Creation of a Systematic Interdental Brush Set Based on the Passage Hole Diameter (PHD) - An In-Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a systematic interdental brush set with size distribution based on the passage hole diameter (PHD), addressing existing gaps in size selection criteria for effective interdental cleaning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the first step, an interdental brush set that ascends stepwise according to the PHD value was envisioned. The study was divided into three phases: (i) in-vitro determination of PHD values of a currently existing assortment on the market by 13 calibrated dental professionals, (ii) in-vitro assessment of forces during insertion, and (iii) creation and evaluation of new prototypes for missing or non-matching PHD sizes. Intra- and inter-rater reliability, assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), as well as insertion forces and PHD sizes at all stages were reported. RESULTS: In the existing range, three interdental brushes fitting the desired PHD sizes were initially identified. Mean insertion forces between 0.3 and 1.7 N were documented based on raters' PHD choices. Two additional rounds of measurements with prototypes adapted in diameter and shape were necessary, particularly for PHD values of 1.4, 2.3 and 2.6. High intra- and inter-rater reliability was observed throughout the study (ICC > 0.95), ensuring consistent evaluations. After three rounds of assessments, a prototype was successfully identified for each targeted PHD value in the systematised set, showcasing reliable sizing and insertion forces. CONCLUSION: Using a structured approach, a comprehensive interdental brush set was developed with reliable PHD sizing and moderate insertion forces. The verification of size reliability through measurements by dentists represents a novelty in development and underlines the importance of accurate brush size selection for optimal biofilm control. Whether a systematic set based on the PHD value offers added value for clinical practice, and at what intervals, must be demonstrated in further studies.

Very old age impacts masticatory performance: a study among sexagenarians to centenarians.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional pilot study evaluated the impact of age on masticatory performance among individuals aged 65 to 106 years, as part of the Heidelberg Dental Centenarian Study (HD-100Z) conducted in South-Western Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 31 centenarians were recruited, alongside 31 individuals each from the age groups 75-99 and 65-74, matched based on sex, prosthetic status, and number of teeth. Masticatory performance was assessed using a two-colored chewing gum test and digital image processing. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of age, sex, number of teeth, type of prosthesis on the masticatory performance. RESULTS: Masticatory performance, as measured by the standard deviation of hue in the chewing gum test, decreased significantly in centenarians compared to individuals aged 75-99 years (-0.112, p = 0.037) and those aged 65-74 years (-0.274, p < 0.001). The effects of sex, number of teeth, and type of prosthesis on masticatory performance were not significant associations (p ≥ 0.135). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that age may have a significant influence on masticatory performance in the studied age groups, challenging previous notions that aging itself has little impact on masticatory ability. The inclusion of centenarians in the study highlights the need for further investigation into masticatory function in age groups reaching up to 100 years or more. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study contributes to the understanding of how ageing affects oral function, which may guide dental treatment approaches for older individuals, and set the stage for more in-depth investigations in this field in the future.

Dental treatment of children with special healthcare needs: A retrospective study of 10 years of treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) often face oral health challenges. This retrospective cross-sectional study at a university hospital aimed to determine CSHCN's medical spectrum, dental treatment needs, and mode of treatment: general anesthesia (GA) or outpatient dental care (ODC). DESIGN: Data from the Department of Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University Hospital, 2012-2022, were reviewed, considering age, gender, International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnoses, caries experience (dmft/DMFT), restorative parameters, and treatment under GA/ODC. For patients under GA, their American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification was considered. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U-test and logistic regression were utilized. RESULTS: Of 669 patients, congenital and chromosomal malformations (34.7%), diseases of the nervous system (19.1%), and mental and behavioral disorders (16.0%) were mainly diagnosed. Dentin caries prevalence was high at 79.1%, with treatments performed mainly under GA (51.4%). The odds of receiving treatment under GA decreased with patient age and increased with higher dmft/DMFT scores. Most under GA were classified as ASA 3 (51.7%), indicating high anesthesia risks. CONCLUSION: Children with special healthcare needs often have diseases that can lead to higher challenges related to cooperation. The high prevalence of dentin caries underscores the substantial need for dental treatments, which were consequently often performed under GA, despite the associated risks. These findings stress the need for trained dental professionals.

