Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between oral health—particularly dental caries and dysbiosis of the oral microbiome—and respiratory diseases across different age groups and clinical settings, with emphasis on microbial overlap, clinical outcomes, and preventive strategies. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to June 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional investigations examining the relationship between oral diseases or microbiome alterations and respiratory outcomes. Data on study design, population, oral health parameters, microbial taxa, and respiratory endpoints were extracted. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT, 2018). Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing pediatric, adult, and elderly populations. Poor oral health, reflected by higher caries indices and periodontal inflammation, was consistently associated with increased risk of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), aspiration events, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and impaired pulmonary function. Oral microbiome analyses revealed enrichment of Veillonella, Prevotella, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas species in both oral and airway samples, supporting the oral cavity as a reservoir for respiratory pathogens. Interventional evidence from intensive care and nursing home settings demonstrated that structured oral care—particularly daily toothbrushing and chlorhexidine-based plaque control—significantly reduced pneumonia incidence. Conclusions: This review confirms a clinically relevant and biologically plausible link between oral dysbiosis, dental caries, and respiratory disease. Oral biofilms contribute to infection risk through microaspiration and microbial seeding of the lower airways. Integrating oral screening, hygiene maintenance, and treatment of active oral disease into respiratory care pathways may reduce respiratory morbidity and mortality, particularly among high-risk populations such as ICU patients, older adults, and individuals with chronic lung disease.

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally and a significant dietary source of fluoride. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate the factors influencing fluoride concentration in tea infusions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in March 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and the PICO framework. Eligible studies investigated fluoride release in tea infusions, published in English from the year 2000 onward. Thirty articles met the inclusion criteria, and the risk of bias in the articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality checklist. Fluoride concentration in tea infusions varied widely across studies, ranging from 0.008 to over 8 mg/L. Key factors influencing fluoride release included tea type (with black and green teas showing the highest values), leaf form (powdered and bagged teas released more fluoride than loose leaves), brewing time and temperature, water composition, and the presence of additives such as spices. A longer brewing time and higher temperature consistently increased fluoride extraction. Lower pH or water hardness also significantly affected fluoride availability. Regional origin of tea and production methods were additional sources of variation. Fluoride release in tea is influenced by a complex interplay of botanical, environmental, and preparation-related factors. These findings are clinically relevant, particularly for populations at risk of fluoride overexposure. Further standardized research is needed to inform safe consumption guidelines and public health recommendations.

Background/Objectives: The practice of holding anticoagulation is a relatively common approach, with the aim of either preventing excessive bleeding in preparation for surgical procedures or managing acute bleeding episodes. Methods: To assess the relationship between the discontinuation of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) therapy and the condition of hypercoagulability, a systematic review of the literature was conducted, following PRISMA guidelines, in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. These databases were searched for all publications that described a rebound phenomenon or hypercoagulability state after DOACs discontinuation. Results: A total of 1494 articles were selected from searched databases, and 29 were eligible. A final total of 16 case reports and 14 original research articles were subjected to analysis. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the cessation of DOAC therapy may be associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events. More studies are required to ascertain whether DOACs treatment cessation can be linked to rebound phenomena associated with thromboembolic events. This will provide the data needed to determine the incidence and risk of this phenomenon.

Fluoride gels are widely used in dental prophylaxis due to their proven ability to prevent demineralization and promote remineralization of hard dental tissues. However, the effectiveness of fluoride release from such gels may be significantly influenced by environmental factors such as pH and the presence of calcium ions. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate how these variables affect fluoride ion release from three commercially available fluoride gels—Clarben, Flairesse, and Lunos. The gels were incubated in artificial saliva of varying pH levels (4.5, 6.0, 7.0, and 7.5) with and without the addition of calcium, as well as in other water-based media—tap water, deionized water, and 0.9% NaCl solution. Fluoride release and changes in pH were measured and statistically analyzed using a multifactorial ANOVA. The results revealed that fluoride release was highest in calcium-free environments and at neutral to slightly alkaline pH, while the presence of calcium significantly reduced fluoride availability. Among the tested products, Flairesse and Lunos exhibited sensitivity to calcium’s presence, unlike Clarben. Fluoride release was generally higher in water than in artificial saliva. Additionally, all gels induced a decrease in pH, which varied depending on the initial pH and calcium content. These findings underline the importance of environmental conditions in optimizing the clinical efficacy of fluoride gel applications.

The presence of toxic metals in the human environment can have detrimental effects on people's wellbeing. This literature review examines the ways in which various environmental and non-environmental factors can contribute to the accumulation of heavy metals in hard dental tissues. It is of the utmost importance to ensure the safety of the environment by restricting the presence of toxic metals originating from both industrial and non-industrial sources. The aim of this study is to analyze current research and identify the primary sources of heavy metal exposure and the mechanisms by which these metals are deposited in dental tissues. Moreover, the objective of this review is to synthesize data from various studies to determine the main environmental and non-environmental sources of toxic metal exposure that contribute to their presence in dental tissues, as well as the biological and chemical processes that are responsible for the deposition of heavy metals in hard dental tissues. Additionally, the review aims to assess the impact of heavy metal accumulation on dental health and its potential systemic effects on overall well-being. The accumulation of heavy metals in the teeth is influenced by a number of factors, such as age, systemic conditions, the nutritional status, and dental caries. The presence of supernumerary teeth results in altered levels of microelements, including an increase in cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu). Additionally, smoking exacerbates toxic metal accumulation, especially Cd and lead (Pb), and disrupts the balance of essential minerals within the teeth. These findings underscore the impact of environmental pollution on dental health and highlight the potential of teeth as biomarkers of environmental exposure, emphasizing the need for continued research to address the health risks associated with environmental toxins.

Background/Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate and summarize the available evidence on the effects of light-based applications, including laser irradiation on fibroblast responses to zirconia surfaces. Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and WorldCat databases. After duplicate removal and eligibility screening, 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Only in vitro and animal studies assessing fibroblast behavior on zirconia after light- or laser-based surface irradiation were included. Due to heterogeneity in study designs and parameters, data were qualitatively synthesized. Results: All included studies confirmed the biocompatibility of laser-modified zirconia surfaces. Various laser systems—including Er:YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG, Nd:YAG, diode, excimer, and femtosecond lasers—were investigated. Most studies reported enhanced fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and cytoskeletal organization compared with untreated controls. Two of the included studies demonstrated an antibacterial effect of erbium lasers treatment on zirconia surfaces. However, outcomes varied depending on the laser parameters, irradiation energy, and zirconia type used. Conclusions: Laser-based surface modification of zirconia appears safe and biocompatible, with evidence indicating favorable effects on fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and organization. While these findings are promising for optimizing soft-tissue integration around zirconia implant abutments, further standardized and long-term studies are necessary to determine optimal laser settings and confirm clinical applicability.