Showing papers on "Oral hygiene published in 1984"

Long‐term effect of surgical/non‐surgical treatment of periodontal disease

Abstract: The present investigation describes the effect of periodontal therapy in a group of patients who, following active treatment, were monitored over a 5-year period One aim of the study was to analyze the role played by the patients' self-performed plaque control in preventing recurrent periodontitis In addition, probing depth and attachment level alterations were studied separately for sites with initial probing depths of greater than or equal to 4 mm which were treated initially by either surgical or non-surgical procedures Following active treatment (surgical/non-surgical), the patients were maintained on a plaque control regimen for 6 months, which included professional tooth cleaning once every 2 weeks During the subsequent 18 months, the interval between the recall appointments was extended to 12 weeks and included prophylaxis as well as oral hygiene instruction Following the 24-month examination, the interval between the recall appointments was further extended, now to 4-6 months In addition, the maintenance program was restricted to oral hygiene instruction and professional, supragingival tooth cleaning, but further subgingival instrumentation was avoided Clinical examinations including assessments of the oral hygiene, the gingival conditions, the probing depths and the attachment levels were performed at Baseline and after 24 and 60 months after completion of active therapy Assessments of plaque and gingivitis were repeated annually The results of the examinations showed that the patients' standard of self-maintained oral hygiene had a decisive influence on the long-term effect of treatment Patients who during the 5 years of monitoring consistently had a high frequency of plaque-free tooth surfaces showed little evidence of recurrent periodontal disease, while patients who had a low frequency of plaque-free tooth surfaces had a high frequency of sites showing additional loss of attachment The present findings demonstrated that sites with an initial pocket depth exceeding 3 mm responded equally well to non-surgical and surgical treatments This statement is based on probing depth and attachment level data from sites which were free of plaque at the 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, 48-, and 60-month reexaminations It is suggested that the critical determinant in periodontal therapy is not the technique (surgical or non-surgical) that is used for the elimination of the subgingival infection, but the quality of the debridement of the root surface

Periodontal Treatment Without Maintenance: A Retrospective Study in 44 Patients

Abstract: This study presents our findings on 44 patients who were treated for periodontal disease and for varying reasons elected not to participate in the maintenance aspect of periodontal care. All patients were initially given intensive instructions in personal oral hygiene, along with initial scaling and root planing. Each patient had two or more quadrants of pocket reduction therapy. Tooth mortality revealed a mean annual adjusted tooth loss rate of 0.22 (4.7%). Between examinations, breakdown in the health status of furcations was noted. Mean probing depth scores at the second examination showed no significant differences from the first examination scores. Measurements of bone levels revealed a worsening of bone scores between examinations. The results of this study show that periodontal therapy without maintenance is of little value in terms of restoring periodontal health.

Clinical evaluation of patients eight to nine years after placement of removable partial dentures

Abstract: Removable partial dentures, constructed following principles outlined in this study, provided reasonable service for an 8- to 9-year period for patients who were wearing them. The oral hygiene of the patients was less than ideal. Few teeth were lost by patients in the study. There were no significant differences in caries incidence, changes in sulcus depths, tooth mobility, or alveolar bone loss between patients who were wearing their dentures and those who were not. There were increased levels of gingival inflammation seen in regions covered by the removable partial dentures and in gingivae apical to clasp arms. Other than these findings, there seemed to be no direct evidence that the removable partial dentures were causing dental or periodontal breakdown.

Effect of combined systemic antimicrobial therapy and mechanical plaque control in patients with recurrent periodontal disease

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of systemic antimicrobial therapy and mechanical plaque control in patients with recurrent periodontal disease. 9 patients volunteered for the combined therapy. At a baseline examination they were randomly distributed into 2 groups, one given tetracycline therapy for 2 weeks and the other metronidazole therapy for 1 week. A mechanical plaque control program comprising oral hygiene training, professional cleaning of all teeth and subgingival debridement at diseased sites was carried out at the baseline examination and at all recall visits, i.e. once every month during the first 6 months and then after 9, 12, and 18 months. The results demonstrated clinically and microbiologically that a combination of an initial antimicrobial and a continuous systematic mechanical plaque control program may be a valuable therapeutic approach in a strictly selected group of refractory patients. Recurrent periodontal lesions which still displayed severe inflammation despite renewed conventional therapy showed a marked reduction in probing depths, bleeding and suppuration from the pockets, and further, a reduced presence of spirochetes and motile rods during the trial. The results indicate that the level and longevity of success is also related to whether or not self-performed oral hygiene measures are sufficiently carried out. No superior effect of the combined program could be observed in cooperating patients receiving tetracycline as compared with those given metronidazole.

