Knowledge and management of molar-incisor hypomineralisation amongst dentists in The Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a frequently encountered dental condition in the clinical setting, and correct diagnosis can influence management outcomes. AIM: To assess the knowledge of and attitudes towards the management of MIH amongst dentists in the Netherlands. DESIGN: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional web survey. The questionnaire used included questions regarding respondent characteristics, awareness, knowledge and management of MIH and was distributed through the Royal Dutch Association for Dentistry (KNMT) to a random sample of 900 dentists. Variables were analysed using descriptive statistics, and differences between distinct groups of dentists were tested using the chi-squared test. RESULTS: Respondents consisted of 76.6% general dental practitioners, 9.1% paediatric dentists and 14.3% differentiated (specialist) dentists, with a 25.6% overall response rate. The majority knew the term MIH and its clinical characteristics, and could distinguish MIH from other enamel defects. Regarding aetiological factors, 76.6% reported a genetic component. In an asymptomatic case, 47.3% reported non-invasive treatments. In a mild symptomatic case, treatments from non-invasive to invasive were reported (p < .05). In a severe symptomatic case, the majority reported invasive treatments. Two-thirds of respondents were interested in further clinical training about MIH. CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents knew the term MIH and its clinical characteristics and would like further clinical training about MIH.

Social inequities in early childhood caries in Australia: A population-based study on statewide public dental services data.

BACKGROUND: Social disadvantage leads to dental caries during childhood. AIM: This study investigated whether dental caries occur earlier in children from households experiencing social disadvantage than those not experiencing social disadvantage. DESIGN: The overall risk of, and relative time to, early childhood caries (ECC) according to sociodemographic characteristics in Victoria, Australia, was quantified. Records for 134 463 children in Victoria, Australia, from 2009 to 2019 were analysed. Time ratios (TR) and hazard ratios (HR) of carious lesion(s) in early childhood were estimated. RESULTS: Compared with reference groups, Indigenous children had an adjusted TR of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.82), children from households with languages other than English had an adjusted TR of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.82, 0.84), and dependants of concession cardholders had an adjusted TR of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.80, 0.81); therefore, 20%, 17% and 19% reduced times to the first carious lesion, respectively. The estimated HRs were 1.57 (95% CI: 1.49, 1.67) for Indigenous children, 1.46 (95% CI: 1.42, 1.50) for children from households with other languages and 1.57 (CI: 1.53, 1.60) for dependants of concession cardholders. CONCLUSION: Preventive oral health interventions must be targeted early in children from households experiencing social disadvantage to avoid social inequities in ECC.

Caries experience and gingival health in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus-A cross-sectional study.

AIM: To investigate the oral health of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its associations with diabetes-related and lifestyle factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study at a large tertiary hospital pediatric diabetes clinic. Oral examination determined dental caries experience and gingival health. Secondary outcome measures included salivary characteristics, oral hygiene and dietary practices, and diabetes-related factors. RESULTS: Eighty children and adolescents with T1D participated; mean (SD) age and HbA1c were 13.4(2.6) years and 7.7(0.9)%, respectively. Forty-seven (59%) participants had one or more decayed, missing or filled teeth; 75 (94%) participants had gingivitis. Half (50%) reported ≥3 hypoglycemic episodes necessitating rapid-acting carbohydrate in the previous week. Sixty-two participants (78%) had normal saliva flow, however, 42 (52%) had reduced salivary buffering capacity. Glycemic control (HbA1c ) was not associated with caries experience, gingival health or salivary characteristics. Increased frequency of tooth brushing (OR, 0.11; 95%CI 0.01-0.97, p = 0.05) and interdental flossing (OR, 0.31; 95%CI 0.12-0.81, p = 0.02) were associated with lower caries experience. Interdental flossing (OR, 0.31; 95% CI 0.12-0.80, p = 0.02) and good oral hygiene (OR, 0.06; 95% CI 0.01-0.22, p < 0.001) were associated with less gingivitis. CONCLUSION: Poor oral health is common in children with T1D, regardless of HbA1c. Given potential implications for short- and long-term systemic health, this study demonstrates the need for targeted strategies to improve oral health in children with T1D.

