Showing papers on "Oral hygiene published in 1989"

Dental Plaque and Caries on Occlusal Surfaces of First Permanent Molars in Relation to Stage of Eruption

Abstract: The occlusal surfaces of partly and fully erupted first right permanent molars were examined with respect to the occurrence and distribution of plaque and dental caries in a group of 57 six- to eight-year-old children. The children were classified into four groups ranging from one tooth partially erupted to full occlusion. Occlusal plaque was recorded at two levels of examination: (1) visible plaque and (2) detailed mapping by means of a plaque detector system. Dental caries was recorded after professional cleaning. The recording of plaque was repeated after 48 hr without oral hygiene. The findings showed a significant reduction in the easily detectable plaque in fully erupted teeth, compared with the three groups representing partly erupted teeth. The detailed mapping of plaque showed a clear pattern of preferential locations related to the macromorphology of the occlusal surfaces, and revealed reduction in the frequency of thick plaque accumulation in the fully erupted teeth. The proportion of active lesions was reduced in fully erupted teeth, and arrested lesions were mainly observed in the same group. This indicated that erupting teeth are more likely to develop dental caries, due to favorable conditions for plaque accumulation. Functional usage of teeth in addition to improved access for toothbrushing promoted arrestment of lesions initiated during eruption.

Chemotherapeutic inhibition of supragingival dental plaque and gingivitis development

Abstract: A 6-month double-blind, controlled clinical study was conducted on 107 healthy adult subjects to determine the efficacy of a mouthrinse used as a supplement to regular oral hygiene measures on supragingival dental plaque and gingivitis. 115 healthy adult patients were recruited for the study. Following screening examinations for minimal entry levels of existing gingivitis and plaque in patients with a minimum of 20 sound natural teeth, extrinsic tooth stain, gingivitis and plaque index scores were recorded. Soft tissues were evaluated. All subjects then received a complete dental prophylaxis, removing plaque, calculus and extrinsic stain. Utilizing their normal oral hygiene, subjects began a regimen of rinsing with 20 ml of the randomly assigned rinse, twice daily for 30 s for 6 months. 7 days after prophylaxis, gingivitis was again scored (baseline 2). Soft tissue, gingivitis, plaque area and extrinsic stain were evaluated again at 3 and 6 months. Results demonstrated that after 6 months, listerine produced a 34% inhibition of both plaque and of gingivitis compared to a hydroalcohol control (p less than 0.001).

Tooth Loss in Patients With Moderate Periodontitis After Treatment and Long–Term Maintenance Care

Abstract: Records of 63 patients diagnosed as having moderate periodontitis who had been treated and maintained by scaling and root planing for 10 years or longer (mean 13.6 years, range 10 to 34 years) in dental school clinics were reviewed for tooth loss. The patients averaged 45 years of age (range 24 to 67 years) at the initial appointment, and 41 were female. Record audit determined type of periodontal treatment, total tooth loss, periodontally related tooth loss, loss of teeth with furcation invasion, plaque scores, and maintenance interval. Results of therapy were evaluated by groups on the basis of number of teeth lost. At the completion of active periodontal therapy 1,607 teeth were present in the patients. During the maintenance period, 115 teeth (7.1%) were lost and of these 88 (5.0%) were lost due to periodontal reasons. Maxillary and mandibular molar teeth, particularly maxillary second molars, were the teeth lost most frequently to periodontal disease. Of the 164 teeth initially indicated as having furcation invasion, 23% were subsequently lost. This retrospective study confirms the low rate of tooth mortality occurring when patients with periodontal disease are treated and kept on a maintenance program. Canines were the teeth least frequently lost.

