Impact of apical extent of root canal filling on vertical root fracture: a case-control study.

AIM: To investigate the impact of apical extent of root filling on vertical root fracture (VRF) in a case-control study. METHODOLOGY: Eighty-six patients (119 roots) diagnosed with VRF in crowned root filled anterior and posterior teeth were selected. The cases were matched individually with control teeth in a ratio of 1:1 for age (±5 years), gender, tooth type, canal instrumentation method, master apical file (MAF) size and taper, technique of canal filling and time period after root filling. All root canals had been prepared using nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments and filled using the lateral compaction technique. The apical extent of root filling (overfilled to or beyond the radiographic apex or not overfilled and short of the radiographic apex) was recorded as the dependent variable by two individual examiners. Inter-examiner agreement was obtained using Kappa statistics. Recorded numbers of overfilled and not overfilled canals in cases and controls were analysed using chi-square tests and conditional logistic regression, and odds ratio was calculated. In addition, the frequency distribution of vertical and cross-sectional extensions and the course of VRFs were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of patients with VRFs was 50 ± 10 years with 27 (31%) males and 59 (69%) females. The Kappa score for inter-observer agreement was 0.832 (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between cases and controls with respect to apical extent of root filling (P < 0.0001). When compared to roots not overfilled, overfilled roots had 11.5 times higher odds for occurrence of VRF (OR = 11.5; CI: 4.99 - 26.48). Most VRFs had a complete corono-apical longitudinal extension and were present bucco-lingually/palatally. CONCLUSION: After matching for age, gender, tooth type, MAF size and taper, canal filling technique and time period after root filling, root canals filled to or beyond the radiographic apex following lateral compaction had a greater association with VRF than canals filled short of the radiographic apex.

Will a chlorhexidine-fluoride mouthwash reduce plaque and gingivitis?

FOCUS QUESTION: What is the efficacy of a chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash (MW) containing sodium fluoride (NaF) compared to a CHX - MW alone on the parameters of plaque, gingivitis and discoloration? MATERIAL AND METHODS: MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane-CENTRAL, and EMBASE were searched for papers from inception to December 2017. The inclusion criteria were (randomized) controlled clinical trials conducted in human subjects with good general health and without removable prosthesis. Papers evaluating the effect of a MW containing CHX + NaF compared to a CHX alone were included. From the eligible studies, data were extracted, a descriptive analysis was performed and a meta-analysis when feasible. RESULTS: Independent screening of 412 unique papers resulted in 9 eligible publications presenting 10 clinical trials comparing the effect of CHX + NaF to CHX - MW and provided 13 comparisons. Five evaluated the MW as an adjunct to brushing and 8 were non-brushing comparisons of which 4 used an experimental gingivitis model. No significant difference was observed for plaque score reduction in the brushing studies the end scores (diffM; -0.04, P = .36; 95%CI: [-0.13, 0.05]) nor the differences (diffM; 0.11, P = .33; 95%CI: [-0.12, 0.24]). In the descriptive analysis, none of the experiments demonstrated a statistical significant difference regarding Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding Score and Discoloration Scores. For the GI, a meta-analysis of the difference of Means was not significant when included experimental gingivitis model studies end scores (0.01, P = .78; 95%CI: [-0.08, 0.11]) and the difference (0.01, P = .81; 9 5%CI: [-0.08, 0.10]) either for the end scores of brushing studies (diffM; -0.01, P = .82; 95%CI: [-0.10, 0.08]). CONCLUSION: From this study, it can be concluded that NaF and CHX may be present in the same MW without reducing CHX efficacy with respect to plaque and gingivitis scores. Moreover, no difference in the development of tooth discoloration was observed.

