Caries status in 12-year-old children, geographical location and socioeconomic conditions across European countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Understanding of socioeconomic context might enable more efficient evidence-based preventive strategies in oral health. AIM: The study assessed the caries-related socioeconomic macro-factors in 12-year-olds across European countries. DESIGN: This systematic review involved epidemiological surveys on the caries status of 12-year-olds from 2011 to 2022. DMFT was analyzed in relation to gross national income (GNI), United Nations Statistical Division geographical categorization of European countries (M49), unemployment rate, Human Development Index (HDI), and per capita expenditure on dental health care. A meta-analysis was performed for countries reporting data on DMFT, stratified by GNI, and geographical location of European countries, using a random-effects model. RESULTS: The study involved 493 360 children from 36 countries in the geographic region of Europe. The analysis confirmed a strong negative correlation between income and caries experience (p < .01). Children living in higher-income countries showed 90% lower odds of poor oral health than in middle-income countries. Children living in West Europe showed 90% lower odds of poor oral health than children living in East Europe. CONCLUSION: The strong effect of macro-level socioeconomic contexts on children's oral health suggests favoring upstream preventive oral health strategies in countries with economic growth difficulties, Eastern and Southern parts of Europe.

Microbiomes in supragingival biofilms and saliva of adolescents with gingivitis and gingival health.

BACKGROUND: Important alterations exist in the microbiomes of supragingival biofilm and saliva samples from adolescent patients developing induced or spontaneous gingivitis relative to healthy controls. These and the relationships to dental health are not fully understood yet. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Supragingival biofilm samples (n = 36) were collected from the teeth of 9 adolescents with gingivitis induced by orthodontic appliances, as well as dental plaques (n = 40) from 10 adolescents with spontaneous gingivitis, in addition to similar samples (n = 36) from 9 healthy controls. The bacterial metagenomes were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Salivary microbiomes of the same persons were characterized by shotgun metagenome sequencing. The data sets were examined using advanced bioinformatics workflows and two reference databases. RESULTS: The composition and diversity of bacterial communities did not differ extensively among the three study groups. Nevertheless, the relative abundances of the genera Fusobacterium, Akkermansia, Treponema, and Campylobacter were prominently higher in gingivitis patients versus controls. In contrast, the genera Lautropia, Kingella, Neisseria, Actinomyces, and Rothia were significantly more abundant in controls than in either of the two gingivitis groups. CONCLUSIONS: The abundance pattern of certain taxa rather than individual strains shows characteristic features of potential diagnostic value. Stringent bioinformatics treatment of the sequencing data is mandatory to avoid unintentional misinterpretations.

Upper Airway Characteristics in Young Individuals With Class II Division 1 Malocclusion: A Retrospective Inter-Ethnic Cephalometric Comparison.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to compare the upper-airway morphology between strictly matched Syrian (n = 43) and Hungarian (n = 43) adolescents with Class II/1 malocclusion and identify potential associations between upper airway depths and skeletofacial characteristics. Lateral cephalograms were analyzed, and independent-samples tests and correlation coefficients were used for the statistical analyses. The upper-pharyngeal airway was significantly narrower and the soft palate angle was significantly greater in the Syrian adolescents. Alternatively, the hyoid bone was more posteriorly positioned in the Hungarian adolescents when compared to their counterparts. Depths of the upper and middle pharynx were moderately correlated with sagittal and vertical skeletal dimensions only among Syrian subjects. The depth of the lower pharynx was moderately correlated with hyoid bone position, cervical length, and lip-chin-throat angle only among Hungarian subjects. These findings might have potential implications for optimizing the effects of orthognathic/orthodontic treatments on airway structures in these 2 groups.

