A common application for intraoral scanners is the digitization of the morphology of teeth and palatal rugae. Palatal scans are most commonly required to fabricate complete dentures and immediate transitional dentures and serve as a reference point for assessing orthodontic results. However, they are also frequently included by accident, even though the main purpose of intraoral scanning is to reconstruct dentition using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). The literature shows that the identification of disaster victims has frequently involved palatal rugae impressions. As the skull provides sound insulation, the rugae are resistant to heat, chemicals, and stress. Antemortem data might be difficult to find during a forensic inquiry, particularly in disaster victim identification cases. In contrast with DNA and fingerprints, there is a greater likelihood of having a dental record that contains palatal scans. With specialized software, the scans can be exported as open stereolithography (STL) files. Considering that a full case consumes up to about 100 MB of hard drive space, long-term storage should not be an issue compared to a plaster model. Additionally, dentists widely use online databases to exchange data for smile design, implant registration, and orthodontic purposes. This will produce a digital database that grows quickly and is readily usable for forensic investigations. The uniqueness of forensic features is frequently challenged; however, palatal morphology’s unique trait could make it possible as it is characteristic of individuals as well as the most distinguishing factor. This review will highlight how rugae, palatal morphology, mirroring, superimposition, and geometrics can serve in forensic identification.

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that makes patients incompetent to perform day-to-day activities due to their progressing mental illness. In addition to disturbances with thoughts, behavioral changes, and impaired cognitive functions, oro-systemic health also becomes compromised. Even though the population with schizophrenia is primarily made up of older people, little is known about this group’s oral health treatment. The present review explores the relationship between oral healthcare and elderly patients with schizophrenia. Our literature search included databases, like PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, for appropriate and evidence-based information. Preventive and management strategies outlined in the included articles and future research perspectives in this field are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review that looked at dental care and related characteristics in older schizophrenia patients. The findings highlight the necessity for targeted dental interventions to address the dental health challenges faced by this vulnerable population. Integrating dental health into the overall medical management of elderly individuals with schizophrenia is crucial. Although specific therapies remain limited, the emphasis is on preventive dentistry to reduce the occurrence and progression of oral diseases in this group.

Older adults are at increased risk of nutritional deficiencies due to age-related physiological changes, chronic diseases, medication side effects, socioeconomic factors, and declining oral health. This systematic review examines the association between hyposalivation and nutritional status in non-cancer older adults. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025645149). Data were extracted from eligible studies, and quality assessment and bias evaluation were conducted. Using a random effects model, a meta-analysis estimated the pooled prevalence of hyposalivation, xerostomia, and malnutrition. A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase was performed from inception to December 2024. Longitudinal, cross-sectional, and case-control studies were included. After screening 774 potential studies, 14 (11 cross-sectional, two case-control, and one longitudinal cohort) met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I² statistics, while publication bias was evaluated with Egger's test and funnel plots. Thirteen studies reported a significant association between hyposalivation and malnutrition in older adults. All studies highlighted impaired chewing, swallowing difficulties, and reduced taste sensitivity. The pooled prevalence of xerostomia was 38 % (95 % CI: 22-57 %) with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 97 %), while the estimated prevalence of malnutrition was 55 % (95 % CI: 34-74 %). The findings suggested a strong link between hyposalivation and malnutrition in non-cancer older adults. However, variability in study designs underscores the need for standardized diagnostic criteria and longitudinal studies to explore the interplay between salivary function and nutritional health in aging populations. This review highlights the association between hyposalivation and malnutrition in non-cancer older adults. Dry mouth impairs oral function, leading to poor nutrient intake and an increased risk of malnutrition. Early detection and management of hyposalivation are crucial to prevent nutritional problems. The variability in prevalence suggests a need for standardized diagnostic tools and further research to understand better nutritional health concerns associated with hyposalivation, as well as to improve patients' overall health and quality of life..