Dental and Medical Problems

16/03/2026

📣 New issue! 📣

The latest issue of Dental and Medical Problems (1/2026) brings together new research across oral medicine, dentistry and related medical fields.

The issue opens with an editorial by Miguel Meira e Cruz exploring whether nocturnal yawning may serve as a clinical marker of arousal instability in patients with sleep-disordered breathing, offering an intriguing perspective on sleep bruxism and arousal instability.

The issue also features a comment by Frank Lobbezoo, Peter Wetselaar and Michail Koutris reflecting on two decades of the postgraduate Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction program at ACTA (Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam) and the evolving role of interdisciplinary education in this field.

The research articles in this issue cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Oral health epidemiology and public health – trends in unmet denture needs among Polish seniors (PolSenior vs PolSenior2) and the prevalence of dental caries and saliva changes in youth swimmers

• Oral medicine and systemic health – analyses of oral adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination and the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy versus topical clobetasol in oral lichen planus

• Pain and sleep research – meta-analysis of the global prevalence of oral and facial pain and a preliminary study on the association between cervico-cranio-mandibular musculoskeletal function and obstructive sleep apnea

• Dental materials and digital dentistry – influence of thermal aging on surface roughness of conventional and 3D-printed materials used in intraoral appliance manufacturing, and bond strength of self-adhesive resin cements to CAD/CAM silicate ceramics

• Novel therapeutic technologies – in vitro evaluation of the effect of an Er:YAG laser with a fractional PS04 handpiece on microbial biofilm survival

📖 The entire issue is available in Open Access: https://dmp.umw.edu.pl/en/issue/2026/63/1/

10/03/2026

🦷 Genomics in Implant Dentistry: Toward Personalized Implant Therapy

Dental implants have high survival rates, yet failures still occur and remain difficult to predict. This review highlights how genetic predispositions and epigenetic mechanisms influence inflammatory responses, bone remodeling and the success of osseointegration. Understanding these molecular pathways may open the door to precision implant dentistry by enabling better risk assessment and more personalized treatment strategies.

The review identifies several biological mechanisms that may influence implant outcomes and suggests important implications for clinical practice and research:
🔸Genetic variants in inflammatory mediators such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α may increase susceptibility to peri-implant inflammation and bone loss.
🔸Variations in genes regulating bone metabolism, including RUNX2, COL1A1 and the vitamin D receptor, may influence bone formation and osseointegration.
🔸Dysregulation of the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway may enhance osteoclast activity and accelerate peri-implant bone resorption.
🔸Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may contribute to extracellular matrix degradation and tissue breakdown around implants.
🔸Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and microRNA regulation, may modulate osteoblast differentiation and bone healing.
🔸Emerging omics technologies and genomic screening may help identify patients at increased risk of implant complications and guide personalized therapy.

🔗 Read more: https://dmp.umw.edu.pl/en/article/2025/62/5/977

03/03/2026

🔬 Topical Probiotics as Modulators of Oral Wound Healing

Oral wound healing remains challenging due to constant microbial exposure and limited evidence for safe, locally acting adjunctive therapies during the proliferation phase. This in vivo study shows that topical application of probiotics significantly improves collagen density, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, and wound reduction compared with controls. The findings indicate that probiotics may represent a biologically sound strategy to support tissue repair and guide future translational and clinical research in oral surgery.

The results of this study suggest practical and research-oriented implications by:
🔸demonstrating measurable histological benefits of locally applied probiotics,
🔸supporting their role as adjuncts to conventional wound management,
🔸highlighting strain-dependent but overall consistent regenerative effects,
🔸providing a rationale for well-designed human clinical trials and protocol development.

🔗 Read more: https://dmp.umw.edu.pl/en/article/2025/62/4/681/

24/02/2026

🦠 Post-COVID Tongue Lesions: What Dentists Need to Know

Persistent tongue changes after SARS-CoV-2 infection remain under-recognized in everyday practice, with limited data on their frequency, duration and response to treatment. This large retrospective study shows that multiple tongue lesions often coexist after COVID-19 and may persist for months or even years, while appropriate local therapy can significantly shorten symptom duration. These findings highlight the need for structured observation, timely intervention and oncological vigilance in post-COVID patients.

➡️ The analysis identifies 13 distinct types of tongue lesions, most commonly enlarged fungiform papillae, depapillation, strawberry tongue, and geographic tongue.

➡️ The results show that most lesions resolve spontaneously, but local treatment reduces symptom duration by approximately 50%.

➡️ The clinical observations emphasize the importance of specialist referral when multiple, persistent or atypical lesions coexist, including rare cases with malignant transformation.

🔗 Read more: https://dmp.umw.edu.pl/en/article/2025/62/4/619/

19/02/2026

🔬 A recent study demonstrates that salivary metabolomic profiling can distinguish healthy individuals from patients with precancerous lesions and oral cancer, potentially before clear clinical symptoms appear.

