Review on fluoride varnishes currently recommended in dental prophylaxis.

In dentistry, fluoride compounds play a very important role in the development of teeth hard tissue. They have been modifying the development of the carious process for many years in accordance with the principles of minimally invasive therapy. Studies have confirmed their effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of carious lesions and erosion of deciduous and permanent teeth, as well as in the dentin hypersensitivity treatment. Typically, each varnish consists of 3 basic components, i.e., a resin usually in the form of mastic, shellac and/or rosin, an alcohol-based organic solvent (usually ethanol) and active agents. In the first-generation varnishes, the active agent is fluorine compounds, most often in the form of 5% NaF, while in second-generation varnishes, the composition is further enriched with calcium and phosphorus compounds in the form of CPP-ACP/CPP-ACPF, ACP, TCP, fTCP, CSPS, TMP, CXP, or CaGP. This influences the bioavailability of fluoride in the oral environment by increasing both its release from the product and its subsequent accumulation in enamel and plaque, promotes more efficient closure of dentinal tubules, and facilitates pH buffering in the oral cavity.

Influence of dental prophylaxis procedures on the tooth veneer interface in resin-based composite and polymer-infiltrated ceramic veneer restorations: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dental prophylaxis cleaning procedures and artificial aging on veneers in human teeth. The external marginal and internal tooth veneer as well as the restoration surfaces were examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two extracted premolars were restored with resin-based composite (RBC) and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) veneers. Artificial aging by alternating thermocycling and subsequent prophylaxis procedure (glycine-based powder air polishing or ultrasonic scaling) was conducted for five consecutive cycles. The external marginal interface was examined by height profile measurements and the internal interface was investigated using micro X-ray computed tomography. In addition, the surface texture of the veneer surface was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: The application of both prophylaxis procedures resulted in a deepening of the marginal interface (10 µm ± 8 µm) for materials. Furthermore, the internal interface of PICN restorations showed marginal gaps after both treatments and artificial aging (16 µm ± 3 µm). In contrast to the RBC specimens, a significant increase in surface roughness was identified for PICN veneers after ultrasonic scaling. CONCLUSIONS: The marginal and internal interface regions in veneers fabricated from PICN and RBC were affected by prophylaxis procedures. Furthermore, it may result in increased veneer surface roughness, especially in PICN and after ultrasonic scaling, which might affect bioadhesion and longevity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: After dental prophylaxis procedures, examination of the marginal and the internal interface as well as the veneer surface provides a precise insight into damage mechanisms and offers an assessment of longevity.

Influence of NaHCO3 powder on color and roughness of the composite submitted to bleaching and euterpe oleracea / Influencia del polvo de NaHCO 3 en el color y rugosidad del composite sometido a blanqueo y euterpe oleracea

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the surface roughness and susceptibility to staining of bleached composite resin with 22% carbamide peroxide, as well as the effect of subsequent prophylaxis with NaHCO3 powder. Material and Methods: Forty disk-shaped (2 × 6 mm) specimens of composite resin (Z250 XT) were prepared. Half of the specimens were subjected to bleaching with 22% carbamide peroxide, and the other half were stored in artificial saliva. In sequence, all specimens were immersed in acai juice (Euterpe oleracea) for 4 h for 14 days, and subdivided into two groups. Group 1 samples were subjected to prophylaxis treatment, while group 2 samples were subjected to treatment with artificial saliva. Surface roughness (Ra) and color (ΔE*) were measured after polishing (T0), bleaching (T1), immersion in acai juice (T2), and application of NaHCO3 powder (T3) using a profilometer and a spectrophotometer. Results: Statistical analyses (analysis of variance and Tukey's test, p≤0.05) revealed that regarding color there was statistically significance for the factors in isolation, except for the factor bleaching. For both color and surface roughness there was statistically significant difference for the interaction, except for the interaction between NaHCO3 power and bleaching. Conclusion: The NaHCO3 air-powder polishing decreases the staining of the composite resin; however, it increases the surface roughness. With respect to the color variable, the whitening factor had no significant effect on the tested material; however, it increases surface roughness.

Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la rugosidad de la superficie y la susceptibilidad a la tinción de la resina compuesta blanqueada con peróxido de carbamida al 22%, así como el efecto de la profilaxis posterior con polvo de NaHCO3. Material y Métodos: Se prepararon cuarenta especímenes en forma de disco (2 × 6 mm) de resina compuesta (Z250 XT). La mitad de los especímenes se sometieron a blanqueo con peróxido de carbamida al 22% y la otra mitad se almacenó en saliva artificial. En secuencia, todos los especímenes se sumergieron en jugo de acai (Euterpe oleracea) durante 4h durante 14 días, y se subdividieron en dos grupos. Las muestras del grupo 1 se sometieron a tratamiento profiláctico, mientras que las muestras del grupo 2 se sometieron a tratamiento con saliva artificial. La rugosidad de la superficie (Ra) y el color (ΔE*) se midieron después del pulido (T0), el blanqueo (T1), la inmersión en jugo de acai (T2) y la aplicación de polvo de NaHCO3 (T3) utilizando un perfilómetro y un espectrofotómetro. Resultados: Los análisis estadísticos (análisis de varianza y prueba de Tukey, p≤0.05) revelaron que en relación al color hubo significancia estadística para los factores en forma aislada, excepto para el factor blanqueamiento. Tanto para el color como para la rugosidad de la superficie hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa para la interacción, excepto para la interacción entre el poder de NaHCO3 y el blanqueo. Conclusión: El pulido al aire con polvo de NaHCO3 disminuye el manchado de la resina compuesta; sin embargo, aumenta la rugosidad de la superficie. Con respecto a la variable color, el factor de blanqueamiento no tuvo efecto significativo sobre el material ensayado; sin embargo, aumenta la rugosidad de la superficie.

[Is dental prophylaxis justified in activities of occupational medicine?] / Czy profilaktyka stomatologiczna ma uzasadnienie w dzialaniach z zakresu medycyny pracy?

BACKGROUND: The growing incidence of caries at all ages groups, justifies the need of constant search for effective methods of preventing, also in the context of the assessment of the impact of occupational agent. The research hypothesis assumed that due to the specificity of the profession, students of the gastronomic school have forced, additional contact with food. Thus it might be difficult for them students to maintain proper oral hygiene and, consequently, increase the incidence of tooth decay. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 109 men: 55 students of a gastronomic technical school (GA) and for comparison 54 students of an electrical and IT technical school (E-I), whose vocational education was completely unrelated to food processing. The study was performed at 2 stages (at the beginning and after 3 years of practical vocational training) and comprised of 2 parts: a dental examination and a questionnaire examination (assessment of individual oral hygiene, preferred food products and sources of knowledge about nutrition). RESULTS: After 3 years of observation, a higher, statistically significant, increase in the number of people with caries (P > 0) was observed in the group of students from the E-I school. The analysis of the sources of knowledge on healthy eating and oral hygiene showed that after 3 years of practical vocational training, the main source of knowledge for GA students was school and the Internet, for E-I students the internet and the family. CONCLUSIONS: The smaller increase in the incidence of tooth decay in the group of GA might probably be associated with the theoretical and practical teaching of food and nutrition in the school. Therefore, the methods of conducting pro-health education on oral hygiene in vocational schools should be improved and the standards of medical conduct during obligatory preventive examinations in every student starting their practical vocational training should be extended. Med Pr. 2022;73(3):219-27.

Immediate impact of dental prophylaxis and oral hygiene improvement on multifocal pyogenic granulomas: a case report.

A 31-year-old man presented with gingival mass-like lesions. The patient reported occasional bleeding from lesions; otherwise, the lesions were asymptomatic. Intraoral examination revealed multiple interdental red/purple soft, sessile, nodular lesions involving both the maxillary and mandibular buccal and lingual gingivae, with poor oral hygiene. After performing incisional biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with pyogenic granuloma. Subsequently, the patient underwent cleaning of his teeth and within only 3 days of dental cleaning, the patient reported rapid regression of all his lesions.

