Clinical evaluation of Artificial Intelligence Driven Remote Monitoring technology for assessment of patient oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to clinically evaluate the accuracy of Dental Monitoring's (DM) artificial intelligence (AI) image analysis and oral hygiene notification algorithm in identifying oral hygiene and mucogingival conditions. METHODS: Twenty-four patients seeking orthodontic therapy were monitored by DM oral hygiene protocol during their orthodontic treatment. During the bonding appointment and at each of 10 subsequent adjustment visits, a total of 232 clinical oral examinations were performed to assess the presence of the 3 oral hygiene parameters that DM monitors. In each clinical timepoint, the subjects took an oral DM scan and received a notification regarding their current oral status at that moment in time. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated to evaluate AI and clinical assessment of plaque, gingivitis, and recession. RESULTS: A total of 232 clinical time points have been evaluated clinically and by the DM AI algorithm. For DM's AI detection of plaque and calculus, gingivitis, and recession, the sensitivity was 0.53, 0.35, and 0.22; the specificity was 0.94, 0.96, and 0.99; and the accuracy was 0.60, 0.49, and 0.72, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DM's oral hygiene notification algorithm has low sensitivity, high specificity, and moderate accuracy. This indicates a tendency of DM to underreport the presence of plaque, gingivitis, and recession.

Denture Plaque Biofilm Visual Assessment Methods: A Systematic Review.

Denture plaque, a biofilm that develops on denture surfaces, could contribute to many oral and systemic afflictions. Hence, a quantitative assessment of denture plaque is important to evaluate the denture hygiene of denture wearers, particularly to prevent plaque biofilm-associated diseases. The aim of this systematic review, therefore, was to review and summarize the visual denture hygiene assessment methods using denture plaque indices and with planimetries published in the literature. English language studies published up to March 2022 in four electronic databases, PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched, followed by a manual search of Google Scholar by two assessors. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) whenever possible. Details of the visual assessment methods, including the types of denture assessed, its materials and its surfaces, as well as the use of a disclosing agent, were the main outcomes. Of 492 screened studies, 74 were included per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 60 studies utilized various denture plaque indices while 18 used planimetries. 43 out of 60 studies with indices and 17 out of 18 studies with planimetries used disclosing agents for visual evaluation of plaque. A total of 21 indices were described in the included studies, of which seven graded a divided denture surface, while the remainder graded entire denture surface. Of the 18 planimetric assessments, one study quantified squares of the disclosed plaques on denture images, 16 studies quantified such pixels with computer programs, and a single study quantified points, pixels, and contour of plaque areas. In summary, denture plaque indices appear to be popular in denture plaque assessment due to their simplicity. Computerized planimetric assessment, though more time-consuming, provides a more accurate assessment of plaque load as it is less prone to subjectivity and assessor errors.

Effect of argon plasma abutment activation on soft tissue healing: RCT with histological assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the peri-implant soft tissue profiles between argon plasma treatment (PT) and non-treated (NPT) healing abutments by comparing clinical and histological parameters 2 months following abutment placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty participants were randomly assigned to argon-plasma treatment abutments group (PT) or non-treated abutments (NPT) group. Two months after healing abutment placement, soft peri-implant tissues and abutment were harvested, and histological and clinical parameters including plaque index, bleeding on probing, and keratinized mucosa diameter (KM) were assessed. Specialized stainings (hematoxylin-eosin and picrocirious red) coupled with immunohistochemistry (vimentin, collagen, and CK10) were performed to assess soft tissue inflammation and healing, and the collagen content keratinization. In addition to standard statistical methods, machine learning algorithms were applied for advanced soft tissue profiling between the test and control groups. RESULTS: PT group showed lower plaque accumulation and inflammation grade (6.71% vs. 13.25%, respectively; p-value 0.02), and more advanced connective tissue healing and integration compared to NPT (31.77% vs. 23.3%, respectively; p = 0.009). In the control group, more expressed keratinization was found compared to the PT group, showing significantly higher CK10 (>47.5%). No differences in KM were found between the groups. SIGNIFICANCE: PT seems to be a promising protocol for guided peri-implant soft tissue morphogenesis reducing plaque accumulation and inflammation, and stimulating collagen and soft tissue but without effects on epithelial tissues and keratinization.

