Relevance. Periodontitis and gingivitis are a significant concern in modern dentistry due to the persistently high global prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis. This study aims to review and systematize current scientific knowledge regarding the role of increased epithelial permeability in the gingival sulcus in the pathogenesis of these diseases. It also explores key aspects of the interaction between the oral microbiota and the epithelial barrier.

Materials and Methods. A systematic analysis of scientific articles and original research was conducted using the PubMed, Google Scholar, and eLIBRARY databases. From an initial pool of 1,536 publications spanning 2004 to 2024, 53 articles were selected, comprising in vivo and in vitro studies as well as review articles. The findings from these studies are summarized in this review.

Results. Emerging evidence indicates that disturbances in the mucosal microbiota can modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Beneficial bacteria may trigger antimicrobial defense mechanisms through host immune responses or directly counteract periodontopathogens that compromise the epithelial barrier. Epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical mechanism through which epithelial cells lose their characteristic properties, altering their phenotype. These changes can result in basement membrane degradation and a loss of epithelial barrier integrity, ultimately contributing to periodontal pocket formation and the infiltration of pathogenic microorganisms into oral tissues. Intercellular junctions, particularly tight junctions, are vital for maintaining the stability and functionality of epithelial cells, playing a crucial role in these processes.

Conclusion. Impairment of the epithelial barrier, particularly increased permeability, facilitates the infiltration of microbial pathogens and may lead to dysbiosis, exacerbating epithelial damage in the gingival sulcus and contributing to the progression of periodontal diseases. When evaluating increased epithelial permeability in the gingival sulcus, it is essential to consider factors such as the presence of periodontopathogens, their metabolites, the expression of tight junction proteins, and genetic predispositions.

Relevance. Recent studies from researchers worldwide have confirmed that the coexistence of dental and intestinal diseases disrupts the structural and functional regulation within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), including the oral environment. Оbjective. To analyze data from domestic and international scientific literature on the oral health conditions in relation to colon diseases.

Materials and methods. A systematic search and analysis of domestic and international literature were conducted, with 89% of the selected studies published within the last 10 years. The search utilized electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and eLibrary. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies involving patients with GIT diseases, including colon disorders (constipation, hemorrhoidal disease, colitis, diverticulosis, colon polyps, and colon cancer), where the oral environment or the maxillofacial region was examined in relation to at least one of these conditions. A total of 2,473 scientific sources were initially identified. After removing duplicates and reviewing titles and abstracts, 985 studies were deemed eligible for further analysis. Ultimately, 59 publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review, providing data for quantitative comparisons.

Results. The analysis revealed a negative correlation between the level of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen and alveolar bone resorption, as measured by Fuchs' bone index (r = -0.633; p < 0.05). Additionally, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between reduced osteocalcin levels in salivary fluid and disease severity (r = 0.589; p < 0.05). These findings suggest that salivary fluid analysis in patients with ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome may indicate the presence of periodontal inflammatory disease. There is a growing consensus among researchers that autoimmune reactions triggered by inflammatory processes in the mucosa of different GIT sections negatively affect oral tissues. For example, a 2019 study by a Japanese research group utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the salivary microbiome. The study found significantly increased salivary bacterial diversity in patients with GIT cancer compared to the control group: operational taxonomic units (OTU), P = 0.02; Shannon index, P < 0.01; Chao1 index, P = 0.04.

Conclusion. The current body of global scientific literature highlights pathological changes in oral tissues associated with colon diseases, which could aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of colorectal disease activity. This growing interest underscores the importance of further research into the interconnection between colon diseases and oral health. However, the topic remains underexplored, with only a limited number of studies available. Notably, there are few reports on pathological oral changes in patients with hemorrhoidal disease, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive and in-depth investigations.

Relevance. In the Russian Federation, the population is witnessing a notable increase in the absolute number and proportion of elderly and senile individuals. Aging is recognized as a complex process involving multiple functional transformations in tissues and organs, often accompanied by a decline in the body’s adaptive capacities. With the growing proportion of older adults, the demand for dental care has significantly increased. Internal organ pathologies can alter the presentation of existing dental diseases or serve as triggers for the onset of oral conditions. A steady rise in oral mucosal diseases has been observed, linked to aging, environmental issues in specific regions, harmful habits, occupational hazards, and a tendency toward malignant transformation. Despite existing literature, the structure and prevalence of oral diseases, particularly mucosal pathologies in individuals over 60 years of age, remain underexplored. A personalized approach to diagnosing oral mucosal diseases (OMD) requires a comprehensive assessment of the clinical progression of primary, comorbid, and past conditions, while accounting for the patient’s age and sex.

