A cross-sectional study on oral health and dental care in intellectually able adults with autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, restricted patterns of behaviour, and unusual sensory sensitivities. The hypotheses to be tested were that adult patients with ASD have a higher caries prevalence, have more risk factors for caries development, and utilize dental health care to a lesser extent than people recruited from the normal population. METHODS: Forty-seven adults with ASD, (25 men, 22 women, mean age 33 years) and of normal intelligence and 69 age- and sex-matched typical controls completed a dental examination and questionnaires on oral health, dental hygiene, dietary habits and previous contacts with dental care. RESULTS: Except for increased number of buccal gingival recessions, the oral health was comparable in adults with ASD and the control group. The group with ASD had less snacking, but also less frequent brushing of teeth in the mornings. The stimulated saliva secretion was lower in the ASD group, regardless of medication. Frequencies of dental care contacts were equal in both groups. The most common reason for missing a dental appointment was forgetfulness in the ASD group. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with ASD exhibited more gingival recessions and considerably lower saliva flow compared to healthy controls. Despite equal caries prevalence, the risk for reduced oral health due to decreased salivary flow should be taken into consideration when planning dental care for patients with ASD. Written reminders of dental appointments and written and verbal report on oral health status and oral hygiene instructions are recommended.

Periodontal status and pathogenic bacteria after gastric bypass: a cohort study.

AIM: The aim this study was to evaluate the influence of gastric bypass surgery (GBS) on periodontal disease and quantify the periodontopathogenic bacteria in patients undergoing this surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study was composed of 50 patients who underwent bariatric surgery and the data collection was performed in three periods pre-operative, 6 (6M) and 12 months (12 M) postoperative. The oral clinical examination to assess periodontal disease; gingival fluid sample collection for quantification of the periodontopathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Prevotella intermedia using q-PCR; body mass index (BMI) and for collection of the individual's health-related data from medical files. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and glucose levels after surgery. The mean probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) increased significantly in the postoperative period of 6 months (p = 0.001). In the same period, the amount of P. gingivalis increased (p = 0.028) and the other bacteria decreased slightly (p > 0.050). In the presence of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, T. denticola and P. intermedia, a poor periodontal condition was observed. CONCLUSION: The periodontal disease increased in severity and P. gingivalis increased after GBS. A systemic inflammation resolution due to bariatric surgery in obese subjects does not seem to affect the course of periodontal disease.

Periodontal Health in Women With Early-Stage Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Newly on Aromatase Inhibitors: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Aromatase inhibitor (AI) use results in low estrogen levels, which in turn affect bone mineral density (BMD). Periodontitis, alveolar bone loss, and tooth loss are associated with low BMD. The goal of this study is to assess the prevalence of periodontitis and perceived oral health and evaluate salivary biomarkers in postmenopausal women who are survivors of early-stage (I to IIIA) breast cancer (BCa) and receive adjuvant AI therapy. METHODS: Participants included 58 postmenopausal women: 29 with BCa on AIs and 29 controls without BCa diagnoses. Baseline periodontal status was assessed with: 1) periodontal probing depth (PD); 2) bleeding on probing (BOP); and 3) attachment loss (AL). Demographic and dental utilization information was gathered by questionnaire. Linear regression modeling was used to analyze the outcomes. RESULTS: No differences were found in mean PD or number of teeth. The AI group had significantly more sites with BOP (27.8 versus 16.7; P = 0.02), higher worst-site AL (5.2 versus 4.0 mm; P <0.01), and more sites with dental calculus (18.2 versus 6.4; P <0.001) than controls. Linear regression adjusted for income, tobacco use, dental insurance, and previous radiation and chemotherapy exposure demonstrated that AI use increased AL by >2 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.46 to 3.92). Median salivary osteocalcin and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were significantly higher in the AI group than the control group. CONCLUSION: This first investigation of the periodontal status of women initiating adjuvant AI therapy identifies this population as having an increased risk for periodontitis.

