Showing papers in "Acta Odontologica Scandinavica in 2007"

The role of matrix metalloproteinases in the oral environment.

Abstract: This review focuses specifically on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their role in physiological and pathological extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and degradation processes in the oral environment. A group of enzymes capable of degrading almost all ECM proteins, MMPs contribute to both normal and pathological tissue remodeling. The expression of different MMPs may be upregulated in pathological conditions such as inflammation and tumor invasion. The balance between activated MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) controls the extent of ECM remodeling. Prior to mineralization, MMPs may participate in the organization of enamel and dentin organic matrix, or they may regulate mineralization by controlling the proteoglycan turnover. There is evidence indicating that MMPs could be involved in the etiology of enamel fluorosis and amelogenesis imperfecta. They seem to play a part in dentinal caries progression, since they have a crucial role in dentin collagen breakdown in caries lesions. MMPs have been identified in pulpal and periapical inflammation and are strongly correlated with periodontal diseases, since they are the major players in collagen breakdown during periodontal tissue destruction. The use of MMP inhibitors could help the prevention and treatment of many MMP-related oral diseases.

Tooth loss in the elderly and its association with nutritional status, socio-economic and lifestyle factors

Abstract: Objective. Tooth loss impacts on general health and is a risk factor for malnutrition, disability, loss of self-sufficiency, and deterioration in quality of life. The present study was carried out ...

Association between dental fear and dental attendance among adults in Finland

Abstract: Objective. Our aim was to evaluate the association between dental attendance and dental fear while considering the simultaneous effects of perceived oral health and treatment need, satisfaction with oral health services, age, gender, marital status, and attained level of education. Material and methods. The two-stage stratified cluster sample (n=8028) represented Finnish adults aged 30 years and older. The response rate to this nationwide sample was 88%. Dental fear was measured with the question: “How afraid are you of visiting a dentist?” Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between dental fear and dental attendance, including the following independent variables: perceived oral health, perceived treatment need, satisfaction with oral health services, age, gender, marital status, and attained level of education. Results. Among all ages, except 30 to 34-year-olds, irregular attenders were more likely to be very afraid of visiting a dentist than regular attenders wer...

Effect of operating air pressure on tribochemical silica-coating.

Abstract: Objective. Alumina and zirconia are inert to conventional etching and need to be initially conditioned with, for example, silicatization. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of operating air pressure of tribochemical silica-coating method on the shear bond strength of composite resin to ceramic substrates. Material and methods. Alumina (Procera Alumina, Nobel Biocare) and zirconia (LAVA; 3M ESPE and Procera Zirconia; Nobel Biocare) were airborne particle silica-coated (CoJet; 3M ESPE) using selected, clinically available air pressures of 150, 220, 300, and 450 kPa. The surfaces were silanized with silane coupling agent (ESPE Sil; 3M ESPE) and coated with adhesive resin (3M Multipurpose resin; 3M ESPE). Particulate filler resin composite (Z250; 3M ESPE) stubs (diameter 3.6 mm, height 4.0 mm) were added onto ceramics and light-cured for 40 s. The test specimens (n=18/group) were thermocycled (6000×5–55°C) and shear bond strengths were measured with a cross-head speed of 1.0 mm/min. Fract...

Pilot evaluation of resin composite cement adhesion to zirconia using a novel silane system.

Abstract: Objective. In this study, we evaluated the effect of two silane coupling agents and their blends with a cross-linker silane on the bond strength of a dimethacrylate-based resin composite cement to surface-conditioned zirconia. Material and Methods. A total of 40 planar zirconia specimens were used for 8 test groups. After alumina particle abrasion, followed by tribochemical silica-coating, the specimens were randomly assigned to four silanizations: with 1.0 vol% 3-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane or 1.0 vol% 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane or their blends with 1.0 vol% 1,2-bis-(triethoxysilyl)ethane (all in ethanol/water). The resin composite (RelyX™ ARC, 3M ESPE) stubs (n=10/group) were light-polymerized onto zirconia specimens. Four test groups were tested without water storage and 4 thermo-cycled at 6000 cycles (5±1°C to 55±1°C), with a dwelling time of 30 s. The shear bond strength of the cement stubs to zirconia was measured using a universal testing machine at a constant cross-head speed of 1 ...

Oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and family characteristics among Finnish schoolchildren with and without active initial caries lesions.

