Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic disease commonly managed with nonsurgical therapy and adjunctive antimicrobial rinses, though their side effects can hinder long-term use. Coconut oil has emerged as a potential natural alternative due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of periodontal patients treated with nonsurgical therapy with or without coconut oil as an adjunctive method. METHODS:Thirty participants with stage II-III periodontitis were randomly assigned to three groups: coconut oil, 0.12% chlorhexidine, and placebo (coconut-flavored water) mouth rinse for one month, followed by nonsurgical periodontal therapy. A blinded examiner assessed the plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, saliva pH, tooth color, sulfur compounds in breath, and patient-reported outcomes, including the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 before starting the use of mouth rinse (T1), one month after starting the mouth rinse (T2) and one month after nonsurgical periodontal therapy (T3). RESULTS:Compared with the placebo, both coconut oil and chlorhexidine significantly reduced the plaque index at T2 (p = 0.001; p = 0.006), bleeding on probing at T2 (p = 0.001; p = 0.001) and T3 (p = 0.006; p = 0.009), probing depth at T2 (p = 0.001; p = 0.001), clinical attachment level at T2 (p = 0.001; p = 0.015) and sulfur compounds at T2(p = 0.045; p = 0.003). Compared with chlorhexidine, coconut oil was more effective at decreasing clinical attachment loss at T2 (p = 0.006). At T2, chlorhexidine was associated with increased burning sensation (p = 0.03) and color changes (p < 0.001), whereas coconut oil reduced the degree of mouth dryness perception (p < 0.001). Coconut oil and chlorhexidine improved breath perception (p = 0.003; p = 0.030). Patients preferred the placebo over coconut oil or chlorhexidine (p = 0.006; p = 0.015). The quality of life significantly improved in the coconut oil group at T2 (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS:Compared with placebo, coconut oil and chlorhexidine improved periodontal parameters. However, coconut oil reduces mouth dryness and improves quality of life without the adverse effects associated with chlorhexidine. Nonetheless, participants in the placebo group reported a higher preference for the mouth rinse, suggesting that taste and mouthfeel play a crucial role in patient compliance. ETHICAL APPROVAL AND TRIAL REGISTRATION:The study protocol was approved by the Comité de Ética de la Investigación con Medicamentos de Galicia (CEIm-G) under protocol number 2017/247, registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06049589) on September 1st 2023 and conducted in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice guidelines. All participants provided written informed consent before enrollment.

Do you ever wonder who is behind the names, diseases, structures, procedures, or syndromes often taught in dental or medical school? For instance, the Cusp of Carabelli on a maxillary molar, the Wharton duct of the submandibular gland, or the Eustachian tube that gives the perception of a stuffed ear before landing are three structures named after individuals who first described them centuries ago. This is a long-overdue exploration of 60 names for 53 of the most relevant eponyms, many of whom have likely been forgotten.^I.

BackgroundNumerous studies suggest that periodontal diseases might be associated with the development of dementia, but the causality is inconclusive.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the casual effect of periodontal diseases on all-cause dementia.MethodsThe UK Biobank (UKB) data (n = ∼500,000) has been implemented, where participants were divided into two independent groups (2/3train and 1/3test). The exposure is the self-reported periodontal diseases, and the outcome is all-cause dementia measured by both clinical diagnoses based on ICD10 and ICD9 codes, and self-reported dementia. Four sets of genetic instruments were developed based on four different thresholds (main approach: p < 5 × 10^-8; alternative approach I: p < 5 × 10^-6; alternative approach II: p < 10^-4; and alternative approach III: the best-fit p-value threshold calculated by polygenic risk score). The causal association between periodontal diseases and dementia was assessed by inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and mode-based estimate models.ResultsThe number of genetic instruments included in these four approaches varied from 3 to 1020, after passing the MR assumption checks. Most MR results suggested no causal association between periodontal diseases and dementia except the IVW model from main approach (coefficient beta: -0.816, 95% confidence interval, CI (-1.617, -0.015)) and the weighted median model from alternative approach II (beta: 0.077 95%CI (0.006, 0.149)) suggested potential causal relationship between periodontal diseases and dementia.ConclusionsThe results showed inconsistent evidence of causal link between periodontal diseases and dementia using UKB. Future studies are needed with clinically defined periodontal diseases to better understand the causal link.

Cancer pain (CP) arises from a complex interplay between the tumour and its microenvironment. Many patients experience a mixed pain phenotype that encompasses nociceptive, neuropathic and neuroinflammatory mechanisms, and vary across tumour type and disease stage. Despite decades of intensive research, the mainstay of cancer pain treatment is still non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids. Recent advances in cancer neuroscience have provided novel insights into the neurobiology of cancer pain. The emerging picture of cancer pain is a disorder of aberrant crosstalk between the tumour, the sensory innervation that the tumour creates and the immune cells that these nerves attract. Precision approaches to disrupt this aberrant pain signalling cascade are guided by newly recognized molecular mechanisms. Here, we review the current practice of cancer pain management and the emerging future of personalized, mechanism-driven pain therapy in oncology.

The development of oral and maxillofacial surgery advanced rapidly following the introduction of general anesthesia in 1846, evolving from simple tooth extractions to complex procedures involving the jaws and facial skeleton. Initially driven by general surgeons in Europe and later refined by specialists in the U.S. and elsewhere, this progress is reflected in enduring surgical eponyms. This paper highlights 23 pioneers associated with 21 foundational eponyms-procedures, instruments, and classifications-that remain central to oral surgical practice. These eponyms honor the innovators whose work shaped the field and continue to connect modern surgery to its historical roots.

