Objective: This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunct to conventional mechanical debridement (CMD) for the management of peri-implant mucositis (p-iM). Methods: We systematically searched four databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating PDT + CMD for p-iM from their inception to March 13, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results: Seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed that PDT + CMD treatment was more effective than CMD alone in reducing probing depth (PD) (Mean Difference [MD]: -1.09, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -1.99 to -0.2, P = 0.02) and plaque index (PI) (MD: -2.06, 95% CI: -2.81 to -1.31, P < 0.00001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of bleeding on probing (BOP) between the PDT + CMD groups and CMD groups (MD: -0.97, 95% CI: -2.81 to 0.88, P = 0.31). Conclusions: Based on the current available evidence, this meta-analysis indicates that the addition of PDT to CMD significantly improves PD and PI compared to CMD alone in the treatment of p-iM. However, there is no significant difference in improving BOP.

Betel nut is the fourth most commonly used psychoactive substance globally and is particularly prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region. Betel nut chewing is closely associated with a variety of health hazards, including oral cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. This article reviews the epidemiological characteristics, health hazards, neurobiological mechanisms, and intervention strategies of betel nut addiction. The major active component in betel nut, arecoline, leads to addiction by modulating the cholinergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic systems, with the involvement of the gut-brain axis and immune-inflammatory responses. In terms of intervention strategies, pharmacological treatments (such as nicotinic receptor modulators), neuromodulation techniques (such as real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback), cognitive-behavioral therapy, and public health policies have shown potential efficacy. Future research should focus on the development of precision medicine strategies and interdisciplinary integrated intervention models.