Oral health status and dental needs of an autistic population of children and young adults

Abstract: Behavior of patients with autistic syndrome makes delivery of oral hygiene and dental treatment a problem. In this study, the oral health and needs of two groups of patients with autism were evaluated: noninstitutionalized children with a mean age of 11 and institutionalized adults with a mean age of 22. The latter group had severe periodontal problems; almost half required periodontal surgery. Many of the children also needed periodontal treatment. Adults were found to have lower decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) scores than functionally independent Israeli persons of the same age. This finding was surprising because institutionalized adults are predisposed to development of dental caries; they frequently consume sweets, have poor oral hygiene, and do not use fluoride. Noninstitutionalized children with autism had caries rates that were similar to rates of functionally independent peers.

A clinical comparison of antibacterial mouthrinses: effects of chlorhexidine, phenolics, and sanguinarine on dental plaque and gingivitis.

Abstract: This study compared the clinical efficacy of three mouthrinses containing either 0.12% chlorhexidine, phenolic compounds, or sanguinarine, which were used unsupervised, in a placebo-controlled, double-blind study of 6 months' duration. The study was conducted according to ADA clinical guidelines for evaluation of antigingivitis agents and was completed by 481 adults. Following baseline exams and a prophylaxis, subjects were randomly divided into treatment groups matched for age, gender, and gingivitis severity, and were instructed to use the rinses in accordance with manufacturer's directions. Followup examinations evaluated supragingival plaque, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding. Compared to placebo at 6 months, the group rinsing with 0.12% chlorhexidine had significantly less gingivitis (31% reduction), gingival bleeding (39% reduction), and plaque (49% reduction) and was significantly better than any of the other treatment groups (P less than 0.05). Both the phenolic and sanguinarine groups showed moderate, yet significant, reductions in plaque compared to placebo (24% and 12% respectively) yet were significantly less effective than the 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse (P less than 0.05). However, neither the phenolic nor sanguinarine rinses were significantly different than placebo in their effects on gingivitis or gingival bleeding. These results support previous published results on the superiority of 0.12% chlorhexidine when used in conjunction with professional care and as an adjunct to routine oral hygiene practices.

Risk factors for oral cancer in women.

Abstract: Interviews were obtained from 125 women with oral cavity cancer and 107 female controls to assess the role of mouthwash use as a risk factor for oral cancer in women. In addition to detailed information on mouthwash use throughout adult life, information was obtained regarding smoking, alcohol consumption, general oral hygiene practices, and occurrence of nonmalignant conditions of the oral cavity. Mouthwash use was not associated with increased oral cancer risk in terms of frequency, duration of use, dilution, or rinsing practices. Among mouthwash users, cases reported taking more mouthfuls of mouthwash at each use compared with controls. Again among mouthwash users, cases were significantly more likely than controls to give as a reason for using mouthwash "to disguise the smell of tobacco" and "to disguise the smell of alcohol," whereas similar proportions of cases and controls reported using mouthwash to "disguise the smell of onions, garlic, etc." and "to disguise breath odors due to mouth infections or dental problems." These first two reasons for using mouthwash were strongly associated with smoking and drinking, respectively, and appear to be proxies for these exposures. Smoking, drinking, having 10 or more missing teeth, and religious background (non-Jewish versus Jewish) were significantly associated with oral cancer.

Periodontal conditions in adults with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract: Periodontal conditions among an adult population of 161 dentate patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were compared with those of an age and sex-matched random sample of non-rheumatic subjects. The number of teeth and prevalence of dental plaque, calculus, gingivitis, and deepened periodontal pockets were recorded. Alveolar bone breakdown and the distribution of subjects according to severity of periodontal disease were also registered. There was a tendency towards better periodontal conditions among RA-patients, severe periodontal breakdown occurring less frequently among RA-patients (12%) than among the controls (16%). The RA-patients had less plaque and calculus than the control group, a finding which could indicate a difference in periodontal care.

Oral health knowledge and attitudes of elementary schoolteachers in Michigan.