Oral health-related quality of life and survival analysis after preventive and restorative treatment of molar-incisor hypomineralisation.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children and adolescents, including information on restorative care, tooth sensitivity, as well as sociodemographic factors. Thirty-five patients aged between 7 and 17 years underwent a comprehensive oral examination. Severity of MIH was graded using the MIH Treatment Need Index (MIH-TNI), OHRQoL using the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP-19). Clinical quality of restorations was assessed according to modified FDI-criteria, tooth sensitivity using the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale (SCASS). The mean age was 11.3 ± 3.0 years, 34% were female. On average, 6.9 ± 2.8 teeth were affected, 62,9% had hypersensitive teeth (SCASS ≥ 1). Eighty-nine percent of patients had received restorative care, with a mean of 3.3 ± 2.1 teeth restored, most often with composite, followed by fissure sealing. Nine percent of restorations failed by the FDI-criteria. Mean estimated survival times for success were 4.9 years (95% CI 3.5; 6.2) and 5.6 years (95% CI 5.0; 6.3) for fissure sealants and composite restorations, respectively. The mean COHIP-19 score was 64.3 ± 8.2 (max. possible score = 76). A higher severity of MIH-TNI correlated significantly with impaired OHRQoL (rs = - 0.38, p = 0.013). However, this was not mirrored in multiple regression analysis. Despite the high rate of restorative treatment with an acceptable failure rate, OHRQoL is reduced in children with MIH. Many teeth affected by MIH remain sensitive. Further studies are needed to assess the benefits of different restorative options.

Clinical evaluation of bulk-fill and universal nanocomposites in class II cavities: Five-year results of a randomized clinical split-mouth trial.

AIM: Evaluating the clinical survival and quality parameters of class-II restorations using 3M™ FiltekTM Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative compared to 3M™ FiltekTM Supreme XTE Universal Restorative over a period of five years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal, randomized, prospective split-mouth study with 60 patients (29 female, 31 male; mean age 44 y; range 20-77 y) and a total of 120 load-bearing class II restorations (TEST: n=60 Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative; CONTROL: n=60 Filtek Supreme XTE Universal Restorative) was conducted. Clinical evaluation was performed by blinded evaluators according to FDI criteria. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis and an intergroup comparison (Mann-Whitney-U-Test) was carried out. A basic significance level of 0.05 was corrected by the Bonferroni method to account for multiple testing (significance after correction: p<0.00067). RESULTS: The mean overall survival of restorations was 92% after 56.98±1.51 months in the TEST group (95 CI= 54.02;59.94) and 92% after 57.25±1.46 months (95 CI= 54.39; 60.12) in the CONTROL group (log-rank p=0.995). In total, four failures occurred in both TEST and CONTROL group during the observation period (mean annual failure rate: 1.6%). The most common reasons for failure were chipping-fractures, debonding, cracked-tooth-syndrome and recurrent decay. With regard to the FDI criteria, no significant differences between TEST and CONTROL material occurred for any of the evaluated variables. In the TEST group two restorations had to be repaired and two had to be replaced, in the CONTROL group four restorations had to be replaced. CONCLUSION: Both materials showed acceptable clinical performance and survival during the 5-year observation period. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of a nanofilled bulk-fill composite proved to be an aesthetically, functionally and biologically satisfactory alternative in posterior dentition.

