Salivary matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as a biomarker of periodontitis in pregnant patients with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy and diabetes increase the risk of developing pathological conditions in the periodontium. Salivary biomarkers, such as matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), as well as antioxidants can be used as diagnostic indicators in monitoring periodontitis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the periodontal status of pregnant women with regard to the presence of diabetes. In addition, we aimed to assess antioxidant activity and the level of MMP-9 in saliva in order to establish the optimal noninvasive determinants of periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 104 pregnant women: 35 patients had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); 30 patients had type 1 diabetes (T1D); and 39 patients did not have diabetes (the control group). The physical examination included the assessment of the approximal plaque index (API), the gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), the probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). In the saliva study, MMP-9 concentration as well as the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were measured. RESULTS: The pregnant patients with GDM and T1D had higher GI, BOP, PPD, and CAL scores than the control women (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0040, p = 0.0100, p = 0.0030, and p < 0.0001, p < 0.0009, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). The T1D patients had higher API scores as compared to the control women (p = 0.0010). The patients with periodontitis had higher salivary MMP-9 levels than the patients without periodontitis (p = 0.0001). The salivary antioxidant levels and activity were comparable among the study groups. The determinants of periodontitis (p < 0.0001) were MMP-9 concentration (p = 0.0008) and oral hygiene (p = 0.0001). The concentration of MMP-9 was also a useful determiner of the presence of periodontitis (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In the pregnant women with diabetes, we observed worse gingival conditions, deeper periodontal pockets and greater attachment loss in comparison with the women from the control group. The concentration of MMP-9 in saliva is a good predictor of periodontitis and might be a useful tool for diagnosing periodontitis.

Oral Cavity Clinical Evaluation in Psychiatric Patients with Eating Disorders: A Case-Control Study.

Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are not the only disorders the symptoms of which may be present in the oral cavity. The assessment of the clinical condition of patients with eating disorder symptoms was aimed at in this study. The study group consisted of 60 patients with diagnoses from categories F4.xx, F5x.x, and F6x.x ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision). Patients were qualified for the study based on the answers provided in the symptom checklists "O". An adequate control group was selected. All patients underwent a dental examination, including the assessment of API (aproximal plaque index) and DMF (decayed missing filled index). Studies have shown that patients with eating disorder symptoms were more likely to have dental erosions (in total, 28.81% of cases). The correlation of erosion with the symptoms of eating disorders was demonstrated for several assessed symptoms present in the symptom checklists "O". Such correlations have not been demonstrated in terms of gingival recession presence. The level of oral hygiene in patients with eating disorders was assessed as sufficient or bad and indicates the need to initiate dental treatment in this group. It is important to correlate the treatment of the underlying mental disease with dental treatment and regular dental checkups.

Porcelain Veneers in Vital vs. Non-Vital Teeth: A Retrospective Clinical Evaluation.

Nowadays, the ceramic veneer approach can be considered more predictable than direct composite veneer. To date, there is a lack of studies comparing the clinical performance of anterior veneers cemented on vital teeth (VT) and non-vital teeth (NVT). This longitudinal clinical study investigated the performance of ceramic veneers in VT or anterior NVT. A total of 55 patients were evaluated in the study. Two groups were defined based on the vitality status of the teeth (93 teeth-vital and 61 teeth-non-vital). The United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria were used to assess the clinical status. The data were evaluated statistically with the Mann-Whitney U test. All restorations were considered acceptable, and only one veneer in VT failed for the criteria of secondary caries. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the criteria evaluated (p ≤ 0.671). The ceramic veneers evaluated showed a satisfactory clinical performance both in VT and NVT.

Effect of Cordyceps spp. and Cordycepin on Functions of Bones and Teeth and Related Processes: A Review.

Cordyceps spp. (belonging to the Ascomycota group) are entomopathogenic mushrooms that have traditionally been used in ethnomedicine in Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and India. They are unique parasites of larvae of selected species of moths. Cordyceps militaris is one of the best sources of cordycepin. Worldwide, osteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases, whose pharmacotherapy includes various medical interventions; however, the research and development of new molecules and new drugs is required. The impact of adenosine receptors (ARs) on the purinergic signaling pathway may regulate proliferation, differentiate dental pulp stem cells and bone marrow, and modulate osteogenesis and bone repair. The aim of the review was to collect and analyze the available data on the effects of Cordyceps spp. or cordycepin on bone function and related processes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review in this perspective, not necessarily using mushroom raw material or even the isolated parent compound cordycepin, but new molecules that are analogs of nucleosides, such as those from C. militaris. This review found that Cordyceps spp. or isolated cordycepin interacts via the AR, 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) signaling pathway and evaluated their impact on bones, teeth, and dental pulp. Cordyceps spp. was found to have the potential to develop regenerative medicines, thus providing an opportunity to expand the treatment or intervention methods in the recovery after traumatic injuries, convalescence, and terminal-stage or devastating diseases.

