Oral Aspects Research Articles

Systematic review of studies about the use of language with sexist connotations in fairytales and nursery rhymes of Early Childhood

The use of language through popular children's fairytales and nursery rhymes expresses ideas about what is expected of girls and boys based on the gender. These literary studies are consequences of the oral poetic tradition and cultural aspects of different contexts and times. Likewise, it is possible to demonstrate how such productions come to show traditional beliefs and customs related to the feminine and masculine ideal that, at the same time, stand as a social value. This is why the aim of this study is to identify the use of language with sexist connotations, such as gender roles and gender stereotypes, in nursery rhymes and fairytales. For this purpose, a systematic review has been carried out following the methodology PRISMA 2020 Statement, using high impact databases such as Eric, Scopus and Google Scholar. Also, Artificial Intelligences were included in the systematic review: Consensus IA, Elicit.org and Copilot. The analysis of the scientific production based on the use of language with sexist connotations in nursery rhymes and fairytales in Early Childhood education has been identified a total of 22 documents. The results show that the gender relations represented in children's fairytales and nursery rhymes from a perspective of inequality that favours the figure of traditional male dominance, as opposed to the submission of women, reiterated in the oral and written tradition. This is clear evidence of the social separation of male and female roles, which constitutes a challenge for current education, that of influencing children's nursery rhymes and fairytales to overcome these traditional gender stereotypes.

A case-control study on oral health knowledge and dental behavior among individuals with developmental delays in Jordan: caregiver perspective

Aimthe aim of this study is to assess oral health knowledge and dental behavior among individuals with developmental delays intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in comparison with individuals without (IDD) in Jordan.MethodsA case–control study was conducted among 317 caregivers of individuals with IDD (n = 168) and control (n = 149) groups, which involved the completion of the questionnaire. A closed-ended, validated self-designed questionnaire was distributed. The questionnaire included questions addressing participants’ oral health knowledge and behavior. Convenience sampling was used to select the caregivers from centers associated with IDD by collecting data from nearby locations. Using SPSS® software Version 22 with a 0.05 level of significance data were analyzed. A Chi-square test and contingency-table analysis were performed on the data.ResultsCaregivers for individuals with IDD in Jordan were less knowledgeable about different oral health aspects than control group (P value < 0.05). Fewer individuals in the IDD caregiver group brushed their teeth once or twice daily (83.2%), compared to the control group (93.3%). Only 22.6% of the IDD participants could brush their teeth without assistance. On the other hand, the IDD group consumed significantly less sugary foods and soda than the control group (P value < 0.05).ConclusionThe lack of knowledge among IDD caregivers in Jordan is critical which can result in poor oral health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Increasing the knowledge level for the IDD caregivers on the specific needs for IDD individuals is highly important to enhance their understanding of oral health and improve their quality of life. Caregivers with IDD should receive training programs given by oral health professionals about the need for regular dental check-up and effective oral hygiene care reduce the risk of having dental problems and oral disease.

PARACOCCIDIOIDOMICOSE NA ODONTOLOGIA

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, which prefers humid and warm places. Male individuals between 30 and 60 years of age are generally the most affected by this disease, especially those who work in rural areas or gardening. The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review addressing the topic of paracoccidioidomycosis in dentistry, highlighting its oral clinical aspects, increasing the knowledge of dentists so that they can help in the early recognition and diagnosis of the lesion. Diagnosis can be made through fungal culture, incisional biopsy, serological tests, histopathological analysis of the skin and mucous membranes, and chest X-rays to check for possible lung involvement. The most frequent clinical signs appear in the alveolar mucosa, gums, palate, and tongue, but other areas of the body can also be affected by the condition. In most cases, the disease is identified through oral clinical characteristics, and the dentist is the first professional to treat these patients. Treatment for paracoccidioidomycosis is prolonged and varies according to the severity of the lesions, involving the use of various antifungals such as itraconazole and cotrimoxazole. To increase the patient's life expectancy and prevent the spread of the disease, it is essential that the dentist recognizes the oral clinical manifestations, performs tests, and correctly refers the patient for appropriate medical treatment.

Parental awareness and dental health behavior of children with congenital heart disease, with diabetes mellitus, or undergoing anti-cancer treatment, compared to healthy children.