Assessment of titanium release following non-surgical peri-implantitis treatment: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Peri-implantitis is a frequent finding. Initial treatment involves non-surgical debridement of the implant surface. Recent studies have found a correlation between titanium (Ti) particle release and peri-implantitis, yet there is a dearth of information regarding the effect of various non-surgical instrumentation on particle release or peri-implantitis resolution. METHODS: Patients with peri-implantitis were recruited for a randomized, blinded, parallel-group clinical trial. The implants were randomized to treatment composed of Ti curettes ("Mech" group) or implant-specific treatment composed of rotary polymer microbrushes ("Imp" group). Ti release in submucosal peri-implant plaque pre- and 8 weeks posttreatment was assessed as the primary outcome. Peri-implant probing depth, bleeding on probing, and suppuration on probing were evaluated and compared between groups. RESULTS: Thirty-four participants completed treatment; 18 were randomized to the Mech group and 16 to the Imp group. The groups were comparable for Ti levels and probing depths at baseline. A trend was noted for 10-fold greater Ti dissolution in the Mech group posttreatment compared to the Imp group (p = 0.069). The Imp group had a significant reduction in probing depth posttreatment (p = 0.006), while the Mech group reduction was not significant. CONCLUSION: Peri-implantitis treated non-surgically with implant-specific instruments (Imp group) had a significantly greater decrease in probing depth versus the Mech treatment group. This improvement was linked with a trend for less Ti release to the peri-implant plaque by the non-abrasive treatment.

Assessment of plaque control efficacy using two types of toothbrushes in young adults: An interventional crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of plaque removal efficacy of short-headed toothbrush as compared to conventional/traditional toothbrush. METHOD: A total of 20 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were considered. Selected subjects were divided into test and control groups. Initially, subjects were advised to refrain from brushing teeth for 24 h, to determine the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) at the baseline. Further, crossover observation between the groups was recorded based on short-headed toothbrush (Curaprox CS 5460) and traditional brushes (ultrasoft). Finally, a questionnaire survey was conducted to gather preferences and experiences of each subject. RESULTS: In terms of plaque removal, the short-headed toothbrush and the conventional toothbrush demonstrated comparable results. In terms of PI and GI, the intergroup comparison revealed no significant differences (p = 0.878). Individual acceptability of the short-headed toothbrush was shown to be higher in the questionnaire survey. CONCLUSION: It was observed that both toothbrushes showed similar efficacy. However, the subjects preferred short-headed toothbrush. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Short-headed toothbrushes comprising a higher number of bristles can be recommended in terms of better oral hygiene.

Quality of life assessment in patients with temporomandibular disorder with stabilization splints and home therapeutic exercises: a randomized clinical trial / Avaliação da qualidade de vida em pacientes com desordem temporomandibular com uso da placa estabilizadora e exercícios terapêuticos caseiros: um ensaio clínico randomizado

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life in TMD patients with the use of Stabilization Splints (SSs) and Home Therapeutic Exercises (HTEs) guidance. Material and Methods: The study was a clinical, randomized, controlled, prospective, and interventional trial. The screening included dentate patients of both genders, diagnosed with TMD through the RDC/TMD questionnaire with no TMJ osteoarthritis and/or osteoarthrosis. To assess the quality of life, the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire was applied to all patients (n=70), randomized into a test group with SS and a control group with HTE. The evaluations of both questionnaires were performed before and after the intervention of 12 weeks. Results: The comparisons between pre- and post-intervention intragroups were performed by the non-parametric Wilcoxon test with a 5% significance level. There was a frequency distribution of the responses to the 36 items of the SF-36 questionnaire and comparisons between times. In the test group, 49 patients received a SS and did HTEs. In the control group, 21 patients performed HTEs. In the statistical analysis, among the eight domains, three were identified with significant scores: pain, mental health, and vitality. Conclusion: It was found that there was an improvement in pain and quality of life after the treatment of TMD with a SS and HTE (AU)

Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de vida em pacientes com DTM com o uso de placas de estabilização (SSs) e orientação de exercícios terapêuticos domiciliares (HTEs). Material e Métodos: O estudo foi um ensaio clínico, randomizado, controlado, prospectivo e intervencionista. A triagem incluiu pacientes dentados de ambos os sexos, diagnosticados com DTM através do questionário RDC/TMD sem osteoartrite e/ou osteoartrose da ATM. Para avaliar a qualidade de vida, o questionário Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) foi aplicado a todos os pacientes (n=70), randomizados em grupo teste com SS e grupo controle com HTE. As avaliações de ambos os questionários foram realizadas antes e após a intervenção de 12 semanas. Resultados:As comparações intragrupos pré e pós-intervenção foram realizadas pelo teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon com nível de significância de 5%. Houve distribuição de frequência das respostas aos 36 itens do questionário SF-36 e comparações entre os tempos. No grupo controle, 21 pacientes realizaram HTEs. Na análise estatística, dentre os oito domínios, três foram identificados com escores significativos: dor, saúde mental e vitalidade. Conclusão: Verificou-se que houve melhora da dor e da qualidade de vida após o tratamento da DTM com SS e HTE.(AU)

Assessment of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in Patients with Chronic Diseases and its Correlation with Some Risk Factors.

Trichomonas tenax (T. tenax) and Entamoeba gingivalis (E. gingivalis) are two oral protozoan parasites that are universal and found in patients with poor oral hygiene, as well as chronic and periodontal diseases. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of some parameters, such as age, gender, education, residency, smoking, and dental cleaning routines, on the incidence of these parasites in the oral cavity of the patients participating in this study. A total of 230 individuals with chronic diseases, 97 of whom were patients (44 females and 53 males) participated in the present study. Dental plaque and saliva samples were collected from each patient and examined under light microscopy with Giemsa staining. Out of 230 dental plaque samples, 60 (26.08%) samples were positive for E. gingivalis, while 37 (16.08%) cases were positive for T. tenax. Diabetic patients showed high E. gingivalis percentage (n=12; 20%) (P=0.000*). However, thyroid disorders showed a low percentage. Hypertensive patients showed a high percentage for T. tenax (n=6; 16.21%) (P=0.000*), while tuberculosis patients showed the lowest percentage. Patients with hypertension, smoking, heart disease, and diabetes showed statistical significance for the presence of these parasites. Equally, patients older than 30 years have shown a higher rate of infection. According to the findings, E. gingivalis was detected in 58.33% and 41.66% of the urban and rural populations, respectively. Furthermore, T. tenax was detected in 81.08% and 18.91% of the urban and rural populations, respectively. Parasitic contagions were comparatively popular in patients with chronic and periodontal illness.

A proof of concept study to confirm the suitability of an intra oral scanner to record oral images for the non-invasive assessment of gingival inflammation.

OBJECTIVES: To compare gingival inflammation scores obtained chairside using the non-invasive modified gingival index (MGI) with MGI scores from an intraoral scan (IOS) captured at the clinical visit but viewed 10 days later. METHODS: Single visit, anterior teeth, observational, proof of concept study in healthy adult participants with a spectrum of gingival inflammation. One investigator performed both clinical and intraoral scan MGI assessments, a second repeated the MGI evaluation from the IOS. RESULTS: 23 participants aged 18-72 yielded data for 552 gingival sites. There was agreement at 90 % of sites comparing clinical with IOS MGI scores. The commonest disagreements were MGI grade 0 read as 1 and 2 read as 3, the highest single probability of error occurring where a clinical score of 0 was scored 1 from the IOS: 0.118 and 0.129 for examiners 1 and 2 respectively. The second most common probability of error occurred where an IOS score of 3 was scored clinically as 2: 0.089 and 0.097 for examiners 1 and 2 respectively. MGI scores from the scans were similar for both examiners (91 % agreement), with no discrepancies of greater than 1 scale point. There was very close agreement between clinical MGI and IOS colour/texture scores. CONCLUSION: This study conclusively demonstrated that the MGI score from the scanned image was very similar to the MGI scored clinically. This study confirms that a digital IOS accurately captures gingival contour images allowing a clinician to determine health or degree of gingival inflammation from it using MGI scores. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study confirms that IOS images of teeth and soft tissues are sufficiently accurate to allow the clinical evaluation of health or inflammatory gingival status using non-invasive indices. IOS has great potential for efficient and accurate data capture, for general practice and research facilitating remote evaluation and data verification.

Evidence-based strategies for interdental cleaning: a practical decision tree and review of the literature.