Retrospective Clinical Evaluation of Subgingival Composite Resin Restorations with Deep-Margin Elevation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term clinical quality of subgingivally placed composite resin restorations and the inflammatory status of surrounding supracrestal gingival and periodontal tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with at least one subgingival restoration with deep-margin elevation placed between 2010 and 2020 at Heidelberg University Hospital and Tübingen University Hospital were identified. A sound tooth was used as control. Intraoral examination including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and plaque control record (PCR) was conducted. The clinical quality of the restorations was evaluated using the modified FDI criteria. For comparison between control and test teeth, a logistic mixed-effects model was used for GBI, PCR, and BOP, while a linear mixed-effects model was used for CAL. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were used to examine the influence of smoking, age of restoration, number of decayed, missing and filled teeth, use of interdental brushes, and CAL. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included in the study. The mean age of the restorations was 2.70 ± 1.90 years. There were no significant differences between test and control teeth with respect to inflammatory parameters BOP, GBI, and PCR. CAL was significantly higher in test teeth than in controls (p = 0.027). The regression models revealed that CAL has a significant influence on GBI (p = 0.008) and BOP (p < 0.001). A significantly increased GBI occurred especially on test teeth in patients who did not use interdental brushes daily (p = 0.010). The clinical quality of restorations was rated excellent or good in 70%, an no restoration was rated unacceptable. CONCLUSION: No increased inflammation was observed on sites with subgingivally placed composite restorations over an observation period of approximately 3 years. Regular interdental brush use was associated with less gingival inflammation.

Phenotypic Adaptation to Antiseptics and Effects on Biofilm Formation Capacity and Antibiotic Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Early Colonizers in Dental Plaque.

Despite the wide-spread use of antiseptics in dental practice and oral care products, there is little public awareness of potential risks associated with antiseptic resistance and potentially concomitant cross-resistance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate potential phenotypic adaptation in 177 clinical isolates of early colonizers of dental plaque (Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Rothia and Veillonella spp.) upon repeated exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) or cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) over 10 passages using a modified microdilution method. Stability of phenotypic adaptation was re-evaluated after culture in antiseptic-free nutrient broth for 24 or 72 h. Strains showing 8-fold minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)-increase were further examined regarding their biofilm formation capacity, phenotypic antibiotic resistance and presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Eight-fold MIC-increases to CHX were detected in four Streptococcus isolates. These strains mostly exhibited significantly increased biofilm formation capacity compared to their respective wild-type strains. Phenotypic antibiotic resistance was detected to tetracycline and erythromycin, consistent with the detected ARGs. In conclusion, this study shows that clinical isolates of early colonizers of dental plaque can phenotypically adapt toward antiseptics such as CHX upon repeated exposure. The underlying mechanisms at genomic and transcriptomic levels need to be investigated in future studies.

Maintaining oral health for a hundred years and more? - An analysis of microbial and salivary factors in a cohort of centenarians.

Aim: To investigate associations between oral health-related conditions and the oral microbiome in a representative study sample of centenarians. Materials and methods: Clinical and microbial parameters from 54 centenarians were assessed in the Heidelberg Dental Centenarian Study. Plaque and salivary samples were collected, and the microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: Diversity and structure of the oral microbiome were mainly influenced by the presence of natural teeth and the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (0.028 ≤ p ≤ 0.001 in plaque and salivary samples). Centenarians with less caries experience possessed a more diverse oral microbiome. Moreover, the number of dental visits also showed a significant influence on the microbial composition. Most centenarians presented with hyposalivation (mean stimulated flow rate = 0.84 ± 0.55 ml/min), a low buffering capacity, and an acidic pH. The latter was between 5.0 and 5.8 in 46.3% of cases, and we observed that an increased salivary pH correlated with higher alpha-diversity in both salivary and plaque samples. Conclusion: The microbiome diversity correlated significantly with successful oral aging. In addition, regular dental visits were a beneficial factor. However, diversity can be negatively influenced by hyposalivation, associated with pH changes due to aging effects.

A randomized clinical split-mouth trial of a bulk-fill and a nanohybrid composite restorative in class II cavities: Three-year results.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical survival and quality parameters of class-II restorations using a bulk-fill composite resin compared to a conventional nanohybrid composite resin in a split-mouth design. METHODS: One hundred and twenty direct restorations were placed in stress bearing class II cavities (n = 60 test group: Filtek™ Bulk Fill Posterior and n = 60 control group: Filtek™ Supreme XTE) in adult permanent teeth. Survival and clinical quality were evaluated at baseline and after 3 years using modified World Dental Federation (FDI) criteria. Participants and clinical evaluators were blinded relating to the group assignment of the restorations. RESULTS: Seventeen restorations (14.2%) were lost to follow-up, leading to 51 restorations available for survival analysis in the test group and 52 restorations in the control group. Seven restorations showed unfavorable events and were classified as failure. Four bulk-fill restorations failed due to tooth infracture (n = 1), chipping fractures (n = 2) and recurrent decay (n = 1), whereas three conventional nanohybrid composite restorations failed due to adhesive failure (n = 1), tooth infracture (n = 1) and chipping as well as recurrent decay (n = 1). The mean annual failure rate was 2.4% and 1.8%, respectively. The difference between test and control group was not significant (p = 0.7). Data on the detailed assessment of FDI criteria were available for n = 48 and n = 49 restorations, respectively. No significant differences between the two groups could be found regarding the assessment of esthetic, functional and biological properties. SIGNIFICANCE: Both materials showed similar clinical performance and survival. The use of bulk-fill composite proved to be an esthetically, functionally and biologically satisfactory alternative in the posterior dentition during the 3-year follow-up.