Abstract: Teachers at elementary schools in two areas (urban and rural) of Michigan were surveyed to determine their sources of information about oral health and their knowledge and attitudes about dental diseases and disease prevention. Questionnaires were completed by 404 teachers (62% response rate). More than 80 percent of respondents from both areas were female. Demographic characteristics that were significantly different between groups included: median ages of urban and rural respondents (P less than .01), median numbers of years in teaching (P less than .01), and median years in residence (P less than .03). Despite these differences, responses to the questionnaire varied little. For both groups, the most frequently cited sources of information about dental health were dentist's office (82%), followed by magazines and books (74%). The teachers considered preventing tooth decay as the most important reason for good oral hygiene. When asked to rank the effectiveness of ten methods of preventing caries in children, teachers ranked efficacious methods such as fluoridated water and pit and fissure sealants lower than making regular dental visits and reducing intake of sugared foods. Asked to rank the most effective method for children to receive fluoride, urban respondents ranked fluoridated water first, while rural respondents ranked this measure third. Findings suggest that teachers' knowledge about oral health and current methods of prevention is incomplete, is inaccurate in some instances, and varies little by geographic area.

The effect of a new electric toothbrush on supragingival plaque and gingivitis.

Abstract: This study tested the effectiveness of a rechargeable electric toothbrush, Interplak, in removing supragingival plaque and resolving gingivitis. Forty adults with gingivitis were randomly assigned to either a "manual" or "electric" group. Detailed oral hygiene instructions were given and a blind examiner assessed plaque scores before and after brushing, toothbrush abrasion, and gingival inflammation at baseline, 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Subjects using the electric brush had significantly lower (P less than 0.05) mean plaque and gingival inflammation scores. The electric group's plaque scores fell from 77% at baseline to 28% (before brushing) and 14% (after brushing) at 4 weeks; the manual group's dropped from 75% to 50% and 30% (before and after brushing, respectively). The mean G.I. for the electric group fell from 1.65 at baseline to 1.28 at 4 weeks, while the manual group's scores decreased from 1.65 to 1.43. The results suggest that the electric brush removed supragingival plaque and resolved gingivitis better than the manual brush over a 28-day period. However, a telephone survey conducted 6 months later indicated that most subjects were not using the device twice a day as they had during the study.

Diagnosis and management of HIV-associated periodontal lesions

Abstract: Since 1983, a large number of persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have sought routine dental treatment at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry, many of them with gingivitis that did not respond to conventional scaling, root planing, and improved oral hygiene. In some instances, the gingivitis progressed to severe and painful periodontitis in a few weeks. Clinically, the periodontitis lesions resembled acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) superimposed on rapidly progressive and severe periodontitis. However, many distinct features such as clinical appearance, severity, amount of spontaneous bleeding, type of pain, and rapid rate of periodontal destruction suggested that we were dealing with a difficult to manage form of periodontal lesion associated with HIV infection. This article provides a clinical description of these HIVassociated gingivitis (HIV-G) and HIV-associated peri­ odontitis (HIV-P) lesions that facilitate appropriate diagnosis. An effective treatment regimen for managing these lesions is recommended, based on our experience with more than 400 HIV-positive patients in the past 6 years. Clinical description

Dental Caries in Adult and Elderly Chinese

Abstract: This paper reports on a study of dental caries conducted among 1744 urban and rural Chinese (from 20 to 80 years old), who were selected by means of a systematic stratified sampling procedure. The prevalence of one or more decayed or filled teeth ranged from 48 to 90% in urban residents, and from 51 to 97% in rural residents, depending on age. The mean number of decayed or filled teeth ranged from 1.2 (+/- 1.9) among 20-29-year-olds, to 6.2 (+/- 5.5) among 70+-year-olds, and was highest among rural residents. Among 20-29-year-olds, the main components of the DFT were enamel lesions and fillings. Among 30-49-year-olds, the DFT consisted mainly of enamel lesions and filled teeth, as well as teeth with lesions involving the pulpal tissues. In subjects over the age of 50 years, lesions involving pulpal tissues were the predominant type, followed by root-surface lesions. In subjects below the age of 50 years, most of the caries experience derived from coronal surfaces, particularly occlusal surfaces. Root-surface caries was predominantly a feature of persons aged 50 years and above. Despite a large number of surfaces being at risk of root-surface caries, less than 10% of the surfaces were so affected. Although cross-sectional in nature, these data indicate that when the oral hygiene standards are poor, caries lesions continue to develop and progress throughout life. With age, dental caries becomes a substantial oral health problem in this population of adult and elderly Chinese, despite the availability of some dental services.