Comparison of Levels of Salivary Cytokines in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Puerto Rican Children: A Case-control Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: The oral health status of children with type 1 diabetes and its relationship to salivary cytokines have been researched in only one known study. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between levels of salivary cytokines and gingival disease in diabetic and nondiabetic Puerto Rican children. METHODS: A matched case-control study with a convenience sample of 25 children with type 1 diabetes (cases) and 25 nondiabetic children (controls) were evaluated by a calibrated dentist for oral health indices. A five-ml stimulated saliva sample was taken from each subject and analyzed to determine cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-17, IP-10, TNF-alpha, MMP-2, MMP-9, CRP). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t tests were used. RESULTS: Diabetic children are observed to have more plaque than control children (P=.007), more calculus (P=.06), and more bleeding on probing (P=.001). Only the level of the mediator IL-17 (P=.002) was higher in diabetic children than in nondiabetic children, but no significant differences were observed in the levels of other cytokines between the two groups. However, for each salivary mediator evaluated, diabetic children had higher levels of the respective mediator. CONCLUSION: Salivary cytokines levels were higher in diabetic type 1 children than in nondiabetic children.

[Evaluation of periodontal health of prosthetic abutments. Pilot study about 100 abutments of crowns and bridges]. / Evaluation de la santé parodontale des piliers de prothèse fixée. Etude pilote autour de 100 piliers de couronnes et de bridges.

BACKGROUND: The confection of a fixed prosthesis finds its indication in response to the patient's aesthetic and/or functional whose requirements are stronger in terms of satisfaction. This involves maintaining the stability of prosthetic reconstructions on a sufficiency long time. To achieve this, the preservation of periodontal health of the prosthetic abutments occupies a special choice. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal health of fixed prosthesis abutment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients having fixed prosthesis in the mouth for more than one year participated in our study. Ultimately, 38 single crowns and 27 seven bridges based on 100 abutments have been recorded. After an interview, clinical and radiographic examination was performed. It was to assess the level of oral hygiene, the health of the superficial and deep periodontal abutment using OHIS index of Green and Vermilion, periodontal index of Russel and mobility index of Mühlemann. RESULTS: On the 100 abutments examined, gingivitis (14%), gingival recession (13%), bone osteolysis (29%) and mobility (5%) were recorded. In addition, about 60% of patients had inadequate oral hygiene and less than 30% of them had a regular prosthetic maintenance. CONCLUSION: From this study, it appears that complications affecting periodontal prosthetic abutments are essentially bone lysed (29%), gingivitis (14%) and gingival recessions (13%).

Periodontal health of anterior teeth with two types of fixed retainers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the periodontal health of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth retained with two types of fixed retainers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A fixed straight retainer (SR) group had 39 subjects, and a fixed wave retainer (WR) group had 35 subjects. Subjects were between the ages of 13 and 22 years and had been in fixed retention for 2 to 4 years. Pocket probing depths, bleeding on probing, plaque index, calculus index, recession, and gingival crevicular fluid volume were compared between the two retainer groups. A four-question oral hygiene survey was given to each subject. The Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher exact test was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: There was no clinically significant difference between the retainer groups regarding plaque index, gingival crevicular fluid volume, calculus index, recession, bleeding on probing, and pocket probing depths. A statistically significant increase in the reported frequency of flossing (P  =  .006) and ease of flossing (P < .001) was associated with the WR group. There was no significant difference between the groups in reported frequency of brushing and comfort of the retainer. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, no clinical difference was found in the periodontal health of anterior teeth retained with a SR or WR for a period of 2 to 4 years. Subjects in the WR group reported an increase in frequency and ease of flossing.