Materials and Methods. A primary examination was conducted at the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry and Periodontology of Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University to identify oral mucosal lesions. The study included 512 patients aged 18 to 89 years, comprising 167 men and 345 women. The assessment involved gathering patient complaints, medical histories, and general health status based on consultations with medical specialists. Visual evaluation of the oral mucosa was performed, along with autofluorescent stomatoscopy using the "AFS-D" device (Politron, Russia).

Results. The study revealed a high prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among the adult population. Lesions were observed in 40.8% of the 512 patients, with their frequency and types varying by age and sex. The most common conditions included denture-related stomatitis, traumatic lesions, periodontal diseases, and leukoplakia.

Conclusion. The analysis of data from primary patient examinations demonstrated a significant increase in oral mucosal lesions with age. While periodontal diseases and traumatic lesions were more prevalent in younger individuals, older adults showed a rise in oral mucosal conditions associated with internal organ pathologies. Additionally, there was a notable increase in precancerous oral mucosal diseases among elderly and senile patients

Relevance. Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a method used to record the bioelectrical activity of masticatory muscles both at rest and during movement. This method generates relative metrics (indices) that reflect the relationship between the biopotentials of individual muscles and muscle pairs. The objective of this study was to explore the activation patterns of the temporal and masseter muscles during different test movements, as expressed by variations in test index values, while accounting for correlations among relative metrics.

Materials and methods. Surface electromyography was performed on the temporal and masseter muscles of 165 participants aged 18 to 25 years. The study involved the following tests: “Physiological rest”, “Habitual occlusion”, “Maximal voluntary clenching of the dental arches”, and “Maximal voluntary clenching on cotton rolls”. Indices were calculated to characterize the distribution of bioelectrical activity between homologous muscles (symmetry indices) and muscle pairs (the static stabilizing occlusal index and the mandibular lateral displacement index). Initially, participants were divided into three groups of 20 individuals each based on the mandibular lateral displacement index (TORS) values recorded during the “Physiological rest” test. Data were compared across these groups. Subsequently, the same 165 participants were divided again into three groups of 20 individuals each, based on the TORS values obtained during the “Habitual occlusion” test, and the calculated results were compared across these groups. This procedure was repeated for TORS indices derived from the “Maximal voluntary clenching of the dental arches” and “Maximal voluntary clenching on cotton rolls” tests. The study ultimately examined 12 groups of 20 participants each, categorized by TORS index values (%) calculated for the four tests: ≤80% (groups 1, 4, 7, 10), 95–105% (groups 2, 5, 8, 11), and ≥120% (groups 3, 6, 9, 12). The mean values of the measured indices were compared between groups to determine statistically significant differences. Correlations were evaluated for their presence, strength, and direction both within indices recorded during the same test and across indices obtained from different tests.

Results. The analysis identified a positive correlation between the TORS index and the temporal muscle symmetry index in the “Physiological rest” test, ranging from moderate to strong: groups 1 and 2 (r_s = 0.6, p < 0.001), groups 2 and 3 (r_s = 0.6, p < 0.001), and groups 1 and 3 (rs = 0.8, p < 0.001. In the same test, the TORS index also correlated with the masseter muscle symmetry index, displaying a moderate to strong negative association: groups 1 and 2 а (r_s = -0.57, p < 0.001), groups 2 and 3 (r_s = -0.49, p < 0.001), groups 2 and 3 (r_s = -0.7, p < 0.001). The relationship between TORS index values during dental arch clenching without masticatory muscle tension and temporal muscle symmetry index was characterized as moderate to strong and positive: groups 4 and 5 (r_s = 0.81, p < 0.001), groups 5 and 6 (r_s = 0.41, p = 0.002), groups 4 and 6 (r_s = 0.65, p < 0.001). A strong negative correlation was observed between the TORS index and the masseter muscle symmetry index during the “Maximal voluntary clenching of the dental arches” test: groups 7 and 8 (r_s = -0.7, p < 0.001), groups 8 and 9 (r_s = -0.67, p < 0.001), groups 4 and 6 (r_s = -0.8, p < 0.001. Similarly, a strong negative correlation was found between the TORS index and the masseter muscle symmetry index in the "Maximal Voluntary Clenching on cotton Rolls" test. Further analysis revealed a positive correlation between the TORS indices of the "Maximal Voluntary Dental Arch Clenching" and “Maximal voluntary clenching on cotton rolls” tests.

