Caries experience and risk indicators of having decayed teeth among 65-year-olds in Oslo, Norway: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Meeting the oral health needs of the increasing population of older adults presents a major challenge in dental care. Knowledge about the oral health status in the young-elderly age group is essential for the planning of future oral health education and prevention programs. The aims of the present study were therefore to investigate the caries experience among 65-year-olds in Oslo, Norway, and to explore associations between having decayed teeth and sociodemographic, behavioural, and biological factors. METHODS: A random sample of 65­year­olds in Oslo answered a questionnaire and underwent clinical and radiographic examinations (n = 457, 52% men and 48% women) at the Research Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, between February and December 2019. Primary- and secondary coronal and root caries lesions, root remnants, and missing and restored teeth were recorded. Decayed teeth (DT) were defined as teeth with coronal- and root caries lesions that had progressed into dentine and root remnants, and the DMFT/S scores were calculated. RESULTS: The mean number of teeth was 25 (SD: 4) and the mean DMFT was 19.4 (SD: 4.7). Thirty seven percent of the individuals had at least one decayed tooth (DT > 0), and the mean number of filled teeth (FT) was 16.1 (SD: 5.4). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male gender (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.8), basic level of education (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-2.9), irregular dental attendance (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.0-4.8), and hyposalivation (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0-4.4) were significant risk indicators for having decayed teeth (DT > 0) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, 65-year-olds in Oslo had a low average number of decayed and missing teeth, and a high number of restored teeth. Irregular dental attendance and hyposalivation were the strongest risk indicators for having decayed teeth. Based on the present results, it will be important to ensure access to regular dental care and to increase the emphasis on caries preventive measures for individuals with hyposalivation in this age group.

Periodontitis in a 65-year-old population: risk indicators and impact on oral health-related quality of life.

AIMS: The aims of the present study were to investigate socioeconomic and behavioral risk indicators for severe periodontitis in a 65-year-old Norwegian population, and to investigate how periodontitis impacts oral health-related quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 65-year-old residents in Oslo, born in 1954, was randomly selected for this study. The participants answered a questionnaire regarding country of birth, education, diabetes, smoking habits, dental attendance pattern, and tooth-brushing habits. In addition, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire (OHIP-14). Negative impact on OHRQoL was defined as responding "fairly often" or "very often" to at least one of the OHIP-14 items. The diagnosis of periodontitis was based on clinical and radiographic periodontal measurements and classified based on the consensus report from the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. RESULTS: Of 796 eligible participants, 460 individuals agreed to participate in the present study (response rate 58%). Seven participants were excluded from the analyses due to < 2 remaining teeth (n = 3) or missing questionnaire (n = 4), resulting in a study sample of 453 individuals (233 men and 220 women). An association was found between non-western country of birth, diabetes type 2, lower education, smoking, non-regular dental visits, and severe periodontitis (stage III or IV, n = 163) in bivariate analyses (Chi-square test). However, in the multiple logistic regression model, only non-western country of birth, diabetes type 2 and smoking (former and current), were associated with higher odds of severe periodontitis. The overall mean OHIP-14 total score was 3.6 (SD: 6.1). Participants with stage III or IV periodontitis reported a significantly higher OHIP-14 total score (mean: 4.7, SD: 7.4), indicating a lower OHRQoL, compared to non-periodontitis participants (mean: 2.9, SD: 4.9). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, non-western birth country, diabetes type 2, and smoking were found as significant risk indicators for severe periodontitis. Overall, results indicate a good OHRQoL among 65-year-olds in Oslo, however, a tendency of reduced OHRQoL with increasing severity of periodontitis was observed.

Periodontal conditions in a 65-year-old population and prevalence of periodontitis according to three different bone level thresholds.