The Effect of Waterpipe Smoking on Periodontal Health.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of waterpipe smoking on periodontal health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 190 participants who were categorised into four groups; cigarette smokers, waterpipe smokers, dual smokers and nonsmokers. Intraoral examination included plaque (PI), gingival (GI) and calculus (CI) indices, probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP). RESULTS: The four groups differed significantly in the prevalence and extent of periodontal disease. Pairwise comparison tests showed that the means of percentages of sites with PPD > 3 mm, PPD > 4 mm, CAL > 1 mm and bleeding on probing were significantly higher among smoking groups compared to the nonsmoking group (p < 0.05). After adjusting for age, cigarette smokers (OR = 4.6), waterpipe smokers (OR = 4.3) and dual smokers (OR = 4.9) were significantly more likely to have periodontal disease compared to nonsmokers. When data were analysed according to the smoking method, no significant differences in the odds of periodontal disease were detected between different smoking groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Waterpipe tobacco smoking is not an alternative, safe way of smoking considering periodontal disease. Thus, global actions against waterpipe smoking are required.

Introducing dental hygienists in general practice to research - an in-practice evaluation programme in the United Kingdom.

AIM: To introduce dental hygienists (DHs) in the UK to the principles of research through a practice-based product evaluation programme. METHODS: The programme consisted of an initial training and orientation day with presentations on evidence-based practice, research methods and the structure of research papers. The programme and its aims were explained in detail, and participants were briefed on the methods to be used. Participants then recruited seven to ten patients from their practices (offices), carried out a baseline assessment of: plaque, gingival health, calculus and staining at anterior teeth, and gave the patients a questionnaire asking about their teeth and then provided a 3-month supply of a test toothpaste. About 10 weeks later, a follow-up assessment of the same variables was performed and the questionnaire was repeated. A second training day followed during which the DHs provided feedback of their experiences and received training in literature searching and critical appraisal of literature including interpretation of results. RESULTS: Sixty-five DHs attended the first training day; 31 were able to recruit sufficient patients and attend the second training day. The DHs recruited 168 patients who received baseline and follow-up assessments. All the variables improved overall. Feedback from the DHs was very positive, and patients expressed delight with the care they had received. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative feedback for participating DHs suggests the programme met its aim and could be used in the future as a mechanism for helping DHs who want to increase their understanding of research methodology.

Dental caries experience and periodontal treatment needs of children with autistic spectrum disorder.

AIM: To assess dental caries experience and periodontal treatment needs among Libyan children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, comparative case-control study was used, in which dental caries experience of 50 children with ASD was compared with that of 50 controls. The children with ASD were recruited from Benghazi Centre of Children with ASD, Libya. Controls were recruited from school children and matched for age, gender and socioeconomic status. DMFT, dmft for dental caries experience and CPITN for periodontal treatment needs were calculated according to WHO criteria by a calibrated examiner. Scores for DMFT as well as CPITN indices were compared using bivariate analysis. RESULTS: The data analysed for this study comprised observations from a group of children (cases = 50) diagnosed with ASD matched with healthy children (controls = 50). Consequently, each group consisted of 40 males and 10 females aged between 3 and 14 years (mean 7.29 ± 3.11). The ASD children showed significantly lower means for DMFT and dmft teeth as well as higher periodontal treatment needs (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Children with ASD were found to be more likely caries-free and have lower DMFT scores and higher unmet periodontal treatment needs than did the unaffected control children.

Oral health status of elderly chinese with dementia in Hong Kong.