Whitening dentifrice and tooth surface discoloration-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of a whitening dentifrice (WDF) relative to a regular dentifrice (RDF) on the reduction of natural extrinsic tooth surface discoloration (ETD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane-CENTRAL and EBSCO-Dentistry and Oral Sciences databases were searched, up to April 2017. The inclusion criteria were as follows:(randomized)controlled clinical trials, healthy subjects ≥18 years of age, studies comparing WDF with RDF, a follow-up period of at least 6 weeks and studies scoring ETD as the stain area/extent, stain intensity or a composite score. Studies using an induced staining model were excluded. RESULTS: Independent screening of 851 unique papers resulted in 21 eligible publications, which included 32 comparisons. The descriptive analysis illustrated that the majority of comparisons showed a significant effect on ETD, in favour of WDF over RDF. The meta-analysis substantiated this observation and revealed that the difference of means (diffM) comparing WDF and RDF was a reduction for stain area of -0.44 [(95% CI: -0.55; -0.339) (P<.00001)] according to the original Lobene Stain Index; this result is in favour of the WDF. For the modified Lobene Stain Index, the diffM was -0.41 [(95% CI: -0.71; -0.10) (P=.009)]. For overall stain intensity, the diffM was -0.35 [(95% CI: -0.44; -0.25) (P<.00001)], and the composite score was -0.39 [(95% CI: -0.57; -0.21) (P<.0001)] and -0.54 [(95% CI: -0.66; -0.43) (P<.00001)]. Subgroup analysis differentiating between products that contained added chemical antidiscoloration agents showed a similar pattern. CONCLUSION: In this review, nearly all dentifrices that are specifically formulated for tooth whitening were shown to have a beneficial effect in reducing ETD, irrespective of whether or not a chemical discoloration agent was added.

Dental fear and caries in 6-12 year old children in Greece. Determination of dental fear cut-off points.

AIM: To present: the normative data on dental fear and caries status; the dental fear cut-off points of young children in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece. METHODS: Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study with two independent study groups. A first representative sample consisted of 1484 children from 15 primary public schools of Thessaloniki. A second sample consisted of 195 randomly selected age-matched children, all patients of the Postgraduate Paediatric Dental Clinic of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. First sample: In order to select data on dental fear and caries, dental examination took place in the classroom with disposable mirrors and a penlight. All the children completed the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS). Second sample: In order to define the cut-off points of the CFSS-DS, dental treatment of the 195 children was performed at the University Clinic. Children⁁s dental fear was assessed using the CFSS-DS and their behaviour during dental treatment was observed by one calibrated examiner using the Venham scale. STATISTICS: Statistical analysis of the data was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics 20 at a statistical significance level of <0.05. RESULTS: First sample: The mean CFSS-DS score was 27.1±10.8. Age was significantly (p<0.05) related to dental fear. Mean differences between boys and girls were not significant. Caries was not correlated with dental fear. Second sample: CFSS-DS< 33 was defined as 'no dental fear', scores 33-37 as 'borderline' and scores > 37 as 'dental fear'. In the first sample, 84.6% of the children did not suffer from dental fear (CFSS-DS<33). CONCLUSION: Dental fear was correlated to age and not to caries and gender. The dental fear cut-off point for the CFSS-DS was estimated at 37 for 6-12 year old children (33-37 borderlines).

[Preventive dentistry 8. Diet and caries]. / Serie: Preventieve tandheelkunde 8. Voeding en cariës.

The call to consume less sugar in order to improve the general health is becoming increasingly loud. The question is in what way consuming less sugar could also contribute to a lower risk of caries. This can be achieved by limiting the frequency of consuming sugary snacks. For oral health reasons, people in the Netherlands are advised not to consume things containing sugar more than four times between meals. Another way to make the diet less cariogenic is to substitute sugar in foods by non-caloric intense sweeteners, caloric sugar alcohols or 'new carbohydrates'. Non-caloric intense sweeteners and caloric sweeteners have been proven to be non-cariogenic. New carbohydrates still have to be individually tested.

[The family's influence on the oral health of children. A peek behind the front door]. / De invloed van het gezin op de mondgezondheid van kinderen. Een kijkje achter de voordeur.

The prevention of dental caries seems fairly easy. The disease can largely be avoided by the daily removal of dental plaque using fluoride toothpaste and the control of sugary intakes. Most parents have sufficient knowledge and motivation to adhere to this prevention advice with respect to their children. Actual practice, however, proves quite difficult because parents experience barriers in implementing the advice. This article provides an overview of the most important family-related factors that influence children's oral health behaviour and dental caries experience. Factors include oral health-related attitudes of the parents, the way that parents deal with their children and communicate with them (parenting practices) and the organisation of daily life within the family (family functioning). It's important for oral health care providers to engage in conversations with parents to identify possible barriers. Tailored advice can then be given to help them improve their oral health behaviour.