AIMS: The aims of this cross-sectional study were to describe the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in a 65-year-old population in Oslo, Norway, and to investigate to what extent the radiographic bone level threshold for periodontitis case definition influences the prevalence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of 454 subjects underwent a clinical and radiographic examination and answered a questionnaire regarding general health, medications, and smoking habits. Clinical periodontal parameters (periodontal pocket depths, bleeding on probing, mobility, and furcation involvement) and radiographic bone loss were used to identify periodontitis cases and to assess periodontal stage and grade. RESULTS: Of the 454 participants, 52.6% were defined as "periodontitis cases". Of the total study population "unstable cases of recurrent periodontitis" were present in 38.1%, 16.5% of the participants were assigned to stage II, 32.8% to stage III, and 3.3% to stage IV. When lowering the radiographic bone loss cutoff from > 3 mm to > 2 mm or > 1 mm the prevalence of periodontitis increased to 91.9% and 99.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis was common among 65 year-olds living in Oslo, and in the majority of those with periodontitis, the disease was recurrent and unstable. This study also shows that the choice of bone loss cutoff for defining a periodontitis case affects the prevalence estimates to a large extent. In addition, this study addresses weaknesses in the use of the consensus report of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions for epidemiologic studies in its current form.

Periapical and endodontic status among 65-year-old Oslo-citizens.

AIM: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and root-filled teeth in a 65-year-old population in Oslo, Norway, and to investigate associations of pathosis and endodontic treatment with selected individual risk indicators and technical quality of root fillings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A random sample of 450 65-year-olds in Oslo answered a questionnaire and underwent a clinical and radiological examination (52% men and 48% women). Periapical radiographs were taken of all root-filled teeth and of teeth with apical radiolucency, and periapical status was evaluated using the Periapical Index. Apex-to-filling distance and homogeneity were assessed for all root fillings. Analyses on individual level and tooth level were performed. The outcome variables were 'non-root-filled tooth with AP' ('untreated AP'), 'root-filled tooth', and 'root-filled tooth with AP'. The explanatory variables were gender, education, dental attendance pattern, smoking, remaining teeth (n), tooth group, and root filling quality. Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations between outcome variables and explanatory variables. The level of significance was set to p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean number of remaining teeth was 26 (SD: 4). AP was present in 45% of the individuals. Sixteen percent of the individuals had untreated AP and 38% had at least one root-filled tooth with AP. Sixty-six percent of the individuals had one or more root-filled teeth. Untreated AP was significantly associated with a decreasing number of remaining teeth and smoking. All the outcome variables were significantly more prevalent in molars compared with premolars and anterior teeth. Thirty-five percent of the root-filled teeth had AP, and AP was more prevalent in teeth with too short apex-to-filling distance (53%) or unsatisfactory homogeneity (46%). CONCLUSIONS: The remaining number of teeth was high, and AP and root-filled teeth were prevalent in the present young-elderly population. A notable amount of untreated AP was observed, especially in smokers. The findings in the present study indicate a substantial need for dental care associated with endodontic conditions in the future elderly.

The validity of self-reported number of teeth and edentulousness among Norwegian older adults, the HUNT Study.

BACKGROUND: Number of teeth is an established indicator of oral health and is commonly self-reported in epidemiological studies due to the costly and labor-intensive nature of clinical examinations. Although previous studies have found self-reported number of teeth to be a reasonably accurate measure, its accuracy among older adults ≥ 70 years is less explored. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of self-reported number of teeth and edentulousness in older adults and to investigate factors that may affect the accuracy of self-reports. METHODS: This study included two different samples of older adults ≥ 70 years drawn from the fourth wave of the Trøndelag Health Study (the HUNT Study), Norway. Sample 1 (n = 586) was used to evaluate the validity of self-reported number of teeth and sample 2 (n = 518) was used to evaluate self-reported edentulousness. Information on number of teeth and background variables (education, smoking, cognitive function, and self-perceived general and oral health) were self-reported in questionnaires, while clinical oral health examinations assessed number of teeth, number of teeth restored or replaced by fixed prosthodontics and edentulousness. Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plot, chi-square test and kappa statistics were used to assess the agreement between self-reported and clinically recorded number of teeth. RESULTS: The mean difference between self-reported and clinically recorded number of teeth was low (- 0.22 teeth), and more than 70% of the participants reported their number of teeth within an error of two teeth. Correlations between self-reports and clinical examinations were high for the total sample (0.86 (Spearman) and 0.91 (Pearson)). However, a lower correlation was found among participants with dementia (0.74 (Spearman) and 0.85 (Pearson)), participants having ≥ 20 teeth (0.76 (Spearman) and 0.67 (Pearson)), and participants with ≥ 5 teeth restored or replaced by fixed prosthodontics (0.75 (Spearman) and 0.77 (Pearson)). Self-reports of having teeth or being edentulous were correct in 96.3% of the cases (kappa value 0.93, p value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among older Norwegian adults, self-reported number of teeth agreed closely with clinical tooth counts and nearly all the edentulous participants correctly reported having no teeth.

