Investigation of the constituents of commercially available toothpastes.

OBJECTIVES: Toothpaste plays a pivotal role in oral and dental hygiene. This cross-sectional study not only investigates the constituents of toothpastes available in the market and their frequency across different brands but also delves into the potential side effects, irritations, or unfavourable outcomes of these constituents, emphasizing the broader health and environmental implications. METHODS: The largest of the five major chain markets in each district of Istanbul was visited, and adult toothpastes were included in this study. All the constituents that make up the toothpaste were individually recorded in an Excel database. Subsequently, literature regarding the purposes, toxic and potential side effects of each ingredient was gathered using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect. The percentages of these ingredients' occurrence among all the toothpastes were calculated, and the ingredients were categorized into 15 distinct groups based on their usage purposes. RESULTS: There were 160 different varieties of toothpaste belonging to 19 different brands on the market shelves. Although a total of 244 different ingredients were identified, only 78 of them were included in the study. Among the analysed toothpaste types, 105 of them were found to contain 1450 ppm fluoride, whilst 26 toothpaste variants were discovered to have fluoride levels below this value. Among the various ingredients analysed, particular attention was drawn to commonly debated compounds in oral care products. Specifically, titanium dioxide was found in 68% (n = 111) of the varieties, sodium lauryl sulphate in 67% (n = 108) and paraben in 2% (n = 4), respectively. CONCLUSION: Whilst certain ingredients may raise concerns for potential side effects and health considerations within the human body, the toothpaste has long been regarded as an indispensable tool for maintaining optimal oral and dental health. However, gaining a deeper understanding and conducting research on each constituent that comprises the toothpaste, as well as raising awareness in this regard, holds significant importance for human health.

A comparative evaluation of the effects of respiratory diseases on dental caries.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the susceptibility of patients suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to dental caries by analyzing the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of saliva, which are influenced by the medications they use. METHODS: A cohort of 104 individuals, spanning from 18 to 70 years of age, underwent a meticulous categorization based on their unique medical profiles and prescribed medication routines. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to elucidate potential risk factors associated with dental caries. Alongside the assessment of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT index), decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS index), and Green and Vermillion Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (G&V OHI-S) values, measurements were performed to gauge salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and the presence of S. mutans, L. casei, S. aureus, and C. albicans. The acquired data were then inputted into the Cariogram software, enabling the derivation of personalized caries risk profiles for each individual. RESULTS: The diseased group exhibited significantly elevated levels of DMFT, DMFS, and G&V OHI-S values in comparison to the control group (p < 0.01). Moreover, the caries risk levels derived from the Cariogram were found to be significantly higher in patients diagnosed with asthma and COPD (p < 0.01). Notably, no substantial distinction was observed between these two experimental groups. Furthermore, it was discerned that COPD patients utilizing two or three distinct medications did not display any discernible variation in terms of their susceptibility to dental caries (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Asthma and COPD patients exhibit an increased susceptibility to dental caries as a result of their medication regimens. Hence, it is highly advisable for these individuals to demonstrate heightened vigilance in terms of oral hygiene practices and seek regular dental check-ups for continuous monitoring and preventive care.

Assessment of patients' dental anxiety levels in the context of infectious diseases: development and validation of Musa Kazim's Dental Anxiety Scale (MK-DAS).

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to develop and validate a new scale called Musa Kazim's Dental Anxiety Scale (MK-DAS) to measure dental anxiety in relation to infectious diseases. METHODS: The study utilized a cross-sectional design and recruited participants from Faculty of Dentistry, Altinbas University. The sample included 289 participants who were seeking dental treatment. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was employed for the purpose of assessing levels of dental anxiety. In contrast, the MK-DAS, comprised a series of seven inquiries specifically targeting concerns regarding the treatment procedure and the fear of contagion. The data was analyzed using various statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, criterion validity, cluster analysis for cut-off points, and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: The factor analysis revealed that MK-DAS had a two-factor structure. The first factor consisted of five items related to various aspects of the treatment process (α:0.837), while the second factor included two items related to the fear of infectious diseases (α:0.747). The scale showed good reliability, as indicated by high Cronbach's alpha coefficients for both factors. Strong positive correlations were found between MDAS and the first factor of MK-DAS (r = 0.857; p < 0.01), moderate positive correlations between MDAS and the second factor (r = 0.323; p < 0.01), and a strong positive correlation between MDAS and the overall of MK-DAS (r = 0.782; p < 0.01). Additionally, the cluster analysis yielded a cut-off score of 17 based on the k-means analysis. Moreover, test-retest reliability analyses indicated that dimension 1 (ICC: 0.904), dimension 2 (ICC: 0.840), and overall MK-DAS (ICC: 0.944) demonstrated high internal consistency. CONCLUSION: The MK-DAS is an innovative and modern dental anxiety scale that has been proven to be reliable and valid, surpassing the comprehensiveness of the MDAS.

