{"title":"MiR-21 and MiR-155 Expressions in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study in Mexican Patients using FFPE Biopsies.","authors":"Yolanda Terán-Figueroa, Obed Lemus-Rojero, Ángeles Catalina Ochoa-Martínez, Luz Eugenia Alcántara-Quintana, Iván N Pérez-Maldonado, Nuria Patiño-Marín, Jorge Alejandro Alegría-Torres","doi":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_42_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_42_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with poor survival outcomes, particularly in regions with high tobacco use and less early detection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) such as miR-21 and miR-155 have been implicated in tumor progression and viral oncogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the expressions of miR-21 and miR-155 in OSCC tissues and their association with histological differentiation and HPV infection in a Mexican population.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This retrospective cross-sectional study included 30 OSCC cases and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy oral tissue controls. Total RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples, and miR-21 and miR-155 levels were quantified using RT-qPCR. HPV genotyping (types 16 and 18) was performed via endpoint PCR. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney <i>U</i> test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Fisher's exact test. Effect sizes were calculated using Glass's delta, and a significance level of <i>P</i> < 0.05 was applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>MiR-21 and miR-155 were significantly upregulated in OSCC tissues compared to controls (<i>P</i> < 0.001 for both), with large effect sizes (Glass's <i>δ</i> = 3.78 and 2.63, respectively). No significant association was found between miRNA expression levels and tumor differentiation grade (<i>P</i> > 0.05). HPV was detected in 26.6% of OSCC samples, with HPV-16 being the most frequent subtype. A significant association was observed between HPV positivity and tobacco use (<i>P</i> = 0.002), but not with miRNA expression levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The overexpression of miR-21 and miR-155 in OSCC supports their potential as diagnostic biomarkers in oral cancer. While their levels were not significantly associated with tumor grade or HPV status, their consistent elevation in malignant tissues warrants further investigation into their mechanistic role in OSCC pathogenesis and their applicability in biomarker panels for early detection, especially in Latin American populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":47247,"journal":{"name":"Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry","volume":"15 4","pages":"374-381"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12425401/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065899","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":"From Bench to Bedside: Evaluating a Low-Cost Tongue Pressure Device Prototype for Clinical and Community Use.","authors":"Myint Thu, Boosana Kaboosaya, Arporn Teeramongkonrasmee, Panuwat Janpugdee","doi":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_90_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_90_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study evaluated the test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and usability of the Chulalongkorn University Prototype Tongue Pressure Instrument (CUPTI), a novel low-cost manometer for maximum tongue strength (MTS) measurement, in comparison to the standard Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Sixty healthy adults (20-80 years) were randomized into two groups in a cross-over design. Participants underwent MTS assessment using both devices. Reliability was assessed through intraclass correlation coefficients, while concurrent validity was evaluated through Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analysis. Effect size (Cohen's <i>d</i>) was used to assess discriminative ability. Measurement time was compared using a paired <i>t</i> test, and multivariable regression was conducted to assess demographic associations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both CUPTI and IOPI demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC > 0.95). CUPTI consistently recorded lower MTS values, with a mean bias of -8.12 kPa (limit of agreement: -2.52 to 18.76 kPa). A strong correlation (<i>r</i> = 0.93, <i>P</i> < 0.001) was observed between devices. The effect size of 0.61 indicated a moderate, clinically meaningful difference. CUPTI required slightly more time than IOPI for MTS assessment (<i>P</i> = 0.005). Age was the only significant predictor of MTS (<i>P</i> = 0.034).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CUPTI is a valid and reliable alternative to IOPI, offering affordability and accessibility for clinical and community dysphagia screening. Its performance supports implementation in resource-constrained settings and home-based rehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":47247,"journal":{"name":"Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry","volume":"15 4","pages":"382-390"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12425403/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065924","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":"Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes Following Pulpotomy Using Biodentine in Carious Exposed Mature Permanent Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"Unnati Soma, Rajat Sharma, Alpa Gupta, Dax Abraham, Lubna Ahmad, Neha Neha","doi":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_71_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_71_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Vital pulp therapy is increasingly used in managing mature permanent teeth exposed to caries. Biodentine, a tricalcium silicate-based material, has emerged as a potential alternative to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in pulpotomy procedures due to its favorable properties of handling and biocompatibility. The aim was to systematically evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of biodentine and MTA as pulpotomy agents in mature permanent teeth exposed to caries.