Objectives: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether individuals with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (OCs) display a higher frequency of dental anomalies (DAs) when compared with individuals without OCs. Methods: A literature search of indexed databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and LILACS) was conducted without language restriction up to and including February 1, 2020. Cross-referencing was used to further identify articles. Several cleft teams across the United States and Europe were contacted to obtain unpublished data. The eligibility criteria were observational studies with original data that statistically compared individuals with OC without syndromes and those without OC on any type of DA in primary and/or permanent dentition. Random effects meta-analysis through the Mantel-Haenszel estimator was used to evaluate the association between OC and DA based on odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The literature search generated 933 records, and 75 full-text articles were reviewed. Twenty-six studies encompassing 15,213 individuals met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis revealed statistically significant associations between OC and agenesis (OR, 14.2; 95% CI, 9.4 to 21.3), supernumerary teeth (OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 3.3 to 9.7), developmental enamel defects (OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 3.5 to 9.0), microdontia (OR, 14.8; 95% CI, 4.0 to 54.6), peg-shaped anterior teeth (OR, 12.2; 95% CI, 3.6 to 41.2), taurodontism (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.7), tooth malposition and/or transposition (OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 2.8 to 11.5), tooth rotation (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3 to 8.2), and tooth impaction (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 12.2). The OR estimates of the reviewed studies exhibited significant heterogeneity ( P < 0.0001). No association was observed between OC and fusion and/or gemination. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the available evidence suggests that individuals with OCs are more likely to present with a range of DAs than their unaffected peers. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The findings of the current review suggest that individuals with orofacial clefts (OCs) are more likely to present with a range of dental anomalies than their unaffected peers. Understanding the association between OCs and dental anomalies is essential in guiding clinicians during treatment-planning procedures and is important in raising our awareness of the possible need for future dental treatment for patients with OCs.

The intersection between the human oral microbiome and oral health is an emerging area of study which has gained momentum over the last decade. This momentum has motivated a search for associations between the oral microbiome and oral cancer, in hopes of identifying possible biomarkers that facilitate earlier diagnosis and improved prognosis for patients with that disease. The present study examined the relationship between the microbiome in the human oral cavity and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We searched the literature for case-control studies which focused on the relationship between the human oral microbiome and OSCC. We aggregated three types of data from these studies: bacteriome data at the genus level, predicted functional pathway data, and gene abundance data. From these data, we noted several microbial genera which may be associated with oral cancer status, including Fusobacterium. We also identified functional pathways which merit further investigation, including RNA degradation (ko03018) and primary immunodeficiency (ko05340). In addition, our analysis of gene abundance data identified the gene K06147 (ATP-binding cassette, subfamily B, bacterial) as being over abundant in OSCC samples. Our results are generalizations which identified some currents that we believe could guide further research. Our work faced several limitations related to the heterogeneity of the available data. Wide variation in methods for sample collection, methods for controlling for known behavioral risk factors, computing platform choice, and methods for case-control design all posed confounding factors in this work. We examined the current methods of data collection, data processing, and data reporting in order to offer suggestions toward the establishment of best practices within this field. We propose that these limitations should be addressed through the implementation of standardized data analytic practices that will conform to the rigor and reproducibility standards required of publicly funded research.

Aim This study was primarily aimed at assessing the effect that specific periodontal phenotypical characteristics have on alveolar ridge remodelling after tooth extraction. Materials and Methods Patients in need of extraction of a non‐molar maxillary tooth were enrolled. Baseline phenotypical characteristics (i.e., mid‐facial and mid‐palatal soft tissue and bone thickness, and supracrestal soft tissue height [STH]) were recorded upon extraction. A set of clinical, digital imaging (linear and volumetric), and patient‐reported outcomes were assessed over a 14‐week healing period. Results A total of 78 subjects were screened. Forty‐two subjects completed the study. Linear and volumetric bone changes, as well as vertical linear soft tissue and alveolar ridge volume (soft tissue contour) variations, were indicative of a marked dimensional reduction of the alveolar ridge over time. Horizontal facial and palatal soft tissue thickness gain was observed. Thin facial bone (≤1 mm) upon extraction, compared with thick facial bone (>1 mm), was associated with greater linear horizontal (−4.57 ± 2.31 mm vs. –2.17 ± 1.65 mm, p = .003) and vertical mid‐facial (−0.95 ± 0.67 mm vs. –4.08 ± 3.52 mm, p < 0.001) and mid‐palatal (−2.03 ± 2.08 mm vs. –1.12 ± 0.99 mm, p = 0.027) bone loss, as well as greater total (−34% ± 10% vs. 15% ± 6%, p < 0.001), facial (−51% ± 19% vs. 28% ± 18%, p = 0.040), and palatal bone volume reduction (−26% ± 14% vs. –8% ± 10%, p < 0.001). Aside from alveolar bone thickness, STH was also found to be a predictor of alveolar ridge resorption since this variable was directly correlated with bone volume reduction. Patient‐reported discomfort scores progressively decreased over time, and the mean satisfaction upon study completion was 94.5 ± 0.83 out of 100. Conclusions Alveolar ridge remodelling is a physiological phenomenon that occurs after tooth extraction. Post‐extraction alveolar ridge atrophy is more marked on the facio‐coronal aspect. These dimensional changes are more pronounced in sites exhibiting a thin facial bone phenotype (http://clinicaltrials.gov NCT02668289).