Children with chronic diseases tend to experience a considerably higher burden of oral disease compared to their healthy peers. Low awareness of the impact of systemic diseases on oral health, lack of motivation, and discomfort may render the maintenance of good oral hygiene challenging. We conducted a study of four groups of parents: of children with congenital heart disease (CHD), with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM), and undergoing anti-cancer treatment (ACT); and a control group of healthy children (C). We aimed to compare between the groups, parental attitudes and knowledge of their children's oral health, and their reports of their children's dental habits. Parents who arrived with their children for routine check-ups at three main clinics: cardiology, endocrinology, and hematology-oncology were asked to respond to a questionnaire regarding their children's oral and dental health. A total of 287 questionnaires were collected from 76 parents of children with CHD, 100 parents of children with DM, 50 parents of children undergoing ACT, and 61 parents who comprised group C. Compared to the CHD and DM groups, the ACT group demonstrated significantly more awareness of the importance of maintaining oral and dental health following diagnosis of their children's medical condition. Mothers' education was found to correlate with dental health knowledge. Most children in the DM and C groups had previous dental examinations, compared to only half in the CHD and ACT groups. A higher proportion of the children in the C than the other groups brushed teeth twice daily. The groups were similar in their consumption of sugary drinks, and of sweets and snacks. The children's specialist physicians were the main source of information on oral health, especially in the ACT group. Although most of the parents reported awareness to the oral health aspects of their children's disease, only part of them reported that their children visited dentists, and brushed their teeth twice daily. For the parents of children with CHD, DM, and ACT, their children's treating specialists were the primary source of information regarding oral health. This highlights the importance of clear and continuous communication between pediatric specialists and dentists.

Effect of oral health on functional disability and mortality in older adults in Japan: a cohort study

Oral health has previously shown associations with functional disability and mortality. We aimed to explore the associations of various aspects of oral health status with functional disability and mortality using survival analysis, as well as the relative magnitudes of the impact of these aspects on outcomes. We obtained data for individuals aged 75years and older in Shimane, Japan, who had at least one oral health check-up between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2022under Japan's long-life medical care system insurance system. Those with missing data or with functional disability at baseline were excluded. 13aspects of oral health status were assessed by dentists or dental hygienists as part of the check-up (using protocols provided by the JapanDental Association and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare): number of remaining teeth, subjective masticatory performance, objective masticatory performance, periodontal tissue status, functional dysphagia, tongue mobility, articulation, oral hygiene, number of decayed teeth, inadaptation of dentures of the upper jaw and lower jaw (considered separately), oral mucosal disease, and dry mouth. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyse the associations between each aspect of oral health and functional disability and mortality, with fully adjusted models adjusting for sex, age, BMI, medical history, or a propensity score derived from these covariates. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated to assess the differential impacts of these oral health status aspects on outcome occurrence. Of the 24 619individuals who had an oral health check-up during the study period, 21 881individuals wereincluded in the analysis of functional disability (9175 [41·93%] men, 12 706 [58·07%] women, mean age 78·31years [SD 2·88], mean follow-up 41·43months [20·80]), and 22 747individuals in the analysis of mortality (9722 [42·74%] men, 13 025 [57·26%] women, mean age 78·34years [2·89], mean follow-up 42·63months [20·58]). All 13aspects of oral health status showed significant associations with the occurrence of mortality, while functional disabilitywas associated with 11aspects (excluding oral mucosal disease and dry mouth) in the fully adjusted model. Based on PAFs, of all oral health aspects assessed, objective masticatory performance hadthegreatestimpact on both functional disability (PAF 23·10% [95% CI 20·42-25·69] for the lowest and 10·62% [8·18-12·99] for the second-lowest quartile of performance) and mortality (16·47% [13·44-19·40] and 8·90% [5·87-11·82]). Various aspects of oral health are associated with mortality and functional disability. Maintaining good oral health in older adults might help to reduce these outcomes. None.

Oral health in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A cross-sectional survey in Sweden.

