Orofacial Features and Their Correlation in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Background: The association between cardiovascular diseases and periodontitis had different pathophysiological mechanisms involved. These mechanisms are both inflammatory and microbial. Furthermore, the possible association between two diseases can be explained by common risk factors. Aims: The present trial was carried out to establish a relation between coronary artery disease and periodontitis. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-six participants advised for the angiography were included. Periodontists determined the presence of periodontitis in all participants followed by lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and blood coronary angiography was then performed. The collected data were subjected to the statistical analysis, and the results were formulated. Results: The level of CRP in participants with and without coronary artery disease was 0.66 ± 1.52 and 0.53 ± 1.01, respectively, which was nonsignificant with a P = 0.63. Nonstatistically significant difference was seen in values of cholesterol and blood glucose in participants with and without coronary artery disease (P = 0.28 and P = 0.53). The mean tooth loss in participants with coronary artery disease was 14.2 ± 6.4 and in participants with no coronary artery disease was 11.8 ± 6.5, and such difference was statistically significant (P = 0.05). Conclusion: The present study establishes an association between poor oral health, periodontitis, and coronary artery disease. This study demonstrates that tooth loss which is an important feature of periodontitis is significantly associated with coronary artery disease.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Evidence-Based Dentistry, Perception Basis, and Use of Articaine Among Dental Practitioners.

Background: Many dentists use articaine as their choice of local anesthetic agent. However, the use of articaine is limited to inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANBs), and literature data are scarce concerning its perception and choice among various dental practitioners. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the extent of articaine use as a local anesthetic in dentistry, its perception basis, and the consistency of evidence of the efficacy and safety of articaine in recent practice. Methods: The present study utilized a survey tool that was given to all the participating dental practitioners, and the participants were given five minutes to fill out the survey questionnaire. The questionnaire was in English and had 14 questions to be answered. The data gathered were statistically assessed to formulate the results. Results: The results of this cross-sectional survey reported that articaine is used as a choice of local anesthetic by more than half of the participating dental practitioners. Sixty percent (n = 480) participants used articaine in their practice, followed by lidocaine, which was used by 33% (n = 264) dental practitioners, mepivacaine by 2% (n = 16) participants, prilocaine by 1% (n = 8) dental practitioners, and other local anesthetics by 4% (n = 32) participants, respectively. Concerning the safety and efficacy of articaine use, 43% used it for all procedures except for IANBs, whereas 20% used it for all procedures, including IANBs. Conclusion: Despite the reported efficacy and safety of articaine as a local anesthetic for all dental procedures, many dental practitioners refrain from using it, especially for IANBs. These data depict a difference between current research evidence and reported clinical practice.

Skills, Knowledge, and Implementation of Techniques for Behavioral Guidance in Adults with a Fear of Dentistry.

BACKGROUND: Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is considered the main reason of dental negligence which can lead to detrimental oral health as well as overall health including psychological well-being and quality of life in an individual. AIMS: The present trial was aimed to assess the skill and knowledge of dentists in managing DFA in adult subjects, to evaluate the available strategies used in treating such subjects, and to find the need for further education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was an original survey and questionnaire trial, which was distributed to the 82 dentists. The collected data were subjected to statistical evaluation and the results were formulated. RESULTS: Educating and motivating subjects was found to be effective by 62.19% (n = 51) of dentists followed by successive approximation, and muscle relaxation was considered highly ineffective by one responder (1.21%). Music and reduced waiting time in the clinic appeared to be the most effective strategy as responded by 56.09% (n = 46) of dentists. Attempting treatment in various visits than a single seems to be a highly ineffective technique by 4 dentists (4.87%). CONCLUSION: Within its limitation, the study showed that the application of various behavior modification techniques can be effective in alleviating DFA in adult patients.

Alterations in Integumental Facial Dimensions after Orthodontic Treatment.

BACKGROUND: It is documented that the facial profile changes, morphology changes, and continued facial growth in early adults and late adolescents. AIMS: The present trial was aimed to quantitatively assess the changes in facial growth from adolescents to adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, 16 facial distances (transverse) and craniocaudal facial distances were measured, and growth changes were assessed. The collected data were subjected to statistical evaluation, and the results were formulated. RESULTS: Upper face width was statistically significantly increased in males than females from posttreatment to recall with the P < 0.0001. The decrease in outer canthus was seen in females as compared to males, which was statistically significant with the P < 0.0001. An increase in mouth width was seen in both males and females with higher in females. CONCLUSION: The present study showed an increase in facial dimensions in both genders with age where transverse changes were higher than the craniocaudal alterations.