Evaluation of dental status and effectiveness of treatment among children and adolescents in the reference groups aged 6, 12, and 18 years from Skierniewice and its region in 2017-2020.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is a transmissible chronic disease of dental hard tissues. To monitor the course of carious process, age reference groups were designated which are subject to regular dental check-ups. The groups include children aged 6, 12, and 18 years as well as adults at the age of 35-44 and 55-64 years. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the state of dentition and effectiveness of treatment among children and adolescents in the reference groups aged 6, 12, and 18 years from the town of Skierniewice and its region in the years 2017-2020. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 385 children and adolescents from the reference groups. Dental examination was carried out in the dental office of the Ogrodowa Medical Centre in Skierniewice. Dental caries intensity expressed by the the DMFT index, and its particular components, D, M, and F (D- the mean number of teeth with caries (decayed), M- teeth extracted (missing), and F- filled) as well as the dental caries treatment index DTI (F/(D+F)) were determined according to sex. RESULTS: Distribution of the DMFT index components was very similar in children aged 6 years and in 18-year-old adolescents. The D component constituted half the DMF index (50.7% in 6-year-olds and 52.4% in 18-year-olds), the M component values were lowest (16.1% and 12.3%, respectively) while the F component accounted for slightly more than 1/3 of the whole value (33.2% and 35.3%, respectively). In 12-year-olds, the D component value was 68.4% of the DMF index, the M component accounted for only a few percent (4.5%) and the F component was 27.1%. The DTI value was 0.40 for 6-year-olds and 18-year-olds and appeared to be significantly higher than in the group of 12-year-olds (0.3). CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need for monitoring the dental status, professional caries prevention, and conservative treatment of teeth in children and adolescents of the Skierniewice region.

Effect of health promoting behaviours on caries prevalence in children aged 1-3 years from the Skierniewice region.

BACKGROUND: Health promoting behaviours have a decisive effect on the development and cours of caries at any age. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between health promoting behaviours and the state of dentition in children aged 1-3 years by determining the child's age, the cause of the first visit at the dental office and evaluating the relationship between the intensity of dental caries and the frequency of oral hygiene practices as well as the consumption of sweet foods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 204 children aged 1-3 years from the town of Skierniewice and its vicinity, who visited the Dental Clinic at the Ogrodowa Medical Centre in Skierniewice in the years 2019 and 2020. The study consisted of two parts: a questionnaire and clinical examination. RESULTS: In the entire study group, active caries was found in 65.2% of children. Most of the children came for the first time to the dentist at the age of 3 years (37.5%), and the least number of them in the first year of age (22.6%). There was no significant correlation observed between the purpose of the visit (adaptation, check-up and treatment, pain) and the child's age (p> 0.05). The majority of children (67.6%) cleaned their teeth twice a day; and the value of their dmf index (2.00 ± 0.88) was significantly lower compared to those brushing teeth once a day: in the morning (2.82 ± 1.01) or in the evening (2.89 ± 0.93) (p <0.001). Only 8.8% of children did not eat sweets at all, while more than half (58.8%) consumed them more than once a day. The dmf index value significantly (p<0.001) increased with the frequency of sweets consumption from 0.37 ± 0.08 - never, through 1.73 ± 0.86 - once a day, to 2.99 ± 1.03 - often. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed that health-promoting measures have a significant impact on the dental state of children aged 1-3 years.

Knowledge of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance amongst final year dental students of Polish medical schools-A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance has been one of the biggest global concerns. Dentists constitute an important group of antibiotic prescribers, and it was shown that their therapeutic decisions are not always rational. In this paper, we present knowledge of antibiotics prescription rules and antimicrobial resistance amongst graduating dentistry students from all dentistry faculties of medical universities in Poland, who will soon join the group of antibiotics prescribers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 28 questions was developed. The survey was conducted in May-June 2015. RESULTS: The study group comprised a total of 752 students. About 54% expressed the opinion that dentists overprescribe antibiotics. One-tenth thought that they can be used for the treatment of flu (7%) and common cold (11%). Respondents pointed to amoxicillin (46%) and clindamycin (44%) as the first-choice treatment of dentoalveolar abscess, if medically indicated. More than half of the students (58%) suggested using doxycycline and metronidazole in aggressive periodontitis in an individual allergic to penicillin. The vast majority of students (97%) indicated that penicillins and cephalosporins were suitable for treatment of dental infections in pregnant women. The majority of participants (82%) said that rheumatic disease, chronic immunosuppression, chronic kidney failure and a history of infective endocarditis required a prophylactic administration of antibiotics before or during endodontic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The research showed variable levels of understanding of antibiotics use amongst dental students in medical universities in Poland. Our results emphasise the need to educate dental students further regarding antibiotics and risks related to antibiotic misuse, especially in dental practice.