The impact of a needs-oriented dental prophylaxis program on bacteremia after toothbrushing and systemic inflammation in children, adolescents, and young adults with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) still leads to high mortality rates, mainly due to cardiovascular disease. One important influencing factor is persisting low-grade chronic inflammation partly maintained by gingivitis that favors transient bacteremia during daily activities such as toothbrushing. METHODS: To examine whether intensive dental prophylaxis can restore oral health, reduce the prevalence of bacteremia and degree of systemic inflammation indicated by CRP levels, we conducted this pilot study examining 30 CKD patients aged 6-26 years, 15 receiving intensive prophylaxis (IP), 15 receiving treatment as usual (TAU) serving as control group. There were three appointments for examination, each 10 ± 1 weeks apart (at baseline, after intervention periods one and two, when TAU also received IP, and the IP group stopped prophylaxis). RESULTS: The gingival index (GI) in the IP group decreased by 90% (GI 0.09; p=0.001), resulting in almost healthy gingiva. There was no significant change in CRP or prevalence of bacteremia. General prevalence of bacteremia after toothbrushing was 9.5% affecting 7 (26%) of the participants. In three participants, bacteremia dissolved after IP, in one after TAU. Two patients developed bacteremia ≥ 10 weeks after ending IP. We identified eight different bacterial species. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to show that IP can effectively treat gingivitis. It might be a promising approach to reduce systemic inflammation and subsequently lower premature cardiovascular disease, despite the lack of statistical significance. Future research requires a larger patient cohort to enable matched treatment groups with long-term follow-up and molecular detection methods for bacteremia. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

EVALUACIÓN DEL CONOCIMIENTO, LA ACTITUD Y LA PRÁCTICA SOBRE LAS AYUDAS PARA LA HIGIENE BUCAL ENTRE HIGIENISTAS DENTALES EN EL OESTE DE MAHARASHTRA, INDIA / EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ABOUT ORAL HYGIENE AIDS AMONG DENTAL HYGIENISTS IN WESTERN MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Introducción: El uso diario de ayudas para la higiene oral y la profilaxis oral anual o semestral por parte de los profesionales de la odontología (dentistas, higienistas dentales, asistentes dentales) son dos maneras efectivas de mantener una buena higiene oral. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar el conocimiento, la actitud y la práctica sobre higiene bucal entre higienistas dentales que trabajan en el oeste de Maharashtra, India. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de cuestionario entre 52 higienistas dentales en activo de diferentes áreas del oeste de Maharashtra. Se diseñó un cuestionario estructurado, cerrado autoadministrado para recopilar los datos que constaba de dos partes y comprendía 31 preguntas. Se hizo un análisis estadístico utilizando estadísticas descriptivas. Resultados: En este estudio, más del 50% de los participantes conocían la importancia del mantenimiento de la higiene bucal y los diferentes tipos de ayudas para la higiene bucal y correctos métodos de uso de esas ayudas para la higiene oral. Alrededor del 96% de los participantes pensaba que la técnica de cepillado adecuada es necesaria para mantener una buena higiene bucal. Conclusión: El conocimiento general, la actitud y la práctica de los participantes del estudio con respecto a las ayudas para la higiene bucal se observaron en un nivel promedio.

Introduction: Everyday use of oral hygiene aids and annual or biannual oral prophylaxis by dental professionals (Dentists, Dental hygienists, Dental assistants) are two effective ways of maintaining good oral hygiene. The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice about oral hygiene among working dental hygienists in Western Maharashtra, India. Materials and methods: A questionnaire study was conducted among 52 working dental hygienists from different areas of Western Maharashtra. The structured, self-administered, close-ended questionnaire was designed to collect the data which consist of two parts and comprised 31 questions. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Results: In this study, more than 50% of participants were known the importance of oral hygiene maintenance and different types of oral hygiene aids and correct methods of using those oral hygiene aids. About 96% participants thought that proper brushing technique is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene. Conclusion: The study participant's overall knowledge, attitude and practise regarding oral hygiene aids were seen at average level.

