Frontiers in oral health最新文献

{"title":"Comparison of light gradient boosting and logistic regression for interactomic hub genes in <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> and <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i>-induced periodontitis with Alzheimer's disease.","authors":"Pradeep Kumar Yadalam, Shubhangini Chatterjee, Prabhu Manickam Natarajan, Carlos M Ardila","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1463458","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1463458","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i> and Treponema species have been found to invade the central nervous system through virulence factors, causing inflammation and influencing the host immune response. <i>P. gingivalis</i> interacts with astrocytes, microglia, and neurons, leading to neuroinflammation. <i>Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans</i> and <i>Fusobacterium nucleatum</i> may also play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Interactomic hub genes, central to protein-protein interaction networks, are vulnerable to perturbations, leading to diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Machine learning can identify differentially expressed hub genes in specific conditions or diseases, providing insights into disease mechanisms and developing new therapeutic approaches. This study compares the performance of light gradient boosting and logistic regression in identifying interactomic hub genes in <i>P. gingivalis</i> and <i>F. nucleatum</i>-induced periodontitis with those in Alzheimer's disease.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using the GSE222136 dataset, we analyzed differential gene expression in periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease. The GEO2R tool was used to identify differentially expressed genes under different conditions, providing insights into molecular mechanisms. Bioinformatics tools such as Cytoscape and CytoHubba were employed to create gene expression networks to identify hub genes. Logistic regression and light gradient boosting were used to predict interactomic hub genes, with outliers removed and machine learning algorithms applied.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The data were cross-validated and divided into training and testing segments. The top hub genes identified were TNFRSF9, LZIC, TNFRSF8, SLC45A1, GPR157, and SLC25A33, which are induced by <i>P. gingivalis</i> and <i>F. nucleatum</i> and are responsible for endothelial dysfunction in brain cells. The accuracy of logistic regression and light gradient boosting was 67% and 60%, respectively.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The logistic regression model demonstrated superior accuracy and balance compared to the light gradient boosting model, indicating its potential for future improvements in predicting hub genes in periodontal and Alzheimer's diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1463458"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11914103/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143660021","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":"Wound healing and pain evaluation following diode laser surgery vs. conventional scalpel surgery in the surgical treatment of oral leukoplakia: a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Mariana de Pauli Paglioni, Caique Mariano Pedroso, Isabel Schausltz Pereira Faustino, Pablo Agustin Vargas, Mario Fernando de Goes, Manoela Domingues Martins, Márcio Ajudarte Lopes, Alan Roger Santos-Silva","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1568425","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1568425","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to compare patient-reported pain scores and clinician-assessed healing outcomes following the treatment of oral leukoplakia (OL) with a diode laser vs. a conventional scalpel.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized, double-blind clinical trial (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-7pgcyq) was conducted involving histopathologically confirmed OL patients. Participants were randomly allocated to undergo treatment with either a diode laser or a scalpel. Pain was assessed at 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while healing outcomes were clinically evaluated at 7 days, 1-month, and 3-months post-treatment using the Vancouver Scar Scale. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney <i>U</i>-test for comparing pain and healing scores between interventions. Friedman test also was used to analyze healing progress over time.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>64 patients were analyzed (33 in diode laser and 31 in scalpel group). No significant differences in pain scores were observed between the treatment groups at 24 h (<i>p</i> = 0.75), 48 h (<i>p</i> = 0.92), or 7 days (<i>p</i> = 0.44). Overall, pain levels varied significantly by OL location at 24 h (<i>p</i> = 0.001), 48 h (<i>p</i> = 0.01), and 7 days (<i>p</i> = 0.03), with tongue lesions associated with significantly higher pain compared to gingival lesions at 24 h (<i>p</i> = 0.005) and 48 h (<i>p</i> = 0.01), as well as compared to palatal lesions at 24 h (<i>p</i> = 0.01). Laser group showed significantly better healing compared to the scalpel group at 7 days (<i>p</i> = 0.01), with no significant differences observed at 1 month (<i>p</i> = 0.67) or 3 months (<i>p</i> = 0.25). Healing outcomes improved significantly over time in both arms (<i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There was no significant difference between the diode laser and scalpel treatment arms regarding post operative pain scores. Diode lasers represent better healing at the first week post treatment, but with no differences over time. These findings support the use of either modality as viable management options for OL.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial registration: </strong>Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry, identifier (RBR-7pgcyq).