Objectives: Although several studies have investigated the effectiveness of various interdental cleaning devices, there is a need for an evidence-based synopsis for clinicians to customize interdental hygiene instructions and provide specific devices for each patient. This literature review aims to establish an evidence-based decision-making tree recommending individualized approaches to interdental cleaning based on embrasure size and patient-specific conditions.
Data sources: Specific keywords related to interdental cleaning were used to search and identify the existing literature in PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Through a series of review processes, qualifying studies were identified and assessed with respect to the inclusion criteria to establish the decision tree.
Results: A total of 27 studies were included to support a decision tree. Traditional dental floss continues to remain the first choice for individuals of high motivation and good ?manual dexterity with type I closed embrasures. For individuals with closed embrasures, but lack of motivation and/or dexterity, the use of easy flossers, soft picks, oral irrigation, and small (0.6 to 0.7 mm) interdental brushes are alternatives. For individuals with type II and type III open embrasure spaces, an interdental brush has the highest evidence for its effectiveness to remove interdental plaque. However, two studies showed that residual plaque could be found over lingual embrasur?es and thus lingual approach of the interdental brush is sometimes needed. The use of gum stimulators and/or woodsticks continues to be supported when significant gingival inflammation is present.
Conclusion: Each patient should be individually assessed and given tailored oral hygiene home care instructions for the most effective outcomes. The proposed decision tree provides clinicians with an evidence-based guideline to help customize the use of interdental cleaning devices for each patient.

Evaluación orofacial de los niños Síndrome Prader-Willi / Avaliação orofacial de crianças com Síndrome de Prader-Willi / Orofacial assessment of children with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar el estado de salud bucal y el crecimiento craneofacial de pacientes con síndrome de Prader-Willi (SPW), en comparación con niños obesos que no padecen SPW. Métodos y resultados: Se seleccionaron 40 niños con SPW y 40 controles obesos de 10,9 años de edad (control: 11,89 años) y un IMC de 22,72 kg / m2 (control de 36,43 kg / m2). La evaluación de la salud oral ha incluído el número de dientes, tipo de dentición, presencia de caries, sangrado gingival, maloclusión, acumulación de placa, erosión dental, hiperplasia gingival e hipoplasia del esmalte. Los cuestionarios evaluaron los hábitos de higiene oral. Las radiografías panorámicas evaluaron el crecimiento craneofacial. El grupo de casos tenía un 6,8% menos de dientes en comparación con el grupo de control. Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el sangrado gingival, la erosión dental y la hipoplasia del esmalte (p = 0,009; p = 0,02 y p = 0,006, respectivamente). Aunque no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas, se observó un número aumentado de lesiones cariosas y apiñamiento dental en niños con SPW (p = 0,35 y p = 0,07). Ambos grupos mostraron mala higiene dental. Los niños con SPW mostraron un crecimiento de la rama mandibular aumentada en comparación con el control (p = 0.03). Conclusión: Los niños con SPW tenían hemorragia gingival estática aumentada e hipoplasia del esmalte que los controles con obesidad no SPW. Los niños con SPW pueden presentar un crecimiento vertical craneofacial

Objetivo: Avaliar a saúde bucal e o crescimento craniofacial de pacientes pediátricos com SíndromedePrader-Willi(SPW),emcomparação a crianças obesas não-sindrômicas. Métodos e resultados: Foram selecionadas 40 crianças com SPW e 40 controles não obesos com SPW, com idade de 10,9 anos (controle: 11,89 anos) e IMC 22,72 kg / m2 (controle 36,43 kg / m2). Foram avaliados o número de dentes, tipo de dentição, presença de cárie, sangramento gengival, má oclusão, acúmulo de placa bacteriana, erosão dentária, hiperplasia gengival e hipoplasia do esmalte. Os questionários avaliaram os hábitos de higiene bucal. Radiografias panorâmicas avaliaram o crescimento craniofacial. O grupo caso teve um número 6,8% menor de dentes em comparação ao grupo controle. Observouse diferença estatisticamente significante no sangramento gengival, erosão dentária e hipoplasia do esmalte (p = 0,009; p = 0,02 e p = 0,006, respectivamente). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante, observou-se um número aumentado de lesões de cárie e apinhamento dentário em crianças com SPW (p = 0,35 e p = 0,07). Ambos os grupos apresentaram má higiene dental. As crianças com SPW apresentaram crescimento aumentado do ramo mandibular com diferença estatisticamente significante (p = 0,03). Conclusão: As crianças com SPW apresentaram sangramento gengival estatisticamente aumentado e hipoplasia do esmalte do que os controles não obesos com SPW. Crianças com SPW podem apresentar crescimento vertical craniofacial aumentado. Mais investigações são necessárias para essa população.

