The effect of secondhand smoke exposure on dental caries and gingival health among schoolchildren in Damascus, Syria: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of secondhand smoke on dental caries and gingival health among schoolchildren in Damascus, Syria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. It was carried out at government schools in Damascus, Syria. This study included healthy children aged 10 to 13 years old. Schoolchildren were interviewed to answer the researcher-administered questionnaire to obtain answers regarding demographic information and family smoking behavior. A dental examination was performed by a dentist, and the number of decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) permanent teeth (DMFT) was scored based on the World Health Organization (WHO) 1997. A gingival examination was performed using the modified gingival index (MGI) and Silness-Leo plaque index (PI) to assess gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 284 schoolchildren participated. More than half (61.26%) of them were exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS), and about half of them (52.11%) resided in a house with at least one cigarette smoked in a day. About one-third of the passive smokers (33.30%) had poor plaque control, with a statistically significant difference from non-passive smokers (p < 0.05). The multivariate regression model showed that the number of smokers at home was significantly associated with the DMFT score, dental plaque accumulation, and gingival inflammation (p < 0.1). However, the number of cigarettes smoked at home in a day was not a predictor for dental caries and gingival status (p = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the number of smokers at home appears to have more adverse effects on children's oral health compared to the quantity of smoke inhaled. In addition, SHSe was associated with more dental plaque accumulation among schoolchildren.

Effects of blue-light LED toothbrush on reducing dental plaque and gingival inflammation in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances: a crossover randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances have higher plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of a light emitting diode (LED) toothbrush with a manual toothbrush in reducing dental plaque and gingival inflammation in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances, and to investigate the effect of the LED toothbrush on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm in vitro. METHODS: Twenty-four orthodontic patients were recruited and randomly assigned into 2 groups: (1) started with manual and (2) started with LED toothbrushes. After a 28-day usage and 28-day wash-out period, the patients switched to the other intervention. The plaque and gingival indices were determined at baseline and 28 days after each intervention. The patients' compliance and satisfaction scores were collected using questionnaires. For the in vitro experiments, S. mutans biofilm was divided into 5 groups (n = 6) with 15-, 30-, 60-, or 120-sec LED exposure, and without LED exposure as a control group. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the gingival index between the manual and LED toothbrush groups. The manual toothbrush was significantly more effective in reducing the plaque index in the proximal area on the bracket side (P = 0.031). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups in other areas around the brackets or on the non-bracket side. After LED exposure in vitro, the percentages of bacterial viability after LED exposure for 15-120 s were significantly lower compared with the control (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Clinically, the LED toothbrush was not more effective in reducing dental plaque or gingival inflammation than the manual toothbrush in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances. However, the blue light from the LED toothbrush significantly reduced the number of S. mutans in biofilm when it was exposed to the light for at least 15 s in vitro. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20210510004). Registered 10/05/2021.

Failure frequency of fixed mandibular retainers after pre-treatment of the enamel surface with pumice versus sandblasting-a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To compare retainer survival, periodontal health, and caries implications of fixed lower retainers bonded after pre-treatment of the enamel surface with either pumice or sandblasting. TRIAL DESIGN: Two-arm parallel-group, two-center randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS: One hundred sixty patients (101 females, 59 males, mean age: 17.9) requiring mandibular retainers were consecutively recruited. Patients were randomly allocated to have pre-treatment of the enamel surface with either pumice (n = 80) or sandblasting (n = 80). The primary outcome was retainer survival at 3 (T1) and 12 months (T2) control. Secondary outcomes were carious lesions and periodontal health: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), calculus index (CI), and probing depth (PD). The randomization sequence was generated using an online randomization and allocation concealment was secured by contacting the sequence generator for treatment assignment. Blinding was not possible at T0 due to the nature of the intervention. Statistical analyses were carried out using the t-test, Fisher's exact test, repeated measure analysis of variance, and log rank test. RESULTS: Overall, the risk of bonding failure at T1 was 6.7 per cent and at T2 6.9 per cent. There were no statistically significant differences in failure rate between the two groups, neither at T1 (P = 1.000) nor at T2 (P = 0.360). No statistically significant differences were found for the intercanine periodontal indices GI, PI, CI, PD, and caries between the two groups at T0 and T1. At T2, significantly more gingivitis and plaque were seen in the sandblasting group (P = 0.05 and P = 0.047, respectively) compared with the pumice group. Calculus increased during the follow-up period in both groups (P ≤ 0.001) as well as plaque levels (P ≤ 0.001 and P = 0.025, respectively). No harm was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Enamel sandblasting prior to bonding mandibular retainers is not better at preventing bonding failure. REGISTRATION: 275767 (https://www.researchweb.org/is/sverige).