The effect of health beliefs on the compliance of periodontal patients with oral hygiene instructions

Abstract: Problems of patient compliance in periodontics are evident. This study explored factors which may contribute to the degree of adherence. Using the “Health Belief Model” a questionnaire was constructed and administered to 120 patients of the Department of Periodontology, University of Frankfurt Dental School. Compliance of these patients during the hygienic phase was assessed using a bleeding index. The data set for statistical evaluation comprised 96 patients. The loss was due to missing of appointments and incomplete questionnaires. There was no significant correlation between patient compliance on the one hand and sociodemographic variables (age, sex, family status), disease parameters, and the health beliefs “susceptibility,” “barriers,” “dentist-patient-relationship,” and “experience with therapy” on the other hand. “Motivation,” “seriousness,” “benefits,” “experience with affected organ,” and tooth-loss-index were significant predictors with Spearman correlation coefficients running from 0.17 to 0.32...

Comparison of two commercially available chlorhexidine mouthrinses: II. Effects on plaque reformation, gingivitis, and tooth staining.

Abstract: Several chlorhexidine mouthwashes are now produced commercially but which differ in concentration and regimen of use This study compared a 01% formulation with a 02% formulation for effects on plaque reformation, development of gingivitis, and tooth staining The investigation was a single blind cross-over design employing 14 volunteers with a high standard of oral hygiene and gingival health The rinses were used twice a day during two 19 day periods using the regiments recommended by each manufacturer and as a replacement for mechanical oral hygiene practices A baseline zero plaque score was obtained at the beginning of each period with a 16-day washout allowed between the two periods Parameters of gingival inflammation were scored at baseline and then, together with plaque and tooth stain scores, at 12 and 19 days All indices of gingival inflammation and plaque were significantly increased at days 12 and 19 with the 01% mouthwash formulation Little evidence of tooth staining was noted with the 01% formulation The 02% mouthwash produced the characteristic staining noted with most chlorhexidine preparations Based on the findings of this study and a previous laboratory investigation, it is concluded that the reduced antiplaque activity of the 01% formulation resulted from inactivation of chlorhexidine within the product rather than from the reduced dose of chlorhexidine used

Comparison of manual and power toothbrushing, with and without adjunctive oral irrigation, for controlling plaque and gingivitis

Abstract: We compared the effects of four oral hygiene methods (manual tooth-brushing, power toothbrushing. manual toothbrushing plus irrigation, and power toothbrushing plus irrigation) on plaque and periodontal disease. These methods were tested both when used alone and when used in conjunction with professional mechanical oral hygiene. 108 subjects were clinically assessed for plaque, stain, gingival inflammation, bleeding to probing, probing depth and attachment loss, and randomly assigned to one of the 4 oral hygiene groups. Subjects were carefully instructed in the use of their assigned method and asked to discontinue all other forms of oral hygiene. After 3-months, subjects returned for re-examination and full-month professional mechanical oral hygiene care. 3 months later, subjects returned for a final oral examination. All subjects kept a diary of use of their assigned method and were called every 2 weeks to monitor discomfort, provide reinforcement and answer questions. Results showed that all the oral hygiene methods were equally effective in reducing plaque and stain accumulation, gingival bleeding, bleeding to probing ratio and the % of pockets 4 mm or deeper. None of the oral hygiene methods was associated with injury to soft or hard tissues.

