Oral Hygiene: Updates and Clinical Progress

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 May 2025 | Viewed by 3803

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. EA 75-05 Éducation, Éthique, Santé (EES), Faculté de Médecine, Université François-Rabelais, 37020 Tours, France
2. Department of Odontology, Tours University Hospital Center, 37000 Tours, France
3. Faculty of Dentistry, University of Tours, 37200 Tours, France
Interests: public health; schizophrenia; mental health; oral health; health democracy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the latest advancements and clinical developments in oral hygiene. We invite submissions that shed light on various aspects of oral hygiene, including, but not limited to, preventive measures, treatment modalities, technological innovations and patient education. The Special Issue seeks to highlight evidence-based practices and novel approaches that contribute to improving oral health outcomes.

We request that authors refrain from submitting mini-reviews and case reports for this Special Issue. Instead, we encourage original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical trials that provide valuable insights into the field of oral hygiene.

By bringing together a collection of high-quality articles, this Special Issue aims to foster knowledge exchange, promote evidence-based practices and advance the understanding of oral hygiene. We believe that this compilation will serve as a valuable resource for dental professionals, researchers and educators worldwide.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Frédéric Denis
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • periodontal disease
  • dental caries
  • plaque control
  • oral hygiene practices
  • gingivitis
  • dental prophylaxis
  • oral health education