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD4202457708) and followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Scopus, EBSCOhost, OpenGrey, and relevant journals was conducted up to August 31, 2024, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies comparing biodentine and MTA in mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, and statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4. The certainty of evidence was graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven RCTs were included in the systematic review, of which three were eligible for meta-analysis. The pooled results showed no significant difference between biodentine and MTA regarding clinical and radiographic success (odds ratio = 0.77; 95% confidence interval: 0.24-2.49; <i>P</i> = 0.66). Heterogeneity was low (<i>I</i> <sup>2</sup> = 0%), and no significant publication bias was detected. However, the GRADE assessment rated the certainty of evidence as low due to imprecision and potential risk of bias.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both biodentine and MTA demonstrate comparable clinical and radiographic success as pulpotomy agents in mature permanent teeth exposed to caries pulp. Given its advantageous handling and lower discoloration potential, biodentine may serve as a suitable alternative to MTA. Further high-quality trials are warranted to strengthen the current evidence base.</p>","PeriodicalId":47247,"journal":{"name":"Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry","volume":"15 4","pages":"313-322"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12425402/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145066051","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":"Dietary and Salivary Oxidative Status Related to Root Caries Severity: A Case-Control Study.","authors":"Baydaa Ahmed Yas","doi":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_116_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_116_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Root caries (RC) is a significant concern in older adults. Oxidative stress and dietary factors may play a role in its development and progression. However, the interactive effects of dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) and RC severity (RCS) on salivary oxidative status in this population are not fully understood. This study aimed to assess dietary and salivary oxidative status and to investigate the interactive effect of RCS and dTAC on salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative status (TOS) in older adults.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A case-control study was conducted with 90 participants aged 50-60 years recruited from a university dental hospital. Participants were allocated into six groups (<i>n</i> = 15/group) based on dTAC (high/low) and RCS (none, incipient, and shallow). dTAC was measured using the ferric reducing-antioxidant power assay. Salivary TAC and TOS levels were measured using colorimetric kits. RCS was clinically diagnosed. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), two-way multivariate ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Salivary TAC was significantly higher in participants with high dTAC (<i>P</i> < 0.05) and increased with increasing RCS (<i>P</i> < 0.01). Salivary TOS was lower in those with high dTAC (<i>P</i> < 0.01) and increased with increasing RCS (<i>P</i> < 0.01). A significant interactive effect of RCS and dTAC on both TAC and TOS was observed (<i>P</i> < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both dietary TAC and RC S have significant, independent, and interactive effects on salivary oxidative status among older adults. A diet high in antioxidants may improve salivary oxidative status and potentially mitigate the severity of RC. Dietary interventions aimed at increasing antioxidant intake may be a valuable adjunct to conventional RC prevention strategies in older adults. Further research should explore the long-term impact of dietary antioxidants on RC incidence and progression, and investigate specific antioxidant compounds and their mechanisms of action in larger, more diverse populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":47247,"journal":{"name":"Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry","volume":"15 4","pages":"364-373"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12425397/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065195","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":"Tongue Behaviors and Their Impact On Mandibular Anterior Structure: A Finite-Element Study.","authors":"Niam Alsaleem, Saba Al Zubaidi, Mustafa Alsultan","doi":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_38_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_38_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>This research was conducted to measure stress dissemination in the mandibular dental arch and identify possible mandibular deformations that may arise from three states of tongue behavior.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A three-dimensional evaluation of the finite-element model was used to express the tongue muscles' potential impact on the mandible's anterior region. The computer-aided design software was used to develop the model. A force of 1, 7, and 500 g/cm<sup>2</sup>, representing normal rest position, normal function, and tongue thrust, respectively, was applied perpendicular to the lingual surface of the anterior part of the mandible and mandibular anterior teeth.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A higher von Mises stress, 177 MPa, was recorded in the abnormal tongue behavior state. The displacement detected in all three planes, <i>x</i>, <i>y</i>, and <i>z</i>, of space was highest (0.004, 0.002, and 0.03 mm, respectively) in abnormal tongue behavior and lowest in normal function (0.0000088, 0.0000047, and 0.000061 mm, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The development and growth of the craniofacial structure, possibly affected by the forces originating from abnormal tongue behavior, which could lead to outward and high pressure on the anterior structure of the mandible, with concomitant deviation in the form and position of the mandible's anterior structure.</p>","PeriodicalId":47247,"journal":{"name":"Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry","volume":"15 4","pages":"357-363"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12425400/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145066009","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":"Pain Perception During Minimally Invasive Caries Removal in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Chemo-Mechanical Caries Removal.","authors":"Dhirja Goel, Neha Awasthi, Yanina Singh, Sukhdeep Singh, Nenung Yirang","doi":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_219_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_219_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Dental treatment-related pain causes fear and anxiety, particularly in children. Minimally invasive dentistry techniques, such as chemo-mechanical caries removal (CMCR) and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART), aim to minimize discomfort. This study evaluated and compared pain perception during caries removal using a CMCR agent (BRIX 3000) versus ART in children aged 4-8 years.