Lactoferrin as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of Candida-associated denture stomatitis.

BACKGROUND: The use of prostheses in the oral cavity creates favorable conditions for Candida colonization, which may subsequently lead to Candida-associated denture stomatitis (CADS). Due to its many contributing factors and frequent relapses, CADS is difficult to manage. Given the rise in drug resistance among fungal species, it is critical to develop new therapeutic approaches, reduce the required dosage of medications, and minimize the toxicity and side effects of therapy. HIGHLIGHT: Salivary lactoferrin, a multifunctional glycoprotein, is thought to be the first line of defense against microbial invasion of mucosal surfaces. CONCLUSION: Current research emphasizes the capability of lactoferrin and its derivatives to eliminate a broad spectrum of Candida species. It may be an appealing option for use in monotherapy or in combination with common medications for oral stomatitis treatment. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of lactoferrin's anti-fungal effects in oral candidiasis.

Evaluation of patients' awareness and knowledge regarding dental implants among patients of the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry at Wroclaw Medical University in Poland.

BACKGROUND: As dental implants become a more popular treatment option for restoring missing teeth, it is significant for a dentist to understand patients' level of knowledge toward implants, to avoid potential miscommunication and unrealistic expectations. OBJECTIVES: To determine the knowledge level regarding dental implants among patients applying for prosthetic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among patients from the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry at Wroclaw Medical University, Poland. A questionnaire composed of 11 questions was distributed to 232 patients, of which 225 were qualified for the study. The chi-square test of independence (χ2) was used to analyze the association between parameters of interest and groups of patients. The strength of studied relationships was measured with Cramer's V. RESULTS: Patients showed limited knowledge of implants. Of the respondents, 75.6% heard about dental implants; however, 40% considered the dental implant as a set of a screw with a fixed crown. The major concern was the high cost (69.4%), followed by the need for surgery (31.2%). The Internet was the most popular source of information. The source of treatment financing has a strong correlation to the willingness to undergo treatment. CONCLUSION: The study group demonstrated not a satisfactory extent of knowledge regarding dental implants. Dental professionals should make an effort to provide sufficient information to patients to avoid misunderstandings about the treatment. Measures should be taken to reduce the cost of the procedure and thus increase its availability.

Difference in the occurrence and intensification symptoms of stomatognathic system between women and men in medical staff working with patients infected with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: One of the groups most exposed to potentially harmful effects of the current pandemic on physical and mental health is medical personnel, in particular those working directly with patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVES: The response of the body to a persisting threat, constant contact with dying people and frequent deaths of patients is chronic stress syndrome. Its symptoms may take the form of psychosomatic or somatic reactions. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of stress on the severity of temporomandibular syndrome (TMD) in medical personnel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a group of 160 people - 120 women and 40 men aged 35-60 years, working at the hospital wards as doctors, nurses and support staff, directly with patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and suffering from COVID-19. The research was conducted in the form of a cross-sectional survey with the use of anonymous questionnaire. The final questionnaire was developed based on the tools commonly used for TMD, bruxism, anxiety, and depression assessment - 8Q/TMD and the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8). RESULTS: After checking the significance of differences in responses to individual questions among men and women and applying the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, Fisher's test and p-values for individual responses, an increase in pathological reactions was shown. The results showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant adverse effects on the psychoemotional status and causes or aggravates TMD symptoms. CONCLUSION: The aggravation of the psychoemotional status caused by the COVID-19 pandemic can result in intensification of TMD symptoms and other symptoms in the stomatognathic system in medical staff working with patients infected with COVID-19.

Clinical aspects of the use of lactoferrin in dentistry.

BACKGROUND: Lactoferrin (Lf) is a natural iron-binding protein involved in coordinating specific and non-specific immune responses in humans. It exhibits broad spectrum antimicrobial properties against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Owing to its high affinity for ferric (Fe+++) ions, Lf is responsible for controlling the oxidative stress in the body, and thus protects cells from oxygen injury. In addition, Lf is a natural immunomodulatory molecule that regulates the activity of the immune system. HIGHLIGHT: Lactoferrin present in saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral hygiene. It exhibits protective function on mucosal surfaces, which constitute a barrier between the host and the external environment. Thus, Lf may be considered as the first line of defense protein that is associated with oral mucosal immunity. CONCLUSION: Many studies indicate that lactoferrin supplementation is safe and beneficial for human health. The aim of this review is to discuss the effects of Lf on oral microflora, highlighting the potential significance of this protein in dental therapy and prevention of oral diseases.

Study of Surface Structure Changes for Selected Ceramics Used in the CAD/CAM System on the Degree of Microbial Colonization, In Vitro Tests.