Using GC-MS, researchers identified a distinct metabolic fingerprint based on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that objectively differentiates these groups.

❓Why it matters?

▫️Cancer-related metabolic changes leave detectable traces in saliva.
▫️Sample collection is non-invasive and feasible in dental practice.
▫️Molecular alterations may precede visible lesions.

If validated in larger cohorts, this approach could transform dental
offices into frontline detection sites, shifting diagnosis toward
earlier and more treatable stages.

📖 Read the full article: https://dmp.umw.edu.pl/en/article/2025/62/6/1109

🔊 Listen to the podcast:
https://on.soundcloud.com/1kEwnRLiYh12mS8yKY

17/02/2026

🔬 Oral Lichen Planus and HPV: New Insights from Saliva-Based Research

Oral lichen planus is classified as a potentially malignant disorder, yet the role of human papillomavirus in its pathogenesis and cancer risk remains unclear and inconsistently reported. Using comprehensive salivary HPV genotyping, this study shows that high-risk HPV types (HPV-16 and HPV-18) were not detected in patients with oral lichen planus, while beta-HPV-49 was significantly more prevalent than in controls. These findings refine current risk assessment and indicate that viral involvement in oral lichen planus differs from that observed in other potentially malignant oral disorders.

The results suggest that:

🔸clinicians can provide evidence-based reassurance regarding the lack of association between oral lichen planus and HPV-16/18,

🔸oral lichen planus may have a distinct viral profile compared with other potentially malignant oral disorders,

🔸future longitudinal studies should focus on the biological role of beta-HPV types rather than classical oncogenic HPVs,

🔸saliva represents a valuable, non-invasive biomaterial for oral disease research.

🔗 Read more: https://dmp.umw.edu.pl/en/article/2025/62/6/1089/

10/02/2026

🔬 New Clinical Evidence in Pediatric Dentistry: Er:YAG Laser vs. Conventional Drilling

Managing deep caries in primary teeth is clinically demanding because young children often experience pain, anxiety, and limited ability to cooperate, and because evidence-based laser protocols for deciduous teeth are still scarce. This randomized clinical trial demonstrates that Er:YAG laser treatment can remove carious tissue without reported pain (VAS = 0) and without immediate deterioration of pulp vitality, although the procedure takes longer than conventional drilling. These results strengthen the case for minimally invasive, child-centered dentistry and offer data that may inform both everyday clinical choices and future research agendas.

The findings indicate that:

🔸laser-assisted caries removal can be a clinically effective alternative to rotary instruments in pediatric patients,
🔸the need for local anesthesia may be reduced, improving comfort and cooperation,
🔸specific Er:YAG parameters can be safely applied to enamel and dentin in primary teeth, and
🔸further long-term clinical studies are justified to assess pulpal and restorative outcomes.

🔗 Read more: https://dmp.umw.edu.pl/en/article/2025/62/4/579/



Prof. Marzena Dominiak
Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu

03/02/2026

🦷 Polishing or Glazing Zirconia? New Evidence After 5 Years of Simulated Toothbrushing

Maintaining the long-term aesthetics of monolithic zirconia restorations remains a clinical challenge, particularly under continuous exposure to daily toothbrushing and dentifrices. The findings of a recent study demonstrate that polishing increases translucency and results in smaller color changes than glazing, whereas glazing increases surface roughness and leads to the most pronounced aesthetic deterioration after brushing. These results have important implications for prosthodontic decision-making, material selection and the long-term aesthetic performance of zirconia-based restorations in clinical practice.

Key clinical implications:

🔸Polishing provides superior long-term color stability compared with glazing for multilayer 5Y-TZP zirconia

🔸Glazing increases surface roughness, which may negatively affect aesthetic durability

🔸Toothbrushing can induce clinically unacceptable color changes regardless of finishing method

🔸Finishing protocols should prioritize long-term optical stability, not only immediate appearance

🔗 Read more: https://dmp.umw.edu.pl/en/article/2025/62/5/875/


USP - Universidade de São Paulo

27/01/2026

🦷 TOP PICK 2025! A New Algorithm for Periodontal Risk Assessment, Diagnosis and Prognosis

The TOP PICK 2025 paper, selected by the Editor-in-Chief of Dental and Medical Problems, introduces GF-PeDRA(c), an innovative clinical algorithm designed for comprehensive periodontal and peri-implant risk assessment, diagnosis and prognosis. Built on 18 key clinical parameters and validated in a large cohort of 221 patients, the tool demonstrated perfect agreement with expert clinical diagnosis (κ = 1.0), underscoring its robustness and reliability.

Periodontology has long faced a structural challenge: while modern classification systems are increasingly complex and biologically grounded, everyday diagnostic reasoning often remains fragmented and inconsistently applied across clinicians and settings. This article directly addresses that gap by showing that comprehensive periodontal assessment can be operationalized in a transparent, standardized and evidence-aligned manner, without oversimplifying the underlying biology or disease heterogeneity.