Conclusion. This study established that the strongest correlations occurred between parameters recorded within the same test. In the “Physiological rest” test, the TORS index was influenced by the symmetrical activity of both the temporal and masseter muscles within the same test. Variations in the TORS index during the “Habitual occlusion” test were predominantly driven by the temporal muscle symmetry index, indicating a symmetrical distribution of bioelectrical activity between the left and right temporal muscles. In static tests involving maximal masticatory muscle contraction, the symmetry index of the masseter muscles strongly influenced the occurrence of torsional (lateral) mandibular movements, both in the "Maximal Voluntary Dental Arch Clenching" test and the “Maximal voluntary clenching on cotton rolls” test.

Relevance. Analyzing the spectrum of gaseous signaling molecules (GSM) produced and consumed by the intestinal microbiota in patients with post-infarction cardiosclerosis (PICS) is essential for understanding their potential role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications and for identifying strategies to address these conditions. Purpose. To investigate the prevalence and abundance of specific intestinal microbiota representatives isolated from patients with post-infarction cardiosclerosis (PICS) and to examine the species diversity and concentrations of microbial gaseous signaling molecules in this population.

Materials and methods. This case-control study involved the analysis of stool samples from 35 healthy individuals (14 men and 21 women) aged 45–60 years (mean age: 51.8 ± 4.8 [49; 56] years) and 34 patients with PICS (19 men and 15 women) aged 40–84 years (mean age: 64.5 ± 8.1 [53; 72] years). Gaseous signaling molecules (CO, CH₄, NO, H₂S) were quantified using gas chromatography.

Results. Patients with post-infarction cardiosclerosis exhibited a functional microbial imbalance marked by disrupted production of gaseous signaling molecules (GSM) compared to healthy individuals. In the PICS group, Lactobacillus spp. were observed to exclusively absorb NO, whereas in healthy individuals, Lactobacilli produced NO at a statistically significant higher mean concentration of 5.283 µg/mL (p < 0.001). Additionally, Staphylococcus aureus in the PICS group produced CO at levels 880 times higher than those observed in healthy individuals, a difference that was also statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion. Restoring the functional activity of the intestinal normal microbiota in patients with PICS is essential. Through the production of gaseous signaling molecules (primarily NO and CO), the normal microbiota can support neuromodulatory, cardiomodulatory, immunomodulatory, and other beneficial functions that are critical for the rehabilitation process.

Relevance. Selective grinding is incorporated into the comprehensive treatment of periodontitis and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction due to the presence of occlusal discrepancies, which can exacerbate or initiate these conditions. The evaluation of occlusal contacts, their distribution, and contact areas is crucial for diagnosing occlusal disturbances and selecting treatment approaches. Traditionally, occlusal contacts have been assessed using occlusograms obtained with articulating paper. However, the advent of digital technologies has made the interpretation of these parameters more challenging for practicing clinicians. This study aimed to evaluate occlusal contact parameters in patients with periodontitis and TMJ dysfunction (without pain symptoms) using traditional occlusiography with photographic documentation and articulating paper during clinical dental appointments.

Material and methods. The study included 68 patients aged 18 to 44 years, of whom 41 were divided into four groups: 11 patients without signs of periodontitis or TMJ dysfunction, 11 with TMJ dysfunction but no periodontal pathology, 8 with both periodontitis and TMJ dysfunction, and 11 with periodontitis but no TMJ dysfunction. Occlusal contacts and their surface areas were assessed using occlusiography with photographic documentation.

