Deterioration of oral function can impair articulation, making it essential to evaluate tongue movement during articulation training. Previous reports have indicated an improvement in motor speech disorders, such as glossectomy-related glide issues, through rapid speech exercises, suggesting the potential benefits of non-invasive training. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tongue training on oral function using tongue twisters in healthy Japanese-speaking women. The participants performed tongue twisters designed to engage both the tongue tip and root, with data collected at baseline, 1 month, and 7 months. Participants were required to complete sentences involving the repeated use of /ta/ and /ka/ sounds. This training was conducted 5 times per week for 1 month. Oral diadochokinesis (ODK) was used to measure the number of repetitions per second of each sound, while ultrasound imaging captured the vertical motion of the tongue during pronunciation. The ODK test was used to evaluate speed and regularity of articulatory movement, and ultrasound measurement to assess vertical motion dynamics of the tongue during pronunciation of /ta/ and /ka/. The results indicated a significant improvement in the number of repetitions per second for both /ta/ and /ka/ after 1 month of training. This increase in repetition frequency was maintained for /ta/ even after 7 months, whereas /ka/ showed no further increase in repetition frequency beyond the 1-month mark. Despite this, vertical distance of tongue movement decreased significantly for both syllables after 1 and 7 months. This suggests that /ta/ benefited from both increased efficiency and speed, whereas /ka/ prioritized refined motor control over frequency. The complexity of posterior tongue elevation in /ka/ may require greater precision, limiting increase in repetition despite improved efficiency. This study demonstrates that regular tongue-twister training effectively refines oral function in young women, with sustained benefits over time. The simplicity and accessibility of this method make it a promising approach to maintaining and enhancing oral and articulatory function.

The WHO Classification of Head and Neck Tumors (2024) defines solitary neurofibromas as benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors comprising a mixture of Schwann cells, perineuronal cells, fibroblasts, and axons. In the orofacial region, such tumors usually occur on the tongue, and only rarely in the lip. This report describes a case of a solitary neurofibroma arising in the lower lip. The patient was a 59-year-old man who was referred to our hospital with a mass on the lower lip. Palpation revealed that it was elastic, hard, painless, and mobile. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a mass. It was identified as a suspected benign tumor and surgical excision conducted under general anesthesia. A diagnosis of solitary neurofibroma was made based on histopathological findings. One and a half years have passed since the surgery, and no recurrence has been noted. Long-term follow-up has been planned.

This report describes a case of generalized aggressive periodontitis (Stage III, Grade C) requiring periodontal regenerative therapy. The patient was a 35-year-old woman who visited Tokyo Dental College Suidobashi Hospital with the chief complaint of swelling in the maxillary left gingiva. An initial examination revealed 34.5% of sites with a probing depth (PD) of ≥4 mm. The prevalence of sites with bleeding on probing was 29.8%. The plaque control record (PCR) score was 59.8%. Radiographic examination revealed extensive horizontal bone resorption in the maxillary and mandibular molars. Considerable angular bone resorption was observed in teeth #14 and 24. Furcation involvement was observed in teeth #16 and 46. A clinical diagnosis of generalized aggressive periodontitis (Stage III, Grade C) was made, based on which initial periodontal therapy was performed. An improvement was observed in periodontal conditions on re-evaluation. The PCR score was 11.5%. Periodontal surgery was performed for teeth with a residual PD of ≥4 mm. Periodontal regenerative therapy using recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2) was performed on intrabony defects in #14 and 24. Open flap debridement was performed on #15, 16, 25, and 26. Root separation was performed on #46. Following re-evaluation, an all-ceramic crown was placed on #46, and the patient was placed on supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). During the 1 year of SPT, stable periodontal conditions have been maintained. However, due to the loss of all the secondary molars, the risks of occlusal trauma to the remaining teeth and root surface caries associated with extensive gingival recession following the periodontal treatment remain. Therefore, continued care is necessary to maintain good periodontal conditions.