Wearing a medical mask influences resting activity of the temporalis anterior and masseter muscles in healthy young women. However, no studies link medical mask-wearing with masticatory muscle activity in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Therefore, this study aims to compare electromyographic patterns while wearing a medical mask between women with and without temporomandibular disorders. Based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, 115 adult women qualified for the study. Participants were divided into the following two groups: diagnosed TMDs (n = 55; mean age: 23.5 ± 2.3 years) and healthy women (n = 60; mean age: 23.7 ± 2.6 years). Examinations of the resting and functional electromyographic activity of the temporalis anterior (TA), superficial masseter (MM), anterior bellies of the digastric muscle (DA), and the middle part of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) were carried out using the BioEMG III™. Both groups showed statistically significant decreases in resting masticatory muscle activity during medical mask examination compared to no mask measurement. The significant differences in no mask measurement between both groups were noted regarding resting masticatory activity, clenching in the intercuspal position, and clenching on dental cotton rollers. During medical mask examination, women with TMDs showed differences in resting masticatory activity and clenching on dental cotton rollers compared to the healthy group. In all analyzed variables, both groups showed similar electromyographic patterns in the maximum mouth opening measurement during medical mask and no mask examination. A medical mask influences the resting bioelectric activity of the masticatory muscles in women with temporomandibular disorders and healthy women. We observed differences and some similarities in resting and functional electromyographic patterns within masticatory and neck muscles in both groups during medical mask and no mask examination.

Introduction and purpose: Creatine supplementation is playing an increasingly important role not only in sports, but is beneficial in the context of brain health (e.g., cognitive processing, brain function and recovery from injury). This is a growing field of research, and the purpose of this brief review is to provide an update on the effects of creatine supplementation on brain health in healthy people. Description of the state of knowledge: Creatine, is an organic compound produced mainly by the liver and kidneys. From the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, creatine enters through the bloodstream into skeletal muscle, where a total of about 95% of the body's total creatine is stored. It is stored in the muscles, heart and brain. Summary: There is potential for creatine supplementation to improve cognitive processing, especially in conditions characterized by creatine deficits in the brain, which can be triggered by acute stress factors (e.g., exercise, lack of sleep) or chronic, pathological conditions (e.g., creatine synthesis enzyme deficiencies, mild traumatic brain injury, aging, Alzheimer's disease). People with depression, the elderly, people with diseases associated with certain genetic defects (where creatine production and storage in the brain is impaired) are just some of the groups of people in whom creatine supplementation may be helpful. More research is needed to determine the clinical impact of long-term creatine supplementation dosing strategies on brain function and health.

Introduction and purpose: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic painful disorder characterized by a burning or stinging sensation in the oral mucosa. It is a condition that affects a significant portion of the population, and its definition has recently been clarified. BMS can be divided into primary (idiopathic) or secondary forms, depending on the presence or absence of an identifiable cause. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Currently, it is estimated that BMS affects 1 in 1000 people, with women over the age of 60 being particularly susceptible. The exact causes of BMS are not well understood, but research suggests they may have a multifactorial nature, involving neuropathic, endocrinological, and psychosocial factors. BMS symptoms include oral burning, taste disturbances, dry mouth, tingling, and numbness of the tongue. Patients often experience burning sensations on the tongue, palate, gums, lower lip, and throat. In addition to physical symptoms, the condition can lead to sleep disturbances, health problems, and psychological disorders. Diagnosing BMS is challenging and time-consuming. A physician must rule out other causes of symptoms, such as oral infections or nutritional deficiencies. A detailed medical history, intraoral examination, and laboratory tests are necessary for diagnosis. Treating BMS requires the collaboration of multiple specialists, including neurologists, dentists, orofacial pain specialists, and psychologists. Summary: Burning Mouth Syndrome remains poorly understood in terms of its causes and treatment. Patients often experience not only physical discomfort but also psychological issues such as depression and anxiety. Treatment is challenging and often does not provide complete relief. Continued research into this condition is crucial to better understand its nature and find more effective treatment methods. Keywords: BMS, Burning Mouth Syndrome, stomatodynia