The influence of prophylaxis with amino acid glycine powder and sodium bicarbonate jet on the bond strength of dental enamel / A influência da profilaxia com aminoácido glicina em pó e jato de bicarbonato de sódio na resistência de união do esmalte dentário

Aim: To compare the influence of prophylaxis with sodium bicarbonate and amino acid glycine powder on the bond strength of bovine teeth enamel and on the properties of two adhesive systems. Methods:Thirty-six extracted bovine incisors were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6) according to the prophylactic treatment received: no prophylactic treatment (NT), sodium bicarbonate powder (SB), and glycine powder (GL). Each group was subdivided into 2 groups based on what adhesive systems were used: conventional system (A) and universal system (B). Composite resin was applied on the buccal surface of the teeth in a block measurement 8x8x6 mm. The specimens were cut to obtain beams measuring 1.0 x 1.0 mm and were subjected to microtensile bond strength tests. Results were compared using two-way ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05). Results: The GLA group obtained the highest bond strength value for the conventional adhesive (18.97 MPa), but the GLB group obtained a lower strength value than the SBB group (GLB: 21.05 MPa and SBB: 22.29 MPa) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Cleaning of the enamel surface increases the adhesive properties of restorative materials, and the bond strength was more effective in the group that received glycine prophylaxis and the conventional adhesive system.

Objetivo:Comparar a influência da profilaxia com bicarbonato de sódio e ClinproProphy ™ na resistência de união do esmalte de dentes bovinos e nas propriedades de dois sistemas adesivos.Métodos: Trinta e seis incisivos bovinos extraídos foram divididos aleatoriamente em 6 grupos (n = 6), cada um de acordo com o tratamento profilático recebido: nenhum tratamento profilático (NT), bicarbonato de sódio em pó (SB), glicina em pó (GL). Cada grupo foi subdividido em 2 grupos com base nos sistemas adesivos utilizados: sistema convencional (A) e sistema universal (B). A resina composta foi aplicada na superfície bucal dos dentes em um bloco de 8x8x6 mm. As amostras foram cortadas para obter blocos medindo 1,0 x 1,0 mm e submetidas a testes de resistência de união por microtração. Os resultados foram comparados usando o teste two-way ANOVA (p ≤ 0,05). Resultados: O grupo GLA obteve o maior valor de resistência de união para o adesivo convencional (18,97 MPa), mas o grupo GLB obteve um valor de resistência menor que o grupo SBB (GLB: 21,05 MPa e SBB: 22,29 MPa) (p < 0,05). Conclusão: A limpeza da superfície do esmalte aumenta as propriedades adesivas dos materiais restauradores, e a resistência adesiva foi mais eficaz no grupo que recebeu profilaxia com glicina e sistema adesivo convencional.

Enfermos com histórico de Febre Reumática e suas implicações em odontologia: uma revisão de literatura / Sick with history of rheumatic fever and its implications in dentistry: a literature review

Objetivo: analisar informações presentes na literatura sobre a citada patologia com enfoque odontológico, baseando-se em evidências atuais, a fim de estruturar uma conduta clínica, métodos preventivos e terapêuticos. Revisão de literatura: executou-se busca na literatura em dezembro de 2020, por meio dos descritores pré-estabelecidos, nos bancos de dados LILACS e PubMed/MEDLINE, além de complementações utilizando o Google Scholar. Foram encontrados 563 artigos, refinados em 10, juntamente ao uso de 3 livros. Considerações finais: a partir dos achados, constatou-se que a realização de uma anamnese criteriosa durante a primeira consulta faz-se imprescindível, por auxiliar na compreensão dos aspectos fisiopatológicos do paciente, os quais irão determinar o emprego ou não de fármacos, principalmente antes de procedimentos invasivos. Em contrapartida, verificou-se a negligência desse assunto no âmbito odontológico, pelo fato de existirem poucos estudos relacionados ao manejo clínico de pacientes com Febre Reumática (FR), sendo necessárias maiores pesquisas, com o fito de construir-se uma conduta clínica adequada, reduzindo-se os riscos e a incidência de tal enfermidade.(AU)