Microbiological Changes and Caries-Preventive Effect of an Innovative Varnish Containing Chlorhexidine in Orthodontic Patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Cervitec Plus® on the level of mutans streptococcus (SM) and lactobacillus (LB) colonies and the development of white spot lesions (WSLs) in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Informed consent was obtained from 32 volunteers (age 16.5 ± 2.75 years). At baseline, levels of the bacterial colonies were determined in saliva and plaque using a chairside test (CRT Bacteria, Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein), and the number of WSLs was registered. After placing the fixed appliance, Cervitec Plus® or placebo varnishes (Ivoclar-Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) were applied monthly around the brackets and tubes, randomly in the right or left (test and placebo) quadrants of the same dental arch. SM and LB colonies in saliva and the SM colonies in plaque were determined on 11-21, 13-23, 15-25, and 16-26 teeth monthly over a 6-month period. At the sixth month, the number of new WSLs was determined. By the end of the study, compared with baseline, the ratio of saliva samples belonging to the low-risk category was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) from the 2nd month regarding the SM (76 vs. 52%) and LB (69 vs. 52%); reduction of SM in plaque was significantly greater on the test than placebo sides (6.69 ± 1.71 and 4.45 ± 1.60, respectively; p ≤ 0.01). The mean number of new WSLs was significantly lower in the test (0.06 ± 1.60) than in the placebo quadrants (1.13 ± 1.50, p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: Monthly use of Cervitec Plus® could result in a significant improvement in oral health of orthodontic patients.

[Frequency of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders, vertical orthodontic anomalies and their relationships based on screening of a large population]. / Temporomandibuláris ízületi és vertikális ortodonciai rendellenességek elofordulási gyakorisága, valamint azok összefüggései nagyszámú populáció szurovizsgálata alapján.

Altogether 4606 volunteers (2923 vomen, 1683 men) participated in the representative national epidemiological study to screen the alterations of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The characteristic clinical signs and subjective complaints according to TMJ were evaluated by medical history taking and physical examination. Regarding the orthodontic anomalies, the vertical abnormalities (deep bite and open bite) were specifically noted. Clinical signs showing functional problems of TMJ were found in 45.19% of the screened population, mainly in the group of 35-44 year olds. The frequency of clicking and crepitation of TMJ was significantly higher in women compared to men (p < 0.05). The highest rate of clinical signs of TMJ disorders was found in the South-Transdanubian region, the lowest rate in the Middle-Transdanubian region, between these regions it was a significant difference regarding the frequency of deviation/deflexion (p < 0.05). Of the vertical abnormalities, deep bite occured most frequently in the 35-44 ys old age group. The prevalence of deep bite was higher among males than females in the whole screened population, but the difference was not statistically significant. Significant relationship was detected between deep bite and TMJ pain, deep bite and noises in the joint in the majority of the population. The most frequent anomaly in the South-Transdanubian region was deep bite, while the open bite occured most frequently in south middle part of Hungary. Conclusion: the Hungarian population needs well organized specific programs to improve the oral health including TMJ and orthodontic aspects.

Factors Associated with Self-Medication during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Pakistan.

Self-medication (SM) is characterized by the procurement and use of medicines by bypassing primary healthcare services and without consulting a physician, usually to manage acute symptoms of self-diagnosed illnesses. Due to the limited availability of primary healthcare services and the anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the compulsion to SM by the public has increased considerably. The study aimed to assess the characteristics, practices, and associated factors of SM by the public during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sargodha, Pakistan. χ2-tests and univariable analyses were conducted to explore the identification of characteristics and the potential contributing factors for SM during COVID-19, while multivariable logistic regression models were run to study the effect of variables that maintained a significant association. The study was performed during July−September 2021, with n = 460 questionnaires returned overall (response rate: 99.5%). The majority of respondents were males (58.7%, n = 270) who live in the periphery of the town (63.9%, n = 294), and most of the respondents belonged to the age group of 18−28 years (73.3%, n = 339). A large number, 46.1% (n = 212), of the participants were tested for COVID-19 during the pandemic, and among them, 34.3% (n = 158) practiced SM during the pandemic; the most common source of obtaining medicines was requesting them directly from a pharmacy (25.0%; n = 127). The chances of practicing SM for medical health professionals were 1.482 (p-value = 0.046) times greater than for non-medical health personnel. The likelihood of practicing SM in participants whose COVID-19 test was positive was 7.688 (p-value < 0.001) times more than who did not test for COVID-19. Allopathic medicines, acetaminophen (23.6%), azithromycin (14,9%), and cough syrups (13%), and over the counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals, vitamin oral supplements, such as Vitamin C (39.1%), folic acid (23.5%), and calcium (22.6%), were the most commonly consumed medicines and supplements, respectively; being a healthcare professional or having a COVID-test prior showed a significant association with the usage of Vitamin C (p < 0.05 in all cases). Respondents who mentioned unavailability of the physician and difficulty in travelling/reaching healthcare professionals were found 2.062-times (p-value = 0.004) and 1.862-times (p-value = 0.021) more likely to practice SM, respectively; SM due to fear of COVID was more common in individuals who had received COVID-tests prior (p = 0.004). Practices of SM were observed at alarming levels among our participants. Consciousness and understanding about the possible adverse effects of SM must be established and validated on a continuous level; in addition, on a commercial level, collaboration from pharmacists not to sell products (especially prescription-only medicines) without a certified prescription must be developed and implemented.