[Medicaments and oral healthcare 5. Adverse effects of -medications and over-the-counter drugs on teeth]. / Serie: Medicamenten en mondzorg 5. Bijwerkingen van medicamenten en zelfzorg­middelen op gebitselementen.

Intrinsic tooth discoloration may occur as an adverse effect of fluoride and tetracyclines. Extrinsic tooth discoloration may occur as superficial staining or as discoloration of the superficial pellicle and/or biofilm due to chlorhexidine, liquid iron salts, essential oils, some antibiotics and stannous fluoride. Inhibition of orthodontic tooth movement has been reported due to the use of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors. If medications or over-the-counter drugs induce hyposalivation or contain much sucrose, caries may develop. Erosion may occur if the acidity of medications or over-the-counter drugs is excessive. Attrition is a well-known adverse effect of serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antiparkinson agents, and antipsychotics. Congenital dysplasia is observed following childhood treatment with cytostatic drugs. External cervical root resorption is an adverse effect of internal teeth-whitening products. Prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs and childhood treatment with cytostatic drugs may cause dental agenesis. Antiseptic drugs applied for external teeth-whitening and toothpastes with additional ingredients to prevent extrinsic discoloration and creation of calculus, may cause tooth hypersensitivity.

[Preventive dentistry 4. Prevention and treatment of dentine hypersensitivity]. / Preventieve tandheelkunde 4. Preventie en behandeling van dentine-overgevoeligheid.

Many people sometimes experience pain when they inhale breath across the cingula or when they consume, for example, cold drinks. The most important method of prevention is to ensure that the dentine does not become exposed. If the dentine is exposed, both chemical and mechanical damage to the surface of the tooth must be prevented. Optimal treatment should be minimally invasive and primarily consist of advising the patient to brush his or her teeth and/or rub the sensitive area with a toothpaste especially developed to ease the pain of hypersensitive teeth. As an additional support a mouth rinse can be used. If this approach provides insufficient relief, professional measures can be deployed. Here, too, the least invasive treatment approaches ought to be treatment of first choice before moving on to more invasive therapies.

[Preventive dentistry 3. Prevalence, aetiology and diagnosis of dentine (hyper)sensitivity]. / Preventieve tandheelkunde 3. Prevalentie, etiologie en diagnostiek van dentine-over­gevoelig­heid.

Many people sometimes experience pain when they inhale breath across the cingula, or sensitivity and/or pain when they eat ice cream, for example. In some cases, however, this can become seriously unpleasant. In those cases, one can speak of dentine hypersensitivity. In Europe, an average of 27% of the population suffers from this. Dentine hypersensitivity is characterised by a short, sharp pain reaction after a warm or cold sensation. The external sensation causes an accelerated or converse flow of fluid in the dentinal tubules that excites the extremities of the nerve cells, which results in the sensation pain. For the external sensation, it is necessary that the cingula are exposed and the dentinal tubules are open. Dentine hypersensitivity is diagnosed after other possibilities have been eliminated.

[Preventive dentistry 1. Fluoride toothpaste, the cornerstone of caries prevention]. / Preventieve tandheelkunde 1. Fluoridetandpasta's, de hoeksteen van de cariëspreventie.

After the introduction of effective fluoride toothpastes in the 1970s oral health has improved significantly. Since that time, a lot of energy has gone into improving the toothpastes. An important improvement is the increased substantivity of fluoride and the increase in the duration of its effectiveness. In addition, attempts are currently being made to combine fluoride with effective re-mineralising systems, which is technically challenging. Due to a diversity of compositions, the effectiveness of toothpastes varies. It is, however, impossible to compare all available toothpastes on a 1 to 1 basis. The precise effectiveness cannot be deduced from the ingredients, nor is the dosage-response relationship between the concentration of fluoride and its effectiveness clear. The careful use of toothpaste will compensate for small differences in effectiveness. Times for tooth brushing should be chosen when there is enough time to brush carefully. After brushing, rinsing for one minute with the toothpaste slurry and a sip of water possibly increases the effectiveness of the toothpaste.