Objective: to analyze information in the literature about mentioned pathology with a dental focus, based on current evidence in order to structure a clinical conduct, preventive and therapeutic methods. Literature Review: literature searches were performed in December 2020, using pre-established descriptors, in the databases LILACS and PubMed/MEDLINE, in addition to complementations using Google Scholar. About 563 articles were found, refined in 10, along with the use of 3 books. Final Considerations: From the findings, it was found that the performance of a careful anamnesis during the first consultation is essential, as it helps to understand the patient's pathophysiological aspects, which will determine the use of drugs, mainly, before invasive procedures. On the other hand, this matter was neglected in the Dental field, due to the fact that there are few studies related to the clinical management of patients with Rheumatic Fever (RF), and further research is necessary, with the aim of building an adequate clinical conduct, reducing the risks and the incidence of such a disease.(AU)

Conventional versus comprehensive dental prophylaxis: comparing the clinical outcomes between rubber cup and air polishing and the importance of plaque disclosure.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes in dental prophylaxis between rubber cup polishing and an air polishing system using erythritol powder, with or without prior dental plaque disclosure. Method and materials: In this single-blind, randomized, controlled, split-mouth clinical trial, healthy participants with full-mouth plaque score ≥ 60% were recruited. Quadrants in each participant were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: air polishing with prior plaque disclosure; air polishing without plaque disclosure; rubber cup polishing with prior plaque disclosure; or rubber cup polishing without plaque disclosure. Plaque scores and treatment time for each quadrant were recorded. Posttreatment satisfaction questionnaires for both the participants and operators were also completed. Results: In total, 88 participants consisting of 42 men and 46 women (mean age 23.1 ± 2.0 years) were recruited. Air polishing with prior plaque disclosure had significantly lower posttreatment marginal mean plaque score (21.7 ± 17.5%) compared to air polishing (33.5 ± 23.4%) or rubber cup polishing (34.5 ± 19.7%) without prior plaque disclosure (P < .001). Marginal mean treatment time for air polishing (325 seconds; SE = 10 seconds) was significantly shorter compared to rubber cup polishing (407 seconds; SE = 15 seconds) (P < .001). Both the participants and operators preferred air polishing over rubber cup polishing (P < .001). Conclusion: Prior plaque disclosure enhanced the effectiveness of plaque removal. Air polishing exhibited better treatment efficiency than rubber cup polishing and was the patients' and clinicians' preferred treatment modality.

The impact of timing and modalities of dental prophylaxis on the risk of 5-fluorouracil-related oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the impact of dental prophylaxis on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-related oral mucositis (OM) according to the head and neck cancer (HNC) locations and treatment times. METHODS: A total of 13,969 HNC participants, including 482 5-FU-related OM subjects and 13,487 comparisons were enrolled from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database for Catastrophic Illness Patients of Taiwan between 2000 and 2008. All subjects were stratified into subgroups based on the times to perform chlorhexidine use, scaling, and fluoride application before 5-FU administration. The dental prophylaxis related to 5-FU-related OM was estimated by multiple logistic regression and represented with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Fluoride gel application and scaling significantly impacted on OM development (p < 0.001), and the joint effect of fluoride gel and scaling induced 5-FU-related OM (OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 2.39-5.01). The risk of OM was raised 2.25-fold as scaling within 3 weeks before 5-FU-related chemotherapy (95% CI = 1.81-2.81), and a 3.22-fold increased risk of OM while fluoride gel was applied during 5-FU-related treatment (95% CI = 1.46-7.13). CONCLUSION: Dental prophylaxis significantly affected 5-FU-related OM in the HNC population. A short interval between dental scaling or fluoride application and 5-FU administration may be associated with higher prevalence of OM. Scaling simultaneously combined with chlorohexidine promoted 5-FU-related OM in specific HNC patients excluding the oral cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer population. Proper timing of the prophylactic dental treatments prior to 5-FU therapy could reduce the risk to develop 5-FU-related OM.