</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1568425"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11911516/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143652866","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":"Editorial: Minimal intervention dentistry for dental caries management.","authors":"Ollie Yiru Yu, Piyaphong Panpisut, Aylin Baysan, Chun-Hung Chu","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1565605","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2025.1565605","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1565605"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11906407/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143652853","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":"Decolonise oral health care: calling for a rights-based, accountability framework approach.","authors":"Moréniké Oluwátóyìn Foláyan, Madison Cachagee, Brianna Poirier, Joelle Booth, Patricia Neville, Arish Naresh, Eleanor Fleming","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1539846","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2025.1539846","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This paper explores how colonisation has shaped oral healthcare and oral health inequities across Indigenous populations globally. It highlights how colonial healthcare models, which prioritise Western medical paradigms, often marginalise Indigenous knowledge and practices. For Indigenous communities, such as Aboriginal Australians, Māori, and those in the Global South, oral health disparities stem from historical and ongoing structural violence, socioeconomic barriers, and limited access to culturally appropriate care. The authors argue for a decolonisation framework in global oral health that shifts power, accountability, and respect toward Indigenous and marginalised communities. A rights-based, accountability-informed decolonisation framework seeks to address historical and ongoing oral health inequities, integrating a view that oral health is a human right and demands that governments and health systems rectify the disparities. It emphasises culturally relevant care and inclusive policymaking, fostering solidarity and systemic change to create equitable and effective oral healthcare for all populations. We propose that deliberate actions need to be taken to centre power redistribution, accountability, and respect in global oral health, moving away from Euro-American-centric frameworks to create an equitable, culturally responsive oral healthcare system. Our calls to action include the need for self-reflection within the field to dismantle entrenched colonial ideologies and prioritise Indigenous leadership and knowledge. Effective allyship should involve collaboration driven by the needs of communities, with institutions accountable for reducing exclusionary practices. By \"learning to unlearn\" traditional frameworks, the oral health community can build a system that genuinely addresses health disparities and supports justice and equity worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1539846"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11908460/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143652851","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":"Staining susceptibility and the effect of different stain removal techniques on the optical properties of injectable composite resins.","authors":"Nancy Soliman Farghal, Fadia Awadalkreem, Shahistha Parveen Dasnadi, Shatha Habush, Nur Ali Hatab, Asmaa Harhash","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1556155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2025.1556155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The injectable composite resin technique using highly filled flowable composite for anterior restorations is relatively new. This study aims to detect the staining susceptibility and the effect of polishing and bleaching agents and their combination on the stain removal and surface gloss of the injectable composite resins compared to sculptable nanofilled composite.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eighty-four disc-shaped specimens were prepared from two injectable composite resins: Beautifil Flow Plus X (BFP) and G-ænial Universal Injectable (GUI) and one sculptable nanofilled composite; Filtek™ Z350XT Universal Restorative (FUR), immersed in an instant coffee solution for 12 days. The specimens from each material were divided into four groups (<i>n</i> = 7) according to the stain-removal method: Group 1 (control): no stain removal treatment. Group 2: Polished with Super-Snap Buff Polisher and Direct DiaPaste for 60 s. Group 3: Bleached with Opalescence Boost 40% for one hour (3 rounds/20 min each). Group 4: bleached and polished. A Spectrophotometer recorded the color parameter initially (T₀), after staining (T₁) and after stain removal methods (T₂) and color change (ΔE₀₀) was calculated. Gloss (GU) was recorded initially and after stain removal methods using a glossmeter. Surface morphology was examined with Scanning Electron Microscopy. The data was analyzed using One and Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD <i>post hoc</i> test using SPSS software at a 5% significance level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All tested materials showed clinically unacceptable staining susceptibility after coffee immersion and stain removing methods (ΔE₀₀ >1.8), with FUR exhibiting the highest change (26.2 ± 2.6). In-office bleaching and combined bleaching/polishing significantly reduced color change for FUR (<i>P</i> < 0.05), while all stain removal methods was equally effective for BPF and GUI (<i>P</i> > 0.05). Surface gloss remained unchanged with the highest values after staining and bleaching for all materials (52.8 ± 11.2-49.7 ± 9.4, <i>P</i> > 0.05) but significantly decreased after polishing alone or combined with bleaching (31.6 ± 5.7-15.4 ± 1.5, <i>P</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Injectable composites exhibited lower staining susceptibility than the sculptable nanofilled composite. No stain-removing method restored the color for all composites to the clinically acceptable threshold. In-office bleaching with Opalescence Boost 40% effectively maintained optimal surface gloss, while polishing alone or after bleaching is not recommended due to its negative impact on gloss.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1556155"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11908588/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143652855","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":"Tooth loss trajectories and their association with all-cause mortality among older Chinese adults.","authors":"Xiaoming Zhang, Rui Zeng, Dongmei Ye, Mengxia Shi, Aizhang Zhu, Lihuan Chen, Tenghui Fan, Ke Zhu, Fayi Xie, Wan Zhu, Yufei Zeng, Jiang Wang, Wenwu Zhang","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1535708","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1535708","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The association between tooth loss trajectories and all-cause mortality has not been sufficiently explored. This study aims to examine the relationship between tooth loss trajectories and all-cause mortality in Chinese adults aged 65 years and older.