The use of 0.2% chlorhexidine spray as an adjunct to oral hygiene and gingival health in physically and mentally handicapped adults.

Abstract: Chlorhexidine has been used as an aid to or replacement for oral hygiene measures in special needs groups such as the handicapped. Previous studies have indicated that spray delivery of Chlorhexidine is both effective and acceptable. This study evaluated twice daily use of a 0.2% Chlorhexidine spray as an adjunct to toothbrushing in a group of physically and mentally handicapped adults attending a day training center. The study was a doubleblind, placebo controlled, cross-over design involving two 31 days regimens separated by 30 days. Plaque, bleeding on probing, and pocketing were measured at the beginning and end of each regimen. There were clinically and statistically significantly lower plaque and bleeding scores at the end of the Chlorhexidine compared to the placebo period. Pocketing was also significantly less after Chlorhexidine, although in clinical terms the difference was small. The apparent acceptability and effectiveness of the regimen suggests that small doses of Chlorhexidine delivered by ...

Chewing sticks versus toothbrushes in West Africa. A pilot study.

Abstract: Chewing sticks are used for tooth cleaning by many populations. Despite the fact that they contain antimicrobial substances that could conceivably benefit oral hygiene, there have been few attempts to evaluate properties in vivo. This pilot, cross-sectional study recorded the oral hygiene and gingival health of adult Ghanaens who used chewing sticks, toothbrushes, or a combination of both for tooth cleaning. Plaque and gingivitis scores were higher in the chewing stick users, although these were primarily due to differences in men. Men had poorer oral hygiene and gingival health than women, irrespective of the oral hygiene regimen. The same differences were apparent for city and rural dwellers, with no overall differences observed between these two groups. The longer time that is necessary for cleaning with chewing sticks may explain the apparent reduced cleaning efficiency in men. The antimicrobial substances contained in chewing sticks appear to provide no additional benefits to those produced by the antimicrobial activity of commercially available toothpastes.

The retention of newly-acquired brushing and flossing skills.

Abstract: Brushing and flossing ability increased dramatically 3 weeks following 2 sessions of oral hygiene instructions. At the same time, the plaque index for these patients decreased significantly. 1 year after the oral hygiene instruction, the plaque index for these patients returned to the pre-intervention levels. However, these patients were able to maintain their 3-week post-intervention brushing and flossing scores. We conclude that increased levels of plaque 1 year later, was not due to loss of brushing and flossing skills.

Periodontal disease and oral microbial successions during myelosuppressive cancer chemotherapy.

Abstract: Factors contributing to the succession of opportunistic pathogens at oral sites, including the periodontium, during myelosuppressive chemotherapy are poorly understood. This study examined the relation of periodontal disease to qualitative and proportional shifts in the oral microflora of 21 acute nonlymphocytic leukemia patients (7 male and 14 female, mean age (range) = 51.0 (25-81 years) observed during standardized myelosuppressive regimens. Supra- and subgingival microbial plaque specimens were individually collected from 2 contralateral oral sites (distobuccal of teeth 1-6 and 3-6) in each participant at hospital admission (day 1) and during point of maximal myelosuppression (day 14). Periodontal disease indices obtained at day 1 included site-specific measures of attachment loss and clinical assessment of disease status. Using a residualized change score analysis, periodontal disease status and attachment loss were positively correlated with increases in the proportional recovery of Staphylococcus sp. from supragingival sites and total yeast from supra- and subgingival sites. When age-related covariation in the microbial shifts was controlled in the analysis, periodontal disease status and attachment loss demonstrated no significant correlation with increases in total yeast at supragingival sites. These findings suggest that host factors such as periodontal disease may contribute to patterns of oral microbial successions during cancer chemotherapy.

Dental treatment needs in an elderly population referred to a geriatric hospital in Switzerland.