Can the Acid-formation Potential of Saliva Detect a Caries-related Shift in the Oral Microbiome?

PURPOSE: To determine acid-formation potential of saliva and evaluate whether this method corresponds with microbiome composition of individuals with and without caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical, controlled pilot study was performed with two groups: individuals without caries (n = 25; DMFT = 0) and individuals with at least one active carious lesion (n = 25; DMFT>0). A detailed intraoral examination was performed, and the gingival bleeding index (GBI) and plaque index (PI) were recorded. The acid-formation potential was measured (ΔpH) after 1 h. Streptococcus mutans (SM) and lactobacilli (LB) were also quantified. Intergroup comparisons were made using the Mann-Whitney U-test. The diagnostic value was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) method and area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated. The saliva microbiome was analysed by 16S rDNA next-generation sequencing. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in ΔpH, with the 'caries' group showing a higher mean value after 1 h ('healthy' = 1.1,'caries' = 1.4; p = 0.035). The AUC values were moderate to good (ΔpH = 0.67; SM = 0.83; LB = 0.83;1 = ideal). Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli were more frequently detected in the 'caries' group (p < 0.001), as were statistically significantly higher GBI (p = 0.006) and PI (p = 0.001). The saliva microbiome had a higher α-diversity and greater richness in individuals with active caries. The incidence of the genera Alloprevotella, Prevotella, Campylobacter and Veillonella was statistically significantly higher in the 'healthy' group. The incidence of the genera Fretibacterium, Lactobacillus, and Leptotrichia, as well as the phyla Spirochaetes and Synergistetes, was statistically significantly higher in the 'caries' group. CONCLUSION: Further studies must be carried out to determine the extent to which both tests are suitable for predicting future caries development.

Early failures when using three different adhesively retained core build-up materials-a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the failure rates for three different adhesively retained core build-up composites up to the incorporation of a permanent fixed dental prosthesis (FDP), and to identify potential failure risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial of 300 participants in need of a core build-up to restore a vital abutment tooth before prosthetic treatment was conducted. Participants were assigned by stratified block randomization to one of three study groups: Rebilda DC (RDC), Clearfil DC Core (CDC), or Multicore Flow (MF). Test teeth were prepared by use of the respective manufacturer's adhesive system. The total-etch technique was used for RDC and MF, and the self-etch technique for CDC. Participants were treated by dentists (n = 150) or dental students (n = 150). Failure rates of core build-ups before incorporation of FDPs were investigated using univariate and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The overall failure rate was 8% (n = 23). Rate differences between the three investigated groups did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). The mean time between placement of core build-ups and placement of fixed dental prostheses was 12.2 (SD: 14.2) weeks. Conversely, larger cavities (> 3 surfaces) and treatment by dental students were independently associated with an increased failure risk (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The main risk factors for early failure seem to be the size of the core build-up and clinical experience of the operator, whereas failure rates of core build-up materials combined with a self-etch approach seem to be similar to the rates of materials combined with the total-etch technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This research article should give clinicians an impression of the short-term performance of different adhesively retained core build-ups using different adhesive techniques/materials. Moreover, predominant influencing factors for the success or failure should be pictured.

Association of Dental and Prosthetic Status with Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Centenarians.

