The Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on the Psychosomatic Spectrum of Oral Diseases: Mapping the Evidence

Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Clinical Trials on Psychological Stress and Oral Health (1967-2024)

Stress is ubiquitous in modern life, influencing various facets of human health and well-being. While the impact of stress on mental and physical health is well-documented, its effects on oral health have garnered increasing attention in recent years. This bibliometric analysis explores the literature on the impact of stress on oral health. The study utilizes data from the PubMed database, focusing on publication trends, influential contributors and the temporal analysis of their publications, coauthorship analysis of authors and institutions, key thematic clusters, thematic evolution, and collaboration between various countries. Examining clinical trials investigating the impact of stress on oral health unveils significant trends and insights. Over time, there has been a steady rise in publication frequency, although with occasional fluctuations, indicating an increasing interest in the subject. The University of California has been identified as a leading institution, while Psychoneuroendocrinology emerges as a pivotal journal for disseminating research findings in the field. Keyword analysis reveals diverse thematic clusters, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the impact of stress on oral health. The analysis of topic trends showcases significant shifts over different periods, from basic correlations between mental health conditions and physiological indicators to a broader exploration of psychological interventions and social contexts in recent years. Thematic evolution analysis further elucidates this progression, categorizing themes into motor, basic, niche, and emerging or declining categories. Additionally, the analysis of corresponding authors' countries uncovers patterns of collaborative efforts, with the United States leading in collaboration levels. In summary, these analyses collectively highlight an evolving comprehension of the impact of stress on oral health, providing valuable insights for clinical practice and guiding future research endeavors.

Exploring the Relationship between Psychoneuroimmunology and Oral Diseases: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis

The relationship between psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) and oral health has recently garnered increasing attention due to the intricate interaction among psychological factors, the nervous system, immune responses, and oral diseases. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the multifaceted connections between PNI and various oral conditions and conduct an in-depth analysis. Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, have been linked to oral microbiome alterations and immune function and the development and progression of oral diseases, such as periodontal disorders, oral ulcers, and temporomandibular disorders. Conversely, oral health conditions, particularly chronic periodontitis, have been associated with systemic inflammation, affecting mental health and overall well-being through neuroendocrine-immune pathways. Moreover, neural mechanisms, including the brain-gut axis and the autonomic nervous system, significantly influenced oral health through immune modulation and inflammatory responses. Understanding these complex interactions has implications for therapeutic interventions that target both psychological well-being and oral health outcomes. This review synthesizes current research findings from various disciplines, including immunology, neuroscience, dentistry, and psychology, to offer a comprehensive understanding of the bidirectional relationship between PNI and oral diseases. The implications of these interactions on treatment strategies, preventive measures, and interdisciplinary approaches underscore the need for integrated healthcare models that address psychological and oral health aspects to improve outcomes and quality of life in patients.

Evaluation of Salivary Opiorphin, pH and Flow Rate in Oral Submucous Fibrosis - A Case - Control Observational Study

Aim and Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the salivary pH, flow rate and opiorphin in Oral submucous fibrosis patients and to compare them with healthy individuals.

Materials and Methods

A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the salivary opiorphin levels, pH and flow rate among 78 patients (39 Oral submucous fibrosis + 39 control). Burning sensation was assessed using VAS score. Opiorphin levels were assessed using Cusabio Human Salivary Opiorphin ELISA kit. Salivary flow rate was assessed using graduated syringes and salivary pH was assessed using Hydrion salivary pH strips. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro Wilk test were assessed for normality testing and distribution. Inferential statistics was done by using Unpaired t test/Independent sample t test to compare the mean values of variables included in the study among the OSMF and healthy patients.

Results

There was statistically significant difference in pH and flow rate with a reduction in the mean pH (p=0.024) and flow rate (p<0.01) among the oral submucous fibrosis patients compared to the control group. A statistically significant increase (p<0.01) in salivary opiorphin levels was noted in the oral submucous fibrosis patients. Majority of the study participants had mild to moderate burning sensation.

Conclusion

This study was a pilot evaluation of salivary opiorphin in OSMF. Salivary opiorphin could be used as an objective marker for chronic subjective conditions The pre-treatment and post treatment evaluation of salivary opiorphin could provide more insight on its role.