Cordyceps militaris-Fruiting Bodies, Mycelium, and Supplements: Valuable Component of Daily Diet.

Cordyceps militaris has long been used in Eastern medicine for alleviating fatigue and as an immunostimulant. The present study aimed to determine the content of biologically active substances (bioelements and organic compounds), the total phenolic content, and the antioxidant activity of fruiting bodies (commercially available and self-cultivated), mycelia, and two food supplements. The results show that substrate composition and cultivation method had an influence on the properties of mushroom materials. An important aspect of the study is the estimation of the content of bioactive substances present after extraction into digestive juices in the artificial gastrointestinal tract model, which can allow for determining the amount of these substances that is potentially bioavailable for the human body. The best results for cordycepin (81.4 mg/100 g d.w.) and lovastatin (53.6 mg/100 g d.w.) were achieved for commercially available food supplements. Furthermore, after digestion in artificial intestinal juice, the highest amount of cordycepin was determined in the fruiting bodies from commercially obtained (25.9 mg/100 g d.w.) and self-cultivated mushroom (25.8 mg/100 g d.w.). In conclusion, the mycelium and fruiting bodies of C. militaris are ideal food supplements and pharmaceutical agents and can serve as a good source of prohealth substances potentially bioavailable for humans.

Can the Concentration of Citric Acid Affect Its Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Activity?

BACKGROUND: There has been no unanimity concerning the ideal concentration of citric acid for safe use in clinical practice. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and the antibacterial activity in infected dentinal tubules of 10% and 1% citric acid (CA) solutions. METHODS: The cytotoxicity of CA solutions in DMEM (diluted 1/10, 1/100) was assessed in L-929 fibroblasts. A broth macrodilution method (MIC and MBC) was used to assess CA antibacterial concentration. The antimicrobial activity of CA solutions was also evaluated after their final rinse inside root canals in previously Enterococcus faecalis-contaminated dentinal tubules. Ten infected dentine samples were rinsed for 5 min with 5% NaOCl and subsequently with 1% citric acid for 3 min. Another 10 were rinsed with 5% NaOCl and 10% citric acid for 3 min; the remaining four specimens were utilized as positive controls. Two uncontaminated specimens were used as negative controls. After LIVE/DEAD BacLight staining, the samples were assessed using CLSM to analyze the percentage of residual live and dead cells. RESULTS: Both undiluted and diluted CA solutions showed severe toxicity; no changes from normal morphology were displayed when diluted 1/100. The MIC and MBC of CA were 6.25 mg/mL and 12.50 mg/mL, respectively. CA solutions demonstrated significantly low levels of bacterial counts than the positive control group, reporting a value of 9.3% for the 10% solution versus the 1% solution (35.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite its valuable antimicrobial properties, the cytotoxic effects of citric acid should be considered during endodontic treatment.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite, isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine on the epoxy sealant penetration into the dentinal tubules.

BACKGROUND: The sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules might be beneficial, especially in necrotic endodontic cases, as it provides the obstruction of the contaminated tubules. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of 3 final irrigants (sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), alcohol and chlorhexidine (CHX)) on the penetration of an epoxy sealer into the dentinal tubules. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 60 single-canal human teeth with straight roots. The root canals were prepared to the ISO 40/04 size, using the Reciproc® instruments. The teeth were divided into 4 groups (n = 15). The canals in each group were irrigated according to the following scheme: group 1 (control) - 5.25% NaOCl; group 2 - smear layer removal (40% citric acid (CA) and 5.25% NaOCl) and 5.25% NaOCl; group 3 - smear layer removal (as in group 2), and 40% CA, water and 98% isopropyl alcohol; and group 4 - smear layer removal (as in group 2), and 40% CA, water and 2% CHX. The root canals were filled using the vertical condensation technique with gutta-percha and the porphyrin-labeled AH Plus™ sealer. After 3 days, 1-milimeter-thick cross-section slices were cut from the roots at a distance of 2 mm, 5 mm and 8 mm from the apex. The sections were imaged under a confocal microscope and the sealant penetration depth into the dentinal tubules was measured. RESULTS: The longest resin tags in all parts of the roots were found in group 4 (CHX), and the shortest in group 1 (control). The mean depth of the sealer penetration (in micrometers) was as follows: 21, 22 and 23 (group 1); 201, 231 and 374 (group 2); 170, 232 and 280 (group 3); and 330, 408 and 638 (group 4) in the apical, middle and coronal parts, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The final irrigation with CHX resulted in the deepest penetration of the epoxy sealer into the tubules. Isopropyl alcohol had the most negative impact on the sealer penetration into the tubules.

