Upregulation of Amy1 in the salivary glands of mice exposed to a lunar gravity environment using the multiple artificial gravity research system.

Introduction: Space is a unique environment characterized by isolation from community life and exposure to circadian misalignment, microgravity, and space radiation. These multiple differences from those experienced on the earth may cause systemic and local tissue stress. Autonomic nerves, including sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, regulate functions in multiple organs. Saliva is secreted from the salivary gland, which is regulated by autonomic nerves, and plays several important roles in the oral cavity and digestive processes. The balance of the autonomic nervous system in the seromucous glands, such as the submandibular glands, precisely controls serous and mucous saliva. Psychological stress, radiation damage, and other triggers can cause an imbalance in salivary secretion systems. A previous study reported that amylase is a stress marker in behavioral medicine and space flight crews; however, the detailed mechanisms underlying amylase regulation in the space environment are still unknown. Methods: In this study, we aimed to elucidate how lunar gravity (1/6 g) changes mRNA expression patterns in the salivary gland. Using a multiple artificial gravity research system during space flight in the International Space Station, we studied the effects of two different gravitational levels, lunar and Earth gravity, on the submandibular glands of mice. All mice survived, returned to Earth from space, and their submandibular glands were collected 2 days after landing. Results: We found that lunar gravity induced the expression of the salivary amylase gene Amy1; however, no increase in Aqp5 and Ano1, which regulate water secretion, was observed. In addition, genes involved in the exocrine system, such as vesicle-associated membrane protein 8 (Vamp8) and small G proteins, including Rap1 and Rab families, were upregulated under lunar gravity. Conclusion: These results imply that lunar gravity upregulates salivary amylase secretion via Rap/Rab signaling and exocytosis via Vamp8. Our study highlights Amy1 as a potential candidate marker for stress regulation in salivary glands in the lunar gravity environment.

Oral Health Status of Workers in Acid Exposure Environments in Japan: A Cross-sectional Study.

Although the working environment may play a role in dental acid erosion, few studies have been conducted on this in Japanese workers in recent years. The purpose of this study was to investigate oral health status, including dental erosion, in workers who may have been exposed to an acidic environment. The study participants were recruited by an online research company. Oral examinations and questionnaire surveys were conducted on this cohort in January 2023. A total of 144 participants were finally included. Workers exposed to an acidic environment showed more use of protective equipment and underwent more dental examinations at the workplace (p<0.001). Possible dental erosion was observed in only 3 out of the total of 144 participants (2.1%), however. No significant difference was observed in the number of teeth, caries experience, or dental erosion according to the number of years of acid exposure in the workplace. The results of this study suggest that acid exposure exerts a relatively small effect on the oral health status of workers in Japan.

In Vitro Risk Assessment of Dental Acid Erosion Caused by Long-Term Exposure to Oral Liquid Bandages.

Oral mucosa inflammation can cause severe pain and interfere with eating, reducing quality of life. However, few options for self-care are available. An oral liquid bandage forms a protective film over the affected area. We aimed to assess the acid erosion risk when a newly developed oral liquid bandage (ORAPLA) is accidentally deposited on teeth and to examine the relative acid erosion risk at multiple time points of the maximum recommended duration of continuous use. ORAPLA was applied to both enamel and dentin blocks from 45 bovine anterior mandibular teeth, and an acid challenge was performed in a simulated oral cavity with artificial saliva, with one exposure cycle lasting 6 h. The enamel showed substantial defects and a decrease in Vickers hardness after nine cycles, with no change in surface roughness. Dentin showed an increase in parenchymal defects and surface roughness and a trend toward decreased Vickers hardness with increasing exposure time. We found no significant acid corrosion in enamel after up to nine times the upper limit of normal use time or in dentin after up to six times the upper limit. We conclude that the acid erosion risk due to accidental attachment to teeth is low, and in the human oral cavity with salivary buffering and remineralization, likely even lower.

Inhibition of Citric Acid-Induced Dentin Erosion by an Acidulated Phosphate Sodium Monofluorophosphate Solution.