Cross-sectional evaluation of periodontal inflammation and oral hygiene status between fixed appliances and Invisalign in patients affected by craniofacial anomalies.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to compare the difference in the oral health status and oral hygiene of orthodontic treatment with aligners (AL) and with fixed appliances (FA) in patients affected by craniofacial anomalies (CFA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 100 Caucasian patients affected by various CFA from two different hospitals. Fifty patients treated with AL were matched for sex, age and CFA with a control sample of 50 patients treated with FA. Patients' periodontal conditions were evaluated in both samples. O'Leary Plaque Control Record, bleeding on probing (BOP) and DMT/dmft Index were evaluated in both samples. RESULTS: The FA group presented an O'Leary Plaque Control Record of 60% ± 30, while AL presented an O'Leary Plaque Control Record of 40% ± 29.7 (p-value = 0.02), BOP was 22.1% ± 14 in FA and 12% ± 0.13 in AL (p-value = 0.03). The DMFT/dmft was not statistically different (p-value = 0.13). p-value was set at <0.039. CONCLUSION: The study shows that the sample with FA presented a higher O'Leary Plaque Control Record and BOP compared to the AL sample. AL might, therefore, be an interesting alternative to FA in patients with CFA, who generally have a lower level of oral hygiene.

Effect of an enzyme-containing mouthwash on the dental biofilm and salivary microbiome in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Mouthwashes containing oral antiseptics or enzymes are suggested suitable for controlling biofilm accumulation in patients with fixed appliances and thereby limiting unwanted side effects during the orthodontic treatment. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of an enzyme-based mouthwash on the amount of dental biofilm and the composition of the salivary microbiome in patients undergoing treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. TRIAL DESIGN: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 35 young adolescents (14-18 years) under treatment with fixed appliances were consecutively enrolled and randomly allocated to an experimental or a placebo group by opening a computer-generated numbered envelope. The subjects were instructed to rinse twice daily during an intervention period of 8 days with experimental mouthwash or placebo without active enzymes. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected at baseline and after 8 days. The participants and examiner were blinded for the allocation. The primary outcome was the Orthodontic Plaque Index (OPI) and the secondary was the composition of the salivary microbiome. RESULTS: In total, 28 adolescents (21 females and 7 males) completed the trial and there were no differences in age, clinical, or microbial findings between the test (n = 14) and the placebo group (n = 14) at baseline. We found a decreased OPI in the test group after 8 days and the difference was statistically significant compared with the placebo group (P < 0.05). There were no significant treatment effects on the richness and global composition of the salivary microbiome. HARMS: In total, one participant in the test group claimed nausea and abandoned the project. In total, two participants did not like the taste of the mouthwash but used it as instructed. No other adverse events or side effects were reported. LIMITATIONS: Short-term pilot trials may by nature be sensitive for selection and performance biases and are not designed to unveil persisting effects. CONCLUSION: Daily use of enzyme-containing mouthwash reduced the amount of dental biofilm in adolescents under treatment with the fixed orthodontic appliances, without affecting the composition of the salivary microbiota. ETHICAL APPROVAL: Approved by the Regional Ethical Board, Lund, Sweden (Dnr 2020-05221). CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05033015.

Retrospective Clinical Evaluation of Subgingival Composite Resin Restorations with Deep-Margin Elevation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term clinical quality of subgingivally placed composite resin restorations and the inflammatory status of surrounding supracrestal gingival and periodontal tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with at least one subgingival restoration with deep-margin elevation placed between 2010 and 2020 at Heidelberg University Hospital and Tübingen University Hospital were identified. A sound tooth was used as control. Intraoral examination including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and plaque control record (PCR) was conducted. The clinical quality of the restorations was evaluated using the modified FDI criteria. For comparison between control and test teeth, a logistic mixed-effects model was used for GBI, PCR, and BOP, while a linear mixed-effects model was used for CAL. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were used to examine the influence of smoking, age of restoration, number of decayed, missing and filled teeth, use of interdental brushes, and CAL. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included in the study. The mean age of the restorations was 2.70 ± 1.90 years. There were no significant differences between test and control teeth with respect to inflammatory parameters BOP, GBI, and PCR. CAL was significantly higher in test teeth than in controls (p = 0.027). The regression models revealed that CAL has a significant influence on GBI (p = 0.008) and BOP (p < 0.001). A significantly increased GBI occurred especially on test teeth in patients who did not use interdental brushes daily (p = 0.010). The clinical quality of restorations was rated excellent or good in 70%, an no restoration was rated unacceptable. CONCLUSION: No increased inflammation was observed on sites with subgingivally placed composite restorations over an observation period of approximately 3 years. Regular interdental brush use was associated with less gingival inflammation.

