Personalized Dentistry: Approaching a New Way for Diagnosis and Treatment of Oral Diseases

Abstract

For years, it has been thought that the field of dentistry was referring exclusively to some diseases that strictly affect the oral cavity. Dental caries, periodontal disease, and pathologies associated with their worsening were considered almost the only interest in scientific research in dentistry. Recent studies have begun to shed light on the effect of the oral microbiota on general health and on the crucial role of dentistry in its maintenance. In this way, we came to understand that the bacterial populations that make up the oral microbiota can vary profoundly between individuals and that contribute in a fundamental way to outlining the so-called “oral signature”. This characteristic is called into question to evaluate the susceptibility, or lack thereof, of the subject to the contraction of a wide range of pathologies, apparently not connected with oral health. From this evidence, it will also be possible to study therapeutic approaches aimed at the eradication of species considered at risk or colonization with species considered protective; thus, giving life to so-called “personalized dentistry”. Therefore, this Special Issue is aimed at spreading the scientific knowledge over the current limits in terms of new molecular and culturomic approaches towards the diagnosis of oral microbiota and the treatment techniques of eventually associated systemic diseases. In vivo studies and systematic literature reviews with quantitative analysis of results, when possible, will be given a high priority.

Correlations between Salivary Immuno-Biochemical Markers and HbA1c in Type 2 Diabetes Subjects before and after Dental Extraction

“…The scientific community is increasingly promoting the objective discovery of quantifiable biomarkers in oral fluids that can truly reflect the oral pathophysiological condition, with the possibility of improving sensitivity and specificity in the early detection and monitoring of oral pathologies [ 45 ].…”

Subtypes of early childhood caries predict future caries experience

“…With better understanding of the underlying molecular, genetic, microbiological and environmental risk factors underlying different diseases, it may be possible to propose effective targeted interventions. This concept of personalized or precision dentistry has been discussed in the literature, with a goal towards delivering interventions personalized to the patient for the managed prevention and treatment of oral diseases, 12,20 but to date, there are few practical applications.…”

“…ECC subtype classification might therefore be a useful tool in identifying children who are especially susceptible to new or progressive disease and help improve assessment, prediction and diagnosis of caries within paediatric, but also adult, populations, 17 in comparison with traditional models of caries risk assessment and prediction, which are recognized to have limitations in their utility. 8,18 If different presentations of disease represent different underlying processes, then characterizing the pattern of presentation should add diagnostic value 19 the patient for the managed prevention and treatment of oral diseases, 12,20 but to date, there are few practical applications.…”

Personalized Oral and Dental Care

“…With these goals, translational research is tasked with gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the factors underlying oral and general healthy conditions and those that may contribute to the development of oral and systemic diseases and disorders, analyzing the human genome, epigenome, proteome, microbiome, and other complex biological systems [ 3 ].…”