Research on dental plaque removal methods for efficient oral prophylaxis: With a focus on air polishing and rubber cup polishing.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to compare the plaque control effectiveness of rubber cup polishing with that of air polishing during oral prophylaxis procedures and to investigate the effect of the order of air-polishing application on the efficiency of oral prophylaxis. METHODS: The study included adult patients (≥20 years of age) who had visited the dental clinic for oral prophylaxis. A total of 173 subjects were divided into three groups (scaling followed by rubber cup polishing, SR; scaling followed by air polishing, SA; and air polishing followed by scaling, AS) based on sex, age, oral health status, oral hygiene status, and indications and contraindications according to the oral prophylaxis method. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the difference in oral prophylaxis time, residual deposits rate, subjects and dental hygienist satisfaction. RESULTS: The total scaling time was shorter in the AS group (15.4 ± 6.9 minutes) than in the SA (18.7 ± 5.5 minutes) and SR groups (19.9 ± 6.2 minutes) (p < 0.05). The rate of residual deposits was significantly higher in the SR group than in the AS or SA groups (p < 0.05). The satisfaction level of dental hygienists was higher in the AS group (8.8 ± 1.0 points) and the SA group (8.4 ± 1.0 points) than in the SR group (6.2 ± 1.3 points). CONCLUSION: During oral prophylaxis, dental plaque removal using air polishing requires a relatively longer time when compared to rubber cup polishing, but it can better eliminate dental plaque. In addition, we found that dental plaque removal using air polishing prior to scaling reduced the total scaling time.

Tratamiento profiláctico en extracciones dentarias con la terapia floral de bach (crab apple) / Prophylactic treatment in tooth extractions with bach flower therapy (crab apple)

Introducción: La terapia floral de Bach es una terapia medicamentosa no farmacológica que brinda un conjunto de remedios vibracionales; es un remedio de limpieza por excelencia, se le considera el antibiótico de elección del citado sistema floral. Objetivo: caracterizar a los pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Estomatología de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Morón tarados con Terapia Floral de Bach (Crab Apple), como profilaxis en extracciones dentarias. Método: se realizó un estudio experimental (cuasi experimento), para el mismo se crearon dos grupos uno experimental y otro control en el período comprendido de Junio 2019 a Enero de 2020. La población la constituyó 370 pacientes que acudieron al Servicio de Estomatología de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Arley Hernández Moreira" para realizarse extracciones dentarias; la muestra se seleccionó utilizando el método probabilístico aleatorio simple la cual quedó conformada por 260 pacientes. Resultados: la respuesta preoperatoria del 100 % de los pacientes del grupo experimental fue satisfactoria, el 9,5 % perteneciente al grupo control fue no satisfactoria. El 100 % de los pacientes del grupo experimental y el 89,1 % del grupo control durante el transoperatorio presentaron respuesta satisfactoria. Durante el posoperatorio solo el 2,5% del grupo experimental alcanzó resultados no satisfactorios y en el grupo control el 9,4 %. Conclusiones: El estudio mostro la efectividad de la terapia floral de Bach como profilaxis ante la extracción dentaria presentando un menor número de complicaciones y respondiendo con mayor efectividad su uso durante el posoperatorio el transoperatorio y el posoperatorio.

An Evaluation of Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Dental Procedures at a Veterans Healthcare System; A Role for Senior Care Pharmacists?

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of appropriate use of antibiotics before a dental procedure.
DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.
SETTING: Veterans Healthcare Systems.
PARTICIPANTS: Veterans who filled outpatient prescriptions for antimicrobial dental prophylaxis at the Veterans Administration Western New York Healthcare System from December 1, 2017, through October 1, 2019.
INTERVENTIONS: None.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Use of antibiotic dental prophylaxis was deemed appropriate if in accordance with guideline recommendations. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data.
RESULTS: A total of 130 veterans receiving antibiotics for dental prophylaxis were included in this evaluation. Of those who were included, only 16.9% received appropriate antibiotic dental prophylaxis. Patients with a prosthetic joint were significantly more likely to be inappropriately prescribed antibiotics for dental prophylaxis. Approximately 87% of patients who were inappropriately prescribed antibiotic prophylaxis had prosthetic joints (P < .0001).
CONCLUSION: Most antibiotics for dental prophylaxis are prescribed inappropriately. The large amount of inappropriately used antibiotics in this study highlights the need for dental stewardship in our veteran population. Antibiotics for dental prophylaxis therefore represent an important stewardship target in the outpatient setting. This may be an ideal opportunity for senior care pharmacists to intervene upon.