[Caries prevention strategies for 6-year-olds. A randomized controlled study]. / Cariëspreventieve strategieën bij 6-jarigen. Een gerandomiseerd, gecontroleerd onderzoek.

A randomized controlled study of caries prevention strategies was conducted on patients with a mixed socioeconomic status in a large general dental practice in the Netherlands. A group of children following a non-operative caries treatment programme (NOCTP) was compared to a control group and a group that also received 2 topical fluoride applications (IPFA) as a supplement to the control programme (receiving a dental check-up twice a year with topical fluoride applications and routinely sealing of the first permanent molars). A total of 230 6-year-old children were randomly assigned to one of these groups. After 3 years, 179 children were studied again (54 NOCTP, 62 IPFA and 63 controls). Caries-increment was lowest in the NOCTP group (0.15 DMFS). In the IPFA group and the control group DMFS-increments were 0.34 and 0.47 respectively. Although the results of this study are very promising, a follow-up study on a larger scale is required to make clear whether the application of NOCTP is more effective than standard prevention in general practice.

[The cost-effectiveness evaluation of 2 caries prevention strategies compared with the standard approach]. / Een economische evaluatie van 2 cariëspreventieve strategieën vergeleken met standaardzorg.

A cost-effectiveness evaluation was conducted with a randomised controlled clinical trial of caries prevention measures among 6-year-old children who were assigned to either a control group or 1 of 2 experimental groups (IPFA: 2 extra professionally-delivered fluoride applications per year, or NOCTP: a non-operative caries treatment programme, like the one that was previously carried out in Nexø, Denmark. In order to determine the cost of the prevention of 1 DMFS in comparison with the control practice information on expenses incurred was collected for 3 years. The prevention of a single DMFS - depending on whether costs of dental treatment only were taken into consideration or also other social costs - were, in the IPFA programme, 269 and 1,369 euro respectively and, in the NOCTP programme, 30 and 100 euro respectively. On the basis of these results, it can be concluded that from both a dental and cost-effective perspective the NOCTP programme produces the most favourable results. Following the NOCTP strategy - during the 3-year period - just like following the IPFA approach was, however, more expensive than the standard approach.

[A paradigmatic change in the management of caries in children: 'Gewoon Gaaf']. / Een omslag in cariësbehandeling bij kinderen: 'Gewoon Gaaf'.

This is a position paper about 'Gewoon Gaaf' ['Just Smooth'], a paradigmatic change in the management of caries in children with a special focus onprevention. Caries is now considered a disease related to behaviour. Behavioural changes are essential in the prevention of caries because only patient's self care can keep caries under control. It is the task of the oral care provider to alert parents and child to their own influence on the development of caries and particularly on how to keep this process under control. Evaluations have revealed that the traditional form of preventive care has hardly improvedoral health. In contrast, various studies have shown the good results of the 'Gewoon Gaaf' approach. Moreover it fits in well with the public debate, which puts more and more attention on efficiency and transparency in the care.

[Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in oral care 2: process and content of evidence-based guideline development]. / Evidencebased klinische praktijkrichtlijnen in de mondzorg 2. Proces en inhoud van evidencebased richtlijnontwikkeling.

In 2014, an advisory report was published by a national working committee concerning how the current, applied method of evidence-based guideline development in healthcare can be used in oral care in a national guideline programme. In an independent Institute of Knowledge Translation in Oral Care, as yet to be established, primary and secondary oral care providers will participate in the programme in order to improve the quality of oral care in the Netherlands. With the launching of the Institute of Knowledge Translation in Oral Care, clinical guideline development will have the benefit of a structural approach, in which 3 successive steps can be distinguished: preparation, development and authorisation. In each of these steps, oral care providers and associations will be actively involved. In this way the aim is to give as much consideration as possible to the needs of those in the field of oral care in the choice of topics for guideline development and to secure the specific character of oral care in the actual establishment of guidelines for clinical practice.