“GF-PeDRA© is a clinically ready tool that can structure diagnostics and support personalized treatment in periodontology – a field of major importance for patients’ overall health,” notes Prof. Więckiewicz.

📑 Read more: https://wroclaw-medical-university.shorthandstories.com/a-digital-tool-in-periodontal-diagnosis/index.html

🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://soundcloud.com/wmu-pl/a-digital-tool-in-periodontal-diagnosis

20/01/2026

🦷 TOP PICK 2025! Global Consensus on Laser-Assisted Caries Treatment and Prevention

The TOP PICK 2025 paper, selected by the Editor-in-Chief of Dental and Medical Problems, represents the most comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of scientific evidence on the role of laser technologies in caries prevention and minimally invasive treatment. Developed by an international panel of the World Federation for Laser Dentistry (WFLD) experts, it combines rigorous literature analysis with structured expert consensus.

The report integrates multiple disciplines, including laser physics, photobiomodulation, microbiology, and conservative dentistry, creating a coherent framework for modern cariology. It addresses how laser-assisted approaches may improve diagnostic precision, support enamel and dentin modification, influence microbial biofilms, and enhance patient-centered, minimally invasive care.

"This is the first global consensus document on laser-assisted caries treatment and prevention. The article organizes current knowledge and translates it into concrete recommendations for everyday dental practice" –emphasizes Prof. Mieszko Więckiewicz.

📑 Read more: https://wroclaw-medical-university.shorthandstories.com/untitled-copy-2/

🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://soundcloud.com/wmu-pl/light-against-tooth-decay

16/01/2026

🔍 Discover the TOP PICK 2025 articles from Dental and Medical Problems and see which studies are setting new directions for modern dentistry ⬇️

TOP PICK 2025 🏆 Redaktorzy naczelni naszych czasopism naukowych – Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Dental and Medical Problems oraz Polimery w Medycynie / Polymers in Medicine – wybrali najlepsze artykuły 2025 roku. Poznajcie publikacje, które wskazują kierunek rozwoju współczesnej medycyny i nauk biomedycznych:

🧠 Zdrowie psychiczne w okresie ciąży i po porodzie
Artykuł poświęcony zaburzeniom psychicznym w okresie okołoporodowym pokazuje skalę zjawiska oraz jego znaczenie dla zdrowia matki i rozwoju dziecka.
🔎 https://tiny.pl/479xq-cs3

❤️ Niewydolność serca a funkcjonowanie poznawcze i emocjonalne
Publikacja analizuje zmiany pamięci, koncentracji i nastroju u pacjentów z niewydolnością serca oraz ich wpływ na samoopiekę i przebieg leczenia.
🔎 https://tiny.pl/zdn96qbpt

🦷 Lasery w zapobieganiu i leczeniu próchnicy
Artykuł prezentuje międzynarodowy konsensus ekspertów dotyczący zastosowania technologii laserowych w profilaktyce i minimalnie inwazyjnym leczeniu próchnicy.
🔎 https://tiny.pl/j5v6rvqh4

🦷 Cyfrowa ocena ryzyka chorób przyzębia (algorytm GF-PeDRA©)
Publikacja przedstawia innowacyjne narzędzie do całościowej oceny ryzyka, diagnozy i rokowania w chorobach przyzębia i wokół implantów.
🔎 https://tiny.pl/kq6g5rtm0

🧪 Propolis w nowoczesnych materiałach stomatologicznych
Autorzy opisują możliwość wykorzystania naturalnych substancji, takich jak propolis, do modyfikacji materiałów protetycznych.
🔎 https://tiny.pl/cq04fygk5

💡 Terapia fotodynamiczna i nośniki polimerowe w medycynie
Artykuł omawia rozwój terapii fotodynamicznej oraz rolę nośników polimerowych w zwiększaniu jej selektywności i bezpieczeństwa.
🔎 https://tiny.pl/yjxr91pz3

13/01/2026

👤 Checkpoint Inhibitors Are Redefining Head and Neck Cancer Care

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma remains a major global challenge, with limited long-term survival in advanced disease and ongoing uncertainty about the optimal use of immunotherapy across different treatment stages.

This comprehensive review demonstrates that PD-1 inhibitors, particularly pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have transformed outcomes in recurrent and metastatic disease, while neoadjuvant and adjuvant strategies are rapidly evolving. Together, these findings reshape clinical decision-making, inform future trial design, and support more personalized immunotherapy approaches in head and neck oncology.

Key implications:

🔸Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are now standard of care in R/M SCCHN.
🔸Neoadjuvant and adjuvant immunotherapy show promising early results.
🔸Combination strategies may overcome resistance to monotherapy.
🔸HPV status and novel biomarkers will guide future patient selection.
🔸Treatment sequencing and duration remain critical research priorities.

🔗 Read more: https://dmp.umw.edu.pl/en/article/2025/62/6/1223/