To date, there is little evidence on centenarians' dental and prosthetic status or their oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess possible associations between sociodemographic and oral health factors, including prosthetic needs in this special age group and their potential influence on OHRQoL. Persons born before 1920 were recruited from population registries in south-western Germany. Fifty-five centenarians participated and underwent a comprehensive oral examination. Cognitive capacity was evaluated using the short Mini-Mental State Examination (S-MMSE, max. 21 points). At an S-MMSE > 10, an analysis of OHRQoL by means of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (max. ADD-GOHAI score 60 points) was performed (n = 43). Bivariate statistics and a linear regression model were used after variable selection to analyze data. Centenarians presented with a mean (SD) of 22 (7.2) missing teeth. Complete (65.5%) or partial dentures (21.8%) in at least one jaw were most common. One-third of the dentures needed repair/replacement; 16% of the centenarians presented with denture sores. In 60% of cases, OHRQoL was rated unsatisfactory (ADD-GOHAI < 57). Trouble biting or chewing resulted in the lowest levels of OHRQoL. Fewer remaining teeth, reduced functional capacity and removable prostheses correlated with an impaired OHRQoL (rs = -0.36, p = 0.01; rs = -0.34, p = 0.01; rs = -0.29, p = 0.03, respectively). After variable selection, the final linear regression model included only the number of missing teeth, the associated ADD-GOHAI score decreasing by 0.3 points per missing tooth. In conclusion, tooth loss and removable prostheses in need of repair or replacement are highly prevalent in centenarians. These factors seem to modulate OHRQoL negatively, assumedly due to impaired chewing function. Larger confirmatory studies are needed to validate these first results.

Replacing single missing teeth in the posterior region using direct composite restorations: Survival and clinical quality.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this pilot study was to test the survival and clinical quality of frugal methods to replace single missing teeth in the posterior region with direct composite restorations of different categories. METHODS: We performed a detailed intraoral examination and assessed the clinical quality of the restorations according to modified FDI-criteria. Irreparable loss of a restoration was recorded as "failure" (F). Damaged restorations that could be repaired were defined as "survival with repair" (SR). Restorations without any unfavorable events were classified as "success" (S). RESULTS: The mean follow-up time of the restorations was 5.07 years (minimum = 1; maximum = 21.5), with 15.1% having a follow-up time of more than 10 years. Three unfavorable events were documented. Two restorations (3.8%) were classified as F, one restoration (1.9%) as SR, and the remaining 50 restorations (94.3%) as S. The estimated overall and functional survival rate at 5 years using the Kaplan-Meier method was 96.2% (confidence interval [CI]:85.5% to 99%) and 98% (CI:86.9% to 99.7%), respectively. Ninety-four percent of the restorations were evaluated as good or excellent clinical quality. Most restorations showed no periodontal complications, however, restorations in the mandible showed significantly more plaque accumulation (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: These conservative frugal methods to replace single missing teeth in the posterior region showed promising clinical survival data and quality parameters. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Direct composite restorations of different categories can be considered as additional treatment option for gap closure in specific clinical situations.

Influence of COVID-19 Restrictions on Patients' Self-reported Oral Health Care Needs.

PURPOSE: To assess how current COVID-19 restrictions regarding elective dental procedures influence patients' self-reported oral health care needs at a University Hospital in Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with COVID-19 induced cancellation of elective treatment appointments previously scheduled for the period March 16th to April 30th 2020 were contacted by telephone and questioned about the occurrence of oral health problems, pain, self-reported treatment needs, and the use of emergency dental services. Data were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: Information on 370 patients aged between 1 and 91 years was included. 16.2% (n = 60) of patients reported having experienced an oral health problem for which they requested timely dental treatment. Within this group, the most frequent complaints were pain or tooth hypersensitivity (42.4%, n = 26), insufficient restorations (28.8%, n = 17) and gingival or periodontal problems (23.7%, n = 14). Associations between the type of treatment pending and the report of an oral health problem were considerable for patients awaiting treatment under full anesthesia, surgical procedures and endodontic treatment (p = 0.001; 0.003 and 0.048, respectively). Problems were reported most frequently in these treatment groups, ranging from 27.7% to 100%, compared to 12.6% among patients scheduled for routine check-ups. Overall, 8.6% (n = 32) were experiencing pain, of whom 5 patients experienced constant pain. However, only 1.9% (n = 7) of patients made use of emergency dental services. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that while the postponement of routine check-ups is justifiable during emergency situations, the long-term cancellation of surgical and endodontic therapies must be viewed critically.

