG pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid, glutathione, arachidonic acid, arginine, and taurine metabolic pathways. Ceramide (adjusted OR = 4.82, 95% CI: 2.11-10.96), LPC (adjusted OR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.78-7.52), and glutathione (adjusted OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.39-6.12) were independent predictors of severe oral toxicity. ROC analysis demonstrated strong discriminatory performance for ceramide (AUC = 0.91), LPC (AUC = 0.88), and glutathione (AUC = 0.85), while the combined metabolomic model achieved an AUC of 0.95, with 90.9% sensitivity and 91.2% specificity. Untargeted salivary LC-QTOF-MS metabolomics identified distinct metabolic signatures associated with chemotherapy-induced oral toxicities in patients with OSCC. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism, oxidative stress pathways, and amino acid metabolism appears to play a central role in the development of oral mucositis, xerostomia, and dysgeusia. Ceramide, lysophosphatidylcholine, and glutathione emerged as promisi","PeriodicalId":19390,"journal":{"name":"Odontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149183467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of air-abrasion and air-polishing powders on dentin hydraulic conductance before and after acid challenge.","authors":"Elif Alkan, Eminenur Uytun, Buse Saraç, Hamit Enis Aslan, Ahmad Bittar, Bora Korkut, Dilek Tağtekin","doi":"10.1007/s10266-026-01582-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-026-01582-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Air-polishing and air-abrasion powders may contact exposed dentin, but their effects on fluid transport after acid exposure remain unclear. This in vitro study compared hydraulic conductance before and after powder application and acid challenge. Forty-two 1.0-mm coronal dentin discs were allocated (n = 7/group) to calcium sodium phosphosilicate bioactive glass (Sylc Powder), silica-coated aluminum oxide (CoSil Powder), sodium bicarbonate (AquaCare Sodium Bicarbonate), erythritol with 0.3% chlorhexidine (AIRFLOW PLUS Powder), sodium bicarbonate (AIRFLOW CLASSIC Powder), or untreated control. After 6% citric-acid conditioning for 10 min, baseline conductance was measured. Powders were applied for 15 s, and conductance was measured immediately. After 2% citric acid for 2 min, conductance was remeasured immediately. At 3 psi, 50-µL water transit was normalized to exposed area and pressure and expressed as µL·min⁻¹·cm⁻²·cmH₂O⁻¹. Data were analyzed by two-way mixed repeated-measures analysis of variance, stage-specific Tukey comparisons, and two-sided paired t tests with Holm adjustment. Stage (F(2, 72) = 117.95, p < 0.001) and the group-by-stage interaction (F(10, 72) = 11.77, p < 0.001) were significant. Conductance decreased from baseline in all five active groups (Holm-adjusted p ≤ 0.003) but not in the control (p = 0.681). After acid challenge, Sylc Powder remained lower than all other groups (p ≤ 0.014). Scanning electron microscopy provided illustrative morphology. Under this 15-s application and 2-min challenge protocol, responses depended on powder and stage; bioactive glass produced the most persistent reduction, whereas the other powders returned toward baseline.</p>","PeriodicalId":19390,"journal":{"name":"Odontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149183397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of high-sucrose intake on the salivary glands of growing rats: histological analysis and assessment of gene and protein expression.","authors":"Orie Yoshida, Takao Morita, Haruka Yamaguchi, Junko Shimomura-Kuroki","doi":"10.1007/s10266-026-01577-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-026-01577-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Excessive sugar intake contributes to noncommunicable diseases, including dental caries. According to the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) theory, early-life nutrition influences organ development and future disease susceptibility. This study examined the impact of high-sucrose intake during the growth period on salivary gland development in rats and its potential influence on dental caries after growth. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a high-sucrose group (HS), receiving a 15% sucrose solution, and a control group (C), receiving distilled water. Measurements were taken from 3 to 12 weeks of age and included body weight, water and feed intake, total calorie intake, blood glucose levels, submandibular gland (SMG) weight, stimulated saliva volume, and total protein concentration. The SMGs were analyzed using histological examinations, gene expression analyses (Egf, Fgf10, Ngf, Gpx1, Ca6, Muc5b, Amy), and protein expression analyses (CA6, MUC5B). No significant differences were observed between groups in body weight, blood glucose levels, SMG weight, stimulated saliva volume, salivary total protein concentration, and histological features. However, the HS group showed altered feeding behavior with increased water and total caloric intake. Gene expression analyses revealed significant decreases in Egf and Ca6 and a notable increase in Muc5b. A decreasing trend in CA6 and a significant increase in MUC5B were observed in the SMGs. These findings indicate that