[Dentinal hypersensitivity: the etiopathogenetic mechanisms and treatment. The current state of knowledge]. / L'ipersensibilità dentinale: meccanismi eziopatogenetici e trattamento. Stato attuale delle conoscenze.

The anatomical and physiological characteristics of the pulpal and dentinal sensitive system are described. Some different theories about the transmission of the dentinal sensitivity are also explained. Finally, the different desensitizing agents, their main characteristics and mechanisms of action are analyzed.

[Fluoridation of water in Europe. Review of the literature]. / La fluorizzazione delle acque in Europa. Revisione della letteratura.

The numerous studies proving that fluoride administration, mainly via fluoridated water, is undoubtedly the most reliable, efficient and economic technique for the prevention of dental decay are considered. However we should not underestimate the existence of a certain degree of distrust among the public or certain technical and bureaucratic problems which can interfere with the diffusion of this method. The experiments conducted in some countries where water fluoridation has been introduced are also reviewed.

[Salivary tests and clinical indexes in selection of caries risk groups. Critical review of the literature]. / Tests salivari e indici clinici nella selezione dei gruppi a rischio di carie: revisione critica della letteratura.

The Authors briefly illustrate some recent findings about the selection of high caries risk groups. The aim of this study is to review some of the main contributes of the literature of the last years. The attention has been mainly focused on the used experimental design. From this review it can be concluded that it is necessary a better comparability of the results among the different groups of researchers working on this problem. It could also be suggested an improvement of the predictive value of the tests by their combined use.

[Prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in a school group]. / Prevalenza di Streptococcus mutans in un campione di popolazione scolastica.

In the present study, S. mutans colony morphotypes has been investigated in salivary specimens obtained from 67 schoolchildren. Prevalence of these bacteria has been matched with DMFS in order to obtain information on cariogenicity of single morphotypes. Our data seems to suggest a correlation between total count of S. mutans colonies and caries experience, with major evidence for two colony morphotypes.