Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic oral mucosal disease, and there is currently a lack of specific treatment methods. This article reviews the research progress of natural compounds in the treatment of OSF, including curcumin, tanshinone, berberine, baicalin, aloe vera, and licorice. These drugs target the development and progression of OSF through various mechanisms such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic effects. Moreover, some studies have focused on the combined application of Chinese and Western medicine and have achieved good results. However, most of the current studies are in the experimental stage, and there are limitations such as incomplete elucidation of the mechanism and the need to verify the safety and effectiveness of clinical applications. Future research should strengthen clinical studies, explore the optimal medication regimen, and search for more effective natural compounds.

Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic infectious oral disease characterized by progressive destruction of periodontal supporting tissues, serving as one of the primary causes of teeth loss in adults and imposing substantial burdens on individual health and healthcare systems. Research indicates that mitochondrial dynamics, a critical process regulating intracellular energy metabolism, apoptosis, and immune responses, plays a significant role in periodontitis pathogenesis through cell dysfunction caused by its imbalance. In recent years, targeting mitochondrial dynamics has emerged as a novel regulatory strategy for ameliorating periodontal inflammation and bone regeneration disorders. Based on the latest domestic and international studies, this review systematically summarizes the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics, recent research advancements in periodontitis, and the therapeutic potential of targeting mitochondrial dynamics in periodontitis treatment.

The oral and gut microbiota form a bidirectional interaction loop through the oral-gut microbial axis. Gut microbiota dysbiosis affects oral microecological balance via pathways such as metabolism, bacterial ectopic colonization, inflammatory responses, and immune regulation, which is closely associated with the occurrence of dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral ulcers, halitosis, oral cancer, and other oral diseases. This study aims to elaborate on the associations between gut microbiota and oral diseases as well as the underlying mechanisms, hoping to provide theoretical references for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases through modulation of the gut microbiota.

Objective: To examine the relationship between the lateral wall thickness of maxillary sinus in adults from Guangdong and factors such as gender, age, tooth position, and dentition. Methods: Cone beam CT (CBCT) images from 300 adults were analyzed to measure the lateral wall thickness at the second premolar (P2), first molar (M1), and second molar (M2). Results: The mean thicknesses were (1.72±0.75) mm at P2, (1.93±1.02) mm at M1, and (1.77±1.16) mm at M2. Significant differences were observed between the left and right M1 sides (P<0.05). Male P2 walls were thicker than female’s (P<0.05), and thickness varied significantly by age group (P<0.05). Edentulous individuals had thicker M2 walls than those with normal dentition (P<0.05). Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between lateral maxillary sinus wall thickness and gender, age, tooth position, and dentition status, and it is recommended that preoperative planning should be conducted through multifactorial assessment using three-dimensional imaging to enhance surgical safety before performing maxillary sinus lifting.

Objective: To compare the image quality and accuracy between low-dose and standard-dose cone beam CT (CBCT) and explore the clinical feasibility of low-dose CBCT in oral implantology. Methods: This retrospective study included 60 implant patients (30 maxillary and 30 mandibular cases). Preoperative standard-dose CBCT (90 kV, 8 mA, 18 s) and postoperative low-dose CBCT (90 kV, 7.1 mA, 6 s) images were acquired using Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid device. Radiation doses included dose area product (DAP) and computed tomography dose index (CTDI) were recorded. Image quality of the mandibular canal and maxillary sinus floor was scored (1-3 points), and four linear measurements were performed: root length of mandibular canines (H1), root length of maxillary central incisors (H2), distance from the mandibular canal inferior floor to the inferior mandibular border at the bifurcation of mandibular first molar region (H3), and distance from the root apex of maxillary central incisors to the nasal floor (H4). Results: Compared to the standard-dose protocol, DAP and CTDI in low-dose protocol both decreased by 70.4%. No significant differences were observed in image quality scores (mandibular canal=0.707; maxillary sinus floor: P=0.135) or linear measurements (P_H1=0.963; P_H2=0.384; P_H3=0.615; P_H4=0.118). Conclusion: Low-dose protocol by appropriately reducing current and scanning time had no significant effect on image quality and linear measurements for implant patients. It is recommended to use the low-dose protocol for implant patient to reduce radiation dose.

Objective: To investigate the accuracy of implant bed preparation in mandibular All-on-4 surgery, with help of modified existing robotic positioning marker, by using implant robot system in vitro. Methods: With the assistance of the modified robotic positioning marker, the implant robot system was used to complete the implant bed preparation operation of 20 mandibular All-on-4 implant models. The differences between the actual positions of implant beds and anchor pins and preoperative planning were measured and analyzed, as well as the maximum stress experienced during the drilling process using the drills. Results: There was no significant difference in entry deviation, apex deviation, and angular deviation between implants at different angles (P>0.05). There was no statistical difference between entry deviation and apex deviation within implant groups at different angles, and between entry deviation and apex deviation of screws (P>0.05). During hole preparation, a significant increasing trend in the maximum lateral stress experienced by the milling cutters and pilot drills was observed with increased implant placement angles during implant bed preparation (P<0.05). The maximum lateral stress on the milling cutter was significantly greater than that on the other drills at the same site (upright or tilted), and the maximum lateral stress on the pilot drill was significantly greater than that on the twist drill at the same tilted site (P<0.05). Conclusion: With the assistance of the modified robotic positioning marker, the implant robot technology could be used in the mandibular All-on-4 implant treatment with a high degree of hole preparation accuracy. In addition, during the drilling process, the inclination angle of the implanting site will have a significant impact on the maximum lateral force experienced by the cutters and pilot drills.