Antioxidant-Rich Natural Raw Materials in the Prevention and Treatment of Selected Oral Cavity and Periodontal Diseases.

Antioxidant-rich natural raw materials have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. In the past decade, there has been increasing interest in naturotherapy, which is a practice of using products with a natural origin. Natural products can be effective in the treatment and prevention of oral and dental diseases, among others. Such raw materials used in dentistry are characterized by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antiedematous, astringent, anticoagulant, dehydrating, vitaminizing, and-above all-regenerative properties. Reports have shown that a relationship exists between oral diseases and the qualitative and quantitative composition of the microbiota colonizing the oral cavity. This review aimed to analyze the studies focusing on the microbiome colonizing the oral cavity in the context of using natural raw materials especially herbs, plant extracts, and isolated biologically active compounds as agents in the prevention and treatment of oral and periodontal diseases such as dental caries as well as mucosal changes associated with salivary secretion disorder. The present work discusses selected plant ingredients exhibiting an antioxidant activity with potential for the treatment of selected oral cavity and periodontal diseases.

The condition of the oral cavity in patients receiving chronic steroid therapy - practical remarks.

A significant increase is currently being observed in the number of patients hospitalized due to respiratory system diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchial asthma with a predominantly allergic component. Treatment of COPD and bronchial asthma is mainly based on the use of beta-2-mimetics and glucocorticosteroids (GCS). However, the GCS inhalation therapy may be associated with developing a risk of various types of complications, which are especially manifested in the initial part of the respiratory system. In the paper the side effects resulting from the chronic use of inhaled GCS was presented with discussion how to reduce their negative effects. The negative side effects of chronic GCS therapy for the treatment of pulmonary diseases result mainly from their modifying effect on the proper functioning of the immune system, and on their generation of salivary secretion disorders. When using inhaled GCS, drugs deposit on the mucosa membrane of the throat and oral cavity, which promotes the development of candidiasis which accompanied by xerostomia leads to difficulty in swallowing and speaking. The reduced salivation promotes the development of caries disease due to the impairment of the physiological mechanism of tooth surface cleaning. Attention to proper oral hygiene is fundamental and an appropriate antifungal therapy is required. When conducting a physical examination, it is important to pay attention to those patients using inhaled steroids, especially on a chronic basis. This is because with careful clinical evaluation, the side effects of these drugs can be detected at an early stage and the appropriate treatment of their negative effects can be applied.

Disinfectants Used in Stomatology and SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Effective disinfection is a basic procedure in medical facilities, including those conducting dental surgeries, where treatments for tissue discontinuity are also performed, as it is an important element of infection prevention. Disinfectants used in dentistry and dental and maxillofacial surgery include both inorganic (hydrogen peroxide, sodium chlorite-hypochlorite) and organic compounds (ethanol, isopropanol, peracetic acid, chlorhexidine, eugenol). Various mechanisms of action of disinfectants have been reported, which include destruction of the structure of bacterial and fungal cell membranes; damage of nucleic acids; denaturation of proteins, which in turn causes inhibition of enzyme activity; loss of cell membrane integrity; and decomposition of cell components. This article discusses the most important examples of substances used as disinfectants in dentistry and presents the mechanisms of their action with particular focus on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The search was conducted in ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus databases. The interest of scientists in the use of disinfectants in dental practice is constantly growing, which results in the increasing number of publications on disinfection, sterilization, and asepsis. Many disinfectants often possess several of the abovementioned mechanisms of action. In addition, disinfectant preparations used in dental practice either contain one compound or are frequently a mixture of active compounds, which increases their range and effectiveness of antimicrobial action. Currently available information on disinfectants that can be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in dental practices was summarized.

Reasons for dental visits of children and their parents at the dental clinics in Cracow.