Value for money: economic evaluation of two different caries prevention programmes compared with standard care in a randomized controlled trial.

A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted during a 3-year randomized controlled clinical trial in a general dental practice in the Netherlands in which 230 6-year-old children (± 3 months) were assigned to either regular dental care, an increased professional fluoride application (IPFA) programme or a non-operative caries treatment and prevention (NOCTP) programme. Information on resource use during the 3-year period was documented by the dental nurse at every patient visit, such as treatment time, travel time and travel distance. Caries increment scores (at D3MFS level) were used to assess effectiveness. Cost calculations were performed using bottom-up micro-costing. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were expressed as additional average costs per prevented DMFS. The ICERs compared with regular dental care from a health care system perspective and societal perspective were, respectively, EUR 269 and EUR 1,369 per prevented DMFS in the IPFA programme, and EUR 30 and EUR 100 in the NOCTP programme. The largest investments for the NOCTP group were made in the first year of the study; they decreased in the second and equalled the costs of control group in third year of the study. From both medical and economic points of view, the NOCTP strategy may be considered the preferred strategy for caries prevention.

A three-year randomized controlled trial in 6-year-old children on caries-preventive strategies in a general dental practice in the Netherlands.

A parallel-randomized controlled trial on caries-preventive strategies was conducted in a general dental practice with a mixed socioeconomic background patient population. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that, compared to regular care consisting of check-ups twice a year with professional fluoride applications and pit and fissure sealants in all permanent molars, a larger caries-preventive effect can be achieved by following a non-operative caries treatment and prevention (NOCTP) strategy or by following, in addition to regular care, an increased number of professional topical fluoride applications (IPFA). A total of 230 children (6.0 years ± 3 months of age) were randomly assigned to the two experimental groups or the control group. After 3 years, 179 participants remained in the study (54 NOCTP, 62 IPFA and 63 control). The children were examined at baseline and at 3 years by the same experienced examiner, who was blinded for the allocation of the children. Caries was scored clinically at the D3 level. Per protocol analysis revealed a mean DMFS increment after 3 years of 0.15 (95% CI -0.05 to 0.35) for NOCTP, 0.34 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.54) for IPFA and 0.47 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.68) for the control group. To account for missing data, multiple imputation was used, after which the mean DMFS increment was 0.11 (95% CI -0.05 to 0.27) for NOCTP, 0.29 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.46) for IPFA and 0.40 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.55) for the control group. Testing the differences with independent samples t test revealed a lower caries increment in the NOCTP group compared to the control group. ANCOVA was used to correct for differences in baseline dmfs, socioeconomic status and perceived dental hygiene burden. The ΔDMFS effect size between the NOCTP and the control group dropped, losing statistical significance (p = 0.06). Although the results in this study are promising, it has yet to be established in a larger study whether NOCTP has the ability to be effective in regular dental practice with a mixed socioeconomic status population.

Effects of sugar-free chewing gum sweetened with xylitol or maltitol on the development of gingivitis and plaque: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to test the effect of sugar-free chewing gum sweetened with xylitol or maltitol compared to the use of a gum base or no gum on gingivitis and plaque scores under both brushing and non-brushing circumstances. METHODS: The design of the study was a four-group, double-blinded, randomized controlled study with a 3-week duration. In each group, the participants did not brush the teeth in the lower jaw designated to develop experimental gingivitis, while maintaining normal oral hygiene procedures in the upper jaw. After professional dental prophylaxis, the participants were allocated into one of four groups (xylitol, maltitol, gum base or no gum). Chewing gum was used five times a day for 10 min. RESULTS: 220 participants completed the study and provided evaluable data. The increase in bleeding on marginal probing (BOMP) and plaque scores (PS) in the non-brushed (lower) jaw with experimental gingivitis was significant in all groups (P < 0.001). As compared to the gum base, the increase in BOMP in the xylitol and maltitol group was significantly lower. In the brushed upper jaw, no significant changes for BOMP were observed from the baseline to the end point of the study, and there were no significant differences in BOMP and PS between the groups. CONCLUSION: In circumstances where regular brushing is performed, no effect of chewing gum was observed on bleeding and plaque scores. In the absence of brushing, chewing xylitol or maltitol gum provided a significant inhibitory effect on gingivitis scores compared to chewing gum base. The difference when compared to the group not using gum was not significant.