Healthcare Professionals' Compliance with the Standard Management Guidelines towards the Use of Biological Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is complicated, with numerous aspects influencing decision-making, including disease severity, comorbidities, and patient preferences. The present study aimed to evaluate healthcare professionals' (HCPs) knowledge of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and their compliance with the standard management guidelines for assuring optimal RA therapy. The cross-sectional, survey-based study was performed in various healthcare and academic settings in Karachi, Pakistan to probe HCPs' knowledge of bDMARDs and their compliance with the European League against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management of RA patients. Overall, n = 413 questionnaires were included in our study (response rate: 82.6%). The physicians were further well-informed about the indications (n = 276, 91.3%, p = 0.001) and monitoring requirements (n = 258, 85.4%, p = 0.004). The pharmacists were more knowledgeable about the drug targets (n = 96, 86.4%, p = 0.029) and their mechanisms of action (n = 80, 72.0%, p = 0.013). Male respondents as compared with females (41.3% vs. 35.6%, p = 0.04), and physicians as compared with pharmacists (40.7% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.012), were more confident in using bDMARDs than conventional treatment in RA patients. Our findings show that the respondents were familiar with the attributes of bDMARDs and the standard management guidelines for RA care. Our results may be relevant in creating new methods, guidelines, and treatments to enhance RA treatment adherence, satisfaction, and health outcomes.

[Pain and discomfort in orthodontic treatments. Literature review]. / Fájdalom és diszkomfort az ortodonciai kezelés során. Irodalmi összefoglalás.

The experience of pain and discomfort during orthodontic treatment is common. Pain is a subjective response to noxious stimuli, but it is also influenced by age, gender, previous pain experience, emotional factors and stress. The ortodontic treatments such as separation, placement of the arch wire, activation of the fix or removable appliances and debonding cause some degree of pain for the patient. In a prospective study 95% of the patients reported pain experience during orthodontic treatment. The periodontal pain caused by the combination of pressure, ischemia, inflammation and oedema. The pain starts within 4 hours, increases over the next 24 hours, and decrease within 7 days, so it may not be identified by the orthodontist at recall visit. The most common method to measure the intensity of the pain is the NRS (numerical rating scale), where patients can rate their pain intensity from 1 to 10 or 1 to 100. There are many modalities to control orthodontic pain, we can use different analgesic agents, solf-laser irradiation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and hypnotherapy. The aim of this review to provide an overview on discomfort and pain reaction during orthodontic treatments and discussion of the possible measurement and alleviation of pain.

[Retention and relapse. Review of the literature]. / Retenció és recidiva az ortodonciában. Irodalmi áttekintés.

The retention after orthodontic intervention is just as important part of the therapy as the activ treatment. It is difficult to find statistical data about the frequency and the average degree of the relapse, but some restitution in lower denture is observable in the 70-90% of the cases, in the postretention period. The upper jaw is also frequently touched, but the prevalence and the rate is milder. The authors of this article tried to collect all the factors which are responsible for the orthodontic relapse and to determine the rules should be kept by the planning and the management of the therapy. The age and the maturity of the patients, the result of the orthodontic intervention, the origin and the character of the anomaly, the type of the retainer, the compliance of the patients; all can influence the chance of the relapse. There are some anomalies which more frequently relapse, contrarily some orthodontic irregularities have quite good long-term prognosis. In the first 6 month after the orthodontic treatment any kind of retainer has to be worn nearly 24 hours/day, later 12-14 hours daily wear seems to be satisfactory. The retention period should be twice longer than the activ orthodontic treatment, posteriorly the appliance can be left gradually. Certainly the length of the retention depends on compliance of the patients. Among the retention appliances the fixed retainers are suggested in the lower front area, because the lower incisors are most frequently relapsed.

