Showing papers in "Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology in 1985"
TL;DR: A high degree of malignant potential is found in patients with oral submucous fibrosis followed-up for a period of 17 yr (median observation 10 yr) in Ernakulam District, Kerala, India.
Abstract: Sixty-six patients with oral submucous fibrosis were followed-up for a period of 17 yr (median observation 10 yr) in Ernakulam District, Kerala, India. Oral cancer developed in five (7.6%) patients. The malignant transformation rate in the same sample was 4.5% over a 15-yr observation period (median 8 yr). These findings impart a high degree of malignant potential to this condition.
337 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that while frequent dental visits help to postpone tooth loss and to maintain dental function, they do not apparently help to prevent the onset of further disease.
Abstract: This article examines the relationship between differences in dental attendance patterns and variations in dental status. A sample of 336 dentate men and 110 dentate women were selected at random from employees of two industrial plants in N.W. England in 1980. They were given a dental examination and asked about visits to the dentist. Regression analysis showed that while the more frequent the dental visits, the lower the rate of tooth loss and the fewer the number of teeth with active decay, the higher, however, the average number of fillings. There were significant differences, moreover, between manual and non-manual workers, the former being more likely to lose their teeth and the latter to have their teeth filled, at each given age and frequency of dental visit. Though the more frequent dental attenders had the advantage over the less frequent of having, on average, a higher number of functioning teeth, restored or otherwise sound, they also had the disadvantage of having higher levels of treated disease and thus of disease experience. The results suggest that while frequent dental visits help to postpone tooth loss and to maintain dental function, they do not apparently help to prevent the onset of further disease.
104 citations
TL;DR: A longitudinal study of clinical signs and subjective symptoms of mandibular dysfunction was performed with a 4-yr interval in 119 children, now 11 and 15 yr old, and showed that 66% in both age groups had clinical signs while 62 and 66%, respectively, complained of subjective symptoms.
Abstract: A longitudinal study of clinical signs and subjective symptoms of mandibular dysfunction was performed with a 4-yr interval in 119 children, now 11 and 15 yr old. The results showed that 66% in both age groups had clinical signs while 62 and 66%, respectively, complained of subjective symptoms. In most cases the signs were mild, but 11% of the 11-yr-olds and 17% of the 15-yr-olds had moderate, or, in a few cases, severe signs of dysfunction. Most of the children with subjective symptoms had their symptoms occasionally but 3% in the younger and 11% in the older age group had frequent symptoms from the masticatory system. When comparisons were made with the findings 4 yr earlier, it was noted that the subjective symptoms had increased in frequency in the younger children, while the clinical signs had increased in both groups. These age differences, as well as the prevalence figures recorded longitudinally, agreed well with previous findings in cross-sectional investigations of different age groups.
86 citations
TL;DR: This report analyzes data from a representative national sample of 11 338 American adults aged 25-74, examined in a national survey in 1971-74 to hypothesized that maintenance of oral hygiene levels corresponding to OHI-S scores of 0.3-0.2, is sufficient to maintain a dentition free of periodontal disease throughout life.
Abstract: Recent research has suggested that susceptibility to destructive periodontal disease may not be as universal as was previously thought. This report analyzes data from a representative national sample of 11 338 American adults aged 25-74, examined in a national survey in 1971-74. Results showed that 46.1% of those aged 65-74 were edentulous, but half of the dentate persons in that age group were diagnosed as free of destructive periodontal disease. Periodontal (PI) and oral hygiene (OHI-S) index scores in this group were significantly better in those persons who had lost fewest teeth. When persons aged 65-74 who retained 25 or more teeth were compared with younger adults who also had 25 or more teeth, OHI-S and CI scores were similar. It is hypothesized that maintenance of oral hygiene levels corresponding to OHI-S scores of 0.3-0.6, and calculus levels corresponding to CI scores of 0.1-0.2, is sufficient to maintain a dentition free of periodontal disease throughout life. Slightly higher OHI-S levels (0.7-1.3) and CI levels (0.3-0.6) might be compatible with acceptably low levels of periodontal disease.
80 citations
TL;DR: The interval between recall examinations using radiographs was not consistently shorter for dentists who decided to carry out operative caries treatment at a relatively advanced stage and the criteria for restoration based on radiographic appearance was best correlated with the dentists' opinions about cavity formation.
