Subjective Oral Dryness following Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Report from the Orastem Study.

Xerostomia, or subjective oral dryness, is a serious complaint after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Xerostomia is rated as one of the most bothersome symptoms by HCT recipients, negatively affecting quality of life. This substudy of the Orastem study, a prospective longitudinal, international, observational, multicenter study, aimed to describe the prevalence and severity of xerostomia following HCT. Furthermore, the effect of the conditioning regimen, type of transplantation, and oral mucosal changes related to chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in the development of xerostomia were studied. All HCT recipients rated xerostomia on a scale of 0 to 10 before the conditioning regimen, several times early post-HCT, and at 3 months post-HCT, and only allogeneic HCT recipients also rated xerostomia at 6 and 12 months post-HCT. In addition, stimulated whole mouth saliva was collected several times. Linear regression models and longitudinal mixed-effects models were created to investigate the influence of risk indicators on xerostomia. A total of 99 autologous and 163 allogeneic HCT recipients were included from 6 study sites in Sweden, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United States. The prevalence of xerostomia was 40% before the conditioning regimen, 87% early post-HCT, and 64% at 3 months post-HCT. Complaints after autologous HCT were transient in nature, while the severity of xerostomia in allogeneic HCT recipients remained elevated at 12 months post-HCT. Compared to autologous HCT recipients, allogeneic HCT recipients experienced 1.0 point more xerostomia (95% confidence interval [CI], .1 to 2.0) early post-HCT and 1.7 points more (95% CI, .4 to 3.0) at 3 months post-HCT. Allogeneic HCT recipients receiving a high-intensity conditioning regimen experienced more xerostomia compared to those receiving a nonmyeloablative or reduced-intensity conditioning regimen. The difference was 2.0 points (95% CI, 1.1 to 2.9) early post-HCT, 1.8 points (95% CI, .3 to 3.3) after 3 months, and 1.7 points (95% CI, .0 to 3.3) after 12 months. Total body irradiation as part of the conditioning regimen and oral mucosal changes related to cGVHD did not significantly influence the severity of xerostomia. Conditioning regimen intensity was a significant risk indicator in the development of xerostomia, whereas total body irradiation was not. Allogeneic HCT recipients experienced more xerostomia than autologous HCT recipients, a difference that cannot be explained by a reduction in stimulated salivary flow rate or the development of oral mucosal changes related to cGVHD.

The effect of conditioning regimen and prescribed medications on hyposalivation in haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) patients: an 18-month prospective longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: Haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) preceded by a conditioning regimen is an established treatment option for (non)malignant haematologic disorders. We aim to describe the development of hyposalivation over time in HCT recipients, and determine risk indicators. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-centre prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted. Unstimulated (UWS) and stimulated (SWS) whole saliva was collected before HCT, early post-HCT, and after 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The effect of type of transplantation (allogeneic vs autologous) and intensity (full vs reduced) of the conditioning regimen on hyposalivation (UWS < 0.2 mL/min; SWS < 0.7 mL/min) was explored. RESULTS: A total of 125 HCT recipients were included. More than half of the patients had hyposalivation early post-HCT; a quarter still had hyposalivation after 12 months. The conditioning intensity was a risk indicator in the development of hyposalivation of both UWS (OR: 3.9, 95% CI: 1.6-10.6) and SWS (OR: 8.2, 95% CI: 2.9-24.6). After 3 and 12 months, this effect was not statistically significant anymore. CONCLUSIONS: Hyposalivation affects the majority of patients early post-HCT. The conditioning intensity and the type of transplantation were significant risk indicators in the development of hyposalivation. The number of prescribed medications, total body irradiation as part of the conditioning regimen and oral mucosal graft-versus-host disease did not influence hyposalivation significantly. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because of the high prevalence of hyposalivation, HCT recipients will have an increased risk of oral complications. It might be reasonable to plan additional check-ups in the dental practice and consider additional preventive strategies.