Preparedness for practice of newly qualified dental practitioners in the Australian context: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: The current study explored the perspectives of preparedness for dental practice from a range of relevant stakeholders (i.e., educators, employers, final-year students, graduates, practitioners, and professional associations) using an anonymous online survey in which participants described either their preparedness for practice, or the preparedness of graduates they have encountered, across six domains. RESULTS: A total of 120 participants completed the survey. Participants were from several Australian states and territories; regional, rural, and urban locations; and working in the public and private sector. Students and new graduates generally felt prepared for activities in all the identified domains. Stakeholders reported consistently that the knowledge of dental profession graduates was at the required level to enter practice in Australia in a safe way. Activities involving the knowledge of clinical entrepreneurship and financial solvency were the dimensions where students and graduates felt least prepared (e.g., explaining fees, negotiating finances). In the domains involving clinical and technical competencies, students and new graduates self-assessed as less prepared around managing dental trauma and medical emergencies. On the other hand, activities around social and community orientation, and to a lesser extent professional attitudes and ethical judgements, were the dimensions where students and graduates felt the most prepared. CONCLUSIONS: Present findings indicate that there appear to be good standards of preparedness for practice for graduate dental professionals. This exploratory study provides insights into the nature of preparedness for Australian dental professionals and provides a basis for targeting education and professional development to address areas of need.

The use of transillumination in mapping demarcated enamel opacities in anterior teeth: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite intensive efforts for categorizing demarcated enamel opacities, often related to molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), there is a lack of descriptive criteria aiming to describe them physically outside the scope of color and size. This is most likely due to the indices focusing on molar, not anterior, teeth. AIM: To map and classify demarcated lesions on permanent anterior teeth using reflected and transilluminated light. The association between classification and related lesion characteristics was also examined. DESIGN: Permanent anterior teeth with demarcated opacities related to MIH were selected. For each tooth, standardized photographs were taken using transmitted and reflected light. Each lesion was mapped and classified according to its color, lesion size, surface integrity, and type. The data were analyzed using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk of PEB. RESULTS: There were significant relationships between lesion size, color, and type with surface integrity. Lesion type and size were more important than lesion color for assessing the risk of PEB. There was also a significant relationship between lesion size and lesion color. CONCLUSIONS: Lesion size and type are significant clinical parameters for assessing the risk of PEB on enamel opacities related to MIH.

Epidemiology of Erosive Tooth Wear, Dental Fluorosis and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in the American Continent.

Non-carious dental lesions such as developmental defects of enamel (DDE) and erosive tooth wear (ETW) are the subject of intensive research. This paper aims to give perspectives on both DDE, including dental fluorosis and molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), and ETW, presenting epidemiological data from the Americas and associated diagnostic aspects. Besides, it is important to present evidence to guide the clinical assessment process, supporting the clinicians' management decisions towards better oral health of their patients. The overall increase in the worldwide prevalence of non-carious lesions discussed in this this paper may reflect the need of perceptual changes. Although the number of publications related to these conditions has been increasing in the last years, there is still a need for clinical diagnostic and management awareness to include these conditions in routine dental practice. Besides, it is important to provide recommendations for standardized clinical assessment criteria, improving the process and helping clinicians' adherence. In this sense, this paper discusses the most commonly implemented indices for each condition. Thus, despite the wide range of diagnostic indices, BEWE is proposed to be the index recommended for ETW assessment, Dean or Thylstrup & Fejerskov indices for fluorosis and preferably the EAPD criteria (or modified DDE index) for MIH. Overall, non-carious lesions are a growing concern, and it is important to implement preventive measures that control their severity and progression, and accurate diagnosis by the dental clinician.

Medical and dental characteristics of children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.

