The role of tongue-tie in breastfeeding problems-A prospective observational study.

AIM: We evaluated what determined breastfeeding problems in a non-selected mother-infant cohort, with special reference to tongue-tie and improvements in breastfeeding following frenulotomy. METHODS: This 2014-2015 prospective, observational study was carried out in a tertiary level maternity unit affiliated to the University of Freiburg, Germany, using a breastfeeding questionnaire, standardised breastfeeding scores and the Assessment Tool For Lingual Frenulum Function (ATLFF). The standard intervention was breastfeeding support, a frenulotomy for tongue-tie was performed if necessary. All cases of breastfeeding problems and, or tongue-tie, were followed up by telephone 2.5 weeks after birth. RESULTS: We enrolled 776 newborn-mother dyads: 345 had breastfeeding problems, 116 had a tongue-tie and 30 underwent a frenulotomy. In the multivariate analysis, severe breastfeeding problems were more frequent in newborn infants with tongue-tie, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.6 (P= 0.014). Other risk factors were: no breastfeeding experience (OR 4.4, P = 0.001), low birth weight (OR 2.9, P = 0.001), prematurity (OR 3.6, P = 0.000) and Caesarean section (OR 1.6, P = 0.023). There was a significant reduction in breastfeeding problems after frenulotomy (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Tongue-tie had a significant impact on breastfeeding and so did low birth weights and prematurity. Frenulotomy proved helpful when breastfeeding problems were reported.

In Vitro Investigation of the Antimicrobial Effect of Three Bisphosphonates Against Different Bacterial Strains.

PURPOSE: Since the first descriptions of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in 2003, the pathogenesis has remained unanswered. Recent histomorphometric studies have found several microorganisms, including Actinomyces, Bacillus, Fusobacterium, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Selenomonas, Treponema, and Candida albicans in necrotic bone. Polymerase chain reaction studies have recently confirmed the occurrence of 48 genera. Only a few studies have examined the antimicrobial effect of bisphosphonates (BPs). The influence of bacterial growth on the etiology remains unclear. The aim of the present study was the in vitro investigation of the antimicrobial effect of 3 BPs against different bacterial strains. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 48 strains from 40 species were determined in microdilution assays against pamidronic, ibandronic, and zoledronic acid. RESULTS: Growth of gram-positive oral microbiota, which account for most microorganisms in MRONJ, was present for 2 of 22 species; 6 of 26 gram-negative species and 9 of 13 anaerobes were inhibited. The MIC values were compared with the BP bone concentrations from previous reports. Of the 48 strains, 9 had an MIC or MBC less than the bone concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study have demonstrated that BPs have an inhibitory effect on selected bacterial species and might inhibit the growth of some relevant pathogens in osteonecrosis. However, most of the species tested were unaffected at the concentration levels assumed present in the human jawbone. The clinical relevance of these in vitro data will better be clarified with reliable data on the BP concentrations in the human jawbone. The present study has provided a first approach toward the assessment of the interaction of oral bacteria and BPs.

Concentrations of amoxicillin and clindamycin in teeth following a single dose of oral medication.

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this study is the detection of amoxicillin and clindamycin concentrations in teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients received 2 g of amoxicillin, and 11 patients received 600 mg of clindamycin in a single dose of oral medication at least 60 min prior to tooth extraction due to systemic diseases. The concentrations were determined in crowns and roots separately using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). RESULTS: Amoxicillin (13 samples) and clindamycin (12 samples) were detected in the samples of the root and crown preparations of the extracted teeth. The mean concentration of amoxicillin was 0.502 µg/g in the roots and 0.171 µg/g in the crowns. The mean concentration of clindamycin was 0.270 µg/g in the roots and 0.064 µg/g in the crowns. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of oral amoxicillin and clindamycin leads to concentrations of both antibiotics in teeth which exceed the minimal inhibition concentration of some oral bacteria. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The proof of antibacterial activity in dental hard tissue after oral single-dose application is new. The antimicrobial effect of amoxicillin and clindamycin concentrations in roots of teeth may be of clinical relevance to bacterial reinfection from dentinal tubules.

Concentration of Penicillin G in Jawbone Affected by Antiresorptive Agent-Related Osteonecrosis Following a Single Preoperative Dose.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of penicillin G in bone affected by antiresorptive agent-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ) following a single preoperative dose of 10 million international units (6000 mg). ARONJ is a major concern in patients administered antiresorptive agents for conditions associated with pathologically increased bone resorption. Antibiotic therapy is a key component of most treatment approaches for ARONJ and penicillin based regimens, providing a cost effective therapy option with a favorable side effect profile, are administered most frequently. In this study, high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was applied to evaluate penicillin G concentration in serum and bone samples of 19 patients suffering from ARONJ and undergoing surgical treatment under perioperative intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy. Penicillin G bone concentrations were above the limit of detection (0.1 µg/g bone tissue) in 16 out of 19 samples, with a median concentration of 2.7 µg/g (range 0.1-8.8 µg/g). Penicillin G concentrations in intraoperative serum samples were above the limit of detection in all serum samples, with a median concentration of 116 µg/mL (range 1-232 µg/mL). Thus, considering bacteria frequently found in ARONJ lesions, penicillin G at levels providing adequate antimicrobial activity was detected in the serum and 16 out of 19 osteonecrotic lesions of patients suffering from ARONJ.