The effect of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on patient-reported subjective oral dryness: a systematic review focusing on prevalence, severity and distress.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present systematic review is to assess the prevalence and severity of and distress caused by xerostomia over time in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for papers published between January 2000 and May 2022. Clinical studies were included if patient-reported subjective oral dryness was reported in adult autologous or allogeneic HSCT recipients. Risk of bias was assessed according to a quality grading strategy published by the oral care study group of the MASCC/ISOO, resulting in a score between 0 (highest risk of bias) and 10 (lowest risk of bias). Separate analysis focused on autologous HSCT recipients, allogeneic HSCT recipients receiving a myeloablative conditioning (MAC), and those receiving a reduced intensity conditioning (RIC). RESULTS: Searches yielded 1792 unique records; 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. The quality scores ranged between 1 and 7, with a median score of 4. The prevalence, severity, and distress of xerostomia increased shortly after HSCT. Severity of xerostomia in allogeneic MAC recipients was higher compared to allogeneic RIC recipients 2-5 months post-HSCT (mean difference: 18 points on 0-100 scale, 95% CI: 9-27); after 1-2 years, there was no significant difference anymore. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of xerostomia in HSCT recipients is high in comparison to the general population. The severity of complaints is raised during the first year post-HSCT. The intensity of the conditioning plays a key role in the short-term development of xerostomia, while factors affecting the recovery in the long term remain largely unknown.

Oral health in patients scheduled for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the Orastem study.

Despite advances in transplant medicine, prevalence of complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains high. The impact of pre-HSCT oral health factors on the incidence and severity of complications post-HSCT is poorly understood. The aim of this prospective, observational study was to analyze oral health in patients planned for HSCT. Patients ≥18 years requiring HSCT were included from five sites between 2011-2018. General health, oral findings and patient-reported symptoms were registered in 272 patients. Oral symptoms around disease onset were reported by 43 patients (15.9%) and 153 patients (58.8%) reported oral complications during previous chemotherapy. One third of patients experienced oral symptoms at the oral examination before conditioning regimen and HSCT. In total, 124 (46.1%) patients had dental caries, 63 (29.0%) had ≥one tooth with deep periodontal pockets, 147 (75.0%) had ≥one tooth with bleeding on probing. Apical periodontitis was observed in almost 1/4 and partially impacted teeth in 17 (6.3%) patients. Oral mucosal lesions were observed in 84 patients (30.9%). A total of 45 (17.4%) of 259 patients had at least one acute issue to be managed prior to HSCT. In conclusion, oral symptoms and manifestations of oral disease were prevalent in patients planned for HSCT. The extent of oral and acute dental diseases calls for general oral screening of patients pre-HSCT.

Early Sugar Introduction Associated with Early Childhood Caries Occurrence.

Consensus has yet to be reached on the impact of early sugar introduction on early childhood dental caries (ECC). This study aimed to evaluate the association between the time of introduction of sugar in the infant's diet and ECC at 48 months, using data from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study. This cohort comprises 4,275 children. At 48 months, 3,654 (91.1%) children had their oral health clinically evaluated by a team of 12 trained and calibrated dentists and their dental caries experience and cavitated lesions were assessed. The period of life in which sugar was first introduced into the child's diet was considered the primary exposure of the study, collected through questionnaires at 3, 12, 24, and 48 months of age. Analyses were conducted using Stata, version 15.0. Descriptive analyses were initially performed. Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment for the crude and adjusted analysis was used to estimate the effect of the sugar introduction on ECC. The highest prevalence of caries experience (43.3%) was in children in which sugar was introduced into the infant's diet before 12 months of age. A higher prevalence of caries experience was found for less educated (49.8%) and younger (51.7%) mothers, and in poorer families (48.3%). In the adjusted analysis, the experience of caries was 48% greater in the group with sugar introduction before 12 months of age, compared to those where sugar was introduced after 24 months of age In conclusion, our results support the adoption of preventive measures to delay the supply of sugar in early life in order to reduce the caries experience in children.