The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to assess oral health, including prevalence of periodontitis and rate of tooth loss, in a Swedish cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A questionnaire on general anamnestic and socio-economic aspects, IBD diagnosis, and various oral health aspects was distributed online. The analyses focused on the comparison between patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) as well as on factors associated with self-reported severe periodontitis and tooth loss. Analyses were based on answers from 786 patients; 415 with UC, 371 with CD, 74% female. In both disease entities, high prevalence of severe periodontitis (i.e., 38.5%) was reported, and about 19% of the population had less than 20 remaining teeth and 6.5% a poor oral health-related quality of life. CD patients tended to be more severely affected than UC patients (p > 0.05 in the adjusted analysis). Almost 90% of CD patients were aware of being entitled to a bi-annual governmental financial support for dental care due to IBD; however, 1 out of 4 UC patients did not. Furthermore, IBD patients largely believe that the interest of their physicians in any oral lesions due to IBD diagnosis is low. Severe periodontitis and high rate of tooth loss are frequent in Swedish IBD patients. Even though IBD patients receive bi-annually some special financial support for dental care, it seems this is still not sufficient and more preventive measures appear necessary.

Oral and Dental Aspects of Child Abuse and Neglect: Clinical Report.

In all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, pediatricians, dental professionals, and other physicians are mandated to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect to social service or law enforcement agencies. The purpose of this clinical report is to review the oral aspects of abuse and dental neglect in children and the role of pediatricians, dental professionals, and other physicians in evaluating such conditions. This clinical report addresses recommendations on the evaluation of bite marks, as well as perioral and intraoral injuries, infections, and diseases that may raise suspicion for child abuse or neglect. Some physicians may have received less education pertaining to oral health, dental injury, and oral disease. These physicians may not detect the mouth and gum findings possibly related to abuse or neglect as readily as abuse injuries involving other areas of the body. Therefore, pediatricians, dental professionals, and other physicians are encouraged to collaborate to increase the prevention, detection, and treatment of these conditions in children.

Association between oral frailty and nutritional status among hemodialysis patients aged ≥50 years.

Malnutrition is a prevalent health issue among hemodialysis patients. Oral frailty, a condition characterized by impairments in multiple oral health aspects and functions, has been associated with nutritional status in the general population. We aimed to determine whether oral frailty was associated with nutritional status in hemodialysis patients aged ≥50 years. Our secondary aim was to determine the prevalence of oral frailty in this population. This cross-sectional study included hemodialysis patients who were admitted to a single medical center. According to the Oral Frailty 5-item Checklist, oral frailty is characterized by the presence of two or more of the following criteria: (i) fewer teeth, (ii) difficulty in chewing, (iii) difficulty in swallowing, (iv) dry mouth, and (v) low articulatory oral motor skills. Patients' nutritional status was assessed using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between oral frailty and nutritional status (classified into three categories according to the GNRI: >98, 92-98, and <92). In total, 152 hemodialysis patients (55 women and 97 men) with a mean age of 70.4 years were included. The prevalence of oral frailty was 61.2%. After adjusting for health characteristics and sociodemographic background, oral frailty was associated with poor nutritional status according to the GNRI (odds ratio = 2.04, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-4.09). In this study, approximately 60% of hemodialysis patients aged ≥50 years exhibited oral frailty, and hemodialysis patients with oral frailty had poor nutritional status according to the GNRI. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

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.

Invesigate How Cultural and Socioeconomic Factors Influence Oral Cancer Prevention Behaviors, Screening Uptake, and Treatment Outcomes

ABSTRACT Background: Oral cancer is a significant global health issue, with prevention and early detection being pivotal for improved outcomes. This study investigates the impact of cultural and socioeconomic factors on oral cancer prevention behaviors, screening participation, and treatment outcomes Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving a sample size of 1,000 participants. Participants were recruited through stratified sampling to ensure cultural and socioeconomic diversity. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were used to explore associations between factors and outcomes. Results: The study revealed multifaceted influences of cultural and socioeconomic factors on oral cancer-related aspects. Cultural factors significantly influenced prevention behaviors, with participants from certain cultural backgrounds exhibiting higher rates of tobacco use and lower rates of dietary adherence). Socioeconomic status played a role in screening uptake, with individuals from lower income brackets less likely to undergo regular screenings Conclusion: Cultural and socioeconomic factors have a substantial influence on oral cancer prevention behaviors, screening participation, and treatment outcomes.