PURPOSE: To compare toothbrushing habits, unstimulated salivary flow rates and oral health status of elderly Hong Kong Chinese with and without dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample size calculation was performed and a sample of 82 elderly Chinese with dementia were invited who were aged 60 or above, fit for periodontal assessment with probing and attended day-care centres. Age- and gender-matched generally healthy people without dementia were recruited as controls. Toothbrushing practices were recorded using a questionnaire. Additionally, unstimulated salivary flow rate was measured. Caries experience and periodontal status were assessed through clinical examination by the DMFT index and Community Periodontal Index (CPI), respectively. RESULTS: Fifty-nine people with dementia and 59 age- and gender-matched generally healthy controls were recruited. Their mean age was 80 (SD = 7). Compared with the individuals in the control group, fewer people with dementia performed toothbrushing twice daily (31% vs 5%; P < 0.001). Furthermore, their unstimulated salivary flow rate was lower than that of the control group (0.30 ml/min vs 0.41 ml/min; P = 0.043). Their caries experience in mean DMFT (± SD) was similar to the control group (22.3 ± 8.2 vs 21.5 ± 8.2, P = 0.59). There was also no significant difference in the prevalence of periodontal pockets (CPI  ≥ 3) between the two groups (78% vs 74%, P = 0.64). CONCLUSION: Compared to those without dementia, fewer elderly Chinese with dementia practiced toothbrushing twice daily. Although their resting salivary secretion was reduced, their caries experience and prevalence of advanced periodontal disease were not significantly different from those without dementia.

Gingivitis, Psychological Factors and Quality of Life in Children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the associations between gingivitis, emotional status and quality of life in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four Brazilian students (11 to 12 years old) were examined for clinical and self-reported gingivitis. The participants were divided into two groups: those with gingivitis (n = 21) and controls (n = 43). Quality of life, anxiety and depression were measured using self-administered questionnaires. Saliva was collected 30 min after waking and at bedtime to measure the diurnal decline in salivary cortisol. The results were analysed using bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: There were significantly more female participants in the control group. Approximately 90% of the children with gingivitis had good oral hygiene and 10.5% had satisfactory oral hygiene. There was a significant positive correlation between anxiety and depression in both clinical groups. Anxiety was negatively correlated with quality of life in the control group. Depression was negatively correlated with quality of life and cortisol concentrations in the group with gingivitis, and with quality of life in the control group. Children with gingivitis were more likely to be older and males. CONCLUSIONS: Older children are more likely to experience gingival bleeding. The presence of gingivitis in children may be associated with worse psychological well-being, possibly compromising the quality of life.

Oral neutrophil levels: a screening test for oral inflammatory load in pregnancy in a medical setting.

BACKGROUND: A multitude of studies suggest an association between periodontal disease and adverse birth outcomes, but the findings have been equivocal. Although the evidence is controversial, it is biologically plausible, and the key link may be inflammation. Because periodontitis is at times either active or inactive, trying to correlate the presence of pockets, for example, to adverse outcome of pregnancy might be preordained to failure or at least confusion. Alternatively, if inflammatory activity associated with periodontitis could be measured, it might be possible to correlate oral inflammatory load (OIL) to adverse pregnancy outcomes more precisely, but given the low incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, large populations must be studied. This underscores the need to use a means for assessment of OIL that is reliable, reproducible, and so simple to perform that it does not require dental expertise and can be used for large numbers of patients attending obstetrics units. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that OIL can be measured in a cohort of pregnant females presenting for obstetric care and secondarily to ensure that there was a realistic correlation to the presence of periodontitis. METHODS: Sixty-three pregnant females were recruited, and 15-second saline rinses were collected to measure OIL as represented by counts of oral neutrophil levels. Periodontal examinations were performed to determine the extent of the correlation between the presence of clinical markers of periodontitis, such as pockets and clinical attachment loss to the OIL. RESULTS: Using this small cohort of patients, a test for oral inflammatory disease could be administered successfully in a non-dental setting. In addition, there was a statistically significant increase (two-fold, P < 0.05) in oral neutrophil counts found in patients with periodontitis compared with those without periodontitis. CONCLUSION: The rinse assay can be used as a screening tool for oral inflammation, which was also related to the presence of periodontitis, in pregnant females attending a medical clinic.

Effect of smoking cessation on non-surgical periodontal therapy: results after 24 months.