Microbial colonisation associated with conventional and self-ligating brackets: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Decalcification and gingivitis caused by plaque accumulation around brackets are common iatrogenic effects of fixed appliances. The influence of conventional versus self-ligating bracket design on microbial colonisation is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the levels of microbial colonisation associated with conventional and self-ligating brackets. SEARCH SOURCES: Three databases were searched for publications from 2009 to 2021. DATA SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials comparing levels of microbial colonisation before and during treatment with conventional and self-ligating brackets were assessed independently and in duplicate. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted independently by two authors from the studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias assessments were made using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist. RESULTS: A total of 11 randomised controlled trials were included in this systematic review. Six of the studies were found to be at low risk of bias and five presented with some concerns. The studies were considered moderate to high quality. Five trials reported no statistically significant difference in microbial colonisation between bracket types. The remaining studies showed mixed results, with some reporting increased colonisation of conventional brackets and others increased colonisation of self-ligating brackets. The heterogeneity of study methods and outcomes precluded meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: Of the 11 studies included in this systematic review, five found no differences in colonisation between conventional and self-ligating brackets. The remaining studies showed mixed results. The evidence is inconclusive regarding the association between bracket design and levels of microbial colonisation.

Duration of toothbrushing with fixed appliances: a randomized crossover clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Fixed orthodontic appliances might result in dental adverse effects, if sufficient oral hygiene is not maintained. Since recommendations on toothbrushing times are lacking scientific justification in orthodontic populations, the aim of the present study was to comparatively quantify the duration of toothbrushing with a manual and a powered toothbrush in two distinct age groups. TRIAL DESIGN: Two-centre, two-period crossover balanced randomized clinical trial with computer-generated numbers and blinding at the outcome-assessing level. METHODS: Children and adults with fixed appliances with at least 22 aligned teeth were recruited at a university clinic and private practice in Bavaria, Germany. Plaque was disclosed with staining tablets and participants brushed their teeth with their habitual technique in front of a mirror and without interference until staining was, to their own satisfaction, completely removed. The primary outcome was duration of toothbrushing in seconds. Secondary outcomes were percentage plaque reduction and questionnaire data on dental attitudes and behaviours. Data were analysed with linear mixed models. RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants were randomized to the first and 27 to the second toothbrush sequence. The combined effect of age and toothbrush on the duration of toothbrushing was evident (n = 52, F(1, 50.8) = 5.1, P = 0.028). Children brushed 14.5 seconds less [n = 28, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -31.3 to 2.3, P = 0.090], yet adults 13.3 seconds more (n = 24, 95% CI = -4.6 to 31.3, P = 0.143) with the manual than powered toothbrush. Brushing times ranged from 2 minutes and 45 seconds to 3 minutes and 17 seconds with plaque reduction at 76% and good dental attitudes and behaviours. CONCLUSIONS: Both children and adults with fixed appliances might equally reach an effective plaque reduction with either manual or powered toothbrushes and their habitual brushing technique in around three minutes, if plaque is visible. REGISTRATION: DRKS-German Clinical Trials Register ID: DRKS00012463. FUNDING: Oral-B Procter & Gamble.

Efficacy of Resin Infiltration and Fluoride Casein Phosphopeptide Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Varnish on Non-cavitated Active White Spot Lesions in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Objective: To compare the efficacy of resin infiltration and fluoride casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate varnish on non-cavitated active white spot lesions in 5-8 years old children. Material and Methods: 60 non-cavitated active white spot lesions in 60 patients with ICDAS II score 2 from both genders in the age range of 5 to 8 years were taken. Thirty lesions were treated by resin infiltration (Group 1) and 30 by Fluoride CPP-ACP varnish (Group 2). Resin infiltration was performed on the same day, while Fluoride CPP-ACP varnish was applied once a week for 4 weeks. The follow-up was done at 3, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: At 3, 6, and 12 months change in mean ICDAS II Score in group 1 was 1.5±0.5,1.13±0.73 and 0.9±0.88, respectively, while in group 2, it was observed to be 0.30±0.59, 0.4±0.89 and 0.06±0.82, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion: Resin infiltration was more successful than Fluoride CCP-ACP varnish in active non-cavitated white spot lesions (AU).