Abstract: Of a random sample of dentists in Norway (n = 741), 83% responded to a questionnaire about their use of radiographs in and their opinions and knowledge about the diagnosis of approximal caries. There was great disparity in criteria for initiation of restorative treatment of approximal caries based on radiographic appearance. Two thirds of the dentists would do restorative treatment of lesions confined to enamel, the others would wait until lesions had reached the dentin before treatment was commenced. The criteria for restoration based on radiographic appearance was best correlated with the dentists' opinions about cavity formation. About 20% of the variation in criteria among dentists was explained by the radiographic appearance dentists associated wih the presence of a cavity. The majority of the dentists believed that approximal caries progressed faster than is indicated by progression studies. The interval between recall examinations using radiographs was not consistently shorter for dentists who decided to carry out operative caries treatment at a relatively advanced stage.
75 citations
TL;DR: Dental fears and other fears were assessed in 67 patients with dental fear with the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (CDAS), the Geer Fear Scale (GFS), and a behavioral dentist's rating scale (DR), supporting the usefulness of CDAS in assessing dental fear.
Abstract: Dental fears and other fears were assessed in 67 patients with dental fear with the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (CDAS), the Geer Fear Scale (GFS), and a behavioral dentist's rating scale (DR). Patients were selected because of extreme initial dental fear (n = 20), favorable response to treatment for dental fear (n = 24), or unfavorable response to treatment for dental fear (n = 23). CD AS change paralleled behavioral change (DR), supporting the usefulness of CDAS in assessing dental fear. GFS scores did not change in either group but were higher among patients who did not respond to treatment for dental fear; these findings are discussed in terms of treatment outcome prediction and treatment specificity.
75 citations
TL;DR: Cies progression beyond the stage of enamel caries was markedly reduced in the fluoridated area, and no pre-eruptive effect could be observed if the total number of lesions, including enamel lesions, from Tiel and Culemborg were compared.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine longitudinally the effect of water fluoridation on the prevalence of enamel lesions in children 7-18 yr of age. 93 children in Tiel (1 ppm F-) and 103 children in Culemborg (0.1 ppm F-) were examined every other year at 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 yr of age. A supplementary examination was carried out when these children reached the age of 18. Children in Tiel had access to water fluoridation from birth. The total number of lesions, including enamel lesions, on the buccal as well as on the occlusal surfaces was approximately the same in both areas in children 15 and 18 yr of age. Approximal lesions were scored on standardized bitewing radiographs. A large proportion of enamel lesions could not be detected on radiographs. In a fluoridated area a high percentage of all lesions remain in the stage of enamel caries lesions. On buccal surfaces 93% and on approximal surfaces 86% of all lesions had not progressed into the dentin. In Culemborg these percentages were 65 for approximal as well as for buccal surfaces. At the initiation of lesions, at younger ages, only a small retardation of the process was observed, but caries progression beyond the stage of enamel caries was markedly reduced in the fluoridated area. No pre-eruptive effect could be observed if the total number of lesions, including enamel lesions, from Tiel and Culemborg were compared.
65 citations
TL;DR: There was a need to improve the oral hygiene of most of those examined, and no correlation was found between the systemic health and the oral health of the residents.
Abstract: The oral health and medico-dental status of 250 mostly elderly residents of a long term care institution were assessed by examination and a review of medical records. In addition, attitudes to dental care, dental experiences, and demands for care were solicited from those who could participate in an interview. There were no dental complaints from 70% of those interviewed. The complaints most frequently reported were difficulties with mouth dryness, hygiene, and chewing. Natural teeth remained in at least one jaw in 30% of the 245 residents examined. Dental caries was present in 78% of this dentate group, with coronal and root lesions equally prevalent. Gingival bleeding was also common in this group and 29% had deep periodontal pockets. Nearly 50% of the mandibular dentures and 25% of the maxillary dentures examined were inadequate. Mandibular dysfunction occurred in 25% of the population and was more frequent in the dentate group. Oral mucosal pathoses were rare. No correlation was found between the systemic health and the oral health of the residents. There was a need to improve the oral hygiene of most of those examined. Less than 20% of the denture wearers would have benefitted from treatment and 10% of those with defective dentures were considered unsuitable for treatment. In contrast, 60%) of those with natural teeth required restorations and 36% needed one or more teeth removed. Very few urgent needs were seen. An inter-examiner accumulative inconsistency of 11% was measured between the three examiners, and a third of the assessments made of periodontal status were contradictory.