Evaluation of the preventive and therapeutic programme implementation "Let's take care of a healthy smile" among 17- and 18-year-old adolescents in the city of Skierniewice in 2018

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of the preventive and therapeutic programme addressed to adolescents aged 17 and 18, based on a comparison of the state of dentition prior to and after the completion of the programme. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All 44 adolescents from the City of Skierniewice and the surrounding area who applied for enrolment were included in the programme. Based on clinical examination, the prevalence of active caries, caries intensity expressed by mean values of the DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) Index including D, M, and F components and the Dental Treatment (DT) Index F/(D + F) were assessed. All parameters were presented according to sex. RESULTS: Active caries was observed in 34 (77.3%) patients. Caries was more frequently detected in boys (82.6%) than in girls (71.4%). The value of the Caries Intensity Index, DMF, equalled 12.05 and was significantly higher (p<0.01) in boys than in girls: 13.73 ± 3.63 and 10.06 ± 3.42. In the examined group of 17- and 18-year-olds, the mean number of decayed teeth D (6.31) had the highest mean value, followed by the mean number of filled teeth F (4.26), the mean number of extracted (missing) teeth M (1.48) being the lowest. The values of the F Index were statistically significantly higher (t=2.570; p=0.0195) in boys as compared to girls (5.26 ± 2.69 vs. 3.13 ± 2.83). Mean value the Dental Treatment (DT) Index (F/D+F) appeared to be higher in the group of boys than in girls: 0.431 ± 0.182 and 0.358 ± 0.126, respectively. After the completion of the programme, all adolescents studied achieved the value of the Dental Treatment Index equalling 1 CONCLUSIONS: Dental examination qualifying 17- and 18-year old adolescents in Skierniewice to the preventive and therapeutic programme detected numerous foci of active caries. Implementation of the programme allowed to effectively treat the teeth of the adolescents participating in the project and to develop proper hygiene and dietary habits.

Evaluation of dental state in 6-year-old children from the Skierniewice region

INTRODUCTION: Caries is a social disease and a serious problem, especially in the childhood. The effects of untreated caries can cause not only disorders of the stomatognathic system, but also have a negative impact on the overall health and development of the child THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the state of dentition of 6-year-old children from the Skierniewice region MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 140 children (6-year-old) were included to the study - 74 from a small town (Skierniewice) and 66 from a village. Caries prevalence, caries intensity (dmf, DMF) and dental treatment index (DTI) were assessed. The results were analyzed statistically RESULTS: The caries prevalence in the study group was 88.6%. The caries intensity in the deciduous dentition (dmf) was statistically significantly higher (p=0.021) in rural areas (7.45) than in the city (6.32). The mean dmf value was mainly determined as the number of filled teeth. In permanent dentition, higher values of DMF were found in children from rural areas (2.30) than urban areas (1.93). The dental treatment index for the deciduous dentition amounted to 0.67 and for the permanent dentition to 0.4. Both for deciduous and permanent teeth, this index was higher in urban than rural children CONCLUSIONS: High rates of caries prevalence and intensity in 6-year-old children from the Skierniewice region confirm that caries is still a serious problem, especially in the village. The high value of the treatment index for deciduous dentition demonstrates the efficacy of treatment in this field. It is necessary to carry out preventive programs and make parents aware that they should early take care of their children's dentition

[The effects of topical fluoridation of Ketac Molar Aplicap glass-ionomer material on the growth of cariogenic bacteria contained in the dental plaque]. / Wplyw fluorowania kontaktowego materialu szklo-jonomerowego Ketac Molar Aplicap na wzrost bakterii plytki nazebnej.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is a bacterial disease. The most important element used in caries prevention is fluoride, which is derived from the air, diet or fluoride-containing preparations and materials, e.g. glass-ionomer restorations. Modern fluoride-containing restorative materials are capable of releasing fluoride to the environment. Fluoride can be also accumulated in glass-ionomer cements, thus an attempt was made to saturate these materials with fluoride. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of topical fluoridation of Ketac Molar Aplicap glass-ionomer cement on the growth of Lactobacillus spp. in the dental plaque. METHODS: The study was carried out in 15 patients with good oral hygiene, in whom 35 fillings with conventional glass-ionomer material, Ketac Molar Aplicap, were performed. After 6 months, three-day dental plaque from these fillings was examined. Next, fluoride was rubbed on the glass-ionomer surface and the examination of three-day dental plaque was repeated. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences (p = 0.143) in the amounts of Lactobacillus spp. in the plaque collected prior to and after topical fluoridation were revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoride rubbed in the conventional glass-ionomer cement, Ketac Molar Aplicap, did not affect the amount of Lactobacillus spp. in the dental plaque growing on this material.