Results. The study revealed an increase in the number of occlusal contacts in cases of periodontitis and TMJ dysfunction. In patients with periodontitis and combined pathology (periodontitis and TMJ dysfunction), a significant rise in the frequency of pathological tooth wear was observed. The occlusal contact area varied significantly across all groups.

Conclusion. An analysis of the literature and the obtained data identified consistent trends in changes in the number and area of occlusal contacts associated with these clinical conditions. The "occlusal contact area" parameter exhibited considerable variability and warrants further research to establish reference values. No conclusive data supporting selective grinding in patients with periodontitis and TMJ dysfunction were obtained.

Relevance. Reduced interalveolar distance, resulting from increased wear of dental hard tissues, generalized periodontitis, and tooth loss, leads to morphofunctional changes not only in the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) but also in other structures of the maxillofacial region. These changes affect hemodynamics in the vascular regions of the face, neck, brain, TMJ, and upper cervical spine. Objective. To evaluate regional blood flow in dental patients with reduced interalveolar distance and auditory disorders.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted on a group of patients with signs of reduced interalveolar distance (n = 50), aged 34 to 73 years, with a mean age of 53.5 ± 2.4 years. The group comprised 22 men (44.0%) and 28 women (56.0%). The examination included the functional-physiological method for determining the central relationship of the jaws using the Apparatus for Determining Central Occlusion (AOTSO) and duplex ultrasound scanning of the head, neck, and TMJ vessels.

Results. In patients with reduced interalveolar distance in habitual occlusion, a high asymmetry coefficient of linear blood flow velocity was observed in the examined arteries, reaching up to 40%, along with signs of venous dysgemia. Using loading tests during the functional-physiological method achieved optimal positioning of the mandibular condyles in the mandibular fossa and optimized occlusion. This significantly reduced the blood flow asymmetry coefficient to 4%, with no signs of venous outflow disorders. These improvements indirectly influenced the hemodynamics of the peripheral auditory system, enhancing its function. Conclusion. reduced interalveolar distance, temporomandibular joint, auditory disorders.

Relevance. Dental hyperesthesia is a common clinical concern among individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment, particularly those using bracket systems. Despite the absence of visible defects in the hard dental tissues, these patients often experience significant sensitivity. In such cases, the clinical management of dental hyperesthesia is most effectively achieved through the targeted use of personal oral care products, with a particular emphasis on toothpaste. The development of new domestically produced toothpastes presents a valuable opportunity to compare their efficacy in managing dental hyperesthesia with that of existing, well-established formulations. This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of a newly developed domestically produced toothpaste for sensitive teeth, R.O.C.S. PRO SENSITIVE, in young patients experiencing dental hyperesthesia during active orthodontic treatment.

Materials and methods. The study involved 39 young patients (16 males and 23 females) aged 18–25 years, who experienced dental hyperesthesia and were undergoing active orthodontic treatment with bracket systems. All patients, depending on the oral care products used, were divided into three study groups. Patients in Control Group 1 (12 participants: 5 males and 7 females) continued using their previously selected individual oral hygiene products. Patients in Group 2 (12 participants: 4 males and 8 females) were recommended to use the domestically produced toothpaste "R.O.C.S. Sakura Branch." Patients in Group 3 (15 participants: 7 males and 8 females) were advised to use the new domestically produced toothpaste for sensitive teeth, R.O.C.S. PRO SENSITIVE. To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of secondary prevention of dental hyperesthesia, the methodology developed by L.Y. Orekhova and S.B. Ulitovsky (2008) was applied, which involved assessing tooth sensitivity and evaluating sensitivity reduction.

Results. An analysis of the tooth sensitivity dynamics during secondary prevention revealed that, one month after the study began, the most significant reduction in dental hyperesthesia among patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with bracket systems was observed in those using the new domestically produced toothpaste. This toothpaste features active components such as chlorophyll, calcium hydroxyapatite, potassium chloride, xylitol, and bioavailable minerals.

Conclusion. The clinical study demonstrated the high efficacy of the new domestically produced toothpaste for sensitive teeth, R.O.C.S. PRO SENSITIVE, in reducing dental hyperesthesia.