Randomised controlled trial on testing an increased vertical dimension of occlusion prior to restorative treatment of tooth wear.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of a new vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) in complex restorative treatments is considered a necessary step prior to placement of restorations. OBJECTIVES: This randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the effects of using an evaluation of a VDO increase before restorative treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe tooth wear, on OHRQoL, freeway space (FWS) and interventions to restorations. METHODS: Forty-two patients with tooth wear were included and randomly allocated to either a test phase with a Removable Appliance (RA) or no test phase. Restorative treatment consisted of restoration of all teeth using composite restorations in an increased VDO. OHIP-score, freeway space (FWS) and clinical acceptability of restorations were assessed at baseline and at recall appointments (1 month and 1 year). Intervention to restoration was scored in case of material chipping or when the abutment tooth had increased sensitivity that could be linked to occlusal overloading. ANCOVA analyses, Univariate Cox regression, t-tests and descriptive analyses were performed (p < .05). RESULTS: Clinical follow-up after 1 year was completed for 41 patients. No significant effect of testing the VDO with a RA could be found on the OHIP-score (p = .14). Reduction of FWS in the RA group, compared to the control group, was significantly lower at 1 year (p = .01, 95% CI -1.09 to -0.15). No effect on early interventions to restorations was found (p = .94). CONCLUSION: This RCT showed that a removable appliance is not indicated to functionally test the increased VDO prior to restorative treatment in patients with tooth wear.

Caries, periodontitis and tooth loss after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review was conducted to assess scientific knowledge concerning the effect of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) on the occurrence of caries, periodontal conditions and tooth loss, and to evaluate the prevalence of these diseases in adult HSCT survivors (PROSPERO 152906). METHODS: PubMed and Embase were searched for papers, published from January 2000 until November 2020 without language restriction, assessing prevalence, incidence or parameters of caries, periodontal conditions and tooth loss in HSCT recipients (≥80% transplanted in adulthood). Bias risk was assessed with checklists from Joanna Briggs Institute, and data synthesis was performed by narrative summary. RESULTS: Eighteen papers were included (1618 subjects). Half were considered at high risk of bias. Longitudinal studies did not show caries progression, decline in periodontal health or tooth loss after HSCT. The prevalence in HSCT survivors ranged from 19% to 43% for caries, 11% to 67% for periodontitis, and 2% to 5% for edentulism. Certainty in the body of evidence was very low. CONCLUSIONS: Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, on the short term, may have little to no effect on caries, periodontal conditions and tooth loss. Caries and periodontitis may be more common in HSCT survivors compared with the general population, whereas edentulism may be comparable. However, the evidence for all conclusions is very uncertain.

Deterioration of anterior resin composite restorations in moderate to severe tooth wear patients: 3-year results.

OBJECTIVES: Deterioration in anterior resin composite restorations placed in tooth wear patients was investigated after 36 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data collected prospectively for 47 participants of the Radboud Tooth Wear Project were used (41 ± 8 years, 90% male, n = 270 restorations). Restorations were individually evaluated using intraoral photographs and 3D scans to rate modified FDI scores and to record the presence of degradation features. Four groups with distinct combinations of composites and techniques were assessed, and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the data (p < 0.05). RESULTS: For all groups together, early degradation signs were present at 1 month: irregularities (41.5%) and ditching (7.4%) were observed at the surface and adhesive interfaces. The frequency of irregularities decreased in the 36-month evaluation (37%), but ditching (12.2%) and fractures (10.7%) were more common. The most frequent deterioration (based on photographs) was observed for staining (44%) and loss of luster (31%). In 3D scans, the most frequent were for wear (25%), marginal adaptation (24%), and the presence of irregularities (19%). Canines had 5.5 times more chances of deterioration by ditching than incisors (p < 0.001). The differences between composites and restorative techniques were minor. CONCLUSIONS: A continuous degradation process of restorations placed in tooth wear patients was observed in anterior teeth restored with different composites, with a progression of the deterioration over 36 months. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When placing anterior resin composite restorations in tooth wear patients, it could be important to establish realistic expectations and the need for checkup appointments.