[Oral health assessment of Hungarian adult population based on epidemiologic examination]. / A hazai felnott lakosság parodontális allapota epidemiológiai felmérés alapján.

A representative national survey by the dentists of the Department of Prosthodontics, Semmelweis University was performed to assess oral health conditions of Hungarian adult population before joining the European Union. The aim of this study was to evaluate periodontal conditions of the population from data collected in the survey and to investigate the associations between gender, age and demographic regions and the prevalence of periodontal problems. The 2 years long nationwide investigation followed the WHO criteria (World Health Organization, 1997) and assessed 4606 person throughout all regions of the country. Periodontal conditions and treatment needs of 4153 person were assessed in intraoral examinations by Community Periodontal Index (CPI) method. Age, gender, demographic regions were recorded on questionnaires. According to our findings CPI 2 was the most frequent finding in all age groups which primarily reflected poor oral hygiene. When we consider gender differences, CPI 3 and CPI 4 were more frequent among males while women had CPI 0 and CPI 2 with higher frequency. Our findings reflect regional differences of periodontal health conditions as 16% of the population of the capitol and its surroundings had healthy periodontal condition however we could find CPI 0 only in 5-8% of Middle and South-Danubium population. Findings of our epidemiologic survey call attention on poor oral hygene of the population. There is a need in Hungary for better oral health education of the population, more preventive programs and action plans to promote regular dental office attendance.

[Risk assessment of periodontal disease in Hungary]. / A hazai felnott lakosság fogágyállapotának és a parodontális státuszt befolyásoló rizikótényezok öszefüggéseinek vizsgálata.

In this study, risk determinants were assessed for periodontal disease in the oral health survey of a representative Hungarian adult population sample. 4153 individuals participated in the study after formal consent. Participants were questionned on level of education, dental office attendance, smoking habits, oral hygiene habits and general health conditions. Quality of fixed partial dentures (FPD) were evaluated. Periodontal health status was assessed with the CPI method according to WHO criteria. When the prevalence of CPI scores was assessed by educational level, significant differences were found between groups. With increasing levels of education, a significantly higher percentage of subjects visited the dental office regularly. Higher prevalence of CPI 0 was found among those with higher level of education but there was also high prevalence of CPI 2, representing bad oral hygiene in the highly educated group. Findings of our study showed high percentage (66%) of the population attending the dental office only in case of emergency. The investigation revealed destructive effect of unsatisfactory construction of FPD on the periodontium. Healthy periodontium (CPI 0) was found among 16% of those wearing no FPD and 9% among FPD-wearers. The prevalence of deep periodontal pockets (CPI 4) was 1,6 times higher among smokers as non-smokers. Oral health statistics play an important role in planning for improvement of dental health care. Hungary needs effective prevention programs and emphasize on regular dental office attendance of individuals to improve the nation's oral health status.

Relationship between the Biofilm-Forming Capacity and Antimicrobial Resistance in Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates: Results from a Laboratory-Based In Vitro Study.

The relationship between the multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype and biofilm-forming capacity has been a topic of extensive interest among biomedical scientists, as these two factors may have significant influence on the outcomes of infections. The aim of the present study was to establish a possible relationship between biofilm-forming capacity and the antibiotic-resistant phenotype in clinical Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) isolates. A total of n = 309 isolates were included in this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and the phenotypic detection of resistance determinants were carried out. The capacity of isolates to produce biofilms was assessed using a crystal violet microtiter-plate-based method. Resistance rates were highest for ciprofloxacin (71.19%; n = 220), levofloxacin (n = 68.61%; n = 212), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (n = 66.02%; n = 209); 42.72% (n = 132) of isolates were classified as MDR; 22.65% (n = 70) of tested isolates were positive in the modified Hodge-test; the overexpression of efflux pumps had significant effects on the susceptibilities of meropenem, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin in 14.24% (n = 44), 6.05% (n = 19), and 27.51% (n = 85), respectively; 9.39% (n = 29), 12.29% (n = 38), 22.97% (n = 71), and 55.35% (n = 170) of isolates were non-biofilm-producing and weak, moderate, and strong biofilm producers, respectively. A numerical, but statistically not significant, difference was identified between the MDR and non-MDR isolates regarding their biofilm-forming capacity (MDR: 0.495 ± 0.309 vs. non-MDR: 0.545 ± 0.283; p = 0.072), and no association was seen between resistance to individual antibiotics and biofilm formation. Based on numerical trends, MER-resistant isolates were the strongest biofilm producers (p = 0.067). Our study emphasizes the need for additional experiments to assess the role biofilms have in the pathogenesis of A. baumannii infections.