Analysis of the antimicrobial activity of local anaesthetics used for dental analgesia.

Seven local anaesthetics and their active anaesthetic components [Ultracaine D-S (articaine hydrochloride), Carbostesin (bupivacaine hydrochloride), Scandicaine (mepivacaine hydrochloride), Xylonest (prilocaine hydrochloride), Xylocaine (lidocaine hydrochloride), Hostacaine (butanilicaine phosphate) and Novocaine (procaine hydrochloride)] were tested for their antimicrobial activity against 311 bacterial strains from 52 different species and 14 Candida albicans strains. The tested pathogens were members of the oral flora, and partly members of the skin and intestinal flora. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, sodium disulfite, adrenaline hydrogen tartrate and adrenaline (the preservative and vasoconstrictive components of the anaesthetics) was tested. For determination of MIC and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), the agar dilution method using Wilkins-Chalgren agar was applied. The trade preparation Ultracaine D-S showed the most prominent antimicrobial activity with regard to both MIC and MBC. Ultracaine D-S and its active substance, articaine hydrochloride, showed similar MIC values, suggesting that the antimicrobial activity is mainly caused by the anaesthetic component. Novocaine showed the lowest antimicrobial activity and did not inhibit 35 of the species tested. The MIC values of all local anaesthetics were between 0.25 and 16 mg ml(-1). The routinely applied concentration of Ultracaine D-S was roughly four times higher, and of Hostacaine was two times higher, than the MBC values for the tested bacteria, whereas for the other anaesthetics, the MBC values were not reached or exceeded with the concentrations used. The MIC range of the preservatives was 0.5-1.0 mg ml(-1) for methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate and 0.2-0.5 mg ml(-1) for sodium disulfite. The articaine MIC values were two to three serial dilution steps lower, and the butanilicaine MIC values one to two serial dilution steps lower, than the MIC of the preservatives. The mepivacaine mean MIC values were slightly lower for Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Staphylococcus aureus, but higher for Streptococcus intermedius, compared with the preservative methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate. The same result was found with Streptococcus intermedius and lidocaine. Screening of 20 MIC values of 4 pure anaesthetic substances and the corresponding preservative found 2/20 instances where the MICs of the preservatives against 5 representative species (67 strains) were lower, indicating that the antimicrobial effect was mainly due to the preservative, but 18/20 results where the pure anaesthetic component showed greater antimicrobial effects compared with the preservative. The in vitro results for Carbostesin, Scandicaine and especially for Novocaine indicate that a local disinfection should be done prior to injection of the anaesthetics. Due to the results obtained with nosocomial strains (Escherichia coli, S. aureus and Pseudomonas), disinfection of the mucous membranes should be performed routinely in immunocompromised patients, regardless of the anaesthetic used.

The development of plate osteosynthesis for the treatment of fractures of the mandibular body - a literature review.

PURPOSE: Today plate and screw osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures is a standard procedure in routine clinical practice. In this review, the breakthroughs and drawbacks of the development of this important aspect of maxillofacial surgery are followed-up. METHODS: Medline search of relevant English and German literature. RESULTS: In 1886, Carl Hansmann was the first who applied steel screws and plates. Until today the material, the types of plates and applications have been continually improved. Over the last two decades miniplate osteosynthesis has induced a revolution in mandibular fracture treatment. The modern systems provide better handling, higher stability and less pressure on the bone. CONCLUSION: Modern miniplates have great advantages, like the intra-oral approach and the easy adaptability. In addition, it is no longer necessary to expose bone as extensively.

Comparison of antibacterial-coated and non-coated suture material in intraoral surgery by isolation of adherent bacteria.