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A randomized, two-arm clinical trial was conducted with 40 children aged 4-8, each with at least two carious lesions on primary molars. Children were randomly assigned to caries removal using either BRIX 3000 (CMCR) or ART. Pain was assessed using the sound, eye, and motor (SEM) scale and the Wong-Baker FACES scale. Data were analyzed statistically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the CMCR group, 67.5% of children had an SEM pain score of 0, while 70% had an SEM score of 0 in the ART group. The mean SEM pain scores were 0.43 ± 0.71 for CMCR and 0.40 ± 0.71 for ART. The mean Wong-Baker FACES pain scores were 0.45 ± 0.96 for CMCR and 0.60 ± 1.30 for ART. There was no statistically significant difference as the <i>P</i>-value was not less than 0.05 for pain scores between the two groups using either SEM (<i>P</i>-value = 0.785) or Wong-Baker FACES (<i>P</i>-value = 0.412) scales.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both CMCR with BRIX 3000<sup>™</sup> and ART were effective in minimizing pain during caries removal in young children. However, the difference in pain scores between the two groups was not statistically significant, as indicated by a <i>P</i>-value greater than 0.05 for both the SEM scale (<i>P</i> = 0.785) and the Wong-Baker FACES scale (<i>P</i> = 0.412).</p>","PeriodicalId":47247,"journal":{"name":"Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry","volume":"15 4","pages":"348-356"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12425395/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065999","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":"Antimicrobial Effects of Aloe Vera Mouthwash in Adults with Dental Caries: A Preliminary Clinical Trial.","authors":"Aurasri Komchornrit, Patteera Sodata, Benyada Theerautthavate, Suteera Techatanawat","doi":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_77_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_77_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of an aloe vera (ALOE)-based mouthwash against key cariogenic pathogens in adults with dental caries, comparing its effects to a standard chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this single-blind, randomized clinical trial, 54 adults with active dental caries (decayed, missing, and filled teeth [DMFT] ≥3) were assigned to either an ALOE (<i>n</i> = 27) or a 0.12% CHX (<i>n</i> = 27) mouthwash group for a 7-day regimen. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and post-intervention. Salivary levels of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>, <i>Candida</i>, and <i>Lactobacilli</i> were semi-quantitatively assessed using a modified dip-slide test. Statistical analyses, including the Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney <i>U</i>-tests, were performed with significance set at <i>P</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Post-intervention, the ALOE group demonstrated a significant reduction in salivary <i>Candida</i> levels (<i>P</i> = 0.008). While a decrease in <i>S. mutans</i> was observed, it was not statistically significant (<i>P</i> = 0.096). The CHX group showed significant reductions in both <i>S. mutans</i> (<i>P</i> = 0.046) and <i>Candida</i> (<i>P</i> = 0.002). Neither group exhibited a significant change in <i>Lactobacilli</i> levels, nor significant differences in microbial counts were found between the two groups after the 7-day period.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ALOE mouthwash demonstrates significant antifungal activity against salivary <i>Candida</i> in adults with dental caries, positioning it as a potential natural alternative for managing oral fungal loads. While its effect on <i>S. mutans</i> was not as pronounced as CHX in this short-term trial, its efficacy against <i>Candida</i> warrants further investigation into its long-term benefits for oral health maintenance.</p>","PeriodicalId":47247,"journal":{"name":"Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry","volume":"15 4","pages":"340-347"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12425398/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145066064","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}
Carla Lam-Rosas, José Huamani-Echaccaya, Rita Tolmos-Valdivia, Leonor Castro-Ramirez, Enrique Yarasca-Berrocal, María Alvino-Vales, César Cayo-Rojas
{"title":"<i>In Vitro</i> Evaluation of the Color Variation of Two Bulk Fill Resin Composites Immersed in Four Different Pigmented Beverages: A Comparative Study.","authors":"Carla Lam-Rosas, José Huamani-Echaccaya, Rita Tolmos-Valdivia, Leonor Castro-Ramirez, Enrique Yarasca-Berrocal, María Alvino-Vales, César Cayo-Rojas","doi":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_235_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_235_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative <i>in vitro</i> evaluation of the color stability of two contemporary bulk fill resin composites, Filtek One Bulk Fill (FO-BF), and Tetric N-Ceram Bulk Fill (TNC-BF), following immersion in four common pigmenting beverages at distinct time intervals.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Eighty composite discs (<i>n</i> = 40 per resin type) were fabricated and subdivided into four groups for immersion in Coca-Cola®, coffee, red wine, or green tea. Color measurements were performed using a digital spectrophotometer at baseline and after 3, 12, and 24 h of immersion. Color variation (Δ<i>E</i>) was calculated using the CIEDE2000 formula. The data were analyzed using Welch's analysis of variance, Student's t-test, and Friedman's test, with statistical significance set at <i>P</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Red wine induced the most substantial and rapid color change in both FO-BF and TNC-BF resins at all evaluation times (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Coffee also produced significant discoloration in TNC-BF after only 3 h (<i>P</i> < 0.05). The color variation produced by red wine surpassed the clinically acceptable threshold (Δ<i>E</i> > 3.3) in both composites within 3 h. Coffee produced clinically unacceptable staining in TNC-BF at 3 h and in FO-BF at 12 h. By 24 h, all tested beverages caused clinically unacceptable discoloration in both materials (<i>P</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The color stability of bulk fill composites is significantly influenced by the type of beverage and exposure duration. Red wine is a potent staining agent, causing rapid and clinically unacceptable discoloration in both tested materials. These findings underscore the importance of material selection and patient counseling on dietary habits to ensure the long-term aesthetic success of composite restorations.</p>","PeriodicalId":47247,"journal":{"name":"Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry","volume":"15 4","pages":"332-339"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12425404/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145066002","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}