AIM: The aim of this 24-month prospective study was to assess the effect of smoking cessation on non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) in adult subjects with chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relative to a previous 12-month follow-up study, recruitment and follow-up period were extended, resulting in 116 eligible among the 286 screened subjects. They received NSPT and concurrent smoking cessation interventions. Periodontal maintenance was performed every 3 months. A calibrated examiner, blinded to smoking status, performed full-mouth periodontal examination in six sites per tooth at baseline, 3, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. Expired air carbon monoxide concentration measurements and interviews were performed to gather demographic and behavioural information. RESULTS: From the 116 enrolled subjects, 61 remained up to 24 months of follow-up. Of these, 18 quit smoking (Q), 32 continued smoking (NQ) and 11 oscillated (O) at 24 months of follow-up. Thereby, Q showed significantly higher mean CAL gain in diseased sites and higher reduction in the proportion of sites with CAL ≥ 3 mm, when compared to NQ. In addition, Q presented significantly higher mean probing depth reduction relative to NQ(p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Smoking cessation promoted additional benefits on NSPT in chronic periodontitis subjects.

Single crowns in the resorbed posterior maxilla supported by either 6-mm implants or by 11-mm implants combined with sinus floor elevation surgery: a 1-year randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to assess the clinical performance of single crowns in the posterior maxilla supported by either 6-mm or 11-mm implants combined with maxillary sinus floor elevation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 41 consecutive patients with one missing premolar or molar in the posterior maxilla and with an estimated bone height of 6 to 8 mm in that area were included. Each patient was randomly allocated to one of the two treatment groups, namely to receive an 11-mm implant (Osseo Speed 4.0 S, Dentsply Implants, Mölndal, Sweden) in combination with maxillary sinus floor elevation surgery or to receive a 6-mm implant (Osseo Speed 4.0 S) without any grafting. After a 3-month osseointegration period, all implants were restored with custom-made titanium abutments and cemented zirconia-based porcelain crowns. Outcome measures were: implant survival; radiographic bone changes; plaque accumulation; bleeding tendency; peri-implant inflammation; presence of dental calculus; biological and technical complications; and patients' satisfaction. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at placement of the crown and 12 months thereafter. Patients' satisfaction was scored before treatment and after 12 months of functioning of the crown. RESULTS: One patient of the 11 mm implant group died during the follow-up. No implant failed and no biological or technical complications occurred. From loading to the 12 months follow-up, no difference was found in mean marginal bone changes between the groups (bone resorption in both groups 0.1 ± 0.3 mm). Clinical items revealed very healthy peri-implant soft tissues in both groups. Patients' satisfaction scores were high in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: 6-mm implants and 11-mm implants combined with sinus floor elevation surgery are equally successful to support a single crown in the resorbed posterior maxilla after 1-year follow-up.

Implant-retained overdentures for young children with severe oligodontia: a series of four cases.

PURPOSE: The treatment need is high in children with severe oligodontia and anodontia, because they often have functional and esthetic problems owing to missing teeth. Because the intraforaminal region barely grows after eruption of the permanent mandibular incisors, dental implant treatment should be considered a treatment option for these children. The purpose of our study was to assess the treatment outcomes regarding satisfaction and the care and aftercare of implant-retained mandibular overdentures in a series of 4 young children without erupted mandibular teeth from either severe oligodontia (n = 3) or anodontia (n = 1). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four children without erupted mandibular teeth, aged 6 to 13 years, were provided with an implant-retained overdenture on 2 implants. The surgical and prosthetic care and aftercare were scored by the clinicians. Also, the patients and their parents were queried about how satisfied they were with the overdenture. RESULTS: The median follow-up of the patients was 5.2 years (range 3.2 to 8.4). No implants were lost, no cases of peri-implantitis occurred, and the need for treatment and aftercare was low. Patient and parent satisfaction with this treatment was high. CONCLUSIONS: A 2-implant, retained overdenture in children with no erupted mandibular teeth is a safe treatment modality when appropriate treatment and aftercare can be provided.