Caries Progression after Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and the Role of Hyposalivation.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) preceded by a conditioning regimen is an established treatment option for many haematological diseases. Decreased salivary flow rates after HSCT may increase caries risk. We aim to estimate the extent to which caries lesions develop or progress in adult HSCT recipients and assess its association with salivary flow rates. A multi-centre prospective observational study was conducted in which patients receiving HSCT were followed up for 18 months. We included 116 patients (median age 56 years, 43% female) from two medical centres in the Netherlands. Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) were collected, and full caries charts were made before HSCT and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months post-HSCT. Caries was scored according to the ICDAS criteria by trained dentist-examiners. New dentine lesions or lesion progression into dentine (ICDAS ≥4 or cavitated root lesions) occurred in 32% of patients over 18 months. The median number of affected surfaces was 2 (range: 1-12) per patient with caries progression. The influence of hyposalivation of unstimulated saliva (<0.2 mL/min) and stimulated saliva (<0.7 mL/min) at baseline and after 3 months on caries progression was determined with a negative binomial regression model. Hyposalivation of SWS 3 months after HSCT was a significant risk indicator for caries progression (incidence rate ratio: 5.30, 95% CI: 2.09-13.4, p < 0.001), while hyposalivation of SWS at baseline and hyposalivation of UWS were not. We conclude that caries progression is a common oral complication in patients after HSCT, and stimulated hyposalivation shortly after treatment is a significant risk indicator for caries progression.

Long-Term Analysis of Resilience of the Oral Microbiome in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is associated with oral microbial dysbiosis. However, long-term longitudinal data are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to longitudinally assess the oral microbiome in SCT patients and to determine if changes are associated with oral mucositis and oral chronic graft-versus-host disease. Fifty allogeneic SCT recipients treated in two Dutch university hospitals were prospectively followed, starting at pre-SCT, weekly during hospitalization, and at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after SCT. Oral rinsing samples were taken, and oral mucositis (WHO score) and oral chronic graft-versus-host disease (NIH score) were assessed. The oral microbiome diversity (Shannon index) and composition significantly changed after SCT and returned to pre-treatment levels from 3 months after SCT. Oral mucositis was associated with a more pronounced decrease in microbial diversity and with several disease-associated genera, such as Mycobacterium, Staphylococcus, and Enterococcus. On the other hand, microbiome diversity and composition were not associated with oral chronic graft-versus-host disease. To conclude, dysbiosis of the oral microbiome occurred directly after SCT but recovered after 3 months. Diversity and composition were related to oral mucositis but not to oral chronic graft-versus-host disease.

Prospective Study on CAD/CAM Nano-Ceramic (Composite) Restorations in the Treatment of Severe Tooth Wear.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical performance of minimally invasive, CAD/CAM nano-ceramic (composite) restorations in patients with severe tooth wear, the effect of the restorative treatment on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and the etiology of tooth wear as a risk factor for restoration failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with generalized severe tooth wear were included. Restorations (LAVA Ultimate, 3M Oral Care) were cemented (RelyX Ultimate, 3M Oral Care) on all teeth and were evaluated after 1 month and 1 year. OHRQoL was assessed via questionnaires at baseline and after 1 year. Differences were evaluated (paired t-test). Two mechanical tooth-wear lesions resulting from tooth-tooth contact, and 3 chemical tooth wear lesions resulting from intrinsic or extrinsic acids dissolving natural hard tooth substance, were evaluated to assess the etiology of tooth wear in association with restoration failure using multilevel logistic regression analyses (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (age: 41.7 ± 10.4 years) were evaluated after 1 year (13.5 ± 1.2 months). 568 indirect CAD/CAM restorations were placed. None were replaced or lost. Twelve were repaired and 10 were refurbished. Success rates were 100% to 97.2%. Questionnaires showed a significant positive impact of the treatment on OHRQoL (p < 0.001). The presence of mechanical lesions did not pose a higher risk for restoration failure (p = 0.78). The presence of chemical lesions showed a lower risk of restoration failure (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The use of minimally invasive, CAD/CAM nano-ceramic (composite) restorations in the restorative treatment of severely worn dentitions showed satisfactory results in the short term.