[The effects of topical fluoridation of enamel on the growth of cariogenic bacteria contained in the dental plaque]. / Wplyw fluoryzacji kontaktowej szkliwa na wzrost bakterii plytki nazebnej.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is a bacterial disease. The most important element used in caries prevention is fluoride, which is derived from the air, diet or fluoride-containing preparations and materials, e.g. glass-ionomer restorations. Fluoride can inhibit metabolism and bacterial growth in the dental plaque. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of topical fluoridation of the enamel on the growth of Lactobacillus spp. in the dental plaque. METHODS: The study was carried out in 15 patients with good oral hygiene, in whom three-day dental plaque from the enamel was examined. Next, fluoride was rubbed on the same surface and the examination of three-day dental plaque was repeated. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences (p = 0.475) in the amounts of Lactobacillus spp. in the plaque collected prior to and after the topical fluoridation were revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoride rubbed in the enamel, did not affect the amount of Lactobacillus spp. in the dental plaque growing on this material.

Mechanism of enamel damage in the grooves of molars during mastication.

BACKGROUND: During mastication, molars are subjected to heavy stress. However, a full explanation of the effects of physiological loads on tooth structures is lacking. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine stress in molars and identify the mechanism of enamel damage in the grooves of the teeth during computer-simulated mastication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out using the finite element method (FEM). A three-dimensional (3D) model of the first mandibular molar and of the crown of the opposing maxillary tooth was created. A food bite was introduced between the antagonistic teeth. The mastication cycle of the bolus was computer-simulated. The equivalent stress in the enamel and dentin of the mandibular molar was calculated according to the modified von Mises (mvM) criterion. RESULTS: During the simulated chewing activity, the highest equivalent mvM stress and tensile stress concentrated on the molar enamel around the central groove and the foramen cecum. The value of the equivalent mvM stress was close to the tensile strength of the enamel. According to the mvM criterion, the enamel in these areas was exposed to destruction, which coincided with the occurrence of class I caries. CONCLUSIONS: During mastication, significant tensile and mvM stress concentrates on the mandibular molar enamel around the central groove and the foramen cecum. High stress in these areas may cause prism microfractures and facilitate the bacterial penetration of the enamel.

[The effects of Ketac Molar Aplicap glass-ionomer material on growth of cariogenic bacteria contained in the dental plaque]. / Wplyw materialu szklo-jonomerowego Ketac Molar Aplicap na wzrost bakterii próchnicotwórczych plytki nazebnej.

INTRODUCTION: In the aging population, the prevalence of root caries has been observed, which is a characteristic feature of the elderly people. The most important element used in caries prevention is fluoride, which is derived from the air, diet or fluoride-containing preparations and materials, e.g. glass-ionomer restorations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Ketac Molar Aplicap glass-ionomer on the growth of Lactobacillus sp. bacteria, one of the species most frequently found in the carietic focus of the tooth root. METHODS: The study was carried out in 15 patients with good oral hygiene, in whom 35 fillings from Ketac Molar Aplicap conventional glass-ionomer material were performed. After 6 months, three-day dental plaque from these fillings and from the tooth enamel of the control group was examined. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences (p = 0.554) in the amounts of Lactobacillus sp. between the study and control group were revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of inhibiting effect of glass-ionomer material on the growth of the dental plaque with Lactobacillus sp. after the time of observation is implied.

The influence of tobacco smoking on dental periapical condition in a sample of an adult population of the Lódz region, Poland.

OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological studies show that apical periodontitis (AP), alongside tooth decay, is the most common oral disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of smoking on the prevalence of AP in the population of the Lódz region, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 815 first-time, randomly selected patients reporting to the Central Teaching Hospital of the Medical University of Lodz. The studied group was a systematic sample of the population admitted for treatment in 2016. The study consisted of a questionnaire and a radiological part. Each patient filled out a questionnaire containing demographic data, and an interview regarding smoking and diabetes. The radiological part of the study included the analysis of panoramic radiographs which showed the periapical status, and the presence and quality of root canal treatment. RESULTS: Teeth with AP were observed more frequently in patients addicted to tobacco either at the time of the study or in the past (group 1) - 7.2% than in people who had never smoked (group 2) - 5.2% (p < 0.0005). In the teeth without root canal treatment, AP was observed more frequently in group 1 - 3.5% than in group 2 - 1.9% (p < 0.0005). A statistically significant difference was found in the percentage of endodontically treated teeth between group 1 and group 2 (10.7% vs. 9.6%) (p = 0.017). However, no difference was observed in the frequency of AP in the endodontically treated teeth in both groups (37.6% vs. 35.8%) (p = 0.451). CONCLUSIONS: Smokers are a group facing an increased risk of AP and, therefore, there is a need for an early detection and treatment of caries and its complications in this group of patients. The multifactorial etiology of AP indicates the necessity to undertake further studies on the effect of smoking on the periapical status. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(1):45-57.