64 citations
TL;DR: 60 uninstructed adults aged 18-22 yr (agricultural students) brushed their teeth and were recorded on video tape, and the total brushing time and the numbers of strokes used in each of 16 areas of the mouth were obtained.
Abstract: 60 uninstructed adults aged 18-22 yr (agricultural students) brushed their teeth and were recorded on video tape. From repeated viewing of the tapes, the total brushing time and the numbers of strokes used in each of 16 areas of the mouth were obtained for each subject. The mean (+/- SD) brushing time was 33.0 s (+/- 12.0); the mean number of strokes employed by each subject was 302 (+/- 122). More strokes were used to brush the mandibular than the maxillary arch, labial and buccal than occlusal areas, and occlusal than lingual areas. The results are compared with those from a similar study in uninstructed schoolchildren, reported previously.
60 citations
TL;DR: The devastating orofacial gangrenous disease known as cancrum oris (noma) is still commonly seen in underprivileged Nigerian children, and acquired immunodeficiency as well as the impaired endocrine balance of the chronically malnourished permits, for example, widespread infection with the measles virus.
Abstract: The devastating orofacial gangrenous disease known as cancrum oris (noma) is still commonly seen in underprivileged Nigerian children. These children are usually victims of such stressors as chronic malnutrition, numerous endemic communicable diseases and severe adverse physical conditions which may lead to depletion of their adaptive resources or produce physiological maladaptation to additional stressors. Measles is the most common infection preceding the development of noma in Nigerian children. Acquired immunodeficiency as well as the impaired endocrine balance of the chronically malnourished permits, for example, widespread infection with the measles virus. Anergy resulting from the combination of malnutrition and measles virus infection promotes selective overgrowth and invasion by an infective consortium consisting of anaerobic organisms and other species capable of elaborating necessary growth factors for the former. Because of the pre-existing depletion of adaptive physiologic resources in the malnourished child, the infection is not readily contained locally as necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis but instead spreads rapidly to the next naturally occurring anatomical barriers. This is then followed by continuing necrosis and possible sequestration as exemplified by noma.
56 citations
TL;DR: The survey confirmed that diffuse opacities occur in children with a low fluoride intake but the prevalence increases in groups of children given fluoride supplements.
Abstract: A survey of the prevalence of dental caries and developmental enamel defects in 666 New Zealand children aged 9 years and with differing histories of fluoride supplementation was carried out in 1982. In the LF (low fluoride) group 22.8% of children had diffuse white opacities compared with the WF (water fluoridation) group, 36.7%, and the CT (continuous use of fluoride tablets) group 49.4% (P = 0.0018). When the tooth prevalence was determined, the differences were more marked with 4.9% of teeth affected in the LF group and 24.7% in the CT group. Dental caries prevalence in the fluoride history groups displayed an inverse relationship with fluoride supplementation, the LF group had a DMFT of 2.4, the WF group, 1.7 and the CT group, 1.2. The prevalence of both diffuse opacities and of dental caries in the PT group where tablets had been used to 5-6 yr of age was anomalous. The survey confirmed that diffuse opacities occur in children with a low fluoride intake but the prevalence increases in groups of children given fluoride supplements.
TL;DR: It is suggested that the reason for the long-term effect obtained in the present study was the use of the principle of active involvement of the participants in the DHE-program.
Abstract: A basic problem in dental health education (DHE) is that the effect usually disappears shortly after the termination of a program. The purpose of the present study was to obtain long-term effect of a DHE-program by emphasizing the active involvement of the participants. The sample comprised an experimental and a control group, each of 68 unskilled workers, aged 18-64. Active participation was obtained by various means: Teaching was carried out in pre-existing peer groups, the participants' own goals and needs were included, the traditional dentist-patient barriers were excluded, the traditional dentist-patient roles were changed, and the sessions were repeated. No dental treatment was included. The control group did not participate in the DHE-programme. Plaque (PII) and gingivitis (GI) were scored before the program, immediately after, and 6 months and 31/2 yr after the last session. In the experimental group PII and GI decreased significantly from 1.30 and 1.42 at baseline to 0.39 and 0.97 6 months after the program, and 0.45 and 0.79 31/2 yr after the termination of the program. It is suggested that the reason for the long-term effect obtained in the present study was the use of the principle of active involvement of the participants in the DHE-program.