Sodium monofluorophosphate (Na2FPO3, MFP) is mainly used as an ingredient in fluoride-based dentifrices as it has a high safety profile, with one-third of the toxicity of sodium fluoride (NaF), as well as the ability to reach deep into the dentin. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevention of dentin erosion by MFP upon exposure to citric acid, which has a chelating effect, and to compare the effects to those of the conventional acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) application method. Bovine dentin was used, and four groups were created: (i) APF (9000 ppmF, pH 3.6) 4 min group; (ii) acidulated phosphate MFP (AP-MFP, 9000 ppmF, pH 3.6) 4 min group; (iii) AP-MFP 2 min + APF 2 min (dual) group; and (iv) no fluoride application (control) group. Compared with the conventional APF application method, the application of AP-MFP was shown to significantly reduce substantial defects, mineral loss, and lesion depth; better maintain Vickers hardness; and promote the homogenous aggregation of fine CaF2 particles to seal the dentin tubules, enhancing acid resistance in their vicinity. The ΔZ value of the AP-MFP group was 2679 ± 290.2 vol% µm, significantly smaller than the APF group's 3806 ± 257.5 vol% µm (p < 0.01). Thus, AP-MFP-based fluoride application could effectively suppress citric acid-induced demineralization and could become a new, more powerful, and biologically safer professional-care method for preventing acid-induced dentin erosion than the conventional method.

Fully Automated Bioreactor-Based pH-Cycling System for Demineralization: A Comparative Study with a Conventional Method.

This study aimed to develop an automated pH-cycling system using inexpensive commercial components that can replicate pH fluctuations in the oral cavity and salivary clearance to compare demineralization characteristics with the conventional method. The study found that the newly developed cycle-1 group showed improved demineralization properties, including apparent lesion depth, surface roughness, Vickers hardness, mineral loss, and depth of demineralization, compared to the control group. Additionally, the cycle-2 group, which had a longer cycle interval, showed further improvements in the demineralization properties. This system can replicate the differences in dental damage caused by differences in meals, snacking frequencies, and lifestyle rhythms, making it useful in cariology, preventive dentistry research, and oral care product development. It can be constructed using inexpensive commercial products, significantly reducing research costs and improving reproducibility and fairness between different experimental facilities. The system can replicate lifestyle rhythms, such as meals, sleep, and oral clearance by saliva, making it an in vitro pseudo-oral cavity.

Delivery of Low-Diluted Toothpaste during Brushing Improves Enamel Acid Resistance.

Toothpaste viscosity decreases rapidly when diluted with saliva during brushing, potentially causing premature washout of high-risk caries areas and reducing the uptake of dental fluoride ions. However, no reports have examined the acid resistance of enamel from the perspective of the toothpaste's physical properties. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of toothpaste dilution on the acid resistance of the enamel, using bovine enamel as the subject. Five diluted toothpaste groups were created: a control group without toothpaste, and 100% (1.00×), 67% (1.50×), 50% (2.00×), and 25% (4.00×) dilution groups. Acid resistance was evaluated through pH cycling after toothpaste application. The results revealed a significant increase in substantial defects, compared to 67% (1.50×) at dilutions of 50% (2.00×) or higher, accompanied by a decrease in Vickers hardness. Moreover, the mineral loss increased with dilution, and a significant difference was observed between 67% (1.50×) and 50% (2.00×) (p < 0.01). This study revealed that the acid resistance of the enamel decreased when the dilution of toothpaste during brushing exceeded 67% (1.5×). Therefore, delivering toothpaste with a lower dilution to high-risk caries areas, including interproximal spaces and adjacent surfaces, could maintain a higher concentration of active ingredients in the toothpaste, thereby enhancing its medical effects.

Development of Root Caries Prevention by Nano-Hydroxyapatite Coating and Improvement of Dentin Acid Resistance.

There is no established method for optimizing the use of dentin to prevent root caries, which are increasing in the elderly population. This study aimed to develop a new approach for root caries prevention by focusing on bioapatite (BioHap), a new biomaterial, combined with fluoride. Bovine dentin was used as a sample, and an acid challenge was performed in three groups: no fluoride (control group), acidulated phosphate fluoride treatment (APF group), and BioHap + APF treatment (BioHap group). After applying the new compound, the acid resistance of dentin was compared with that of APF alone. The BioHap group had fewer defects and an increased surface hardness than the APF group. The BioHap group had the smallest lesion depth and least mineral loss among all groups. Using a scanning electron microscope in the BioHap group showed the closure of dentinal tubules and a coating on the surface. The BioHap group maintained a coating and had higher acid resistance than the APF group. The coating prevents acid penetration, and the small particle size of BioHap and its excellent reactivity with fluoride are thought to have contributed to the improvement of acid resistance in dentin. Topical fluoride application using BioHap protects against root caries.