Clinical and radiographic comparison of the effects of two types of fixed retainers on periodontium - a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Most orthodontists believe that fixed retainers are necessary to maintain ideal dental relationships. However, untoward side effects might result from their long-term placement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic effect of two commonly used fixed retainers on the health of the periodontium. METHODS: Thirty patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive either a fiber-reinforced composite retainer or a spiral wire retainer extended on the lingual surfaces of both maxillary and mandibular arches from canine to canine. Periapical radiographs were obtained from the patients at the time of placement of the retainers and after the 6-month period to assess the radiographic conditions of the periodontium. Clinical examination was carried out at the same two time intervals. RESULTS: Even though there were no significant differences between the two groups of study at the beginning of the trial, there were statistically significant differences after the 6-month follow-up regarding the main outcomes of the study. Nearly all indices showed to deteriorate after 6 months in the fiber-reinforced group, while in the spiral wire group, this was not the case. As for the secondary outcomes, radiographic examination did not reveal any statistically significant differences after 6 months or between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that spiral wire retainers elicit less detrimental periodontal response in the short-term follow-up compared to fiber-reinforced composite retainers as revealed by the primary outcomes of the study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01314729.

Immediately loaded distally cantilevered fixed mandibular prostheses supported by four implants placed in both in fresh extraction and healed sites: 2-year results from a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of immediately loaded distally cantilevered mandibular full-arch prostheses according to the 'all-on-four' concept supported by implants placed in both fresh extraction and healed sites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 24 patients with extraction of all remaining mandibular teeth and placement of 4 implants per patient (2 mesial axial and 2 distal tilted) for full-arch mandibular restorations. Implants were inserted in fresh extraction sockets 2.3 ± 1.0 per patient and 1.7 ± 1.0 implants in healed sites. Implants placed in fresh extraction sites (n = 55) were significantly (P <0.01) more deeply inserted than implants (n = 41) placed in healed sites (peri-implant alveolar crest: +1.6 ± 0.8 mm vs +0.6 ± 0.7 mm). Patients received an immediate provisional fixed dental prosthesis and, 3 months later, a definite resin veneered prosthesis with metal framework. At the 12-and 24-month follow-up, patients were evaluated for implants and prosthesis success, for prosthodontic maintenance efforts and patient satisfaction. At both follow-up examinations, peri-implant marginal bone level, implant pocket depth, plaque, bleeding, gingival and calculus indices were evaluated and compared between implants placed in fresh extraction and healed sites. RESULTS: At the 24-month follow-up, no implant failed and all prostheses were stable. There were five fractures of the provisional prosthesis in 5 patients but no fracture of the definite prostheses. For the definite prostheses, 15 acrylic teeth had to be renewed/repaired (in 10 patients) and 18 patients presented the need for the implant-supported prosthesis to be rebased. Peri-implant marginal bone level after 12 and 24 months was -0.18 ± 0.20 mm and -0.40 ± 0.29 mm for all implants (P <0.001) representing bone level differences of 0.35 mm between implants placed in healed and post-extractive sites at both the 1st year (95%-CI:-0.49 to -0.20) and the 2nd year (95%-CI: -0.57 to -0.14) assessment. Plaque (1st year: 1.17 ± 0.48 versus 0.5 ± 0.6; P <0.001; 2nd year: 1.21 ± 0.51 versus 0.55 ± 0.6; P <0.001) and calculus indices (1st year: 0.92 ± 0.28 versus 0.45 ± 0.51; P <0.001; 2nd year: 1.00 ± 0.42 versus 0.5 ± 0.51; P <0.001) were significantly higher for implants placed in fresh extraction than in healed sites. Patients' subjective satisfaction score rating assessed by 5 items was high at the 1- (score: 4.6 ± 0.4) and 2-year evaluation (score: 4.7 ± 0.36). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, immediately loaded full-arch prostheses can be supported by four implants placed simultaneously into healed and fresh extraction sites.