TL;DR: The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the prevalence of traumatic injuries to permanent incisors and canines and their distribution according to type in schoolchildren from the city of Santo Domingo, in the Southern part of the Dominican Republic.
Abstract: The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze, by age and sex, 1) the prevalence of traumatic injuries to permanent incisors and canines, and 2) their distribution according to type in schoolchildren from the city of Santo Domingo, in the Southern part of the Dominican Republic, which is located in the Caribbean Archipelago. The sample consisted of 1200 children aged 6-17 yr enrolled in eight public and private schools. Garcia-Godoy's classification for traumatic injuries was used. The prevalence of injuries was 12.2% (13.1% in boys and 11.2% in girls). The largest number of injuries was presented by the 14-yr-old children (17.4%) followed by the 13- and 12-yr-olds (15.7% and 11.7%, respectively). More boys injured their teeth than girls (not significantly) with a boy-to-girl ratio of 1.1:1. The most common type of injury in both sexes was enamel-dentin fracture, followed by enamel fracture.
TL;DR: The mean fluoride concentration of the samples increased consistently and significantly, but mostly non-proportionately, with increasing water fluoride level, and caries experience decreased with increasing fluoride exposure.
Abstract: Individual samples of urine, fingernails, head-hair, saliva, plaque and enamel were collected from three groups of Hungarian children, aged 14 years, who were exposed to contrasting water fluoride levels (less than or equal to 0.11 ppm; 0.5-1.1 ppm; 1.6-3.1 ppm). The mean fluoride concentration of the samples increased consistently and significantly, but mostly non-proportionately, with increasing water fluoride level. With the exception of plaque, the materials examined are considered suitable indicators of exposure to or systemic utilization of fluoride for population groups. Caries experience decreased with increasing fluoride exposure. Dental fluorosis constituted no clinical or aesthetic problem.
TL;DR: Measurement of dental treatment anxiety and oral health, in a sample of naval recruits, confirmed the generally held expectation that a high anxiety group would have significantly greater numbers of diseased surfaces than a low anxiety group, but it was also shown that dental anxiety was not a predictor of DS within the ungrouped sample.
Abstract: Measurement of denial treatment anxiety and oral health, in a sample of naval recruits, confirmed the generally held expectation that a high anxiety group would have significantly greater numbers of diseased surfaces (DS) than a low anxiety group. However, it was also shown that dental anxiety was not a predictor of DS within the ungrouped sample. In evaluating the public health impact of dental treatment anxiety on oral health, attention must be paid to the context of data collection and analysis. Evidence bearing on group differences does not necessarily describe the situation within a population.
TL;DR: Although the educational intervention resulted in no significant differences between the two groups with regard to attitude, there was a significant positive change in attitude within the experimental group from pre- to posttest.
Abstract: A field experiment was done to evaluate the short term effects of a series of classroom preventive dentistry presentations on dental health knowledge, attitudes and reported behavior of adolescents. Eight hundred fifty-four boys and girls, 12-14-yr-old students enrolled in San Francisco middle schools, were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. A written test composed of questions relating to factual dental health knowledge, home care practices, and attitudes to dental health was answered by the experimental group at the beginning and end of the educational intervention and at comparable time intervals by the controls. Results showed a significant increase in knowledge for the experimental group (P less than 0.001), as compared with the control group. Pre-existing attitudes were generally positive for most subjects. Although the educational intervention resulted in no significant differences between the two groups with regard to attitude, there was a significant positive change in attitude within the experimental group (P less than 0.01) from pre- to posttest. In addition, there was a significant increase in the frequency with which the girls in the experimental group reportedly used the toothbrush (P = 0.01) and dental floss (P = 0.01).
TL;DR: Though many factors may contraindicate treatment, it should in many cases be possible to improve the dental situation for this group of mentally retarded patients, thereby helping these patients to a better oral function.