Ana Del Carmen Armas-Vega, María Cristina Rockenbach Binz Ordóñez, Esteban Torracchi-Carrasco, Eleonor Vélez-León, Juan Marcos Parise-Vasco
{"title":"Association Between Dental Caries, Dental Biofilm, and Body Mass Index in Indigenous Children from Two Regions of Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Ana Del Carmen Armas-Vega, María Cristina Rockenbach Binz Ordóñez, Esteban Torracchi-Carrasco, Eleonor Vélez-León, Juan Marcos Parise-Vasco","doi":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_6_23","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_6_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To assess caries prevalence and its association with dental biofilm presence and body mass index (BMI) in children.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 88 children aged 2-12 years were examined. The presence of dental caries was evaluated using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II criteria, with caries prevalence and index (dmft/DMFT) calculated based on established codes equivalent to World Health Organization standards (ICDAS II E-G/4-6). Dental biofilm was assessed using a standardized index, and nutritional status was determined by calculating BMI. To analyze the relationships between caries experience (dmft and DMFT) and the independent variables of weight, height, BMI, and dental biofilm index, a multiple linear regression analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A high prevalence of dental caries was observed in the study population. For primary teeth, caries prevalence (ICDAS 2-6) ranged from 15.9% to 52.3%, with a mean of approximately two affected teeth per child. In permanent teeth, the prevalence for initial caries lesions (ICDAS II code 2) reached 75%, with an average of three affected teeth per child. A statistically significant correlation was identified between BMI, dental biofilm index, and the DMFT score. Notably, a child's weight demonstrated a moderate negative impact on their DMFT score, explaining 45% of the variance (η² = 0.45).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings reveal a high burden of dental caries among children in the surveyed rural Ecuadorian communities. The significant association between a lower BMI and a higher caries index, alongside the influence of dental biofilm, underscores the intricate relationship between nutritional status, oral hygiene, and oral health. These results highlight the need for integrated public health interventions that address both malnutrition and oral hygiene to mitigate the high prevalence of dental caries in this and similar populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":47247,"journal":{"name":"Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry","volume":"15 4","pages":"323-331"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12425396/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145066058","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":"Effectiveness of Probiotics in Managing Oral Halitosis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Georgios Passadakis, Chariklia Neophytou, Sotiria Davidopoulou, Konstantinos Papadimitriou","doi":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_19_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_19_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Halitosis, characterized by volatile sulfur compound (VSC) production, is a prevalent oral health concern affecting 31.8% of the global population. Conventional treatments such as chlorhexidine-based mouthwashes offer temporary relief, but probiotics have emerged as a promising biological therapy by modulating oral microbiota. We aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy of probiotic monotherapy in reducing halitosis-related VSC levels and organoleptic test (OLT) scores in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A comprehensive database search (PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and gray literature) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The review protocol was prospectively registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF). Only RCTs comparing probiotics to placebo in systemically and periodontally healthy adults were included. Primary outcomes were changes in VSC levels and OLT scores, assessed using halimeters, Oral Chroma devices, or OLT evaluation. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six RCTs (<i>n</i> = 360 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Five studies demonstrated significant VSC reduction after probiotic intervention (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Three studies reported OLT score improvements, particularly with <i>Streptococcus salivarius</i> K12 and <i>Weissella cibaria</i>. Four studies confirmed microbiome alterations, with the effects of probiotics persisting post-treatment. No serious adverse effects were reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Probiotics significantly reduce VSC levels, improve OLT scores, and modulate the growth of oral microbiota. However, the heterogeneity of studies and limited long-term follow-up hinder clinical translation. Larger, standardized trials are essential for establishing the clinical efficacy. Probiotics present a safe adjunct therapy for halitosis management. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, specific strain efficacy, and microbiome-targeted interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":47247,"journal":{"name":"Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry","volume":"15 4","pages":"301-312"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12425399/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145065968","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}