Aim: To assess the oral health status and craniofacial growth of patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), compared to obese non-PWS children controls. Methods and Result: 40 PWS children and 40 non-PWS obese controls, aged 10.9 years (control: 11.89 years) and BMI 22.72 kg/m2 (control 36.43 kg/m2) were selected. The number of teeth, type of dentition, presence of caries, gingival bleeding, malocclusion, plaque accumulation, dental erosion, gingival hyperplasia, and enamel hypoplasia were assessed. Questionnaires assessed oral hygiene habits. Panoramic radiographs assessed craniofacial growth. The study group had a 6.8% lower number of teeth compared to the control group. A statistically significant difference was seen in gingival bleeding, dental erosion and enamel hypoplasia (p=0,009; p=0,02 and p=0,006; respectively). There were no statistically significant differences, it was observed an augmented number of carious lesions and Although a higher prevalence of carious lesions and dental crowding was observed in PWS children, the difference was not satisctically significant (p=0.35 and p=0.07 respectively). Both groups showed poor dental hygiene. PWS children showed augmented mandibular ramus growth with a statistically significant difference (p=0.03). Conclusion: PWS children had statically augmented gingival bleeding and enamel hypoplasia than non-PWS obese controls. PWS children may present increased craniofacial vertical growth. Further investigations are needed for this population.

Has the Health Insurance Coverage of Scaling Contributed Positively to Periodontal Health in Korea?

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the health insurance coverage of dental scaling (introduced in 2013) using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs parameter among Korean adults aged 20 years or older. We used the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from before and after 2013 to analyze the statistical significance and associations of the covariates with the prevalence of healthy periodontal tissues, prevalence of people in need of scaling, and prevalence of periodontal diseases. The results showed that the prevalence of healthy periodontal tissues increased by 4.9% (from 34.2% to 39.1%), the number of people in need of scaling decreased by 5% (from 65.9% to 60.9%), and the prevalence of periodontal diseases increased by 7.2% (from 23.4% to 30.6%). Moreover, after the scaling coverage policy, the odds ratio of the prevalence of healthy periodontal tissues was 1.10 times higher, the prevalence of the need for scaling was 1.5 times higher, and the prevalence of periodontal diseases was 0.90 times lower. Therefore, the state should formulate policies that provide dental biofilm management through a disclosing agent, impart education about oral hygiene, and develop a health management system that enables the concurrent management of periodontal diseases and systemic diseases.

Handheld optical coherence tomography for clinical assessment of dental plaque and gingiva.

SIGNIFICANCE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers high spatial resolution and contrast for imaging intraoral structures, yet few studies have investigated its clinical feasibility for dental plaque and gingiva imaging in vivo. Furthermore, the accessibility is often limited to anterior teeth due to bulky imaging systems and probes. AIM: A custom-designed, handheld probe-based, spectral-domain OCT system with an interchangeable attachment was developed to assess dental plaque and gingival health in a clinical setting. APPROACH: Healthy volunteers and subjects with gingivitis and sufficient plaque were recruited. The handheld OCT system was operated by trained dental hygienists to acquire images of dental plaque and gingiva at various locations and after one-week use of oral hygiene products. RESULTS: The handheld OCT can access premolars, first molars, and lingual sides of teeth to visualize the plaque distribution. OCT intensity-based texture analysis revealed lower intensity from selected sites in subjects with gingivitis. The distribution of the dental plaque after one-week use of the oral hygiene products was compared, showing the capability of OCT as a longitudinal tracking tool. CONCLUSIONS: OCT has a strong potential to display and assess dental plaque and gingiva in a clinical setting. Meanwhile, technological challenges remain to perform systematic longitudinal tracking and comparative analyses.

Valoración del riesgo de caries dental en niños de 6 a 11 años de edad de la unidad educativa Jorge Escudero de la ciudad de Quito mediante el instrumento CAT / Assessment of dental caries risk in children from 6 to 11 years of age of the Jorge Escudero educational unit of the city of Quito through the CAT instrument

