Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-13eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1557008
Anna Rachel Dos Santos Soares, Carlos Antonio Gomes da Cruz, Maria Luíza Viana Fonseca, Líria Sheila Chamane, Loliza Luiz Figueiredo Houri Chalub, Raquel Conceição Ferreira
{"title":"Education- and income-based inequalities of functional dentition by dental service utilization.","authors":"Anna Rachel Dos Santos Soares, Carlos Antonio Gomes da Cruz, Maria Luíza Viana Fonseca, Líria Sheila Chamane, Loliza Luiz Figueiredo Houri Chalub, Raquel Conceição Ferreira","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1557008","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1557008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study analyzed the magnitude of education- and income-based inequalities in functional dentition (FD) among Brazilian adults between 2013 and 2019, considering dental service utilization.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study based on repeated cross-sectional surveys using secondary data from a probabilistic sample of adults (18-59 years old) who participated in the 2013 and 2019 National Health Survey (NHS). Only individuals who reported having used dental services were included. FD was defined as having ≥21 teeth, based on self-reported tooth loss in the maxillary and mandibular arches. Variables included sex, age, education (years of study), and per capita family income (measured in minimum wages). Dental service utilization was assessed using the question \"When was the last time you visited a dentist?\" with responses dichotomized into \">1 year\" and \"≤1 year\". Absolute and relative inequalities in FD were assessed using the slope index of inequality (SII) and the relative index of inequality (RII), respectively, based on education and income. Generalized linear models (log-binomial regression) were applied with a logarithmic link function to estimate RII (rate ratios) and an identity link function to estimate SII (rate differences), adjusting for sex and age. Trends between 2013 and 2019 and differences in SII and RII by dental service utilization were assessed through two-way interaction terms in the models. All analyses accounted for the survey's complex sampling design and sample weights.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of FD was 85.95% (2013) and 89.45% (2019) (<i>p</i> < 0.001). SII and RII indicated greater FD prevalence among higher socioeconomic groups, with the magnitude of education-based inequality higher than income-based inequality. Education-based inequalities decreased from 2013-2019. Educational inequalities were more pronounced among those who used dental services >1 year (<i>p</i> < 0.001), whereas income-based inequalities did not differ by dental service utilization (<i>p</i> > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite the reduction in FD education-based inequality in Brazil, persistent disparities were observed between socioeconomic groups, with the lowest inequalities found among adults who used dental services ≤1 year. This indicates the importance of interventions aimed at reducing barriers and promoting access to services for the most vulnerable populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1557008"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12202351/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144531956","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}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-12eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1615050
Esther Muñoz-Soto, Firas Elmsmari, Okba Mahmoud, José Antonio González
{"title":"Case Report: Apical periodontitis due to calculus-like deposit on the external surface of the root apex.","authors":"Esther Muñoz-Soto, Firas Elmsmari, Okba Mahmoud, José Antonio González","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1615050","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1615050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Herein, we report a rare case of chronic apical periodontitis associated with an extraradicular calculus-like deposit on the root apex of a mandibular left central incisor that was previously treated with root canal therapy.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 42-year-old man presented with persistent sinus tract formation. Despite non-surgical retreatment, the symptoms persisted, and radiographic evaluations, including cone-beam computed tomography, revealed a periapical radiolucency with radiopaque convexities in the apical third of the root. Intentional replantation (IR) was performed to allow direct clinical access for diagnosis and management. Upon extraction, a dark brown, calculus-like deposit firmly attached to the external root surface was observed. After deposit removal, root-end resection and retrograde filling were performed before replantation. Follow-ups at 3 months and 1 year revealed complete healing of the sinus tract and significant radiographic improvements. This case highlights the role of extraradicular biofilms and apical mineralized deposits in persistent periapical inflammation. Sinus tracts may facilitate mineral-ion migration and contribute to the formation of extra-radicular calculi. Mineralized biofilms may not be resolved using orthograde approaches, necessitating surgical intervention.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>IR enables thorough inspection and removal of radicular deposits, offering a minimally invasive and successful alternative to conventional apical surgery. The findings in this case are consistent with those in previous studies suggesting the usefulness of IR for managing refractory periapical lesions caused by extraradicular infections or mineralized biofilms.