BiteStrip analysis of the effect of fluoxetine and paroxetine on sleep bruxism.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between sleep bruxism (SB) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is still under debate because of the lack of well-designed objective studies. The current study investigates possible effects of SSRIs, fluoxetine, and paroxetine on SB in patients with anxiety and depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty users of SSRIs for treatment of depression or anxiety were enrolled in the study. After clinical and anamnestic examination, 15 fluoxetine and 15 paroxetine users were included. For an objective evaluation of SB, a single-use disposable home screening device, BiteStrip, was used prior to the first SSRI intake and was repeated on the 7th and 15th days. Patients' self-reported data also were obtained for assessment of patient awareness. RESULTS: BiteStrip scores were significantly higher on the 7th and 15th days than the first measurement (p<0.01). There was an increase in 26 (86.6%) patients' bruxism scores on the 7th day. There was also an increase in 27 (90%) patients' bruxism scores on the 15th day. But according to patients' self-reports, only 6 patients had an awareness that bruxism symptoms were initiated or exacerbated 15days after starting fluoxetine or paroxetine. CONCLUSION: Fluoxetine and paroxetine, SSRIs used for the treatment of anxiety and depression, may initiate or aggravate SB. Clinicians should consider that SSRIs may be the cause of SB when SSRI users are referred to dental clinics for SB symptoms. As there is a shortage of researches on this subject, further studies are necessary to confirm the existence of SSRI-induced SB.

Effect of Capparis spinosa extract on sutural ossification: A stereological study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of systemically administered Capparis spinosa extract (CSE) on expanded sutures in rats via three dimensionally morphometric method (stereological method). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were used. Subjects were divided into four groups, each with eight rats. Orthopaedic expansion force was applied for 5 days to maxillary incisors by attaching springs. Control-1 and CSE-1 waited 1 week for consolidation, and Control-2 and CSE-2 waited 2 weeks for consolidation. After the consolidation period, the subjects were sacrificed. Stereological examination was performed to determine the volume and area of new bone, connective tissue, and capillaries. RESULTS: New bone area, new bone volume, connective tissue space, and connective tissue volume were statistically different in CSE-1 compared to Control-1. But there were no statistically difference between CSE-2 and Control_2. In terms of the volume of blood vessels and vascular area, there were no statistically significant differences when comparing Groups CSE-1 and Control-1 or CSE-2 and Control-2. CONCLUSION: Systemic use of CSE accelerated fastened osteoblastic activity in the early period.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba on experimental rapid maxillary expansion model: a histomorphometric study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of systemic Ginkgo biloba in rapid maxillary expansion (RME). STUDY DESIGN: We randomly divided 24 rats into 3 groups: expansion only (EO), expansion plus Ginkgo biloba (GB), and no expansion (NE). Expansion appliances were affixed to the maxillary incisors. After a 5-day expansion period, there was a consolidation period of 15 days, following which the rats were killed. Histomorphometric examination was performed to determine the number of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and capillaries, the number and intensity of inflammatory cells, and new bone formation. RESULTS: New bone formation, number of capillaries, and the ratio of inflammatory cells in maxillary sutures were higher in the GB group than in the other groups. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the GB group had more osteoblasts and osteoclasts than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: GB may hasten new bone regeneration in RME and prevent relapse after RME.