Family relationships as an explanatory variable in childhood dental caries: a systematic review of measures.

It is widely acknowledged that parental beliefs (self-efficacy) about oral health and parental oral health-related behaviours play a fundamental role in the establishment of preventative behaviours that will mitigate against the development of childhood dental caries. However, little attention has been given to the wider perspective of family functioning and family relationships on child oral health. For oral health researchers, exploration of this association requires the use of reliable, valid and appropriate assessment tools to measure family relationships. In order to promote methodologically sound research in oral health, this systematic review aims to provide a guide on self-report psychometric measures of family functioning that may be suitable to utilize when exploring childhood dental caries. This systematic review has identified 29 self-report measures of family functioning and evaluated them in terms of their psychometric support, constructs measured and potential utility for oral health research. The majority of the measures reported adequate levels of reliability and construct validity. Construct evaluation of the measures identified five core domains of family functioning, namely 'communication', 'cohesion/engagement', 'control', 'involvement' and 'authoritative/rigid parenting style'. The constructs were subsequently evaluated with respect to their potential relevance to child oral health. Herewith this review provides a framework to guide future research to explore family functioning in furthering our understanding of the development of childhood dental caries.

[Aftercare for durability and profitability of single-unit and multi-unit fixed dental prostheses]. / Nazorg voor dutrzaamheid en profijtelijkheid van kronen en bruggen.

An important aim ofa treatment with single-unit and multi-unit fixed dental prostheses is a durable and profitable treatment outcome. That requires aftercare, too. First, the frequency of routine oral examinations should be assessed, using an individual risk profile. The objectives of the routine oral examinations are the prevention and, when necessary, the treatment of pathological conditions and complications. With regard to prevention, attention should be paid to information and instruction, oral biofilm and calculus, non-functional activities, hard tooth tissues, periodontal and peri-implant tissues, and saliva. Subsequently, it can be determined whether the intended durability and profitability have been achieved or can still be achieved, whether or not through indicated adjustments. Special attention should be paid to endodontically treated teeth. Restorative, repair or replacement treatments may be indicated in case ofcomplications, such as loose single- or multi-unitfixed dental prosthesis, fracture of a fixed dental prosthesis unit, lost tooth pulp vitality, tooth root fracture, and implant or implant abutment problems.

Are parents of high caries risk Dutch children motivated to brush their children's teeth? An assessment using the health action process approach questionnaire.

PURPOSE: To assess the social cognitive constructs of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) of parents of high caries risk children to be treated under intravenous sedation (IVS) or with behavioural guidance techniques (BGT), and to assess the changes in these constructs for each treatment group after treatment. DESIGN: In this cohort study, 160 children aged 3-10 years were allocated by their paediatric dentist to either IVS (77.4%) or BGT. Their parents filled out a HAPA questionnaire, before (T1, n = 160), immediately (T2, n = 108) and three months (T3, n = 71) after their children's dental rehabilitation. RESULTS: Before treatment, all parents had high scores on all social cognitive constructs. There were no differences in mean HAPA scores between the treatment groups (p > 0.05). After treatment, mean scores changed in both groups. In the BGT group, action self-efficacy changed from 3.64 (T1) to 3.36(T2) (p = 0.027) and to 3.13 (T3) (p = 0.021) and coping self-efficacy changed from 3.63 (T1) to 3.23 (T2) (p = 0.015). In the IVS group, action planning changed from 3.25 (T1) to 3.05(T3) (p = 0.036) and action control changed from 2.58 (T1) to 2.82 (T2) (p = 0.012) and to 2.87 (T3) (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: High scores on social cognitive constructs of parents of children referred to a paediatric dentist showed that they seem to be motivated to brush their children's teeth, irrespective of the treatment group. Small changes were observed in the HAPA constructs, however, these are not considered clinically relevant.