In the article has been presented an analysis of susceptibility of selected dental materials, made in the CAD/CAM technology. The morphology and structural properties of selected dental materials and their composites were determined by using XRPD (X-ray powder diffraction) techniques, as well as the IR (infrared) spectroscopy. Moreover, an adhesion as well as development of biofilm by oral microorganisms has been studied. It has been shown that a degree of the biofilm development on the tested dental materials depended on microorganism genus and species. Streptococcus mutans has demonstrated the best adhesion to the tested materials in comparison with Candida albicans and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. However, the sintered materials such as IPS e.max® and the polished IPS e.max® have showed the best "anti-adhesive properties" in relation to S. mutans and L. rhamnosus that have not formed the biofilm on the polished IPS e.max® sample. Furthermore, S. mutans have not formed the biofilm on both surfaces. On the contrary to S. mutans and L. rhamnosus, C. albicans has demonstrated the adhesive properties in relation to the above-mentioned surfaces. Moreover, in contrast to S. mutans and C. albicans, L. rhamnosus has not formed the biofilm on the polished IPS Empress material.

Quality of Life in Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Palliative Chemotherapy.

The goal of this study was to explore quality of life in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in an attempt to single out features that could help predict the possibility of non-completion of chemotherapy. The survey tool was the Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (QLQ-C30) with the module Lung Cancer 13 (LC-13) developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. The assessment of quality of life (QoL) was performed in 58 patients with advanced NSCLC before palliative chemotherapy and it was repeated in 43 patients who completed at least three cycles of chemotherapy. We found that the patients who failed to complete the chemotherapy course distinctly showed, in contradistinction to those who completed it, poor physical functioning in (67.6 ± 16.3 vs. 78.3 ± 21.3 points, respectively, p < 0.05) and the lack of appetite (27.1 ± 38.0 vs. 48.9 ± 37.5 points, respectively p < 0.05). At the end of palliative chemotherapy alopecia, sore throat, and constipation significantly worsened QoL, but global health status remained unchanged. In conclusion, poor physical functioning and loss of appetite seem to harbinger a risk of non-completion of chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC.

Elastic dental prostheses - alternative solutions for patients using acrylic prostheses: Literature review.

Elastic dentures are prostheses made of thermoplastic material. This category includes: nylons, acetals, acrylicpolymers, and acrons. Elastic prostheses have been recognized for several years; however, their propertiesare constantly being modified. In the opinion of the majority of patients, elastic prostheses are comfortable,handy and long-lasting. Elastic dentures are a good choice for esthetic reasons. They may be recommendedfor patients who do not accept clasps in framework dentures, but cannot afford dentures supported withprecise elements or implant-based fixed appliances. Such dentures can be applied in masticatory organrehabilitation in patients with increased absolute reflexes, especially retching. Furthermore, such features likesize, construction weight or material plasticity and smoothness are considered to be advantages of thermoplasticmaterials. Elastic dentures are the only removable appliances for patients allergic to metal or acrylic.They are better tolerated by patients with an uneasy prosthetic base or with systemic diseases, e.g., diabetes,who are more susceptible to the traumatic activity of the hard plate of traditional dentures made of acrylicmaterial. Adaptation time is shortened and the number of necessary corrections is reduced. Hygiene rulesas well as follow-up visits terms must be strictly obeyed.

Denture adhesives' effect on retention of prostheses in patients with xerostomia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with xerostomia have difficulties using dentures. Application of denture adhesives (DAs) can improve the stabilization of prostheses. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the retention capability of complete maxillary dentures in patients with xerostomia, determined with and without the use of prosthetic DAs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study evaluated the retention force of prostheses in a group of 60 patients diagnosed with xerostomia. Completely edentulous patients were classified into groups and all used the same kind of DAs during the study. The evaluation was performed 1, 3 and 6 h after application. RESULTS: All patients had poor retention of maxillary dentures without DAs. Maxillary denture retention was much better when DAs were used. The majority of the DAs used were most effective in terms of retention after 1 h. Denture adhesives in the form of glue had the best retention in this study of patients with xerostomia. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study revealed the impact of DAs on average retention forces in complete maxillary denture patients with xerostomia. Patients affected by a reduced secretion of saliva have difficulties using prosthetics. In some cases, such use becomes impossible because of a complete lack of retention. The application of DAs could be a solution in these cases. Denture adhesives in glue form had the best retention during the study for patients with xerostomia.

Clinical factors in prosthodontic treatment of children with genetic defects.

