The relation between 6-n-propylthiouracil sensitivity and caries activity in schoolchildren.

Caries activity tests are being used to assess caries risk in children. In recent years the purpose of most studies has been to develop practical, quick, reliable and economic tests. Clinical studies showed that the difference in sensitivity to the bitter taste of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is a heritable trait and may influence children's nutritional habits and caries development. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between PROP sensitivity and caries activity in schoolchildren, in comparison with different caries activity tests. One hundred and twenty children aged between 7 and 12 years (mean age 9.97 ± 1.59) were investigated to determine socioeconomic status and oral hygiene habits, fluoride consumption, DMFT, DMFS, df, dfs, plaque indexes, and nutritional habits. Children were divided into three groups according to their caries risk status based on the Cariogram. The solution test and the PROP-impregnated filter paper test were used together to determine PROP sensitivity. After all associated factors had been controlled, stepwise regression analyses revealed that DMFT and dfs scores were important determinants of PROP. According to dfs, the sensitivity of the Cariogram and of PROP tests was 0.85 and 0.70, respectively, and specificity was 0.32 and 0.33, respectively. There was an inverse significant relationship between PROP sensitivity and DMFT, DMFS, and dfs results (p < 0.01). In conclusion, PROP nontasters were significantly more likely to have high caries risk than PROP tasters (p < 0.01).

Comparison of the sealing ability of four cavity varnishes: an in vitro study.

The purpose of this study was to test and to compare, in vitro, the sealing ability of four different cavity varnishes used to minimize the marginal leakage of amalgam fillings. For this purpose, a model was developed in order to avoid quality-deteriorating effects (such as condensation forces used during placement of amalgam) and temperature changes. In this model, raw ceramic disks were used instead of dentin. The four varnishes showed significant reducing effect on the penetration of the dye (Methylene Blue) compared with the control. There was no cavity varnish with optimal sealing.

Factitial (self-induced) gingival disease: four case reports.

Bizarre-appearing gingival recessions that do not correspond to any known gingival disease or oral manifestation of any known systemic disease are called factitial (self-induced) gingival disease. Psychological factors are very important in their etiology. Generally, the lesions occur during the time the child is experiencing stress associated with the frustration of his or her dependency needs. Four cases of self-induced gingival recessions involving children aged 4 to 6 years are presented and investigated from the pedodontic, periodontologic, and psychiatric viewpoints.

Oligodontia: a case report.

Oligodontia is the agenesis of numerous teeth, and is commonly associated with specific syndromes and/or severe systemic abnormalities. In this paper a patient with 14 missing permanent teeth is presented clinically with her conservative and prosthetic treatments.

Mercury hypersensitivity from amalgam: report of case.

Mercury hypersensitivity is an allergic response mediated by the immune system. allergic reactions to mercury and other constituents of amalgam have been documented, but are very rare. The common symptoms are dermatitis, eczema, urticaria, erythema, edema and itching, occurring primarily on the face, neck, limbs and upper torso. In this paper an interesting case of mercury hypersensitivity is investigated and discussed.

Effect of mercury from dental amalgams on mercury concentration in urine.

A study was conducted to determine the mercury concentration in urine after placement of dental amalgam restorations. The 24-h urine mercury levels in 10 children with a mean age of 8 years were determined before the amalgam restorations had been placed, and after placement. The urinary mercury content was measured by the cold vapor atomic fluorescence method. Mercury levels in the urine samples before placement of the amalgam restorations were below the detection limit, and the values obtained after placement, although detectable, were far below the limits stipulated by the World Health Organization. Under the conditions of this study, it is considered that the mercury levels released from dental amalgams are not high enough to cause any systemic toxic effect.

EEC syndrome (ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting): a clinical case report.

The EEC syndrome (ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia -clefting) is defined as a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome characterized by ectodermal dysplasia, distal limb anomaly, cleft lip/palate, and lacrimal duct anomalies. This case report reviews and presents clinical symptoms and treatment of the EEC syndrome.

Effectiveness of three cavity varnishes in reducing marginal microleakage of amalgam restorations: an in vitro study.

Dentin Adhesit, Cavi-Line and Kavite Lak cavity varnishes were applied to the walls of prepared Class V cavities in fifty-two caries free extracted molar teeth before placing amalgam fillings. Tests with Methylene Blue dye after thermocycling showed that all cavity varnishes showed significantly lesser marginal leakage when compared with the control group without any cavity varnish.