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 732 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus Infection and Its Oral Health Implications: A Comparative Study of Polish Medical and Dental Students
by Paulina Adamska, Natalia Kempa, Dominika Cichońska, Adam Zedler and Hanna Sobczak-Zagalska
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(8), 2695; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14082695 - 15 Apr 2025
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Abstract
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus belonging to the Papillomaviridae family. Infection may be asymptomatic, mildly symptomatic, or clinically evident. It is mostly transmitted through sexual activity. It is estimated that approximately half of sexually active individuals will be infected with HPV, [...] Read more.
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus belonging to the Papillomaviridae family. Infection may be asymptomatic, mildly symptomatic, or clinically evident. It is mostly transmitted through sexual activity. It is estimated that approximately half of sexually active individuals will be infected with HPV, and among women over 50, this percentage increases to 80%. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness among medical and dental students regarding the impact of HPV infection on oral health. Materials and methods: This was a prospective study of 562 Polish medical and dental students. The questionnaire was originally designed based on the available literature and consisted of two sections: demographic questions and detailed questions about HPV and its impact on oral health. The data were analyzed using Statistica v. 13.3. All tests were considered statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05. Results: After excluding incomplete questionnaires, 541 remained and were included in the analysis. The medical students achieved a significantly higher average score compared to the dental students (p < 0.001). The students of higher years of studies were more knowledgeable. This tendency was observed both among all respondents together and among the medical and dentistry students separately. Conclusions: The medical students demonstrated a significantly higher level of knowledge on the discussed topic. However, both groups provided correct answers at a relatively unsatisfactory level because the overall value of the results obtained was below 60%. By the end of their education, the students in both fields demonstrated improved knowledge. The dental students gave an average of 74% correct answers, while the medical students achieved 73%. Therefore, the quality of university education regarding the relationship between HPV infection and oral lesions should be improved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Hygiene: Updates and Clinical Progress)
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18 pages, 300 KiB  
Article
Oral Health Status and Factors Associated with Oral Health in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Matched Case-Control Observational Study
by Reza Aghasizadeh Sherbaf, George Michael Kaposvári, Katalin Nagy, Magdolna Pakáski, Márió Gajdács, Danica Matusovits and Zoltán Baráth
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051412 - 20 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease, ranking as the seventh leading cause of death in both sexes. There is increasing awareness of the role of chronic periodontal disease and severe tooth loss as a modifiable risk factor for developing AD. [...] Read more.
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease, ranking as the seventh leading cause of death in both sexes. There is increasing awareness of the role of chronic periodontal disease and severe tooth loss as a modifiable risk factor for developing AD. The aim of the present observational study was to assess AD patients with non-affected healthy controls in the context of their dental and periodontal health outcomes; additionally, the potential impact of anamnestic factors and lifestyle habits on oral health outcomes was also studied. Methods: A total of n = 41 AD patients receiving treatment at the Department of Psychiatry, University of Szeged, were compared with n = 41 age- and gender-matched controls from individuals seeking dental treatment and from retirement homes (mean age was 83.32 ± 7.82 years). Dental and periodontal status indices were assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Results: Overall, 51.2%, 68.3%, and 87.8% of AD patients received mood stabilizers, drugs for their non-cognitive symptoms and cognitive symptoms, respectively. Severe tooth loss was observed in 43.9% of AD patients and 56.1% of controls, respectively. There were no significant differences among AD patients and controls regarding the dental status indices studied (p > 0.05 for all indicators). AD patients had significantly higher plaque indices (%) (59.06 ± 15.45 vs. 41.35 ± 7.97; p < 0.001), bleeding on probing (BOP%) (62.65 ± 12.00 vs. 40.12 ± 10.86; p < 0.001), pocket depth [PD] (2.63 ± 0.56 vs. 2.29 ± 0.13; p = 0.002) and attachment loss [AL] (2.85 ± 0.79 vs. 2.39 ± 0.41; p = 0.026) values, compared to controls. Smoking (vs. non-smokers; 56.28 ± 12.36 vs. 51.40 ± 13.23, p = 0.038) and consumption of alcohol (vs. non-drinkers; 58.68 ± 9.86 vs. 54.78 ± 14.86, p = 0.040) were associated with higher plaque indices [%], while no similar effects were shown for dental status parameters (p > 0.05). In contrast, coffee intake and vitamin supplement use had no significant effect on dental or periodontal status parameters (p > 0.05 in all cases). Conclusions: The results of our study underscore the substantial treatment needs of AD patients, calling for heightened awareness among dental healthcare professionals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Hygiene: Updates and Clinical Progress)
13 pages, 46261 KiB  
Article
Design and Efficacy of Custom-Made Cleaning Splints for the Approximal Plaque Removal—A Laboratory Study
by Stefan Rues, Theresa Becker, Valentin Bartha, Marcia Spindler, Sebastian Hetzler, Diana Wolff, Peter Rammelsberg and Andreas Zenthöfer
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(24), 7763; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13247763 - 19 Dec 2024
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Abstract
Objectives: Cleaning splints (CSs) can facilitate interdental brush (IDB) insertion and guide IDBs during cleaning movement. Cleaning efficacy with and without CSs was to be assessed and compared for a fully dentate (FD) and a partially edentulous (PE) situation. Methods: For two maxillary [...] Read more.
Objectives: Cleaning splints (CSs) can facilitate interdental brush (IDB) insertion and guide IDBs during cleaning movement. Cleaning efficacy with and without CSs was to be assessed and compared for a fully dentate (FD) and a partially edentulous (PE) situation. Methods: For two maxillary typodont models simulating either an FD situation or a PE situation with every second tooth missing, suitable IDBs were selected and each cleaning splint was designed and fabricated by 3D-printing. Before and after standardized cleaning, model teeth were photographed at three timepoints: (T1) clean surface, (T2) surface coated with artificial plaque, and (T3) after IDB cleaning. For each of the four test groups differing in dental status (FD, PE) and CS use (without, with), n = 10 tests/group were completed. After aligning corresponding photographs, pixel-based color difference ratios (T2-T3)/(T2-T1) were calculated. Approximal cleaning efficacy was set as the mean value over predefined regions of interest. Effects of CS use and dental status were analyzed with two-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results: CS use significantly improved mean approximal cleaning efficacy for the PE model (p = 0.001), whereas no difference was found with the FD model (p = 0.381). Improved cleaning efficacy with the PE model was only found in combination with a CS (factor combination model × CS use: p = 0.003). Conclusions: Cleaning splints might have the potential to improve interproximal hygiene and can be recommended for clinical use. Clinical studies should validate the results of this in vitro study and clarify if CSs could be beneficial for patients with restricted manual skills. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Hygiene: Updates and Clinical Progress)
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Other