The Ability of Two Chewing Simulation Devices in Emulating the Clinical Deterioration of Anterior Composite Restorations in Severely Worn Teeth.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the ability of two chewing simulation devices to emulate in vitro the clinical deterioration observed in anterior composite restorations in severe tooth-wear patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Advanced tooth wear was simulated in bovine incisors, which were restored with palatal and buccal direct composite veneer restorations. The incisal edges of restorations were subjected to 960K cycles of either compressive loading (Biocycle-V2; 125 N at 2 Hz) or wear and mechanical loading (Rub and Roll; 30 N at 20 rpm). Surface degradation was rated using FDI scores to compare the chewing devices (Fisher's test, a = 0.05). Topography and deterioration of restorations was analyzed using SEM. The ability to emulate the deterioration was investigated by comparing the surface degradation observed in vitro with the clinical degradation observed in restorations placed in severe tooth-wear patients after 3.5 years. RESULTS: Distinct degradation patterns were observed between the simulation devices: Biocycle-V2 generated deterioration that was not comparable to the clinical situation, including contact damage, minor wear, and localized roughening. The degradation caused by Rub and Roll was more similar to the in vivo situation, including wear facets, chipping, delamination, staining, and marginal ditching. The FDI scores were different between the chewing devices for surface/marginal staining, material/retention, and marginal adaptation (p = 0.003). SEM analysis showed microcracking at the interface between composite layers at the incisal edges. CONCLUSIONS: The Rub and Roll chewing device was able to emulate the clinical deterioration observed in anterior restorations in severe tooth-wear patients and thus may be used as an oral-cavity simulation method, contributing to translational research.

In vitro Effect of Occlusal Loading on Cervical Wall Lesion Development in a Class II Composite Restoration.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of simulated occlusal loading on wall lesion development in cervical gaps of class II composite restorations in vitro. Sixty-four extracted human molars received standardized (4.0 × 4.2 × 3.0 mm) box preparations. The teeth were randomly assigned to one of two restoration groups: restoration with a normal or a low E-modulus composite material (CLEARFIL AP-X: E-modulus 16.8 GPa or CLEARFIL MAJESTY ES Flow: E-modulus 6.6 GPa). A metal matrix was placed at the bottom of the box for each restoration, creating a cervical gap of about 100 µm wide. Samples were exposed to simulated caries lesion development in a lactic acid solution (pH 4.8) for 8 weeks in a Rub&Roll device. Half of the samples were subjected to 90 N cyclic loading. After demineralization, the teeth were sectioned. Wall lesion development was measured using microradiography (transversal wavelength-independent microradiography) in two different locations (location 1: 1,000 µm and location 2: 1,600 µm from the gap entrance) and recorded in lesion depth (LD) (µm) and mineral loss (µm × vol%). Linear regression modeling was used to estimate the effect of loading and material on wall lesion development. Mean wall LD in location 1 across all groups was 150.83 µm with a standard deviation (SD) of 61.83 µm. In location 2, mean overall wall LD was 102.98 µm with an SD of 64.92 µm. Linear regression showed no significant effect of either loading or material on wall lesion development. Occlusal loading had no significant effect on secondary caries lesion development in composite class II restoration in this in vitro study.

Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) and associated factors: A multilevel analysis in a cohort study in southern Brazil.

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) and their association with individual and tooth-related factors in adults from the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were interviewed and clinically examined at the age of 31. NCCL was defined as loss of dental tissue without bacterial involvement in the cervical region. Independent variables were the socioeconomic, demographic, behavioural, and clinical characteristics. Associations were tested using a multilevel Poisson regression model. RESULTS: Five-hundred and thirty-nine participants were clinically examined, with a 26% prevalence of NCCLs, which were more prevalent in the maxilla (56.5%) and in premolars (72.9%). In the multilevel analysis, women presented lower prevalence than men [prevalence ratio (PR) 0.59 (0.48-0.73)]; those who reported smoking at both 22 and 30 years of age had more NCCLs than those who never smoked [PR 1.65 (1.31-2.07)]; and high-frequency brushers presented higher prevalence than low-frequency brushers [PR 1.26 (1.03-1.55)]. Gingival recession increased 10 times the prevalence of NCCLs [PR 10.03 (8.15-12.35)], while the presence of periodontal pockets (≥4 mm) reduced the prevalence of NCCLs [PR 0.43 (0.28-0.66)]. CONCLUSIONS: NCCLs were more prevalent in males, smokers, and those with higher frequency of toothbrushing. While the presence of periodontal pockets was associated with a lower prevalence of NCCLs, gingival recession was a strong clinical indicator for the presence of NCCLs.