Adjunctive systemic antimicrobials for the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Systemic antimicrobials can be used as an adjunct to mechanical debridement (scaling and root planing (SRP)) as a non-surgical treatment approach to manage periodontitis. A range of antibiotics with different dosage and combinations are documented in the literature. The review follows the previous classification of periodontitis as all included studies used this classification. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of systemic antimicrobials as an adjunct to SRP for the non-surgical treatment of patients with periodontitis. SEARCH METHODS: Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases to 9 March 2020: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase. The US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which involved individuals with clinically diagnosed untreated periodontitis. Trials compared SRP with systemic antibiotics versus SRP alone/placebo, or with other systemic antibiotics. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We selected trials, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias in duplicate. We estimated mean differences (MDs) for continuous data, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We included 45 trials conducted worldwide involving 2664 adult participants. 14 studies were at low, 8 at high, and the remaining 23 at unclear overall risk of bias. Seven trials did not contribute data to the analysis. We assessed the certainty of the evidence for the 10 comparisons which reported long-term follow-up (≥ 1 year). None of the studies reported data on antimicrobial resistance and patient-reported quality of life changes. Amoxicillin + metronidazole + SRP versus SRP in chronic/aggressive periodontitis: the evidence for percentage of closed pockets (MD -16.20%, 95% CI -25.87 to -6.53; 1 study, 44 participants); clinical attachment level (CAL) (MD -0.47 mm, 95% CI -0.90 to -0.05; 2 studies, 389 participants); probing pocket depth (PD) (MD -0.30 mm, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.18; 2 studies, 389 participants); and percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP) (MD -8.06%, 95% CI -14.26 to -1.85; 2 studies, 389 participants) was of very low certainty. Only the results for closed pockets and BOP showed a minimally important clinical difference (MICD) favouring amoxicillin + metronidazole + SRP. Metronidazole + SRP versus SRP in chronic/aggressive periodontitis: the evidence for percentage of closed pockets (MD -12.20%, 95% CI -29.23 to 4.83; 1 study, 22 participants); CAL (MD -1.12 mm, 95% CI -2.24 to 0; 3 studies, 71 participants); PD (MD -1.11 mm, 95% CI -2.84 to 0.61; 2 studies, 47 participants); and percentage of BOP (MD -6.90%, 95% CI -22.10 to 8.30; 1 study, 22 participants) was of very low certainty. Only the results for CAL and PD showed an MICD favouring the MTZ + SRP group. Azithromycin + SRP versus SRP for chronic/aggressive periodontitis: we found no evidence of a difference in percentage of closed pockets (MD 2.50%, 95% CI -10.19 to 15.19; 1 study, 40 participants); CAL (MD -0.59 mm, 95% CI -1.27 to 0.08; 2 studies, 110 participants); PD (MD -0.77 mm, 95% CI -2.33 to 0.79; 2 studies, 110 participants); and percentage of BOP (MD -1.28%, 95% CI -4.32 to 1.76; 2 studies, 110 participants) (very low-certainty evidence for all outcomes). Amoxicillin + clavulanate + SRP versus SRP for chronic periodontitis: the evidence from 1 study, 21 participants for CAL (MD 0.10 mm, 95% CI -0.51 to 0.71); PD (MD 0.10 mm, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.37); and BOP (MD 0%, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.09) was of very low certainty and did not show a difference between the groups. Doxycycline + SRP versus SRP in aggressive periodontitis: the evidence from 1 study, 22 participants for CAL (MD -0.80 mm, 95% CI -1.49 to -0.11); and PD (MD -1.00 mm, 95% CI -1.78 to -0.22) was of very low certainty, with the doxycycline + SRP group showing an MICD in PD only. Tetracycline + SRP versus SRP for aggressive periodontitis: we found very low-certainty evidence of a difference in long-term improvement in CAL for the tetracycline group (MD -2.30 mm, 95% CI -2.50 to -2.10; 1 study, 26 participants). Clindamycin + SRP versus SRP in aggressive periodontitis: we found very low-certainty evidence from 1 study, 21 participants of a difference in long-term improvement in CAL (MD -1.70 mm, 95% CI -2.40 to -1.00); and PD (MD -1.80 mm, 95% CI -2.47 to -1.13) favouring clindamycin + SRP. Doxycycline + SRP versus metronidazole + SRP for aggressive periodontitis: there was very low-certainty evidence from 1 study, 27 participants of a difference in long-term CAL (MD 1.10 mm, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.84); and PD (MD 1.00 mm, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.70) favouring metronidazole + SRP. Clindamycin + SRP versus metronidazole + SRP for aggressive periodontitis: the evidence from 1 study, 26 participants for CAL (MD 0.20 mm, 95% CI -0.55 to 0.95); and PD (MD 0.20 mm, 95% CI -0.38 to 0.78) was of very low certainty and did not show a difference between the groups. Clindamycin + SRP versus doxycycline + SRP for aggressive periodontitis: the evidence from 1 study, 23 participants for CAL (MD -0.90 mm, 95% CI -1.62 to -0.18); and PD (MD -0.80 mm, 95% CI -1.58 to -0.02) was of very low certainty and did not show a difference between the groups. Most trials testing amoxicillin, metronidazole, and azithromycin reported adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mild gastrointestinal disturbances, and metallic taste. No serious adverse events were reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is very low-certainty evidence (for long-term follow-up) to inform clinicians and patients if adjunctive systemic antimicrobials are of any help for the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis. There is insufficient evidence to decide whether some antibiotics are better than others when used alongside SRP. None of the trials reported serious adverse events but patients should be made aware of the common adverse events related to these drugs. Well-planned RCTs need to be conducted clearly defining the minimally important clinical difference for the outcomes closed pockets, CAL, PD, and BOP.