INTRODUCTION: Caries is a social disease that affects both children and adults. Parents have a significant influence on the formation of pro-health habits and the state of their children's oral health. AIM OF THE PAPER: The main aim of the study was to assess the reasons why children and their parents come to the dental office. In addition, the condition of the teeth, the type of performed procedures and the correlation of the oral health between children and their parents were assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the study, 162 patient's charts were analyzed from two different dental offices in Crakow. There were 81 parent-child pairs (one child per parent) who were treated in the same dental office between 2004 and 2018. During the first patient visit (parent or child) in the office, the reason for the visit and condition of patient teeth were evaluated. This analysis was based on the dental diagram using the DMF/dmf (Decay-Missing-Filled) Index. Data regarding performed medical procedures during each office visit were collected and documented. RESULTS: In most cases, children came to the dental clinic because of a toothache or cavities caused by caries (75.3%). None of children were ever seen in the dental office for an initial adaptation visit under the age of two. During the first visit, caries was confirmed in 72% of children and 95% of parents. Correlation between child's DMF/DMF+dmf/dmf and its parent's DMF indicated a positive linear relationship between these two variables (r = 0.348, p = 0.001). The increase in the total number of children visits to the dental clinic was associated with the increase in the number of visits of their parents (r = 0.327, p = 0.003). The most often performed medical procedures were check-ups (98.8% children and 53.1% parents) and fillings of the permanent teeth (65.4% children and 85.2% adults). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients came to the dental clinic because of caries and its complications, not prophylactic procedures. Condition of the tooth hard tissue for both children and parents was less than satisfactory. There is a positive linear correlation between the state of patient dental health and the regularity and frequency of visits to the dental clinic for children and their parents.

Oral non-specific lesions in patient with Crohn's disease - a case report.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic and granulomatous inflammatory disease of the entire gastrointestinal tract. The etiopathogenesis is not fully elucidated. The most common symptoms in the active phase of the disease include abdominal pain, prolonged diarrhea, fever, fatigue, malaise and weight loss. Oral manifestations of CD are classified into specific for CD with granulomatous changes and non-specific ones. This rare extraintestinal manifestation of CD in adults may precede gastrointestinal tract involvement, occur together or appear after years of its duration. Oral lesions can be initiated by malnourishment, poor absorption of nutrients or side-effect of medications. A CASE REPORT: We describe a 28-year-old female with a 9-years CD history, who presented in the active disease with oral lesions. They were classified as non-specific ones, and included oral candidiasis, irregular erythematous patches on the cheek mucosa, exfoliative lip inflammation, and angular cheilitis. The patient was treated with azathioprine, and since the last exacerbation of symptoms, induction therapy with adalimumab, (anti-TNF-alpha), has been prescribed. Nystatin was applied to treat the oral lesions, based on the microbiological assessment of the Candida albicans susceptibility, and symptomatic treatment. After a two-week treatment the oral mucosa was healed and angular cheilitis showed marked improvement compared to the initial presentation. CONCLUSIONS: The young female with active CD presented the nonspecific lesions in the oral cavity. The lesions coexisted with the active inflammatory process in the intestinal tract with characteristic clinical symptoms, and were associated with sideropenic anemia. The implementation of the local therapy, systemic CD treatment and supplementation of micronutrient deficiencies have led to a healing of the oral lesions. We emphasize a personalized approach to treatment and close cooperation between the dentist and the gastroenterologist.

Self-Perceived Dentists' Knowledge of Temporomandibular Disorders in Krakow: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: The most common nondental orofacial pain conditions are temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). TMD basic examination and clinical management are included in a curriculum of each dentistry programme taught in Poland, but it is not clear how the dentists cope with diagnosis and possible treatment in their routine dental practices. The objective of the present study was to assess a level of self-perceived knowledge of TMD amongst dentists in Poland. Materials and methods. The participants, of whom all studied and graduated from a Polish university, were randomly selected from dental offices in Krakow (Poland). The selected dentists were administered an anonymous questionnaire, which contained questions measuring self-assessment of knowledge of TMD diagnosis and therapy and assessing knowledge of ethology and TMD symptoms. Results: Only 6.5% of the participants identified their TMD knowledge as very good, 32.3% assessed it as good, 39.3% thought it was sufficient, 20.4% as insufficient, and 1.49% considered it as poor. 9.4% of all participants have attempted to diagnose and treat TMD patients very often, 26.4% declared performing it often, 45.8% rarely, and 18.4% had never made such an attempt. There was a significant relationship between the dentists' knowledge and their attempts at diagnosing and treating TMD patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The level of TMD knowledge amongst the Polish dentists is still insufficient. Raising its level would considerably help the dentists to refer their patients to right specialists for a diagnosis and TMD treatment and/or interdisciplinary management of TMD patients.

