Vibrational monitor of early demineralization in tooth enamel after in vitro exposure to phosphoridic liquid.

The Raman spectroscopic method has been applied to quantitatively assess the in vitro degree of demineralization in healthy human teeth. Based on previous evaluations of Raman selection rules (empowered by an orientation distribution function (ODF) statistical algorithm) and on a newly proposed analysis of phonon density of states (PDOS) for selected vibrational modes of the hexagonal structure of hydroxyapatite, a molecular-scale evaluation of the demineralization process upon in vitro exposure to a highly acidic beverage (i.e., CocaCola™ Classic, pH=2.5) could be obtained. The Raman method proved quite sensitive and spectroscopic features could be directly related to an increase in off-stoichiometry of the enamel surface structure since the very early stage of the demineralization process (i.e., when yet invisible to other conventional analytical techniques). The proposed Raman spectroscopic algorithm might possess some generality for caries risk assessment, allowing a prompt non-contact diagnostic practice in dentistry.

Bisphosphonates: Pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, mechanisms of action, clinical applications in children, and effects on tooth development.

Bisphosphonates (BPs) avidly bind to calcium crystals and inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, making them useful for treatment of skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease, osteogenesis imperfecta and metastatic bone diseases. BPs therapeutically act by causing toxic effects on osteoclasts or interfering with specific intracellular pathways in those cells. BPs that possess nitrogen in their composition are called nitrogen-containing BPs (NBPs) and include alendronate, pamidronate, risedronate, ibandronate, and zoledronate. Simple BPs or non-NBPs do not have nitrogen in their composition, include etiodronate and clodronate, and were the first to be tested in animals and clinically used. Because BPs may be administered to pregnant women or children during deciduous and permanent teeth development, it is expected that they might disturb tooth eruption and development. A review of current literature on pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications of BPs in children, and their effects on tooth eruption and development is presented.

Association of cyclophosphamide use with dental developmental defects and salivary gland dysfunction in recipients of childhood antineoplastic therapy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of antineoplastic therapy on dental development and saliva function in recipients of childhood antineoplastic therapy. METHODS: Patients attending the long-term follow-up clinic at Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia, were included if they had received treatment prior to 16 years of age and were in remission for more than 5 years. A dental examination and saliva test were performed for each participant. Holtta's Defect Index (HDI) was used to assess tooth aplasia, microdontia, and root-crown ratio on an orthopantomogram (OPG). Multivariable-adjusted regression analyses were used to estimate the association of patient characteristics and treatment modalities with dental outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred six participants (61% male) were recruited (response rate = 88%). The mean HDI score was 24.7 ± 17.8. A cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide >7500 mg/m(2) increased the HDI score by 13.06 (P = .01). Recipients of cyclophosphamide also had significantly increased odds of exhibiting very low saliva flow (<0.7 mL/min) (odds ratio = 12.43; 95% confidence interval, 2.08-74.35; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents who received high doses of cyclophosphamide were at increased risk of dental disturbances. Cyclophosphamide recipients were also at greater risk of exhibiting very low saliva flow. This study applied the HDI to patients receiving all forms of antineoplastic treatment and highlights the dose-dependent relation between cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide and dental disturbances.