RESUMEN Objetivo: Valorar el riesgo de caries dental en niños de 6 a 11 años de edad de la Unidad Educativa Jorge Escudero de la ciudad de Quito mediante el instrumento CAT. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en 283 niños de 6 a 11 años de edad. Se evaluó el riesgo de caries mediante el instrumento validado CAT (Caries-risk Assessment Tool), el cual consta de 14 ítems, dividido en dos partes: un cuestionario dirigido a los padres de familia, complementándose con una exploración clínica oral al niño, previa estandarización de criterios con el fin de minimizar la variabilidad inter-examinador. Se realizó una prueba piloto en 20 personas adultas que no pertenezcan al tamaño de la muestra. Resultados: Se obtuvo un 98,2% de riesgo alto de caries y un 1,8% de riesgo moderado. No hubo diferencias significativas en la edad del niño donde (p=0,057) fue superior a 0,05, sin embargo en el sexo femenino frente al masculino hubo diferencia significativa de (p = 0,024). El nivel socioeconómico está directamente relacionado con el riesgo alto de caries, donde (p = 0,002). Conclusión: Se evidenció que los principales factores de riesgo de caries dental son la presencia de placa bacteriana visible y la presencia de zonas de esmalte desmineralizadas. Además existe una correlación pequeña o casi nula en lo que refiere a lo indicado por parte de los padres de familia en la encuesta y lo observado durante el examen clínico del niño con respecto al riego de caries

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the dental caries risk in children from 6 to 11 years of age of the Jorge Escudero Educational Unit of the city of Quito through the CAT instrument. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study conducted on 283 children aged 6 to 11 years old. The caries risk was assessed using the validated CAT (Caries-risk Assessment Tool), which consists of 14 items, divided into two parts: a questionnaire addressed to the parents, complemented by an oral clinical examination of the child, prior standardization of criteria in order to minimize inter-examiner variability. A pilot test was performed on 20 adults who do not belong to the sample size. Results: There was a 98.2% high risk of caries and a 1.8% moderate risk. There were no significant differ-ences in the age of the child where (p = 0.057) was greater than 0.05; however, in female versus male there was a significant difference of (p = 0.024). The socioeconomic level is directly related to the high risk of caries, where (p = 0.002). Conclusion: It was evidenced that the main risk factors for dental caries are the presence of visible bacterial plaque and the presence of demineralized enamel areas. In addition, there is a small or almost zero correla-tion regarding what is indicated by the parents in the survey and what was observed during the clinical examination of the child regarding the caries risk.

Oral cavity status of long-term hemodialized patients vs. their socio-economic status.

BACKGROUND: The chronic kidney disease, blood hypertension and diabetes are recognized as civilization diseases that affect more and more people. The probability of encountering a patient suffering from these diseases is increasing. As such, it appears crucial to better understand the specific dental needs of such groups of patients. The aim of the work was to assess the oral hygiene status and the needs of patients suffering from the end-stage chronic kidney disease, arterial hypertension or/and diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty eight patients were included in the research. One hundred and eighty patients were hemodialized in Diaverum dialysis stations and 48 patients were from the Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics Clinic of the Academic Centre of Dentistry in Bytom, Silesian Medical University in Katowice, and from the Dentistry Division of the Arnika Clinic in Zabrze, and were not not diagnosed with any of the diseases mentioned. The research scheme was divided into 3 parts, consisting of an analysis of the general health socio-economic status, a survey and an assessment of oral health. RESULTS: The patients who were not suffering from any of the discussed diseases were more aware of how to properly perform hygienic procedures. Most of the patients from both the control and examined groups were not using any rinsing solutions. A higher percentage of patients in the control group was using dental floss, changing their toothbrush every 3 months and brushing their teeth for ≥2 min. The Aproximal Plaque Index and the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified values in the control group were significantly lower in comparison to the examined group. CONCLUSIONS: The socio-economic status of hemodialized patients was low, which in most cases was a result of the difficulties in starting a job. Due to the lower standards of life, the neglect of oral hygiene maintenance and its consequences could be observed. Med Pr. 2020;71(3):279-88.

Quantitative assessment of Scardovia wiggsiae from dental plaque samples of children suffering from severe early childhood caries and caries free children.

Scardovia wiggsiae has recently been identified as a potential pathogen associated with dental caries. The aim of the present study was to detect and quantify S. wiggsiae from dental plaque samples of children suffering from severe early childhood caries and children who were caries free by employing a real time DNA polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) method. Dental plaque samples were collected from children suffering from severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) (n = 30) and caries free children (CF) (n = 30) reporting to the out-patient clinics of the department of paediatric and preventive dentistry. Plaque samples from each group were subjected to real-time PCR, post DNA extraction. Both the groups showed the presence of the organism S. wiggsiae, however there was a significant difference in its quantification between groups, with the median number being 1.49 × 108 cells per ml in caries free samples compared to 1.40 × 109 cells per ml in S-ECC samples. S. wiggsiae were isolated from nearly all samples of children, both caries free and those suffering from S-ECC. However, their numbers differ drastically in both groups with the scales tipping towards the S-ECC group, proving their association with the disease process in a significant manner. The present study shows significant association of S. wiggsiae in severe early childhood caries.

