The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate omega-3 fatty acids’ influence on 12 inflammatory biomarkers—LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, TG, HbA1c, Apo AI, Apo AII, Apo B, CRP, TNF-α, glucose, and fasting blood glucose among diabetic and cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. We searched articles in six database engines, and 16 of the 696 articles reviewed met the inclusion criteria. Among these, lipid and inflammatory biomarkers investigated commonly included total cholesterol (11 studies), LDL, and TG (10 studies each). Overall, omega-3 was associated with a significant reduction in Apo AII among diabetic patients, as compared to different controls (−8.0 mg/dL 95% CI: −12.71, −3.29, p = 0.0009), triglycerides (−44.88 mg/dL 95% CI: −82.6, −7.16, p < 0.0001), HDL (−2.27 mg/dL 95% CI: −3.72, −0.83, p = 0.002), and increased fasting blood glucose (16.14 mg/dL 95% CI: 6.25, 26.04, p = 0.001). Omega-3 also was associated with increased LDL among CVD patients (2.10 mg/dL 95% CI: 1.00, 3.20, p = 0.0002). We conclude that omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with lower inflammatory biomarkers among diabetic and cardiovascular patients. Clinicians should be aware of these potential benefits; however, it is essential to recommend that patients consult with clinicians before any omega-3 intake.

Zuhair S. Natto, BDS, MPH, MSc, DrPH/Wael Yaghmoor, BDS, MSc/Raveendhara R. Bannuru, MD, PhD/Myron Nevins, DDS: The objective of this network meta-analysis was to identify and rank different ridge preservation procedures using allograft, xenograft, or extraction only by dimensional changes in ridge width and height after tooth extraction. Electronic and hand searches of several databases were performed in September 2016 to identify randomized controlled trials on extraction and ridge preservation with 3 to 7 months of follow-up. Eight studies were included in the network meta-analysis. The total number of teeth included in these trials was 466, which were randomly assigned to treatment groups. The effect sizes of ridge width ranged from −2.01 (credibility interval [CrI]: −2.92 to −1.04) for the least efficacious treatment (extraction only) to −0.21 (CrI: −2.09 to 1.67) for the most efficacious treatment (xenograft with barrier). For height, they ranged from −0.35 (CrI: −3.82 to 3.17) for the most efficacious treatment (freeze-dried bone allograft with barrier) to −1.11 (CrI: −6.21 to 3.88) for the least efficacious treatment (extraction). No significant difference was detected between treatments nor inconsistency between the direct and indirect estimates. None of the selected interventions were statistically significant compared with any other treatment. All treatment options resulted in minimal bone loss in alveolar ridge width and height.

Background: Although the role of chlorhexidine and other mouthwashes in periodontal therapy has been elucidated, little information is available on their use as routine preoperative mouth rinses before surgery, especially in periodontal procedures such as dental implant surgery. Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of preoperative chlorhexidine, essential oil, and cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwashes in reducing bacterial contamination at the time of implant placement. Materials and Methods Eligible patients who underwent dental implant surgery were randomly divided into four groups based on the mouthwash used: (1) 0.12% chlorhexidine, (2) essential oil, (3) cetylpyridinium chloride, and (4) saline (served as the control group). All the patients of each group rinsed preoperatively with 15 mL of the respective mouthwash for 60 s. Saliva samples before (pre) and immediately after rinsing with the mouthwash (post) and after suturing the flap (end) were collected on the day of the implant placement. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to analyze the samples and quantify the targeted periodontal pathogens using a propidium monoazide (PMA) dye. Results: Forty patients were included in the study. Real-time qPCR demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of pathogens in the saliva samples of the mouthwash groups compared to that of the control group. A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups for the pre–post and pre–end samples (p < 0.001) but not for the post–end samples (p = 0.203). A statistically significant difference was observed between the chlorhexidine, essential oil, and cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash groups and the saline group (P < 0.001). The bacterial counts significantly differed with and without the use of the PMA dye. Conclusions: Preoperative chlorhexidine, essential oil, and cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwashes can reduce the bacterial load at the time of implant placement, thereby reducing the incidence of implant-related complications.