Abstract: Occlusal anomalies were recorded in 218 mentally retarded young adults, aged 13-19 yr. Down's syndrome was diagnosed in 37 cases. Among the Down's syndrome individuals 41% had mandibular overjet, 54% mesial molar occlusion, 38% frontal open bite and 65% crossbite. Also, the mentally retarded subjects without Down's syndrome had markedly increased frequencies of some of the anomalies when compared to normal individuals. Thus, 27% had extreme maxillary overjet, 6% mandibular overjet, 17% mesial molar occlusion, 23% frontal open bite and 29% crossbite. Orthodontic dental service for the mentally retarded has been neglected for a long time. Though many factors may contraindicate treatment, it should in many cases be possible to improve the dental situation for this group, thereby helping these patients to a better oral function.
TL;DR: A combined sociodental research project was started in the city of Groningen in 1982 aimed at gaining insight into the reasons for total tooth extraction and it appeared that most surfaces in the molar region and the front teeth in the mandible were affected by periodontal disease.
Abstract: A combined sociodental research project was started in the city of Groningen in 1982 aimed at gaining insight into the reasons for total tooth extraction. Patients showing up for total tooth extraction during 1982 participated in this study by filling out a questionnaire concerning the underlying reasons for their decision to have all their teeth extracted. The dentists in this city were asked to collect all the extracted teeth and to fill out a short questionnaire for each patient about the reason (diagnosis) for the total tooth extraction. The periodontal status of the extracted teeth was established afterwards by measuring the percentage of the loss of attachment (L.A.). It appeared that most surfaces in the molar region and the front teeth in the mandible were affected by periodontal disease. Advanced generalized periodontal disease was established in 17% of the patients, accounting for 64% of all teeth with an L.A. measurement of greater than 50%. Periodontal disease could not be identified as the main clinical condition requiring tooth extraction: even in the group of 55 yr of age and older advanced periodontal disease was found in only one third of the extracted teeth. Finally, the contribution of regular dental attendance to periodontal health is discussed.
TL;DR: The main purpose of this study was to compare the diagnosis of mild enamel fluorosis as established by two scoring systems, that of Dean based primarily on quantitative aspects and that of Thylstrup & Fejerskov with a preferentially qualitative approach.
Abstract: The main purpose of this study was to compare the diagnosis of mild enamel fluorosis as established by two scoring systems, that of Dean based primarily on quantitative aspects and that of Thylstrup & Fejerskov with a preferentially qualitative approach. A further aim was to study the prevalence of fluorosis in permanent maxillary incisors after intake of fluoride tablets for a minimum of 5 yr between 1/2 and 6 yr of age in accordance with recommendations from the National Swedish Board of Health and Welfare. Maxillary incisors were examined in 118 13-yr-old children; 49 constituted a tablet group and the remaining 69 a control group who had never consumed tablets. Scored according to Dean, the difference in enamel fluorosis between the two groups was statistically not significant at the 5% level, whereas the system of Thylstrup & Fejerskov did give a significant difference. The frequency of fluorosis was substantially lower than that resulting from consumption of drinking water in Uppsala, Sweden, containing 1-1.2 ppm F. A probable relationship was found between the scoring systems, particularly if the Dean score 0.5 ("questionable") was converted to score 1. To ensure correct diagnosis, the tooth surface should be exposed to prolonged drying and apply relevant criteria for the differential diagnosis of disturbances of other origin. The higher sensitivity of Thylstrup & Fejerskov's system relates to score 1, narrow white lines located corresponding to perikymata. Here there seems to be a risk of over- or underdiagnosing. Recommendations are given for epidemiologic surveys and for experimental trials of limited size.
TL;DR: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the standard of oral hygiene and periodontal health among institutionalized and non-institutionalized mentally retarded children with and without Down's syndrome in relation to dental care and socioeconomic status, and indicates a relationship between socioeconomic status andperiodontal conditions.
Abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the standard of oral hygiene and periodontal health among institutionalized and non-institutionalized mentally retarded children with and without Down's syndrome in relation to dental care and socioeconomic status. A total of 329 persons, 6-19 yr old, were examined. In general, oral hygiene and periodontal health were poor and most of the children had gingival bleeding. The best, as well as the poorest, oral hygiene and periodontal health was found among subjects living at home. Children with Down's syndrome had less plaque and calculus but, in spite of this, a tendency to more gingivitis than others. Individuals who had their teeth brushed every day under teacher supervision had better periodontal health than others. Furthermore this study indicates a relationship between socioeconomic status and periodontal conditions.