OBJECTIVES: In general surgery the incidence of postoperative wound infections is reported to be lower using triclosan-coated sutures. In intraoral surgery, sutures are faced with different bacterial species and the question arises whether the antibacterial-coated suture material has the same positive effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Triclosan-coated and uncoated suture materials were applied in 17 patients undergoing wisdom tooth extraction. Postoperatively, sutures were removed and adherent bacteria were isolated, colony-forming units (cfu) were counted, and species identified. RESULTS: Oral bacteria were found in high numbers (cfu>10(7)) on both Vicryl and the triclosan-coated Vicryl Plus. The total number of bacteria isolated from Vicryl Plus was 37% higher than for Vicryl, mainly due to increased numbers of anaerobes. The number of bacterial strains identified was higher for Vicryl ( n=203) than for Vicryl Plus (n=198), but the number of pathogens was higher on Vicryl Plus (n=100) than on Vicryl (n=97). Fewer Gram-positive strains were found on Vicryl Plus (n=95) than on Vicryl (n=107) and, conversely, more Gram-negative strains on Vicryl Plus (103vs.96). CONCLUSIONS: In terms of the total number of oral bacteria, and especially oral pathogens, that adhered to suture material, no reduction was demonstrated for Vicryl Plus. The use of triclosan-coated suture material offers no advantage in intraoral surgery.

Effect of lip closure on early maxillary growth in patients with cleft lip and palate.

IMPORTANCE: Debate continues about the cause of midfacial growth disturbance in patients with facial clefts. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional effect of surgical closure of the lip before palatal closure according to the technique by Delaire on early maxillary growth in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate were studied using plaster casts obtained at the time of cheilorhinoplasty and 6 months later before palatal closure. The interrupted lateral muscles were anatomically repositioned using the surgical technique by Delaire. No patients had received preoperative orthodontic treatment or a passive palatal plate. Cast analyses were performed using a digital caliper. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Landmark positioning was performed 3 times by 2 different examiners to define intraobserver and interobserver differences. The final maxilla dimensions were recorded as the distances between the mean landmark positions. Using the t test, dimensions obtained before palatal closure were compared with dimensions obtained before lip closure. RESULTS: The method allowed good reproducibility. Functional closure of the lip significantly narrowed the transverse anterior cleft areas by -2.36 mm (P < .05). Sagittal variables were increased by 1.68 mm on the nonaffected side and by 1.48 mm on the affected side (P < .05 for both). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Functional closure according to the technique by Delaire narrows the transverse dimensions of the maxilla, while simultaneously preserving initial sagittal growth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Malignant tumors could be misinterpreted as temporomandibular joint disorders.

OBJECTIVES: This article stresses the importance of exclusion of malignant tumors as a cause of temporomandibular joint disorder, which is usually caused by intra-articular or musculoligamental dysfunction without considering malignant tumors as a cause of such complaints. METHOD AND RESULTS: Three patients were referred to us because of persistent and recurrent temporomandibular joint dysfunction. All patients were treated more than once through their general practitioner, ear nose and throat physician, or dental physician without significant improvement. After adequate clinical and radiological examination, malignant tumors were discovered as a cause of such complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with primary or secondary tumors could present with symptoms simulating temporomandibular joint disorder and will therefore be treated similarly. In such condition, missing that rare cause will consequently lead to unnecessary delayed diagnosis and may cost the patients their lives.

Cephalometric assessment of the posterior airway space in patients with cleft palate after palatoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Upper airway obstruction and mouth breathing influence facial growth and development, which may result in breathing disorders while asleep. The purpose of the present investigation was to analyze cephalometric alterations between patients with cleft palate and a noncleft control group in an obstructive sleep disordered breathing-specific tracing. SETTING: The study was conducted in the cleft palate clinic of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-three subjects with a mean age of 12.3 +/- 3.7 years (range 6.3 to 17.2 years). The cohort included 33 subjects (13 females, 20 males; mean age 12.1 +/- 3.8 years, mean body mass index 17.5 +/- 2.9 kg/m(2)) with surgical closure of a unilateral or bilateral cleft palate and a matched control of noncleft participants. None of the subjects suffered from sleep disordered breathing syndrome. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, patients with cleft palate had a significant narrow anterior-posterior dimension of the pharynx at the level of the maxillary plane and the narrowest width, a more downward hyoid position, and a longer uvula. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cleft palate appear to present pharyngeal and craniofacial distinctive features that characterize patients with obstructive sleep disordered breathing and differ from those of a noncleft control.

Navigation-guided resection of temporomandibular joint ankylosis promotes safety in skull base surgery.

PURPOSE: Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) has not been a routine part of craniomaxillofacial surgery to date. This report investigates the use of CAS to promote the safe removal of ankylosed temporomandibular joint bone in the skull base. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Out of a total pool of experience with 102 navigation-guided CAS procedures between January 1998 and December 2000, we report on 2 cases of navigation-aided resection of severe ankylosis of the mandibular condyle with a predetermined safety margin of the resection toward the middle cranial fossa, and identification of the foramen ovale. RESULT: The use of CAS with navigation resulted in the promotion of safe surgical excision of the ankylosed skull base tissue. CONCLUSIONS: We regard navigation-aided resection of an ankylosis fo the mandibular condyle as a valuable additional technique in this potentially complicated procedure.