Comparison of interproximal delivery and flow characteristics by dentifrice dilution and application of prepared toothpaste delivery technique.

In home care, the toothpaste technique, which can enhance the caries-preventive effect without changing the amount of dentifrice and fluoride ion concentration, is of great significance. This study aimed to construct a model and experimental system that reproduces the interdental part and to clarify the relationship between the change in dentifrice viscosity due to dilution and washout in the high-risk approximal area of caries. Additionally, the effectiveness of the toothpaste technique and appropriate devices for delivering dentifrice to the interdental area at a low dilution were investigated. Diluted toothpaste samples were prepared (: ×1.00, ×1.25, ×1.50, ×1.75, ×2.00, ×3.00, and ×4.00). An acrylic interproximal model was created for this experiment. The flow characteristics and viscosity by dentifrice dilution were measured. In the case of low dilution of 57% (1.75×) or more, it was shown that the dentifrice in the high-risk area may be washed out early because of the decrease in viscosity, and the caries-preventive effect may be reduced. It was also suggested that to keep the dentifrice in the interdental area for 120 s at the end of brushing, a dilution must be devised to a concentration of at least 50% (2.00×). The prepared toothpaste delivery (PTD) method of delivering dentifrice to the interdental area while maintaining it at a low dilution is an effective toothpaste technique in terms of dentifrice dilution and viscosity. The use of finger brushes in the PTD method could increase the efficiency of dentifrice delivery.

Improved Enamel Acid Resistance Using Biocompatible Nano-Hydroxyapatite Coating Method.

In this study, we attempted to develop a dental caries prevention method using a bioapatite (BioHap), an eggshell-derived apatite with nanoparticle size and biocompatibility, with a high-concentration fluoride tooth surface application method. The enamel acid resistance after the application of the proposed method was compared with that of a conventional topical application of fluoride using bovine tooth enamel as an example. The tooth samples were divided into three groups based on the preventive treatment applied, and an acid challenge was performed. The samples were evaluated for acid resistance using qualitative and quantitative analytical methods. The BioHap group demonstrated reduced enamel loss and improved micro-Vickers hardness, along with a thick coating layer, decreased reaction area depth, and decreased mineral loss value and lesion depth. The combination of BioHap with high-concentration fluoride led to the formation of a thick coating layer on the enamel surface and better suppression of demineralization than the conventional method, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The proposed biocompatible nano-hydroxyapatite coating method is expected to become a new standard for providing professional care to prevent dental caries.

Improved Enamel Acid Resistance by Highly Concentrated Acidulated Phosphate Sodium Monofluorophosphate Solution.

Sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) is a component of fluoride-containing dentifrices and is more biosafe than the conventional sodium fluoride (NaF). MFP can respond not only on the tooth surface layer but also deep into the enamel. We aim to confirm that high concentrations of acid phosphate MFP (AP-MFP, 9000 ppmF), used in professional care, could lead to a highly biosafe fluoride application method that acts through the deep enamel layers. Sample groups were respectively treated in vitro with NaF, acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF), MFP, and AP-MFP, and the samples were compared against an untreated group. Characterizations after fluoride application confirmed that MFP and AP-MFP treatments improved the acid resistance of enamel compared to that of conventional methods. Furthermore, the acid resistance of highly concentrated MFPs improved by using phosphoric acid. Although the acid resistance from the AP-MFP method is not as good as that using APF, AP-MFP can act both on the surface layer and deep into the enamel. Moreover, AP-MFP retains fluoride ions as much as APF does on the tooth surface. The proposed fluoride application method using AP-MFP introduces a dental treatment for acid resistance that is highly biosafe and penetrates deep layers of the enamel.

Relationship between Toothpaste Dilution Ratio and Droplets Generated during Tooth-Brushing.

Guidelines for using toothpaste during tooth-brushing in public places during the coronavirus epidemic are lacking. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of using toothpaste in terms of droplet generation during brushing, the number of droplets generated, and their scatter range are unknown; therefore, we investigated the relationships between diluted toothpaste viscosity, the number of droplets generated, and the droplets' flight distance. We developed a system to quantitate droplet generation during tooth-brushing. Brushing with water generated 5965 ± 266 droplets; 10.0× diluted toothpaste generated 538 ± 56, 4.00× diluted toothpaste generated 349 ± 15, and 2.00× diluted toothpaste generated 69 ± 27 droplets. Undiluted toothpaste generated no droplets. Droplet number tended to increase with increased toothpaste dilution ratio and decreased viscosity (r = -0.993). The maximum flight distances were 429 ± 11, 445 ± 65, 316 ± 38, and 231 ± 21 mm for water, 10.0×, 4.00×, and 2.00× diluted toothpaste, respectively. The maximum flight distance and toothpaste viscosity correlated negatively (r = -0.999). Thus, the less diluted the toothpaste, the fewer the droplets generated during brushing, and the shorter their flight distance. The use of an appropriate amount of toothpaste is recommended to prevent droplet infection during tooth-brushing.

