High levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and angiopoietin (ANG)-2 are found in tissues from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). As might be expected, VEGF, FGF-2, and ANG-2 overexpression parallels the development of new blood and lymphatic vessels that nourish the growing OPMDs or OSCCs and provide the latter with metastatic routes. Notably, VEGF, FGF-2, and ANG-2 are also linked to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a trans-differentiation process that respectively promotes or exasperates the invasiveness of normal and neoplastic oral epithelial cells. Here, we have summarized published work regarding the impact that the interplay among VEGF, FGF-2, ANG-2, vessel generation, and EMT has on oral carcinogenesis. Results from the reviewed studies indicate that VEGF, FGF-2, and ANG-2 spark either protein kinase B (AKT) or mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), two signaling pathways that can promote both EMT and new vessels’ formation in OPMDs and OSCCs. Since EMT and vessel generation are key to the onset and progression of OSCC, as well as to its radio- and chemo-resistance, these data encourage including AKT or MAPK inhibitors and/or antiangiogenic drugs in the treatment of this malignancy.

Aging is a multifactorial process that affects various physiological functions, including masticatory performance, which is crucial for oral health and nutritional well-being. Impaired masticatory function, often due to factors such as tooth loss, reduced salivation, or muscle atrophy, can lead to significant nutritional challenges and compromise the overall health of elderly individuals. Recent research has illuminated the interconnectedness of masticatory function, oral microbiota, and gut health, suggesting that altered chewing ability may disrupt oral microbial communities, which in turn affect gastrointestinal health and systemic inflammation. This commentary review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of masticatory function in aging, exploring its impact on the oral microbiota, gut health, and broader nutritional status. We discuss the potential consequences of impaired mastication, including malnutrition, dysbiosis, and gastrointestinal disorders, and explore possible strategies for improving masticatory function and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through interventions like dietary modifications, oral care, and rehabilitation. We aim to underscore the importance of integrating masticatory function management into the broader context of aging-related healthcare, promoting holistic, multidisciplinary approaches to support nutritional needs and quality of life in older adults.

This case report describes a minimally invasive orthodontic approach for a patient who was identified in childhood and followed through adolescence. The approach was intended to correct atypical swallowing, diastemas, and overjet. The treatment used two devices: the Froggy Mouth for myofunctional therapy and clear aligners for dental alignment and overjet correction.

Myofunctional therapy offers an innovative approach to correcting orofacial dysfunctions and bad habits. This article describes how myofunctional treatment, in collaboration with various medical specialties, can improve not only orthodontic problems but also other conditions treated by specialists such as Neurologists, Speech Therapists, Osteopaths, Otorhinolaryngologists, Allergists and Pediatricians. This article aims to highlight how the Froggy Mouth, a lightweight and simple device, can offer support and benefits to various specialists across different medical disciplines.

Myofunctional therapy offers an innovative approach to correcting orofacial dysfunctions and bad habits. This article describes how myofunctional treatment, in collaboration with various medical specialties, can improve not only orthodontic problems but also other conditions treated by specialists such as Neurologists, Speech Therapists, Osteopaths, Otorhinolaryngologists, Allergists and Pediatricians. This article aims to highlight how the Froggy Mouth, a lightweight and simple device, can offer support and benefits to various specialists across different medical disciplines.

Background: Dental cysts, particularly dentigerous cysts (DCs), are a common pathological condition affecting the jawbone. The literature categorizes DCs based on histology and associates them with impacted teeth, often leading to complications. However, the occurrence of DCs in the elderly and their association with mandibular premolars is not well-documented, presenting a knowledge gap in dental pathology and management. Objective: This case report aims to present a rare clinical case of an impacted mandibular premolar associated with a dentigerous cyst and a periodontal lesion, detailing the clinical management, radiographic diagnosis, histopathologic analysis, and surgical intervention. Case presentation: A 65-year-old male patient presented with pain and mobility in tooth 36. Clinical examination, radiographic imaging, and histological analysis were conducted to diagnose and plan the treatment—the treatment involved enucleation of the DC and extraction of the impacted tooth. Histological examination was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining to determine the nature of the cyst. Results: The patient’s postoperative recovery was uneventful, with complete remineralization of the site after one year. Histological findings indicated a significant inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly lymphocytes, suggesting a periodontal cyst. The impacted mandibular premolar association with a DC in an elderly patient is rare, with the literature reporting a higher frequency of such cysts in younger demographics. Conclusions: The case report contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the successful management of a rare case of an impacted mandibular premolar with a dentigerous cyst and periodontal lesion. It emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment planning in managing complex dental cyst cases. It suggests a conservative approach to prevent surgical risks, especially near critical anatomical structures.