A mouth rinse based on a tea solution of Salvia officinalis for oral discomfort in palliative cancer care: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Few clinical studies evaluate interventions to reduce oral discomfort among patients in palliative care. AIM: This study examines the efficacy of a Salvia officinalis (SO) based herbal mouth rinse compared to conventional normal saline (NS) in order to improve oral health. DESIGN: A block-randomized controlled trial. Data were collected before and after a 4-day intervention with either SO (n=44) or NS (n=44). Numerical rating scales (NRS, 0-10) and 12 items from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Oral Health 17 (EORTC QLQ-OH17) measured patient-reported oral symptoms. An oral examination was performed before and after the intervention. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: This study included adult patients with late-stage cancer in an inpatient hospice unit. RESULTS: Of the 88 patients included (mean age=63.9 years, SD=10.6), 73 (83%) completed the study. At baseline, 78% reported dry mouth on the EORTC QLQ-OH17, and 80% rated dry mouth ≥4 on the NRS. Total oral health scores based on the 12 EORTC QLQ-OH17 items improved similarly in both groups (p<0.001). However, dry mouth ratings on both the EORTC QLQ-OH17 (p=0.036) and NRS (p=0.045) improved more in the SO group than in the NS group. Plaque on the teeth improved in both the SO (p=0.008) and NS (p=0.018) groups, but plaque on the tongue and erythema only improved with NS. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not detect an overall significant difference between SO and NS. Both mouth rinses improved oral health parameters, indicating that systematic assessment and oral care may reduce oral discomfort. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02067572.

Xerostomia and hyposalivation among a 65-yr-old population living in Oslo, Norway.

This study aimed to describe the prevalence and associated factors for xerostomia and hyposalivation in a young-elderly population. A random sample of 460 65-yr-old people living in Oslo, Norway, answered a questionnaire and underwent a clinical examination (237 men and 223 women; response rate 58%). Ten percent of respondents reported xerostomia. The median Summated Xerostomia Index was 6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 5-7) and the median Clinical Oral Dryness Score was 2 (IQR: 1-3). The median unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) secretion rate was 0.34 (IQR: 0.20-0.53) mL min-1 and the median stimulated whole saliva (SWS) secretion rate was 1.74 (IQR: 1.24-2.38) mL min-1 . In 8% of the study participants the UWS secretion rate was ≤0.1 mL min-1 and in 4% the SWS secretion rate was ≤0.7 mL min-1 . Three percent of the study participants had both xerostomia and hyposalivation with respect to UWS. Xerostomia was significantly associated with medication use, having rheumatic disease, and having received radiation therapy to the head/neck region. Hyposalivation with respect to UWS and SWS was significantly associated with medication use and type II diabetes. Even though xerostomia and hyposalivation were not prevalent conditions in this population, clinicians should be especially aware of the salivary conditions in patients taking four or more medications, patients diagnosed with type II diabetes, and those who have undergone radiation therapy to the head/neck region.

Smell, taste and trigeminal disorders in a 65-year-old population.

BACKGROUND: Smell, taste and trigeminal disorders likely have a substantial impact on human daily life. However, data regarding the prevalence of these disorders in Norway are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of smell, taste, trigeminal disorders and associated factors in a 65-year-old population in Oslo, Norway. METHODS: A random sample of 223 individuals (123 men, 100 women) participated in the study. Medical history was obtained, and unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) were collected to determine salivary secretion rates. Sniffin`n Sticks and Taste Strips (Burghart Messtechnik GmbH, Wedel, Germany) were used for quantitative testing of olfactory and gustatory function. In addition, the participants' self-reported perceptions of smell and taste, and burning mouth sensation were investigated. RESULTS: The results showed that 34 % of the participants had reduced smell (28 % hyposmia and 6 % anosmia) and 28 % had reduced taste perception (21 % hypogeusia and 7 % ageusia). 13 % of the partcipants had a combination of smell and taste disorders. Dysgeusia was reported by 5 % and burning mouth sensation (syndrome) by 3 % of the participants. Hyposmia, hypogeusia and ageusia were significantly more prevalent among men. Significant associations were found between taste disorders and previous history of cerebral hemorrhage and heart attack, and between burning mouth sensation and gastrointestinal disorders. Disturbances in olfactory, gustatory and trigeminal function were significantly related to medication use. Ageusia and burning mouth sensation were significantly more prevalent among smokers. Except from higher prevalence of ageusia among participants with hyposalivation with respect to SWS, no significant associations were found between salivary secretion rate and chemosensory or trigeminal disorders in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that one-third of 65-year-old individuals had impaired smell and more than one-fourth had impaired taste function. The prevalence of dysgeusia and burning mouth sensation was very low. Reduced smell and taste perception were more common among men than women. Furthermore, some diseases and medications were associated with chemosensory and trigeminal disorders. Ageusia was associated with SWS hyposalivation.