Objective: To investigate the role of SnF₂ in combination with ferumoxytol in promoting the remineralization of demineralized enamel of isolated teeth. Methods: Eighty enamel slices that met the standards were prepared and immersed in demineralization solution to simulate the demineralization process of dental tissues in the human oral cavity. After demineralization, they were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was further divided into sodium fluoride (NaF) group, SnF₂ group, and different concentrations of SnF₂ combined with ferumoxytol group. The control group was immersed in deionized water. After the immersion, their microhardness was measured respectively, and scanning electron microscopy observation and mass spectrometry analysis were carried out. Results: The remineralization effect of the 100 PPM SnF₂ combined with ferumoxytol solution group was basically the same as that of the 250 PPM SnF₂ solution group. Conclusion: 100 PPM SnF₂ combined with ferumoxytol solution effectively reduces the usage concentration of fluorine preparations and makes the aqueous solution of SnF₂ fluoride stable.

Objective: To explore the effect of baicalin on the proliferation and angiogenesis of dental pulp stem cells (DPSC), and to investigate the regulatory mechanism of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signal axis in this process. Methods: Human DPSC were cultured and divided into the control group (complete medium), the 10 μmol/L group, the 20 μmol/L group, the 50 μmol/L group, and the 100 μmol/L group (complete medium + different concentrations of baicalin) according to the concentration of baicalin. The effect of different concentrations of baicalin on the viability of DPSC was observed. The changes of the PI3K/AKT signaling axis were further explored. Meanwhile, LY294002 (a PI3K/AKT inhibitor) was added to the 50 μmol/L group to observe its regulatory effect on the proliferation and angiogenesis of DPSC. Results: Baicalin could enhance the activity of DPSC, inhibit their apoptosis, and the effect was more obvious in the 50 μmol/L group (P<0.05). Compared with other groups, the expressions of PI3K, AKT mRNA, p-PI3K/PI3K, and p-AKT/AKT in the 50 μmol/L group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the 50 μmol/L group, the proliferation ability of DPSC in the 50 μmol/L+LY294002 group was significantly weakened and the number of migrations was significantly reduced. The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) were significantly decreased. Conclusion: Baicalein can promote the proliferation and angiogenesis of DPSC. This process is related to the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and the increased expression levels of VEGF and Ang-2, providing theoretical support for the application of baicalein in DPSC.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of thermosensitive gels with combined drug loading for the treatment of periodontitis. Methods: Phospholipid complexes, microspheres, and microemulsions of naringin were prepared using carrier dispersion technique. Subsequently, three thermosensitive in situ gels of naringin combined with berberine hydrochloride were prepared. The appearance, gelation temperature and time, drug loading capacity, in vitro drug release rate, antibacterial activity, and cell repair effects were compared. Results: All three thermosensitive gels were yellow transparent liquids at room temperature and gelled at approximately 37 ℃. The naringin microemulsion-berberine gel (NM-BGel) was demonstrated the shortest gelation time (57 s) and the highest drug loading capacity (0.98 mg for berberine hydrochloride and 13.72 mg for naringin). The drug release rate of berberine hydrochloride was 80% at 48 h, naringin was delayed and 80% at 200 h, which showed a time-segmented release mode. NM-BGel exhibited inhibitory effects on P. gingivalis and increased ALP activity in hPDLFs promoting their proliferation. Conclusion: The combined drug-loaded thermosensitive gel prepared based on microemulsion dispersion technology can achieve a time-segmented drug release and play antibacterial and cell repair functions in vitro over time. This provides experimental evidence for further research on local sustained drug delivery systems for periodontitis and comprehensive treatment of periodontitis.

Objective: To screen plasma diagnostic markers for chronic periodontitis and explore its potential pathogenesis using bioinformatics methods. Methods: Blood expression profile data of chronic periodontitis were downloaded from the GEO(Gene Expression Omnibus) database, and differentially expressed genes were obtained via GEO2R analysis. GO and KEGG analyses were performed to identify up-regulation or down-regulation pathways. Key genes were screened using the String database and Cytoscape software. A total of 28 plasma samples from patients with chronic periodontitis and 31 from normal controls were included. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of key genes, and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of these key genes for chronic periodontitis. Results: GO analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in mitochondrial energy metabolism and redox function, while KEGG analysis indicated that these genes were mainly involved in the pathological processes of neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic diseases. RT-PCR results revealed that the expression levels of mitochondrially encoded cytochrome C oxidase Ⅱ (MT-CO2) and mitochondrially encoded cytochrome B (MT-CYB) were up-regulated in the plasma of patients with chronic periodontitis, with area under the curves (AUC) of 0.682 and 0.702, respectively. The AUC for their combined diagnosis value was 0.763. Conclusion: Chronic periodontitis is closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Plasma MT-CO2 and MT-CYB exhibit certain diagnostic value for chronic periodontitis and have the potential to serve as diagnostic markers.

Objective: To explore the effects of three different disinfection methods on the deformation extent of wax occlusal rims. Methods: Thirty-six rectangular wax occlusal rim specimens with standard dimensions of 10 mm×10 mm×28 mm were prepared using silicone rubber molds and fixed onto 20 mm×20 mm×20 mm ultra-hard gypsum bases. The specimens were scanned using a 3Shape D2000 scanner to obtain baseline data for the control group (Group 0). The specimens were then randomly divided into three experimental groups: ozone disinfection (Group A), ultraviolet disinfection (Group B), and acidic electrolyzed water disinfection (Group C). Each group was further divided into two subgroups receiving 30-minute (30 Group) and 60-minute (60 Group) disinfection treatments (n=6 per subgroup). Post-disinfection scans were performed on all specimens. Three-dimensional deviation analysis was conducted by fitting the experimental group data to the control group data using Geomagic Studio software. Results: Compared with the control group, the average dimensional deviations of groups A30 and A60 were (21±6) μm and (43±21) μm, respectively; those of groups B30 and B60 were (30±10) μm and (374±16) μm; and those of groups C30 and C60 were (36±20) μm and (56±35) μm. The deformation of group B60 was significantly higher than that of other groups (P<0.001), exceeding the clinically acceptable threshold (300 μm). There were significant differences between groups A30 and A60, and between groups B30 and B60 (P<0.001), while there was no significant difference between groups C30 and C60. Conclusion: In terms of disinfection efficiency and dimensional stability, acidic electrolyzed water disinfection has more comprehensive advantages and is recommended as the preferred method.

Objective: To characterize the expression of cytoskeleton-related molecules in mouse teeth germs. Methods: Transcriptome sequencing results of cytoskeleton-related molecules were collected from C57BL/6 mouse teeth germs at the cap, early bell, and late bell stages. The expression changes of these molecules were compared and screened for differentially expressed genes. Results: During the development of the teeth germs from the cap to the late bell stage, the genes related to the three cytoskeleton components showed dynamic expression changes. Fifteen genes were significantly up-regulated from the cap to the early bell stage and 6 genes were down-regulated. Three genes were up-regulated and 4 genes were down-regulated from the early to late bell stage. Conclusion: Cytoskeleton-associated molecules are abundant in teeth germs and show a highly coordinated expression pattern with the growth and development of teeth germs, which are involved in the regulation of morphogenesis and cell differentiation of teeth germs. Future research focuses can be placed on molecules in teeth germs with high FPKM values and whose functions have not yet been clarified.

Late-developing supernumerary teeth (LDST) refer to extra teeth that develop later than permanent teeth. They are rare in clinical practice and often occur in the premolars area. This article reports a rare case of LDST in the mandibular molar area. The tooth embryo was discovered after orthodontic treatment. Through one-year follow-up and imaging analysis, it was found that orthodontic force might affect its development by altering the local biomechanical environment. This study combines the mechanism of bone remodeling and clinical observation, and proposes that imaging monitoring should be strengthened for suspected cases, and individualized treatment plans should be adopted according to the position and development stage of the tooth germ.

Supernumerary cusps are the abnormal morphological development of teeth caused by different factors during the development of teeth. In this paper, a case of rare supernumerary cusp on the buccal side of the right maxillary second molar was diagnosed by clinical general examination and cone beam computer tomography (CBCT). By reviewing the relevant literature, the mechanism, differential diagnosis, and the influence on clinical diagnosis and treatment were analyzed and discussed, so as to improve the clinical workers ' understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of supernumerary cusp deformity teeth.

Oromandibular dystonia (OMD) is a local dystonia that can lead to improper deviation, subluxation, soft tissue injury, and bone resorption of mandible. When OMD is associated with mandibular fracture, clinical treatment is facing great challenges. In this paper, we report a case of OMD associated with mandibular fracture. The clinical features of OMD are discussed with literature, so as to provide comprehensive and practical reference for clinicians

This article systematically reported the clinical application of personalized lingual orthodontic treatment in a patient with Angle Class Ⅱ malocclusion accompanied by condylar morphological abnormalities, including examination, diagnosis, treatment process, pre and post treatment comparisons, and retention. Based on the patient’s examination results, chief complaints, and aesthetic requirements, personalized lingual orthodontics, miniscrew anchorage, and segmental arch technique combined with the dual track method for space closure were sequentially implemented. Dental alignment, occlusal relationship, facial aesthetics, periodontal health, and temporomandibular joint stability were significantly improved after treatment. For patients with Angle Class Ⅱ malocclusion and bilateral condylar morphological abnormalities, lingual orthodontic technique can correct dentofacial deformities through precise biomechanical control, while avoiding excessive joint load, balancing aesthetics and joint safety, with reliable clinical effects.