Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a syndrome characterized by episodes of complete cessation of breathing (apnea) or inadequate breathing (hypopnea) during sleep. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Lilacs databases was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We identified 1,532 records; after screening, 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published between 2009 and 2020, met the inclusion criteria. These studies included 698 participants aged 5–75 years. Results: Nine randomized trials (n = 698; 2009–2020) showed that myofunctional therapy (MFT), alone or as an adjunct, for example, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and nasal washing, reduced apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) versus control in adults and children. Snoring intensity improved in trials that measured it; several studies reported gains in oxygen saturation and mouth-breathing reduction. Protocols targeted the soft palate, tongue, and facial muscles with daily home exercises. Discussion: MFT appears to be a promising non-invasive treatment for reducing AHI, especially in pediatric patients. Its benefits extend beyond AHI reduction, supporting orofacial function and nasal breathing. However, its clinical integration remains limited due to a lack of standardized protocols and inconsistent reporting of patient adherence. Most studies also have short follow-up periods, which makes it difficult to assess long-term efficacy. To advance evidence-based use of MFT, future research should adopt standardized outcomes, monitor adherence systematically, and include long-term follow-up.

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe and multifactorial condition historically linked to dental procedures. Current evidence shows that most cases arise from complex host–microbe interactions and biofilm colonization on damaged endothelium or intracardiac/prosthetic material, while the inappropriate use of antibiotics in dentistry promotes antimicrobial resistance. Objectives: To provide a narrative synthesis of contemporary evidence on (i) the relative contribution of dental procedures versus daily oral inflammatory burden to bacteremia and IE risk, (ii) the role of periodontal disease and the oral resistome in AMR, and (iii) the clinical and medico-legal implications of antibiotic prescribing and guideline adherence in dental practice. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar, complemented by manual screening of reference lists and relevant guideline documents. The search covered approximately the last decade (2015–2025) and included ESC 2023 and AHA 2021 guidance on IE prevention. Search terms combined concepts related to “infective endocarditis”, “antibiotic prophylaxis”, “dentistry/dental procedures”, “periodontitis/periodontal disease”, “bacteremia”, “biofilm”, “oral microbiome/oral resistome”, and “antimicrobial stewardship/antibiotic resistance”, using Boolean operators. Eligible sources included clinical studies, systematic reviews/meta-analyses, consensus statements and guidelines, and selected medico-legal literature relevant to dental decision-making and documentation. Editorials and non-peer-reviewed items without retrievable full text were not considered for evidence synthesis. Results: The reviewed evidence supports that spontaneous bacteremia associated with active periodontitis and daily oral activities may be more frequent than procedure-related bacteremia, suggesting that inflammation control and biofilm management represent a major preventive lever. Antibiotic prophylaxis should be reserved for a limited subset of high-risk cardiac patients as per contemporary ESC/AHA recommendations, whereas routine “defensive” prescribing in low-risk contexts provides minimal expected benefit and carries individual and societal harms (adverse events, microbiome disruption, AMR selection). Integrating periodontal care pathways with risk stratification and targeted antibiotic stewardship can improve patient safety and support public health. Conclusions: Dentistry plays a strategic preventive role in IE and AMR primarily through periodontal inflammation control, asepsis, and prudent antibiotic use. From a medico-legal standpoint, professional liability should be assessed on a process-based standard (risk assessment, adherence to updated guidelines, causal local treatment, informed consent, and traceable follow-up) rather than on outcome-driven hindsight.

The therapeutic management of malocclusion in mixed dentition represents a crucial challenge in orthodontics. This study aims to illustrate the therapeutic approach adopted in a second class I division case, characterized by increased overjet (OVJ) and overbite (OVB), multiple dental rotations and contracted upper arch, by the use of preformed elastodontic guided eruption appliance (EGA). Materials and Methods: The initial clinical diagnosis revealed the need for early intervention to improve OVJ and correct the sagittal and vertical relationships of the dento-alveolar process. A 10.5-year-old male patient with Division 1 Class II malocclusion was treated using two different EGA devices, both mixed and permanent dentition, for a total period of two years, with an average usage of about 10 hours per day. Results: The results obtained were significant, with complete resolution of malocclusion at the end of treatment. The active and passive forces generated by the shape of the device contributed to the correction of dental rotations and the improvement of verticality, reducing the OVB. Early use of such devices has been shown to significantly reduce the risks of dental trauma, while requiring low patient compliance and minimal psychological and psycho-social impact. Conclusions: The adoption of EGA has proven to be an effective therapeutic option in the early treatment of Division II malocclusion 1. The sequential approach with two different devices has helped to optimize the therapeutic results, reducing the need for more invasive orthodontic interventions at a later stage. However, it is essential to stress the importance of accurate diagnosis, appropriate planning and active collaboration of the patient to ensure the success of this interceptive approach.

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prolonged use of face masks became necessary for infection control. However, this widespread practice may have unintentionally impacted communication, particularly in children at critical stages of speech and language development. Objective: This study aims to examine parental perceptions regarding the effect of prolonged face-mask use on speech and language development in children aged 2–8 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a 14-item online questionnaire completed voluntarily by parents or legal guardians. The survey explored perceived speech and language changes, recovery following discontinuation of mask use, and whether professional intervention (e.g., speech therapy) was sought. Results: A total of 60 participants were recruited. Language delays were more frequently reported in children under 3 years of age (38%) than in older children (22%). Following the end of mask use, 43.1% of parents reported no change in language development, 29.3% perceived no association, and 27.6% observed improvement. Among those who noticed delays, 30.8% consulted a speech therapist, 61.5% reported spontaneous recovery, and 7.7% reported no recovery. Overall, 77.3% of children showed significant language recovery after stopping mask use, 13.6% recovered partially, and 9.1% did not recover. Conclusion: Parental perceptions suggest that prolonged mask use may have interfered with language development in some children, especially the youngest. While many children improved spontaneously, a notable proportion required professional intervention. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and support for children potentially affected by communication while wearing masks during critical developmental periods. Further research using clinician-assessed measures is needed to validate these perceptions.