Abstract: Of 219 elderly patients admitted consecutively to a geriatric hospital in Switzerland, 59.4% were edentulous. A high proportion of the dentate patients exhibited tooth loss patterns requiring free-end partial dentures in the maxilla (36.0%) or the mandible (69.7%). Of the remaining teeth, 29.3% were decayed, and 45.1% had severe periodontitis. Virtually all (97.8%) dentate and 31.5% of the edentulous subjects were judged to need some kind of dental treatment. In contrast, the subjective need for dental treatment was low in dentate (30.4%) and edentulous (13.1%) subjects. Prosthesis hygiene was poor in 73.8% of the 191 denture wearers whether they needed assistance with oral hygiene or not. The objectively-assessed need for a new prosthesis in edentulous patients was determined by income, marital status, and patient mobility, whereas the need for a prosthesis alteration was related to cognitive function. These findings should help to plan future dental prophylactic and therapeutic services in geriatric hospitals.

Effect of a chemotherapeutic agent delivered by an oral irrigation device on plaque, gingivitis, and subgingival microflora.

Abstract: Sixty-six adults were examined in a double-blind study which examined the effect of an antimicrobial agent delivered by an oral irrigating device. Each subject received a randomized half mouth dental prophylaxis. The Gingival Index, gingival crevicular fluid volume, Plaque Index, Modified Papillary Bleeding Index, probing pocket depth, and probing attachment levels were determined at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. The composition of the subgingival microflora in the prophied and non-prophied quadrants was examined by phase contrast microscopy and by immunofluorescence. This study demonstrates that an antimicrobial product delivered by an oral irrigating device could result in significant reductions in plaque, bacterial cell counts, and gingival bleeding and may, therefore, be an effective adjunct to normal oral hygiene.

Long-term effects of Listerine antiseptic on dental plaque and gingivitis.

Abstract: Chemotherapeutic mouthrinses are useful adjuncts to normal oral hygiene and regular professional care for patients whose mechanical plaque removal is less than optimal. Recognizing this, the American Dental Association Council on Dental Therapeutics published guidelines for evaluating the safety and efficacy of products for the control of gingivitis. Four 6-month or longer controlled clinical trials have shown Listerine to be significantly effective in helping prevent the development of both supragingival plaque and gingivitis. Two microbiology studies have demonstrated that no resistant microorganisms, opportunistic microorganisms, or presumptive oral pathogens emerge as a result of long-term, daily Listerine use. Listerine is the first nonprescription mouthrinse to receive the Council on Dental Therapeutics Seal of Acceptance as safe and effective in helping to prevent and reduce supragingival plaque accumulation and gingivitis when used in a conscientiously applied program of oral hygiene and regular professional care.

Chewing sticks, toothpaste, and plaque removal

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of brushing with chewing sticks in removing plaque and to evaluate whether toothpaste has any additional effect on the removal of established dental plaque. Kenyan schoolchildren had their plaque deposits disclosed by means of disclosing tablets and subsequently recorded on four buccal sites of all permanent teeth. The children were then allocated to two groups in a crossover design; in one group the children brushed with chewing sticks and toothpaste; the other group brushed with chewing sticks only. Substantial amounts of plaque were recorded at base line in most children. Brushing with a chewing stick for 5 min resulted in a net reduction of the proportion of plaque deposit sites per child. Toothpaste resulted in no additional effect.

Dental aspects of anorexia and bulimia nervosa.