A longitudinal study of untreated periodontal disease.

Abstract: 1016 textile workers were examined during a baseline study in 1969/70. A follow-up examination in 1979/80 identified 82 subjects who had not been treated for periodontal disease in the intervening period. There were 39 male and 43 female subjects; the average age at the initial examination was 27.0 years. There was an average tooth loss of 2.5 (SEM 0.6) teeth per subject over the 10-year period. While periodontal disease was significantly related to oral hygiene at the outset, neither factor was significantly related to the degree of tooth loss. A detailed analysis of the dynamics of the periodontal condition was undertaken. The subsequent results are presented in the form of transition matrices and clearly illustrate both the progression of periodontal disease and the degree of tooth loss associated with each level of periodontal disease at the initial examination. The main findings are as follows. (a) Overall 6% of teeth initially free of periodontal disease (P.I.O.) were lost compared to 14% with destructive periodontal disease (P.I.6). (b) Progression of periodontal disease was slow for teeth initially free of periodontal disease and with mild gingivitis (P.I.0 and P.I.1) for all age groups. However severe gingivitis (P.I.2), resulted in more rapid deterioration of the supporting tissues in subjects over 35 years old at the final examination; 35% of such teeth changed to destructive periodontal disease (P.I.6) compared to 17% of corresponding teeth for the under 35-year age group. In contrast, a poorer prognosis was found for the teeth with destructive periodontal disease (P.I.6) in the younger age group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prevalence of dentistry phobia and its relation to missing teeth, alveolar bone loss and dental care habits in an urban community sample

Abstract: In a representative sample of 784 women in Gothenburg, aged 38-54 years, the point prevalence of dentistry phobia was 13.4%; 4.3% suffered a dentistry phobia of high degree. The prevalence was much increased in women with low school education and in the lower social classes. In most cases (88%) the phobia onset occurred before age 20. Only 11% of the phobic subjects were aware of having been exposed to anxiety-provoking dental treatment situations at onset of phobia. All phobics reported a chronic course, although most of them (90%) had partial remissions at times. Phobia of dental treatment was related to high number of missing teeth, high amount of alveolar bone loss and a high prevalence of removable dentures. Most associations between dentistry phobia and impaired dental status remained statistically significant when allowance was made for age and social class. The neglected dental status in the phobic women may have psychological effects and impair the social functioning. As the incidence peak occurs early in life, preventive measures must primarily be directed against children and adolescents.

Periodontal treatment needs and oral hygiene for institutionalized individuais with handicapping conditions

Abstract: SUMMARY Forty-five patients aged 3 to 22 who have handicapping conditions were examined to determine their oral hygiene leveis and periodontal treatment needs. This study shows that oral hygiene leveis for males and the older population were higher. Periodontal treatment needs were highly correlated to oral hygiene, and were much higher for males and older age groups. Various aspects were discussed and it was concluded that primary prevention is an immediate, although a partial solution. However, new aids and antibacterial solutions should be further investigated in this population to simplify plaque removal.

Dental health in a group of drug addicts attending an addiction-clinic

Abstract: The present study was undertaken to investigate the dental health of a group of parenteral drug addicts. The study population comprised 134 persons with a mean age of 25 yr (min. 18, max. 37) examined in 1977-81. Mean DMFT was 18.3 and mean DMFS was 50.2, approximately twice as much as found in comparable age groups in Denmark. Even free smooth surfaces were often involved. The oral hygiene was measured by the use of the Visible Plaque Index (VPI) and the Bleeding Index (BI). Both indices were high, mean VPI = 77.4 and mean BI = 71.3. 12-40% of the teeth selected had a loss of periodontal attachment of more than 4 mm. It is suggested that not only drug abuse, but also factors like low social status, low education and different barriers towards receiving dental treatment should be considered in a multifactorial cause-effect relationship. The effect of offering a free dental care system for this high-risk group will be dealt with in another paper.

Evaluation of cause-related periodontal therapy and compliance with maintenance care recommendations.