The oral health of patients with acute coronary syndrome confirmed by means of coronary angiography.

AIM: The aim of the study was analyses the relationship between oral health and acute coronary syndrome confirmed by coronary angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants were recruited from patients who had undergone coronary angiography in the Cardiology Department. The study included 128 patients: 68 in a study group - with acute coronary syndrome (ACS-group) and 60 in a control group - no changes in coronary vessels detected by coronary angiography (H-group). A detailed clinical dental examination was performed. The following symptoms of periodontal pathologies were assessed: gingival bleeding, tooth mobility, gingival swelling, changes in gingival colour, a burning sensation in the oral mucosa, the presence of pus, and the need for antibiotic therapy. Moreover, the patients' oral health was assessed on the basis of the following dental indices: Plaque Index (PlI), Approximal Plaque Index (API), their periodontal health on the basis of the following indices - Gingival Index (GI), Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN), and their dental health on the basis of the following components of the DMF-T index: (D-T) - decayed, missing and filled teeth, (F-T) - filled teeth and (M-T) - missing teeth. RESULTS: Oral health in the study group was worse to a degree that was statistically significant in all the indices examined, excluding the filled teeth index (F-T), where there was no statistical significance compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The oral health of patients from the ACS group was significantly worse compared to the H-group.

The effects of alternate irrigation of root canals with chelating agents and sodium hypochlorite on the effectiveness of smear layer removal.

BACKGROUND: After the mechanical preparation of a root canal, the canal walls are covered with a smear layer. In order to deeply clean the dentinal tubules, removal of the smear layer is recommended. There is no consensus on the length of time of rinsing with chelating agents or irrigation with alternating chelating agents and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of smear layer removal using 4 irrigation protocols. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prepared 42 straight root canals to size ISO40/04 and assigned them into 4 study groups (n = 10) and a control group (n = 2). The root canals were irrigated as follows: in the control group, 180 s with 5.25% NaOCl; in group 1, 60 s with 40% citric acid (CA) and 120 s with NaOCl; in group 2, 120 s with CA and 120 s with NaOCl; in group 3, 30 s CA, 30 s with NaOCl, 30 s CA and 120 s with NaOCl; and in group 4, 60 s with CA, 30 s with NaOCl, 60 s with CA, and 120 s with NaOCl. The roots were split longitudinally and the root canals were observed under ×200-500 magnification. The root canal walls were analyzed in areas 2 mm, 6 mm and 10 mm from the apex. RESULTS: In the apical and medial sections, the best effects were achieved in groups 3 and 4. In coronal sections, no significant differences between experimental groups were found. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that irrigation with alternating NaOCl and CA was the most effective at smear layer removal, regardless of the irrigation time.

Pain Predictors in a Population of Temporomandibular Disorders Patients.

The aim of the present study was to assess the potential role of some biological, psychological, and social factors to predict the presence of painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in a TMD-patient population. The study sample consisted of 109 consecutive adult patients (81.7% females; mean age 33.2 ± 14.7 years) who were split into two groups based on Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) diagnoses: painful TMD and non-painful TMD. The presence of pain was adopted as the depended variable to be identified by the following independent variables (i.e., predictors): age, gender, bruxism, tooth wear, chewing gum, nail biting, perceived stress level, chronic pain-related impairment (GCPS), depression (DEP), and somatization (SOM). Single-variable logistic regression analysis showed a significant relationship between TMD pain and DEP with an odds ratio of 2.9. Building up a multiple variable model did not contribute to increase the predictive value of a TMD pain model related to the presence of depression. Findings from the present study supported the existence of a relationship between pain and depression in painful TMD patients. In the future, study designs should be improved by the adoption of the best available assessment approaches for each factor.

Awareness of oral health prophylaxis in pregnant women.

