COVID-19 Vaccination Policies: Ethical Issues and Responsibility

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. The emergence of the reliability of vaccines, the fear of possible vaccination-related side effects, and mass-media information created situations in which families and even health professionals developed hesitations regarding the need for vaccines, with a consequent decrease in vaccination coverage. This study discusses ethical issues and responsibility for the possible side effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination raised by vaccination policies

COVID-19 Vaccination in Italian Children: The Limits of Parental Rights

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaigns initially targeted the adult population. After the authorization of the main agencies, including the EMA (European Medicines Agency), the European Vaccination Plan now involves young people between the ages of 12–17 and 5–11. In assessing the child’s “best interests”, the refusal of vaccination by parents or guardians, in addition to the increased circulation of the virus, is responsible for the risk of social distancing. This reduction in social contacts, particularly during very sensitive ages such as adolescence, has been linked to the increased incidence of psychiatric illness, a significant reason for extending vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in these younger children. One may consider that government should issue a law that allows the child to decide on the vaccination plan, even without the consent of the parents or guardians, without the need for a judge’s ruling. The availability of the child should be the point of reference, according to the National Bioethics Committee, for consent to vaccination. The authors investigate the subject in depth in order to counteract vaccination hesitation, and promote the dissemination of correct scientific information, using every different possible communication tool, as well as social networks and schools

Precision Medicine on the Effects of Microbiota on Head–Neck Diseases and Biomarkers Diagnosis

Precision medicine using highly precise technologies and big data has produced personalised medicine with rapid and reliable diagnoses and targeted therapies. The most recent studies have directed precision medicine into the study of tumours. The application of precision medicine in the oral microbiota can be used both in the field of prevention and treatment in the strictly dental field. This article aims to evaluate the interaction between microbiota and oral cancer and the presence of biomarkers as risk predictors. Materials and Methods: A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed analysing the various interactions between microorganisms, biomarkers, and oral cancer. Results: After screening processes, 21 articles were selected for qualitative analysis. Conclusion: The correlation between oral diseases/cancers and changes in the microbiota explains the increasing utility of precision medicine in enhancing diagnosis and adapting treatment on the individual components of the microbiota. Diagnosing and treating oral diseases and cancers through precision medicine gives, as well as economic advantages to the health care system, predictable and rapid management of the patient

Efficacy of Carbamide and Hydrogen Peroxide Tooth Bleaching Techniques in Orthodontic and Restorative Dentistry Patients: A Scoping Review

Background: Dental aesthetic procedures aim to rectify flaws in dental elements’ shape, alignment, or overly dark color. One of the most common dental aesthetic procedures is tooth whitening. This study attempts to introduce key aspects of bleaching and describe the different techniques and the mechanism of action of bleaching agents, focusing on the clinical implications in orthodontic and on composite restorations. Methods: The research was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases for articles on our topic published between 2017 and 2023, and we found a total of 1512 studies. In total, 57 papers were considered for the qualitative analysis in the review. Results: This study found that both carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide were clinically effective, although patients’ level of tooth sensitivity seemed to be lessened by the latter. However, the latter appears to be more effective at reducing patient-experienced tooth sensitivity. Conclusion: Carbamide and hydrogen peroxide based whitening techniques were shown to be equally successful at treating tooth discoloration after bracket composite removal, with no discernible differences between them. To increase the effectiveness of whitening on composites, more research is needed. To achieve the desired results and avoid the negative effects of whitening gels on teeth and soft tissue, a patient-specific approach is advised

Rapid Maxillary Expansion on the Adolescent Patient: Systematic Review and Case Report

Aim: In the literature, many studies and articles are investigating new devices and approaches to achieve rapid palate expansion through the opening of the palatal suture, and evaluating the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue effects. The purpose of this review was to assess how palatal expansion is performed in adolescent patients with permanent dentition. Furthermore, it was reported as an example of successful orthodontic treatment of an 11-year-old female patient affected by maxillary skeletal transverse deficiency, in permanent dentition. Methods: A search of the literature was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria were the year of publication between 2017 and 2022, patients aged 10 to 16 years in permanent dentition, with transversal discrepancy, treated with tooth-borne, bone-borne, hybrid palatal expanders. Results: A total of 619 articles were identified by the electronic search, and finally, a total of 16 papers were included in the qualitative analysis. Conclusions: From this study, it was assessed that MARPE is more predictable, and it determines a more significant expansion of the suture than the Hyrax expander, with fewer side effects

Laser Surgical Approach of Upper Labial Frenulum: A Systematic Review

An abnormal and hypertrophied upper labial frenulum (ULF) can cause diastemas, gingival recession, eruption abnormalities, and the onset of carious and periodontal problems in the upper central incisors, as well as aesthetic and functional disorders of the upper lip. The goal of this investigation is to review the evidence on the surgical techniques that are currently available for treating ULF in order to identify the best approach. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for papers that matched our topic from 13 November 2012 up to 22 November 2022 using the following Boolean keywords: “frenulum” and “surgery*”. A total of eight articles were selected for the purpose of the review. ULF can be surgically treated using either traditional scalpel surgery or laser surgery. The latter is the better option due to its intra- and post-operative benefits for both the patients and the clinicians, in terms of faster healing, fewer side effects and discomfort, and greater patient compliance. However, a higher learning curve is required for this technique, especially to calibrate the appropriate power of the laser. To date, it is not possible to identify which type of laser achieves the best clinical results for the treatment of ULF