A randomized controlled trial of manual versus powered tooth brushing during haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

AIM: To compare manual and powered tooth brushing (MT and PT) with respect to patient compliance to brushing frequency advice, plaque removal and severity of oral mucositis (OM) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) after high-dose chemotherapy. MATERIALS & METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Forty-six patients scheduled to receive myeloablative conditioning regimen before autologous HSCT were included and randomly assigned to control (MT, n = 23) or test (PT, n = 23) groups. Starting at day 1 (day of hospital admission for HSCT), brushing frequency (patient recorded diary), plaque scores (Plaque Control Index) and oral mucositis (Oral Mucositis Nursing Index) were recorded daily. Data for days 1 to 17 were analysed using regression analysis and general linear models. RESULTS: Few patients maintained 4 times per day brushing, but most brushed at least 2 times per day throughout the study. In PT, overall plaque scores were lower by 6.98% (p = .006) as compared to MT. No differences were seen in OM scores between the groups (p = .968). A small but significant positive correlation was found between plaque scores and OM severity: R2 =0.15 (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Powered tooth brushing resulted in lower plaque scores, but was not associated with reduced OM severity. Individual plaque scores were positively related to OM severity.

Clinical performance of direct composite resin restorations in a full mouth rehabilitation for patients with severe tooth wear: 5.5-year results.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the 5.5-year performance of direct resin composite restorations, prescribed for patients with severe tooth wear, requiring full-mouth rehabilitation. METHODS: A convenience sample of 34 patients were recruited to a prospective trial between December 2010 and June 2013. The participants were provided 1269 full-mouth direct resin composite restorations (Clearfil AP-X) by 5 experienced operators, using the DSO-technique. Treatment resulted in an increase in the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO). Failure was assessed at three levels. Frequencies of failure were analysed using Kaplan Meier survival curves and the effects of the relevant variables calculated with a multifactorial Cox regression (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Annual failure rates (for all levels of failure, 'Level 3- ') of ≤ 2.2% and ≤ 2.9% were respectively reported for the anterior and posterior restorations with a mean observation time of 62.4 months. The completion of an anterior restoration with the need for further appointments resulted in significantly more Level 2- & 3- failures. An evaluation of the performance of the premolar and posterior maxillary restorations showed significantly lowered risks of certain types of failures, compared to the molar and posterior mandibular restorations. CONCLUSIONS: At 5.5 years, 2.3% of the overall restorations displayed catastrophic, (Level 1) failures. Molar restorations, posterior mandibular restorations and the anterior restorations requiring two further sessions for completion, were associated with significantly higher risks for failure. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Direct resin composite can offer an acceptable medium-term option for the treatment of severe, generalized tooth wear; molar restorations may require higher maintenance.

The effect of pre-treatment levels of tooth wear and the applied increase in the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) on the survival of direct resin composite restorations.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of the level of pre-treatment tooth wear and increasing the VDO on the performance of direct resin composite restorations for the rehabilitation of pathological tooth wear. METHODS: Full-mouth (pre-treatment) grading was performed on digital greyscale scan records for 34 participants (35.3 ± 8.4 years) with signs of moderate-to-severe generalised tooth wear, using the Tooth Wear Evaluation System and the Basic Erosive Wear Examination. Each participant received full-mouth direct resin composite restorations, with increased VDO. The post-treatment increase in the VDO was determined. Recalls were planned after 1 month, and after 1, 3, and 5 years. Three 'levels' of restoration failure were described. The effects of the variables on the frequencies of restoration failure were calculated with a multivariable Cox regression, (p < 0.05). RESULTS: 1269 restorations were placed with a mean observation period of 62.4 months. Increasing the VDO by 1 mm significantly reduced the risks of all levels of anterior restoration failure (HR ≤ 0.62, p ≤ 0.025). A higher anterior BEWE surface score was associated with increased risks of Level 2- & 3- failures, (HR ≥ 1.29, p ≤ 0.019). Premolar restorations showed lower risks of Level 2- & 3- failure, compared to the molar restorations, (HR ≤ 0.5, p ≤ 0.005). CONCLUSION: Levels of pre-treatment wear and the applied change in the VDO significantly affected failure risk. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Direct resin composite restorations for the rehabilitation of wear should be made as voluminous as possible, respecting the presenting biological, functional, and esthetic constraints.