Abstract: Objective. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of active initial caries lesions among 11 to 12-year-old schoolchildren is associated with parental and child-related factors and whether there are gender differences in these associations. Material and Methods. The data were gathered by questionnaires from children and their parents, who replied without knowing the other's answers. All the children were invited to participate in a screening for the presence or absence of active initial caries lesions. Factors associated with children's initial caries were studied with logistic regression analyses. Results. The parents’ self-assessed poor dental health, the parents’ and the child's poor oral health-related behavior, and the child's response “I don't know” to the question concerning his/her parents’ possible dental caries were associated with the presence of active initial caries lesions. The results of logistic regression analyses were different between girls and boys. Among the girls,...

Dental fear among population aged 30 years and older in Finland.

Abstract: Objective. The aim of the study was to examine how the percentage of subjects reporting dental fear varied in accordance with age, gender, level of educational attainment, and marital status in a nationally representative sample of the adult population in Finland. Material and Methods. The two-stage stratified cluster sample (n=8028) represented the population aged 30 years or older living in Finland. Of this nationwide sample, 88% participated. Dental fear was measured with the question: “How afraid are you of visiting a dentist?” The reply alternatives were: “Not at all”, “Somewhat”, and “Very much”. Age-specific multiple logistic regression analyses were used to explore the associations between dental fear and age, gender, marital status, and level of educational attainment. Results. Overall prevalence of being somewhat or very afraid of visiting a dentist among adults in Finland was high (37%), particularly among 30 to 34-year-olds (47%). Among men and women of different ages, 5% to 19% were very afra...

Degree of conversion of dual-cure luting resins light-polymerized through various materials.

Abstract: Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of monomer conversion of four dual-cure luting resins irradiated through various restorative materials or dentin. Material and methods. RelyX ARC (3M-ESPE), RelyX Unicem (3M-ESPE), Variolink 2 (Ivoclar,Vivadent), and Panavia F 2.0 (Kuraray) were mixed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. They were placed under the disks (thickness 1.5 mm) representing a metal restoration, a composite restoration (Sinfony D A3), a fiber-reinforced composite (EverStick 0.5 mm + 1.0 mm Sinfony D A3) restoration, and dentin. Five specimens (thickness 0.6 mm) in each group were irradiated through the disks for 40 s (Optilux-501, 800 mW/cm2). Light polymerization of the dual-cure luting resin without the covering disk was used as control. The degree of monomer conversion (DC%) was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)/ATR spectrometry from the bottom of the resin. The infrared spectra were recorded at every 5.2 s for 15 min beg...

The erosion-inhibiting effect of TiF4, SnF2, and NaF solutions on pellicle-covered enamel in vitro

Abstract: Objective. The aim of this study was to compare the protective effect of TiF4, SnF2, and NaF treatment on the development of erosion-like lesions in pellicle-covered human enamel. Material and Methods. Twelve human molars were each divided into 5 specimens, 4 of which were immersed in saliva for 2 h. Three pellicle-covered specimens from each tooth were treated with a TiF4, SnF2, or NaF solution (all 0.5 M F) for 2 min. Control specimens, one with and one without pellicle, were included. Immersion in acid (0.01 M HCl) was carried out stepwise (2+2+2+2 min). The etching depths (in µm) were measured using white light interferometry. Results. Compared with the control with pellicle, TiF4 reduced enamel loss by 100% after 2 min and by 24% after 8 min of acid exposure. The corresponding values for SnF2 were 45% and 14%. NaF provided no significant protection of the surface. The pellicle-covered specimens showed reduced lesion depths after 6 and 8 min compared to the controls without pellicle. Conclusions. TiF4...

Evaluating a single dental anxiety question in Finnish adults.

Abstract: Objective. To evaluate the psychometric properties (criterion validity, construct validity, sensitivity, and specificity) of a single-item question screening for dental anxiety in a Finnish adult population. Material and methods. A total of 823 subjects, ranging in age from 18 to 87 years, answered a questionnaire comprising sections assessing the respondents’ demographic profile and dental attendance patterns. A single dental anxiety question and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) were included. The final response rate was 85%. Results. Eight percent of the sample was highly dentally anxious using the MDAS cut-off point of 19 or above. Twelve percent of the respondents rated themselves as “very scared” on the single-item question. The percentage agreement between the single-item question and the MDAS was 93; the Kappa coefficient was 0.63. Specificity of the single question was 0.95 while sensitivity was 0.80 using the MDAS dichotomous classification. The single-item question related to age (p<0.00...

Relationship between cognitive impairment and oral health: results of the Health 2000 Health Examination Survey in Finland.