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1615050"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12198121/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510058","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":"Investigating the relationships among oral health-related knowledge, attitude, practice, and self-efficacy in predicting oral health behaviors among female Iranian students.","authors":"Akram Mehtari Taheri, Alireza Hidarnia, Fatemeh Zarei, Mahmoud Tavousi","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1533519","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1533519","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dental caries and other oral health conditions, such as periodontal disease and halitosis, are significant global health issues, particularly among adolescents. Understanding how oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and self-efficacy contribute to the adoption of preventive oral health behaviors is therefore crucial. This study aimed to investigate the relationships among these factors in predicting oral health behaviors among female Iranian students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from April to May 2023 and included 290 seventh-grade adolescent female students from schools in Kashan city. Data were collected via a validated questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes, practices, and self-efficacy regarding oral and dental health behaviors. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analyses were performed via SPSS 24 software.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The mean ± SD scores for knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and practices were 5.72 ± 1.90, 56.22 ± 6.43, 49.81 ± 12.89, and 26.90 ± 6.28, respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficient revealed a strong relationship between self-efficacy and oral health behaviors (<i>r</i> = 0.657). Regression analysis revealed that self-efficacy was the most significant predictor of oral health behaviors (<i>β</i> = 0.349).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings indicate that self-efficacy plays a key role in predicting oral health behaviors among adolescent students. Given its strong influence, educational interventions should focus on enhancing self-efficacy alongside improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices to promote better oral health behaviors.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1533519"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12198220/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510059","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}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-12eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1589764
Elizabeth Konneker, Devon Singh, Marisol Tellez, Amid I Ismail, Eugene M Dunne
{"title":"A mixed methods exploration of the origin of dental anxiety and coping strategies among participants in a behavioral intervention for dental anxiety.","authors":"Elizabeth Konneker, Devon Singh, Marisol Tellez, Amid I Ismail, Eugene M Dunne","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1589764","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1589764","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Little is known about the onset and early progression of dental anxiety. The current mixed-methods study aimed to evaluate patient-reported early experiences and onset of dental anxiety, as well as the experience of managing dental anxiety (i.e., coping strategies and symptom severity).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Adults (N=499) were recruited from a dental school clinic to participate in a clinical trial testing the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based intervention for dental anxiety. As one aspect of this trial, participants answered the Anxiety and Related Disorders Interview Schedule. During this interview, participants described when they first noticed developing anxiety about dental appointments, as well as how they coped during their appointments. Assessments were repeated at one-month and three-month follow-ups. Bivariate associations (e.g., chi-square and t-test) and repeated measures ANOVA were explored. Qualitative data were coded in NVivo.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The three identified origins for dental anxiety were: \"traumatic dental visit in childhood,\" \"traumatic dental visit in adulthood,\" and \"anxiety has always been present.\" Participants who reported a childhood trauma had the highest levels of dental anxiety relative to the other two groups. In total, 30 unique coping mechanisms were identified. A reduction in avoidant coping strategies was observed among the intervention groups at both one-month and three-months, but not in the control group.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Earlier negative dental experiences are more likely to result in greater anxiety severity. A one-time CBT-based dental anxiety treatment reduced the use of avoidant coping strategies, which may in turn reduce patient fears.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1589764"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12198210/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510057","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}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-12eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1574425
Rodolfo Mauceri, Martina Coppini, Gaetano La Mantia, Giuseppe Seminara, Mario Pérez-Sayáns, Corrado Toro, Rita Vitagliano, Hitoshi Kawamata, Toshiki Hyodo, Giuseppe Colella, Vito Rodolico, Giuseppina Campisi
{"title":"Oral squamous cell carcinoma vs. medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients assuming bone-modifying agents: a diagnostic challenge in a multi-hospital case series.","authors":"Rodolfo Mauceri, Martina Coppini, Gaetano La Mantia, Giuseppe Seminara, Mario Pérez-Sayáns, Corrado Toro, Rita Vitagliano, Hitoshi Kawamata, Toshiki Hyodo, Giuseppe Colella, Vito Rodolico, Giuseppina Campisi","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1574425","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1574425","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite advances in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), most cases are diagnosed in advanced stages, influencing negatively the patient's prognosis. The absence of specific signs and symptoms contributes to the diagnostic delay of OSCC, often leading to confusion with various oral conditions, including, in patients with a history of bone modifying agents (BMA) and/or anti-angiogenic (AA) molecules, the Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ). This study aims to investigate the characteristics of OSCC and MRONJ, focusing on clinical and radiological features of a multicenter series.