BACKGROUND: Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a multifaceted syndrome with a variable phenotype. Few studies have described the associated dental characteristics and their relationship with medical co-morbidities; and no Australian data exist. AIM: To determine the clinical manifestations and correlations between oral and medical conditions in children with 22q11.2DS. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study. Children genetically diagnosed with 22q11.2DS at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne were selected; their medical and dental characteristics were collated and analysed. RESULTS: The study population (n = 57; mean age 11.5 years, range 2-27 years) experienced a range of medical conditions involving multiple medical systems; of whom 44 (77.2%) had caries experience, 7 (12.3%) developmentally missing teeth, and 31 (54.4%) developmental defects of enamel (DDE). Smaller proportions of primary teeth were affected by DDE in children with congenital heart disease (2.2% vs 9.7%; P = .02), and cardiac surgery (0.2% vs 9%; P = .001). Conversely, children with hypoparathyroidism (n = 2) had significantly higher proportions of primary teeth affected by DDE (27.5% vs 4%; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Significant associations existed between medical conditions (congenital heart disease, history of cardiac surgery, and hypoparathyroidism) and primary dentition DDE in children with 22q11.2 DS.

Odontoblast markers and dentine reactions in carious primary molars with and without hypomineralised enamel defects.

BACKGROUND: Wnt/ß-Catenin signalling and DMP1 have key roles in tertiary dentinogenesis. AIM: To compare the relationship between remaining dentine thickness (RDT), tertiary dentine thickness (TDT), ß-catenin and dentine matrix protein 1 (DMP1) in carious second primary molar teeth with normal (SPM) and hypomineralised enamel (HSPM). DESIGN: Extracted carious SPM and HSPM were fixed, sectioned (5 µm) and stained with haematoxylin and eosin or with indirect immunofluorescence for ß-catenin and DMP1. Image analysis was performed to determine RDT, TDT, ß-catenin and DMP1 intensity in the odontoblast layer and dentine-pulp complex. RESULTS: Carious SPM (n = 11; mean RDT = 1536.1 µm) and HSPM (n = 12; mean RDT = 1179.9 µm) had mean TDT 248.6 µm and 518.1 µm, respectively (P = .02). There were no significant differences in intensity values in the odontoblast layer and dentine-pulp complex for ß-catenin and DMP1 for both groups. CONCLUSION: There was no observable variation in Wnt/ß-catenin and DMP1 expression between HSPM and SPM despite a statistically significant twofold increased TDT in HSPM compared with SPM that had similar RDT. Thus, the observed increased TDT in HSPM is more likely due to an earlier onset of repair processes rather than an amplified response to caries.

Terminology of Dental Caries and Dental Caries Management: Consensus Report of a Workshop Organized by ORCA and Cariology Research Group of IADR.

A 2-day workshop of ORCA and the IADR Cariology Research Group was organized to discuss and reach consensus on definitions of the most commonly used terms in cariology. The aims were to identify and to select the most commonly used terms of dental caries and dental caries management and to define them based on current concepts. Terms related to definition, diagnosis, risk assessment, and monitoring of dental caries were included. The Delphi process was used to establish terms to be considered using the nominal group method favored by consensus. Of 222 terms originally suggested by six cariologists from different countries, a total of 59 terms were reviewed after removing duplicates and unnecessary words. Sixteen experts in cariology took part in the process of reaching consensus about the definitions of the selected caries terms. Decisions were made following thorough "round table" discussions of each term and confirmed by secret electronic voting. Full agreement (100%) was reached on 17 terms, while the definitions of 6 terms were below the agreed 80% threshold of consensus. The suggested terminology is recommended for use in research, in public health, as well as in clinical practice.

How to Intervene in the Caries Process in Children: A Joint ORCA and EFCD Expert Delphi Consensus Statement.

This paper provides recommendations for dentists for the treatment of dental caries in children, with an emphasis on early childhood caries (ECC), primary teeth, and occlusal surfaces in permanent teeth. A consensus workshop followed by an e-Delphi consensus process was conducted with an expert panel nominated by the European Organization for Caries Research (ORCA) and European Federation of Conservative Dentistry (EFCD)/German Association of Conservative Dentistry (DGZ) boards. Based on 3 systematic reviews and a nonsystematic literature search, recommendations were developed. The caries decline has led to a more polarized disease distribution in children and adolescents along social gradients which should be taken into account when managing the caries process at all levels, such as the individual, the group, or a population. The control or reduction of caries activity is the basis for successful caries management. In children, caries management requires adequate daily oral hygiene and fluoride application via toothpaste, ensured by caregivers, and especially for ECC prevention an emphasis on sugar intake reduction is needed. These noninvasive interventions are also suitable to arrest or control initial or even cavitated dentine caries lesions in the absence of irreversible pulpitis. Fluoride varnish or silver diammine fluoride can be added as supplementary agents. In pits and fissures, composite resin materials can be used as preventive sealants and for defect-oriented minimally invasive restorations. In primary molars, preformed metal crowns are more successful than multisurface fillings, especially in caries-active patients. With persisting high caries activity, multiple lesions, and limited cooperation, caries control should consist of robust measures with high success rates, even including extraction in selected cases. This applies especially to treatments performed under general anesthesia.