Abstract: An evaluation of the long-term clinical effects of an intense period of cause-related periodontal therapy provided by dental hygiene students, was made in patients with moderately advanced periodontitis. By the evaluation, we also intended to gain information about compliance with given recommendations for periodontal health maintenance. The results after 3 years without supervision by the specialist team showed that achieved beneficial effects on the gingival conditions were maintained despite a significant increase in plaque prevalence. Recommendations as to the daily use of a variety of additional oral hygienic measures besides toothbrushing met with a considerable lack of compliance. Maintenance visits to the referring general practitioner were mostly made once a year and included regular dental care. Despite this, no further deterioration of periodontal status was observed. The results indicate that it may be possible to maintain successful effects of periodontal therapy in this patient category with less personal and professional effort than traditionally recommended.

Five-year evaluation of a dental care delivery system for drug addicts in Denmark.

Abstract: The present study describes the experiences and results of the first 5-year period of a municipal dental clinic offering free dental care to drug addicts. One of the many problems was the instability of this socially deprived group whose erratic life style made it impossible to maintain regular dental care. The DMFS level of the drug addicts was 50.2 and mean caries increment per yr was 2.5 (1.3 new surfaces and 1.2 surfaces with recurrent decay). The caries increments among the present drug abusers and the individuals on methadone maintenance were higher than among the previous drug addicts, 3.1 and 1.3 surfaces per yr respectively, but this difference was not statistically significant. Only slight improvement in oral hygiene (VPI) could be demonstrated whereas gingivitis (BI) remained unaltered. Traumatic injuries of the orofacial region were frequent. The mean time expenditure concerning dental treatment was 5 hr per individual in the initial treatment phase but decreased to 1-2 h per individual per yr. Broken appointments and last minute cancellations were as a rule related to drug/alcohol abuse. The mean number of fillings was 8.2 per individual in the initial treatment phase and 1.7 per yr for individuals in a maintenance phase. The poor dental health of the drug addicts seems closely related to their life style habits and the clue to an improvement would probably follow the cure of the drug abuse and a concurrent resocialization.

New sustained release dosage form of chlorhexidine for dental use: use for plaque control in partial denture wearers.

Abstract: The aim of this work was to test the effectiveness of a local sustained release application of chlorhexidine in prevention of plaque formation in a group of five partial denture wearers when oral hygiene procedures were withdrawn. The clinical study demonstrates that coating of the partial dentures with ethyl cellulose polymer containing the drug, prevents accumulation of plaque during a period of 12 days. No typical side effects of chlorhexidine such as tooth staining and unpleasant taste were observed during the study.

Slow release metronidazole and a simplified mechanical oral hygiene regimen in the control of chronic periodontitis

Abstract: The present study is one of a series aimed at devising practical methods of control of chronic periodontitis that do not depend upon stringent interdental cleaning by the patient. The regime consists of professional and home care components thought to be realistic for general practice. Patients with chronic periodontitis, but without any complicating factor, such as systemic disease, recent antimicrobial therapy or occlusal traumatism were selected. They received an initial thorough scaling, root planing and an instruction in Bass brushing, using a multituft brush and a sodium fluoride toothpaste, but without emphasis on inter-dental cleaning. They were then assigned to one of two groups, one of which received, in addition to the above mechanical oral hygiene regime, low (0.5%) and the other high (40%) dose metronidazole locally in periodontal pockets once a week for 4 weeks. The low dose was supplied in the form of solution inside fine dialysis tubing. The high dose was in the form of metronidazole powder incorporated in acrylic resin. Plaque index, sulcus bleeding index, probeable pocket depth and gingival shrinkage were monitored during this period and for a further 8 weeks. Both groups showed highly significant reductions in (supragingival) plaque and periodontal inflammation, maintained at least 8 weeks after the end of the 4-week chemotherapy period. Reductions in SBI were greatest for the 40% metronidazole group. It was concluded that local metronidazole, even in the form of 0.5% metronidazole in a small portion of dialysis tubing, has a positive role in the control of chronic periodontitis.

Changes in salivary peroxidase activity observed during experimentally-induced gingivitis.

Abstract: Gingivitis was experimentally induced in 8 human subjects using an acrylic overlay to cover the teeth in the experimental area during any oral hygiene procedures. The overlays were used for a period of 3 weeks, after which the subjects received a scale and polish and then practised normal oral hygiene. At regular intervals during the experimental period, mixed saliva was collected for assay of peroxidase activity by spectrophotometric and test-strip procedures and plaque and gingival indices were assessed clinically. A considerable increase in peroxidase activity was observed during the experimental period, which declined after normal hygiene was resumed. This procedure may allow assessment of the progression of gingivitis under experimental conditions.

