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Frontiers in Immunology 2021The oral cavity is a complex environment constantly exposed to antigens from food and the oral microbiota. Innate immune cells play an essential role in maintaining... (Review)
Review
The oral cavity is a complex environment constantly exposed to antigens from food and the oral microbiota. Innate immune cells play an essential role in maintaining health and homeostasis in the oral environment. However, these cells also play a significant role in disease progression. This review will focus on two innate phagocytes in the oral cavity: macrophages and neutrophils, and examine their roles during homeostasis and disease development, with a focus on periodontal disease and cancer. Macrophages have a well-known ability to polarize and be activated towards a variety of phenotypes. Several studies have found that macrophages' polarization changes can play an essential role in maintaining health in the oral cavity and contribute to disease. Recent data also finds that neutrophils display phenotypic heterogeneity in the oral cavity. In both cases, we focus on what is known about how these cellular changes alter these immune cells' interactions with the oral microbiota, including how such changes can lead to worsening, rather than improving, disease states.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Macrophage Activation; Macrophages; Microbiota; Mouth; Mouth Neoplasms; Neutrophils; Periodontal Diseases
PubMed: 35069541
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.768479 -
Gerodontology Jun 2015Ageing produces several changes on the oral cavity, and oral varix (OV) is among the most common, and they are related with some medical diseases; however, this... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Ageing produces several changes on the oral cavity, and oral varix (OV) is among the most common, and they are related with some medical diseases; however, this association is not clear.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to offer a review of OV, regarding aetiology, clinical and histological features, associated factors, treatment and its clinical significance.
CONCLUSION
Except for a higher incidence of OV in elder individuals, there is limited evidence that supports its relationship with medical conditions such us cardiovascular diseases or portal hypertension. Also, there is no consensus regarding its pathogenesis, but the hemodynamic theory embodies the most comprehensive approach. The high prevalence in elderly people stresses the need for regular oral examination, but more detailed studies regarding OV in relation to systemic diseases are needed.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Humans; Incidence; Mouth; Mouth Diseases; Mouth Mucosa; Varicose Veins
PubMed: 23992044
DOI: 10.1111/ger.12074 -
Journal of Immunoassay & Immunochemistry 2019The oral mucosa protects the host against invading antigens and pathogenic microorganisms and contains an elaborate immune system and remains in a relative state of... (Review)
Review
The oral mucosa protects the host against invading antigens and pathogenic microorganisms and contains an elaborate immune system and remains in a relative state of health despite the heavy antigen load. The oral barrier is exposed to unique and diverse communities of commensal microbial communities that are known to play immune-stimulatory roles in oral inflammatory diseases. Saliva is secreted from the salivary glands and has multiple functions, including mouth cleaning and protection, antibacterial effects, and digestion. The major protective function of salivary secretions in the oral cavity is through immunological and non-immunological means as well as direct antimicrobial activity. A biomarker is an objectively measured and evaluated indicator of normal biologic processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to therapeutic intervention. With the rapid advancement in salivaomics, saliva is well recognized as a pool of biological markers. Saliva biomarkers include the changes in the biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA and proteins, and the microbial biofilm. There are numerous defense and protective proteins present in the saliva that are involved in oral homeostasis, immunity, and tolerance. This review article attempts to categorize and analyze the various biomolecules and biomarkers in the oral cavity that may be important in pathophysiology.
Topics: Biofilms; Biological Assay; Biomarkers; DNA; Humans; Mouth; Proteins; RNA
PubMed: 30497330
DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2018.1550423 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Jun 2023This study aims to review the role of the oral cavity in SARS-CoV-2- and other viral upper respiratory tract infections. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to review the role of the oral cavity in SARS-CoV-2- and other viral upper respiratory tract infections.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Data reviewed in the text have been researched online and also reflect personal expertise.
RESULTS
Numerous respiratory and other viruses replicate in the oral cavity and are transmitted via aerosols (< 5 µm) and droplets (> 5 µm). SARS-CoV-2 replication has been documented in the upper airways as well as in oral mucosa and salivary glands. These sites are also virus reservoirs that can infect other organs, e.g., the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, as well as other individuals. Laboratory diagnosis of viruses in the oral cavity and upper airways focuses on real-time PCR; antigen tests are less sensitive. For screening and monitoring infections, nasopharyngeal and oral swabs are tested; saliva is a good and more comfortable alternative. Physical means like social distancing or masks have been proven successful to reduce the risk of infection. Both wet-lab and clinical studies confirm that mouth rinses are effective against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. Antiviral mouth rinses can inactivate all viruses that replicate in the oral cavity.
CONCLUSIONS
The oral cavity plays an important role in viral infections of the upper respiratory tract: it serves as a portal of entry, a site of replication, and a source of infection by droplets and aerosols. Physical means but also antiviral mouth rinses can help reduce the spread of viruses and contribute to infection control.