Assessment of the efficacy of the utilisation of conventional and electric toothbrushes by the older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of electric and conventional toothbrushes for a group of elderly individuals. BACKGROUND: Although the electric toothbrush has been recommended for elderly individuals, there had previously never been a study regarding its efficacy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty independent elders of both genders with different oral conditions from the Center Adult Day Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, were randomly divided into two groups of 30 individuals. One group received the Oral B CrossAction Power electric toothbrush, whereas the other received a conventional Bitufo Class 32 soft toothbrush to perform oral hygiene. The bacterial plaque index (O'Leary Plaque Index) and DMFT index were assessed as a measure of oral hygiene and oral health. The data were analysed using the Shapiro-Wilk, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: The results of the efficacy of the Oral B Cross Action Power electric toothbrush demonstrated that on the 7th and 15th days, the bacterial plaque indexes were 24.91 ± 12.81 and 22.11 ± 14.46, respectively, which corresponds to a 50.24% removal of bacterial plaque on the 7th and 55.83% on the 15th days. Although the electric toothbrush removed more bacterial plaque than the conventional toothbrush, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both the conventional and the electric toothbrushes were effective in removing bacterial plaque within the elderly group. More studies are necessary to test the efficacy of electric toothbrushes in relation to conventional toothbrushes for elderly patients.

Assessment of adherence to preventive treatment of plaque-induced oral diseases using sugar-free gums: a controlled clinical trial / Evaluación de la adhesión al tratamiento preventivo de enfermedades bucales inducidas por placa bacteriana mediante el uso de gomas de mascar sin azúcar: ensayo clínico controlado

Abstract Introduction: the aim of this study was to assess the adherence to a preventive treatment of plaque-induced oral diseases using two sugar-free gums, establishing their effect on cariogenic bacteria counts as a biological marker of treatment response. Methods: a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, controlled intervention study was conducted in 96 young adult university students in an experimental period of 30 days. Participants were distributed into two groups and given a chewing gum with either pentitol or hexitol + CPP-ACP complex to be taken three times a day for 20 minutes after conventional oral hygiene. Saliva samples were collected at baseline to evaluate counts of Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus spp. A survey was conducted at the end of the experimental period to assess the levels of adherence to treatment, remeasuring bacterial counts. Results: SM counts showed statistically significant differences between the study groups at the end of the experimental period, with a decreasing tendency in both groups. Intragroup difference was observed in patients who took pentitol gum with a marked reduction in SM counts. Conclusion: the final estimate of adherence to treatment showed that the type of chewing gum patients were given had no influence and therefore such gums can be used, considering the therapeutic agents that most contribute to patient's particular case and preferences.

Resumen Introducción: el objetivo consistió en evaluar la adherencia a un tratamiento preventivo de enfermedades bucales inducidas por placa bacteriana, utilizando dos gomas de mascar sin azúcar y establecer su efecto sobre recuentos de bacterias cariogénicas como indicador biológico de los efectos del tratamiento. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de intervención, doble ciego, de grupos paralelos, aleatorizado controlado, en 96 adultos jóvenes universitarios, en un período experimental de 30 días. Los participantes fueron distribuidos en dos grupos con asignación de una goma de mascar con pentitol o con hexitol + complejo CPP-ACP que debían ser consumidas 20 minutos/tres veces al día después de la higiene oral convencional. Al inicio del studio fueron recolectadas muestras de saliva para evaluar recuentos de Estreptococos del grupo mutans (SM) y Lactobacillus spp. Al finalizar el período experimental, se realizó una encuesta para evaluar los niveles deadherencia al tratamiento y los recuentos bacterianos fueron medidos nuevamente. Resultados: Los recuentos de SM mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos de estudio al final del período experimental, con tendencia hacia la disminución en ambos grupos. Se observó diferencia intragrupo en los pacientes que consumieron la goma de mascar con pentitol, con marcada reducción de los recuentos de SM. Conclusión: la estimación final de la adherencia al tratamiento mostró que el tipo de goma de mascar asignada al paciente no tuvo influencia y, por lo tanto, estas pueden ser utilizadas teniendo en cuenta los agentes terapéuticos que más aporten al caso particular del paciente y las preferencias del mismo.