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27 pages, 4591 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Impact of Mobile Applications on Improving Oral Hygiene Knowledge and Skills of Adolescents: A Scoping Review
by Alice Murariu, Livia Bobu, Gabriela Luminița Gelețu, Simona Stoleriu, Gianina Iovan, Roxana-Ionela Vasluianu, Cezar Ilie Foia, Diana Zapodeanu and Elena-Raluca Baciu
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(9), 2907; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14092907 - 23 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: During adolescence, dental caries, erosions, and gingival diseases can significantly impact quality of life. Currently, mobile applications are widely used in health promotion, especially among teenagers, as they offer a modern approach to oral health education. This scoping review aims to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: During adolescence, dental caries, erosions, and gingival diseases can significantly impact quality of life. Currently, mobile applications are widely used in health promotion, especially among teenagers, as they offer a modern approach to oral health education. This scoping review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) applications in improving adolescents’ behavior and knowledge regarding oral hygiene. Methods: Searches were conducted in the Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Both randomized and non-randomized clinical trials published between 2015 and 2024 were analyzed. Selected studies evaluated oral hygiene behavior (knowledge and skills), as well as Plaque Index and gingival health indicators, by comparing a control group receiving traditional education with an intervention group using mobile applications for education. Results: Out of 738 articles found, only 21 met the eligibility criteria. Of the total number of included studies, 14 (66.6%) reported that adolescents in the intervention group utilizing mobile applications demonstrated superior plaque control and reduced gingival bleeding compared to those in the control group. Notably, this outcome was observed even in studies employing a single-group design. In contrast, five studies (23.8%) found no statistically significant differences between groups, while two studies (9.6%) indicated that traditional educational methods were more effective than modern methods. Conclusions: The analyzed studies indicate that mobile health applications can be valuable tools for improving adolescents’ oral health. However, some findings also demonstrate that traditional education methods yield similar positive effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Hygiene: Updates and Clinical Progress)
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15 pages, 750 KiB  
Systematic Review
Evaluating Oral Health Status in Incarcerated Women: A Systematic Review
by Jakub Fiegler-Rudol, Monika Tysiąc-Miśta and Janusz Kasperczyk
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051499 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 493
Abstract
Background: Oral health is crucial to overall well-being but is significantly neglected among incarcerated women, who face higher rates of dental caries, periodontal disease, and edentulism due to systemic barriers, behavioral risks, and socio-demographic vulnerabilities. Objective: This review evaluates the oral [...] Read more.
Background: Oral health is crucial to overall well-being but is significantly neglected among incarcerated women, who face higher rates of dental caries, periodontal disease, and edentulism due to systemic barriers, behavioral risks, and socio-demographic vulnerabilities. Objective: This review evaluates the oral health status of incarcerated women, identifying key determinants and assessing intervention effectiveness. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted as per PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published in English in the last 15 years on adult incarcerated women were included. Data on oral health outcomes, risk factors, and interventions were extracted and analyzed. Results: Ten studies revealed significantly higher rates of oral diseases among incarcerated women compared to the general population. Behavioral factors such as smoking and poor diet, combined with inadequate access to care, are major contributors. Pregnant inmates face compounded risks, with poor oral health linked to adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Conclusions: Incarcerated women experience severe oral health disparities requiring gender-responsive, interdisciplinary interventions, including preventive care, education, and integrated correctional policies. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and effective intervention strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Hygiene: Updates and Clinical Progress)
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13 pages, 1283 KiB  
Systematic Review
Dental Health in Children with Congenital Heart Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Carol Moussa, Guillaume Savard, Laurent Estrade, Rim Bourgi, Naji Kharouf, Frédéric Denis and Maha H. Daou
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7022; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237022 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1087
Abstract
Background: Oral health outcomes in children with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) have significant implications. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to update the current understanding of oral health outcomes in children with CHD and compare caries prevalence between CHD children [...] Read more.
Background: Oral health outcomes in children with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) have significant implications. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to update the current understanding of oral health outcomes in children with CHD and compare caries prevalence between CHD children and healthy controls. Methods: All studies between 2014 and 2024 comparing oral health status between children with and without CHD were considered for inclusion. Studies had to use the DMF/dmf index (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth or Surface index), in permanent and deciduous teeth. Two separate meta-analyses were conducted: one analyzing DMFS scores and another focusing on dmft scores. Medline, Central, and Embase databases were screened. Twelve articles were included in the qualitative synthesis, and two studies were finally included in each quantitative synthesis. Results: Several studies identified significant differences in oral health outcomes, suggesting that children with CHD are at a higher risk of dental caries compared with healthy controls, particularly as they become older. However, the differences were not uniformly observed across all studies and age groups. Based on the meta-analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in either DMFS scores (MD: 0.07 [95% CI: −0.13, 0.27]; p = 0.48) or in dmft scores (MD: 1.39 [95% CI: −1.05, 3.83]; p = 0.26). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis highlight a possible increased risk of dental caries in children with CHD, although results were not statistically significant and varied across studies. More standardized and rigorous studies are required to provide clearer insights into oral health outcomes for this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Hygiene: Updates and Clinical Progress)
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