Craniofacial characteristics of Syrian adolescents with Class II division 1 malocclusion: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Malocclusion characteristics vary across different ethnic groups and populations. Limited data are available regarding the characteristics of Syrian adolescents with Class II division 1 (Class II-1) malocclusion, and the recent inflow of Syrian refugees and immigrants into Europe and many areas worldwide demonstrate the need for updated studies to discover the craniofacial characteristics of these new immigrants. OBJECTIVES: The present compound cephalometric and tooth-size study sought to assess the dentofacial morphology, upper-airway dimensions, and tooth-size characteristics of Syrian adolescents with Class II-1 malocclusion and compare the results with established Syrian population norms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 43 Syrian patients including 24 females and 19 males with Class II-1 malocclusion (age: 14.3 (±1.5) years, mean (±SD)). Cephalometric radiographs and orthodontic casts were analyzed using special orthodontic software (OnyxCeph3™) and a universal digital caliper, respectively. Statistics were calculated using the SPSS software. RESULTS: In Syrian adolescents with Class II-1 malocclusion, the position of the mandible relative to the nasion perpendicular (mean (95% confidence interval)) was -11.01 (-12.45, -9.57) mm. Facial axis angle showed a negative value: -6.25 (-7.65, -4.85) degrees. An obtuse nasolabial angle was observed: 104.05 (101.77, 106.33) degrees. The average width of the upper pharynx was 11.50 (10.53, 12.47) mm; however, there was no prevalence of an upper-pharyngeal width of 5 mm or less. The average value of the anterior tooth-size ratio was 80.69 (79.85, 81.53) percent. In total, 39.5% of the investigated subjects had anterior ratios outside two standard deviations from Bolton's norm, while 25.6% of the investigated subjects had anterior ratios outside two standard deviations from Syrian population norm. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the inter-maxillary discrepancy of Class II-1 Syrian adolescents was a consequence of their hyperdivergent facial pattern. The observed small pharyngeal widths were not clinically significant, while the anterior tooth-size discrepancy might be clinically relevant.

Dentoskeletal and tooth-size differences between Syrian and Hungarian adolescents with Class II division 1 malocclusion: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Malocclusion features differ across various populations and ethnicities. At this time, no data are available regarding the dentofacial differences between Syrian and European adolescents with Class II division 1 malocclusion, which is one of the most frequently treated pathologies in orthodontic practice. The present combined cephalometric and tooth-size study aimed to compare the dentoskeletal and tooth-size characteristics of Syrian and Hungarian adolescents with Class II division 1 malocclusion. RESULTS: Class II division 1 malocclusion in Hungarian adolescents was a sagittal discrepancy, while in Syrian adolescents, it was a result of excessive vertical development. Syrian adolescents had a significantly excessive vertical development when compared with Hungarian adolescents, regardless of sex (p < 0.01). Hungarian boys had significantly more protruded maxillae (p < 0.001) and less retruded mandibles (p < 0.01) when compared with Syrian boys, while Hungarian girls had significantly shorter mandibles relative to those of Syrian girls (p < 0.01). Syrian girls had significantly more protrusive lower incisors (p < 0.001), accompanied by significantly larger anterior tooth-size ratios when compared to Hungarian girls (p < 0.001). In conclusion, these findings underscore the importance of considering ethnic differences during orthodontic diagnosis and may have implications for optimizing orthodontic treatments in Syrian and Hungarian adolescents with Class II division 1 malocclusion.