Three-dimensional condylar changes from Herbst appliance and multibracket treatment: A comparison with matched Class II elastics.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to quantify and qualify the 3-dimensional (3D) condylar changes using mandibular 3D regional superimposition techniques in adolescent patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusions treated with either a 2-phase or single-phase approach. METHODS: Twenty patients with Herbst appliances who met the inclusion criteria and had cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images taken before, 8 weeks after Herbst removal, and after the completion of multibracket appliance treatment constituted the Herbst group. They were compared with 11 subjects with Class II malocclusion who were treated with elastics and multibracket appliances and who had CBCT images taken before and after treatment. Three-dimensional models generated from the CBCT images were registered on the mandible using 3D voxel-based superimposition techniques and analyzed using semitransparent overlays and point-to-point measurements. RESULTS: The magnitude of lateral condylar growth during the orthodontic phase (T2-T3) was greater than that during the orthopedic phase (T1-T2) for all condylar fiducials with the exception of the superior condyle (P <0.05). Conversely, posterior condylar growth was greater during the orthopedic phase than the subsequent orthodontic phase for all condylar fiducials (P <0.05). The magnitude of vertical condylar development was similar during both the orthopedic (T1-T2) and orthodontic phases (T2-T3) across all condylar fiducials (P <0.05). Posterior condylar growth during the orthodontic phase (T2-T3) of the 2-phase approach decreased for all condylar fiducials with the exception of the posterior condylar fiducial (P <0.05) when compared with the single-phase approach. CONCLUSIONS: Two-phase treatment using a Herbst appliance accelerates condylar growth when compared with a single-phase regime with Class II elastics. Whereas the posterior condylar growth manifested primarily during the orthopedic phase, the vertical condylar gains occurred in equal magnitude throughout both phases of the 2-phase treatment regime.

On the Variable Clinical Presentation of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a condition that is defined based on its peculiar clinical presentation. Original reports on the etiology of the condition and possible risk factors were inconclusive, and we refuted the original suggestion that MIH is an idiopathic condition and suggested that MIH has complex inheritance and is due to the interaction of more than one gene and the environment. Our group was the first to suggest MIH has a genetic component that involves genetic variation in genes expressed during dental enamel formation. Later we expanded this work to include genes related to the immune response. In this report, we provide a rationale to explain the variation seen in the clinical presentation of MIH, which can affect just one molar out of the four or just a portion of a particular molar.

European Organization for Caries Research Workshop: Methodology for Determination of Potentially Available Fluoride in Toothpastes.

Toothpastes are the most universally accepted form of fluoride delivery for caries prevention. To provide anti-caries benefits, they must be able to release fluoride during the time of tooth brushing or post brushing into the oral cavity. However, there is no standard accepted procedure to measure how much fluoride in a toothpaste may be (bio) available for release. The European Organization for Caries Research proposed and supported a workshop with experts in fluoride analysis in toothpastes and representatives from industry. The objective of the workshop was to discuss issues surrounding fluoride analysis in toothpaste and reach consensus on terminology and best practices, wherever the available evidence allowed it. Participants received a background paper and heard presentations followed by structured discussion to define the problem. The group also reviewed evidence on the validity, reliability and feasibility of each technique (namely chromatography and fluoride electroanalysis) and discussed their strengths and limitations. Participants were able to reach a consensus on terminology and were also able to identify and summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. However, they agreed that most currently available methods were developed for regulatory agencies several decades ago, utilizing the best available data from clinical trials then, but require to be updated. They also agreed that although significant advances to our understanding of the mechanism of action of fluoride in toothpaste have been achieved over the past 4 decades, this clearly is an extraordinarily complex subject and more work remains to be done.