Plasma Membrane Ca2+-ATPase in Rat and Human Odontoblasts Mediates Dentin Mineralization.

Intracellular Ca2+ signaling engendered by Ca2+ influx and mobilization in odontoblasts is critical for dentinogenesis induced by multiple stimuli at the dentin surface. Increased Ca2+ is exported by the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis. We previously demonstrated a functional coupling between Ca2+ extrusion by NCX and its influx through transient receptor potential channels in odontoblasts. Although the presence of PMCA in odontoblasts has been previously described, steady-state levels of mRNA-encoding PMCA subtypes, pharmacological properties, and other cellular functions remain unclear. Thus, we investigated PMCA mRNA levels and their contribution to mineralization under physiological conditions. We also examined the role of PMCA in the Ca2+ extrusion pathway during hypotonic and alkaline stimulation-induced increases in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). We performed RT-PCR and mineralization assays in human odontoblasts. [Ca2+]i was measured using fura-2 fluorescence measurements in odontoblasts isolated from newborn Wistar rat incisor teeth and human odontoblasts. We detected mRNA encoding PMCA1-4 in human odontoblasts. The application of hypotonic or alkaline solutions transiently increased [Ca2+]i in odontoblasts in both rat and human odontoblasts. The Ca2+ extrusion efficiency during the hypotonic or alkaline solution-induced [Ca2+]i increase was decreased by PMCA inhibitors in both cell types. Alizarin red and von Kossa staining showed that PMCA inhibition suppressed mineralization. In addition, alkaline stimulation (not hypotonic stimulation) to human odontoblasts upregulated the mRNA levels of dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). The PMCA inhibitor did not affect DMP-1 or DSPP mRNA levels at pH 7.4-8.8 and under isotonic and hypotonic conditions, respectively. We also observed PMCA1 immunoreactivity using immunofluorescence analysis. These findings indicate that PMCA participates in maintaining [Ca2+]i homeostasis in odontoblasts by Ca2+ extrusion following [Ca2+]i elevation. In addition, PMCA participates in dentinogenesis by transporting Ca2+ to the mineralizing front (which is independent of non-collagenous dentin matrix protein secretion) under physiological and pathological conditions following mechanical stimulation by hydrodynamic force inside dentinal tubules, or direct alkaline stimulation by the application of high-pH dental materials.

Risk assessment of fluoride daily intake from preference beverage.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Tea, coffee and alcohol beverages are called preference beverage and are drunk habitual and in large quantities. Therefore, there is a high possibility that a health risk is caused by the contained components, and risk assessment of intake is essential. However, the risk assessment of fluoride intake from preference beverages has not been sufficiently performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study estimated the daily fluoride intake from preference beverages by measuring the fluoride concentration of infusion liquid and measuring the total fluoride content by the microdiffusion method. In addition, Hazard Quotient (HQ) was calculated for children and adults to assess the risk of fluoride intake. RESULTS: As a result of this study, tea was the highest in all sample species, the infusion of tea was 1.06-6.68 mg/L and the total fluoride content of tea was 47.05-291.98 mg/kg. Green tea showed the next highest value, 0.26-4.09 mg/L, 21.91-83.68 mg/kg. Herbal tea fluoride levels were 0.07-0.17 mg/L and 0.05-1.90 mg/kg, Unique tea was 0.03-0.60 mg/L and 0.03-32.37 mg/kg, Coffee was 0.03-0.15 mg/L and 0.04-0.64 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: The HQ values calculated from the average daily fluoride intake (DFI) of preference beverages were all within the safe range. Some products made from Camellia sinensis, such as tea and green tea, had 1.66 mg/day as DFI at maximum, and the Child's HQ exceeded 1. These results suggest that habitual consumption of some products requires risk management of dental fluorosis.

Modified toothpaste application using prepared toothpaste delivering technique increases interproximal fluoride toothpaste delivery.