Dental hygiene registration: development, and reliability and validity testing of an assessment scale designed for nurses in institutions.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To develop and test the dental hygiene registration, a dental hygiene assessment scale for nurses working in institutions. BACKGROUND: Removal of dental plaque is a key factor in preventing oral health-related diseases. A simple, but reliable dental hygiene assessment scale that enables nurses to monitor residents' dental hygiene on a daily basis, will improve monitoring oral hygiene status and quality of dental health care. DESIGN: Descriptive study on the development and evaluation of a dental hygiene registration instrument. METHODS: The dental hygiene registration was developed and tested over several stages during the period of 2011-2014. Dental hygiene registration consists of a five-point plaque score scale. The score indicates whether measures are needed. A reference group comprising both medical and dental personnel designed dental hygiene registration. Dental plaque was used as a measure of dental hygiene. A pictorial series of teeth with varying amounts of plaque was used to achieve intra-examiner agreement. Dental hygiene registration assessments were scored 50 times to assess interexaminer reliability between one dental hygienist and one clinical nurse. Dental hygiene registration was validated against the plaque index score of the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index. The Regional Ethics Committee approved the study (2011/915). RESULTS: Estimates for intra-examiner agreement on plaque score were good for the dental hygienist (κ = 0·7) and very good for the clinical nurse (κ = 0·8). Estimates for interexaminer reliability for dental hygiene registration between the dental hygienist and the clinical nurse were moderate (κ = 0·4). dental hygiene registration corresponded significantly with Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0·8, p < 0·001) indicating good validity. CONCLUSION: The developed dental hygiene registration appears to be reliable and valid. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Dental hygiene registration may contribute to the provision of daily oral care. Dental hygiene registration enables nurses to evaluate their own effort when assisting in dental hygiene and to register whether further effort is needed.

May caries-preventive fluoride regimes have an effect on dental erosive wear? An in situ study.

OBJECTIVE: High and low concentration NaF regimes have shown caries protective properties, but the preventive effect against erosive/abrasive wear is unclear. AIM. To measure the inhibiting effect on enamel wear of low and highly concentrated sodium fluoride (NaF) toothpastes and a stannous (SnF2) fluoride gel in a single-blind, randomized in situ study, using a White Light Interferometer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen human molars were each divided into four specimens, mounted on acrylic mouth appliances and worn by eight volunteers for 9 days. Experimental procedures were performed in the laboratory. The enamel specimens were brushed every day with fluoride-free toothpaste. Treatments; group 1: no fluoride treatment (control), group 2: SnF2 gel 2500 ppm F (5 min) every third day, group 3: NaF toothpaste 5000 ppm F 5 min every third day and 2 min the other days, group 4: NaF toothpaste 1450 ppm F (2 min) every day. In order to mimic gastric reflux/vomiting, the specimens were etched with 0.01 M HCl for 2 min twice a day. RESULTS: The mean step height (µm) for the control specimens was -32.9 (SD = 6.8). The mean values for the other groups were -22.2 (SD = 8.4) (group 2), -30.8 (SD = 7.8) (group 3) and -31.4 (SD = 7.7) (group 4). Compared with the control, the SnF2 treated specimens showed significantly lower wear. The NaF toothpastes gave no significant protective effect. CONCLUSIONS: Application of SnF2 gel every third day gave protection against erosive-abrasive challenges. Daily application of both low concentration and high concentration NaF toothpaste provided no protection.