Abstract: Objective. The aim was to study oral health in relation to cognitive impairment in the general population. Material and Methods. The study population comprised 2320 persons aged 55 years or older who participated in a nationally representative Health 2000 Health Examination Survey in Finland. The data were collected by interviews and clinical oral examinations. Cognition was assessed using a shortened version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (score 0–16). Poisson regression models were used to estimate the relative risk (RR) for continuous variables and logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for dichotomized variables. Results. The results show that individuals with cognitive impairment have more carious teeth (MMSE 11-10: RR: 1.3, CI: 0.9–1.7, MMSE 9-0: RR: 1.5 CI: 1.0–2.4) than healthy persons. Furthermore, compared to cognitively healthy subjects, those with MMSE 9–0 more often have no teeth and no dentures (OR: 5.2, CI: 1.0–26.6) and less often good denture hygiene (OR: 0.4, CI...

In vivo detection of non-cavitated caries lesions on occlusal surfaces by visual inspection and quantitative light-induced fluorescence

Abstract: Objective. The aim of this clinical caries detection study was to compare the outcome of quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) and meticulous visual inspection (VI) in detecting non-cavitated caries lesions on occlusal surfaces in young adolescents. It was hypothesized that the respective diagnostic performances of meticulous VI and QLF are similar. Material and methods. The subjects were 34 fifteen-year-old students. Five-hundred-and-seventeen cleaned occlusal surfaces were air-dried and examined using VI. Fluorescence images were captured with QLF equipment and custom software was used to display, store and analyze the images. The area of the lesion (area; mm 2 ), fluorescence loss (DF;%) and DQ (Area*DF; mm 2 *%) were determined at a QLF threshold of 5%. The presence/absence of non-cavitated lesions was independently recorded with both methods. Results. 78.8% of all untreated surfaces were classified as sound or as having a non-cavitated lesion with both methods uniformly (VIQLF). On 7.1% of all surfaces a lesion was detected by VI only and on 14.1% by QLF only. All parameters (Area, DF, DQ) differed significantly between lesions registered with both methods (VIQLF) and lesions recorded with QLF only. Conclusions. It was concluded that our hypothesis cannot be confirmed. The study shows that QLF detects (1) more non-cavitated occlusal lesions and (2) smaller lesions compared to VI. However, taking into consideration time-consuming image capturing and analysis, QLF is not really practical for use in the dental office.

Number of teeth--a predictor of mortality in the elderly? A population study in three Nordic localities.

Abstract: Objective. Although associations between number of teeth and mortality have been found in some studies, the results have not been conclusive. The aim of this study was to determine whether dental status at age 75 is an independent predictor of survival in three Nordic populations. Material and Methods. The baseline study was conducted as part of a comparative Nordic investigation of systematic samples of 75-year-old men and women born in the period 1914–16 (n=1004) and living independently in three Nordic localities: Glostrup in Denmark, Jyvaskyla in Finland, and Goteborg in Sweden. Performed in 1989–91, the study included a home interview, a health questionnaire, and a laboratory examination. For the present study, the mortality data of all participants up to age 82 were collected from official registers in 1999. Results. Lower mortality during 7 years was associated with higher number of remaining teeth at age 75. In Jyvaskyla and Goteborg, but not in Glostrup, the association between number of teeth an...

In vitro quantification of smooth surface caries with DIAGNOdent and the DIAGNOdent pen

Abstract: Objective. A new generation of the laser fluorescence device, DIAGNOdent, for caries detection and quantification has been introduced recently. It is the DIAGNOdent pen. The aim of this study was to compare the validity and reliability of both laser-based devices, DIAGNOdent and the DIAGNOdent pen, in quantifying smooth surface caries. Material and Methods. The material comprised a sample of 52 premolar teeth extracted on orthodontic indication. The teeth were visually sound or had various stages of non-cavitated carious lesions on smooth surfaces. All teeth were photographed and measured with both DIAGNOdent and the DIAGNOdent pen by two examiners independently. The teeth were then sectioned into 300-µm slices and analysed under a microscope for verification of lesion depth. Histopathological analyses were performed by two observers to assess lesion depth, which was classified into five categories ranging from sound to dentinal caries. Reliability and validity of the two devices were evaluated in terms o...