Long-Term Use of Oral Hygiene Products Containing Stannous and Fluoride Ions: Effect on Viable Salivary Bacteria.

The aim of this randomized, controlled clinical trial was to isolate and identify viable microorganisms in the saliva of study participants that continuously used a stannous and fluoride ion (F/Sn)-containing toothpaste and mouth rinse over a period of three years in comparison to a control group that used stannous ion free preparations (noF/Sn) over the same time period. Each group (F/Sn and noF/Sn) included 16 participants that used the respective oral hygiene products over a 36-month period. Stimulated saliva samples were collected at baseline (T0) and after 36 months (T1) from all participants for microbiological examination. The microbial composition of the samples was analyzed using culture technique, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, and 16S rDNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). There were only minor differences between both groups when comparing the absolute values of viable microbiota and bacterial composition. The treatment with F/Sn led to a slight decrease in disease-associated and a slight increase in health-associated bacteria. It was shown that the use of stannous ions had no negative effects on physiological oral microbiota even after prolonged use. In fact, a stabilizing effect of the oral hygiene products containing stannous ions on the health-associated oral microbiota could be expected.

Mechanical plaque control of the interdental space with the "Heidelberg set".

At present, the most important criterion for the size selection of interdental brushes is the PHD-value (passage hole diameter) according to the ISO standard for interdental brushes ISO 16409:2016. The PHD size range of commercially available products currently lies between 0.6 and 5.2 mm. With the exceptions of special situations, a range between 0.7 and 2.9 mm is sufficient for clinical routine. As most products have longer filaments nowadays, one brush can often be applied for two PHD intervals. Consequently, adequate patient counseling and the individual selection of the appropriate interdental brushes can generally be achieved with an assortment of 12 systematically arranged interdental brush sizes. An application example is the "Heidelberg set" described herein. It is crucial that the correct choice of size is based upon continuously rising PHD-values, and not upon parameters such as stem size, outer diameter of filaments, or similar, as these do not allow for a reliable conclusion regarding the interdental passage. The usage of ISO sizes is also not recommendable due to their insufficient size differentiation. (Quintessence Int 2021;52: 176-186; doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b872241; Revised from an article originally published (in German) in Parodontologie 2020;31(1)37-49)

Oral health and functional capacity of centenarians.

The number of very old individuals, namely centenarians, is growing fast. In dentistry, the increasing number of older adults retaining natural teeth present new challenges for preventive and restorative dental care. However, there is a considerable lack of knowledge on the oral health status and needs in this exceptional age group. The aim of this population-based study was to identify the prevalence of oral diseases, therapeutic needs and functional capacity (evaluating centenarians' autonomy and their capabilities regarding treatment and oral hygiene) in centenarians. Subjects born before 1920 were recruited from population registries in South-Western Germany, providing information on dental health experiences, oral health behaviors and undergoing dental examination. 55 centenarians participated in the study (mean age ± SD = 101.2 ± 1.6, 83.6% females). Results were compared to epidemiological data on adults aged 75-100 years examined in the Fifth German Oral Health Study. Adherence to recommended dental behaviors and dental check-ups was lower in the centenarian population. Moreover, with the exception of a lower Root Caries Index, centenarians showed a higher caries experience, and presented with a mean DMFT of 25.2 ± 3.9, a DMFS of 111.0 ± 21.8, a root caries prevalence of 34.5% and a Restorative Index of 54.0%. Centenarians' functional capacity was also considerably lower. Non-existent or greatly reduced treatment capabilities and oral hygiene capabilities were registered in 63.7% and 43.6% of cases, respectively. Centenarians with a lower educational level (p = 0.018), in a care facility (p = 0.045) or in need of nursing care (p = 0.001) were more likely to have a low functional capacity. 98.2% of centenarians received help in their daily activities but only 12.7% in their oral hygiene. In conclusion, although most still have natural teeth, a decline of oral health can be perceived. As compliance with recommended behaviors is limited and most centenarians can no longer undergo dental treatment, the lack of assistance in daily oral health care is problematic.