TL;DR: It is shown that, 15 yr after fluoridation commenced in Auckland, New Zealand, there was still a significant correlation between dental health of children and their social class, and when the socioeconomic variable is allowed for, child dental health appears to be better in the unfluoridated areas.
Abstract: In this study in oral epidemiology, officially collected statistics are presented which show that, 15 yr after fluoridation commenced in Auckland, New Zealand, there was still a significant correlation between dental health of children and their social class They also show that treatment levels have continued to decline in both fluoridated and unfluoridated areas, and are related to social class factors rather than to the presence or absence of water fluoridation In the unfluoridated areas all the children, and in the fluoridated areas only selected children, had received regular topical fluoride treatments In both areas the use of fluoride tooth-pastes and oral hygiene had been encouraged When the socioeconomic variable is allowed for, child dental health appears to be better in the unfluoridated areas
TL;DR: A lower level of education, irregular dental attendance, and edentulousness appeared to be associated with a higher level of dental anxiety, while women reported higher dental anxiety levels than men.
Abstract: — In a survey comprising 620 30–40-yr-old inhabitants of a Dutch town. dental anxiety was measured along with some sociodemographic variables. The data were analyzed in an attempt to reveal associations between sociodemographically determined groups of respondents and their scores on the different measurements of dental anxiety. Women reported higher dental anxiety levels than men. with the exception of body damage anticipation anxiety. The rank order of birth seemed to have no Iniluence. Divorced tiien and women reported a higher anxiety level tin two ofthe anxiety measurements, but the association appeared to be weak. A lower level of education, irregular dental attendance, and edentulousness appeared to be associated with a higher level of dental anxiety.
TL;DR: There was a significant difference in the distribution of the diagnoses between patients with regular and non-regular dental care, and it seems reasonable to assume that in Denmark there are at least 70 000 annual consultations to a dentist due to pain.
Abstract: — From September 1981 to February 1982, an epidemiologic study was carried out on the incidence of pain conditions among patients between 18 and 70 yr of age in 30 dental practices in Ribe County, Denmark. A total of 35464 patients consulted the 50 participating dentists during the study period. 823 patients con-sulted the dentist due to pain. The most frequent cause of pain was caries sequelae (pulpitis (35%) and acute apical periodontitis (31%)). There was a significant difference in the distribution of the diagnoses between patients with regular and non-regular dental care. Although the data in the present study may not be representative for the entire Danish population, it seems reasonable to assume that in Denmark there are at least 70000 annual consultations to a dentist due to pain. Furthermore, a minimum of 4000 patients can be expected to be absent from work annually, due to illness caused by dental pain.
TL;DR: The dental status of this population was poor and dental needs were high and for the future emphasis should be put into primary and secondary prevention from very young ages so that needs of thispopulation as they get older would dramatically decrease as compared to the need of this study population.
Abstract: Dental status and dental needs of a geriatric population were evaluated among 304 elderly people living in old age homes and in their own homes in Jerusalem, Israel. A total of 181 people (59.5%) were edentulous in both jaws and an additional 3% were edentulous in one jaw. Almost all dentures (95%) were considered to be unsatisfactory. In all, 1809 h were found to be necessary for treating cavities and prosthetic needs of this population and an additional 214 h for periodontal treatment which did not include surgery. In conclusion the dental status of this population was poor and dental needs were high. Since dental treatment is so expensive it is believed that this population would receive almost no treatment but for the future emphasis should be put into primary and secondary prevention from very young ages so that needs of this population as they get older would dramatically decrease as compared to the need of this study population.
TL;DR: It was concluded that the two radiographic techniques may be used interchangeably in epidemiologic studies.
Abstract: Readability and alveolar bone level were compared in 455 sets of standardized radiographs each consisting of four periapical (PA) and two bitewing (BW) films. BW radiographs showed significantly higher proportions of unreadable sites in the canines and the mesial surface of first premolars (P less than 0.0001), while PA radiographs exhibited significantly higher proportions of unreadable sites in the distal surface of second molars (P less than 0.0001). Alveolar bone level was assessable in a total of 10016 sites, and the comparison showed identical readings in 82% of the sites. In the maxilla, a significantly higher proportion of sites exhibited larger bone loss measurements (P less than 0.0001) and more sites with significantly higher mean values (P less than 0.005) in BW than in PA films. Mandibular sites showed the opposite trend. The majority of the sites revealed a Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) ranging between 0.60 and 0.82. No significant difference between mean bone loss measurements in the two types of radiographs for all the sites was found. It was concluded that the two radiographic techniques may be used interchangeably in epidemiologic studies.
