Periodontal effects of two innovative oral rinsing substances in oncologic patients

Assessment of Systemic and Maxillary Bone Loss in Cancer Patients with Endo-Periodontal Lesions Using Dkk-1 Biomarker and Dental Radiological Examinations

The aim of our study was to correlate systemic bone loss by evaluating human Dickkopf-related protein 1 (Dkk-1) biomarker compared to horizontal bone loss as well as the presence and size of periapical lesions assessed by dental X-ray (ortopantomography—OPT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with cancer in the ears, nose and throat (ENT) region vs. healthy controls. The study included 63 subjects divided into a study group of 33 cancer patients with ENT cancer (larynx/oropharynx/sinuses) and a control group of 30 healthy individuals. Blood samples were collected from both groups to assess Dkk-1 level using a sandwich enzyme immunoassay. The dental radiological examination consisted of a panoramic X-ray and a CBCT in order to appraise the horizontal bone loss, the presence and size of the periapical lesions in 2D vs. 3D images. The panoramic X-ray showed that in the control group, the maximum bone loss reached 13.2 mm, with an average of 4.930 ± 3.258 mm, while in the study group, the maximum horizontal bone loss was 11.3 mm, with an average of 5.191 ± 2.109 mm. The CBCT 3D investigation, when compared to the OPT, showed increased values for horizontal bone loss, both in the control group and in the study group; in the control group, the maximum bone loss reached 14.10 mm, with an average of 5.736 ± 3.471 mm, and in the study group, the maximum value was 12.40 mm, and the average was again slightly higher (6.152 ± 2.519 mm). The mean value for Dkk-1 in cancer patients was 1.209 ± 0.110 ng/mL, significantly lower than the value observed in healthy patients (1.712 ± 0.100 ng/mL). CBCT revealed higher values for the investigated parameters when compared to panoramic X-rays. Taking into account the preliminary nature of our study, we observed a significant correlation between the level of bone loss recorded by the Dkk-1 biomarker and radiological dental examination in patients with ENT cancer when compared to the control group.

Title Cross-Sectional Study to Evaluate Knowledge and Attitudes on Oral Hygiene of Romanian Students

Background and Objectives: the purpose of this study was to evaluate students’ level of knowledge and attitude towards oral hygiene. Materials and Methods: the evaluation was carried out by a questionnaire, with 30 Q (questions) as follows: demographic data (Q1–Q5), oral hygiene knowledge data (Q6–Q23) and oral hygiene attitude data (Q24–Q30). The study included students from Romanian schools and the selection of the study group was made following selection criteria in accordance with ethical issues. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed and a value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: the study included a number of 718 subjects with a mean age of 14.54 (±2.22), male 250 (34.8%) and female 468 (65.2%), MS (middle school students) 354 (49.4%) and HH (high school students) 364 (50.6%). Most of the subjects 292 (MS = 160; HS = 132) know a toothbrushing technique, p = 0.009, r = 0.091 and 587 (MS = 278; HS = 309) know that brushing removes the bacterial plaque p = 0.027, r = −0.082 but only 147 (MS = 71; HS = 76) know that (by) brushing can re-mineralize hard dental structures. The duration of the toothbrushing is variable, for 2- or 3-min p = 0.058, r = 0.043. Criteria for choosing the toothbrush were based mainly on the indications of the dentist, respectively, for toothpaste on its properties. The frequency of toothbrushing is mainly twice a day 428 (MS = 234; HS = 248), p = 0.079, r = 0.037, 73 (MS = 33; HS = 40) after every meal. p = 0.099, r = 0.095. Mouthwash is used by 421 (MS = 199; HS = 222) p = 0.111, r = −0.048, and 228 (MS = 199; HS = 222) after each brushing. Dental floss is used by 240 (MS = 106; HS = 134), p = 0.031, r = −0.073 and only 74 (MS = 41; HS = 33) after each brushing. Conclusions: there are differences in the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding the determinants of oral hygiene depending on the level of education.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dentistry and Dental Education: A Narrative Review

Dentists and dental staff have an increased risk of airborne infection with pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 since they are exposed to high levels of droplets and aerosols produced during specific dental procedures. Hence, new guidelines such as patient screening and temperature control, air purification, space, surface and hand sanitizing and the use of protective equipment and physical barriers have been successfully implemented. In addition, the use of teledentistry has expanded considerably in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral medicine and periodontics in order to address oral and dental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic while minimizing virus transmission. Thus, teleconsultation, telediagnosis, teletriage, teletreatment and telemonitoring have emerged as valuable tools not only in the delivery of care, but also in the academic and research training of dental health professionals. This narrative review summarizes the current literature on the impact of the pandemic on dental care, dental staff and dental education, with an emphasis on how newly emerging protocols and technologies can be successfully utilized as integral parts of various branches of the dental practice and their future implications without compromising patient care.