Has the Health Insurance Coverage of Scaling Contributed Positively to Periodontal Health in Korea?

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the health insurance coverage of dental scaling (introduced in 2013) using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs parameter among Korean adults aged 20 years or older. We used the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from before and after 2013 to analyze the statistical significance and associations of the covariates with the prevalence of healthy periodontal tissues, prevalence of people in need of scaling, and prevalence of periodontal diseases. The results showed that the prevalence of healthy periodontal tissues increased by 4.9% (from 34.2% to 39.1%), the number of people in need of scaling decreased by 5% (from 65.9% to 60.9%), and the prevalence of periodontal diseases increased by 7.2% (from 23.4% to 30.6%). Moreover, after the scaling coverage policy, the odds ratio of the prevalence of healthy periodontal tissues was 1.10 times higher, the prevalence of the need for scaling was 1.5 times higher, and the prevalence of periodontal diseases was 0.90 times lower. Therefore, the state should formulate policies that provide dental biofilm management through a disclosing agent, impart education about oral hygiene, and develop a health management system that enables the concurrent management of periodontal diseases and systemic diseases.

Appropriate prescribing of dental prophylaxis in patients with orthopedic implants.

Total joint arthroplasty frequently is performed in the United States to treat degenerative hip and knee arthritis. Despite the routine nature of this procedure, recommendations about dental prophylaxis in patients with prosthetic joints have varied considerably over the past decade. In 2016, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) published appropriate use criteria for dental prophylaxis in patients with orthopedic implants. Despite these recommendations, discrepancies in prescribing practices persist, and controversy surrounding this topic remains prevalent in the medical literature. This article reviews the AAOS appropriate use criteria and discusses the ongoing controversy about the use of dental prophylaxis in patients with orthopedic implants.