Microbial dysbiosis that facilitates Candida proliferation in the oral cavity is a significant factor associated with oral candidiasis. This study aimed to gain insights into microbial dynamics of primary oral candidiasis during infection and following antifungal therapy to enhance our understanding of disease pathogenesis and treatment efficacy. Oral rinse samples were collected from 16 patients with primary oral candidiasis, seven of whom returned for follow-up after antifungal treatment, and from seven healthy controls. Microbiome profiling was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3-V4 region), followed by microbial diversity and taxonomic analyses. Twelve bacterial phyla and 138 genera were identified across all samples. Alpha and beta diversity analyses showed no significant differences in microbial richness or overall community structure across both infection and treatment conditions, suggesting a resilient oral microbiome. Compared to controls, oral microbiome of the patients showed a significantly higher abundance of Firmicutes and Campylobacterota, along with a lower abundance of Bacteroidota. At the genus level, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus, and lactobacilli (Lacticaseibacillus, Ligilactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus) were present at higher abundances during oral candidiasis, while Neisseria, Prevotella, and Alloprevotella were less abundant. Following two weeks of antifungal therapy, alterations in microbial community composition and diversity were observed relative to the control group, suggesting incomplete microbiota restoration. Microbiome analysis revealed dysbiosis with significant taxa changes during primary oral candidiasis. Clinical resolution of oral candidiasis did not correspond well with microbiota restoration, suggesting dysbiosis may persist beyond fungal clearance and contribute to delayed ecological recovery and oral homeostasis. This study highlights the microbial shift during primary oral candidiasis and post-antifungal treatment. Despite clinical resolution with antifungal therapy, oral microbiome of patients with primary oral candidiasis continues to exhibit residual shifts in composition, underscoring the needs for microbiota-targeted intervention to prevent recurrence and maintain oral health. While our results provide preliminary insights into microbial dysbiosis associated with primary oral candidiasis and the effects of antifungal therapy, further validation in larger cohorts is warranted.

Assessment of the association between sleep bruxism (SB) and awake bruxism (AB) in a general dental practice. Thirty patients (aged 20-78 years, mean age 44.3 years, SD 13.3 years) with regular dental recall appointments at a general dental practice were included.The exclusion criteria were as follows: refusal to participate; trauma; pregnancy/lactation; medication; age below 18 years; edentulism; orthodontic treatment; and patients with untreated dental problems (e.g. caries).SB was assessed by means of self-report and outpatient polygraphy (SOMNOtouch™RESP, Fa. Somnomedics, Randersacker, Germany) over the course of one night. AB in the same patients was assessed using self-report and the 'Bruxapp' self-observation app (Ecological Momentary Assessment, EMA). This assessment was carried out in the same week in which the patients used the polygraphic device. The following parameters were assessed clinically: the presence of temporomandibular disorders, diagnosed in accordance to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders; tooth wear; and tongue/cheek impressions. The null hypothesis was that no significant correlation exists between the frequency of AB and the duration of SB events, as assessed via EMA, anamnesis and polygraphy. Statistical analysis was carried out using the McNemar's change test, the chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson's correlation (IBM SPSS Statistics version 30.0.0). The duration of all SB events was significantly correlated with teeth clenching, based on the percentage of EMA (p = 0.05, correlation coefficient r = 0.35). The null hypothesis was therefore rejected. Based on the overall duration of SB events, a significant difference was observed for subjects with and without TMD (p=0.03). No significant association was found between the duration of SB events and tooth wear or tongue and cheek impressions. Awake clenching was significantly correlated with the overall duration of SB events. These findings suggest that an association may exist between SB and AB. In subjects presenting SB, AB should also be assessed, and vice versa, as SB and AB appear to be correlated.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a granulomatous vasculitis affecting medium- and large-sized arteries, most commonly the temporal arteries. Delayed recognition can lead to severe complications, including irreversible vision loss and stroke. Dentists routinely obtain panoramic radiographs for dental assessment, where calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAA) may appear as incidental findings in the cervical region. This study systematically evaluated the incidence of suspected CCAA detected on panoramic radiographs obtained for dental indications and considered the clinical relevance of these findings for dental practitioners. A systematic search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted to identify studies reporting calcified carotid artery atheromas detected on panoramic radiographs. Study selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Observational studies reporting CCAA on panoramic radiographs were included. Data extraction was performed independently, and pooled incidence estimates were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis. Thirty-four cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled incidence of suspected CCAA detected on panoramic radiographs was approximately 7% (95% CI 5-9%). Substantial heterogeneity was observed among studies. These findings indicate that incidental radiographic detection of cervical calcifications occurs in a measurable proportion of dental patients undergoing panoramic imaging. Although panoramic radiography is not a screening modality for carotid artery disease, dentists should recognize potential calcified carotid atheromas when interpreting images obtained for dental purposes. Identification of suspicious calcifications and appropriate referral for medical evaluation may support early assessment of patients with possible vascular risk factors. Routine dental examinations and panoramic radiography may allow early risk identification, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.