Enamel erosion depths measured on impressions by a white light interferometer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if measurements of the step heights on an impression of eroded enamel surfaces may give reliable values of the etching depths measured directly on the enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve human enamel specimens, with one circular amalgam reference surface in each, were mounted on an epoxy block and ground flat. Baseline images were taken by a White Light Interferometer (WLI) followed by 12 min etch by 0.01 M HCl, pH 2.2. The mean etch depth on each specimen was calculated from three repeated measurements, both on the specimen surfaces and on the silicone polymer impressions of the surfaces. Paired samples t-test was used when comparing the precision of measurements on enamel vs on impression. RESULTS: The mean lesion depths after 12 min etch measured on the 12 enamel surfaces and impressions were 9.9 µm and 10.6 µm, respectively. The direct and indirect measurements correlated well (r(2) = 0.95), with 7% higher mean etch depth measured on the impressions (p < 0.05). The reliability of three repeated measurements on enamel and impressions expressed by Intra Class Correlation (ICC) were 0.98 and 0.99, respectively. The average relative precisions of three repeated measurements on the 12 tooth and impression surfaces were (0.5 ± 0.1)% and (0.1 ± 0.02)%, respectively (p < 0.05). The accuracies were 0.4% and 7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: WLI gave reliable but slightly higher etch depth measurements on impressions compared to enamel surfaces.

Factors influencing home health care providers' performance of oral health care for older people: A qualitative study.

AIM: To examine factors that affect the performance of oral health care (OHC) for older people receiving nursing care at home. BACKGROUND: Oral health is often neglected by health care providers caring for older people. Research shows that health care providers' provision of OHC may be influenced by various factors (barriers and facilitators). When this research was conducted, health care providers from home healthcare services (HHCS) and nursing homes were grouped together despite setting differences; therefore, this study focuses on the performance of OHC by home health care providers (HHCPs) as a single group. DESIGN: Explorative design with a qualitative approach. METHODS: The managers of four HHCS units recruited 17 HHCPs to participate in focus group interviews. One interview was conducted per unit, and there were four to five participants in each interview. The analysis of interviews was based on theoretical thematic analysis and the PRECEDE constructs in the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines were used in reporting this study. FINDINGS: The analysis resulted in two themes with predisposing factors (HHCPs' professional responsibilities, older people's attitude), five themes with enabling factors (knowledge and skills, older people/carer trust, available time, available equipment and collaboration with public dental service (PDS)), and two themes with reinforcing factors (routines and OHC focus on the workplace) that affect the provision of OHC. The factors were categorised as individual, organisational and collaboration factors. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to individual factors found in previous studies, factors related to the organisation of services and communication between HHCPs and PDS seem to affect HHCPs' provision of OHC for adults receiving HHCS. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study provides in-depth knowledge that can contribute to increasing HHCPs' provision of OHC and thereby prevent oral and dental disease among older people receiving HHCS.

Exploring oral health indicators, oral health-related quality of life and nutritional aspects in 23 medicated patients from a short-term psychiatric ward.

Background: Patients suffering from psychiatric disorders face many difficulties due to their condition, medications and lifestyle. Oral health and nutrition may be affected, further complicating their lives. Our aim was to provide in-depth information on oral health and nutritional factors in a small group of patients in short-term psychiatric ward. Methods: Twenty-three patients (mean age 36, average medications five) were recruited during short-term hospitalization in a psychiatric ward. Inclusion criteria: anxiety, psychosis and/or depression, and use of at least one antidepressant or anxiolytic/antipsychotic drug with xerostomia as a known side effect. Subjective oral dryness was evaluated using the Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI). Oral examination included Clinical Oral Dryness Score (CODS), secretion of unstimulated (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS), and evaluation of dental, gingival, and periodontal status. Self-reported complaints of oral disorders were recorded. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was used to explore oral health-related quality of life. Nutritional status was assessed using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form (PG-SGA-SF), and diet quality was assessed using the Mediterranean diet score (KIDMED). Results: Compared to healthy controls, the patients had significantly higher SXI scores and CODS, and SWS secretion was lower. Complaints of dysgeusia and halitosis were significantly more frequent among patients. Gingivitis was more common in patients. OHIP-14 scores were much higher in the patients, and they reported significantly poorer oral and general health. Most patients lacked a regular meal pattern. Very low diet quality was observed in five patients, while improvements were needed in twelve. "Dry mouth" and "No appetite, just did not feel like eating" were the most common symptoms preventing patients from eating enough. The PG-SGA-SF symptoms component score showed a strong negative correlation with self-reported oral health, and a strong positive correlation with OHIP-14. Conclusion: This relatively small group of patients in short-term psychiatric ward had both reduced oral health and poor oral health-related quality of life. Furthermore, their nutritional intake was affected by their oral health problems. Although larger groups need to be studied, these findings indicate that oral health and nutrition should be evaluated and adjusted in these patients to improve their overall care.