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>According to STROBE statements, 11 patients collected by different centers and affected by OSCC undergoing BMA or AA therapy, with clinical and radiological features resembling MRONJ were reported (6 in Italy and 5 in Japan). Due to the suspicion of a malignant neoplasia, incisional biopsies for histological examination were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In all eleven patients under ONJ-associated therapy, discerning between OSCC and MRONJ was a real challenge due to overlapping clinical and radiological features. The present case series highlights the importance of considering the possibility of malignant disease in patients undergoing ONJ-associated therapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although biopsy is commonly considered unnecessary for MRONJ diagnosis, our findings highlight the importance of selectively performing bioptic procedures in patients taking ONJ-associated therapy to exclude the malignant nature of oral lesions promptly.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1574425"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12198122/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510060","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}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-11eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1614371
Zuzana Saidak, Marie Milly, Christophe Louandre, Emilien Colin, Pia-Manuela Rusu, Agnes Paasche, Stephanie Dakpe, Sylvie Testelin, Antoine Galmiche
{"title":"Salivary cell-free DNA methylation analysis for oncological monitoring of surgical resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma.","authors":"Zuzana Saidak, Marie Milly, Christophe Louandre, Emilien Colin, Pia-Manuela Rusu, Agnes Paasche, Stephanie Dakpe, Sylvie Testelin, Antoine Galmiche","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1614371","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1614371","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Non-invasive analysis of tumor DNA in biological fluids offers promising perspectives for the oncological monitoring of cancer patients. Cancer-specific DNA methylation marks are detectable in the saliva of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) patients. We set up a salivary liquid biopsy approach for the oncological monitoring of OSCC referred for surgical resection.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>We analysed DNA methylation in TCGA-OSCC to identify genes with high methylation levels in tumor vs. matched non-tumor tissue. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation levels of selected genes were analysed in the saliva of OSCC patients (<i>n</i> = 30) before/after complete surgical resection by High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis, and compared to non-cancer controls.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified five genes with higher DNA methylation levels in OSCC compared to matching non-tumor tissue that were analysable by HRM, and were independent of tumor stage, etiology or age. In 70% of OSCC, at least one of the five cfDNA methylation marks was detectable before surgery. Complete surgical resection led to a significant disappearance of salivary cfDNA methylation marks. In 52% of patients, we noted the persistence of at least one mark, shown to be related to close/positive surgical margin status. In one patient resected with R0 margin, the persistence of <i>ASCL1</i> methylation preceded tumor recurrence by 4 months.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Salivary cfDNA methylation analysis offers a minimally invasive method to monitor the effectiveness of surgical resection of OSCC. Future studies with a larger cohort and longer follow-up are required to validate its use in this context.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1614371"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12187844/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144499938","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}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-09eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1604465
Chukwuemeka L Anyikwa, Chukwuebuka E Ogwo
{"title":"Enhancing oral health outcomes through public health policy reform.","authors":"Chukwuemeka L Anyikwa, Chukwuebuka E Ogwo","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1604465","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1604465","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article explores the transformative potential of public health policies to improve oral health outcomes through the integrated application of three fundamental pillars: sustainability, equity in healthcare access, and the reduction of oral health disease burden. By examining the interplay of these pillars, the discussion proposes strategies that not only enhance preventive measures and accessibility to dental care but also foster long-term, sustainable improvements in population oral health. The framework presented herein is intended to guide policymakers in creating evidence-based interventions that address disparities and mitigate the growing burden of oral diseases globally.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1604465"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12183177/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144478331","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":"Quorum sensing in <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> and oral microbial interactions: a scoping review.","authors":"Zelda Ziyi Zhao, Wenwen Shan, Lifeng Guo, Chun Hung Chu, Jing Zhang","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1573863","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1573863","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong><i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i>, a major periodontal pathogen, interacts with other oral microbes through quorum sensing, enhancing its growth and virulence, which contributes to periodontitis. This scoping review aims to examine the role of quorum sensing in the interactions between <i>P. gingivalis</i> and other oral microbial species.