The Impact of Carbohydrate Quality on Dental Plaque pH: Does the Glycemic Index of Starchy Foods Matter for Dental Health?

Sugary carbohydrate foods have long been associated with increased risk of dental caries formation, but the dental health impact of starchy carbohydrates, particularly those with a high glycemic index (GI), has not been well examined. AIM: To investigate the effect of different starchy foods varying in their GI, on acute changes in dental plaque pH. METHODS: In a series of sub-studies in healthy adults, common starchy carbohydrate foods, including white bread, instant mashed potatoes, canned chickpeas, pasta, breakfast cereals, white rice, and an oral glucose solution were consumed in fixed 25 g available carbohydrate portions. The change in dental plaque pH was assessed postprandially over 1 h and capillary plasma glucose was measured at regular intervals over 2 h. RESULTS: Higher GI starchy foods produced greater acute plaque pH decreases and larger overall postprandial glucose responses compared to lower GI starchy foods (white bread compared with canned chickpeas: -1.5 vs. -0.7 pH units, p = 0.001, and 99 ± 8 mmol/L min vs. 47 ± 7 mmol/L min, p = 0.026). Controlling for other food factors (food form and nutritional composition), lower GI versions of matched food pairs produced smaller plaque pH excursions compared to higher GI versions of the same food. Using linear regression analysis, the GI value of starchy carbohydrate foods explained 60% of the variation in maximum plaque pH nadir and 64% of the variation in overall acute dental plaque pH excursion (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings imply that starchy foods, in particular those with a higher GI, may play a role in increasing the risk of dental caries.

Enhancement of cariogenic virulence properties of dental plaque in asthmatics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the caries risk of asthmatics in relation to acidogenicity and the expression of caries-related genes in dental plaque. METHODS: A case-control study composed of 38 asthmatics (cases) and 22 controls with an age range from 6 to 60 years. Characteristics of asthma, use of medications, oral hygiene practices and dietary habits assessed by questionnaires and interviews. The dental plaque maturity evaluated using GC Tri Plaque ID Gel TM. The expression of brpA, gtfB, gbpB, ldh, luxS and spaP genes analyzed using real-time PCR. RESULTS: Asthmatics had a higher percentage of mature and acidogenic plaque than immature plaque. In contrast, immature plaque was more evident in controls. Acidogenic plaque commonly occurred in patients using 1 or a combination of two medications. High frequency in meals and sweets were found in asthmatics. Real-time PCR revealed that the expression of spaP, gtfB, gbpB, ldh, brpA and luxS were enhanced in asthmatics compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: An increase in acidogenic and mature plaque is found in asthmatics. The expression of spaP, gtfB, gbpB, ldh, brpA and luxS in dental plaque are upregulated in asthmatics.

Identification of Proteins Associated with the Formation of Oral Biofilms

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify proteins associated with the formation of Streptococcus gordonii and Fusobacterium nucleatum biofilms. Material and Methods: Biofilms composed of two bacterial species, S. gordonii and F. nucleatum, were cultured for 1, 4, 7, and 10 days. The presence of both species was confirmed via amplification of the srtA and radD genes using real-time PCR. The concentrations of proteins associated with the biofilms and individual species were quantified using Western blotting. Results: The protein profiles of S. gordonii and F. nucleatum from individual cultures determined using one-dimensional electrophoresis revealed proteins found in S. gordonii and in F. nucleatum. Ct and reciprocal Ct values were determined for the exposed S. gordonii and F. nucleatum biofilms. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) protein was detected in biofilms and F. nucleatum, whereas HSP40 protein was present only in biofilms after 7 and 10 days of formation. Conclusion: HSP40 was detected only in the formed biofilms; thus, HSP40 is an essential proteins for adhesion.

Retrospective Clinical Study of a Freely Removable Implant-Supported Fixed Dental Prosthesis by a Microlocking System.