Utilization of locus of control in the prediction of patients’ oral hygiene performance

Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between internal and external locus of control classified patients and improvement in oral hygiene skills and plaque scores. Locus of control scores, and initial and final skill and plaque scores were recorded for 22 dental patients with moderate periodontitis. Oral hygiene instruction was given over a 3-month period to each patient. Although patient oral hygiene skill level increased significantly and plaque scores declined significantly, no relationship was detected between the locus of control personality dimension and skill or plaque scores. It was concluded that personal oral hygiene instruction reinforced by self-instructional manual was effective in improving oral hygiene skill and reducing plaque scores; additional strategies for future studies investigating the locus of control dimension were presented.

Comparison of the effect of chlorhexidine and CuSO4 on plaque formation and development of gingivitis

Abstract: Recent studies have shown that several metal ions inhibit plaque formation and reduce the acidogenicity of dental plaque. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect on plaque and gingivitis of 2.2 mM CuSO4 with an equimolar solution of chlorhexidine in a modified experimental gingivitis model. The study was performed according to a double-blind cross-over design. Before each experimental period the GI was recorded and the participants’ teeth were scaled and polished to remove all supragingivul deposits. All mechanical oral hygiene was suspended during the experimental periods. The mean PlI after rinsing with chlorhexidine, CuSO4 and water was 0.29, 0.79 and 1.25, respectively. The corresponding GI values were 0.57, 0.83 and 1.02. All differences were statistically significant. The results showed that CuSO4 inhibits plaque formation and development of gingivitis, but not to the same degree as chlorhexidine.

The relation between mothers' attitude toward dentistry and the oral status of their children.

Abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to explore the effect of maternal attitude toward dentistry on the dental status of the mothers and of their children. The study population was 65 mothers and 173 children from six kindergarten classes in a middle class community in Israel. The data recorded included caries prevalence (DMFT/S -deft/s), oral hygiene (OHI), and gingival health (GI). Each mother answered a questionnaire that included components dealing with attitude regarding herself and her attitude regarding her child. The findings indicated that the more positive a mother’s attitude regarding herself, the lower her caries rate. The more positive a mother’s attitude regarding her child, the less caries the child had, the better the child’s oral hygiene, and the more dental treatment the child received. Attitude has been defined as consistency in the form of reaction to social demands; it is expected to create preparation and guidance to the manifest behavior of the individual.1 Triandis, 2 and Kerman and Trebbi3 described attitude as having three major components: cognitive, emotional, and behavioral, each contributing to the formation of the attitude. Other investigators reported that attitude does not always correspond to expected behavior. They have suggested additional components which might play a role such as one’s moral standards, habits, social expectations, and social pressures. 4"s Rayant 6 was unable to find any correlation between his patients’ gingival health and answers to a questionnaire which examined their attitude toward dental care. However, Friedman et al. 7 found less caries in children whose parents had a better attitude toward dentistry. Similarly, Eijkman et al. s showed that the better the mother’s attitude the less plaque her child had. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether there are correlations between mothers’ atAmiram Raviv, PhD titude toward dental health care, their own dental status, and the dental status of their children. Two hypotheses were tested: Hypothesis A. The more positive a mother’s attitude is, the better will be her dental status; i.e., less caries, better oral hygiene, and better gingival health. Hypothesis B. The more positive the mother’s attitude is toward dental health the better will be her child’s dental status. Methods and Materials One hundred seventy-three children, five to six years of age from six kindergarten classes in a middle class suburban community in Israel were examined. Eightyfive boys, 88 girls, and 65 mothers took part in the study. The children were examined in a school clinic, using a dental light, mirror, and probe. They were notified of the visit a few days earlier and came to the clinic with their teachers. The following data were recorded on a special examination chart: caries prevalence (deft/s), oral hygiene index,9 and gingival index (GI). 9 The study’s nature and relevance were explained to the mothers at a meeting in their child’s classroom. A few days after the examination of the children, the mothers were invited to the dental clinic for an examination of their own teeth. Appointments were set at the convenience of those who could not come on the day of the meeting. Every effort was made to encourage and facilitate the participation of the mothers. Just before the dental examination every mother was asked to answer a questionnaire reflecting her attitude toward dentistry (Figure 1). The questions were divided into four categories: K-1 Mother’s understanding and feelings regarding her own dental needs (questions 14, 18-21) K-2 Mother’s understanding and feelings regarding her child’s dental needs (questions 7,. 17, 22-24) 128 MOTHER’S DENTAL A~FITUDE/CHILD’S ORAL STATUS: Sarnat et al. Figure 1. Mother’s attitude towards dentistry questionnaire. Name Kindergarten Date __

