The early diagnosis of cancer can facilitate subsequent clinical patient management. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been found to be promising for improving the diagnostic process. The aim of the present study is to increase the evidence on the application of AI to the early diagnosis of oral cancer through a scoping review. A search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Google Scholar databases during the period from January 2000 to December 2020, referring to the early non-invasive diagnosis of oral cancer based on AI applied to screening. Only accessible full-text articles were considered. Thirty-six studies were included on the early detection of oral cancer based on images (photographs (optical imaging and enhancement technology) and cytology) with the application of AI models. These studies were characterized by their heterogeneous nature. Each publication involved a different algorithm with potential training data bias and few comparative data for AI interpretation. Artificial intelligence may play an important role in precisely predicting the development of oral cancer, though several methodological issues need to be addressed in parallel to the advances in AI techniques, in order to allow large-scale transfer of the latter to population-based detection protocols.

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder associated with systemic diseases such as hepatitis C (HCV). The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between LP and HCV bidirectionally through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive search of studies published was performed in the databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Out of 18,491 articles, 192 studies were included. The global prevalence of HCV positive (HCV+) in LP patients registered from 143 studies was 9.42% [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.27–11.58%], and from these, 84 studies showed HCV+ 4-fold more frequent in LP than a control group (OR, 4.48; 95% CI, 3.48–5.77). The global prevalence of LP in patients HCV+ recorded from 49 studies was 7.05% (95% CI, 4.85–9.26%), and from these, 15 registered a 3-fold more LP in HCV (OR, 3.65; 95% CI, 2.14–6.24). HCV+ in LP patients showed great geographic variability (OR, 2.7 to 8.57), and the predominantly cutaneous location was higher (OR, 5.95) than the oral location (OR, 3.49). LP in HCV+ patients was more frequent in the Eastern Mediterranean (OR, 5.51; 95% CI, 1.40–15.57). There is a higher prevalence of HCV+ in LP and vice versa than in the control group, especially in certain geographical areas that should be taken into consideration when doing screening in countries with an upper prevalence of HCV among the general population.

Temporomandibular disorders include various conditions that impact the masticatory system, affecting its structure, function, or physiology. Clinicians face a complex array of therapeutic options when treating this group of diseases, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the current evidence to guide decisions in patient care. The main objective of this article is to conduct a scoping review on the available treatment approaches to manage temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). An extensive search of the literature was performed on Scopus, Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science. Systematic reviews published in the last 5 years were considered. Out of the 2183 publications identified, 109 studies were included in this review. Among them, 39 articles focused on the non-invasive approach, while 120 delved into the minimally invasive approach, and 15 explored the surgical approach. Non-invasive or conservative approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy, physical therapy, and acupuncture offer effective pain management and functional improvements in TMDs. Emerging treatments offer promising alternatives for treating these disorders. Surgery should be reserved for severe cases, with conservative therapies used in conjunction with invasive procedures for optimal patient outcomes.

Elastodontics is an interceptive orthodontic therapy that uses light and biological elastic forces through preformed or custom-made removable orthodontic appliances. This study aims to evaluate the effects of elastodontic devices on correcting sagittal discrepancies in growing subjects with mixed dentition. Electronic research was conducted on four databases: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Data were extracted based on the first author, year of publication, setting and country, study design, sample characteristics, sample size calculation, type of malocclusion, intervention, control group type, compliance, follow-up, and cephalometric measurements. Sixteen studies were included in the final review. Most studies observed a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in SNB and ANB angles. Ten studies reported a reduction in overjet, while eight studies found no change in facial divergence. Comparisons with conventional functional devices revealed no consensus on the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects. Elastodontic appliances significantly improve cephalometric and dentoalveolar parameters, potentially correcting skeletal and dental relationships. However, result variability and unclear advantages over traditional appliances highlight the need for further research.

The aim of this scoping review is to analyse the biological effects of the orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in areas with bone defects that are undergoing regeneration using different types of regenerative materials and techniques. The electronic research was performed on four databases as follows: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Data were extracted according to publication information, study design, sample characteristics, parameters of OTM, biological repercussions on the periodontium complex, methods of analysis, and conclusions. A total of thirty studies were included in the final review. In twenty-two studies, the most widely adopted grafting materials were alloplastics. In most studies, the orthodontic force used was 10 or 100 g, and the timing of application ranged from immediate to 6 months after grafting surgery. Twenty-four studies showed an increase in osteogenesis; in five studies, the clinical attachment level (CAL) increased; in five others, the probing pocket depth (PPD) decreased; in sixteen studies, there was root resorption of a different magnitude. Though the effects of OTM on the periodontium in the grafted areas were positive, the outcomes should be interpreted with caution as future preclinical and clinical studies are needed to extrapolate more valid conclusions.

Objective: Through awareness campaigns, we can change the patient’s abilities to detect oral cancer at an early stage and their ability to seek help. To focus these campaigns, we need to know the level of knowledge of the population and its interest in learning about this disease. The aim of this study was to assess the level of oral cancer awareness in Asturias and the interest of the population in learning about this pathology. Methods: A representative community-based survey was carried out online using Google Forms®. Responses were transferred to a Microsoft Excel and analysed using the R-program. The relationship between two qualitative variables was studied using Pearson’s Chi-square test or Fisher’s test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine which factors are associated with knowledge of oral cancer. Result: We found that those having over 50 years and being health professionals are more likely to know about the existence of oral cancer. Almost 85.1% of participants mentioned tobacco as a risk factor, only 39.8% identified alcohol. The ulcer was the most frequently recognized alarm sign (70.6%). The primary care physician was chosen as the first option for consultation by the 56.5% of the sample. Only 12.4% of the participants reported knowing how to self-examine their mouth. The number of views of a video of how-to self-inspection oral cavity displayed at the end of the questionnaire increased in a 39.38% during our study period. Conclusion: This survey showed a worrying lack of awareness and knowledge about oral cancer among the population of Asturias, especially among those under 50 years old. The interest shown in increasing their knowledge, give us hope in the success of future awareness campaigns.