I n t r o d u c t i o n: During pregnancy, changes in the oral cavity occur due to fluctuations in hormone levels and changes in eating habits and hygiene. O b j e c t i v e s: To evaluate pregnant women's awareness of oral health prophylaxis. Material and Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was completed by 341 pregnant women from Malopolskie Voivodeship. The statistical analysis was carried out in the R program (v. 3.4.3); a p-value <0.05 was considered significant. R e s u l t s: Over half of the respondents did not receive oral hygiene instruction and did not take part in any prophylactic program. The main sources of oral health knowledge were the internet (66.3%), dentist (43.1%) and gynaecologist (17.9%). Respondents willingly followed the advice of healthcare workers. Approximately 32% of the surveyed women were aware of the most appropriate period for dental treatment (second trimester). Over half of the women admitted that they would receive dental care more often if more procedures were reimbursed. Approximately 71% of the women were aware of the increased susceptibility to tooth decay during pregnancy. The relationship between the presence of caries in parents and that in children was known by 42.1% of respondents, but 45% admitted they did not know how to take care of their child's teeth properly. C o n c l u s i o n s: Women with a higher education level had better knowledge in the area of oral health. However, most of the respondents need to increase their knowledge in this area. Prophylactic programs should be broadly propagated, and healthcare workers should deliver essential information in daily practice.

Prevalence of bacterial and fungal infections the oral cavity in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary coronary intervention.

The possible connection between oral health and overall health has been a subject of debate among medical practitioners and theoreticians for millenia. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of bacterial or fungal mouth infections in myocardial infarction patients treated with primary coronary intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 128 patients took part in the study (68 patients in the study group and 60 in the control group). The medical histories of the patients were taken, and the following tests were performed: a physical examination and an oral hygiene assessment. The oral hygiene assessment included a mycological evaluation of the oral cavity and bacteriological and mycological analyses of samples taken from gingival pockets. RESULTS: Fungal colonisation of the oral cavity was more prevalent in the study group than in the control group - 33 (50.0 %) vs 15 (25.0 %) p < 0.05. No statistically significant differences between the study and control groups were noted in terms of the number of positive bacteriological cultures. When it comes to predictors of myocardial infarction, fungal infections in the oral cavity were deemed to be a significant prognostic factor (OR 3.0). No similar correlation was identified in the case of bacterial infections. CONCLUSIONS: The study results suggest that poor oral health may be one of the predisposing factors for ischaemic heart disease, including in its acute form, i.e. myocardial infarction.

Prevalence of Function-Dependent Temporomandibular Joint and Masticatory Muscle Pain, and Predictors of Temporomandibular Disorders among Patients with Lyme Disease.

The aim was to determine the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in patients with Lyme disease (LD), and to estimate the contribution of factors that may identify TMD among LD patients. In seventy-six (N = 76) adult patients with LD (mean age 57.6 ± 14.6 years) and 54 healthy non-Lyme volunteers with a mean age of 56.4 ± 13.5 years, possible function (i.e., non-pain) diagnoses were established using the Research Diagnostic Criteria of Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Pain diagnoses were established by means of the function-dependent dynamic and static tests. The two groups did not significantly differ in the frequency of disc displacements diagnoses and function-dependent pain diagnoses. LD showed a significantly higher frequency (p < 0.001) of osteoarthrosis than the control group. For the prediction of pain diagnoses in LD patients, the single regression analyses pointed out an association with age, sleep bruxism (SB), and awake bruxism (AB). Two predictors (i.e., SB (p = 0.002) and AB (p = 0.017)) were statistically significant in the final multiple variable model. The frequency of TMD in patients with LD based on function-dependent tests was not significantly different from that in the control group. This investigation suggests that the contribution of bruxism to the differentiation between patients with Lyme and TMD is high.

An assessment of oral prophylaxis in patients with myocardial infarction diagnosed by means of coronary angiography.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess oral prophylaxis in patients with myocardial infarction diagnosed by means of coronary angiography compared with a control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants were recruited from patients who had undergone coronary angiography in the Cardiology Department. The study included 128 patients - 68 patients in a study group with acute coronary syndrome diagnosed by means of coronary angiography (ACSgroup) as well as 60 patients in a control group in whom coronarography revealed no lesions in coronary arteries (H-group). A detailed clinical dental examination was performed. The level of oral prophylaxis was assessed for both groups. The following factors were considered: the frequency of dental visits per year, the regularity of dental care, the frequency of toothbrushing per day, dental flossing, rinsing with a mouthwash, the use of an irrigator, and the use of single-tuft and interdental toothbrushes. RESULTS: Oral hygiene in the case of the study group was characterised by irregular dental care and inadequate hygiene procedures, with the exception of the use of an irrigator as well as single-tuft and interdental toothbrushes, where no statistically significant differences were noted between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The oral hygiene of patients from the ACS-group was poorer than in the case of the H-group and the difference was statistically significant.