a high-sucrose intake during growth can alter caries-related molecular expression in the SMG, potentially increasing dental caries susceptibility. This study supports sugar control during growth and the application of the DOHaD concept to oral diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":19390,"journal":{"name":"Odontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149183351","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sirtuin 4 is downregulated in oral carcinogenesis.","authors":"Tanatat Apiwessa, Paranin Chaicharncheep, Somchai Yodsanga, Theerapat Chanamuangkon, Ekarat Phattarataratip","doi":"10.1007/s10266-026-01580-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-026-01580-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Metabolic reprogramming is a defining characteristic of cancer. Sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) has been demonstrated to modulate tumor metabolism and influence proliferation, migration, and stress responses across various cancer types. However, its roles in oral carcinogenesis remain uncertain. This study aims to investigate SIRT4 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and its correlation with clinical-pathological characteristics. Ninety patients were evenly divided into three groups: benign, non-dysplastic keratosis, OED, and OSCC. SIRT4 expression was analyzed immunohistochemically, with assessment based on staining intensity and percentage of positively stained squamous epithelial cells. The correlation between clinical-pathological features of OSCC and SIRT4 level was evaluated. We found that SIRT4 expression was significantly reduced in OED and OSCC, compared with benign hyperkeratosis. Conversely, no difference in SIRT4 was detected between OED and OSCC. SIRT4 was predominantly localized to the spinous cell layers in OED and benign keratosis. In OSCC, SIRT4 expression exhibited mild staining intensity and was primarily confined to the central squamous cells within the invasive tumor nests. Additionally, SIRT4 expression was not associated with the clinical-pathologic variables of OSCC. SIRT4 downregulation is observed in the initial stages of oral dysplastic alterations and persists throughout the progression of OSCC. SIRT4 may act as a tumor suppressor and serve as an early candidate biomarker of oral malignant changes. Its loss may signify a metabolic shift crucial to the development of oral cancer. Future studies should investigate whether SIRT4 could represent a potential therapeutic target in patients with OED and OSCC.</p>","PeriodicalId":19390,"journal":{"name":"Odontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149183384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Masticatory performance is associated with quality of life in patients with maxillary defects after definitive obturator rehabilitation.","authors":"Takayuki Kosaka, Satoko Takeuchi, Momoyo Kida, Shuri Fushida, Emiri Ishii, Risa Hiramatsu, Chisato Ishida, Kotaro Higashi, Kazunori Ikebe","doi":"10.1007/s10266-026-01576-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-026-01576-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between objectively assessed oral function and quality of life (QoL) in patients with maxillary defects after definitive obturator rehabilitation. The study participants were 67 patients who had completed prosthetic rehabilitation with a definitive obturator after maxillectomy. Masticatory performance, occlusal force, and tongue pressure were assessed as objective measures of oral function. Clinical variables included sex, age, time since surgery and prosthetic rehabilitation, defect extent, history of radiotherapy, and number of remaining teeth. QoL was evaluated using the Japanese versions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Head and Neck 35 (EORTC QLQ-H&N35) and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated and multiple linear regression analysis performed to identify factors independently associated with QoL. In the univariable analyses, masticatory performance was significantly associated with the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 \"Swallowing\" domain, whereas occlusal force was associated only with the \"Speech\" domain and tongue pressure showed no significant associations. In the multiple linear regression analyses, masticatory performance was independently associated with the OHIP-14 total score but was not significantly associated with any of the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 domains. Masticatory performance was associated with oral health-related QoL in patients with maxillary defects after definitive obturator rehabilitation. The associations differed between the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 and the OHIP-14, which assess different aspects of patient-reported outcomes after maxillectomy rehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":19390,"journal":{"name":"Odontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149183346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the bond strength of composite resins with distinct properties to short fiber-reinforced composite resins of different viscosities.","authors":"Asude Muruvet Oguz, Hacer Deniz Arisu, Burcu