Clinical assessment of a manual toothbrush with CrissCross and tapered bristle technology on gingivitis and plaque reduction.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the gingivitis-reduction efficacy of an experimental manual toothbrush with CrissCross and tapered bristle technology in comparison with a marketed control manual toothbrush with traditional design and non-tapered bristles. In addition, the study compared the two toothbrushes for plaque-reduction efficacy. METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled, parallel group, examiner-blind, single-center, 4-week clinical trial with adult subjects in good general health. All subjects had presence of gingivitis (at least 10 bleeding sites). The subjects were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: a manual toothbrush having CrissCross and tapered bristle technology (tapered group: Oral-B CrossAction Ultrathin manual toothbrush); or a traditional flat-trim design and regular non-tapered bristles (control group: Oral-B Indicator Soft 35 manual toothbrush). Subjects were instructed to brush twice-daily for 4 weeks with their assigned brush and a standard sodium fluoride dentifrice. At baseline, Week 2, and Week 4, gingivitis was assessed using the Mazza Modification of the Gingival Bleeding Index (Mazza GI) and pre-brushing whole-mouth plaque was measured using the Turesky Modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TMQHPI). RESULTS: 100 subjects (50 per group) were randomized to treatment and assessed at baseline, and 97 subjects (48 in the tapered group and 49 in the control group) completed the study. At both Weeks 2 and 4, both groups showed a significant (P< 0.005) reduction versus baseline in Mazza GI and number of bleeding sites, and the tapered group showed a significantly (P< 0.001) greater reduction from baseline for both these assessments compared to the control group. By Week 4 the tapered group showed a reduction from baseline of 17.9% in Mazza GI and 38.5% in the number of bleeding sites; the corresponding figures for the control group were 7.5% and 12.6%, respectively. Both groups showed a significant (P< 0.001) reduction versus baseline in TMQHPI by Week 4, with no significant (P=0.06) between-group difference. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The twice-daily use of a manual toothbrush with CrissCross design and tapered bristles had a statistically significantly greater gingivitis reduction compared to a manual toothbrush of traditional flat-trim design and regular non-tapered bristles, which could be a clinical advantage.

Microbiological and environmental assessment of human oral dental plaque isolates.

Plaque-related diseases are amongst the most common ailments of the oral cavity. Streptococcus mutans is the causal agent of dental caries in animals and humans and is responsible for the formation and accumulation of plaques. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the role of the dental plaque isolates and its surrounding environment in plaque formation or inhibition. The study started with the identification of human dental plaque isolates from high caries index patients based on 16S rRNA and Mitis salivarius bacitracin agar (MSB) was used for S. mutans growing. Unexpectedly, the Streptococcus mutans was completely absent. The disc diffusion assay recorded that all the isolates had antimicrobial activity against the S. mutans growth. Enzymes assay revealed that the isolates produced dextransucrase, levansucrase and levanase activity with wide variation degrees. Also, the lactic acid production assay was done based in pH shift assessment. The highest pH shift and dextran yield were detected by the isolates Bacillus subtilis_AG1 and Bacillus mojavensis_AG3. The adherence test revealed that Lysinibacillus cresolivorans_W2 (MK411028) recorded the highest adhesion property (60%). Oligo- and polysaccharides were synthesized by the action of dextransucrase enzyme and their cytotoxicity tests were negative. Dextran with a molecular weight (117521 Da) recorded the highest antimicrobial efficacy against Bacillus subtilis_AG1 and Bacillusmojavensis_AG3 (65%, 63.5%) respectively. The results concluded that the dextran was the most important factor causing the dental plaque pathogenicity. Also, oral oligo- and polysaccharides might play a role in dental plaque control.

Prevention and caries risk management in teenage and orthodontic patients.

As patients progress from childhood through to teenage years, they progress through periods of high caries risk as they undergo changes in lifestyle and oral microflora. Removable or fixed orthodontic treatment also alters the oral microflora and can dramatically increase caries risk. This paper outlines ways to identify the transition to higher caries risk, and practical ways to lower the risk of hard tissue loss from dental caries during orthodontic treatment across the teenage years, including tooth surface protection, optimised use of mechanical and chemical plaque control, and appropriate delivery of remineralising agents over time.