Physicians and Caries Prevention: Results of a Physician Survey on Preventive Dental Services

Abstract: Physicians are aware of and support selected caries preventive techniques involving fluoride, particularly community water fluoridation, fluoridating school water supplies, and the prescription of dietary fluoride supplements. Physicians are generally less informed about the relative worth of other caries preventive measures. The role of the practicing physician in the provision of caries prevention methods is a very active one, with physicians prescribing fluoride supplements, counseling on diet, and providing oral hygiene education. Children would be better served in caries prevention if the interest and initiative of the medical practitioners were encouraged and current information was made available to them. These findings represent the preliminary analysis of a mailed survey to a stratified, systematic sample of 2,000 physicians who treat child patients in the nation. ( JAMA 1984;252:1447-1448)

Palateless dentures: help for the gagging patient.

Abstract: distance, a lower over-denture covering the posterior teeth may be necessary to provide the correct occlusal plane and a satisfactory occlusion. Whatever method of treatment is carried out, it is essential that patients maintain meticulous oral hygiene and motivation so that the few teeth they have can be retained. In no situation is this more important than with overdentures, where neglect can lead to rapid destruction of the crowns by caries or loss of periodontal support. Patient selection is critical; otherwise excellent results may end in disaster. Regular recall visits with scaling, polishing, fluoride application, and consolidation of oral hyg.iene instruction are essential. Patients are instructed to leave overdentures out at night to allow the soft tissues to recover and to thoroughly rinse the dentures and the mouth in water after meals if full oral hygiene is not feasible. Coating the tissue surface of an overdenture with a fluoride gel each day will reduce the tendency of the teeth to decalcify. Some patients find the taste unpleasant, and an alternative is to place a thin coat of a fluoride tooth cream on the tissue surface each day. The esthetic and psychologic improvement in the patient illustrated in Figs. 1) 2, and 6 was so great that it was later decided to extract the deciduous lower incisor and make a complete lower overdenture, because the lower anterior teeth had become the esthetic problem.

Diabetes mellitus: medical and dental considerations.

Abstract: SUMMARY Diabetes mellitus is challenging to the clinician, researcher, and patient because of its complex pathogenesis, questionable cause, and often frustrating course of treatment. The two relatively distinct forms, adult-onset and juvenile-onset diabetes, can be considered separately because their cause, clinical course, and treatment is often radically different. Adult-onset diabetes is most commonly seen in middle-aged, overweight individuals and is generally easily managed by diet control and weight reduction. The chronic complications are rare, and patients experience a normal lifespan. Juvenile-onset diabetes affects younger individuals and is associated with the classic triad of diabetes: polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia. Its course is more acute and associated with greater swings in blood glucose. Although insulin is the treatment of choice, maintenance of normoglycemia is often difficult. The chronic complications of diabetic neuropathologic, retinopathologic, and angiopathologic conditions, relatively constant features of juvenile-onset diabetes, are somewhat independent of insulin control. The fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance tests are used to diagnose diabetes, and the level of urine sugar is used as a measure of control. Specific oral problems have been noted with higher frequency in the diabetic population. The caries pattern seen in diabetics is related to xerostomia and results in rapidly advancing decay, affecting smooth and interdental surfaces. Periodontal disease is more common in diabetics, especially poorly controlled insulin-dependent diabetics. These patients are more prone to the development of acute periodontal problems such as abscesses and the chronic, often rapidly progressive, destruction of the periodontal support apparatus. Dental treatment is directed toward the prevention of caries and periodontal disease through periodic dental care, daily use of topical fluoride, and meticulous oral hygiene.

Oral health status of homeless men in Brisbane

Abstract: — A survey of a sample of homeless men in Brisbane, Australia, was made to determine the prevalence of oral diseases and conditions, and attitudes to dental health and dental treatment. Twentynine per cent were completely edentulous; the mean number of extracted teeth was 15.4 with a monotonic increase in tooth loss with increasing age. Despite lack of oral hygiene, complex periodontal therapy was needed for less than one-tenth of the men. Eighty-four per cent regarded their general health as satisfactory to very good, while 58 per cent were happy with their dental health, and only seven per cent sought dental treatment regularly.

Dental caries, sucrose intake and oral hygiene in 5-year-old South African Indian children.

