(1) Background: The link between oral and systemic health is becoming increasingly obvious. Oral diseases, particularly periodontitis, have been linked to various diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, among others. This survey aimed to assess the oral health condition of individuals, considering both their overall health and periodontal status, by performing oral examinations and collecting data using questionnaires. (2) Methods: After obtaining approval from the University’s Ethics Committee, the study was carried out from 2021 to 2022 at the Department of Oral Health, located in the Emergency Municipal Hospital in Timisoara, Timis County, Romania. Bivariate correlations were performed using nonparametric Spearman’s Rho using SPPS software version 23. To assess the importance of smoking frequency related to the severity of periodontitis diagnosis, the ANOVA Simple test (one-way) and Hochberg GT2 post hoc analysis were utilized. The chi-squared test was employed for nominal variables. A significance level of 0.05 (alpha = 0.05) was adopted for all statistical tests. (3) Results: There is a significant positive association between the frequency of systemic disease and the severity of the periodontitis diagnosis taken as a total, Rho (242) = 0.151, p < 0.05, and taken as a stage, Rho (242) = 0.199, p < 0.01, thus as the severity of the diagnosis increases, the patient presents comorbidities. Hochberg GT2 post hoc analysis indicates that the non-smoking group has statistically significantly lower diagnostic severity (Mdif = −0.81, p = 0.01), with a strong effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.73). (4) Conclusions: The findings are increasingly indicating a potential association between oral diseases and a range of systemic diseases. The impact of periodontal disease on the quality of life is significant, especially in individuals with associated systemic conditions and present risk factors.

Dental restorations must replicate the natural appearance of teeth while ensuring biocompatibility and durability. This study evaluated the surface characteristics and color stability of three dental composites—Herculite Ultra XRV, G-ænial A’CHORD, and Omnichroma—exposed to acidic beverages (red wine, black coffee, and Coca-Cola). Sixty disk-shaped specimens were prepared, polished, and immersed in these beverages. Surface roughness was assessed using profilometry and SEM analysis, hydrophobicity via contact angle analysis, and surface charge through streaming potential measurements. Color stability was evaluated using a spectrophotometer, and the pH levels of the solutions were recorded. Results showed that Herculite Ultra XRV had the highest mean contact angle (79.46° ± 6.52), indicating superior hydrophobicity, while Omnichroma had the lowest (64.94° ± 3.08), indicating more hydrophilicity. Significant color changes were observed, especially in black coffee, with ∆E values indicating notable discoloration. The acidic pH of the solutions increased surface roughness and color changes. Statistical analyses confirmed significant increases in surface roughness and color change for all composites, with the nanohybrid resin composite showing the greatest variability. These findings highlight the need for dental restorative materials with enhanced resistance to acidic environments to improve the longevity and esthetics of dental treatments.