TL;DR: The aim of this study was to show how the survival of restorations placed in teeth of young patients varied with the age of the patient at the time of treatment.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to show how the survival of restorations placed in teeth of young patients varied with the age of the patient at the time of treatment. Data from the treatment records of 113 regularly attending patients at one practice were collected, and the fate and survival of 1327 restorations was determined from the sequences of treatment of each permanent tooth. Occlusal restorations occurred most frequently (37.6%) and together with the MO and DO restorations (22.6%) accounted for more than half of the restorations in the study. The proportion of replaced restorations increased with increasing patient age at the time of treatment, from 33% to 56%. The survival of all restorations improved the older the patient at the time of treatment, from 40% to 77% surviving 5 yr. The implications for the treatment of carious young permanent teeth are considered.
TL;DR: The total palpation score proved to be a reliable, sensitive, easy and fast predictor for the severity of the TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome.
Abstract: A total of 211 persons with a complete natural dentition were examined for signs and symptoms of the TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome. They also answered the questions of the Dutch version of the Hopkins Symptoms Check List (HSCL). Schooling, age and sex were also registered. Signs and symptoms of the TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome proved to be highly correlated to the psychologic and somatic scales of the HSCL with one exception: maximal mouth opening. The total palpation score proved to be a reliable, sensitive, easy and fast predictor for the severity of the TMJ pain dysfunction syndrome.
TL;DR: The majority of the demands reflect a need for emergency care such as exodontia and dressings for cavities, which is currently being carried out by dentists but could easily be done by auxiliaries at low cost.
Abstract: The demand for dental care was assessed among 3000 dental patients visiting an out-patient clinic in Sri Lanka. 46% of the patients sought treatment for complaints related to advanced stages of dental caries whilst 18% requested treatment for early stages of decay. 20% had complaints related to periodontal disease of which two-thirds had advanced symptoms of mobility. The majority of the demands reflect a need for emergency care such as exodontia and dressings for cavities, which is currently being carried out by dentists but could easily be done by auxiliaries at low cost.
TL;DR: Children from migrant families, primarily Mexican-American, completed questionnaires relating demographic background, past dental experience, and knowledge of caries preventive methods and members of this selected population were weak in their knowledge of the relation between a sweet diet and caries and the role of fluorides in caries prevention.
Abstract: In conjunction with operation of a summer school-based dental program in Michigan, 101 children from migrant families, primarily Mexican-American, completed questionnaires relating demographic background, past dental experience, and knowledge of caries preventive methods. A smaller number of available mothers were asked these questions plus others relating to family dental problems, diet and knowledge of periodontal disease. Adults and children reported similar demographic backgrounds. Most children (68.7%) listed brushing as the best way to prevent cavities as did 60% of the mothers. Less than 2% of the children considered use of fluoride in any form as the best way to prevent cavities and only two of 20 mothers mentioned fluoride in this context. Members of this selected population were weak in their knowledge of the relation between a sweet diet and caries, the relation between oral hygiene and periodontal health, and the role of fluorides in caries prevention.
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of two fluoride varnishes (Duraphat and Fluor Protector) in the prevention of dental caries in children residing in a non-fluoridated community.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of two fluoride varnishes (Duraphat and Fluor Protector) in the prevention of dental caries in children residing in a non-fluoridated community. At baseline, 787 grade one children (6–7-yr old) were examined and randomly allocated into a control and two treatment groups. At 20 months, 703 children remained in the study. The mean baseline caries experience and the mean number of permanent teeth present at 20 months were not significantly different among the treatment and control groups. The mean DMFS increments after 20 months were 1.70, 1.73 and 2.02 for Fluor-Protector, Duraphat and control groups respectively (% reductions of 15.8 and 14.4 for Fluor-Protcelor and Duraphat groups). The mean dfs increments for primary molars after 20 months were 1.56, 1.62 and 1.74 for Fluor-Protector, Duraphat and control groups respectively (% reductions of 10 for Fluor-Protector and 7 for Duraphat).