Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a commonly occurring head and neck cancer. It has a high prevalence in certain parts of the world, and is associated with a high mortality rate. In this review, we describe metastasis related to OSCC, and disorders that could lead to OSCC with common etiological factors. In addition, a brief account of the diagnosis of OSCC and role of salivary biomarkers in its early detection has also been highlighted. Google Scholar and PubMed search engines were searched with keywords including “oral squamous cell carcinoma”, “OSCC”, “oral cancer”, “potentially malignant disorders in oral cavity”, “etiological factors of OSCC”, “diagnosis of OSCC”, and “salivary biomarkers and OSCC” to gather the literature for this review. The review concludes that OSCC has the potential for regional as well as distant metastasis, and many potentially malignant diseases can transform into OSCC with the help of various etiological factors. Diagnosis of OSCC involves traditional biopsy, but salivary biomarkers could also be utilized for early recognition.

Human enamel once formed cannot be biologically repaired or replaced. Saliva has a significant role in remineralization of dental enamel. It not only has a buffering capacity to neutralize the oral cavity’s low pH generated after acidic encounters, but also acts as a carrier of essential ions, such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate, which have a positive role in enamel’s remineralization. This review discusses how salivary contents, like proteins and enzymes, have a natural role in enamel’s mineralization. In addition, the presence of ions, such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate, in saliva further enhances its capability to remineralize the demineralized enamel surface. The review further examines modern innovative technologies, based on biomimetic regeneration systems, including dentin phosphoproteins, aspartate-serine-serine, recombinant porcine amelogenin, leucine-rich amelogenin peptide and nano-hydroxyapatite, that promote enamel remineralization. Fluoride boosters like calcium phosphates, polyphosphates, and certain natural products can also play an important role in enamel remineralization.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental anomalies in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia using the digital Orthopantomography (OPG). A retrospective radiographic study was performed in which digital OPGs of 1189 subjects, ages ranging between 7 and 65 years were reviewed, and 1104 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Statistical analysis was performed. The OPGs were reviewed for congenitally missing teeth, impactions, ectopic eruption, supernumerary teeth, odontomas, dilacerations, taurodontism, dens in dente, gemination and fusion. OPGs of 1104 patients with mean age 35.32 ± 16.63 were included. The total prevalence of developmental anomalies in this study was 36.3% (401/1104). Male and female subjects with anomalies were 133 (33.2%) and 268 (66.8%) respectively. The prevalence of dilacerated teeth 300 (30.2%), congenitally missing teeth was 246 (24.7%), supernumerary teeth 18 (1.8%), talon cusp and taurodontism were seen in one patient each 1 (0.1%). Of these, a total of 15 (1.5%) anomalies were noted in pediatric patients. Dilaceration was the most prevalent anomaly (30.2%) in the studied sample followed by congenitally missing teeth (23.4%). Talon cusp, concrescence/fusion, and taurodontism were the least prevalent anomalies.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive investigative technique that is used to obtain high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) images of biological structures. This method is useful in diagnosing diseases of specific organs like the eye, where a direct biopsy cannot be conducted. Since its inception, significant advancements have been made in its technology. Apart from its initial application in ophthalmology for retinal imaging, substantial technological innovations in OCT brought by the research community have enabled its utilization beyond its original scope and allowed its application in many new clinical areas. This review presents a summary of the clinical applications of OCT in the field of medicine (ophthalmology, cardiology, otology, and dermatology) and dentistry (tissue imaging, detection of caries, analysis of dental polymer composite restorations, imaging of root canals, and diagnosis of oral cancer). In addition, potential advantages and disadvantages of OCT are also discussed.

Background: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of dental professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: A questionnaire was developed to assess various dental professionals from both governmental and private sectors through online and social media outlets. Results: A total of 1,033 questionnaires were collected (273 dental students, 193 dental auxiliary personnel, 544 dentists). In all, 63.4% of the respondents worked in hospitals. Of all the respondents, 44.9%, 33.4%, and 21.7% worked in governmental clinics, academia, and the private sector, respectively. Overall knowledge of the incubation period and route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was consistent across all dental professions. Knowledge of hand-soap cleaning time was significantly different among dental professionals (p < 0.001). Dental professionals displayed significant disagreement on the survival of SARS-CoV-2 outside the host (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 75.1% of the respondents were reluctant to treat a suspected COVID-19 patient, and 92% of the participants believed that the mode of transmission was droplet inhalation. Fever, coughing, and shortness of breath were identified as the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Most standard methods of prevention in the dental office were selected by at least 50% of the participants. Conclusions: Dental professionals seem to be consistent regarding their knowledge of the incubation period of SARS-CoV-2. However, knowledge of viral survivability and recommended hand-soap washing time was significantly variable among the professionals. A high degree of apprehension toward suspected COVID-19 patients existed among all dental professionals. Pandemic-awareness campaigns are essential among healthcare providers.

Human enamel once formed cannot be biologically repaired or replaced. Saliva has a significant role in remineralization of dental enamel. It not only has a buffering capacity to neutralize the oral cavity’s low pH generated after acidic encounters, but also acts as a carrier of essential ions, such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate, which have a positive role in enamel’s remineralization. This review discusses how salivary contents, like proteins and enzymes, have a natural role in enamel’s mineralization. In addition, the presence of ions, such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate, in saliva further enhances its capability to remineralize the demineralized enamel surface. The review further examines modern innovative technologies, based on biomimetic regeneration systems, including dentin phosphoproteins, aspartate-serine-serine, recombinant porcine amelogenin, leucine-rich amelogenin peptide and nano-hydroxyapatite, that promote enamel remineralization. Fluoride boosters like calcium phosphates, polyphosphates, and certain natural products can also play an important role in enamel remineralization.