OBJECTIVES: We devised a "prepared toothpaste delivering technique" (PTD technique), a modified the application of toothpaste method for using fluoride toothpaste more effectively. This study aimed to investigate the change in viscosity and fluoride intake into hydroxyapatite of a toothpaste, and deliverability of fluoride toothpaste to the interproximal site with the PTD technique using an interproximal model. METHODS: Eight toothpaste samples were prepared at the following concentrations: ×1.00, ×1.25, ×1.50, ×1.75, ×2.00, ×3.00, ×4.00, and ×5.00. Viscosity of the toothpaste was measured by a Type-B viscometer. Dissolution rate of toothpaste and fluoride uptake into the hydroxy apatite pellet were analyzed by a fluoride selective electrode. Application paste volume and delivery rate was measured using interproximal model and image analysis software during using a finger brush front (FBF), finger brush back (FBB), and toothbrush. RESULTS: As the dilution ratio increased, the viscosity of the toothpaste decreased sharply, F uptake decreased, and dissolution rate increased. F uptake was significantly reduced when the toothpaste was diluted more than 1.75 times. Therefore, in order to improve the effectiveness of the fluoride toothpaste, it is important to deliver the toothpaste to interproximal areas and pit clefts at low dilution. It was observed that PTD technique can be effectively implemented by the finger brush. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a FBF surface in the analysis of an acrylic interproximal model could aid in applying pressure while blocking the space of the groove and preventing outflow of the toothpaste. It was considered that the PTD technique would improve the effects of the fluoride toothpaste, especially in the interproximal site.

Relationship between oral symptoms during diving work and preventative dental visits in Japanese male occupational divers.

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between dental symptoms experienced by occupational divers during diving and their participation in preventative dental visits. The questionnaire for this study was sent by post to 160 establishments and 215 members of the Japan Diving Association and participants were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire. Data from 242 occupational divers (male, aged 20-79 yr) were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression analysis and correspondence analysis were performed to determine the relationship between dental symptoms experienced during diving and participation in preventative dental visits. We found that divers who experienced tooth pain while diving had not undergone preventative dental visits within the previous year (odds ratio: 2.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.12-6.80). This was also confirmed by correspondence analysis These findings suggested that not undergoing preventative dental visits was related to tooth pain during diving.

Light conditions affect rhythmic expression of aquaporin 5 and anoctamin 1 in rat submandibular glands.

Circadian rhythms regulate various physiological functions and are, therefore, essential for health. Light helps regulate the master and peripheral clocks. The secretion rates of saliva and electrolytes follow a circadian rhythm as well. However, the relationship between the molecular mechanism of saliva water secretion and the peripheral circadian rhythm in salivary glands is not yet clear. The transmembrane proteins aquaporin5 (Aqp5) and anoctamin1 (Ano1) are essential for water transport in the submandibular glands (SGs). The purpose of this study was to reveal the effect of light conditioning on the peripheral clock in SGs. We examined temporal expression patterns among clock genes, Aqp5 and Ano1, in rat SGs under light/dark (LD) and dark/dark (DD) conditions. We observed circadian rhythmic expression of Bmal1, Per2, Cry1, Aqp5, and Ano1 mRNAs under both LD and DD conditions. The expression levels of Aqp5 and Ano1 peaked 6 h earlier under the DD condition than under the LD condition. Maintenance of the circadian rhythm of Aqp5 and Ano1 expression even under the DD condition indicates that Aqp5 and Ano1 may be controlled by clock genes; such genes are called clock-controlled genes (CCGs). Western blot analysis revealed the circadian oscillation and peak shift of AQP5 and ANO1expression under DD conditions. Clock genes may regulate the rhythmic expression of Ano1 and Aqp5 and may control osmic gradients in SGs.

Estimation of daily fluoride intake of infants using the microdiffusion method.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The standard of daily fluoride intake (DFI) has been discussed mainly for adults since 1950s in Japan. Although dietary habits have changed significantly in recent years, there have been no further studies on DFI in the past 10 years, and the need for further review has been discussed. Additionally, fluoride bioavailability in infants is higher than that in adults; hence, an excess fluoride intake often manifests symptoms. However, the number of studies on the DFI of infants is less than that of adults. The purpose of this study is to investigate the DFI for Japanese infants to provide adequate fluoride application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 products of infant foods for 4 age groups, 5 products of infant formulas, and 5 products of bottle water available in retail stores in Japan were prepared for this study. Fluoride concentration of each product was measured by microdiffusion method and fluoride ion-selective electrode, and then DFI in infants aged 5, 7, 9, and 12 months were calculated. RESULTS: According to our study, the DFI in infants aged 5, 7, 9, and 12 months is 185.34 µg/day, 181.16 µg/day, 174.59 µg/day, and 179.19 µg/day, respectively. CONCLUSION: From this result, it is estimated that the DFI from infant food and beverages in Japan is lower than the standard in other countries. Lifestyles and dietary habits are different in each country, and a new standard of DFI for Japanese children is required to meet the adequate fluoride recommendation.