Ingredients in Commercially Available Mouthwashes: A Review.

OBJECTIVES: Mouthwashes, a cornerstone of oral and dental hygiene, play a pivotal role in combating the formation of dental plaque, a leading cause of periodontal disease and dental caries. This study aimed to review the composition of mouthwashes found on retail shelves in Turkey and evaluate their prevalence and side effects, if any. METHODS: The mouthwashes examined were sourced from the 5 largest chain stores in each district of Istanbul. A comprehensive list of the constituents was meticulously recorded. The research was supported by an extensive compilation of references from scholarly databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Through rigorous analysis, the relative proportions of mouth wash ingredients and components were determined. RESULTS: A total of 45 distinctive variations of mouthwashes, representing 17 prominent brands, were identified. Amongst the 116 ingredients discovered, 70 were evaluated for potential adverse effects and undesirable side effects. The aroma of the moithwash (n = 45; 100%), as welll as their sodium fluoride (n = 28; 62.22%), sodium saccharin (n = 29; 64.44%), sorbitol (n = 21; 46.6%), and propylene glycol (n = 28; 62.22%) content were the main undesireable features. CONCLUSIONS: The limited array of mouthwashes found on store shelves poses a concern for both oral and public health. Furthermore, the intricate composition of these products, consisting of numerous ingredients with the potential for adverse effects, warrants serious attention. Both clinicians and patients should acknowledge the importance and unwarranted side effects of the compnents of the mouthwashes.

The relationship between prevalence of dental anxiety and dental caries: cross-sectional study / A relação entre a prevalência da ansiedade de tratamentos odontológicos e cárie dentária: estudo transversal

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess level of DA among dental students in different grades and patients and to evaluate associations between DA and presence of dental caries. Material and Methods: Both four hundred all-grade dental students of Istanbul University and patients of Istanbul University Hospital were included in the study after random selection. Data regarding gender, oral hygiene habits, frequency of dental visits, and educational level were obtained via questionnaire. DA of participants were measured using both Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and Dental Fear Survey (DFS). The prevalence of caries was determined using International Caries Detection and Assessment System Criteria (ICDAS). Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U and Chi square tests. Results: Female patients and female 4th-year students had significantly higher MDAS scores (p<0.05). First-year students had significantly higher MDAS and DFS scores than 4th and 5th-year students (p<0.05). Patients who had caries and brushed their teeth less than twice a day had significantly higher MDAS scores (p<0.05). Among 3rd-year students, individuals who visited dentist regularly had lower MDAS scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: DA among senior dental students was lower than that in younger students with an increase in knowledge about dentistry. Tooth brushing frequency and caries prevalence was associated with DA in patient group. No association was found between DA and frequency of dental visits, except in 3rd-year students (AU)

Objetivo: Este estudo transversal teve como objetivo avaliar o nível de DA entre estudantes de odontologia de diferentes anos de graduação, pacientes e associações entre DA e apresença de cárie dentária. Material e Métodos: Quatrocentos estudantes de odontologia de todas os anos da Universidade de Istambul e pacientes do Hospital Universitário de Istambul foram incluídos no estudo após randomização. Dados sobre sexo, hábitos de higiene bucal, frequência de consultas odontológicas e escolaridade foram obtidos por meio de questionário. DA dos participantes foram medidos usando dois questionários: Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) e Dental Fear Survey (DFS). A prevalência de cárie foi determinada usando os critérios do Sistema Internacional de Detecção e Avaliação de Cárie (International Caries Detection and Assessment System Criteria - ICDAS). Os dados foram analisados usando os testes Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U e Qui quadrado. Resultados: Pacientes do sexo feminino e estudantes também do sexo feminino do 4º ano apresentaram scores de MDAS significativamente maiores (p <0,05). Os alunos do primeiro ano tiveram pontuações MDAS e DFS significativamente mais altas do que os alunos do 4º e 5º ano (p <0,05). Pacientes que tinham cárie e escovavam os dentes menos de duas vezes ao dia apresentaram scores de MDAS significativamente maiores (p <0,05). Entre os alunos do terceiro ano, os indivíduos que visitavam o dentista regularmente apresentaram menores scores de MDAS (p <0,05). Conclusão: A DA entre os alunos do último ano de odontologia foi menor do que entre os alunos mais jovens, devido ao aumento do conhecimento sobre odontologia. A frequência de escovação e a prevalência de cárie foram associadas à DA no grupo de pacientes. Não foi encontrada associação entre DA e frequência de consultas odontológicas, exceto em alunos do 3º ano.(AU)