1957 Brushing up on oral health: Improving oral health practices in geriatric inpatients

Abstract Introduction Poor oral health is linked to multiple health conditions, for example pneumonia, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Older people are particularly vulnerable to developing poor oral health due to comorbidities, medications used, and access to dental services, an effect magnified during hospital admissions. The aim of this project is to improve oral health and care received by inpatients on Healthcare for Older People (HfOP) wards. Methods A baseline audit of patient-response surveys on oral health access and behaviours, and care during hospital admissions was performed. HfOP inpatients aged &amp;gt;75 with capacity to consent were included. Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles informed interventions, focusing on education of multidisciplinary staff. First round interventions included presenting/discussing initial audit findings at a regional HfOP meeting, and working with Oral Health Practitioners to do ward-based micro-teaching and develop/distribute posters raising awareness. Second round interventions included a more in-depth certified educational session available to all HfOP staff on oral health care and promotion, and posters on how to document oral health aspects on the electronic patient record. Results 82% (82/100) patients reported being registered with a dentist, 50% attending a dentist in the last 12 months. Initially, only 17% (17/100) reported ward staff taking measures to ensure/help support their oral health, rising to 46% (46/50) in the second audit. Conclusions Though patient surveys may under-represent oral health access/issues by excluding people unable to consent, and may under-represent staff support offered/provided by recall bias, our audit did highlight gaps in staff awareness/practice. Our interventions were designed to benefit all inpatients, via opportunistic ward-based education through the audit process and formal educational sessions. Limitations included logistics of ensuring access to all staff groups. Our goal is to formalise oral health training in core MDT teaching to generate systemic lasting improvement. Other information Registered with local trust audit programme.

A Study of the Use of Computer –Mediated Language Learning on Oral English Pedagogy in Oyo State, Nigeria

This paper examines the use of Use of Computer –Mediated Language Learning in Oral English Pedagogy in Oyo State, Nigeria through the theoretical foci of Herring’s (2011) Computer- mediated Language Teaching and Nelson’s (2011) Intelligibility in ESL in World Englishes. Questionnaires were administered among 300 students and 30 teachers from 15 purposively sampled secondary schools from 5 geo-political zones of Oyo State. Respondents were gathered through stratified-random sampling technique. Method of data analysis was through simple percentage statistical tool. The findings revealed that there was scarcity of digital gadgets to teach Oral English in Oyo State secondary schools, pedagogy of Oral English is done through improvisation in Oyo State, the pedagogy of the English language in Oyo State schools occurs in an unconducive environment, and the use of digital tools in teaching oral and other aspects of English is bedeviled by epileptic power supply. It was recommended that government, philanthropist and non-governmental organizations should team up to equip Oyo State secondary schools with automated gadgets to teach Oral English in Oyo State secondary schools so as not only to make learners speak English that is mutually acceptable among Nigerians and internationally intelligible, but also to develop learners’ performance in English in external examinations.

A Study of the Use of Computer –Mediated Language Learning on Oral English Pedagogy in Oyo State, Nigeria

This paper examines the use of Use of Computer –Mediated Language Learning In Oral English Pedagogy in Oyo State, Nigeria through the theoretical foci of Herring’s(2011) Computer- mediated Language Teaching and Nelson’s (2011) Intelligibility in ESL in World Englishes. Questionnaires were administered among 300 students and 30 teachers from 15 purposively sampled secondary schools from 5 geo-political zones of Oyo State. Respondents were gathered through stratified-random sampling technique. Method of data analysis was through simple percentage statistical tool. The findings revealed that there was scarcity of digital gadgets to teach Oral English in Oyo State secondary schools, pedagogy of Oral English is done through improvisation in Oyo State, the pedagogy of the English language in Oyo State schools occurs in an unconducive environment, and the use of digital tools in teaching oral and other aspects of English is bedeviled by epileptic power supply. It was recommended that government, philanthropist and non-governmental organizations should team up to equip Oyo State secondary schools with automated gadgets to teach Oral English in Oyo State secondary schools so as not only to make learners speak English that is mutually acceptable among Nigerians and internationally intelligible, but also to develop learners’ performance in English in external examinations.