Bacterial reduction by extensive versus conservative root canal instrumentation in vitro

Abstract: Objective. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that aggressive dentin removal through greater-tapered instrumentation reduces the intracanal bacteria more effectively than conservative dimension instrumentation. Material and methods. Twenty extracted human lower premolar teeth were used. After extirpation of the pulps, the teeth were autoclaved and immersed in a broth inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and incubated for 7 days to allow infection of the dentinal tubules. The teeth were divided into 2 experimental groups, each comprising 10 teeth. The teeth were instrumented either with ProTaper or with Hero Shaper nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation techniques. It was calculated that ProTaper theoretically has the potential to remove at least twice the dentin volume compared with Hero Shaper. The apical preparation was standardized to file size 30. Saline solution was used for irrigation. Bacteriological samples were taken before and after instrumentation and plated onto tryptic soy agar, and the...

Fracture resistance of different zirconium dioxide three-unit all-ceramic fixed partial dentures

Abstract: Objective. This study evaluated the fracture resistance of different zirconia three-unit posterior all-ceramic fixed partial dentures before and after fatigue loading. Material and methods. Forty-eight zirconia three-unit posterior all-ceramic fixed partial dentures were fabricated using different manufacturing systems and conventionally cemented on human teeth. The restorations were divided according to the system used for manufacturing the frameworks into 3 groups of 16 specimens each (DCS, Procera and Vita CerecInlab). Half of each group was artificially aged through dynamic loading and thermal cycling, whereas the other half was left with no artificial aging. Afterwards, all specimens were tested for fracture resistance using compressive load on the occlusal surface. Non-parametric ANOVA using the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank tests was performed to test for differences in fracture resistance values with a global significance level of 0.05. Results. All artificially aged specimens survived with no ...

Changes in caries experience among 35-year-old Oslo citizens, 1973-2003.

Abstract: Objective. The aims of the present study were to describe caries experience among 35-year-olds in Oslo in 2003 and to assess changes in caries experience during the past 30 years using data from cross-sectional studies performed in 1973, 1984, and 1993. Material and Methods. The dental status of 149 randomly selected 35-year-olds in Oslo was examined in 2003 (response rate 64%) and the data were compared with available data from earlier studies. Dental caries was registered clinically and radiographically at the surface level, applying the same criteria as used in previous studies, and recorded as DMFS/T. Results. The results indicate a gradual decrease in the mean DMFS scores by 62% from 68.2 in 1973 to 26.1 in 2003. There was an 83% decrease in the mean number of DS, a 73% decrease in the mean number of MS, and a 56% decrease in the mean number of FS during this 30-year period. The proportion of individuals with DS = 0 gradually increased from 5% in 1973 to 54% in 2003. There was also a significant decr...

A seven-year survival analysis of caries onset in primary second molars and permanent first molars in different caries risk groups determined at age two years

Abstract: Objective. To investigate in a group of children (n=183) the effect of possible risk factors registered at the age of 2 years on caries development in 7 years of follow-up, and to study associations between risk groups. Material and methods. Consumption of candies, use of a nursing bottle at night, use of fluorides, toothbrushing, pacifier sucking, and prolonged breastfeeding (≥12 months) were recorded at the age of 2 years. The timing of caries onset in different groups was compared by applying a survival analysis method – the survival curves produced separately for selected teeth in different risk groups. Results. The survival curves of caries onset for both primary and permanent molars were consistently lower for children who consumed candies more than once a week, did not brush their teeth daily, were given a nursing bottle at night or a pacifier at age 2 years. The multivariate survival analysis confirmed that consumption of candies and lack of daily toothbrushing were the factors that had the major ...

Incidence and prevalence of temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction. A one-year prospective study of university students.

Abstract: Objective. The aims of this study were to investigate the incidence and recovery of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and dysfunction during a 1-year period, and to examine factors associated with ...

Timing of developmental stages in permanent mandibular teeth of Finns from birth to age 25

Abstract: Objective. The aim was to provide radiographic data on postnatal development of the 8 mandibular teeth to serve as reference norms in clinical dentistry, forensic dentistry, anthropology, and research. Material and Methods. Developmental stages of teeth were assessed from a total of 2795 radiographs, mostly panoramic, of 1970 Finns (966 M and 1004 F) from birth to age 25. The grading was based on Demirjian's 8 mineralization stages and the crypt stage. Results. Timing of development in individual mandibular teeth is presented in two ways: as age at attainment of each developmental stage and as age of subjects in a developmental stage. Initiation of mineralization was visible in 1st molars at 0.20 years, in central incisors at 0.22 years, lateral incisors at 0.37 years, and canines at 0.56 years of age. Timing was usually earlier in girls than in boys. Differences were greatest in canines, where females were advanced by 1.74 years at the closure of the apex. Root development in 3rd molars showed an opposit...