Periodontal health of an adult population in Hungary: findings of a national survey.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the levels of periodontal health conditions of Hungarian adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Periodontal data on 4153 adults in 304 survey locations from all Hungarian regions were analysed. The Community Periodontal Index (CPI) was used to report the occurrence of probing pocket depth, calculus, and gingival inflammation. Age, gender, socioeconomic and health status, oral hygiene and lifestyle habits, dental office attendance, level of education, and fixed partial denture (FPD) treatment were evaluated for their association with periodontal conditions. CPI score as an outcome was dichotomized using an accepted threshold as low (<3) and high (3, 4) for multiple logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: CPI2 was the most prevalent score in all age groups. CPI scores were also strongly associated with the independent variables. Approximately 66% of subjects visited a dentist only in the case of an emergency. Lack of periodontal aspects of restorative care was demonstrated by the result of CPI0 among 16% of non-FPD wearers compared with only 9% of individuals treated with FPD. CONCLUSION: The present survey indicates that oral hygiene standards and periodontal health conditions need improvement in Hungary. Effective intervention programme for the prevention and control of periodontal disease are recommended at a national level.

[Dietary, oral hygienic habits, dental surgeon attendance, and social background in police student's population]. / Táplálkozási, szájhigiénés, valamint fogorvoshoz járási szokások és a családi háttér bizonyos jellemzoi rendészeti szakközépiskolások körében.

The aim of the study was to survey the dietary, oral hygienic habits, dental surgeon attendance and their relations with each other and social background in the Police School of Miskolc, Hungary. In this study, based on a questionnaire, 792 students [(mean age: 20.43 +/- 1.25 ys (mean +/- S.D.)] participated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows 10.0 statistical software. The daily consumption of sweets was 30.8%. There was no significant difference between educational level of father and frequency of consumption of sweets. The frequency of consumption of sweets significantly decreased with increasing the number of siblings (p < 0.05). The daily consumption of soft drinks was 28.8%. In the examined population 10% of the students used dental floss, most of them (60.0%) cleaned their teeth twice a day. Frequency of tooth-cleaning was significantly increased parallel to increase the educational level of father (p<0.05). Dental surgeon attendance aimed check up was 28.4% beside the compulsory yearly visit. The "3-times-tooth-cleaning" students visited their dentists within last 12 months in significantly higher percent than those of without daily tooth-cleaning (p < 0.05). There is a need to improve those factors which can affect oral health in the examined population.

Caries prevalence and tooth loss in Hungarian adult population: results of a national survey.

BACKGROUND: Oral health is basically important for the well-being of people. Thus, it is strongly suggested to organize epidemiological surveys in order to gain representative data on oral condition of the given population. The purpose of the cross-sectional study was to determine the results on tooth loss and caries prevalence of Hungarian adults in different age groups. METHODS: Altogether 4606 persons (2923 women, 1683 men) participated in the study who were classified into different age groups: 19 [less than or equal to], 20-24, 35-44, 45-64, 65-74, [greater than or equal to]75 year olds. Probands were selected randomly from the population attending the compulsory lung screening examinations. The participants were examined by calibrated dentists, according to the WHO (1997) criteria. In order to produce representative data, the chosen localities for these examinations covered the capital, the largest towns, the villages, and case weights were used for the statistical evaluation. RESULTS: The mean values of DMF-T were found between 11.79+/-5.68 and 21.90+/-7.61 These values were significantly higher in women compared to men (p < 0.05). In all age groups the values of M were the highest. Except for the women in the groups of 35-44 and 45-64 year olds, these values showed an increasing tendency both in women and men by age (from 5.50+/-6.49, and 4.70+/-4.08 to 21.52+/-9.07 and 18.41+/-8.89 respectively). The values of D components reached the highest values in 45-64 year olds (4.54+/-2.12 and 4.22+/-2.81, by gender, respectively), then in the older age groups there was a high reduction in these values (in 65-74 year olds: 2.72+/-1.88 and 1.36+/-2.48; in 75 or more than 75 year olds: 1.05+/-1.41 and 1.03+/-1.76 by gender, respectively). The ratio of D and F values was the highest in the age group of 65-74 year olds (2.12), the lowest ratio could be calculated in 20-34 year olds (0.65).Data showed some decrease in caries experience in 35-44 years of age between 2000 and 2004. The prevalence of persons with 21 or more teeth had been increased from 65.6% to 73.1%. This positive tendency has not been occured in prevalence of edentulousness in this age group: the prevalence of edentulous persons changed from 1.4 to 1.9%. In 65-74 year olds the level of edentulousness became lower, from 25.9 to 14.8% and the prevalence of persons with 21 or more teeth is higher (22.6%) than it was in 2000 (13.0%). CONCLUSION: Present data from Hungary show some slight decrease in caries experience between 35-44 years of age, although this positive tendency has not been occured in prevalence of edentulousness in this age group. A positive tendency could be experienced in the group of 65-74 year olds in edentulousness and in number of teeth, but further efforts are needed to reach a better situation.