This retrospective clinical study was conducted to evaluate the clinical usefulness of a freely removable microlocking implant prosthesis (MLP) that was developed to overcome the problems with conventional implant prostheses. A total of 54 patients (male: 31, female: 23) and 100 implant prostheses were included. Patients were divided into three groups such as 6-12 months, 12-18 months, and 18-24 months according to the used period after implant prosthesis delivery, and the patients in each group were recalled for examinations of survival rate, marginal bone resorption, peri-implant soft tissue indices, and complications. The prosthetic complications were analysed by combining the recorded chart data during the periodic checks including the last call for this study. During a 2-year observation period, all the implants showed a 100% survival rate without clinical mobility and functional problems. There was no significant difference in marginal bone resorption, plaque index, and bleeding index over the observation period after implant prosthesis delivery. Probing depth of the 18-24 months group (1.5 ± 0.19 mm) was significantly lower than that of the 6-12 months group (p < 0.05). The main complication was abutment loosening (4%), followed by implant prosthesis fracture (2%) and food impaction (2%) which were recorded. Within the limits of the present study, the implant prostheses with MLP are considered to be an applicable and predictable treatment method.

The effects of using phase-contrast microscopy on oral hygiene training of patients receiving orthodontic treatment: A randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate of effects of using phase-contrast video technique on education in oral hygiene training. This one blind, parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary clinic. Fifty-three patients who presented to the orthodontics department aged 12-20 years were divided into two groups randomly by computer-generated assigned codes to receive oral hygiene education. The participants were blinded to type of education method. Before orthodontic therapy, the control group was trained only by the conventional method, while the test group was trained by phase-contrast video microscopy method in addition to conventional method. Some images and videos of moving microorganisms in dental plaque were shown to the patients in test group on a computer monitor. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The bacterial count, plaque index, and gingival index scores were compared. Measurements were obtained in baseline and follow-ups which were repeated with 1-month intervals after the training. RESULTS: The plaque index scores (1.05 ± 0.1 vs. 1.43 ± 0.2; P < 0.001) and gingival index scores (0.90 ± 0.1 vs. 1.14 ± 0.2; P < 0.001) in test group was statistically lower than those in control group at the end of the study. The gingival index scores reduced by 39% in test group vs. 14% in control group. The number of bacteria significantly decreased in the group trained with phase-contrast video microscope technique (8,059,133 ± 3016 vs. 10,830,600 ± 4919; 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The training with phase-contrast microscopy has a more positive effect than the traditional method in oral hygiene education.

Expansion treatment using Invisalign®: Periodontal health status and maxillary buccal bone changes. A clinical and tomographic evaluation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in periodontal status and maxillary buccal bone by considering clinical and tomographic parameters during the first year of orthodontic expansion with Invisalign® aligners. Upper first (1PM) and upper second (2PM) premolars of 19 patients with orthodontic expansion requirement treated with Invisalign® aligners were evaluated. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and cone beam tomographic (CBCT) records were collected at 76 sites before starting treatment (T0) and at 12 months (T1). Bone height was measured from cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the crest cortical bone (CC). Bone thickness was measured at two levels: 4 mm (CEJ+4) and 6 mm (CEJ+6) apical to the CEJ. A descriptive analysis was made of the variations of bone thickness and height in a series of cases. The average expansion was 1.93 mm for 1PM and 167 mm for 2PM. Arithmetic mean of distance CEJ-CC in 1PM was 3.05 mm at T0, and remained at 3.05 mm at T1. Arithmetic mean of distance CEJ-CC in 2PM was 2.06 mm at T0 and 2.31 at T1. Post-expansion, most of the analyzed sites (86%) exhibited a bone thickness of ≥0.5 mm. The greatest variations between T0 and T1 were observed at the level of 1PM CEJ+ 4 and 2PM CEJ+ 6. The minimal changes in the clinical records (GI, PI, PPD and CAL) between T0 and T1 were compatible with the maintenance of gingivalperiodontal health. Invisalign® for expansion movements did not produce substantial changes in the evaluated periodontal clinical parameters or in the bone measurements. Removable appliances reduce plaque retentive factors and favor adequate oral hygiene.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los cambios en el estado periodontal y hueso facial maxilar a través de parámetros clínicos y tomográficos durante la expansión ortodóncica con alineadores Invisalign® en el primer año de tratamiento. Se evaluaron los primeros (1PM) y segundos (2PM) premolares superiores pertenecientes a 19 pacientes con requerimiento de expansión ortodóncica tratados con alineadores Invisalign®. Se registraron los índices de placa (IP), índice gingival (IG), profundidad al sondaje (PS) y nivel de inserción (NI) y registros tomográficos de haz cónico (CBCT) en 76 sitios antes de comenzar el tratamiento (T0) y a los 12 meses (T1). Se midió la altura ósea desde el límite amelocementario (LAC) hasta la cortical de la cresta (CC) y el espesor en dos niveles; a 4 mm (LAC+4) y a 6 mm (LAC+6) hacia apical del LAC. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variaciones de la altura y espesor óseo en una serie de casos. La expansión promedio para 1PM fue de 1,93 mm y para 2PM fue de 1,67 mm. La media aritmética de LAC-CC en primeros premolares fue de 3,05 mm en T0 y se mantuvo el valor de 3,05 mm en T1. La media aritmética de LAC-CC en segundos premolares fue de 2,06 mm en T0 y 2,31 en T1. Post expansión, la mayoría de los sitios (86%) analizados exhibieron un espesor óseo ≥0,5 mm. Las mayores variaciones entre T0 y T1 se observaron a nivel de 1PM CEJ+4 y 2PM CEJ+6. Los registros clínicos (PI, GI, PPD y CAL) evidenciaron mínimos cambios entre T0 y T1, compatibles con el mantenimiento de la salud gíngivo-periodontal. El uso de Invisalign ® para movimientos de expansión no produjo cambios sustanciales en los parámetros clínicos periodontales evaluados ni en las mediciones óseas. La aparatología removible reduce los factores retentivos de placa bacteriana y facilita una adecuada higiene oral.