The oral microbiome is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the development and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Dysbiosis has been associated with inflammation and tumorigenesis, highlighting the potential of microbial alterations and salivary biomarkers as tools for early, non-invasive diagnosis. This review examines recent advancements in understanding the oral microbiome’s role in OSCC. A comprehensive synthesis of studies from 2016 to 2024 was conducted to identify emerging themes and significant findings in the field. Key topics included the interplay between microbiome-driven mechanisms and cancer development, with a focus on microbial communities and their metabolic byproducts. The findings emphasize the importance of specific microbial alterations in modulating immune responses and tumor microenvironments, as well as the promise of biomarkers such as interleukins and miRNA signatures in improving diagnostic accuracy. Recent research trends indicate growing interest in the therapeutic potential of targeting the oral microbiome in OSCC management. Despite significant advancements, gaps remain in the understanding of the precise mechanisms linking dysbiosis to cancer progression. This review underscores the need for continued research to develop personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on the oral microbiome, with the potential to transform OSCC management.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with various oral health complications that can negatively impact quality of life. Despite evidence of the relationship between diabetes and oral health issues, limited research exists on the perceptions, behaviors, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of diabetic patients in Romania. This study aims to evaluate self-reported oral health, knowledge, behaviors, and OHRQoL among diabetic patients in western Romania. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in early 2024 at Pius Brinzeu County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, involving 121 patients with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires that assessed oral health status, behaviors, and OHRQoL, with the OHIP-14 instrument employed for quality-of-life measurement. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and correlation analyses to identify the predictors of oral health knowledge and OHRQoL. Results: Participants (mean age: 63.24 years; 52.1% female; 60.5% urban residents) reported significant oral health challenges. Over half (56.2%) did not visit a dentist regularly, with financial constraints identified as the primary barrier (23.5%). Oral hygiene practices were suboptimal: only 38.0% brushed twice daily, while 78.5% used fluoride toothpaste. Auxiliary hygiene tools, such as mouthwash and toothpicks, were rarely used (13.22% and 11.57%, respectively). Regression analyses identified the significant predictors of oral health knowledge, including tooth mobility (β = 0.33, p < 0.01) and brushing frequency (β = −0.18, p < 0.05). The mean OHIP-14 score (0.55) indicated a moderate impact on OHRQoL, with domains such as psychological discomfort and social disability revealing nuanced challenges. Conclusions: Diabetic patients in Romania face oral health challenges and care barriers, emphasizing the need for preventive strategies, oral health education, and integrated diabetes care. Addressing these gaps can improve oral health outcomes and overall quality of life in this vulnerable population.

This study aimed to evaluate the staining sensitivity and surface changes in recent composite resins (Herculite Ultra XRV (Kerr, Bolzano, Italy), G-ænial A’CHORD (GC Corp, Tokyo, Japan), and Omnichroma (Yamaguchi, Japan)) when exposed to common beverages such as coffee, red wine, and Coca-Cola. A total of 60 disk-shaped specimens were prepared from three different resin composites (n = 20 each). The specimens were exposed to coffee, red wine, and Coca-Cola for 10 days. Color measurements were taken using a spectrophotometer, and surface morphology and elemental composition were analyzed using SEM and EDS. The SEM and EDS analyses revealed significant changes in the surface morphology and elemental composition of the composites after immersion. Coffee and wine caused significant surface degradation, whereas Coca-Cola resulted in the greatest degree of surface and elemental variations. Color changes (ΔE = 4 ± 0.52) were most notable in Coca-Cola for Herculite Ultra XRV (Kerr, Italy), in red wine for G-ænial A’CHORD (GC Corp, Japan) (ΔE = 12.51 ± 0.38), and in coffee for Omnichroma (Yamaguchi, Japan) (ΔE = 10.85 ± 1.03). The tested beverages significantly affected both the surface condition and the chemical composition of the resin at the surface level. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the effects of common dietary beverages on dental composites.

Background/Objectives: The bidirectional relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontal disease (PD) has garnered increasing attention due to shared inflammatory mechanisms and mutual disease exacerbation. In Romania, despite a high prevalence of diabetes and PD, integration of oral health into diabetes care remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between glycemic control, salivary inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β, IL-6, MMP-8), and periodontal status in diabetic patients. Additionally, it evaluated patients’ awareness of oral health risks and their communication with healthcare providers regarding periodontal care. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted between May and December 2024, involving 79 adult patients with confirmed type 1 or type 2 DM. Periodontal examinations assessed probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Salivary samples were collected to quantify IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-8. Participants also completed a structured questionnaire on oral symptoms, hygiene practices, and awareness of the diabetes–periodontitis link. Correlation and t-test analyses were used to explore associations between clinical, biochemical, and self-reported variables. Results: Most participants had advanced periodontitis (65.8% Stage IV; 72.2% Grade C). IL-1β and IL-6 were positively correlated (r = 0.34, p < 0.01), while MMP-8 correlated with PI (r = 0.28) and BOP (r = 0.26). Inflammatory markers showed weak correlation with HbA1c. Notably, patients with higher oral health knowledge reported worse clinical indices, suggesting increased symptom awareness rather than preventive effectiveness. Conclusions: This study reinforces the inflammatory link between DM and PD and highlights the need for integrated care models. Periodontal screening and education should be embedded within diabetes management, particularly in high-risk populations.