In vitro evaluation of dentin permeability of fluorotic primary teeth with a new electronic hydraulic conductance measurement system with photosensors.

OBJECTIVES: The permeability characteristics of dentin have been used in many in vitro studies to evaluate longitudinally the efficacy of various restorative and preventative procedures. The easiest way to evaluate dentin permeability is to calculate its hydraulic conductance (Lp) by fluid filtration method. There are researches on electronic hydraulic conductance measurement systems which can give more precise and reliable results of permeability of dentine than the classical system. To the authors' knowledge, there are no studies on bonding properties of restoratives to fluorotic primary teeth and dentin permeability of those teeth in the literature. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the dentin permeability of fluorotic primary molars precisely with a new 'electronic hydraulic conductance measurement system with photosensors' and to compare the data with healthy primary molars. METHODS: A total of 40 fluorotic and healthy primary second molar teeth with 1/3 root resorption, which were extracted for orthodontic purpose and with no caries, restoration, fracture or crack were selected and used in this study. Teeth were classified according to the modified form of dental fluorosis index of Thylstrup&Fejerskov. Dentin discs were placed in the electronic hydraulic conductance measurement system with photosensors which was designed for the measurement of dentin permeability. The amount of distilled water passed through each dentin disk (muL/min) under a constant pressure was determined. Dentin permeability data of the fluorotic and healthy teeth were recorded and analysed statistically. RESULTS: It was observed that dentin permeability decreases, while dental fluorosis severity increases in primary teeth.

Effect of fluoride on salivary immunoglobulins and sialic acid.

OBJECTIVE:: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride on salivary immunoglobulin and sialic acid levels in children with dental fluorosis and healthy teeth who live in places with high fluoride concentration in drinking water. METHOD:: Fifty-one (51) healthy children between 6 and 12 years old with no caries were randomly selected from primary schools enrolled in the dental-care program operated by the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. The children were divided into two groups: group I comprised 26 children with dental fluorosis [Thylstrup-Fejerskov Dental Fluorosis Index (TFI) = 4] who lived in Isparta (2.7-2.8 ppm), and group II consisted of 25 children without dental fluorosis who were born in low-fluoride areas and had lived in Isparta for only the previous two years. Stimulated and unstimulated saliva were collected and analyzed for fluoride, salivary immunoglobulins and sialic acid levels. RESULTS:: Sialic acid level was correlated negatively with age. Levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and secretory immunoglobulin G (sIgG) were higher in children with dental fluorosis compared with those in group II, although these differences were not significant. CONCLUSION:: Increased sIgA and sIgG levels may arrest the progression of caries in subjects with dental fluorosis. Given the risks of dental fluorosis, further studies of the effects of different fluoride levels in drinking water on salivary composition of children with mixed dentition are needed to confirm the results of our study and to provide data for comparison.

Congenital lower lip pits (Van der Woude syndrome): report of a case.

Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder that is characterized by a cleft lip and palate with congenital lip pits. This is a report of a case of VWS with sinuses in the lower lip, a cleft in the upper lip, and a supernumerary tooth in the maxilla. The main characteristics of this disorder are discussed. Dental treatment of the patient was performed, but the surgical removal of the sinus was rejected by the parents. This case report brings this condition to the attention of dentists and surgeons and emphasizes lip pits may not always be identical in appearance.

Effect of fluoride on salivary immunoglobulins and sialic acid

Summary Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride on salivary immunoglobulin and sialic acid levels in children with dental fluorosis and healthy teeth who live in places with high fluoride concentration in drinking water. Method: Fifty-one (51) healthy children between 6 and 12 years old with no caries were randomly selected from primary schools enrolled in the dental-care program operated by the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. The children were divided into two groups: group I comprised 26 children with dental fluorosis [Thylstrup-Fejerskov Dental Fluorosis Index (TFI) = 4] who lived in Isparta (2.7-2.8 ppm), and group II consisted of 25 children without dental fluorosis who were born in low-fluoride areas and had lived in Isparta for only the previous two years. Stimulated and unstimulated saliva were collected and analyzed for fluoride, salivary immunoglobulins and sialic acid levels. Results: Sialic acid level was correlated negatively with age. Levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and secretory immunoglobulin G (sIgG) were higher in children with dental fluorosis compared with those in group II, although these differences were not significant. Conclusion: Increased sIgA and sIgG levels may arrest the progression of caries in subjects with dental fluorosis. Given the risks of dental fluorosis, further studies of the effects of different fluoride levels in drinking water on salivary composition of children with mixed dentition are needed to confirm the results of our study and to provide data for comparison.