Autologous Tooth Graft: Innovative Biomaterial for Bone Regeneration. Tooth Transformer® and the Role of Microbiota in Regenerative Dentistry. A Systematic Review

Different biomaterials, from synthetic products to autologous or heterologous grafts, have been suggested for the preservation and regeneration of bone. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of autologous tooth as a grafting material and examine the properties of this material and its interactions with bone metabolism. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched to find articles addressing our topic published from 1 January 2012 up to 22 November 2022, and a total of 1516 studies were identified. Eighteen papers in all were considered in this review for qualitative analysis. Demineralized dentin can be used as a graft material, since it shows high cell compatibility and promotes rapid bone regeneration by striking an ideal balance between bone resorption and production; it also has several benefits, such as quick recovery times, high-quality newly formed bone, low costs, no risk of disease transmission, the ability to be performed as an outpatient procedure, and no donor-related postoperative complications. Demineralization is a crucial step in the tooth treatment process, which includes cleaning, grinding, and demineralization. Since the presence of hydroxyapatite crystals prevents the release of growth factors, demineralization is essential for effective regenerative surgery. Even though the relationship between the bone system and dysbiosis has not yet been fully explored, this study highlights an association between bone and gut microbes. The creation of additional scientific studies to build upon and enhance the findings of this study should be a future objective of scientific research

A Systematic Review of Positional Plagiocephaly Prevention Methods for Patients in Development

Positional plagiocephaly is an asymmetrical skull deformation caused by various factors. Although it is not responsible for abnormal brain development in infants and is not related to the onset of neurophysiological problems, it is critical to prevent skull deformity to avoid aesthetic and functional consequences. The purpose of the study is to investigate the relevance of preventive procedures to the onset of positional plagiocephaly, such as the use of passive mattresses, which is primarily correlated with the need for newborns and infants to sleep and rest in proper posture. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for papers that matched our topic, dating from January 2012 to 22 October 2022, with an English language restriction, using the following Boolean keywords: (“positional plagiocephaly” AND “prevention”). A total of 11 papers were included as relevant papers matching the purpose of our investigation. According to the research results, inadequate vitamin D and folic acid intake during pregnancy may increase the risk of skull deformation. Furthermore, babies should sleep on their backs and spend at least 30 min in tummy time. Using a passive sleep curve mattress has several advantages such as low cost, easy handling, no compliance system, and a marked improvement in head shape, allowing harmonious skull growth guided by normal brain expansion

A Systematic Review of Positional Plagiocephaly Prevention Methods for Patients in Development

Positional plagiocephaly is an asymmetrical skull deformation caused by various factors. Although it is not responsible for abnormal brain development in infants and is not related to the onset of neurophysiological problems, it is critical to prevent skull deformity to avoid aesthetic and functional consequences. The purpose of the study is to investigate the relevance of preventive procedures to the onset of positional plagiocephaly, such as the use of passive mattresses, which is primarily correlated with the need for newborns and infants to sleep and rest in proper posture. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for papers that matched our topic, dating from January 2012 to 22 October 2022, with an English language restriction, using the following Boolean keywords: (“positional plagiocephaly” AND “prevention”). A total of 11 papers were included as relevant papers matching the purpose of our investigation. According to the research results, inadequate vitamin D and folic acid intake during pregnancy may increase the risk of skull deformation. Furthermore, babies should sleep on their backs and spend at least 30 min in tummy time. Using a passive sleep curve mattress has several advantages such as low cost, easy handling, no compliance system, and a marked improvement in head shape, allowing harmonious skull growth guided by normal brain expansion

Effects of Resveratrol, Curcumin and Quercetin Supplementation on Bone Metabolism—A Systematic Review

Phenolic compounds are natural phytochemicals that have recently reported numerous health benefits. Resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin have recently received the most attention among these molecules due to their documented antioxidant effects. The review aims to investigate the effects of these molecules on bone metabolism and their role in several diseases such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, bone tumours, and periodontitis. The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase electronic databases were searched for papers in line with the study topic. According to an English language restriction, the screening period was from January 2012 to 3 July 2022, with the following Boolean keywords: (“resveratrol” AND “bone”); (“curcumin” AND “bone”); (“quercetin” AND “bone”). A total of 36 papers were identified as relevant to the purpose of our investigation. The studies reported the positive effects of the investigated phenolic compounds on bone metabolism and their potential application as adjuvant treatments for osteoporosis, bone tumours, and periodontitis. Furthermore, their use on the titanium surfaces of orthopaedic prostheses could represent a possible application to improve the osteogenic processes and osseointegration. According to the study findings, resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin are reported to have a wide variety of beneficial effects as supplement therapies. The investigated phenolic compounds seem to positively mediate bone metabolism and osteoclast-related pathologies