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two independent researchers conducted a systematic search using the keywords {[(quorum sensing) OR QS] AND [(<i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i>) OR <i>P. gingivalis</i>]} for English publications prior to 2025 from Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. They screened titles and abstracts, retrieving full texts of original studies to identify key concepts and findings regarding the quorum sensing of <i>P. gingivalis</i> in oral microbial ecosystems.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 205 publications were identified, of which 26 were included in the review. These studies demonstrated quorum sensing of <i>P. gingivalis</i> and other bacteria through signal molecules Autoinducer-1 and Autoinducer-2. Autoinducer-1 enhances the pathogenicity of <i>P. gingivalis</i>, facilitating its integration into complex oral microbial communities. Autoinducer-2 fosters cooperative or competitive relationships between <i>P. gingivalis</i> and other periodontal pathogens, modifying the structure of oral biofilms. Additionally, researchers are studying the use of quorum sensing inhibitors to reduce the virulence of <i>P. gingivalis</i> for managing periodontitis and restoring microbial balance in the oral cavity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Quorum sensing enhances the pathogenicity of <i>P. gingivalis</i> in the oral environment. Through the modulation of Autoinducer-1 and Autoinducer-2, quorum sensing regulates interactions between <i>P. gingivalis</i> and other oral microbes. This study demonstrates the need for further research into quorum sensing-targeted interventions in periodontal therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1573863"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12179136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144369879","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}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-05eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1610977
Álvaro Sánchez Barrueco, María Victoria López-Acevedo Cornejo, William Aragonés Sanzen-Baker, Sol López-Andrés, Gonzalo Díaz Tapia, Ignacio Alcalá Rueda, Jessica Mireya Santillán Coello, Carlos Cenjor Español, José Miguel Villacampa Aubá
{"title":"Evolutionary conformation model of salivary gland lithiasis.","authors":"Álvaro Sánchez Barrueco, María Victoria López-Acevedo Cornejo, William Aragonés Sanzen-Baker, Sol López-Andrés, Gonzalo Díaz Tapia, Ignacio Alcalá Rueda, Jessica Mireya Santillán Coello, Carlos Cenjor Español, José Miguel Villacampa Aubá","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1610977","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1610977","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Salivary stones, or sialoliths, are calcified concretions forming within salivary glands and their ducts through a two-stage process: an initial formation of a central core via precipitation of inorganic material mediated by organic substances, followed by layering of additional organic and inorganic material. Substrates for sialolith formation include mucoid agglomerates, organic vesicles, foreign bodies, and bacterial biofilms. Understanding the detailed structure of sialoliths may aid in developing specific preventive or therapeutic strategies.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This study analyzed 137 sialoliths from 102 patients treated across three university hospitals. Stones were extracted via sialendoscopy, direct extraction, or spontaneous extrusion. Structural and compositional analyses were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and x-ray diffraction (XRD).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most sialoliths were from the submandibular gland (82%), with the remainder from the parotid gland (18%). Parotid stones predominantly exhibited irregular shapes, while submandibular stones were generally ellipsoidal. All stones demonstrated an oolitic structure characterized by a central core surrounded by concentric layers and frequently associated with bacteria. Mineral composition predominantly included octacalcium phosphate (OCP), hydroxyapatite, and whitlockite. Larger sialoliths exhibited a higher proportion of hydroxyapatite, indicating increased crystallinity compared to OCP.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Despite diverse origins and locations, sialoliths share common morphological and compositional traits. Their formation begins with heterogeneous nucleation of calcium phosphates around organic spherules, likely induced by bacterial biofilms. These initial nuclei aggregate into a central core upon which additional layers of organic and inorganic materials deposit progressively. This layering increases the size and crystallinity of the sialoliths over time. The coexistence of amorphous phases and structural heterogeneity within layers explains the variability among stones. Detailed SEM-EDX analysis supports a unified conformational model for sialoliths that integrates the interplay of organic substrates, inorganic minerals, bacterial biofilms, and temporal factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Sialoliths are oolitic aggregates featuring a central core surrounded by concentric layers composed of organic and inorganic materials. Their formation process involves initial heterogeneous nucleation, bacterial influence, and progressive crystallization. This universal conformational model effectively describes sialolith formation irrespective of patient-specific or anatomical variations.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1610977"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12176897/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144334732","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}
Frontiers in oral healthPub Date : 2025-06-05eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.3389/froh.2025.1610146
Jing Kang, Huabin Luo, Jianhua Wu
{"title":"Editorial: The association between oral health and mental health.","authors":"Jing Kang, Huabin Luo, Jianhua Wu","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1610146","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1610146","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1610146"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12176748/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144334731","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}