The relationship between ocular and oral dryness in a cohort from the 65-year-old population in Norway.

In the present study, the relationship between dry eyes and dry mouth was explored in 150 65-year-old subjects randomly selected from the general population in Oslo, Norway. The number of drugs, including xerogenic drugs, and current and previous systemic diseases were recorded. Ocular parameters recorded were the McMonnies Dry Eye Questionnaire, the Ocular Surface Disease Index, the Schirmer I Test, tear film break-up time and ocular surface staining. The oral parameters were xerostomia frequency, Summated Xerostomia Inventory, Clinical Oral Dryness Score, and unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva. The participants with current or previous systemic diseases had significantly more ocular and oral symptoms and significantly more oral clinical findings than the participants without a history of disease. Moreover, correlation and factor analyses demonstrated an association between subjective ocular and oral parameters. A significant correlation between the total number of drugs and the presence of ocular and oral symptoms was also noted. When the participants were categorized based on their ocular symptoms, poorer values were found for the oral parameters among the participants more troubled with dry eyes. The results in the present study call for increased awareness and an interdisciplinary approach in matters related to dry eyes and dry mouth.

Dental erosive wear among Norwegian wine tasters.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and severity of dental erosive wear among a group of professional wine tasters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen wine tasters currently employed at AS Vinmonopolet, Norway (3 women, 15 men; mean age 39 years) and 30 comparison participants (9 women, 21 men; mean age 39 years) were included in the study. The wine tasters were examined by four calibrated clinicians using the Visual Erosion Dental Examination system. Data concerning medical and dietary history, oral hygiene habits and occupational background were obtained from a self-completed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, and examiner agreement was determined by means of linear-weighted kappa and the intra-class correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Nine (50%) of the wine tasters and six (20%) of the comparison group showed clinical signs of dental erosion. Among the wine tasters, 39% had dentine involvement, compared to just 7% of the comparison group. The erosive lesions were mainly found on the occlusal surfaces of mandibular first molars in the wine tasters, whereas for the controls, the palatal surfaces of upper centrals were most often affected. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant difference in the prevalence of dental erosive wear between the two groups, the wine tasters having a higher prevalence and more severely affected surfaces than the comparison group. Half of the wine tasters had no erosive wear and, for the other half, there was no relationship between the duration of their professional life and the extent of erosive wear.

Oral and ocular late effects in head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.

A broader understanding of oral and ocular late effects in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients who underwent intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) may provide valuable information in follow-up and improve quality of life. Twenty-nine HNC patients treated at least 6 months earlier and 30 age-matched controls were recruited. After completing several questionnaires: Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and McMonnies Dry Eye questionnaire (MDEQ), participants underwent oral and ocular examinations. Oral examination included clinical oral dryness score (CODS) and secretion rates of unstimulated and stimulated saliva (UWS, SWS). Ocular examination included tear film break-up time, Schirmer test and ocular surface staining. The patients had more problems related to dry mouth than controls based on CODS and SXI, and more complaints of dry eye disease based on OSDI and MDEQ. UWS and SWS rates and oral health related quality of life were significantly lower in the patient group. Subjective oral dryness (SXI) correlated significantly with subjective ocular dryness (OSDI and MDEQ). Our study demonstrates that HNC patients treated with IMRT experience late effects in terms of xerostomia and ocular dryness underlining the importance of interdisciplinary approach in the evaluation and follow-up of HNC patients.

Cytokines Explored in Saliva and Tears from Radiated Cancer Patients Correlate with Clinical Manifestations, Influencing Important Immunoregulatory Cellular Pathways.

