Diabetes mellitus, a chronic disease considered by the World Health Organization to be an epidemic, is now recognized as one of the factors behind the onset of periodontal disease. The connection between periodontal disease, which is an irreversible inflammatory disease of the supporting tissue of the teeth, and systemic diseases is reflected in the existence of common risk factors, subgingival dental biofilm, as a constant source of proinflamma-tory cytokines synthesized intensely in inflammatory periodontium. Diabetes mellitus leads to increased oxidative stress in periodontal tissues causing worsening of the disease and periodontopathy exacerbates deficiency of pancreatic β-cells. The most important role in primary inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of periodontopathy is played by neutrophils. Neutrophils cause periodontium destruction by the release of enzymes (matrix metalloproteinases), cytotoxic substances (free radicals, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species) and the expression of membrane receptors. Matrix metalloproteinases within the “protease network” are critical to many physiological and pathological processes, including immunity, inflammation, bone resorption and wound healing. Matrix metalloproteinases levels are elevated in patients with metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus, which may contribute to more frequent complications. In this paper, the review of available literature data shows the correlation between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus, as well as the role of matrix metalloproteinases and oxidative stress in these. In this regard, determining the value of matrix metalloproteinases may be helpful in the diagnosis of periodontal disease complicated by diabetes mellitus. Also, the parameters of oxidative stress could help to clarify the mechanisms of pathogenesis and etiology of periodontal disease, or indicate the potential benefit of antioxidant supplementation in these individuals. As the role of matrix metalloproteinases has not been fully clarified in the pathogenesis of periodontopathy, additional studies will be needed to indicate their importance.

The recent spread of COVID-19 presents a huge public health concern. Clinical presentations of COVID-19 range from asymptomatic cases to severe pneumonia that can lead to death. Drastic measures were necessary to prevent the disease from spreading and protect the most vulnerable groups in the general population. The rapid reorganization of the healthcare system and great efforts made by medical staff were needed to admit to hospitals and then treat a progressively growing number of patients. The predominant route of virus transmission is through direct contact with an infected individual or respiratory droplets, therefore, all dental procedures with aerosol-formation pose an extremely high risk for the spread of infection. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current epidemiological situation, routes of transmission, and specific recommendations for dental practices including patient screening and triage, infection control, and treatment protocols. In this situation, it is essential that all dental healthcare workers make wise clinical decisions and educate themselves and their patients on how to prevent the spread of infection.

Denture stomatitis is the most common inflammatory reaction that occurs in people who wear dentures. It is believed that in 60-65% of cases the cause of this inflammation is infections by yeasts from the genus Candida (C.), primarily Candida albicans infection. C. albicans is a part of the normal microflora of the respiratory and digestive tract. This yeast has the ability to adhere to the oral mucosa and to the base of the denture, as well as to form a biofilm. Its virulence is especially supported by the state of weakened resistance of the organism, when C. albicans expresses its pathological effect. This paper presents the pathogenesis of C. albicans-associated denture stomatitis, as well as the most common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures used to diagnose and successful therapy.

This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Kvaal method in determining the age of a Serbian population. In this retrospective descriptive study, 170 dental patients (age range 16–77 years) were included. The measurements of six types of teeth were performed on digital orthopantomography radiographs according to the Kvaal method. Statistical inter-observer and intra-observer reliabilities were calculated to evaluate the reproducibility of the measurements, as well as to examine the correlation between chronological age and measured values. The evaluation revealed a substantial difference (over 12 years) between chronological and estimated age. The P ratio had the strongest correlation with chronological age for the maxillary central (r = ±0.293) and lateral incisors (r = ±0.240), whereas the pulp/root width ratio at level A had the strongest correlation for the mandibular first premolars (r = ±0.270). The lowest SD values, for measurements on teeth 15/25 (SD = 125,787), had the most accurate correlation with age. Thus, we can conclude that the original Kvaal method is not applicable in the age estimation of the Serbian population. For future research, we suggest using cone beam computer tomography as a precise technology to evaluate the applicability of Kvaal and other methods for age estimation.

Decubital lesions or traumatic ulcers caused by dentures usually appear one or two day(s) after new dentures placement due to mismatch of the microrelief of the tissue and the microrelief of the gingival surface of the prosthesis. The study aimed to analyze factors that could influence the healing of ulcers during a one-week period after the placement of new partial and complete dentures. The prospective cohort study included 60 patients with new denture-induced traumatic ulcers. Traumatic ulcers were treated with denture adjustment, or combination of adjustment with 0.2% or 0.3% hyaluronic acid gels respectively for seven days. Healing of ulcers were observed through measurement of perimeter, area, maximum and minimum diameters on digital photographs. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict other factors that could affect healing process. Perimeter, area, maximum and minimum diameters of denture-related ulcers were significant decreased after application of gels on the fifth and seventh day. The fifth day ulcers were not healed if dentures were only adjusted, while healed lesion was 40% for the other two groups. On the seventh day, the percent of healed lesion in the group with dentures adjustment was 20%, while it was increased to 75% healed lesions for combination of denture adjustment and hyaluronic acid gels. Anticoagulant/anti-aggregation drugs also had positive impact on ulcer healing; antihypertensives that included diuretics slowed ulcer healing, other monitored factors in the study did not show a significant impact. Hyaluronic acid in combination with the dentures adjustment for seven days leads to higher healing rate, and reduction in size of ulcers that did not heal until this time point.