Evaluation of marginal alveolar bone height for early detection of periodontal disease in pediatric population: clinical and radiographic study.

OBJECTIVES: To establish a normal range for the radiographic distance between cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest and the factors affecting distances for the early assessment of periodontal disease in Dravidian pediatric population. METHODS: Fifty children aged 6 to 8 years were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical and radiographic examination was performed. All the surfaces were examined starting from the distal surface of primary canine to the mesial surface of first permanent molar. The various risk factors like plaque, calculus, proximal caries, restoration and bleeding on probing were recorded. A pair of bitewing radiographs was taken for each child. Bitewing radiographs were traced and analyzed. RESULTS: It showed that CEJ-ABC distance in primary teeth is about 1 ± 0.5 mm. In the permanent teeth, it was found to be 0.6 ± 0.5 mm in 6 to 8 years age group. CEJ-ABC distance was also affected by different variables like physiologic (eruption and exfoliation) and pathologic factors (plaque, calculus, dental caries, restorations, stainless steel crowns, bleeding on probing and probing depth). CONCLUSION: CEJ-ABC distances greater than 2.5 mm should be considered under recall and follow-up. Children and adolescents susceptible to periodontal disease should be identified by radiographic means as early as possible in order to prevent the advance of an otherwise possibly destructive disease. The concept of oral health examination and treatment must include examination of the periodontal status of the patient.

The effect of adjunctive chlorhexidine mouthrinse on GCF MMP-8 and TIMP-1 levels in gingivitis: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of adjunctive chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthrinse on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) MMP-8 and TIMP-1 levels in plaque-associated gingivitis. METHODS: A total of 50 gingivitis patients were included in the present study. In addition to daily plaque control, CHX group rinsed with CHX, while placebo group rinsed with placebo mouthrinse for 4 weeks. GCF samples were collected, and clinical parameters including plaque index, papillary bleeding index, calculus index and pocket depth were recorded at baseline and 4 weeks. GCF MMP-8 and TIMP-1 levels were determined by immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. RESULTS: In both groups, GCF MMP-8 levels of anterior and posterior sites at four weeks were not different from baseline (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in GCF MMP-8 levels between the study groups at four weeks (p > 0.05). GCF TIMP-1 levels of anterior and posterior sites at four weeks were higher compared to baseline in both groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in GCF TIMP level between the study groups at four weeks (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CHX usage had no significant effects on the GCF MMP-8 and TIMP-1 levels in plaque-associate gingivitis. However, daily plaque control resulted in the increase of GCF TIMP-1 levels regardless of CHX usage.

Oral health condition and hygiene habits among adult patients with respect to their level of dental anxiety.

PURPOSE: Dental anxiety is a common phenomenon influencing the relationship between a patient and a doctor as well as the course of treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the oral health status and hygiene habits among adult patients with respect to their level of dental anxiety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 117 consecutive adult patients referred to the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Paedodontics of Wroclaw Medical University were included in the study. There were 58 women (49.57%) and 59 men (50.43%). The mean age of the patients was 36.57 ± 16.76 years. The level of dental anxiety was assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). To evaluate dental health status and oral hygiene, the following indices were used: total number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMF/T) as well as surfaces (DMF/S), approximal plaque index (API), oral hygiene index (OHI), debris index (DI) and calculus index (CI). RESULTS: The study revealed that the patients with high MDAS presented a higher calculus index (CI). There was a negative correlation between a high level of dental anxiety measured by MDAS and the number of filled teeth (F/T) as well as the number of filled dental surfaces (F/S). There was no significant correlation between dental anxiety as measured with the MDAS and age, gender or level of education; however, smokers had a significantly higher anxiety level than non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Dental anxiety has a negative influence on oral health status; the higher the level of dental anxiety, the lower the number of filled teeth and the higher the calculus index. Poor dental and periodontal health may have many somatic as well as psychosocial consequences, both of which lower the quality of life of the patient.