Terminology of Erosive Tooth Wear: Consensus Report of a Workshop Organized by the ORCA and the Cariology Research Group of the IADR.

Our understanding of erosive tooth wear and its contributing factors has evolved considerably over the last decades. New terms have been continuously introduced, which frequently describe the same aspects of this condition, whereas other terms are being used inappropriately. This has led to unnecessary confusion and miscommunication between patients, professionals, and researchers. A group of 15 experts, selected by the European Organization for Caries Research (ORCA) and the Cariology Research Group of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), participated in a 2-day workshop to define the most commonly used terms in erosive tooth wear. A modified Delphi method was utilized to reach consensus. At least 80% agreement was achieved for all terms discussed and their definitions related to clinical conditions and processes, basic concepts, diagnosis, risk, and prevention and management of erosive tooth wear. Use of the terms agreed on will provide a better understanding of erosive tooth wear and intends to enable improved communication on this topic.

Speech changes in patients with a full rehabilitation for severe tooth wear, a first evaluation study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in speech characteristics and self-perceived quality of speech in tooth wear patients, after occlusal rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with tooth wear were included in this study after informed consent. The amount of tooth wear was scored with Tooth Wear Evaluation System (TWES). To assess the perspective of the patient, the Dutch Speech Handicap Index was used (SHI). Acoustic analysis was performed to evaluate changes with the use of voice recordings. These were made before treatment, T0; directly after treatment, T1; 1 month after treatment, T2. With the use of PRAAT software, the spectral characteristic centre of gravity (COG) was evaluated for the sounds /s/, /f/, /v/, /d/, /t/, /m/. RESULTS: Recordings of 17 patients (14 men, 3 women, mean age 41.2 ± 10.4 years) were included. SHI scores did not change significantly between T0 and T2 (p = 0.054). A multiple regression model showed that for all sounds the intercept was negative, but statistically significant only for /s/ and /f/ between T0 and T1. The effect of the initial change (between T0 and T1) on the change between T1 and T2 was clearly negative for all sounds (p < 0.001), showing a rebound effect ranging between 29 and 68% of the initial change. CONCLUSION: Tooth wear patients perceive improvement in speech function after treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Clinicians may explain to patients that speech is likely to alter for a short period due to treatment but that there will be a good adaption to the new situation.

Microbial changes in relation to oral mucositis in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients.

The aim of this prospective, two center study was to investigate the dynamics of the microbial changes in relation to the development of ulcerative oral mucositis in autologous SCT (autoSCT) recipients. Fifty-one patients were diagnosed with multiple myeloma and treated with high-dose melphalan followed by autoSCT. They were evaluated before, three times weekly during hospitalization, and three months after autoSCT. At each time point an oral rinse was collected and the presence or absence of ulcerative oral mucositis (UOM) was scored (WHO scale). Oral microbiome was determined by using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and fungal load by qPCR. Twenty patients (39%) developed UOM. The oral microbiome changed significantly after autoSCT and returned to pre-autoSCT composition after three months. However, changes in microbial diversity and similarity were more pronounced and rapid in patients who developed UOM compared to patients who did not. Already before autoSCT, different taxa discriminated between the 2 groups, suggesting microbially-driven risk factors. Samples with high fungal load (>0.1%) had a significantly different microbial profile from samples without fungi. In conclusion, autoSCT induced significant and reversible changes in the oral microbiome, while patients who did not develop ulcerative oral mucositis had a more resilient microbial ecosystem.