Relationship between Blood HbA1c Level and Decayed Teeth in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-sectional Study.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether there is an association between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level and the presence or absence of decayed teeth in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patients and data on their age and sex, the presence or absence of dental claims, medical history of diabetes mellitus, and workplace dental examinations were obtained from a Japanese healthcare database available for epidemiological studies. The HbA1c levels were obtained from results of the Specific Health Checkups and Specific Health Guidance tests conducted by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Data on a total of 1,897 patients were analyzed. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c≥6.5, n=779) had more decayed teeth than those in whom it was well controlled (HbA1c<6.5, n=1,118). Multiple logistic regression analysis with the presence or absence of decayed teeth as a dependent variable revealed a significant association between an HbA1c level of ≥8.0 and decayed teeth (odds ratio: 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-2.29), even after adjusting for dental attendance. This suggests that a poorly controlled blood HbA1c level is a risk factor for dental caries. More thorough oral hygiene instruction and education on preventive treatment for dental caries in patients with poorly controlled diabetes are needed.

Factors Associated with Undergoing Regular Dental Check-ups in Healthy Elderly Individuals.

The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of healthy elderly individuals undergoing regular dental check-ups and identify any environmental or associated oral factors. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was used to interview 216 individuals attending 2 welfare facilities for the elderly, of whom 160 were included in the final analysis. Items comprised age, sex, number of residual teeth, frequency of teeth/denture cleaning, subjective chewing ability, denture use, oral status, regular dental check-ups, visitation of the same dentist, number of dental visits in the past year, General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) (Japanese version) score, living situation, and use of routine medication. Individuals undergoing regular dental check-ups were defined as those with a primary dentist whom they saw for dental check-ups at least once a year. The rate of individuals undergoing regular dental check-ups was 75.0% in men aged 60-74 years, 58.8% in women aged 60-74 years, 70.0% in men aged 75 years or over, and 45.3% in women aged 75 years or over. Logistic regression analysis revealed a higher number of residual teeth (odds ratio [OR]=2.664 in comparison with those with fewer than 20 teeth, p=0.0427); cleaning teeth/dentures 3 or more times per day (OR=2.546 in comparison with cleaning them twice per day or less, p=0.0157); and a higher GOHAI score (OR=2.742 in comparison with those with a GOHAI score of less than 58, p=0.0263) as factors significantly correlated with undergoing regular dental check-ups. In conclusion, the results revealed that individuals undergoing regular dental check-ups had 20 or more residual teeth, cleaned their teeth/denture 3 or more times per day, and had a higher GOHAI score. This indicates that the best predictive factor for undergoing regular dental check-ups in healthy elderly individuals is their GOHAI score.

Number of Non-vital Teeth as Indicator of Tooth Loss during 10-year Maintenance: A Retrospective Study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether number of non-vital teeth was an indicator of tooth loss during maintenance. Thirty-three general practitioners provided data on 321 patients undergoing maintenance over 10 years. The number of present teeth (PT), smoking status, level of bone loss, number of non-vital teeth, and reason for tooth loss during that period were investigated. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify whether the number of non-vital teeth was associated with tooth loss. The average number of lost teeth was 1.07±1.82; that of PT at baseline was 24.4±3.9; and that of non-vital teeth at baseline was 5.4±4.5. Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant association between >8 non-vital teeth and tooth loss during maintenance (odds ratio [OR]: 2.40; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-4.87). It also demonstrated relationships between >8 non-vital teeth and root fracture or caries (OR: 3.90; 95%CI: 1.68-9.03 or OR: 2.85, 95%CI: 1.14-7.10, respectively). The number of non-vital teeth was associated with tooth loss during maintenance. The results suggest that patients with many non-vital teeth before commencement of maintenance are particularly at risk of tooth loss due to root fracture or caries. Therefore, the number of non-vital teeth offers a useful indicator of potential tooth loss.