This review aims to investigate the main observed and detected salivary biomarkers, such as cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and antioxidant enzymes, among patients with periodontal diseases. The emergence of periodontal diseases worldwide has increased nowadays; the early detection of these diseases' incidence and occurrence via laboratory testing is now promising. A total of 1,051 studies were collected from different search engines such as Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed. About 18 studies were selected for further analysis according to the obtained eligibility criteria. Cytokines, oxidative stress mediators, nucleic acids, and MMPs each provide valuable insights into disease mechanisms. However, integrated biomarker panels outperform individual markers, reflecting the multifactorial etiology of periodontal diseases. While challenges remain in standardization and validation, collective evidence strongly supports saliva-based biomarkers as a cornerstone of future precision dentistry. This review consolidates evidence from 18 studies, underscoring the diagnostic promise of salivary and serum biomarkers in periodontal diseases. This review sheds light on the main observed and detected biomarkers in different types found in saliva. As well, it can predict the most abundant types and how to test, measure, and control. How to cite this article: Yaghmoor WE. Salivary Biomarkers for Early Detection of Periodontal Diseases: A Systematic Review. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(11):1115-1124.

Background/Objectives: Digital triage systems are increasingly used in dentistry to support patient access and improve service efficiency, particularly in academic and public healthcare settings. However, limited evidence exists on how these systems function in practice from the perspectives of both patients and providers. This study aimed to explore patients’ and staff members’ experiences, perceptions, and expectations of a digital dental triage system at a teaching dental hospital. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted at the Dental Teaching Hospital of Umm Al-Qura University (DTH-UQU), Saudi Arabia. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 25 participants, including dental professionals, administrative staff, and patients who had recently used the digital triage system. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach. Results: Analysis identified six interconnected themes. Patients generally found the system easy to use and consistent with their digital habits, yet this usability did not translate into satisfaction due to limited communication, post-registration silence, and unclear care pathways. Staff emphasized clinical accuracy, educational requirements, and capacity constraints as key drivers of triage decisions that were often invisible to patients. Communication breakdowns, misclassification, duplicate registrations, and unmet expectations emerged as central challenges, contributing to workflow inefficiencies. Participants suggested that improvements focused on enhanced communication, guided data entry, system integration, and expanded teledentistry functionality. Conclusions: The effectiveness of digital dental triage systems depends not only on usability but also on transparent communication, alignment with institutional capacity, and integration within broader care pathways.

Introduction/Background: Periodontal diseases are long-term inflammatory diseases of the gingiva and alveolar bone that can result in the loss of teeth in the case of untreated conditions. Despite the fact that conventional smoking is an established risk factor, the widespread adoption of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has raised new concerns about periodontal health. Methods and Materials: PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were utilized for carrying out this narrative review. Keywords were e-cigarettes, vaping, electronic nicotine delivery systems, periodontal disease, periodontitis, oral microbiome, gingival inflammation, and oxidative stress. Publications up to February 2026 were considered, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses (2023–2025) prioritized. Evidence on clinical periodontal parameters, inflammatory biomarkers, and changes in the microbiome was synthesized. Results: E-cigarette smoking is linked to elevated levels of gingival inflammation, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, enrichment of inflammatory pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis and compromised tissue repair. Periodontal parameters tend to be poorer than in non-smokers but better than in traditional smokers, which demonstrates a moderate risk profile. Discussion: E-cigarettes seem to be an intermediate risk factor of periodontal disease. The mechanisms involved are oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, neutrophil dysfunction and microbial dysbiosis, though usually at reduced intensity compared to traditional smoking. Nevertheless, the existing evidence is constrained by cross-sectional designs, brief follow-ups, and confounding variables, including multiple uses or prior smoking, which makes it challenging to reach logical conclusions regarding long-term effects. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that e-cigarette use is associated with adverse changes in periodontal health and should not be assumed to be biologically inert for oral tissues. Its long-term periodontal effects are not well understood, although it is not as harmful as combustible tobacco. More longitudinal research is required, and dental practitioners are advised to counsel patients on the dangers of vaping and ways of quitting.