Introduction and purpose: Nowadays, patients come to doctors and dentists not only with pain complaints, but also to improve their appearance. Gummy smile, or overexposure of the gums when smiling, is one of the most common aesthetic problems they report. Gummy smile occurs primarily in young people and more often affects women. Brief description of the state of knowledge: A gummy smile is a condition in which a patient exposes more than 2 mm of gum during smiling. There are many causes of excessive gum exposure during smiling. These include gingival hypertrophy, hyperactive muscles, a disproportionately long upper lip, altered passive eruption, or excessive vertical growth of the jaw. Examination of the patient is aimed at determining the cause of the condition and choosing the appropriate treatment method. In cases of gingival hyperplasia and altered passive eruption, a gingivectomy or excision of part of the gingiva is used. Muscle hyperactivity is an indication for treatment with botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid. The long lip can be treated with surgical methods, while vertical hypertrophy of the jaw requires orthodontic treatment or orthognathic surgery. Depending on the treatment method chosen, the patient's appearance can change to varying degrees. The most striking changes are seen when orthognathic surgery is performed. Not only the patient's smile is changed, but also the facial features. Summary: It is the doctor's job to thoroughly examine the patient, make an appropriate diagnosis and choose the treatment method that will bring the best results. The multitude of treatment methods for gummy smiles allows them to be combined to achieve the best results. The choice of therapy should be based directly on the source of the problem. The patient should be informed about the course of treatment and possible side effects and take informed consent to the treatment.

Introduction and purpose Gilbert's syndrome is a condition caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for the enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1, which conjugates bilirubin in hepatocytes. Its less efficient functioning results in disorder of bilirubin metabolism which leads to increased level of this compound. It has been observed that there is interesting correlation between elevated levels of bilirubin and the risk of developing certain diseases in patients with this condition. The aim of this review is to understand the correlation between elevated bilirubin levels and the risk of developing selected diseases in individuals with Gilbert's syndrome and how to use this knowledge in innovative therapeutic options. State of knowledge Bilirubin was considered a non-functional waste product of heme breakdown, used to be seen as a concerning indicator of liver disease or even a potentially harmful substance for the nervous system. However, lately it turns out that bilirubin has strong antioxidant properties, which help to scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid oxidation. Recent studies have shown that even slightly elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood, such as those commonly found in individuals with Gilbert's syndrome may protect these patients against diseases associated with increased oxidative stress, an overactive immune response and metabolic dysfunction. Conclusions As a result, individuals with Gilbert's syndrome are observed to have a lower risk of developing diseases related to oxidative stress, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In these patients mortality rate compared to the population with normobilirubinemia is decreased. Based on available studies, it has also been concluded that inducing mild hyperbilirubinemia - iatrogenic Gilbert's syndrome - using appropriate substances may have health benefits.

Introduction: In recent years, more and more of the population is overweight and obese. Adipose tissue is a metabolically active tissue that releases adipocytokines and inflammatory hormones. As a result of the excess amount of adipose tissue in the body, the risk of systemic diseases as well as diseases occurring in the oral cavity, including periodontitis, increases. Aim of the study: A systematic review of the existing evidence on the association between overweight/obesity and periodontitis. Materials and methods: The literature available in the PubMed database was perfomed, using the following keywords: obesity and periodontitis; obesity; periodontal disease; overweight; periodontitis. Results: The results of the presented studies indicate a positive correlation between overweight and obesity and periodontitis. In many publications, the odds ratio for periodontitis increased with increasing BMI. In addition, a high WC rate is associated with an increased incidence of periodontitis. Pro-inflammatory mediators responsible for the development and advancement of periodontitis are produced, among others, by adipose tissue. Conclusion: An increased amount of adipose tissue as a metabolically active tissue, secreting pro-inflammatory mediators, can significantly affect the development and periodontitis. Therefore, overweight and obese people with a high BMI and WC may have a higher risk of periodontitis.