AIM/OBJECTIVE:Periapical mucositis (PAM) is defined as inflammation of the periapical tissues and localized oedema of the maxillary sinus mucosa, typically resulting from periradicular disease. Radiographically on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), PAM presents as mucosal thickening or a dome-shaped soft tissue expansion along the floor of the maxillary sinus, adjacent to the affected root apex. Although several studies have evaluated PAM, their findings vary considerably. This study aims (1) to evaluate the prevalence of PAM in maxillary posterior teeth amongst patients at NYU College of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, and (2) to identify predisposing factors associated with PAM. METHODOLOGY/METHODS:CBCT evaluation and chart review were conducted at NYU College of Dentistry from 2016 to 2021. A total of 586 scans were screened, and 335 scans were included. The presence of PAM, periapical osteoperiostitis, maxillary sinus floor bony erosion, age, sex, pulpal and periapical diagnosis, size of the lesion, the vertical and horizontal distance between the sinus floor and roots, number of roots with apical lesions, type of tooth and iatrogenic errors during treatment were recorded. Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression were used to analyse the data. RESULTS:Of the 335 scans included, 13 presented with mucositis without periradicular disease and were excluded from the analysis. A total of 322 scans were analysed. The prevalence of PAM was 55.5%. The presence of maxillary sinus floor bone erosion was associated with 7.56 times higher odds of PAM than those without sinus floor erosion (p < 0.001). Each incremental increase in CBCTPAI was associated with a 1.43-fold increase in the odds of PAM occurrence (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:PAM was present in over half of patients presenting with apical periodontitis affecting the posterior maxillary dentition. Maxillary sinus bony floor erosion and periapical lesion size were predisposing factors to PAM development.

BACKGROUND:Meningitis remains the leading infectious cause of neurological disabilities globally, disproportionately affecting children younger than 5 years and populations in the African meningitis belt. Whereas previous global estimates focused on ten pathogen categories, this study presents the most comprehensive analysis to date, assessing the meningitis burden attributable to 17 causative pathogens based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2023 framework. METHODS:GBD is a systematic, scientific effort aimed at quantifying the comparative magnitude of health loss caused by diseases, injuries, and risk factors across age groups, sexes, and geographical locations over time. We estimated meningitis mortality using the Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm) and morbidity using DisMod-MR 2.1, incorporating data from vital registration, verbal autopsy, surveillance, hospital data, and systematic reviews. Aetiology-specific estimates were generated with pathogen-linked case-fatality ratios and splined binomial regression models. Risk factor attribution was based on established risk-outcome pairs and population attributable fractions. FINDINGS/RESULTS:In 2023, there were 259 000 (95% uncertainty interval 202 000-335 000) global deaths and 2·54 million (2·20-2·93) incident cases of meningitis. Children younger than 5 years accounted for more than a third of deaths (86 600 [53 300-149 000]). Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, non-polio enteroviruses, and other viruses were the leading causes of death, while non-polio enteroviruses caused the most cases. The four WHO-defined preventable meningitis pathogens of interest (S pneumoniae, N meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Group B streptococcus) contributed to 98 700 deaths (77 000-127 000) and 594 000 cases (514 000-686 000). Low birthweight, short gestation, and household air pollution were the top risk factors for meningitis-related mortality. INTERPRETATION/CONCLUSIONS:Although mortality and incidence have declined significantly since 1990, progress is insufficient to meet WHO 2030 targets. Despite marked progress in reducing bacterial meningitis via global vaccination campaigns, a substantial meningitis burden persists, attributable both to common pathogens such as S pneumoniae and N meningitidis and to emerging non-bacterial pathogens such as Candida spp and drug-resistant fungi. Achieving WHO goals will require sustained investment in surveillance, vaccination, maternal screening, and health-system strengthening, especially in high-burden settings. FUNDING/BACKGROUND:Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and UK Department of Health and Social Care.

This paper explores the historical evolution of dentistry through the lens of eponyms, focusing particularly on endodontics. From the era of extractions to the introduction of restorations by Pierre Fauchard and the development of prosthodontics and root preservation in the 19th century, dentistry has advanced in parallel with scientific breakthroughs in microbiology and technology. These innovations enabled the understanding and treatment of pulpal disease and the creation of effective root canal techniques. We highlight 31 key eponyms-32 individuals whose contributions to instruments, methods, materials, or classifications shaped modern endodontics and whose legacies remain embedded in practice.

This paper explores twenty dental eponyms related to periodontal disease and oral microbiology, highlighting key pathogens such as the Koch bacillus (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), Actinomyces israelii, Treponema vincentii, Prevotella intermedia, and Veillonella parvula. It also examines seminal contributions to infection control and diagnostics, including Listerine, pasteurization, and histological stains such as the Gram and Giemsa stains. These eponyms commemorate the pioneering work of scientists like Koch, Pasteur, and Löffler, who made foundational discoveries under challenging conditions with limited laboratory resources. By revisiting their achievements, this paper underscores the importance of preserving historical memory in dental education and practice, ensuring that new generations appreciate the origins and enduring impact of these milestones in microbiology and periodontology.