When to intervene in the caries process? An expert Delphi consensus statement.

OBJECTIVES: To define an expert Delphi consensus on when to intervene in the caries process and on existing carious lesions using non- or micro-invasive, invasive/restorative or mixed interventions. METHODS: Non-systematic literature synthesis, expert Delphi consensus process and expert panel conference. RESULTS: Carious lesion activity, cavitation and cleansability determine intervention thresholds. Inactive lesions do not require treatment (in some cases, restorations will be placed for reasons of form, function and aesthetics); active lesions do. Non-cavitated carious lesions should be managed non- or micro-invasively, as should most cavitated carious lesions which are cleansable. Cavitated lesions which are not cleansable usually require invasive/restorative management, to restore form, function and aesthetics. In specific circumstances, mixed interventions may be applicable. On occlusal surfaces, cavitated lesions confined to enamel and non-cavitated lesions radiographically extending deep into dentine (middle or inner dentine third, D2/3) may be exceptions to that rule. On proximal surfaces, cavitation is hard to assess visually or by using tactile methods. Hence, radiographic lesion depth is used to determine the likelihood of cavitation. Most lesions radiographically extending into the middle or inner third of the dentine (D2/3) can be assumed to be cavitated, while those restricted to the enamel (E1/2) are not cavitated. For lesions radiographically extending into the outer third of the dentine (D1), cavitation is unlikely, and these lesions should be managed as if they were non-cavitated unless otherwise indicated. Individual decisions should consider factors modifying these thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive diagnostics are the basis for systematic decision-making on when to intervene in the caries process and on existing carious lesions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Carious lesion activity, cavitation and cleansability determine intervention thresholds. Invasive treatments should be applied restrictively and with these factors in mind.

Validity and reproducibility testing of the Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) Index.

BACKGROUND: To address challenges presented to clinicians to diagnose and treat molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), a new assessment tool was created. AIM: To explore the reproducibility and validity of a new instrument developed to assess MIH. METHODS: Inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities were examined using Cronbach's alpha. Thirty-five oral health professionals scored clinical photographs for the presence/absence of MIH and other enamel defects using the new index. Face, content, and construct validities were assessed. A panel of six experienced researchers assessed face validity. Construct validity was determined by examining hypothesised associations with clinical variables reported to change concurrently or as modifiers of the MIH outcome. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were also assessed. RESULTS: The index reflected the hypothesised associations regarding the presence, prevalence, and severity of MIH, demonstrating construct validity. Researchers indicated that codes and definitions were clear and suitable for international use. The index showed satisfactory scores of sensitivity/specificity and PPV/NPV. Examiners achieved "Substantial" to "Almost perfect" levels of agreement in clinical presentation and lesion extension. CONCLUSIONS: The tested MIH index had reasonably solid properties providing confidence that it is a reliable and valid instrument for use in population-based and clinical screenings for diagnosis of MIH and other enamel defects.

Three-dimensional treatment outcomes in Class II patients with different vertical facial patterns treated with the Herbst appliance.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to evaluate, using 3-dimensional superimposition techniques, the skeletal changes in Class II subjects with different vertical facial patterns treated with the Herbst appliance and to compare these skeletal changes to those of Class II controls treated with elastics. METHODS: Sixteen Herbst patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into 2 equal groups based on vertical facial pattern as determined by the Frankfort mandibular plane angle (brachyfacial, ≤22°; mesofacial, 23°-29°) and had cone-beam computed tomographs taken before treatment, 8 weeks after Herbst appliance removal, and after subsequent fixed appliance treatment. Eleven Class II control patients treated with fixed appliances and elastics had cone-beam computed tomographs taken before and after treatment. Three-dimensional models were generated from the cone-beam computed tomography images, registered on the anterior cranial bases, and analyzed using color maps and point-to-point measurements. RESULTS: There were minimal differences in treatment response between the 2 Herbst groups across all skeletal parameters measured. The Herbst subjects showed a greater inferior displacement of anterior nasal spine compared with the Class II controls (Herbst brachyfacial, -1.44 mm; Herbst mesofacial, -1.95 mm) with other maxillary changes being clinically insignificant. The Herbst subjects showed greater inferior displacement of B-point compared with the Class II controls (Herbst brachyfacial, -2.59 mm; Herbst mesofacial, -2.75 mm). There were no statistically significant differences in mean linear mandibular measurements. All groups showed a trend toward posterior displacement of the condyles and glenoid fossae from the start to the end of treatment, with no significant differences across the 3 groups. There were minimal differences in the changes in gonial angle and Frankfort mandibular plane angle across all groups. CONCLUSION: Approximately 2 years after Herbst treatment, the Herbst subjects with different vertical facial patterns showed similar patterns of skeletal change compared with the Class II controls treated with elastics.