Attitudes to oral health among adolescents with high caries risk.

Abstract: Objective: To explore and describe attitudes to oral health among adolescents with high caries risk.Material and methods. A strategic selection of 45 subjects (15 to 19 years of age) assessed with high caries risk were invited to participate in the study, and 7 girls and 10 boys gave their informed consent. Semi-structured interviews performed, recorded, and transcribed verbatim were evaluated using qualitative content analysis.Results: Three categories and seven associated subcategories could be determined, and cognitive consistency in parallel with emotional inconsistency in relation to oral health was disclosed. On a cognitive level, attitudes to oral health were characterized by an awareness of the determinants (diet, plaque, fluoride) for caries. Fresh breath and even, white, teeth were considered signs of good oral health. Breath and esthetic appearance were important inducements for home care. Although toothbrushing was considered the most important activity for maintaining good oral health, forgetfulness and lack of time were the main reasons for not brushing. The provision of adequate information on caries risk was perceived as important. On the emotional level, the three subcategories were: (i) a positive attitude to oral health and clear self-confidence that improved health would be achieved, (ii) an impassive attitude that everything would be all right and fixed by the dentist, and (iii) a negative attitude characterized by frustration and a tendency to give up.Conclusions: Allowing adolescents with high caries risk to relate their views on oral health is important for dental professionals when encouraging patients at caries risk towards healthy behavior.

Effect of supplementary amine fluoride gel in caries-active adolescents. A clinical QLF study

Abstract: Objective. To investigate whether supplementary daily use of amine fluoride toothpaste with weekly brushing with amine fluoride gel enhances the remineralization of white spot lesions on smooth surfaces and also to investigate the possible effect of this treatment on salivary bacterial counts and oral hygiene. Material and Methods. The participants comprised 135 caries-active adolescents living in suburban Stockholm. They were given an amine fluoride dentifrice (1250 ppm F) to be used twice a day, and either a test gel (4000 ppm F) or a placebo gel for brushing for 2 min once a week. During the 12-month study period, the subjects were recalled every 3rd month (baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). At each visit, ΔF (average change in fluorescence, in%) and lesion area (in mm2) were measured using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF), followed by dietary counseling, oral hygiene instruction, and professional tooth-cleaning. At baseline, 6, and 12 months, saliva was sampled for Streptococcus mutans an...

Effect of pepsin on erosive tissue loss and the efficacy of fluoridation measures in dentine in vitro.

Abstract: Objectives. In dentine, erosive lesion progression and efficacy of fluoridation measures for symptomatic therapy of dental erosion are both dependent on the presence of the organic matrix. In patients with eating disorders in combination with chronic vomiting, the demineralized organic matrix can be degraded by gastric enzymes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pepsin on erosion progression and the efficacy of fluoride in dentine. Material and methods. Human dentine specimens were prepared and randomly divided into 4 groups of 20 specimens each. They were subjected to a cyclic de- and remineralization procedure for 9 days. For demineralization (6×2 min per day), an HCl solution (pH 1.6) was used in all groups. In two groups, pepsin (1.5 mg mL−1) was added to the demineralization solution. Fluoridation was performed in two groups 6×1 min per day with a mouth rinse (Olaflur/SnF2; 250 ppm F−) after demineralization with both the HCl solution and the pepsin containing solution. Degradatio...

Giving low priority to oral health care. Voices from people with disabilities in a grounded theory study.

Abstract: Objective. Our knowledge of how people with disabilities look upon oral health and dental care is limited. The aim of this study was thus to explore how the people with disabilities experience the encounter with dental health care. Material and Methods. With a focus on dental care and oral health, qualitative interviews with 16 informants with cognitive and/or physical disabilities were analysed in accordance with the qualitative method of grounded theory. Results. A core category identified and labeled “giving low priority to oral health care” was found to be related to four other categories: “being afraid of losing control”, “having difficulties complying with instructions”, “having a desire for continuity”, and “wishing to be just like everyone else”. The results show that oral health and dental care are important, but are not considered a priority by the people with disabilities. General health issues have much higher priority but do not include oral health, which consequently can affect oral health n...

Effects of estrogen deficiency on tooth movement after force application: an experimental study in ovariectomized rats.