[Some characteristics of distal cantilever bridges on the basis of two representative studies (in Hungary)]. / A disztálisan szabadvégû rögzített fogpótlások néhány jellemzôje két, reprezentativ szûrôvizsgálat alapján.

In Hungary a dental epidemiological study was performed by a team of calibrated dentists of the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry (Semmelweis University, Budapest) in 1985-89 for the first and in 2003-2004 for the second time. Probands were selected randomly from the population attending the compulsory lung screening examinations. Oral inspection was done under artificial light. Data were immediately entered into computer on the spot. In the first epidemiological study after the examination of 9991 people we have found 1625 cantilever bridges, in the second study we examined 4606 people, and we have found 878 cantilever bridges. In 1989 66.9% of the cantilever bridges replaced missing tooth on the mesial and 33.1% on the distal end. In 2004 44.5% of the cantilever bridges replaced missing tooth on the mesial and 55.5% on the distal end. In both investigations one pontic distal cantilevers were the majority of restorations. In the study of 1989 we have found the highest number of the bridges with one distal pontic supported by two abutments. In the 2004 study the most frequently found one pontic distal cantilever bridges were supported by more then two abutments. Both investigations found the most distal cantilever bridges in the upper jaw replacing the first molar (32%, 38%), then the second molar (20%, 28%), and first premolar (18%, 20%). On the lower jaw distal cantilever pontics were replacing first molars in most of the cases (61%, 59%), then second premolars (19%, 24%) and first premolars (8%, 9%). In both investigations most frequently free end saddle (74%, 83%), remaining teeth (19%, 16%), crowns and artificial teeth distally from the cantilever pontic have been found.

[Various aspects of dental prevention in the elderly]. / A fogászati prevenció szempontjai az idoskorban.

The number of old people shows increasing tendency worldwide. The prevalence of oral diseases has been increased with age. In the older adult population tooth loss, dental caries and periodontal diseases frequently can be observed as characteristic features of their oral health condition. Additionally people in elderly are frequently suffered from other oral diseases such as xerostomia, orofacial pain, oral cancer. Results of the latest epidemiological studies show that the level of oral health of Hungarian old population is very low. In many cases oral healthcare can't show an optimal situation due to low economic and social circumstances. The present situation need more changes in oral care. It is necessary to recognize the risk factors, to treat the oral diseases properly and to organize an effective oral/dental care system for the old population.

[Oral hygienic, nutritional habits and dental surgeon attendance of Hungarian adult population]. / Felnott korúak táplálkozási, szájhigiénes es fogorvoshoz járási szokásai kérdoíves felmérés alapján.

The aim of the study was to reveal the oral hygienic, nutritional and behavioral habits of Hungarian adult population in different regions of Hungary. The study was performed by the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry (Semmelweis University, Budapest) in 2003-2004. Altogether 4606 persons (mean age: 46.37 +/- 7.89ys), 2923 women (mean age: 48,09 +/- 18,36 ys), 1683 men (mean age: 44.41 +/- 17.14 ys) participated in the study. Probands were selected randomly from the population attending the compulsory lung screening examinations. To make a representative sample of the whole population in the country, the chosen localities covered all regions, the capital, the large towns and villages as well. The data were coded on special sheets by computer in place. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows 10.0 statistical software version. The daily consumption of sweets was the highest (34%) in the Western Central Region. It was the highest in the age group under 19 ys (40%). In relation to daily consumption of coke and soft drinks, the frequency was 13% in the whole population. The highest frequency was registered in the North Eastern Region (17.5%) and in the age group of 19-year-olds. The results showed that the consumption of soft drinks was significantly lower in women comparing to men (p < 0.001). The consumption of sweets and soft drinks was significantly decreased by the increase of age (p < 0.001). The asked population cleaned their teeth twice a day, mostly using only toothbrush and dentifrice, and only 12% of them used mouthwash, 11% toothpick, and 7% dental floss. The majority of the examined population (68%) visited dental service on an irregular base (only in case of acute complaints).