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study included 3,726 participants from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study (CLHLS). The inclusion criteria required participants to be aged 65 years or older, with complete data on tooth count at baseline and at least one follow-up survey. Participants were excluded if they had missing data on death, time to death, or if their they reported tooth count showed an abnormally high increase. The mean age of participants was 85.16 ± 10.7 years. To identify distinct trajectories of tooth loss, growth mixture models (GMM) were employed. Cox regression analysis was utilized to assess the association between tooth loss trajectories and all-cause mortality. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the findings, while subgroup analyses were performed to explored potential variations in association across different demographic groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of edentulism at baseline was 37.13%, with a cumulative incidence of 15.8% over 10-year period. Three distinct tooth loss trajectories were identified during follow-up of 9.41 years: (1) progressively mild loss: comprising 312 participants (8.37%); (2) progressively severe loss, comprising 505 participants (13.55%); and (3) edentulism group, comprising 2,909 participants (78.07%). The median follow-up times for each group were 5.91 years, 3.44 years, and 1.84 years, respectively. During the follow-up period, the number of deaths were 114 (36.54%) in the progressively mild loss group, 274 (54.26%) in the progressively severe loss group, and 2,284 (78.51%) in the edentulism group. Compared to the progressively mild loss group, the hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.01-1.64) in the progressively severe loss group, and 1.60 (95% CI, 1.28-1.99) in the edentulism group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study identified three distinct tooth loss trajectories among older Chinese adults, with the edentulism group exhibiting the strongest association with all-cause mortality. These findings highlight the crucial importance of maintaining oral health and preserving natural teeth to promote longevity and improve overall health outcomes in older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1535708"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11897258/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143618108","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":"The tumor coagulome as a potential biological determinant of postsurgical recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma.","authors":"Zuzana Saidak, Antoine Galmiche","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1554739","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1554739","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The tumor coagulome is an intrinsic characteristic of human tumors and a key determinant of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT). Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) establish a local procoagulant state that contributes to a broad range of vascular complications, and potentially also to tumor progression. Recent clinical studies suggest that biomarkers of coagulation might be of interest for predicting postsurgical recurrence of OSCC, but it remains unclear whether specific properties of the coagulome of OSCC are conducive to postsurgical recurrence. We examined this possibility using transcriptomic analyses of OSCC.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Using bulk RNA-seq data from TCGA and other sources, we explored the link between the coagulome (<i>n</i> = 85 genes) and disease-free survival (DFS) of OSCC with machine-learning. Tumor microenvironment analyses and single-cell RNA-seq analyses were used to address the potential mechanisms that link coagulation and tumor recurrence. We also compared the coagulome of matched primary/recurrent OSCC.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified seven coagulation-related genes, either positively (<i>F3, F2, F8</i> and <i>PROC</i>) or negatively (<i>VWF, SERPING1, BDKRB2</i>) linked to postsurgical recurrence in OSCC at low/intermediate risk, and we validated the model in an independent cohort. We examined their relationship with the tumor microenvironment, suggesting tumor infiltration by T cells as an element of mechanistic explanation. Increased expression of procoagulant genes, such as <i>F3</i>, was noted in recurrent compared to matched primary OSCC.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our observations suggest that active coagulation shapes the oncological outcome of surgery. Analyzing the tumor procoagulant status might help predict postsurgical recurrence of OSCC.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1554739"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11891189/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143598498","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":"Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward halitosis among dental patients at Zewditu memorial hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.","authors":"Rediet Degif, Yeshewas Abaynew","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1522682","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1522682","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common oral health problem that can significantly affect a person's social and psychological well-being. Understanding dental patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to halitosis provides valuable insights into the current state of KAP related to halitosis in Addis Ababa and highlights the need for targeted educational interventions within dental health services.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward halitosis among dental patients at Zewditu Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 214 study participants. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire that assessed the participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to halitosis. The data were checked, cleaned, and entered into SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data, and the findings were presented in texts, tables, and graphs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In terms of knowledge, 71% of the participants had poor knowledge about halitosis. Approximately 68.7% of the participants had an unfavorable attitude toward halitosis. Furthermore, while 40.7% of the participants reported regular oral care and 42.5% used mouthwash, only 26.6% of the participants reported good practices regarding halitosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding halitosis among dental patients at Zewditu Memorial Hospital were not satisfactory. These results highlight critical gaps in public awareness and effective management strategies for halitosis. This study highlights the need for integrated public health initiatives and clinical practices that focus on improving awareness and management of halitosis to ultimately promote better oral health in the community.