A cephalometric study of the skeletal and dento-alveolar effects of the modified Louisiana State University activator in Class II malocclusion.

Objectives: To analyse the skeletal and dento-alveolar effects of the modified Louisiana State University activator (MLSUA) in Class II treatment. Materials and methods: A test group of 46 participants (25 females, 21 males) with Class II malocclusion treated with MLSUA followed by fixed appliances was compared with a matched Class II control group. Lateral cephalograms were taken at T1 (initial records), T2 (completion of MLSUA treatment), and T3 (before deband). The participants were also divided into two groups: pre-pubertal and pubertal according to skeletal maturity and three groups of different vertical facial patterns at the start of the treatment: brachyfacial, mesofacial, and dolichofacial. Statistical comparisons were performed with t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Statistically significant supplementary mandibular growth (Co-Gn) in the test group (2.6 mm) was associated with improvement of overjet (OJ), overbite (OB), and molar relationship. Short-term mandibular growth was greater in pubertal than pre-pubertal groups (2.4 mm, P < 0.05). Mandibular incisors retroclined by 2.1 degrees after MLSUA treatment. The brachyfacial group showed greater reduction in the ANB angle and forward movement of pogonion. Mandibular, palatal, and occlusal plane angles showed insignificant change regardless of the facial type. Conclusions: MLSUA treatment corrected the Class II malocclusion by accelerating mandibular growth in the short-term with minimal dento-alveolar compensation, and the correction was maintained before deband. The treatment may be more effective if started at puberty. The mandibular, palatal, and occlusal planes remained stable throughout the treatment. Brachyfacial patients showed more favourable horizontal growth.

Interaction of lifestyle, behaviour or systemic diseases with dental caries and periodontal diseases: consensus report of group 2 of the joint EFP/ORCA workshop on the boundaries between caries and periodontal diseases.

Periodontal diseases and dental caries are the most common diseases of humans and the main cause of tooth loss. Both diseases can lead to nutritional compromise and negative impacts upon self-esteem and quality of life. As complex chronic diseases, they share common risk factors, such as a requirement for a pathogenic plaque biofilm, yet they exhibit distinct pathophysiologies. Multiple exposures contribute to their causal pathways, and susceptibility involves risk factors that are inherited (e.g. genetic variants), and those that are acquired (e.g. socio-economic factors, biofilm load or composition, smoking, carbohydrate intake). Identification of these factors is crucial in the prevention of both diseases as well as in their management. AIM: To systematically appraise the scientific literature to identify potential risk factors for caries and periodontal diseases. METHODS: One systematic review (genetic risk factors), one narrative review (role of diet and nutrition) and reference documentation for modifiable acquired risk factors common to both disease groups, formed the basis of the report. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS: There is moderately strong evidence for a genetic contribution to periodontal diseases and caries susceptibility, with an attributable risk estimated to be up to 50%. The genetics literature for periodontal disease is more substantial than for caries and genes associated with chronic periodontitis are the vitamin D receptor (VDR), Fc gamma receptor IIA (Fc-γRIIA) and Interleukin 10 (IL10) genes. For caries, genes involved in enamel formation (AMELX, AMBN, ENAM, TUFT, MMP20, and KLK4), salivary characteristics (AQP5), immune regulation and dietary preferences had the largest impact. No common genetic variants were found. Fermentable carbohydrates (sugars and starches) were the most relevant common dietary risk factor for both diseases, but associated mechanisms differed. In caries, the fermentation process leads to acid production and the generation of biofilm components such as Glucans. In periodontitis, glycaemia drives oxidative stress and advanced glycation end-products may also trigger a hyper inflammatory state. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as for vitamin C, vitamin D or vitamin B12, may be related to the onset and progression of both diseases. Functional foods or probiotics could be helpful in caries prevention and periodontal disease management, although evidence is limited and biological mechanisms not fully elucidated. Hyposalivation, rheumatoid arthritis, smoking/tobacco use, undiagnosed or sub-optimally controlled diabetes and obesity are common acquired risk factors for both caries and periodontal diseases.