Comparative scanning electron microscope analysis of the enamel of permanent human, bovine and porcine teeth.

BACKGROUND: Bovine and porcine teeth are often used in in vitro experiments as substitutes of human teeth. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to perform a comparative analysis of enamel morphology of permanent human, bovine and porcine teeth under the scanning electron microscope. METHODS: As many as 10 human, 10 bovine, and 10 porcine teeth were studied. All the teeth were sectioned and the halves were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the examined tissue (vestibular enamel at the mid-height of the dental crown and in the cervical area). Human and bovine enamel was etched for 15 sec and porcine enamel for 30 sec. The scanning electron microscope analysis was performed. The length and width of enamel prisms were determined with the "Met-Ilo" 1.1 computer program. RESULTS: All enamel samples revealed the same etching pattern-Silverstone's type 2. Bovine enamel showed a similar porosity and the amount of interprismatic enamel compared to human enamel while the amount and width of interprismatic enamel bands in porcine enamel were evidently greater. The shape of the porcine prisms was visually similar to human prisms, although dimensions were significantly different. However, bovine prisms differed in form and appeared to be distinctly elongated. CONCLUSIONS: Reported findings indicate that the results of experimental studies carried out on bovine and porcine enamel should not be compared with the results obtained on human enamel.

Bond strength of Biodentine to a resin-based composite at various acid etching times and with different adhesive strategies.

BACKGROUND: Biodentine® is a bioactive calcium silicate-based material, with better strength parameters, an easier application method and a shorter setting time than mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). The bond strength between Biodentine and the composite material is essential for the durability of the layered restoration. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of Biodentine to a resin-based composite at various acid etching times and with different adhesive strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the 1st part of the experiment, the specimens were divided into 2 groups: the adhesive was applied in the total-etch (TE) and self-etch (SE) techniques. In the TE group, 37% orthophosphoric acid was applied after 30 s (TE 30) and 240 s (TE 240). In the SE group, the SE system was applied for 30 s (SE 30) and 240 s (SE 240). In the 2nd part, the SE systems Clearfil® SE Bond and Clearfil S3 Bond Plus were evaluated (the CSE and CS3 groups, respectively). In each group, the adhesive system was applied in 1 (the CSE 1 and CS3 1 subgroups) or 2 layers (the CSE 2 and CS3 2 subgroups). The specimens were subjected to a shear bond strength (SBS) test in a universal testing machine. RESULTS: Shear bond strength was higher after a prolonged etching procedure in the TE (TE 30: 2.51 MPa, TE 240: 9.39 MPa) and SE techniques (SE 30: 5.92 MPa, SE 240: 7.89 MPa). A statistically significant influence was detected in relation to 30 s of surface preparation time for Clearfil S3 Bond Plus (p < 0.001). Greater bond strength was revealed after the application of 1 layer of the Clearfil S3 Bond Plus single-bottle system (CS3 1: 6.42 MPa). CONCLUSIONS: The SBS of Biodentine to the composite depends on both the etching time and the mode of application of the adhesive systems. Higher bond strength was obtained for the SE adhesive in a shorter application time.

Diagnostic value of cone beam computed tomography for recognition of oblique root fractures: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of tooth root fractures is based on radiographic examination, which is not reliable in the case of oblique root fractures. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging of oblique root fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four bovine incisors were used in the study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups: an experimental group with artificially created oblique root fractures and a control group without fractures. The teeth underwent a CBCT evaluation with a CS 9300 cone-beam scanner (Carestream, Rochester, USA) using a 5 × 5 cm field of view with the resolution up to 90 µm, and a dental radiography. The specimens were examined by 2 observers with different job experience. RESULTS: In the CBCT scans, fracture lines were detected in 95.8% of cases (the 1st observer made a proper diagnosis in 100% of cases and the 2nd in 91.7%). Fracture lines were identified on radiographs in 33.3% of roots (the 1st observer was able to see the lines in 41.7% of cases and the 2nd in 25%). The inter-observer agreement was very high (the kappa coefficient for CBCT scans was 1.00 and 0.88 for radiographs). The best diagnostic value was recorded for contiguous slices. CONCLUSIONS: Cone beam computed tomography with a small field of view and high resolution significantly surpasses radiographs in effective imaging of oblique tooth root fractures and should be the method of choice in the diagnosis of these fractures.