Topics: Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Mouthwashes; Respiratory Aerosols and Droplets; Virus Diseases; Mouth; Antiviral Agents
PubMed: 37310513
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05078-z -
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics of... Feb 2022MR imaging is the modality of choice in the evaluation of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. Routine postcontrast MR imaging is important for the accurate... (Review)
Review
MR imaging is the modality of choice in the evaluation of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. Routine postcontrast MR imaging is important for the accurate localization and characterization of the locoregional extension of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. The anatomy of the oral cavity and oropharynx is complex; accurate interpretation is vital for description of the extension of the masses. Understanding the new changes in the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system. MR imaging is the imaging modality of choice for detection of perineural spread.
Topics: Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mouth; Neoplasm Staging; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 34802580
DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2021.07.002 -
Archives of Microbiology Aug 2021A homeostatic balance exists between the resident microbiota in the oral cavity and the host. Perturbations of the oral microbiota under particular conditions can... (Review)
Review
A homeostatic balance exists between the resident microbiota in the oral cavity and the host. Perturbations of the oral microbiota under particular conditions can contribute to the growth of non-oral pathogens that are hard to kill because of their higher resistance to antimicrobials, raising the probability of treatment failure and reinfection. The presence of these bacteria in the oral cavity has been proven to be associated with several oral diseases such as periodontitis, caries, and gingivitis, and systemic diseases of importance in clinical medicine such as cystic fibrosis, HIV, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is still controversial whether these species are merely transient members or unique to the oral cavity. Mutualistic and antagonistic interactions between the oral microbiota and non-oral pathogens can also occur, though the mechanisms used by these bacteria are not clear. Therefore, this review presents an overview of the current knowledge about the presence of non-oral bacteria in the oral cavity, their relationship with systemic and oral diseases, and their interactions with oral bacteria.
Topics: Bacteria; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Mouth
PubMed: 33791834
DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02300-y -
Frontiers in Immunology 2020The composition of the oral milieu reflects oral health. Saliva provides an environment for multiple microorganisms, and contains soluble factors and immune cells.... (Review)
Review
The composition of the oral milieu reflects oral health. Saliva provides an environment for multiple microorganisms, and contains soluble factors and immune cells. Neutrophils, which rapidly react on the changes in the microenvironment, are a major immune cell population in saliva and thus may serve as a biomarker for oral pathologies. This review focuses on salivary neutrophils in the oral cavity, their phenotype changes in physiological and pathological conditions, as well as on factors regulating oral neutrophil amount, activation and functionality, with special emphasis on oral cancer and its risk factors.
Topics: Humans; Mouth; Mouth Neoplasms; Neutrophils; Saliva
PubMed: 33162980
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.565683 -
Pulmonary Medicine 2021Periodontal diseases are a range of polymicrobial infectious disorders, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which affect tooth-supporting tissues and are linked to... (Review)
Review
Periodontal diseases are a range of polymicrobial infectious disorders, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which affect tooth-supporting tissues and are linked to playing a role in the exacerbation of several pulmonary diseases. Pulmonary diseases, such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, tuberculosis, COVID-19, and bronchiectasis, significantly contribute to poor quality of life and mortality. The association between periodontal disease and pulmonary outcomes is an important topic and requires further attention. Numerous resident microorganisms coexist in the oral cavity and lungs. However, changes in the normal microflora due to oral disease, old age, lifestyle habits, or dental intervention may contribute to altered aspiration of oral periodontopathic bacteria into the lungs and changing inflammatory responses. Equally, periodontal diseases are associated with the longitudinal decline in spirometry lung volume. Several studies suggest a possible beneficial effect of periodontal therapy in improving lung function with a decreased frequency of exacerbations and reduced risk of adverse respiratory events and morbidity. Here, we review the current literature outlining the link between the oral cavity and pulmonary outcomes and focus on the microflora of the oral cavity, environmental and genetic factors, and preexisting conditions that can impact oral and pulmonary outcomes.
Topics: Causality; Environment; Humans; Microbiota; Mouth; Periodontal Diseases; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
PubMed: 34765263
DOI: 10.1155/2021/4712406 -
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics... Aug 2023Acute infections of the oral cavity and suprahyoid neck range from simple superficial conditions that can be treated as an outpatient to complex multispatial processes... (Review)
Review
Acute infections of the oral cavity and suprahyoid neck range from simple superficial conditions that can be treated as an outpatient to complex multispatial processes that require surgical intervention and inpatient admission. This article provides an imaging overview of the range of infections in this region that may be encountered by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, emergency physicians, and primary care providers.
Topics: Humans; Neck; Mouth
PubMed: 37032180
DOI: 10.1016/j.coms.2023.01.001 -
Journal of Perinatology : Official... Mar 2020Examination of the oral cavity should be an essential part of the newborn assessment. Early detection of congenital disorders is essential to begin appropriate medical... (Review)
Review
Examination of the oral cavity should be an essential part of the newborn assessment. Early detection of congenital disorders is essential to begin appropriate medical or surgical therapy and to prevent complications that could profoundly affect a child's life. The present review aims to describe the main anomalies of the oral cavity in infants and provide images in order to help the physician in current clinical practice.
Topics: Ankyloglossia; Early Diagnosis; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Mouth; Mouth Abnormalities; Mouth Diseases; Neonatal Screening
PubMed: 31925320
DOI: 10.1038/s41372-019-0585-5