Chronic diseases have emerged as a paramount global health burden, accounting for 74% of global mortality and causing substantial economic losses. The oral cavity serves as a critical indicator of overall health and is inextricably linked to chronic disorders. Neglecting oral health can exacerbate localized pathologies and accelerate the progression of chronic conditions, whereas effective management has the potential to reduce their incidence and mortality. Nevertheless, limited resources and lack of awareness often impede timely dental intervention, delaying optimal therapeutic measures. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of prevalent chronic diseases—such as diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, and chronic respiratory diseases—on oral health, along with an exploration of how changes in oral health affect these chronic conditions through both deterioration and intervention mechanisms. Additionally, novel insights into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms governing these relationships are presented. By synthesizing these advancements, this review aims to illuminate the complex interrelationship between oral health and chronic diseases while emphasizing the urgent need for greater collaboration between dental practitioners and general healthcare providers to improve overall health outcomes.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the middle mesial canal (MMC) and radix entomolaris (RE) in mandibular first permanent molars in a western Chinese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: A total of 1174 CBCT images of the mandibular first molars were collected from West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. The following information was recorded and evaluated: the detection rate and location of the MMC and RE, the curvature of the RE, the canal configuration and bilateral symmetry. Results: The detection rates of the MMC and RE were 3.41 and 25.04%, respectively, as calculated by individuals, and 1.79 and 22.15%, respectively, as calculated by total teeth. The average curvature in the buccolingual (BL) orientation (40.63 ± 14.39°) was significantly larger than that in the mesiodistal (MD) orientation (17.64 ± 7.82°) (p < 0.05). Of 587 patients, 71.72% (421/587) had bilateral symmetry according to the root canal morphology. The prevalence of three-rooted mandibular first molars was higher in males than in females, while the prevalence of two-rooted mandibular first molars was higher in females than in males. Conclusions: Our results showed that the RE could be detected in almost 1/4 of the western Chinese population; thus, RE detection requires special attention and careful assessment in endodontic treatment.

Background: To evaluate the root anatomy, root canal morphology and the anatomical relationship between the roots and maxillary sinus of maxillary second premolars by CBCT in a western Chinese population. Methods: A total of 1118 CBCT scans of the maxillary second premolars were collected from West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. Information below were measured on axial, coronal and sagittal sections, recorded and evaluated properly: the number of roots and canals, the morphology of canal system classified by Vertucci standard, the inter-orifice distance of canal orifices, the curvature of each canal and the distance from root tip to maxillary sinus floor. Results: Among the 1118 teeth, 94.2% (1053) are single-rooted and 55.1% (616) have one canal. Type I (55.1%) is the commonest root canal morphology followed by Type II (31.9%). The mean inter-orifice distance (IOD) for multi-canal teeth ranging from 2.72 ± 0.32 to 3.41 ± 0.11 mm. Of 1622 canals, 38.8% (630) curvature are mesiodistal and 30.9% (501) are straight canals. The distance from root tip to maxillary sinus floor increased with age and the mean distance of single-rooted ones is 2.47 ± 3.45 mm. Conclusions: All kinds of canal morphology category can be detected in maxillary second premolars. The IOD might be a predictable factor for root canal morphology. Roots of maxillary second premolars are related to maxillary sinus which should be treated carefully.

Oral cavity is an ideal habitat for more than 1,000 species of microorganisms. The diverse oral microbes form biofilms over the hard and soft tissues in the oral cavity, affecting the oral ecological balance and the development of oral diseases, such as caries, apical periodontitis, and periodontitis. Currently, antibiotics are the primary agents against infectious diseases; however, the emergence of drug resistance and the disruption of oral microecology have challenged their applications. The discovery of new antibiotic-independent agents is a promising strategy against biofilm-induced infections. Natural products from traditional medicine have shown potential antibiofilm activities in the oral cavity with high safety, cost-effectiveness, and minimal adverse drug reactions. Aiming to highlight the importance and functions of natural products from traditional medicine against oral biofilms, here we summarized and discussed the antibiofilm effects of natural products targeting at different stages of the biofilm formation process, including adhesion, proliferation, maturation, and dispersion, and their effects on multi-species biofilms. The perspective of antibiofilm agents for oral infectious diseases to restore the balance of oral microecology is also discussed.