Abstract: Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of estrogen deficiency on tooth movement in ovariectomized rats. Material and methods. Forty-two adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned at random to one of the following groups: test group (n=20), ovariectomized rats (or estrogen-deficient rats); control group (n=22), non-ovariectomized rats. Two months after ovariectomy, expansion springs exerting 10 g of force were inserted between the upper central incisors in both groups. The amount of movement was measured daily until tooth movement began and then at intervals of 3 days. The rats were sacrificed 18 days after applying the expansion spring and histomorphometric analysis was performed along the left upper central incisor root towards the apex of the alveolar bone. Results. The amount and speed of movement was observed to be greater in ovariectomized rats. On histomorphometric analysis, osteoblast and osteocyte counts on the pressure side were higher in the non-ovariectomized group ...

Effect of methotrexate on alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis in Wistar rats.

Abstract: Objective. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are pro-inflammatory cytokines directly related with tissue destruction in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Inhibitory effects on IL-1 and TNF production have been attributed to the folate analog methotrexate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of methotrexate on the pathogenesis of alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis in rats. Methods. Ligature-induced experimental periodontitis was created in 44 Wistar rats. The animals were randomly divided into four groups and treated with methotrexate (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg·kg−1) or saline. Morphometrical registration of alveolar bone loss was carried out after 28 days of ligature placement to determine the effect of methotrexate on the progression of experimental periodontitis. Results. Intra-group comparisons showed significantly higher alveolar bone loss mean values in maxillary sides with ligature (paired sample t-test; p<0.05). Mean alveolar bone loss was not different...

Gender differences in child-related and parent-related determinants of oral health-related lifestyle among 11- to 12-year-old Finnish schoolchildren.

Abstract: Objective. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether child-related and parent-related characteristics were associated differently with oral health-related lifestyle among boys and girls. Material and methods. The study population consisted of 5th and 6th graders and their parents in Pori, Finland. There were 1691 children ranging in age between 11 and 12 years. The data were gathered by questionnaires. For the analyses, we grouped children and parents within three lifestyle groups: favorable, moderate and poor. Differences in child-related and/or parent-related characteristics between boys and girls were analyzed with logistic regression analyses; those with a favorable lifestyle comprised the healthy lifestyle group, and those with a moderate or poor lifestyle the unhealthy lifestyle group. Results. Oral health-related lifestyle was healthy more often among girls than among boys. In both genders, those who considered toothbrushing important for pleasing authorities more often had a healthy lifestyle...

Langerin-expressing and CD83-expressing cells in oral lichen planus lesions.

Abstract: Objective. Dendritic Langerhans cells (LCs) have been attributed a role in the pathogenesis of lichen planus as autoantigen-presenting cells initiating expansion of autoreactive T cells. Langerin and CD83, which are cell molecules expressed on LCs, are associated with antigen presentation. The present study examined expression of Langerin and CD83 molecules on LCs in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP). Material and methods. Biopsies were obtained from seven patients with OLP. Oral mucosa from seven healthy subjects served as controls. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were used in standard immunohistochemical procedures to visualize CD1a-, Langerin-, and CD83-molecule-expressing cells. Results. CD1a+ and Langerin+ cells were found in significantly higher frequencies in OLP epithelium compared with healthy oral epithelium (p 0.05). The connective tissue in OLP lesions showed significantly higher frequencies of CD1a+, Lan...

Reinforcing effect of glass-fiber-reinforced composite on flexural strength at the proportional limit of denture base resin

Abstract: Objective. To evaluate the reinforcing effect of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) on flexural strengths at the proportional limit (FS-PL) of a denture base resin. Material and methods. Bar-shaped acrylic resin specimens and maxillary acrylic resin complete denture specimens were fabricated. The FS-PL of the reinforced bar-shaped specimens was tested. Novel FRC, FibreKor, Remanium, Palatal Bar Wire, and Clasp-Wire were used as reinforcing materials. Likewise, the compressive strength at the proportional limit (CS-PL) of the reinforced maxillary denture specimens was tested. Results. The FS-PL of the bar-shaped specimens reinforced with the FRCs was significantly higher than that of the unreinforced specimenswithouwi. The FS-PL of the bar-shaped specimens reinforced with the 1.0-mm-thick FRC was similar to the FS-PL of specimens reinforced with Remanium or Palatal Bar Wire. The FS-PL of specimens reinforced with the 1.5-mm-thick FRC was significantly higher than with the metal-reinforcing materials. The rei...

A two-year follow-up study of temporomandibular disorders in a female Sami population: validation of cases and controls as predicted by questionnaire

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The first aim of this study was to validate persistent, severe symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) among Sami females, as predicted by questionnaire. The second aim was to esta ...