Expansion treatment using Invisalign®: Periodontal health status and maxillary buccal bone changes. A clinical and tomographic evaluation / Tratamiento de expansión con Invisalign®: estado de salud periodontal y cambios óseos maxilares. Evaluación clínica y tomográfica

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in periodontal status and maxillary buccal bone by considering clinical and tomographic parameters during the first year of orthodontic expansion with Invisalign® aligners. Upper first (1PM) and upper second (2PM) premolars of 19 patients with orthodontic expansion requirement treated with Invisalign® aligners were evaluated. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and cone beam tomographic (CBCT) records were collected at 76 sites before starting treatment (T0) and at 12 months (T1). Bone height was measured from cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the crest cortical bone (CC). Bone thickness was measured at two levels: 4 mm (CEJ+4) and 6 mm (CEJ+6) apical to the CEJ. A descriptive analysis was made of the variations of bone thickness and height in a series of cases. The average expansion was 1.93 mm for 1PM and 167 mm for 2PM. Arithmetic mean of distance CEJ-CC in 1PM was 3.05 mm at T0, and remained at 3.05 mm at T1. Arithmetic mean of distance CEJ-CC in 2PM was 2.06 mm at T0 and 2.31 at T1. Post-expansion, most of the analyzed sites (86%) exhibited a bone thickness of ≥0.5 mm. The greatest variations between T0 and T1 were observed at the level of 1PM CEJ+ 4 and 2PM CEJ+ 6. The minimal changes in the clinical records (GI, PI, PPD and CAL) between T0 and T1 were compatible with the maintenance of gingivalperiodontal health. Invisalign® for expansion movements did not produce substantial changes in the evaluated periodontal clinical parameters or in the bone measurements. Removable appliances reduce plaque retentive factors and favor adequate oral hygiene.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los cambios en el estado periodontal y hueso facial maxilar a través de parámetros clínicos y tomográficos durante la expansión ortodóncica con alineadores Invisalign® en el primer año de tratamiento. Se evaluaron los primeros (1PM) y segundos (2PM) premolares superiores pertenecientes a 19 pacientes con requerimiento de expansión ortodóncica tratados con alineadores Invisalign®. Se registraron los índices de placa (IP), índice gingival (IG), profundidad al sondaje (PS) y nivel de inserción (NI) y registros tomográficos de haz cónico (CBCT) en 76 sitios antes de comenzar el tratamiento (T0) y a los 12 meses (T1). Se midió la altura ósea desde el límite amelocementario (LAC) hasta la cortical de la cresta (CC) y el espesor en dos niveles; a 4 mm (LAC+4) y a 6 mm (LAC+6) hacia apical del LAC. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variaciones de la altura y espesor óseo en una serie de casos. La expansión promedio para 1PM fue de 1,93 mm y para 2PM fue de 1,67 mm. La media aritmética de LAC-CC en primeros premolares fue de 3,05 mm en T0 y se mantuvo el valor de 3,05 mm en T1. La media aritmética de LAC-CC en segundos premolares fue de 2,06 mm en T0 y 2,31 en T1. Post expansión, la mayoría de los sitios (86%) analizados exhibieron un espesor óseo ≥0,5 mm. Las mayores variaciones entre T0 y T1 se observaron a nivel de 1PM CEJ+4 y 2PM CEJ+6. Los registros clínicos (PI, GI, PPD y CAL) evidenciaron mínimos cambios entre T0 y T1, compatibles con el mantenimiento de la salud gíngivo-periodontal. El uso de Invisalign ® para movimientos de expansión no produjo cambios sustanciales en los parámetros clínicos periodontales evaluados ni en las mediciones óseas. La aparatología removible reduce los factores retentivos de placa bacteriana y facilita una adecuada higiene oral.