Prognostic value of DCE-MRI in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a comparison with traditional survival indicators.

OBJECTIVES: To determine associations between dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI) parameters and survival intervals in patients with locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), surgery, and adjuvant therapies. Further, to compare the prognostic value of DCE-MRI parameters against traditional survival indicators. METHODS: DCE-MRI and MR tumour volume measures were obtained prior to treatment and post 2nd NAC cycle. To demonstrate which parameters were associated with survival, Cox's proportional hazards models (CPHM) were employed. To avoid over-parameterisation, only those MR parameters with at least a borderline significant result were entered into the final CPHM. RESULTS: When considering disease-free survival positive axillary nodal status (hazard ratio [HR] 6.79), younger age (HR 3.37), negative oestrogen receptor status (HR 3.24), pre-treatment Maximum Enhancement Index (MaxEI) (HR 6.51), and percentage change in MaxEI (HR 1.02) represented the retained CPHM covariates. Similarly, positive axillary nodal status (HR 11.47), negative progesterone receptor status (HR 4.37) and percentage change in AUC90 (HR 1.01) represented the retained predictive variables for overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Multivariate survival analysis has demonstrated that DCE-MRI parameters obtained prior to NAC and/or post 2nd cycle can provide independent prognostic information that can complement traditional prognostic indicators available prior to treatment. KEY POINTS: • MR-derived DCE-MRI parameters obtained prior to treatment have prognostic value. • Early treatment-induced reductions in DCE-MRI parameters represents a positive prognostic indicator. • DCE-MRI parameters provide independent prognostic information that can complement traditional prognostic indicators.

Anti-caries effect of CPP-ACP in irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) on caries progression in irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. METHODS: Twenty-one males and three females (median age, 50 years) were randomized into two groups before radiotherapy. Subjects had at least eight teeth after oral health clearance. The test group used 0.4 % stannous fluoride gel and a crème containing 10 % CPP-ACP daily; the control group used a similar crème without CPP-ACP and otherwise identical care. Subjects applied the crème three times daily and fluoride gel once daily. Caries status, saliva and plaque parameters were measured pre-radiotherapy, at 2 weeks and 3 months post-radiotherapy. RESULTS: Baseline International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) scores were 0-1126 surfaces (93.9 %), 1-28 surfaces (2.3 %), 2-40 surfaces (3.3 %) and 3-6 surfaces (0.5 %) for the control and 0-1186 surfaces (95.6 %), 1-31 surfaces (2.5 %), 2-15 surfaces (1.2 %) and 3-8 surfaces (0.7 %) for the test group. Twenty-two subjects returned at 3 months post-radiotherapy with reduced plaque pH, salivary flow, pH and buffering capacity. Nine test and 8 control subjects developed 32 and 59 new caries lesions, respectively. Test subjects showed lower caries progression than the controls: all surfaces (OR 0.51, 95 % CI 0.17∼1.59), occlusal (OR 0.20, 95 % CI 0.03∼1.29) and smooth surfaces (OR 0.61, 95 % CI 0.16∼2.38). The difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Application of CPP-ACP did not significantly reduce caries progression in NPC patients in the first 3 months after radiotherapy as compared to controls. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adjunct use of CPP-ACP with stannous fluoride gel in irradiated NPC patients gave comparable results compared to stannous fluoride gel alone in reducing caries progression.