Relevance. Tooth extractions are one of the most common surgical procedures in dentistry. Tissue regeneration at the extraction site plays a vital role in restoring the affected area. Various methods are available to accelerate and improve the quality of tissue regeneration in dental practice. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived biomaterials provide a wide range of therapeutic and regenerative benefits due to their unique biological properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an ECM-derived biomaterial in promoting post-operative tissue regeneration after tooth extraction.

Materials and methods. The study included two groups of patients: an experimental group (N = 46) and a control group (N = 46), all of whom underwent tooth extractions. The groups were compared based on two key parameters: the time required for complete wound surface healing and the time to achieve complete radiographic wound healing. Statistical analysis was conducted using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples. The incidence of complications between the groups was analyzed using Fisher's exact test.

Results. The analysis of wound surface healing times between the groups revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Post-operative tissue repair occurred at a significantly faster rate in the group treated with the extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived biomaterial compared to the control group.

Conclusion. Tissue regeneration at the surgical site after tooth extraction is a manageable process. Advances in modern biomaterials have facilitated accelerated tissue healing and functional recovery, leading to improved quality of life for patients.

Relevance. Adhesive materials play a crucial role in orthodontic treatment. The introduction of universal bonding agents to the dental market offers greater flexibility in choosing adhesive protocols for clinical use. However, many studies evaluating the mechanical properties of adhesives, such as shear and tensile bond strength, fail to address the degree of conversion of polymerized bonding materials beneath brackets.

Objective. To compare the degree of conversion between a universal adhesive system and a total-etch system for orthodontic applications.

Materials and methods. The study compared the Transbond XT total-etch system (3M Unitek, USA) with the Tetric N-Bond Universal system (Vivadent Ivoclar, Liechtenstein). Four groups of five samples each (n = 5) were analyzed. Groups 1 and 2 involved polymerization without brackets, while Groups 3 and 4 involved polymerization under metal brackets (Gemini, 3M Unitek, USA). Spectra were recorded immediately after polymerization for 15 minutes using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Statistical analysis included the Shapiro–Wilk test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's multiple comparison test, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results. The mean degree of conversion in the control groups was 55.9% ± 0.44 for Group 1 and 66.72% ± 0.15 for Group 2. A reduction in conversion was observed in specimens polymerized under metal brackets compared to the control groups. The mean conversion in Group 3 was 36.02% ± 0.19, which was 1.1% lower than in Group 4 (37.1% ± 0.16).

Conclusion. The universal adhesive Tetric N-Bond Universal demonstrated superior polymerization performance for orthodontic applications compared to the total-etch adhesive system.

Relevance. White sponge nevus (WSN) is a rare benign hereditary autosomal-dominant disorder of the mucous membranes, marked by variable phenotypic expression due to genetic polymorphism. Recognizing the oral clinical manifestations of this condition is essential for accurate differential diagnosis and the selection of appropriate treatment strategies.

Case description. This report presents a clinical case of white sponge nevus affecting the oral mucosa in a female patient. The condition manifested as diffuse, symmetrical, thickened, and folded white lesions on the buccal mucosa, lips, and lateral surfaces of the tongue.

Conclusion. The proposed diagnostic algorithm facilitates the exclusion of malignant lesions in the oral mucosa, while also mitigating unnecessary concerns or inappropriate treatments for patients diagnosed with white sponge nevus.

Relevance. Radicular cysts account for 86% of all odontogenic cysts. Recurrence rates following cystotomy and cystectomy range from 18% to 36%, and in some cases, up to 55%. The primary causes include incomplete removal of pathological tissues, damage to adjacent anatomical structures, insufficient pathogen eradication, and inadequate bone tissue regeneration.

Clinical case description. This paper presents a clinical case of a large radicular cyst affecting teeth 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 of the mandible. The treatment process was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, endodontic treatment was performed on the affected teeth. Seven days after the exudation subsided, the second stage involved filling the canals with a fast-setting material (FSM) Rootdent SM DMT as a sealer, followed by the placement of silver pins. Three hours after completing the endodontic treatment, a cystectomy was performed using a proprietary method that combined guided tissue regeneration, apical resection of the affected teeth, and retrograde filling of their root canals with FSM. A one-year follow-up showed full recovery, including complete bone regeneration and no gingival scarring.

Conclusion. The proposed treatment strategy for large radicular cysts has the potential to greatly minimize the need for extracting the affected teeth.