BACKGROUND: Prosthodontic treatment of children with genetic disorders is an area that is rarely examined in the current specialist literature. Few prosthodontists will undertake treatment of such patients, who will more often be referred to an orthodontic specialist. After examining the 4 cases of children with genetic disorders described in this paper, it can be concluded that when a prosthodontist includes a few additional procedures in the treatment process, he or she can successfully help such patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to indicate the clinical difficulties faced by prosthodontists who undertake prosthodontic rehabilitation of children with genetic disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The paper is based on data collected during the prosthodontic treatment of 4 children, aged 5-12 years with genetic defects, and analysis of the body of work concerning these defects and their treatment. RESULTS: Presentation of guidelines for the prosthodontic treatment process and creation of dentures for treated children based on extended procedures. CONCLUSIONS: A prosthodontist is a crucial person in a team of specialists treating disorders within the face among children with a genetic predisposition. A basic knowledge of orthodontics and psychology facilitates the treatment. Prosthetic restoration in the treatment group does not always require complicated operations. Individualization of the tools for downloading orthodontic impressions, designing denture elements and an increased number of checkups are the additional procedures. For the clinician, the emotional aspect of the treatment is the main impediment. Maintaining a good relationship with a patient and his or her caregivers requires interpersonal skills.

Clinical Aspects of the Use of Botulinum Toxin Type A in the Treatment of Dysfunction of the Masticatory System.

The purpose of this work is to present a new, still experimental method of treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD) by injecting botulinum toxin Type A (TBX-A), using its effects not as a toxin but as a medication. The mechanism of TBX-A, indications and contraindications for its use, as well as possible side effects, are discussed. Temporomandibular disorders are of concern to approximately 70-80% of the population. The effect of botulinum toxin depends on blocking the release of acetylcholine from a presynaptic neuromuscular synapse and, in the autonomous system, blocking its release from post-ganglionic cholinergic neurons. In cases of long-term TMJ disorders, muscle activity increases and spastic contractions may even appear. TBX-A offers an opportunity for a normal social and family life for many patients suffering from masticatory system disorders (MSD), who have been isolated from the environment by pain. The study is based on a review of the literature and the authors' own experiences during several attempts to treat patients by this method. TBX-A is a safe medicine when the injection is performed by a well-trained physician.

A clinical evaluation denture adhesives used by patients with xerostomia.

The purpose of study was to analyze the participants' opinions concerning the effectiveness of 6 denture adhesives (DA). The study group included 60 participants. Criteria for selecting the patients were as follows: reduced retention and stabilization of maxillary complete dentures and xerostomia. These features were evaluated on basis of clinical examination and standard sialometry tests (u-SFR). Retention of maxillary dentures was scored by modified Kapur index before application of DA. All participants were divided randomly into 6 groups regarding the use of the 6 DA during a 6-month period. After this time, participants completed an HRQL questionnaire. DA noticeably improved retention and stabilization of maxillary complete dentures. DA in the glue form had the best retention effectiveness in participants with xerostomia. These materials are difficult to clean from the denture base. The data are presented in tables and figures. The results of the study collected positive influence of adhesives on retention of dentures in xerostomia patients. The cleaning dentures and denture bearing tissues was difficult. DA help in the use of prostheses, but it is also necessary for the treatment of the causes and symptoms of xerostomia.

Clinical aspects of the use of dental adhesive materials in patients with chronic xerostomia.

Adhesives are commonly used by denture wearers to increase the retention and stability of the complete denture, to improve the chewing and masticatory abilities and to psychologically support the patient to make the complete denture more acceptable. Denture fixatives can be especially recommended for use and to aid retention for patients with dryness of the mouth, poor secretion of saliva and xerostomia (e.g. diabetes mellitus). Dental adhesives may be contaminated with bacteria, yeast and fungi during the manufacturing process, and they have been shown to initiate and promote microbial growth. Some products have been shown to release formaldehyde, which is cytotoxic to cell culture and fibroblasts and is a potent allergen. Patients with chronic xerostomia may use denture adhesives during the course of the treatment and disease. These patients are often immunocompromised, and microorganisms they are exposed to must be considered potential pathogens.

Evaluation of select neurophysiological, clinical and psychological tests for burning mouth syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify, among an array of potential risk factors for burning mouth syndrome (BMS), those that are potentially the most significant in the development of the disease. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-three participants, divided into group I (with BMS: 33 patients ages 41 to 82 years [mean age: 61.5 ± 9.4]) and group II (without BMS: 30 healthy volunteers ages 42-83 years [mean age: 60.5 ± 10.5]) were studied. All underwent a dental examination and psychological tests. Neurological tests (neurophysiological test, electroneurography, and tests of the autonomic nervous system) were performed. Mean parameters were analyzed by Student t test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and χ(2) test, and multifactor analysis was performed with logistic regression and by calculating the odds ratio. RESULTS: In the logistic regression test, 3 factors were significant in the etiopathogenesis of BMS: a value more than 39 µV for the amplitude of the positive peak of the potential induced by stimulating the trigeminal nerve on the left side (P2-L); a value above 5.96 ms for the latency of wave V of the brainstem auditory evoked potentials on the right side (V-R); and a value over 2.35 ms for the latency of the sensory ulnar nerve response. CONCLUSIONS: The BMS sufferer was characterized as having mild sensory and autonomic small fiber neuropathy with concomitant central disorders.