A Multicenter Trial on the Long-term Performance of Direct Composite Buildups in the Anterior Dentition ­ Periodontal Health

PURPOSE: This sub-analysis of our multicenter trial was to assess the long-term periodontal health (PH) of teeth, esthetically reshaped by means of direct composite buildups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 198 patients who received 667 direct composite buildups on 585 treated teeth (TT) between 01/2001 and 12/2013 were included. PH was assessed for each TT and for an untreated control tooth (CT) by recording the pocket probing depths (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), and Turesky's modification of the Quigley Hein plaque index (PI). Statistical analysis was performed using the two-sample Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Regression models were performed to check for associations between PH and patients' age, gender, age of the buildups, enlargement range, jaw, and tooth type. The level of significance was set at α = 0.05. RESULTS: PI scores were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in TT (1.60 ± 0.81) than in CT (1.41 ± 0.81). Differences between TT and CT regarding PPD (TT: 2.14 ± 0.56/CT: 2.18 ± 0.56), CAL (TT: 2.34 ± 1.05/CT: 2.33 ± 0.92), and SBI (TT: 0.41 ± 0.60/CT: 0.41 ± 0.65) were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The enlargement range of the TT and the tooth type were not associated with PH. Male patients had significantly higher PPDs, CAL, and SBI values than did female patients. CAL and SBI values increased over time for both the TT and CT. CAL, SBI, and PI values were significantly higher in the mandible and the PPD values in the maxilla. CONCLUSION: Direct composite buildups made for reshaping, change of color or position of teeth did not impair PH in the long term.

Periodontal and peri-implant diseases in centenarians.

AIMS: To report the prevalence of periodontal and peri-implant diseases in centenarians in South-Western Germany, examine associations with sociodemographic factors and explore age-related trends. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eligible persons born before 1920 were identified from population registries in South-Western Germany. A total of 55 centenarians were visited at home or in nursing care facilities. Of them, 35 were dentate, 33 of which underwent periodontal examination. Implants in 2 edentulous patients were also registered. RESULTS: The mean number of teeth was 9.5 ± 7.1; centenarians in need of nursing care had considerably less teeth than others (8.5 versus. 17.0 teeth, p = .03). Mean probing depth was 2.7 ± 0.8mm; mean clinical attachment loss was 4.2 ± 1.7 mm. Severe tooth mobility (degree 2 or 3) and furcation involvement were present in approximately 3% of eligible teeth. According to CDC/AAP classification, 25.8% of centenarians had no or mild periodontitis, 54.8% of centenarians had moderate periodontitis, and only 19.4% were severely affected. Of 27 implants examined in 5 centenarians, 59.3% were classified as healthy, 29.6% had peri-implant mucositis, and 11.1% had peri-implantitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the predominance of moderately severe disease in centenarians. While there were high levels of moderate periodontitis and peri-implant mucositis, signs of severe periodontitis, severe furcation involvement, tooth mobility or peri-implantitis were less frequent.

Oral health of centenarians and supercentenarians.

There are many studies on the homebound and institutionalized elderly; however, few studies focus on centenarians and supercentenarians, i.e., people aged 100 and 110 years, respectively. Due to the demographic changes, the population of centenarians is set to increase more than that of other age groups. Therefore, this article aims to review the available literature regarding how oral health might display in this age group and highlight aspects necessitating further research. Oral health, oral health-related quality of life, saliva, and the oral microbiome were emphasized in this study. Most papers relevant to the research questions were excluded because the mean age of participants was <100 years. Only two papers were found on centenarians' oral health status and saliva and no studies were found focusing on the oral health-related quality of life or oral microbiome. The reviewed studies demonstrate that centenarians presented with good oral mucosal conditions, dental conditions, and general health. The present literature is insufficient to come to a definite conclusion regarding how aging affects the oral health of centenarians and supercentenarians. The limited available research indicates that centenarians display better oral health than other individuals in their respective birth cohorts.