Influence of infiltration technique and selected demineralization methods on the roughness of demineralized enamel: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: The decalcification of enamel leads to an increase in tissue roughness. The development of carious lesions may be halted or these lesions may heal, which results in a smoother surface. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to assess the impact of selected agents on the roughness of demineralized enamel on the smooth surfaces of teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 25 samples with exposed enamel surfaces were examined in the study. The samples were randomized into groups and they were exposed to a demineralizing solution, after which the following agents were applied: Icon (Ic), Elmex gel (El), GC Tooth Mousse (TM), Colgate Total (K+) - a positive control group, and distilled water as a negative control group (K-). The impact of selected agents on the roughness of demineralized enamel was assessed with a profilometer. The parameters Ra, Rz and Rq were analyzed. RESULTS: Following infiltration and demineralization, the Ra coefficient declined in groups Ic, TM, K+ and K-, Rz decreased in groups Ic, TM and Rq was lower in groups Ic, TM and Kafter using agents when compared with demineralization. The lowest Ra, Rz and Rq values, i.e. the highest degree of surface smoothness, were observed in group Ic. An increase in all coefficients (Ra, Rz and Rq) was noted in group El. CONCLUSIONS: Demineralized enamel can be smoothed out through the one-time application of Icon resin or the long-term application of GC Tooth Mousse. The least effective agents turned out to be those with a high fluoride content.

Evaluation of the Erosive Potential of Selected Isotonic Drinks: In Vitro Studies.

BACKGROUND: Isotonic drinks are an important component of the diet of athletes. Sports drinks cause the body to maintain proper hydration and supplement minerals which are lost in sweat during excessive exercising. Aside from the benefits of isotonic drinks, it is important to be aware of the harmful effects of citric acid within the products, which could cause enamel erosion. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the erosive potential of sports drinks using confocal scanning laser microscopy (CLSM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studies measured the change of surface roughness of the dental enamel after etching using Isostar, Powerade and Gatorade drinks, and Fortuna orange juice. Measurements were repeated after 1, 2 and 3 h of exposure to the selected liquid. The evaluation of calcium compound contents was carried out using the complexonometric method. RESULTS: The surface roughness measurements of dental enamel showed that the lowest values of the parameters Ra and Rz were obtained for Isostar and orange juice. The research of the calcium content in the selected beverages showed the highest value in Isostar (320.0 mg/L) and the lowest in Powerade (40.0 mg/L) and Gatorade (21.0 mg/L). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that Isostar is the safest sports drink, among the analyzed beverages, for athletes, because it causes the least erosive changes in dental enamel. It is recommended to supplement beverages to reduce their potential for erosion using calcium compounds.

[Endodontic treatment and periapical health in patients of the Institute of Dentistry in Lódz]. / Leczenie endodontyczne a stan zdrowia przyzebia wierzcholkowego pacjentów instytutu stomatologii w lodzi.

OBJECTIVE: Retrospective assessment of periapical health in relation to sex, age and quality of root-canal treatment among adult patients of the Institute of Dentistry in Lódz. Orthopantomograms of 439 subjects were assessed considering the prevalence of endodontic treatment, technical quality of root-canal fillings and the state of periapical tissues. The assessment of orthopantomograms of 174 (39.6%) men and 265 (60.4%) women was carried out. A significant increase (p=0.016) in the mean number of endodontically treated teeth according to age (range from 1.4 in subjects under the age of 20 to 3.4 in those aged 70 years and over) and the mean number of teeth with periapical pathosis (from 0.9 to 2.4, respectively) (p=0.020) was observed. Of 10054 radiographically examined teeth 9.7% was treated endodontically, whereas, 5.5% exhibited periapical pathosis. The percentage of teeth with periapical lesions was significantly higher (p=0.015) in men (6.2%) as compared to women (5.0%). Periapical radiolucency occurred significantly more often (p=0.0001) in endodontically treated teeth (36.4% of cases) than in those with untreated root canals (2.1%). Teeth with inadequately filled root canals significantly more often revealed the presence of periapical pathosis (49.6%) in comparison to teeth with adequately filled root canals (4.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of endodontic treatment and apical periodontitis increases with age. The prevalence of apical periodontitis depends on sex - periapical lesions were more often found in men. The quality of endodontic treatment significantly affects periapical health.