Dental caries and periodontal status in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disease that strongly affects the health of individuals. Some studies have sug-gested that it affects oral health, thus indicating a higher-than-average predisposition of patients with diabetes to caries and periodontal diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed at investigating the association between caries, periodontal diseases, and diabetes among children using dental indices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 50 children (aged 10-18 years) who had type 1 diabetes for at least years. The participants were divided into well controlled (WC), (HBA1c < 7.5%) and poorly controlled (PC) (HBA1c ≥ 7.5%) groups (25 diabetic children each). The control group (GC) included non-diabetic children. The following clinical parameters were measured: DMFT index, plaque index (PI), approximal plaque index (API), gingival index (GI), and modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI). RESULTS: The WC group had the lowest average value - 3.44 of the DMFT index with values of 5.80 and 3.88 in the PC and GC groups, respec-tively. A statistically significant difference was found in the DMFT value between PC and WC groups (p = 0.04). No statistically signif-icant differences in the values of other indices were found between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Children with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes were characterised by a significantly higher intensity of caries. In contrast, no statistical-ly significant differences were observed in the periodontal status between the study groups.

Influence of customized therapy for molar incisor hypomineralization on children's oral hygiene and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this clinical follow-up study was to demonstrate the effects of different therapeutic strategies for hypomineralized teeth on patients' oral health. The treatment results were characterized by changes in the extent of hypersensitivity and plaque accumulation, as well as reductions in nutritional restrictions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The impacts of therapy, including the use of fluoride varnish, fissure sealants, fillings, and stainless steel crowns, were evaluated in 78 children (mean age 8.5 years). We followed recommendations according to the Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation Treatment Need Index for customized treatment. The Quigley Hein Index, the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale, Wong-Baker Faces Scale, and dietary-limiting parameters were assessed before and after therapy for comparison. RESULTS: Plaque accumulation and hypersensitivity decreased after completion of therapy. The improvements were greater for individual teeth (Quigley Hein Index for teeth treated with stainless steel crowns from 4.19 to 2.54) than for those of the whole dentition (high-severity category from 2.67 to 2.20). Problems with food intake were minimized via therapy, with the greatest influence observed for patients who were also in the high-severity category. CONCLUSIONS: Therapy for affected teeth in children has positive effects on oral health and quality of life.

Periodontal status and dental behaviour of heart transplant recipients and healthy controls.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the periodontal status and dental behaviour of heart transplant recipients with systemically healthy controls.Material and Methods: Forty heart transplant recipients and 40 systemically healthy patients were included. A questionnaire was used to record demographic, systemic health and dental behaviour data, and the following clinical parameters were recorded: plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, gingival recession, and clinical attachment level.Results: Mean probing depth (p = .045), mean gingival recession (p = .016), mean clinical attachment level (p = .021) and mean plaque index scores (p = .001) were higher in heart transplant recipients than the systemically healthy group. However, bleeding on probing was similar in both groups (p > .05). Tooth brushing frequency and number of participants who used dental floss/interdental brush was lower in the heart transplant group.Conclusion: Considering the poor oral hygiene and high clinical periodontal parameters of heart transplant recipients, periodontal evaluation should be done regularly before and after transplantation. The patient's daily oral hygiene regimens should be evaluated carefully in this evaluation session and modified based on their gingival health, manual skill and motivational levels. The importance of oral health and its effects on systemic health should also be explained to the transplant recipients in detail.