Are there associations between the occurrence of dental fluorosis and the experience of dentine hypersensitivity? A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Associations between the occurrence of dentine hypersensitivity (DH) and dental fluorosis (DF) have been suggested. Testing this association requires studies among populations with both conditions. This study aimed to determine the association between DF and the experience of DH among a population endemic for DF. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021 over 6 months among 428 adult patients. Participants' demographics were collected, followed by verbal screening for DH and oral examinations. Clinical assessment for DH was carried out by tactile and evaporative methods. The presence and severity of DF were also assessed using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index. Data analysis included Chi-square and correlation statistics to assess the presence and strength of associations. Results: The overall prevalence of DH was 31.1%. A higher proportion (41.1%, P < 0.001) of participants with DF had DH than those without DF. The association between DH and DF was minimal but statistically significant (r = 0.174, P < 0.001). Among those with DF, the prevalence of DH was highest in participants with severe fluorosis (50%, P = 0.740). The proportion of sensitive teeth to the teeth examined was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) for participants with DF (289/4167, 6.9%) than participants without DF (267/6758, 4%). This proportion was also highest for severe DF (20/254, 7.9%, P = 0.572) than the mild and moderate forms. Conclusion: DH was more prevalent among individuals with DF. The prevalence of DH was not dependent on the severity of DF.

Management of long standing temporomandibular dysfunction in an edentulous patient with gunning type splint: a clinical case report

Objective: The aetiology of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is multifactorial and controversial. It is associated with pain, clicking sounds and structural derangement within the joints. TMDs are believed to be a complex interaction between the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the masticatory muscles, and possibly the occlusion of the teeth. The prevalence of TMDs in edentulous populations is similar to that in the dentate population. The objective of this study was to observe the effect of altering occlusal vertical dimension on the course of TMD and the overall rehabilitation of an edentulous patient. Clinical Case Report: This work reports a treatment protocol on a single edentulous woman with TMD. It was carried out at a tertiary centre in Kano, Nigeria. A misdiagnosed, and wrongly treated patient was referred to the prosthodontic clinic at this centre. Clinical and radiological assessments suggested a diagnosis of TMJ arthrosis secondary to neglected TMD. Gunning type splints were used to reduce pressure on the TMJs. Thereafter, conventional complete dentures were prescribed. The symptoms of TMD began to reduce after about 4 weeks and were self-reported to have completely disappeared after 12 weeks of treatment. Treatment with splint therapy was effective and patient was successfully rehabilitated. Conclusion: In this study, success was achieved with the use of splint therapy in the treatment of TMD. Gunning type splints are a viable option for splint therapy in the edentulous