Abstract: Dental caries and sucrose consumption in a total of 715 5-year-old Indian children living in a low fluoride area (0.2 parts/106) around Johannesburg, South Africa, were studied. The childre

Use of dental floss by Finnish students

Abstract: In order to elucidate dental care behavior related to interdental cleaning, a group of first-year students were invited to a free dental examination. 186 of the students invited (76%) were examined clinically and roentgenologically. The mean DMFS-index of the students was 22.6 (+/- 12.6). They were also asked about their use of dental floss. 35% of the students reported using dental floss, but only 2% reported daily usage. 45% of the students had been taught how to use dental floss, and 83% of these had been taught by dental personnel. Teaching had no effect on the reported frequency of use. There were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of dental plaque and gingivitis between those who used dental floss and those who did not. The subjects were unable to use dental floss on 1 out of every 3 filled proximal surfaces of the first molars. No correlation could be found between dental caries experience and the reported use of dental floss.

Relation between wound healing after surgery and susceptibility to periodontal disease

Abstract: . In the present investigation wound healing was studied clinically in 8 younger (mean age 33.5 years) and 8 older patients (mean age 48 years), who were surgically treated for the same amount of severe periodontitis. This implies that the patients in the younger age group represented individuals with a higher degree of susceptibility to periodontal disease than the patients in the older age group. After surgery all patients were subjected to a carefully controlled oral hygiene program. Patients were recalled weekly until 8 weeks post surgery and again after 15 weeks for a final examination. At every recall session oral hygiene measurements were carried out and the bleeding tendency of the pockets was determined after probing with a standardized pressure. Bleeding on the basis of mechanical trauma after probing was considered to be a clinical parameter for wound healing in a plaque free environment. Results indicate that the oral hygiene program resulted in equally low plaque scores in both age groups. However, in a period from 5–15 weeks after surgery younger patients showed significantly more bleeding pockets than older patients. Furthermore it was found in both groups that the more loss of attachment there was, the slower the rate of wound healing. It was concluded that the time span for wound healing is longer in patients who are more susceptible to periodontal disease, than in those who are less susceptible.

Oral hygiene, dental visits and age of denture for prevalence of denture stomatitis

Abstract: A representative sample of Finnish denture wearers (n = 3875) aged 30 or over were examined clinically and interviewed about their oral hygiene habits, use of dental services and possible prosthetic treatment during last visit to a dentist. Of these denture wearers, over 80% brushed their dentures at least once a day, and 16% visited a dentist at least once in 2 yr. For denture stomatitis the age-standardized risk ratio decreased with brushing frequency in women and increased in men. For frequency of dental visits the prevalence of denture stomatitis increased in both men and women when visits were made over 2-yr intervals. The prevalence of denture stomatitis was higher in the group with dentures over 1 yr old. It seems that the oral hygiene measures as they are generally carried out and regular dental visits are not effective enough methods in preventing denture stomatitis.

Trends in the development of oral hygiene habits in Finnish adolescents from 1977 to 1981

Abstract: The aim of this study (part of the Juvenile Health Habit Study) was to analyze changes in how frequently certain oral hygiene measures are used, namely toothbrushing and dental flossing in 1977–81. A representative sample of Finnish adolescents aged 12, 14, 16 and 18 yield, were sent a postal questionnaire in February 1977 (n= 3209), another in February 1979 (n= 4953), and a third one in February 1981 (n= 4705). The response rates for the three questionnaires were 88%, 86% and 88%, respectively. During the years studied no systematic changes occurred in the toothbrushing frequency. When the background factors that are highly correlated with toothbrushing frequency (school career or school success of adolescents, householder's occupation and education, place of residence) were studied, no consistent changes were observed from 1977 to 1981. The percentage of adolescents who used dental floss daily did not change. However, the proportion of sporadic users of dental floss increased from 13% in 1979 to 24% in 1981. Dental health education had little effect on toothbrushing habits and its background variables, although the amount of time spent in dental health education during the same period had increased significantly. Programs of dental health education should be evaluated so that the situation can be improved in the future.

Effects of rehabilitation with conventional removable partial dentures on oral health--a cross-sectional study

Abstract: The study aims to elucidate the effects on the oral tissues of occlusal rehabilitation through removable partial denture. Sixty eight individuals treated with conventional partial dentures participated in a clinical study of the hygienic conditions around supporting teeth and the partial dentures, the occurrence of increased mobility of supporting teeth and deepened gingival pockets, the incidence of caries, impaired retention and the frequency of use of the prosthesis. A questionnaire was sent out and 84 per cent of the subjects responded anonymously. The results show that the removable partial denture represents a satisfactory method of oral rehabilitation for the individual with a reduced dentition.