Umbrella Reviews in Pediatric Dentistry - A pinnacle in Hierarchy of Evidence Based Literature

Background: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses represent high rank in the evidence hierarchy pertaining to health science including pediatric dental health. However, this research methodology is associated with its own drawbacks and disadvantages. As a result, with the invention of flawless methodology, an Umbrella Review as a new tertiary research tool has taken its birth in the scientific research literature. Aim: To overview in detail pertaining to Umbrella reviews and to alarm all pediatric dental researchers for conducting future such reviews on all oral health related conditions occurring in children. Design: The detailed literature search was performed for published articles of individual Umbrella reviews carried out exclusively in the arena of paediatric dentistry encompassing all topics (domains) related to children from inception till 30 June 2023. Results: Following search for the umbrella reviews revealed limited evidence on this research methodology encompassing few domains. Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence on the literature pertaining to different oral health related factors in children including the methodological quality related studies like systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Therefore, it is highly essential for future studies to be undertaken to best provide standard protocols and recommendations to pediatric dentistry specialty regarding all oral health aspects encountered in children.

Impact of COVID-19 on socio-behavioural, health and oral health-related aspects on spinal cord injury patients: a cross-sectional study

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a damaging, life-altering injury, which is estimated to have an annual global incidence of 40 to 80 cases per million population and is two to five times more possible to die prematurely. This study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on socio-behavioural, health, and oral health-related aspects of spinal cord injury patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 spinal cord injury patients in the rehabilitation center in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, which was conducted between May and June 2022. Results: The comparison of mean distribution scores based on DMFT showed that complete injury patients had a lower DMFT score of 6.40 when compared to incomplete injury (8.41). The periodontal status assessment revealed that SCI with complete injury had a lower mean number of teeth with gingival bleeding and periodontal pocket (3.81 and 2.31 respectively) when compared to incomplete injury (7.12 and 4.49). Moreover, the impact of COVID-19 on the socio-behavior and health status was found to be higher in complete injury than that in incomplete injury patients. Conclusions: Therefore, this pandemic highlights the need to advocate the development of a nationwide SCI registry or surveillance system is fundamental to an understanding of the epidemiology and, hence, the prevention of this emerging health burden.

Effect of Some Demographic Changes on Some Oral Immune Aspects in Periodontal Disease Patients

Periodontal diseases (PD) are worldwide diseases of humans either in childhood or adults. The present study aimed to find the correlation between some demographic and saliva immunological factors including the determination of saliva TLR-2, IL6, CRP, and α- amylase in patients with periodontal diseases. For this purpose, 60 patients out of which 33were males and 27 were females participated in this study from different Dental treatment Centers (Amirya Specialized Dental Center and Almaamon Specialized Dental Center ) in Baghdad/ Iraq, for the period starting from November / 2021 to February / 2022. Both age ranges for patients and control are (13-70) years, and patients’ mean ages are 34.29±15.01. Additionally, the control specimens were collected randomly from 40 apparently healthy people. The results of some demographic parameters revealed that there were no significant differences between males 55.0% and females 45.0% in PD. As well as, periodontal disease is not directly associated with rising smoking among patients or non-smoking individuals with PD. Acidic oral pH is not significantly found in most PD patients 47.1% and control subjects 66.7%, simultaneously, smoking may not be associated with acidic oral saliva directly. Other tests in concern with PD patients are considered to be very important in many aspects, firstly interleukin (IL6) recorded high non-significant mean occurrence results in both patients’ 50161± 63869 ng/l and control 52087 ± 62756 ng/l groups. Secondly, C-reactive protein (CRP) as IL6, recorded a non-significant increase in the saliva of PD patients at 0.537 ± 0.607 mg/l and control at 0.607 ± 0.266 mg/l. Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) is the third immune parameter measured in saliva which recorded significant differences between PD patients 7.384 ± 4.031 ng/ml and control 5.313 ± 3.106 ng/ml, simultaneously. Then the fourth saliva parameter is α-amylase the results recorded a significant difference between PD patients 2.444 ± 1.870 ng/ml and control 1.041 ± 1.044 ng/ml. Also, the results showed that there was no correlation between measured demographic and immunological parameters.

Clinical manifestations of chronic oral mucosa injury and aspects of cancer alertness in the dental practice

Relevance. Prolonged exposure to various traumatic factors on the oral mucosa may provoke proto-oncogene expression, which means that the dentist’s strategy should strictly comply with the principles of cancer alertness.Description of the clinical case. The article presents the examination data of three patients with various types of oral mucosa trauma, a presentation of clinical cases and cancer screening results.Results. The most common causes of the mechanical insult of the oral mucosa were: chronic biting with sharp edges of the teeth, prostheses and orthodontic appliances, which need to be replaced. Overall, they prevailed in 89% of cases.Conclusion. The analysis of observations substantiates the need for strict adherence to the principles of cancer alertness of dentists regarding chronic oral mucosa trauma, which has a high risk of malignancy.