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1522682"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11891364/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143598495","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":"Impact of opioid abuse on oral health: a retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Martyna Smeda, Constanze Knogl, Karolina Müller, Martin Stahl, Wolfgang Buchalla, Lukas Keim, Ursula Piendl, Norbert Wodarz, Matthias Widbiller","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1483406","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1483406","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Opioid use has significantly increased in Germany in recent years. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the oral health, dental hygiene, self-perceived pain, and functional limitations of opioid-addicted patients with a healthy control group.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>50 opioid-addicted patients (OAP) attending substitution treatment at the Centre for Addiction Medicine of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University of Regensburg were enrolled and interviewed about their drug use history. A control group was matched for age and sex. The oral health status of patients in both groups was documented using a record of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), Periodontal Screening Index (PSI), Silness and Loe Plaque Index (PI), stimulated salivary flow rate, buffer capacity and pH. Patients also completed a questionnaire on oral hygiene, functional limitations, dietary habits and other topics. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests (<i>α</i> = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>More men (74%) than women (26%) participated in the study with an age range of 19-64 years. According to the inclusion criteria, all OAP had a history of heroin use, followed by cannabinoids (90%) and cocaine (82%). The median DMFT of the OAP was 21 (IQR = 12-28) and was significantly higher (<i>P</i> < 0.001) than in the control group (median = 10, IQR = 5-16). In addition, the OAP had a significantly higher proportion of periodontal treatment needs (<i>P</i> < 0.001). The PI of the OAP was also significantly worse (<i>P</i> = 0.012). The pH of stimulated saliva from the OAP (median = 6.8, IQR = 6.4-7.2) was significantly lower (<i>P</i> = 0.002) compared to the control group (median = 7.2, IQR = 7.0-7.4). However, there were no significant differences in stimulated salivary flow rate and buffering capacity (<i>P</i> > 0.086). OAP had significantly poorer oral hygiene, with a particular lack of interdental care (<i>P</i> ≤ 0.0012), and a significantly higher consumption of sweets or sweetened drinks appeared to be a problem (<i>P</i> ≤ 0.027). Functional limitations (<i>P</i> < 0.001) were reported to be a burden for OAP.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Opioid addiction significantly impacts oral health, necessitating improved dental care and confidential treatment services to prevent dental and periodontal diseases and support the social integration of affected individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1483406"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11885281/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143588951","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":"Gender equality among medical and dental academic researchers in West Africa: a theoretical analysis of a compendium of research.","authors":"Moréniké Oluwátóyìn Foláyan, Ana Gascón-Catalán, Guillermo Z Martínez-Pérez","doi":"10.3389/froh.2025.1373404","DOIUrl":"10.3389/froh.2025.1373404","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study conducted theoretical analyses of the findings of a study on gender disparities in research productivity and leadership in medical and dental research institutions in Nigeria. The aim was to highlight the connectedness of the study findings, and to develop a conceptual framework that can inform future studies on gender equity in academia across West Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A content analysis of the research outputs was conducted using four theoretical frameworks to assess the alignment of the study findings with gender equality goals. The research examined policy effectiveness and institutional practices using the 2008 USAID Gender Equality Framework; analyzed how personal traits, societal expectations, and organizational practices intersect using Fagenson's Theory of Gender and Career Development; uncovered gendered power dynamics and inform strategies for institutional reform using the Feminist Institutionalism Analytical Lens; and shed light on disparities in mentorship, collaboration, and academic publishing using the Academic Literacies Theory.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The key domains influencing gender inequality and requiring targeted actions are: first, the patriarchal societal, cultural, and religious values that shape gender roles, restricting women's career advancement. Second, institutional policies and organizational culture that limits female leadership and research productivity. Third, individual and generational perspectives influence advocacy, with younger individuals recognizing inequality more readily. Research productivity and leadership disparities can be addressed through mentorship and training programs for early-career researchers that foster the development of gender-sensitive advocates. The developed conceptual framework outlines three core research and action domains-societal, institutional, and individual factors-and their sub-factors, alongside targeted interventions influencing gender inequality, proposed targeted recommendations and expected outcomes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of gender disparities. Strategic actions are needed to address the issues that foster gender equality in medical and dental research institutions, and to support female researchers in West Africa. These actions should focus on the younger generations to drive needed changes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94016,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in oral health","volume":"6 ","pages":"1373404"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11885503/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143588935","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}