Abstract: Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are both psychosocial pathological eating disorders. An intense preoccupation with food, weight and a distorted body image coupled with a morbid fear of becoming obese are common elements in both syndromes. Self-starvation with extreme weight loss is associated with anorexia nervosa. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by unrestrained eating sprees followed by purging, fasting or vomiting. Approximately 50% of anorexia nervosa patients also practice bulimia. The impact of eating disorders on the oral soft and hard tissues depends upon the diet as well as the duration and frequency of binge-purge behavior. Erosion of the teeth due to frequent regurgitation of highly acidic stomach contents is a common finding. Dental caries development is less predictable and appears to be diet- and oral hygiene-dependent. Painless enlargement of the parotid salivary glands is a common sequela of chronic vomiting but the pathophysiological cause has not been firmly established. The dehydration of the oral soft tissues due to salivary gland impairment in addition to dietary deficiencies and poor oral hygiene can adversely impact the health of the periodontal tissues and oral mucosa. Initial dental care is focused on discouraging behavior that is destructive to the oral tissues. Improved oral hygiene, the use of gastric acid-neutralizing antacid rinses and the daily application of topical fluorides can be useful in reducing enamel erosion. Extensive restorative oral rehabilitation should be postponed until the underlying psychiatric components of the disorder are stabilized.

Oral hygiene levels and periodontal disease prevalence among residents with mental retardation at various residential settings.

Abstract: This pilot study compared oral hygiene levels and periodontal disease prevalence among residents with mental retardation in a large traditional state institution, a small regional facility, and community group homes. Plaque scores and periodontal disease levels were high in all groups. However, there was a significant difference (P less than 0.05) among the group home residents, who had lower scores, than the other groups. These results indicate that preventive dental programs are necessary in new residential settings for individuals with mental retardation.

Dental care habits and knowledge of oral health in insulin-dependent diabetics.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate dental care habits and knowledge of oral health in age- and sex-matched adult long and short duration insulin-dependent diabetics and non-diabetics. Ninety-four long and 86 short duration diabetics and 86 non-diabetics, aged 20-70 years, participated in the study. All subjects answered a questionnaire with 38 questions about dental visits, attitudes to and knowledge of dental diseases, toothcleaning, dietary and smoking habits, and oral sensations. Among the diabetics there was a rather large group that did not visit a dentist annually. The diabetics also required more emergency dental care and were not as willing as the non-diabetics to spend time and money on their teeth. The compliance with dietary advice was poor among the diabetics. Oral discomfort such as prickling and burning sensations, metallic and bad taste was rare in both diabetics and non-diabetics. In the diabetics, however, a feeling of mouth dryness was common.

Oral health promotion for institutionalised elderly

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to develop and evaluate educational approaches specifically for improvement of oral hygiene behaviour amongst institutionalised elderly. A sample of 201 residents, 48-99 yr of age (mean age 82 yr), was selected from four different institutions in Lothian, Scotland. A clinical examination and a structured interview were conducted immediately before and 2 months after the termination of the programme. The four institutions were blind to the examiner and randomly allocated to a control group or one of the three programmes; 1) active involvement of staff only; 2) active involvement of residents only; 3) active involvement of both residents and staff. The programme comprised three 1-h sessions at monthly intervals in groups of five to six residents or members of staff. The analysis of the results showed poor oral health and oral hygiene, high objective need for oral care but low perceived need. The programme had little impact on most of the included variables and only about half of the participants remembered the programme 2 months after its termination. The implications of the study are that groups of elderly need to be differentiated further so that only well and not confused elderly participate in programmes such as this and less well and confused elderly receive regular professional support with oral hygiene.

Cross-sectional study of the periodontal status of removable partial denture patients.

Abstract: Thirty-four patients, 18 men and 16 women with a mean age of 62 years, provided with removable partial dentures were reexamined after 3 years. Approximately 92% of the dentures were bilateral distal-extension prostheses. The periodontal parameters registered were (1) oral hygiene, (2) gingival inflammation, (3) pocket depth, and (4) tooth mobility. Fourteen of the patients had followed the recommendation to visit a dentist for regular checkups at least once a year. For all periodontal parameters, the results were somewhat better for those patients who had regular checkups than for those who had not. The results for the regularly checked patients were similar to those of the patients in an earlier longitudinal study from the same clinic after a corresponding period of time. Thus the good results obtained in the longitudinal study were duplicated 10 years later in this cross-sectional study.