Craniofacial and dental features in children aged 3-5years with congenital Zika syndrome.

Zika virus infection has been associated to congenital zika syndrome (CZS) in newborns and is characterized by microcephaly, central/axial motor and sensory dysfunction, dysphagia among other previously described severe health complications. CZS is usually diagnosed postpartum by evident/apparent neural development problems. Although there are some reports of craniofacial/dentition development in CZS, several clinical oral aspects are still unknown. This study describes some structural and functional characteristics of facial and cranial growth and deciduous dentition in CZS-affected children. Some cranial, facial and dental characteristics were determined in 14 children with CZS aged 3-5years and compared them against 12 apparently healthy children paired by age and gender. Fourteen CZS cases presented microcephaly, maxillary prognathism, altered facial thirds, asymmetric pupillary line, bruxism (p = 0.006), deep and anterior open bite and distal step decidual molar relationship (p = 0.031). CZS children cannot feed by themselves and most cannot walk and have not develop coordinated and intelligible language according to their chronological age. In contrast, controls presented normal skull features, have autonomous locomotion skills, speak intelligible language, feed by themselves, presented a harmonic intermaxillary relationship and have symmetrical facial thirds. Microcephaly, dysphagia, bruxism, mandibular retrognathia, altered facial proportions and malocclusion are the main craniofacial and oral features at CZS. The complications of CZS including those related with the face and the oral cavity are still being identified. This study revealed some cranial, facial and oral features in children affected by CSZ. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation protocols must address these syndromic features that could improve children and parents living conditions.

An Appreciation of a Giant in Orofacial Sciences Research—John Greenspan

Professor John S. Greenspan died on March 31, 2023. He was a renowned and accomplished academic, dentist/scientist, pathologist, and administrator who made sustained and significant international impacts on numerous fields over half a century. John was arguably best known for his work with his wife, Dr. Deborah Greenspan, on the oral aspects of AIDS and the role of viruses in oral epithelial and salivary gland lesions. He had a lifelong interest in Sjögren’s syndrome, culminating in the leadership of the Sjögren’s International Collaborative Clinical Alliance. He was also widely recognized as one of the leading investigators into the understanding of oral mucosal diseases, including recurrent aphthous stomatitis. He and his colleagues’ major contributions to HIV research and care included the discovery of the oral lesion “hairy leukoplakia,” its etiological association with Epstein–Barr virus, and other oral lesions in the natural history of HIV disease. In recent years, John turned his attention to global oral health inequalities, helping to establish the International Association for Dental Research’s Global Oral Health Inequalities Research Network and serving as its first president. He led many organizations with humble authority, knowledge, wit, and wisdom and mentored colleagues from all over the world, especially from lower- and middle-income countries. John leaves a very special legacy based on example and scientific curiosity, and his work has not only made a lasting impact on his colleagues but also translated to abiding benefit for patients.

Biochemical and Microbiological Aspects of the Oral Cavity of Children and Young People with Neurological Impairment and Oropharyngeal Dysphagia.

The components and the salivary flow have a direct influence on the composition of the oral microbiota of children and young people with oropharyngeal dysphagia, and studies have already demonstrated the excessive accumulation of supragingival dental calculus in individuals with enteral nutrition. This study aimed to compare the oral hygiene, biochemical, and microbiological aspects of the oral cavity of children and young people with neurological impairment and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Forty children and young people with neurological impairment and oropharyngeal dysphagia were enrolled and divided into two groups: group I, encompassing 20 participants fed via gastrostomy; and group II, encompassing 20 participants fed via the oral route. Oral hygiene and salivary pH and flow were assessed, and a polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the messenger RNA expressions of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. In groups I and II, the mean Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified scores were 4 and 2, respectively, showing a significant difference; the mean Calculus Index scores were 2 and 0, respectively, showing a significant difference; and the mean pH was 7.5 and 6.0, respectively, showing a significant difference. Bacterial analysis indicated no association between the two groups. It can be concluded that children and young people who use gastrostomy had a poorer oral hygiene, greater dental calculus deposition, and higher salivary pH. The saliva of patients in both groups contained Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola.