Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with systemic and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de-escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.

Objective To analyze the trends, gender, and age differences in the incidence of lip and oral cavity cancer in Chinese population from 1990 to 2021 and predict future incidence trends, providing a scientific basis for disease prevention and public health policy. Methods Incidence data of lip and oral cavity cancer in Chinese population from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database from 1990 to 2021 were analyzed. The Joinpoint regression model was used to assess temporal trends, the age-period-cohort model was used to evaluate the independent effects of age, period, and cohort, and the Bayesian age-period-cohort model (BAPC) model was used to predict incidence trends from 2022 to 2044. Results From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate of lip and oral cavity cancer in Chinese population increased from 2.39/100 000 to 3.76/100 000, and the crude incidence rate rose from 1.71/100 000 to 4.85/100 000. The incidence rate in males was higher and increased more rapidly than in females. Higher incidence rates were prevalent among older populations, a rapid increase in incidence rates occurred during 2003 to 2012, and earlier birth cohorts showed overall higher risks. BAPC predictions indicated a continued rise in incidence from 2022 to 2044. During this period, male incidence stabilized while female incidence increased at a relatively faster rate. Conclusion The incidence of lip and oral cavity cancer in Chinese population has revealed a continuous upward trend, particularly among males and older populations. Future prevention strategies should focus on these high-risk populations.

Venous malformation is a common congenital, non-tumor vascular malformation, accounting for about 60% of all vascular malformations, of which 40% occur in the head and neck. Due to the complex anatomical structure of the oral and maxillofacial region and the diverse classification of venous malformations, their clinical treatment poses certain difficulties and challenges. This article systematically elaborates on the etiology, clinical manifestations, imaging features, and clinical treatment strategies of venous malformations in the oral and maxillofacial region. Molecular genetic studies have shown that the occurrence and development of venous malformations are closely related to abnormal activation of the ANGPT/TIE2/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway; its clinical manifestations are gradually growing blue purple masses and its histological features are tortuous venous ducts; and clinical imaging examinations have high specificity, among which digital subtraction angiography classification has important clinical guidance value for the treatment of venous malformation sclerosis. According to different classifications, strategies, such as sclerosis treatment, surgical treatment, and laser treatment, can be applied separately or in combination. This article also explores the advantages and disadvantages of targeted therapy in the treatment of venous malformations, with a focus on improving clinical outcomes while reducing complications. At the same time, through the analysis of typical clinical cases, it summarizes the key points of diagnosis and treatment and treatment plans, in order to provide a reference for improving the clinical efficacy of venous malformation treatment and reducing treatment complications.

Immediate implant placement in the aesthetic zone has become increasingly widespread and has gradually evolved into a conventional techniques for implant procedures in the aesthetic region. To achieve favorable aesthetic and long-term outcomes, clinicians must possess extensive clinical experience as well as proficient surgical and restorative skills. This study summarizes the key factors influencing the long-term success of immediate implants in the aesthetic zone: strict adherence to the indications for immediate implant placement; thorough preoperative assessment of the patient’s systemic and local conditions, along with comprehensive evaluation of aesthetic risks; minimally invasive tooth extraction while preserving the integrity of the labial bone plate; selection of appropriately designed implants and their placement in an ideal three-dimensional position based on the implant’s characteristics; utilization of suitable bone and soft tissue augmentation techniques according to the patient’s specific hard and soft tissue anatomy, extent of bone defects, and periodontal phenotype; dynamic shaping of soft tissues through continuous adjustments in the emergence profile of provisional restorations; design of definitive restorations from the perspectives of health, function, and aesthetics; and implementation of regular follow-up and maintenance protocols after implant treatment, with increased emphasis on peri-implant care for patients who smoke, have diabetes, or undergo anti-osteoporosis therapy. This study proposes a decision-making framework to achieve long-term stable clinical outcomes with immediate implants in the aesthetic zone, providing a reference for clinicians in their clinical decision-making and treatment planning: ① for patients assessed as low aesthetic risk (e.g., thick gingival biotype, absence of hard and soft tissue defects, intact labial bone plate with thickness >1 mm, no acute infection), immediate implant placement after minimally invasive extraction is recommended, with the implant positioned in an ideal three-dimensional location, along with bone grafting in the gap between the implant and the labial bone plate and consideration of connective tissue grafting when required; ② for patients assessed as moderate aesthetic risk (e.g., thin gingival biotype, absence of soft tissue defects, intact labial bone plate but with thickness <1 mm or mild to moderate bone defects involving less than 50% height loss, chronic infection present), immediate implant placement with optimal three-dimensional positioning is feasible, accompanied by bone grafting in the implant-labial bone gap or external bone grafting on the labial aspect, with simultaneous or staged connective tissue grafting, or alternatively, use of the socket shield technique for immediate implant placement; ③ for patients assessed as high aesthetic risk (e.g., thin gingival biotype, presence of soft tissue defects, vertical bone deficiency, severe labial bone loss involving >50% height loss, acute infection present), ridge preservation followed by delayed implant placement is advised. By adhering to these treatment principles, immediate implant placement in the aesthetic zone can achieve reliable success rates and excellent aesthetic outcomes.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by mutations in the NF1 gene located at 17q11.2. Plexiform neurofibromas (PN) are one of the common clinical manifestations of NF1, known as NF1-related plexiform neurofibromas (NF1-PN). Head and neck NF1-PN account for 42.9% of all cases. Tumors grow rapidly during childhood and adolescence, and they can exhibit widespread growth, causing severe head, face, and neck deformities, organ dysfunction, and even loss of function. NF1-PN have the potential to transform into malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), known as NF1-associated MPNST (NF1-MPNST). Histopathology is the gold standard for diagnosing NF1-PN, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging examination for NF1-PN, and PET/CT examination is a reliable method for early detection and diagnosis of NF1-MPNST. Genetic testing plays an important role in early diagnosis of tumors, monitoring tumor progression, genetic counseling, and molecular level treatment and management of the disease. This article proposes the goals and principles for treating NF1-PN in the head and neck region. The main treatment methods currently used are surgery and medication. Surgical treatment includes surgical resection, and tissue flap repair or allogeneic transplantation of composite tissue after surgical resection. The mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors (MEK) inhibitor Selumetinib is an effective medication used to treat NF1-PN patients aged 3 years and older with symptoms and who are unable to undergo surgery. A Phase Ⅱb trial of mirdametinib, a small-molecule inhibitor, has been completed in adults and children, and it is considered well tolerated in both groups. CRISPR/Cas9 technology is expected to become an effective means of NF1-PN gene therapy. The treatment method of NF1-MPNST is similar to that of soft tissue sarcoma. However, the safety of complete resection of extra-large tumors, protection of important tissues and organs during surgery, effective control of intraoperative bleeding, reconstruction of soft and hard tissue defects in the head and neck; prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials of MEK inhibitors, as well as the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technique for gene therapy NF1-PN, are all current challenges. This article summarizes recent advances and ongoing challenges in the treatment of head and neck NF1-PN, aiming to provide a reference for clinicians and researchers.

Objective To investigate the molecular regulatory mechanism of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in mechanical stress-induced inflammatory cytokine expression in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs), providing a theoretical basis and potential therapeutic target for inflammatory control during orthodontic treatment. Methods This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Primary human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) were isolated and cultured in vitro. Self-renewal capacity was confirmed via colony-forming assays, while osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential was evaluated via Alizarin Red S staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays, and Oil Red O staining. An in vitro compressive force stimulation model (1.5 g/cm², 12 h) was established to compare inflammatory cytokine expression of hPDLCs—interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and HIF-1α—between the Control group (no mechanical stimulation) and the Force group (1.5 g/cm², 12 h) using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Mechanically induced HIF-1α-regulated gene expression changes were analyzed through transcriptomic sequencing. To explore pharmacological inhibition, the small-molecule HIF-1α inhibitor LW-6 was applied at varying concentrations (10 μmol/L, 30 μmol/L, 50 μmol/L) to optimize the treatment dose. Subsequently, qRT-PCR, Western blot, and IF staining were conducted to evaluate inflammatory cytokine of hPDLCs and HIF-1α expression in three groups: Control (no force), Force (1.5 g/cm², 12 h), and Force+LW6 (1.5 g/cm², 12 h + 30 μmol/L LW-6). Results Primary hPDLCs demonstrated self-renewal capacity along with osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential. Compared to the Control group, the Force group exhibited significantly increased mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, along with enhanced fluorescence intensity of IL-1β and TNF-α. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that mechanical compressive force activated the HIF-1 signaling pathway, which subsequently mediated inflammatory responses and bone remodeling processes in hPDLCs. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of HIF-1α were considerably elevated in the Force group compared to the Control group. Treatment with LW-6 (10, 30, or 50 μmol/L) effectively suppressed HIF-1α expression, with 30 μmol/L LW-6 identified as the optimal concentration for intervention. In subsequent experiments, the Force group showed significant upregulation in mRNA/protein expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α compared to the Control group, as well as intensified HIF-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α fluorescence signals. Conversely, the Force+LW6 group (mechanical force + 30 μmol/L LW-6) exhibited a notable reduction in inflammatory cytokine expression levels and a weakening of HIF-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α fluorescence signals compared to the Force group. Conclusion HIF-1α potentiates mechanical stress-induced inflammatory responses in hPDLCs and may serve as a promising therapeutic target for mitigating orthodontic-associated periodontal inflammation.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of digitally guided precision crown lengthening in secondary aesthetic rehabilitation cases, and to provide a clinical reference for digitally guided crown lengthening procedures and secondary aesthetic restorations. Methods We present a case of a patient with tetracycline-stained teeth, partial detachment of anterior resin veneers, and gingival margin discrepancies. The patient underwent digitally guided precision crown lengthening followed by secondary aesthetic rehabilitation. Multimodal data, including intraoral, facial, and CBCT scans, were integrated to construct a four-dimensional virtual patient model (incorporating teeth, face, bone, and occlusion) for surgical planning and 3D-printed guide fabrication. Secondary aesthetic restoration was performed after achieving stable post-surgical outcomes. Based on this case, we conducted a detailed analysis and reviewed relevant literature on crown lengthening in secondary aesthetic rehabilitation. Results The gingival contour of the anterior teeth exhibited significant improvement, with enhanced symmetry and stable gingival margin positioning that closely matched the preoperative design. The crown lengthening procedure demonstrated high precision, and the final outcome was aesthetic and functional. Literature review indicated that secondary restorations frequently present challenges such as gingival contour discrepancies and inflammation. Aesthetic crown lengthening in the anterior region should optimize both soft and hard tissue morphology to meet aesthetic standards, with digital technology improving procedural accuracy. Conclusion Precision crown lengthening effectively addresses gingival margin discrepancies in secondary aesthetic rehabilitation, ensuring stable gingival positioning and superior aesthetic outcomes. This approach is particularly suitable for cases with high aesthetic demands.

Salivary gland mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (SGML) is a subvariety of marginal zone B-cells that occurs outside of mucosal lymph nodes. The onset of SGML is closely related to immunity, chronic infections, and genetic factors, such as lymphoepithelial sialadenitis (LESA) and Sjogren’s syndrome (SS), as well as Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis C virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human T-lymphocytic virus. The most common site of SGML is the parotid gland, followed by the submandibular gland, small salivary gland, and sublingual gland. SGML is more common in middle-aged and elderly women, and patients often have autoimmune diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis. SGML can be diagnosed through clinical manifestations, imaging, and histopathology, but histopathological biopsy remains the main method for confirming SGML. Traditional treatment methods include anti-infective therapy and surgery combined with radiation or chemotherapy. In recent years, some new treatment methods, such as Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors, have been effective against recurrent or refractory SGML, but more clinical trial data are needed to support them. At present, the optimal treatment for SGML is not yet clear. Individualized treatment plans should be developed based on the location, staging, clinical characteristics, and overall health status of the patient. SGML progresses slowly and has a relatively good overall prognosis; however, the disease is recurrent, the treatment cycle is long, the recurrence rate is higher than that of other mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas, and SGML may also cause other serious complications. Therefore, regular observation and follow-up are very important for its prognosis. This article reviews the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of SGML, with the aim of providing a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment, and thus improve the survival rate of patients with SGML.

In recent years, mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-EXO) have garnered increasing attention in the field of stomatology and have become an established research area in biomedical research. This article reviews the engineering of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells and their application in the field of stomatology, in order to provide new ideas for the development of stomatology. Exosomes are nanoscale membrane vesicles secreted by cells and contain a variety of proteins, RNAs, lipids, and other biomolecules. They are transported through the circulatory system and can interact with other cells to regulate their biological behavior and participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. In the treatment of oral diseases, exosomes have shown great potential due to their natural biological activity and versatility. However, studies have found that relying solely on the function of natural exosomes may not fully meet the complex clinical requirements. Therefore, the concept of engineered exosomes has emerged. Engineered exosomes can be modified by bioengineering technology to enhance their targeting, allowing them to reach the lesion site more accurately. At the same time, engineered exosomes can also be surface modified or loaded internally to carry specific therapeutic molecules, such as drugs, gene editing tools or signaling molecules to improve the therapeutic effect. In addition, this engineered treatment can also confer greater stability to exosomes, making them better able to resist clearance by the immune system when circulating in the body, extending their half-life, and improving the effectiveness of treatment. Although engineered exosomes have attracted extensive attention in the fields of stomatology and other fields, their application is still mainly in the stage of basic research. To promote the clinical application of engineered exosomes, it is necessary to provide more sufficient evidence of biocompatibility and clarify their therapeutic effect and mechanism.

Objective To investigate the differences in three-dimensional maxillary and palatal parameters as well as midpalatal suture maturation stages between Skeletal Class I malocclusion patients with maxillary transverse deficiency (MTD) and normal maxillary transverse development, in order to provide clinical guidance for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment. Methods This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee and informed consent was obtained. Cone-bean CT data from 66 Skeletal Class I malocclusion patients [22 males, 44 females; age (14.39 ± 1.68) years] were analyzed. Based on Yonsei University width analysis, participants were divided into two groups: the maxillary transverse deficiency group [n = 33, age (14.34 ± 1.99) years] and the maxillary transverse normal group [n = 33, age (14.43 ± 1.33) years]. Parameters compared included midpalatal suture maturation stages (A-E), maxillary skeletal width on nasal floor (NF) and maxillary skeletal width on hard palate (HP), maxillary arch width on buccal alveolar crest (BAC) and maxillary arch width on lingual alveolar crest (LAC), palatal vault height, palatal bone thickness, palatal length, surface area, and volume. Results The proportion of patients with palatal suture maturity at stages D+E in the maxillary transverse deficiency group (33%, 11/33) was lower than that in the normal maxillary transverse development group (45%, 15/33), showing no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Compared to the maxillary transverse normal group, significant reductions were observed in the maxillary transverse deficiency group for maxillary widths [NF: (67.63 ± 3.74) mm vs. (71.49 ± 5.11) mm; HP: (64.60 ± 3.53) mm vs. (68.40 ± 4.64) mm], dental arch widths [BAC: (56.88 ± 2.25) mm vs. (59.81 ± 2.71) mm; LAC: (33.90 ± 1.89) mm vs. (36.91 ± 2.20) mm], and palatal surface area [(1 170.80 ± 126.48) mm² vs. (1 264.76 ± 140.10) mm²]. No significant differences were noted in palatal height, bone thickness, length, or volume. Conclusion Skeletal Class I malocclusion patients with MTD have narrowed maxillary and dental arch widths, reduced palatal surface area, and delayed midpalatal suture maturation. Early maxillary expansion is recommended to harmonize jaw relationship.

During tumor progression, the mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment play a pivotal regulatory role. As core mechanical indicators, cellular stiffness and extracellular matrix stiffness profoundly influence tumor development through multiple pathways, including cytoskeletal remodeling, activation of signaling pathways, and metabolic regulation. Studies have demonstrated that the tissue stiffness of various solid tumors is significantly higher than that of corresponding normal tissues, while their cellular stiffness exhibits the opposite trend. This mechanical characteristic is also observed in oral squamous cell carcinoma and exerts crucial regulatory effects during tumor progression. This review systematically summarizes the molecular composition and regulatory mechanisms underlying the stiffness of tumor cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). Mainstream stiffness detection technologies such as atomic force microscopy, microfluidic deformation, and real-time deformability cytometry are outlined, with particular emphasis on their applications and limitations in oncology research. This review comprehensively analyzes how mechanical properties regulate key processes in tumor progression, including growth, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, drug resistance, and immune escape. This review synthesizes biomechanics-based therapeutic strategies, including: ① targeting the regulation of tumor cell stiffness through cytoskeletal modulators and cholesterol-depleting agents to enhance immune responses; ② reducing ECM stiffness by matrix remodeling enzyme inhibitors, ECM component modulators, or receptor antagonists to improve drug delivery efficiency, and combining with immunotherapy or photothermal therapy for enhanced therapeutic effects; ③ enhancing the mechanical adaptability and anti-tumor activity of immune cells through pharmacological or genetic approaches. This review establishes a robust conceptual framework for developing novel anti-tumor therapeutic strategies and provides insights for future clinical management of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Edentulous patients often present with severe alveolar bone resorption, restructured maxillofacial anatomy, and loss of occlusal relationships, making implant-supported rehabilitation technically more challenging—particularly in terms of guide stability, implant positioning accuracy, and prosthesis design. Traditional treatment workflows largely rely on clinician experience, which is inherently subjective and limits the ability to achieve precise, controlled implant placement and predictable restorative outcomes. In recent years, the widespread adoption of digital technologies has brought transformative progress to implantology for edentulous jaws. Innovations span from preoperative imaging and 3D reconstruction, intelligent surgical planning, personalized guide design, dynamic navigation, and robotic-assisted implant placement, to digital prosthesis design and immediate loading protocols. These advancements have markedly improved surgical precision, procedural efficiency, and patient satisfaction. This article systematically reviews the key applications and clinical value of digital technologies across the various stages of implant rehabilitation in edentulous cases. We also highlight current challenges, such as high costs and dependence on specialized equipment. Finally, we explore future directions toward more intelligent and integrated solutions that are driven by advances in artificial intelligence, multimodal image fusion, and robotics.

Objective This study aims to explore the association between oral lichen planus (OLP) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and its anti-thyroid antibodies to provide clinical evidence for thyroid disease screening in patients with OLP. Methods This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. A total of 125 clinically and histopathologically confirmed patients with OLP were enrolled as the case group, and they were matched with 125 non-OLP controls based on sex and age. Demographic data (gender, age, lesion type, and disease duration) were collected from both groups. Serum levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) were measured to analyze their associations with sex, age, lesion type, and disease duration in patients with OLP. Result The prevalence of HT in patients with OLP was 31.20%, significantly higher than that in the control group (9.60%) (χ²=18.504, P<0.001). The prevalence of HT in female patients with OLP (39.13%) was significantly higher than that in male patients (9.09%)（χ²=10.93，P<0.001）. The positivity rate of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) in patients with OLP (17.6%) was significantly higher than in the control group (4.0%) (χ²=10.989, P<0.001). The TPOAb positivity rate was significantly higher in female patients (22.83%) than in male patients (3.03%) (χ²=5.210, P=0.014). There was no statistically significant difference in the positivity rate of TgAb between patients with OLP (7.2%) and the control group (3.2%) (P>0.05). Patients with erosive lesions had a significantly higher TPOAb positivity rate (25.0%, 17/68) compared to those with non-erosive lesions (8.77%, 5/57), and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=4.831, P=0.028). Logistic regression analysis revealed that female patients with OLP had an 8.935-fold higher risk of being TPOAb positive compared to males (OR=8.935, 95%CI: 1.134-70.388, P=0.038). Patients with erosive OLP lesions had a 3.199-fold higher risk of TPOAb positivity compared to those with non-erosive lesions (OR=3.199, 95%CI: 1.064-9.618, P=0.038). Conclusion The prevalence of HT is higher in patients with OLP, with higher positivity rates of anti-thyroid antibodies observed in female patients and those with erosive OLP lesions. This suggests that thyroid disease screening should be incorporated into the clinical management of patients with OLP, especially for women and patients who present with erosive lesions.

Objective To analyze the disease burden and trends of oral diseases among China’s elderly population (1990-2021) and provide evidence for developing targeted intervention strategies. Methods Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study, we extracted prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for oral conditions (permanent dental caries, edentulism, periodontal diseases, and other oral disorders) in individuals aged ≥60 years in China. Due to data limitations, other oral diseases only included DALYs and prevalence. Age-standardized rates (ASR)—including age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR)--were calculated. Trends were assessed via Joinpoint regression using average annual percentage change (AAPC), stratified by sex and age groups (60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, 95+ years). Results From 1990 to 2021, China’s elderly population exhibited distinct trends in oral disease burden. Overall oral diseases showed declining ASDR and ASPR, yet ASIR slightly increased. Permanent dental caries demonstrated significant rises across ASDR, ASIR, and ASPR. Edentulism showed declining ASDR and ASPR alongside stable ASIR. 95+ age group saw rising rates. Periodontal diseases remained largely stable in ASDR and ASPR but experienced a slight ASIR decline. Other oral disorders showed mild ASDR decline and stable ASPR. Notably, sex and age disparities persisted. Women consistently bore higher burdens for overall oral diseases, caries, edentulism, and other oral diseases but lower periodontal disease rates compared to men. 85-89, 90-95, 95+ age group faced rising DALYs and prevalence for overall oral diseases, while all other age groups demonstrated declining trends in both DALYs and prevalence; for permanent caries, the 60-64 age group showed the largest increases in DALY rate, incidence, and prevalence; edentulism demonstrated the most pronounced and sustained rises in DALY rate and prevalence in the 95+ group, while declining most rapidly in the 60-64 age group; for periodontal disease, both DALY rates and prevalence declined in the 90-94 and 95+ age groups, but increased across all measures (DALY rate, incidence, and prevalence) in the 70-74 and 75-79 age group; other oral conditions exhibited relatively stable burden distributions or minor changes, with no significant age-specific shifting trends observed. Conclusion From 1990 to 2021, China’s elderly oral disease burden declined overall, but caries surged, edentulism improved, periodontal diseases stabilized, and other oral diseases slightly declined. Prioritizing older women and the adults aged 85+ is critical to addressing evolving oral health needs.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of oral microscope-assisted microflap periodontal bone grafting in treating class Ⅱ furcation involvement in mandibular molars, and to provide clinical evidence for its treatment in furcation involvement. Methods This study was reviewed and approved by the institutional ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Sixty mandibular molars with class II furcation involvement caused by periodontitis were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical study, utilizing a random number table method. Patients were categorized into a control group (n=30) and an experimental group (n=30) based on the surgical procedure employed. The control group underwent periodontal flap surgery with an internal oblique incision and vertical incision; this procedure was performed without the aid of a microscope. Conversely, the experimental group underwent micro flap periodontal bone grafting surgery without vertical incision; an oral microscope was used for this procedure. Both groups were analyzed 6 months after surgery, and postoperative gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI), vertical bone height increase (VBHI), pain level, and complications were recorded. Results Both groups showed improvement in PD and BI after 6 months compared to preoperative levels: the control group had a preoperative PD of (7.33 ± 1.72 mm) and a 6-month postoperative PD of (3.37 ± 0.96 mm), with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The preoperative PD of the experimental group was (7.27 ± 1.57 mm), and the 6-month postoperative PD was (3.00 ± 0.69 mm), with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The BI of the control group decreased from 3.03 ± 1.03 before surgery to 0.77 ± 0.82 at 6 months after surgery (P<0.001), while the BI of the experimental group decreased from 3.20 ± 1.09 before surgery to 0.73 ± 0.64 at 6 months after surgery (P<0.001), and the differences were statistically significant. The experimental group showed a significant improvement in GR (0.70 ± 0.59 mm) compared to preoperative GR (1.26 ± 0.94 mm) at 6 months after surgery (P=0.007), while the control group showed an increase in GR (1.37 ± 0.89 mm) at 6 months after surgery compared to preoperative GR (1.13 ± 0.97 mm), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.337). The inter group comparison results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in PD and BI between the two groups at 6 months after surgery (PD: P=0.096, BI: P=0.861); The GR of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative VBHI between the two groups (P=0.128). The pain level scores of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group at 4 and 24 hours after surgery (P<0.001). None of the patients experienced complications. Conclusion Microflap periodontal bone grafting assisted by an oral microscope effectively improves the periodontal condition of patients with grade Ⅱ root bifurcation lesions of mandibular molars, and the bone grafting effect is good, with mild pain and good safety.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment plans of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), and to provide references for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods The clinical manifestations and treatment of an 8-year-old female patient with NF1 was reported. A literature review was conducted to summarize the clinical characteristics and therapeutic strategies of NF1. Multiple NF1s occurred on the right cheek, orbit, and eyelid, and recurred after surgical resection. The tumor caused ptosis, incomplete closure, and vision loss in the upper eyelid of the right eye. After a multidisciplinary assessment determined that radical resection was not feasible, selumetinib sulfate targeted therapy was adopted (25 mg, Po, bid), 28 days constitute one treatment course, and 14 courses have been completed, combined with symptomatic ocular treatments, such as Befusu. Result The follow-up showed that the tumor volume did not continue to increase (stable disease), the uncorrected vision of the right eye improved (0.05 vs 0.1), and no drug-related adverse reactions occurred during the treatment period. The literature review summarizes the diverse clinical manifestations of NF1, with café-au-lait macules, multiple neurofibromas, and Lisch nodules being hallmark features. Currently, surgical intervention remains the most commonly employed and primary therapeutic approach for NF1; however, for patients who do not meet the criteria for surgery, alternative treatment strategies should be considered. MEK inhibitors, such as selumetinib, demonstrate significant efficacy in inhibiting the growth of NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas, with tumor volume reductions of at least 20% observed in 70% of pediatric patients in the SPRINT clinical trial. Furthermore, these inhibitors exhibit favorable long-term safety profiles. Conclusion Café-au-lait macules, multiple neurofibromas, and Lisch nodules are hallmark features of NF1. Selumetinib is safe and effective for NF1 in the head and neck of children, and it is the preferred treatment option for patients who are not suitable for surgery. Long-term follow-up monitoring of tumor changes and drug safety is required.

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are common congenital craniofacial developmental disorders with a high incidence rate among newborns. Due to the influence of the cleft, an increased frequency of anomalies occurs in cleft-adjacent teeth. This review summarizes the abnormality of tooth development and malposition characteristics of the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines adjacent to the alveolar cleft in CLP patients and treatment progress in order to provide information for related clinical treatment and research. The literature reveals that central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines adjacent to the alveolar cleft exhibit various types and degrees of abnormalities. The alveolar cleft-adjacent central incisors show significantly smaller mesiodistal diameters, root lengths, and root volumes compared to the non-alveolar cleft side, while the crown-to-root ratio is larger. Further, they are inclined distally and lingually compared to the non-alveolar cleft side. The alveolar cleft-adjacent lateral incisor is the most common missing or impacted tooth and is often affected by microdontia. The total length and root length of the alveolar cleft-adjacent canines are significantly smaller, while the crown-to-root ratio is larger on the alveolar cleft side. In addition, they are inclined mesially and buccally compared to the non-alveolar cleft side. Further, they are higher positioned and located closer to the midline. For developmental anomalies, impacted central incisors can be addressed by orthodontic space preparation to facilitate eruption or surgical crown exposure and orthodontic traction. Treatment of missing lateral incisors can involve orthodontic closure of the gap or preservation of the space for subsequent prosthetic restoration. When lateral incisors present with developmental defects, such as microdontia, peg-shaped teeth, or invaginated teeth, a comprehensive decision is necessary to determine whether to retain and restore or extract the malformed lateral incisors. Treatment of impacted canines after bone grafting involves either extraction or traction to facilitate the eruption of the impacted tooth. For malposition, presurgical orthodontic treatment can correct teeth with excessive inclination or rotation on the cleft side to improve the effectiveness of bone grafting surgery. Postsurgical orthodontic treatment can enhance the stability of bone grafting surgery. Although numerous studies have explored the dental characteristics of patients with CLP, the lack of applicability and specificity still need to be elucidated, thus indicating the need for further research.

Periodontitis and diabetes have a close bidirectional relationship that is mutually exacerbated through mechanisms including inflammatory factor interplay and metabolic dysregulation. Research has shown that non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), focused on scaling and root planing (SRP), effectively treats periodontitis, enhances glycemic control, and ameliorates systemic inflammation in diabetic patients. This review summarizes the glycemic improvement effects of diverse NSPT modalities (including SRP alone, SRP with adjunctive antimicrobials, and SRP with laser therapy) on patients with diabetes and periodontitis. SRP significantly reduces hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, while adjunctive antimicrobials and laser therapy considerably potentiate the glucose-lowering efficacy of SRP. Furthermore, we focus on elucidating the underlying regulatory mechanisms for NSPT-mediated glycemic control improvement, encompassing inflammation factor-mediated JNK/IKKβ pathway activation inducing insulin resistance; advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-triggered RAGE-ROS/NF-κB pathway dysregulation leading to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction; gut microbiota dysbiosis-driven TLR4-MyD88/TRIF signaling axis causing insulin resistance; flagellin from periodontal pathogens impairing insulin secretion; and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of periodontal pathogens disrupting Th17/Treg balance with downstream STAT3/SOCS3 pathway inhibiting insulin signaling. These insights aim to provide novel references for targeted interventions and synergistic management of diabetes with periodontitis. Although current studies reveal potential benefits and partial mechanisms of NSPT, the following problems remain: unelucidated specific effector molecules and pathway networks for glycemic regulation by different NSPT regimens, significant interindividual variability in treatment response, and undetermined long-term stability of adjunctive therapy benefits. Future research should explore combined therapeutic strategies for synergistic efficacy, mechanistically dissect regulatory pathways, identify key targets, and advance precision management of diabetes-periodontitis comorbidities.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of resveratrol-derived carbonized polymer dots (RSV-CPDs) on macrophage polarization and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) under inflammatory conditions, and to provide an experimental basis for the treatment of periodontitis with RSV-CPDs. Methods RSV-CPDs were prepared by high-temperature pyrolysis of resveratrol (RSV) in the presence of ammonia as a catalyst, and RSV-CPDs were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). CCK8 was used to detect the cytotoxicity of RSV-CPDs. The effects of RSV-CPDs on the apoptosis and cell polarization of macrophages stimulated by Porphyromonas gingivalis-lipopolysaccharide (P.g-LPS) were detected by flow cytometry: ① For the apoptosis detection experiment, the macrophages (RAW264.7) were divided into the control group (no treatment), P.g-LPS group [treated with P.g-LPS (2 μg/mL) for 24 h], RSV group [treated with P.g-LPS (2 μg/mL) + RSV (10 μg/mL) for 24 h], and RSV-CPDs group [treated with P.g-LPS (2 μg/mL) + RSV-CPDs (50 μg/mL) for 24 h]. ② For the cell polarization experiment, the macrophages (RAW264.7) were divided into four groups. They were the control group (no treatment), P.g-LPS + IFN-γ group [P.g-LPS (200 ng/mL) + IFN-γ (20 ng/mL) treated cells for 24 h], RSV group [P.g-LPS (200 ng/mL) + IFN-γ (20 ng/mL) + RSV (10 μg / mL) treated cells for 24 h], RSV-CPDs group [P.g-LPS (200 ng / mL) + IFN-γ (20 ng / mL) + RSV-CPD (50 μg / mL) treated cells for 24 h]. The supernatant of macrophages in the above four groups of cell polarization experiments was collected and mixed with osteogenic induction medium at a 1:1 ratio to culture hPDLSCs. The hPDLSCs were divided into the control group, P.g-LPS + IFN-γ group, RSV group, and RSV-CPDs group. The osteogenic trend of hPDLSCs was detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining (ARS). Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression of osteogenesis-related genes. Western blot was used to detect the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins in hPDLSCs. Finally, transcriptome tests were used to explore the mechanism of the effect of RSV-CPDs on the phenotype of macrophages (THP-1) stimulated by inflammation. Results TEM results showed that RSV-CPDs exhibited a uniform spherical structure. FTIR results showed the O-C=O peak of RSV-CPDs. XRD results confirmed that the newly synthesized RSV-CPDs exhibited an amorphous structure. XPS results showed that RSV-CPDs formed a hydrophilic carboxyl group. CCK-8 results showed that RSV had specific toxicity to RAW264.7 when the concentration exceeded 10 μg/mL (P = 0.011), while RSV-CPDs still had good biosafety to cells when the concentration reached 50 μg/mL (P > 0.05). Therefore, the concentration of RSV was 10 μg/mL and RSV-CPDs was 50 μg/mL. The results of flow cytometry showed that RSV-CPDs inhibited the apoptosis of macrophages under inflammatory stimulation (P = 0.008), and the inhibitory effect was better than that of its precursor RSV (P = 0.009). Compared with the P.g-LPS + IFN-γ group, CD86⁺ cells in the RSV group and RSV-CPDs group decreased by varying degrees (P < 0.001, P = 0.004), while CD206⁺ cells increased by varying degrees (P = 0.006, P = 0.008), and the proportion of CD206⁺ cells in the RSV-CPDs group was higher than that in the RSV group (P = 0.010). Compared with the P.g-LPS + IFN-γ group, the supernatant of macrophages treated with RSV-CPDs significantly increased the ALP expression (P = 0.005) and ARS level (P = 0.006) of hPDLSCs. The mRNA expression of osteogenic-related genes RUNX-2, OCN, and COL-1 significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the level of RUNX-2 protein also significantly increased (P = 0.001). Transcriptome results showed that compared with the P.g-LPS + IFN-γ group, the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway in the RSV-CPDs group showed downward trends. Conclusion RSV-CPDs can inhibit the apoptosis of macrophages in the inflammatory state, promote M2 polarization, and bolster the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. The mechanism involved may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB and TNF signaling pathways.

Repair of orofacial tissue remains a clinical challenge, as conventional materials often fail to meet multiple requirements such as biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and tissue regeneration. Zinc (Zn)-containing biomaterials have recently emerged as a research focus due to their unique biological properties, offering new strategies to address this challenge. This article summarizes the latest research on Zn-containing bioactive materials in this field. It first elucidates the mechanisms by which these biomaterials exert antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerative effects. The Zn²⁺ released during degradation inhibits bacterial growth by interfering with bacterial metabolism, remodels the immune microenvironment by regulating macrophage polarization and recruiting neutrophils, promotes fibroblast proliferation to accelerate soft tissue repair by activating signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, and enhances osteogenic differentiation through pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin. Based on these mechanisms, this review further elaborates on the design strategies of zinc-containing biomaterials for treating maxillofacial bone defects, fractures, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and oral mucosal diseases, analyzing how to modulate the release behavior of Zn²⁺ to achieve antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and tissue-regenerative functions. Despite this progress, challenges remain, including imprecise Zn²⁺ release, inadequate temporal regulation, insufficient long-term biosafety data, and lack of standardized clinical translation protocols. Future research can focus on developing smart Zn²⁺-controlled release systems, constructing biomimetic spatiotemporal regulatory platforms, assessing long-term biosafety using advanced technologies such as organoids or organ chips, and establishing systematic clinical translation evaluation frameworks. This review aimed to provide research frameworks for further development and clinical application of Zn-containing biomaterials in orofacial reconstruction.

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and self-esteem (SE) across different stages of adolescent orthodontic treatment and the influence of psychosocial factors, thereby providing scientific evidence for the clinical development of individualized treatment protocols that integrate both functional correction and psychological intervention. Methods This study was reviewed and approved by the medical ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from patients. A cross-sectional design was employed to randomly select 355 adolescent patients with malocclusion (133 pre-treatment, 112 during treatment, and 110 post-treatment) who received care at the Department of Stomatology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University in April 2025. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 was used to assess OHRQoL levels, the Global Self-Esteem Scale (GSE) was used to evaluate SE levels, and an additional questionnaire on dental appearance-related psychosocial aspects was administered. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare differences between treatment stage groups, followed by Dunn post hoc tests. Spearman correlation analysis was employed to assess the associations between variables, including orthodontic treatment stages, OHRQoL, and SE, as well as SE and dental appearance-related psychosocial aspects. Results OHRQoL and its four dimensional scores showed significant differences across different stages of orthodontic treatment. Specifically, the total OHIP-14 score showed no significant difference between pre-treatment and during treatment [12.0 (7.0, 18.0) vs. 13.0 (9.0, 17.0)], but significantly decreased to 4.0 (0.8, 11.0) post-treatment (P<0.001). The total scores for physical pain and discomfort dimension and physical disability dimension demonstrated a pattern of during treatment > pre-treatment > post-treatment (P<0.05). The total scores for handicap dimension showed no significant difference between pre-treatment and during treatment, but post-treatment scores were significantly lower than both pre-treatment and during treatment levels (P < 0.001). The total scores for psychological discomfort dimension showed a significant decreasing trend across treatment stages (P<0.001). The total GSE score showed significant differences only between pre-treatment and during treatment [18.0 (12.0, 23.0) vs. 13.5 (9.3, 20.8), P=0.014], with recovery to 14.0 (12.0, 18.0) post-treatment. Different treatment stages showed a moderate negative correlation with total OHIP-14 score (r=-0.362, P<0.001) and a weak negative correlation with total GSE score (r=-0.104, P=0.049). The appearance satisfaction index showed a significant increasing trend across treatment stages (P<0.001), while being teased about teeth and hiding teeth and avoiding smiling index significantly decreased (both P<0.001). Being teased about teeth index (r=0.349, P<0.001) and hiding teeth and avoiding smiling index (r=0.412, P<0.001) were significantly correlated with total GSE score. Conclusion Adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment experience a significant improvement in quality of life, with self-esteem levels notably increasing during the mid-treatment phase and a continuous reduction in negative psychosocial experiences related to dental appearance. This suggests that orthodontists should prioritize psychological support and social adaptation guidance throughout the treatment process, with consistent attention to changes in patients’ self-esteem.

Objective To explore the effect of HIF-1α on osteogenic-angiogenic coupling response in bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and provide new concepts for engineered bone tissue in vitro. Methods With the approval of the hospital’s experimental animal ethics committee, BMSCs were harvested from Wistar rats. The lentivirus carrying hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and empty lentivirus were stably transfected into the third generations of BMSCs to form LV-HIF-1α-BMSCs and LV-BMSCs. Meanwhile, BMSCs without transfection of lentivirus were used as a blank control. Then, the effect of HIF-1α transfection was verified by qPCR and Western Blot. LV-HIF-1α-BMSCs were induced to differentiate into endothelium-like cells (iECs). The morphology was observed by optical microscopy, the differentiation rate was detected by cellular flow CD31, and the Transwell test was used to detect the migration ability. At the same time, LV-HIF-1α-BMSCs and LV-BMSCs were continuously cultured to form osteogenic cell sheets (OCTs), which were stained by alkaline phosphatase on day 14 and alizarin red staining on day 21, and counted for mineralization capacity. Finally, iECs were implanted into OCTs to form prevascularized osteogenic cell sheets (P-OCTs), immunofluorescence CD31 was performed to detect the formation of vascular networks, and the results were recorded on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Meanwhile, osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN) were detected by western blot to verify their ability for osteogenic differentiation on days 1, 7, and 14. Results The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) for lentiviral transfection was 30, and the transfection efficiency was >80%. The results of qPCR and western blot showed that compared with the LV-BMSCs group and BMSCs group, the LV-HIF-1α-BMSCs group had stable and high expressions of HIF-1α (P<0.05). LV-HIF-1α-BMSCs showed an enhanced ability to differentiate into endothelial cells, with a differentiation rate as high as 91.81%. Transwell assay verified that HIF-1α could recruit iECs in vitro. Alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining confirmed that OCTs formed by LV-HIF-1α-BMSCs had a statistically significant osteogenic differentiation ability compared with LV -BMSCs control group (P<0.05). When iECs were implanted into the LV-HIF-1α-BMSCs group OCTs to form P-OCTs, iECs substantially proliferated and rapidly fused, and formation of the progressive lumen was revealed by immunofluorescent CD31 staining. The expressions of OPN and OCN were significantly enhanced compared with those of the LV-BMSCs control group; OCN was the highest on day 7, and OPN was the highest on day 1 (P<0.05). Conclusion BMSCs transfected by HIF-1α have good osteogenic-angiogenic effect after induction and differentiation, which provides experimental foundation for optimizing the construction of three-dimensional prevascularized bone tissue.

Circadian rhythm is a biological endogenous process regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, which transmits light signals to peripheral clocks and synchronizes the body with the external environment through balanced expression of circadian rhythm genes. Working the night shift, sleep disorders, and exposure to artificial light can lead to disturbances in circadian rhythm and genetic imbalances. A substantial body of research has demonstrated that circadian rhythm plays a significant role in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, with increasing attention being directed toward their impact on oral health. Disturbances in circadian rhythm primarily affect psycho-neuro-immune mechanisms, oxidative stress responses, and oral microflora through pathways such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1)-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, and BMAL1-nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) interactions. These disruptions may influence the progression of oral diseases. Certain pharmacological agents (e.g., melatonin, vitamin D, nobiletin, and propofol) have been shown to regulate mood disorders, immune function, and sleep-wake cycles by upregulating BMAL1 expression, thus alleviating disturbances in circadian rhythm. In addition, non-pharmacological interventions, such as sleep management strategies, psychotherapy approaches, and light therapy, also modulate these processes through HPA axis regulation. Currently, the specific mechanisms by which circadian rhythm regulates BDNF levels, T cell subsets, and inflammatory signals—thereby influencing both pathogenesis and treatment outcomes for oral diseases—remain unclear. Future research should focus on elucidating these molecular mechanisms as well as identifying therapeutic targets related to circadian rhythm within the oral health context. Further, multidisciplinary collaboration encompassing pharmacy, sleep behavior studies, and psychology will be instrumental in advancing prevention strategies and treatments for oral diseases.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of an extraoral guide plate system targeting the superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle in improving the accuracy of injection therapy for anterior disc displacement (ADD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with lateral pterygoid myalgia, and to provide a reference for precise clinical treatment. Methods With approval from the institutional medical ethics committee and written informed consent from patients, spiral CT scans were performed on seven patients with ADD accompanied or not accompanied by lateral pterygoid myalgia to acquire craniofacial data. Mimics 21.0 software was used to reconstruct three-dimensional craniofacial structures, identify attachment points of the superior and inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle, and design dual injection paths along with a retention system. Personalized templates were fabricated using digital light procession-based 3D printing. Under the guide plate, a single targeted injection of 20 U of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) was administered into both the superior and/or inferior heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle. Immediate postoperative CT scans were conducted to compare actual needle placement with preoperative plans. Pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 3 days and 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively. Joint clicking was recorded at 2 and 4 weeks, and complications were monitored throughout the duration of the study. Results A total of 15 sites in 7 patients were injected into the upper / lower head of the lateral pterygoid muscle under the guidance of the guide plate. Under the guide plate, all of the injections achieved an angular deviation within 2.5° (superior head: 2.49° ± 0.17°, inferior head: 2.31° ± 0.16°) and a needle tip positional deviation within 2 mm [superior head: (1.96 ± 0.25) mm, inferior head: (1.65 ± 0.21) mm]. The significant pain improvement rate (defined as ≥3-point reduction in VAS score) increased from 60% (9/15) at day 3 to 85% (13/15) at 2 weeks post-operation, stabilizing at 86.7% (13/15) at 4 weeks post-operation. Joint clicking improvement rates reached 72% (11/15) at 2 weeks post-operation and 75% (11/15) at 4 weeks post-operation. Regarding safety, only one case of injection site swelling and one case of transient paresthesia were observed; both resolved spontaneously within a short period of time. No neurovascular injury events occurred. Conclusion CT-guided guide plate achieves precise targeting design to minimize injection errors in the lateral pterygoid muscle. This technology is effective and safe, and it can provide an anatomically specific and operationally versatile targeted therapy for temporomandibular disorders.

Objective To investigate the barrier membrane fixation performance and enhanced guided bone regeneration (GBR) capability of a thermosensitive adhesive containing bioactive glass nanoparticles in order to provide a novel solution for membrane fixation during GBR procedures. Methods M2NP@BGN (methoxyethyl acrylate-co-N-isopropylacrylamide-co-protocatechuic acid@Bioactive glass nanoparticle), a thermosensitive adhesive, was synthesized via free radical polymerization by compositing methoxyethyl acrylate, N-isopropylacrylamide, and protocatechuic acid into a basic adhesive that was modified with bioactive glass nanoparticle (BGN). The successful fabrication of basic adhesive M2NP was characterized by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The thermosensitive adhesive M2NP@BGN (BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and a rheometer. By adjusting the BGN concentration (0.1 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL, and 2 mg/mL), the adhesive and mechanical strengths were investigated with a universal testing machine. Biocompatibility was evaluated with a cell counting kit-8 assay and hemolysis test to identify the optimal formulation. The optimal material’s extract was co-cultured with mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and its osteogenic activity was examined in vitro by quantitative real-time PCR, alkaline phosphatase, and alizarin red S staining. The rat mandibular defect model was established, filled with bone graft, and divided into 3 groups based on membrane fixation method: M2NP@BGN (BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL) fixation group (M2NP@BGN), titanium nail fixation group (Nail), and unfixed control group (Negative). Bone regeneration was analyzed after 8 weeks by micro computed tomography and histological staining. Results M2NP@BGN (BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL) was successfully synthesized and demonstrated rapid gelation under warm, humid conditions. The adhesive with a BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL exhibited the highest adhesive strength (P < 0.001) and significantly enhanced mechanical strength (P < 0.001) under 37℃ wet conditions. All formulations showed excellent biocompatibility, with cell viability > 80% and hemolysis ratio < 5%. M2NP@BGN (BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL) significantly upregulated the expression of Runx2 and Col I (P < 0.001) and enhanced the activity of osteogenic differentiation markers (P < 0.05). In the animal model, the M2NP@BGN group (BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL) achieved significantly higher bone volume fraction and better bone maturity compared to the negative and nail groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion M2NP@BGN (BGN concentration of 1 mg/mL) combines excellent wet adhesion with potent osteogenic activity, enhances the bone augmentation efficacy of membranes, and presents a novel fixation strategy with significant clinical translation potential for GBR therapy.

Mitochondria, ubiquitous energy-producing organelles in eukaryotic cells, can have their normal functions disrupted by bacterial infections, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. This dysfunction is closely associated with inflammatory diseases. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disorder of periodontal tissues caused by pathogenic microorganisms, has been increasingly linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in its pathogenesis and progression. Compared to healthy periodontal tissues, inflammatory lesions exhibit more pronounced mitochondrial dysfunction—a pathological process that is strongly correlated with periodontal pathogen infection. Studies reveal that these pathogens disrupt mitochondrial homeostasis in host cells (e.g., gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts) through multiple mechanisms, including disrupting mitochondrial biogenesis, altering mitochondrial dynamics (promoting excessive fission), inhibiting mitophagy, impairing mitochondrial dysfunction-associated apoptosis, and inducing endogenous oxidative stress, which upregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, these processes drive the establishment and persistence of an inflammatory microenvironment. This review explores how periodontal pathogens affect mitochondrial function and their mechanistic contributions to periodontitis progression, with the goal of providing novel insights for developing mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies.

Objective To investigate the reciprocal causal relationships between periodontitis and hepatobiliary diseases through Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, to provide evidence for joint prevention and clinical decision-making in patients with concurrent periodontitis and hepatobiliary diseases. Methods Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were extracted from the largest genome-wide association study on periodontitis (17 353 cases, 28 210 controls) and hepatobiliary diseases within the European ancestry and used as instrumental variables (IVs). The strength of the associations was examined by calculating the F-statistic. The SNPs significantly associated with the outcome were removed by scanning on Phenoscanner platform. Bidirectional causal associations between periodontitis and hepatobiliary diseases were estimated using inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and Weighted Median methods. The robustness of the findings was further verified through additional sensitive MR approaches, including Cochran’s Q statistic （IVW）, Rucker’s Q statistic （MR-Egger）, MR-PRESSO and Leave-one-out analysis. Further MR analyses, utilizing other available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on hepatobiliary diseases, were conducted to validate the results. Results The IVW method found that periodontitis had a causal impact on acalculous cholecystitis (odds ratio = 1.277, 95% CI 1.097-1.485, P=0.002), implying an increased risk of acalculous cholecystitis associated with periodontitis, while the MR-Egger regression and Weighted Median failed to observe significant causal effects of periodontitis on acalculous cholecystitis. However, no bidirectional causal associations between periodontitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis or liver cancer were observed using IVW, MR-Egger regression and Weighted Median. The bidirectional causal relationships were deemed unlikely to be influenced by horizontal pleiotropy. Further, the validation analysis based on alternative GWAS data suggested parallel results. Conclusions The MR analyses suggest that periodontitis may elevate the risk of acalculous cholecystitis. Further investigations, including clinical studies and mechanistic explorations, are warranted to validate these findings. However, the MR analyses do not support bidirectional causal associations between periodontitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Maxillary expansion serves as the principal treatment for maxillary transverse deficiency in clinical practice. Simulating maxillary expansion in animals is the main research approach to assess its mechanism, effect, and stability. Thus, the animal model of maxillary expansion holds great significance in orthodontic research. Rats and rabbits are typically selected for common animal models because the maintenance cost is relatively low; however, their oral anatomy and masticatory behaviors differ significantly from those of humans, and their bone metabolism rates are substantially higher. Consequently, these factors should be carefully considered when extrapolating research findings and applying them to human clinical applications. Miniature pigs and dogs exhibit maxillofacial structures and chewing patterns that closely resemble those of humans; however, their broader application in research is constrained by high maintenance costs and ethical concerns. Rats with small oral space typically require the use of an elastic stainless steel wire expansion appliance, which can be divided into anterior maxillary expansion and posterior maxillary expansion. Rabbits, miniature pigs, and dogs have sufficient oral space and can be fitted with a variety of expansion appliances, including traditional tooth-borne expansion, microimplant-assisted expansion, and new magnetic expansion appliance. Animal models of maxillary expansion are currently used to study the mechanism of mechanically induced bone remodeling in order to provide potential therapeutic targets to promote bone remodeling in clinical orthodontic treatment; different orthodontic devices have been compared and evaluated to verify the correction effect of a new type of orthodontic device and provide experimental evidence for its clinical application; and supplementary methods of maxillary expansion have been screened to explore drug and physical therapy to accelerate the osteogenesis of the palatal suture, so as to shorten the retention time of clinical maxillary expansion and provide patients with more efficient and comfortable treatment. This paper summerized advances in animal models of maxillary expansion and the application effects in order to provide a reference for using an animal model of maxillary expansion.

Objective This study investigated the effect of applying different torque values on the sagittal displacement tendency of mandibular incisors during intrusion using clear aligners, with the aim of providing a reference for achieving true vertical intrusion (intrusion without labiolingual movement) of mandibular incisors in clear aligner therapy. Methods This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. A volunteer with an incisor mandibular plane angle of 94° was selected. Using cone-beam computed tomography and intraoral scan data, a high-precision three-dimensional finite element model was established. An intrusion amount of 0.2 mm was set for the mandibular incisors, and four simulation groups were defined by applying 0°, 1°, 2°, and 3° of root labial torque. The displacement tendency of the incisors and the stress distribution within the periodontal ligament were analyzed. Results When 0° of root labial torque was applied, the mandibular incisors exhibited intrusion accompanied by crown-labial, root-lingual inclination. When 1°-3° of root labial torque was applied, the mandibular incisors exhibited intrusion accompanied by the inclination gradually shifted from crown-labial, root-lingual towards crown-lingual, root-labial. Based on the line graph of sagittal displacement, the central incisors and lateral incisors approximated true vertical intrusion when 1.8° and 2.5° of root labial torque was applied, respectively. The mandibular canines consistently exhibited extrusion accompanied by labial crown inclination. Stress within the periodontal ligament of the incisors and canines was primarily concentrated at the root apex and cervical region. After applying root labial torque, the area of stress concentration in the incisors cervical periodontal ligament shifted from the labial side to the lingual side. The stress in the periodontal ligament at the cervical region of the canines is predominantly concentrated on the labial side. Conclusion Applying appropriate torque control during mandibular incisor intrusion with clear aligners facilitates true vertical intrusion, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the intrusion.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the tooth-supporting tissues, and it constitutes a major global public health concern. Methylation modifications, including DNA methylation, histone methylation, and RNA m⁶A modification, represent reversible processes coordinately regulated by methyltransferases, demethylases, and binding proteins. In periodontitis, aberrant methylation modifications suppress Toll-like receptor 2 expression, leading to oral microbial dysbiosis. These modifications further disrupt normal immune regulatory functions through C-C motif chemokine ligands, Fc-γ receptor-mediated phagocytosis, and NF-κB signaling pathways, resulting in localized immune-inflammatory imbalance in periodontal tissues. In addition, various methylation modifications regulate the expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteoblast-specific transcription factor Osterix (OSX), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), thereby interfering with osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation, disrupting bone homeostasis, and ultimately driving alveolar bone resorption. Methylation-related biomarkers demonstrate promising potential for periodontitis screening and prognostic evaluation. While numerous abnormally methylated sites have been identified in periodontitis, the precise signaling pathways and comprehensive epigenetic regulatory networks remain to be fully elucidated. This review systematically summarizes the functional roles of DNA methylation modifications in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and explores their potential value in etiological studies, diagnostic biomarker discovery, and targeted therapeutic interventions, with the aim of providing novel perspectives for periodontitis prevention and treatment strategies.

Objective To investigate the predictive value of EZH2 expression for malignant transformation in oral leukoplakia (OLK) and to provide a reference for clinical practice. Methods This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. A total of 114 patients diagnosed with OLK by pathological examination and treated at our hospital between November 2020 and July 2022 were initially enrolled. After excluding those with incomplete data or follow-up, 105 participants were included in the final analysis, comprising 14 in the high EZH2 expression group and 91 in the low EZH2 expression group. Histopathological examination of oral mucosa and immunohistochemical detection of EZH2 protein expression were performed. The follow-up period was 30 months; participants were followed until malignant transformation occurred or until the end of follow-up, at which point they were withdrawn from the study. The exposure factor was the level of EZH2 protein expression, and the outcome was the malignant transformation rate of OLK. Differences in EZH2 expression levels and transformation outcomes were analyzed. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the high and low EZH2 expression groups in terms of age, sex, history of systemic disease, lifestyle habits, psychological status, diet, and sleep conditions (P > 0.05). Lesions in the high EZH2 expression group were mainly located on the ventral tongue, while in the low EZH2 expression group, they were more commonly found on the dorsal tongue and buccal mucosa. The malignant transformation rate was 28.6% (4/14) in the high expression group and 8.8% (8/91) in the low expression group; these differences were not statistically significant (P=0.053). In univariate Cox regression analysis, the risk of malignant transformation in the high EZH2 expression group was 3.647 times that of the low EZH2 expression group (HR = 3.647, 95% CI: 1.097-12.120, P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that over the 30-month follow-up period, the cancer-free survival rate in the high EZH2 expression group was 19.8% lower than in the low expression group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, only moderate and severe epithelial dysplasia were identified as independent risk factors for malignant transformation. The risk of malignant transformation in the moderate and severe dysplasia groups was 10.695 and 13.623 times higher, respectively, than in the mild dysplasia group (HR = 10.695, 95% CI: 2.270-50.396, P<0.05; HR=13.623, 95% CI: 1.918-96.774, P<0.05). EZH2 high expression was not an independent risk factor in the multivariate model (HR= 2.528, 95% CI: 0.752-8.500, P = 0.134). Conclusion High EZH2 protein expression is a risk factor for the malignant transformation of OLK but does not have independent predictive value.

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is an infectious phenotype characterized by recurrent or persistent infections caused by Candida species that affect the skin, nails, oral, and genital mucosae for a duration exceeding six months. Current research suggests that CMC is an immunodeficiency disease with a complex pathogenesis. Patients with CMC have various defects in nonspecific and/or specific immunity against Candida infection, resulting in the inability of patients to defend themselves against Candida infection. CMC can be stratified into primary CMC and secondary CMC based on etiology. Primary CMC is often associated with genetic mutations leading to immunodeficiencies in T helper cell 17 and interleukin-17, whereas secondary CMC is frequently linked to factors such as human immunodeficiency virus infection, diabetes mellitus, and immunosuppressive therapy. Primary CMC typically manifests as Candida infections, with distinct genetic mutations often correlating to varied concomitant symptoms. Secondary CMC may present with not only superficial mucosal Candida infections and manifestations of the underlying primary disease but also with invasive fungal infections. Diagnosing CMC requires an integration of medical history and clinical presentation, supplemented by the outcomes of auxiliary diagnostic procedures, including microscopic examination of fungal smear, fungal culture, immunological testing, and genetic sequencing and analysis. Furthermore, confirming primary CMC requires exclusion of the aforementioned secondary factors. At present, antifungal drugs such as triazoles, echinocandins, and polyenes are the main treatment for CMC. Moreover, immunotherapy with biologics such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors provides more options for the clinical treatment of patients with CMC. Gene therapy also has potential clinical application value. In this review, we discuss the etiologies, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatments of CMC, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CMC.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic approach, and multidisciplinary treatment strategy for a rare case of congenital defect presenting as a complex of hemifacial microsomia with cardiac and spinal deformities, in order to provide a reference for the clinical management of such cases. Methods The clinical data of a 9-year-old patient with hemifacial microsomia (HFM) complicated by post-operative Tetralogy of Fallot and scoliosis were retrospectively analyzed. A definitive diagnosis was established through specialized examinations, imaging studies, bone age assessment, and intellectual evaluation. The patient presented with right-sided HFM (with 3 accessory auricles, a transverse facial cleft, a microform median cleft of the upper lip, hypoplasia of the mandible and facial soft tissues, and agenesis of the right parotid gland and coronoid process), increased orbital distance, dental malalignment, congenital absence of one lateral incisor, and rampant caries in both primary and permanent dentition. The patient had undergone open-heart surgery for Tetralogy of Fallot with a patent foramen ovale four years prior and also presented with scoliosis and systemic developmental delay (bone age approximately 7 years). A retrospective analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of this type of case was conducted in conjunction with a literature review. Results A multi-disciplinary treatment (MDT) model was adopted. The patient first received treatment for dental caries, followed by excision of the right accessory auricles, repair of the transverse facial cleft, and correction of the microform upper lip cleft under general anesthesia. A 6-month follow-up showed significant improvement in facial appearance and good recovery of oral function. The literature review indicated that hemifacial microsomia is a congenital disease characterized by the hypoplasia of multiple tissue structures on one side of the face. Its etiology may be related to impaired blood supply to the first and second branchial arches during early pregnancy. It often affects the craniofacial bones, ears, and soft tissues, leading to functional impairments in respiration, feeding, speech, and hearing, as well as psychological issues, severely impacting the quality of life in serious cases. The combination with cardiac and spinal deformities is relatively rare and requires individualized sequential treatment plans based on clinical evaluation and surgical indications. This typically includes cardiac surgical correction, spinal orthopedics, early soft and hard tissue reconstruction (e.g., distraction osteogenesis, facial cleft repair, and accessory auricle excision), orthodontic and dental management during the growth period, and final facial contouring in adulthood. Conclusion HFM can be associated with cardiac and spinal deformities, presenting with complex clinical manifestations. Early diagnosis, MDT collaboration, and sequential treatment plans are key to improving patients’ prognosis and quality of life.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen (MSHA/Col) in improving the bone repair microenvironment and enhancing bone regeneration capacity, providing a strategy to address the insufficient biomimetic composition and limited bioactivity of traditional hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen (HA/Col) scaffolds. Methods A high-molecular-weight polyacrylic acid-stabilized amorphous calcium magnesium strontium phosphate precursor (HPAA/ACMSP) was prepared. Its morphology and elemental distribution were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Recombinant collagen sponge blocks were immersed in the HPAA/ACMSP mineralization solution. Magnesium-strontium co-doped hydroxyapatite was induced to deposit within collagen fibers (experimental group: MSHA/Col; control group: HA/Col). The morphological characteristics of MSHA/Col were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its crystal structure and chemical composition were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The mineral phase content was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The scaffold's porosity, ion release, and in vitro degradation performance were also determined. For cytological experiments, CCK-8 assay, live/dead cell staining, alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red S staining, RT-qPCR, and western blotting were used to evaluate the effects of the MSHA/Col scaffold on the proliferation, viability, early osteogenic differentiation activity, late mineralization capacity, and gene and protein expression levels of key osteogenic markers [runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), collagen type Ⅰ (Col-Ⅰ), osteopontin (Opn), and osteocalcin (Ocn)] in mouse embryonic osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1). Results HPAA/ACMSP appeared as amorphous spherical nanoparticles under TEM, with energy spectrum analysis showing uniform distribution of carbon, oxygen, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and strontium elements. SEM results of MSHA/Col indicated successful complete intrafibrillar mineralization. Elemental analysis showed the mass fractions of magnesium and strontium were 0.72% (matching the magnesium content in natural bone) and 2.89%, respectively. X-ray diffraction revealed characteristic peaks of hydroxyapatite crystals (25.86°, 31°-34°). Infrared spectroscopy results showed characteristic absorption peaks for both collagen and hydroxyapatite. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated a mineral phase content of 78.29% in the material. The scaffold porosity was 91.6% ± 1.1%, close to the level of natural bone tissue. Ion release curves demonstrated sustained release behavior for both magnesium and strontium ions. The in vitro degradation rate matched the ingrowth rate of new bone tissue. Cytological experiments showed that MSHA/Col significantly promoted MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation (130% increase in activity at 72 h, P < 0.001). MSHA/Col exhibited excellent efficacy in promoting osteogenic differentiation, significantly upregulating the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins (Runx2, Col-Ⅰ, Opn, Ocn) (P < 0.01). Conclusion The MSHA/Col scaffold achieves dual biomimicry of natural bone in both composition and structure, and effectively promotes osteogenic differentiation at the genetic and protein levels, breaking through the functional limitations of pure hydroxyapatite mineralized collagen. This provides a new strategy for the development of functional bone repair materials.

Objective To investigate the incidence and risk factors of open gingival embrasures (OGEs) in the incisor region after treatment with clear aligners in adult non-extraction patients and provide a reference for preventing the occurrence of an open gingival wedge gap in the incisal area after orthodontic treatment. Methods This study has been reviewed and approved by the institutional medical ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from the patients. A total of 125 adult patients with malocclusion who completed clear aligner treatment at Hefei Stomatological Hospital from September 2022 to December 2024 were selected as the study subjects. Based on the presence or absence of OGEs in the incisor region observed in frontal intraoral photographs taken immediately after treatment completion, the patients were divided into a normal group and an OGE group. Clinical data, including intraoral photographs, digital models, and cone-beam computed tomography before and after treatment, were analyzed. Measurements such as incisor overlap and rotation, crown morphology, number of attachments, and interproximal enamel reduction (IPR) were recorded and analyzed. Results The incidence of OGEs between the maxillary and mandibular central incisors after clear aligner treatment in adult patients was 28.8% and 39.2%, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the normal and OGE groups in terms of sex, Angle's classification, gingival biotype, overbite, overjet, IPR amount, age, treatment duration, tooth axis angulation, or horizontal movement distance of mandibular central incisors before and after treatment (P 0.05). However, significant differences were found in the number of attachments, anteroposterior distance between mesial incisal angles, distance from the interproximal contact point (ICP) to the alveolar bone crest (ABC) (ICP-ABC), horizontal distance between mesial cementoenamel junction (CEJ) of two adjacent central incisors (CEJ-CEJ) and labial alveolar bone thickness (P 0.05). IPR amount and mandibular incisor intrusion were significantly associated with the severity of OGEs (P 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that the number of attachments, anteroposterior distance between mesial incisal angles, ICP-ABC distance, and CEJ-CEJ horizontal distance were significantly correlated with the occurrence of OGEs. Conclusion The incidence of open gingival embrasures in the mandibular central incisor region is relatively high among adult patients treated with clear aligners. The number of attachments (n = 2), the anteroposterior distance between the mesio-incisal angles, the distance from the tooth contact point to the alveolar bone crest, and the horizontal distance between adjacent cementoenamel junctions have been identified as risk factors for the development of open gingival embrasures upon completion of orthodontic treatment.

With a growing public emphasis on oral health, efficacy-focused toothpastes have become mainstream. By combining chemical active ingredients with mechanical cleaning, these products deliver multifunctional benefits, such as caries prevention, dentin hypersensitivity relief, whitening, and anti-inflammation. This article systematically reviews recent advances in key efficacious ingredients across four functional domains: fluoride, often supplemented with calcium-phosphorus compounds, probiotics, and herbal preparations, primarily prevents caries; antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects arise from multi-ingredient synergy; anti-hypersensitivity works via physical occlusion and nerve inhibition, with herbal extracts as natural alternatives; and whitening involves mechanical abrasion, chemical action, and optical modification. However, current research remains fragmented and repetitive, lacking a systematic evidence base. This complicates evidence-based consumer choice, while studies on precision and personalized formulations are still limited. Future efforts should establish comprehensive efficacy evaluation systems, investigate multi-component synergies, and advance precision toothpaste development tailored to individual oral microbiomes and needs. By summarizing ingredients, mechanisms, efficacy, and safety elements, this review aims to support optimized toothpaste formulation and clinical application, thereby contributing to oral healthcare precision.

The repair of bone defects is heavily influenced by the dynamic osteogenic microenvironment. Static scaffolds constructed by traditional 3D printing technology cannot simulate the dynamic nature of the microenvironment during bone defect repair due to the fixed structure, uncontrollable release of active factors, and difficult regeneration of blood vessels, among other factors. Breaking through the limitations of these static scaffolds and realizing the intelligent and dynamic regulation of the osteogenic microenvironment is a key scientific issue in the field of bone tissue engineering. 4D printing technology combines the dynamic responsiveness of bone restoration materials with the concept of intelligent design to regulate the micro and macro structure of scaffolds. This technology provides a new method for bone tissue engineering by responding to endogenous and exogenous stimuli and creating a better osteogenic microenvironment through functionalized design, including drug delivery and antibacterial function. However, this technology currently suffers from challenges related to dynamic response material design, insufficient precision of printing technology, and mismatches between multi-stimulus response systems, metabolic rhythms of bone tissue, and functionalized composite scaffolds. Future research should focus on the development of smart response materials with excellent dynamic responses and bioactivity, the creation of new printing technologies, and the design of personalized and precise bone repair solutions. The aim of this paper is to review the current research status of 4D printing for bone tissue engineering in terms of material types, response mechanisms, and applications to provide a theoretical basis for the development and clinical application of functional bone repair materials in the future.

Objective To explore the clinical manifestations and treatment plans of chronic recurrent parotitis (CRP), and to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CRP. Methods Approval was obtained from the hospital’s Medical Ethics Committee, and a retrospective analysis and summary of the clinical features, imaging characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of 41 CRP patients with complete data were performed. Results Among the 41 patients with CRP, 14 were male and 27 were female, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1:2 (14/27). The age at first-time onset ranged from 3 to 23 years, with a median age of 6 years, and there were 38 patients (92.7%, 38/41) with the first onset age of under 18 years old. The age of the first visit to our hospital ranged from 4 to 72 years old, with an average age of (41.0 ± 17.3) years; the disease duration was 0.5 to 66 years, with an average of 35.0 ± 16.1 years. Twenty-five cases had bilateral parotid gland involvement (61.0%, 25/41). The clinical manifestations of CRP are repeated swelling of one or both parotid glands, along with discomfort, and this may be accompanied by mild edema or skin flushing and pus or jelly-like secretions at the duct openings. The typical manifestations of parotid angiography are: the dominant duct and branch ducts of the parotid gland do not have specific dilation or narrowing, and the peripheral ducts show characteristic “punctate, spherical, or cavitary” dilation and delayed emptying. Of the cases, 34 had abnormal enlargement of the main duct orifice (82.9%, 34/41), and 37 presented with abnormal anterior displacement of the accessory glands (90.2%, 37/41). The treatment plan of “antibiotic perfusion + aspiration and removal of obstruction (or aspiration after obstruction dissolution)+ postprandia massage along the direction of the parotid duct (from posterior to anterior) with multiple courses for consolidation”achieved favorable outcomes. The mean follow-up period of this group was(71.1+21.9)months, and no recurrence was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion CRP is more prevalent in young females and frequently presents with bilateral involvement. Congenital anatomical defects, such as abnormal enlargement of the main duct orifice and abnormal anterior displacement of the accessory glands, are important predisposing factors. The multi-course comprehensive therapy centered on antibiotic infusion, removal and dissolution of obstructions, and post-prandial massage along the direction of the parotid duct has significant therapeutic effects and deserves clinical application.

Objective To investigate if high glucose (HG) exacerbates Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g) lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and to explore the underlying mechanisms. To provide a basis for the mechanism of diabetes aggravating periodontitis. Methods HGFs were divided into four groups: the control group (basal medium), the LPS group (treated with 5 μg/mL P.g-LPS for 24 h), the HG group (treated with 25 mmol/L glucose for 24 h), and the HG+LPS group (treated with 25 mmol/L glucose + 5 μg/mL P.g-LPS for 24 h). After culturing for 24 h in the respective media, the cells were harvested for experiments. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) were detected using 2 ', 7' - dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and MitoSOX Red staining, respectively. Fluorescence intensity was analyzed by confocal fluorescence microscopy and directly measured in cell suspension. Immunofluorescence was used to detect changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content of HGFs. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the content of mtDNA in cytoplasm and cell supernatant. Protein expression of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway was assessed by western blot, while mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by PCR. Results Compared to the control group, both the LPS group and the HG group exhibited a significant increase in ROS and mtROS, with a more pronounced elevation in the HG+LPS group, demonstrating a synergistic effect (ROS: F = 396.5, P < 0.001; mtROS: F = 29.38, P < 0.001, CI < 1). The cytoplasmic mtDNA content was significantly elevated in the LPS group, with a more marked increase in the HG+LPS group (F = 27.85, P < 0.001). The supernatant mtDNA levels were significantly higher in both the LPS and HG groups, with a more pronounced elevation in the HG+LPS group (F = 15.26, P < 0.001). The phosphorylated proteins p-STING, p-TBK1, and p-P65 in the cGAS-STING pathway showed varying degrees of activation in the LPS and HG groups, reaching the highest levels in the HG+LPS group (p-STING: F = 52.67, P < 0.001; p-TBK1: F = 15.67, P = 0.001; p-P65: F = 9.83, P = 0.005), while p-IRF3 showed no significant differences among the groups (P = 0.072). Pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α was significantly higher in the HG+LPS group compared to the control group (F = 15.05, P < 0.001), and IL-1β increased in both the LPS and HG groups, with a more pronounced rise in the HG+LPS group (F = 30.98, P < 0.001). IL-6 showed no significant differences among the groups (P = 0.847). Conclusion High glucose and LPS act synergistically to enhance oxidative stress, accompanied by increased mtDNA release, which activates the cGAS-STING pathway, thereby amplifying the inflammatory response in HGFs.

Objective To explore whether infected granulation tissue in tooth extraction sockets and maxillary sinus pus share a common microbial profile at the subspecies-strain level in patients with odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS), providing evidence for infection origin tracing and precise antimicrobial therapy in OMS. Methods This study was reviewed and approved by the institutional ethics committee. Nine consecutive OMS patients who underwent synchronous endoscopic sinus surgery and tooth extraction from October 2020 to August 2022 were prospectively enrolled. Under general anesthesia, paired specimens were collected from infected extraction-socket granulation tissue and maxillary sinus pus. Bacterial DNA was extracted, and the full-length 16S rRNA gene was sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were generated using the DADA2 algorithm and taxonomically annotated to the subspecies level against the Human Oral Microbiome Database. The detection rate of shared ASVs between the two sites and their relative abundance in sinus pus were compared. Functional profiles were predicted using Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States 2 (PICRUSt2). Results Shared ASVs were identified in seven of the nine patients. Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella were the most prevalent genera. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum were co-detected in multiple patients, with relative abundances exceeding 5% in sinus pus of several cases. Identical ASVs of F. nucleatum or Porphyromonas spp. were detected in six patients; the ASVs corresponding to F. nucleatum subsp. nucleatum and Porphyromonas endodontalis were significantly more abundant in sinus pus than in extraction-socket granulation tissue. PICRUSt2 functional profiling revealed that the proportion of socket-derived microbes in sinus pus was strongly correlated with 10 pathways, including ferroptosis, adipocytokine signaling, and apoptosis, et al. Except for biotin metabolism, the remaining pathways showed weak correlation with the proportion of extraction socket-derived ASVs in the extraction-socket granulation tissue and maxillary sinus pus. Removing F. nucleatum ASVs markedly attenuated these associations. Conclusion At the subspecies-strain level, this study confirmed the presence of a shared microbial profile between infected extraction-socket granulation tissue and maxillary sinus pus in patients with odontogenic maxillary sinusitis. The co-detected subspecies-strains with high relative abundance in maxillary sinus pus included Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. nucleatum and Porphyromonas endodontalis, thus providing strain-level microbiological evidence for infection source tracing in OMS.