Tokozlu","doi":"10.1007/s10266-026-01578-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-026-01578-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) between two short fiber-reinforced composites (SFRCs) that differ in viscosity and composition and various particulate-filled composites (PFCs) with distinct matrix structures and filler characteristics, as well as the surface roughness and oxygen inhibition layer thickness of SFRCs. Two SFRCs were used as base materials: a low-viscosity SFRC (everX Flow) and a high-viscosity SFRC (everX Posterior). SFRCs were placed as a single layer into centrally located cavities (5 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height) of 3D-printed blocks, light cured and veneered with one of three PFCs (microhybrid Filtek Z250, nanohybrid Clearfil Majesty Posterior, or G-ænial Universal Injectable) using a standardized bonding area (2.3 mm in diameter and 2 mm height) created with an Ultradent jig. A total of 90 bilayered specimens (15 per group) were prepared and stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37 °C before performing SBS testing. Surface roughness of the SFRCs was measured using a contact profilometer, oxygen inhibition layer thickness was determined by light microscopic image analysis, and representative interfacial morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SBS did not significantly differ between the two SFRCs (p > 0.05), whereas the veneering PFC type significantly influenced bond strength. Filtek Z250 demonstrated significantly higher bond strength than the other PFCs (p < 0.05). Surface roughness was similar for both SFRCs (p > 0.05), while the oxygen inhibition layer thickness of everX Posterior was significantly greater than that of everX Flow (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that type of veneering PFC influenced the SBS to SFRCs, whereas no significant effect of SFRC type on SBS was observed.</p>","PeriodicalId":19390,"journal":{"name":"Odontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149183402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Periodontal disease in patients with thyroid disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Pedro Sampaio, Sargon Shazo, Valentino Vellone","doi":"10.1007/s10266-026-01591-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-026-01591-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thyroid disorders, particularly primary hypothyroidism, have been linked to periodontal disease through impaired bone remodeling and inflammation, but earlier meta-analyses did not rate the certainty of the evidence. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to 19 June 2026 for studies comparing periodontal outcomes between adults with thyroid disorders and systemically healthy controls. Random effects meta-analysis was restricted to primary hypothyroidism, and other thyroid disorders were synthesized descriptively. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed with a tool for non randomized studies of exposures and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Of 1,588 records screened, seven studies were included and five (598 cases and 533 controls) were meta-analyzed. Patients with hypothyroidism had a higher prevalence of periodontitis (risk ratio 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.11 to 3.33), deeper probing pockets (mean difference 0.86 mm, 0.22 to 1.50), and greater clinical attachment loss (1.80 mm, 0.33 to 3.28). Bleeding on probing and plaque index did not differ. Heterogeneity was high (I² 94% to 98%), and significant findings were not robust to omission of single studies or to a small sample adjustment. Certainty of evidence was low for probing depth and attachment loss and very low for the other outcomes. Two descriptive studies (hyperthyroidism and mixed dysfunction), both at high risk of bias, reported worse periodontal status. Primary hypothyroidism may be associated with worse periodontal status, but the evidence is uncertain and hypothesis generating. PROSPERO registration: CRD420261428495, registered 19 June 2026.</p>","PeriodicalId":19390,"journal":{"name":"Odontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149183375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Imaging modalities for detecting jaw bone invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis.","authors":"Monal B Yuwanati, Amol Ramchandra Gadbail, Shailesh M Gondivkar","doi":"10.1007/s10266-026-01592-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-026-01592-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative imaging modalities for detecting jaw-bone invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), with particular emphasis on studies using histopathology as the reference standard. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using bivariate random-effects models and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves. Imaging modalities were compared using meta-regression. Additional analyses were restricted to OSCC-only cohorts and studies with histopathological verification. Thirty-eight studies contributed 78 modality-specific diagnostic datasets. Computed tomography (CT; 30 datasets) yielded pooled sensitivity and specificity of 78.7% and 84.2%, respectively, compared with 84.3% and 81.6% for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; 21 datasets). Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT; nine datasets) showed high sensitivity (96.7%) but lower specificity (57.5%). Corresponding estimates were 88.6% and 77.1% for cone-beam CT (five datasets), 80.2% and 81.5% for PET/CT (six datasets), and 65.7% and 90.0% for panoramic radiography (seven datasets). In analyses restricted to OSCC-only cohorts with histopathological verification, sensitivity and specificity were 78.9% and 81.7% for CT (17 datasets) and 87.2% and 75.4% for MRI (15 datasets). The formal CT comparison did not establish a significant difference between OSCC-only and mixed-site cohorts. CT and MRI showed consistent diagnostic performance for jaw-bone invasion. SPECT was highly sensitive but produced more false-positive findings. Evidence for CBCT and PET/CT remains limited. Imaging selection should consider the clinical question and the consequences of false-positive and false-negative results.</p>","PeriodicalId":19390,"journal":{"name":"Odontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149183417","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multidimensional instrumental and visual evaluation of metamerism in single-shade resin composites: effects of color-matching technology, underlying color, thickness, and translucency.","authors":"Furkan Akkılıç, Hacer Balkaya, Mustafa Argınç","doi":"10.1007/s10266-026-01568-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-026-01568-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The metameric behavior of single-shade resin composites with different color-matching technologies and the effects of substrate color, material thickness, and translucency were evaluated using instrumental and visual methods. Disc-shaped specimens (1 × 6 mm and 2 × 6 mm) were prepared from three single-shade resin composites incorporating Smart Chromatic Technology (Omnichroma), Adaptive Light Matching Technology (Charisma Diamond One), and Adaptive Response Technology (SimpliShade Universal). The modified metamerism index (MI_mod) and translucency parameter (TP) were measured spectrophotometrically under D65, A, and F2 illuminants on standardized white and black backgrounds. Visual assessment (ΔV) was performed by two calibrated observers, and the data were statistically analyzed. MI_mod values differed significantly among the color-matching technologies, whereas TP values did not. MI_mod values were higher on white than on black backgrounds. Material thickness significantly effected TP values and MI_mod values on the black background but not on the white background. Visual assessment demonstrated good interobserver agreement, and a strong negative correlation was observed between MI_mod and ΔV_med on the black background. These findings indicate that metameric behavior is influenced by color-matching technology, substrate color, and, under black-background conditions, material thickness. Despite similar translucency values, differences in metameric behavior suggest that translucency alone does not explain metamerism, and visual perception of metamerism is also effected by substrate color.</p>","PeriodicalId":19390,"journal":{"name":"Odontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149137611","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sex and academic level influence the evolution of stress among dental students: a three-year longitudinal cohort study.","authors":"Ândrea Pires Daneris, Francisco Hecktheuer Silva, Luciane Geanini Pena Dos Santos, Maísa Casarin, Francisco Wilker Mustafa Gomes Muniz","doi":"10.1007/s10266-026-01574-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-026-01574-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to assess changes in stress levels in the dental environment among students over a three-year period and to investigate associations with gender and academic level. A total of 149 students from a public university in southern Brazil completed the Dental Environment Stress (DES) questionnaire between 2020 and 2023, where higher scores reflect greater perceived stress. Stress evolution was evaluated using delta (Δ) scores (2023 minus 2020), meaning positive values indicate an increase in stress over time. Associations were tested by paired t-test and by adjusted linear regression. Most of participants were women (66.4%) and enrolled in undergraduate programs at baseline. Although women had higher absolute DES scores, men and undergraduate students showed greater increases over time. In addition to the total DES score, significant increases over time were observed in two specific domains: Patient Responsibilities (Δ = +3.94 ± 4.33 for men [p < 0.001] vs. +2.85 ± 4.95 for women [p < 0.001]) and Institutional Factors (Δ = +4.98 ± 6.18 for men [p < 0.0p1] vs. +2.26 ± 7.26 for women [p = 0.003]). In the adjusted models, men gender (β = 8.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22-17.76) and undergraduate status (β = 13.36; 95% CI: 3.79-22.94) remained significantly associated with greater delta changes in DES scores. These findings suggest that the return to in-person clinical and academic activities after the pandemic may have affected students differently, depending on gender and academic level.</p>","PeriodicalId":19390,"journal":{"name":"Odontology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149112665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}