Although radiotherapy is a common form of treatment for head and neck cancer, it may lead to tissue damage in the salivary and lacrimal glands, possibly affecting cytokine expression in the gland fluid of treated individuals. Cytokine profiles in saliva and tear fluid of 29 radiated head and neck cancer patients and 20 controls were screened using a multiplex assay. Correlations between cytokine expression and clinical oral and ocular manifestations were examined, and cellular pathways influenced by these cytokines were assessed using the Functional Enrichment Analysis Tool. Significantly elevated cytokines identified in patient saliva were CCL21, IL-4, CX3CL1, CCL2, CXCL1 and CCL15. Many of these cytokines correlated positively with objective signs of oral dryness, and reduced saliva production in the patients. Although CCL21 and IL-4 levels were significantly lower in patient tear fluid, they correlated with subjective ocular symptoms. These increased salivary cytokines affected pro-inflammatory and apoptotic cellular pathways, including T cell signalling, several interleukin signalling pathways, TNF and TGF-ß receptor signalling, and the apoptotic p53 pathway. In conclusion, the upregulated salivary cytokines identified suggest an interplay between innate and adaptive immunity, affecting immunoregulatory cellular pathways. Whether this is due to late effects of radiotherapy or tissue repair remains to be investigated.

Distorted Taste and Impaired Oral Health in Patients with Sicca Complaints

Senses of smell and taste, saliva flow, and dental status are considered as important factors for the maintenance of a good nutritional status. Salivary secretory rates, chemosensory function, burning mouth sensation, halitosis and dental status were investigated in 58 primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients, 22 non-Sjögren's syndrome sicca (non-SS) patients, and 57 age-matched healthy controls. A significantly greater proportion of pSS and non-SS patients had ageusia, dysgeusia, burning mouth sensation, and halitosis compared to controls. Patients with pSS had significantly lower olfactory and gustatory scores, and significantly higher caries experience compared to controls. Patients with pSS and non-SS patients had significantly lower unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva secretory rates compared to controls. The findings indicated that several different aspects of oral health were compromised in both pSS and non-SS patients, and this may affect their food intake and, hence, their nutritional status. Although non-SS patients do not fulfill Sjögren's syndrome classification criteria, they have similar or, in some cases, even worse oral complaints than the pSS patients. Further studies are needed to investigate food preferences, dietary intake, and nutritional status in these two patient groups in relation to their health condition.

Elevated cytokine levels in tears and saliva of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome correlate with clinical ocular and oral manifestations.

Investigating cytokines in tear fluid and saliva may offer valuable information for understanding the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Cytokine profiles in both tear fluid and saliva of pSS patients, non-Sjögren's syndrome (non-SS) subjects with sicca symptoms, and healthy controls without sicca complaints were analysed. Furthermore, relationships associating the severity of clinical ocular and oral manifestations with the upregulated cytokines were assessed. In tear fluid, pSS patients showed elevated levels of IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-17A, IFN-γ, IP-10, MIP-1b, and Rantes compared to non-SS subjects and healthy controls. The increased cytokine levels (except IP-10) correlated significantly with reduced tear production, less stable tear film, and greater ocular surface damage. In saliva, pSS patients had a higher IP-10 level, which correlated with higher candida score; and an elevated MIP-1a level, which correlated significantly with lower unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva secretion rates. The upregulated cytokines identified in tear fluid and saliva of pSS patients show a clear interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses that may contribute to disease pathogenesis. The increase of IP-10 and MIP in both tears and saliva further emphasises the essential role of macrophages and innate immunity in pSS.

The erosion-inhibiting effect of TiF4, SnF2, and NaF solutions on pellicle-covered enamel in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the protective effect of TiF(4), SnF(2), and NaF treatment on the development of erosion-like lesions in pellicle-covered human enamel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve human molars were each divided into 5 specimens, 4 of which were immersed in saliva for 2 h. Three pellicle-covered specimens from each tooth were treated with a TiF(4), SnF(2), or NaF solution (all 0.5 M F) for 2 min. Control specimens, one with and one without pellicle, were included. Immersion in acid (0.01 M HCl) was carried out stepwise (2+2+2+2 min). The etching depths (in microm) were measured using white light interferometry. RESULTS: Compared with the control with pellicle, TiF(4) reduced enamel loss by 100% after 2 min and by 24% after 8 min of acid exposure. The corresponding values for SnF(2) were 45% and 14%. NaF provided no significant protection of the surface. The pellicle-covered specimens showed reduced lesion depths after 6 and 8 min compared to the controls without pellicle. CONCLUSIONS: TiF(4) gave the best protection against acid attack. SnF(2) provided significant protection only after 2 min of acid exposure, while NaF had no significant protective effect.