Showing papers on "Oral hygiene published in 1990"

Dentition, oral hygiene, and risk of oral cancer: a case-control study in Beijing, People's Republic of China.

Abstract: A case-control study of oral cancer was conducted in Beijing, People's Republic of China. The study was hospitalbased and controls were hospital in-patients matched to the cases by age and gender. A total of 404 case/control pairs were interviewed. This paper provides data regarding oral conditions as risk factors for oral cancer, with every patient having an intact mouth examined (pre-operation among cases) using a standard examination completed by trained oral physicians. After adjustment for tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, poor dentition—as reflected by missing teeth—emerged as a strong risk factor for oral cancer: the odds ratio (OR) for those who had lost 15 – 32 teeth compared to those who had lost none was 5.3 for men and 7.3 for women and the trend was significant (P <0.01) in both genders. Those who reported that they did not brush their teeth also had an elevated risk (OR =6.9 for men, 2.5 for women). Compared to those who had no oral mucosal lesions on examination (OR=1.0), persons with leukoplakia and lichen planus also showed an elevated risk of oral cancer among men and women. Denture wearing per se did not increase oral cancer risk (OR=1.0 for men, 1.3 for women) although wearing metal dentures augmented risk (OR=5.5 for men). These findings indicate that oral hygiene and several oral conditions are risk factors for oral cancer, independently of the known risks associated with smoking and drinking.

Efficacy of Listerine®, Meridol® and chlorhexidine mouthrinses on plaque, gingivitis and plaque bacteria vitality

Abstract: The experimental gingivitis model was used to compare the anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis and anti-microbial efficacies of a phenolic compound (Listerine) and an amine/stannous fluoride mouthwash (Meridol), using a placebo preparation as negative control and a chlorhexidine solution as positive control in a double-blind study. After professional toothcleaning, 36 volunteers performed optimal oral hygiene for a period of 2 weeks. They then ceased all oral hygiene procedures for 21 days during which they rinsed twice daily with 1 of the 4 mouthrinses. After 3 weeks of rinsing, plaque indices remained the lowest in the chlorhexidine group, while subjects using Listerine or Meridol harbored similar indices significantly lower than that of individuals rinsing with the placebo solution. Up to that time, the gingival index scores were equal in all groups except for the chlorhexidine group in which the values only amounted to half of these encountered in the other groups. The plaque vitality scores showed a bactericidal effect in vivo of chlorhexidine during the entire time of experimental gingivitis. In contrast, the data gave no evidence of an antibacterial effect in vivo of Listerine. The efficacy of Meridol to kill micro-organisms was similar to chlorhexidine during the early stages of plaque accumulation and, with time, became insignificant. This study has demonstrated that chlorhexidine was superior to Listerine and Meridol in its ability to maintain low plaque scores and gingival health during this 3-week period of no mechanical oral hygiene. Moreover, it was also shown that Meridol was as effective as Listerine in reducing plaque accumulation and, in contrast to Listerine, possessed a remarkable but transient antibacterial effect in vivo.

Periodontal effects associated with the use of smokeless tobacco.

Abstract: This report describes periodontal findings from a comprehensive study of smokeless tobacco use in professional baseball players. Subjects consisted of 1,094 players, coaches, and training staff of seven major league and their associated minor league teams. Before being examined, subjects completed questionnaires on patterns of smokeless tobacco use (validated by blood chemistry studies), rinsed their mouths under supervision, and were cautioned not to discuss their use of tobacco with the dental examiners. They then received a complete oral examination that included recording of all mucosal abnormalities, missing teeth, caries, extrinsic stain, attrition, Plaque Index, Gingival Index, pocket depth, attachment loss, and gingival recession. More than 50% of team members reported using smokeless tobacco, and 39% reported use during the current week. Among current week users, 46% had oral mucosal lesions, located primarily in the mandible at sites where the smokeless tobacco quid was placed. The use of smokeless tobacco was not necessarily associated with severe forms of periodontal disease, and the presence of poor oral hygiene and gingivitis in these users was not related to the development of oral lesions. However, sites adjacent to mucosal lesions in smokeless tobacco users showed significantly greater recession and attachment loss than in sites not adjacent to lesions in users or comparable sites in non-users.

Comparative effects of 2 mouthrinses on the development of supragingival dental plaque and gingivitis

Abstract: A 6-month double-blind, controlled clinical study was completed with 124 healthy adult subjects to determine the efficacy of 2 mouthrinses, Listerine (LA) and Peridex (PX), used as supplements to regular oral hygiene measures in reducing supragingival dental plaque and gingivitis. Following screening examinations for entry levels of existing gingivitis and plaque, baseline gingival and plaque area indices, extrinsic tooth stain, supragingival calculus, bleeding and soft tissue condition were recorded. All subjects then received a complete dental prophylaxis to remove plaque, calculus and extrinsic stain. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups and performed supervised rinses twice daily for 30 s in addition to their normal oral hygiene, for 6 months. All indices were again evaluated at 3 and 6 months. After 6 months, LA and PX significantly (p less than 0.001) inhibited development of plaque by 36.1% and 50.3%, respectively, and the development of gingivitis by 35.9% and 30.5%, respectively, compared to a hydroalcohol control. PX was more effective in inhibiting plaque and both mouthrinses appeared to be equally effective in inhibiting gingivitis. LA patients did not develop significant levels of stain or supragingival calculus at 6 months, compared to baseline or control. PX patients developed significant levels of extrinsic stain and supragingival calculus compared to baseline and control. Though PX was more effective than LA in the control of plaque, this study indicates that both LA and PX were effective agents in a regimen for the control of plaque and gingivitis.

A 5-year longitudinal study of cantilevered fixed partial dentures compared with removable partial dentures in a geriatric population

Abstract: Prosthesis function and dental conditions were observed for 5 years in 27 elderly patients treated with mandibular cantilevered fixed partial dentures (FPDs) and in 26 elderly patients treated with distal-extension removal partial dentures (RPDs). All patients were treated with a complete upper denture. The patients were assigned randomly into two treatment groups that had the same composition with regard to sex, age, and distribution of teeth. The patients were under supervised oral hygiene and prosthodontic care. Clinical examination of prostheses, masticatory system, periodontal status, and caries was carried out yearly. Oral hygiene was good, and the periodontal status was maintained in both groups. Caries was observed six times more frequently in the RPD group than in the group with fixed restorations, however. Occlusal and functional conditions deteriorated in the RPD group only. Eight of 42 fixed partial dentures (19%) failed; of these, six were recemented with composite resin. Generally the need for dental and prosthetic follow-up treatment was more pronounced in the RPD group than in the FPD group.

Dental Health Diet and Social Status among Central African Foragers and Farmers

Abstract: An oral health survey of African pygmies and Bantu revealed significant contrasts that can be explained by differences in diet, social status, and oral hygiene. Pygmy men have fewer carious lesions and less tooth loss than pygmy women. Ethnographic data suggest that this results from sex differences in eating habits and access to cariogenicfoods. Pygmy "leaders" have much better dental health than "nonleaders." This status difference appears to be explained by social and dietary variables. T HIS ARTICLE PRESENTS THE RESULTS OF A DENTAL HEALTH SURVEY of pygmy hunter-gatherers and Bantu horticulturalists living in the Central African Republic and Zaire (Figure 1). One goal of the study was to test a series of hypotheses we formulated based on previous ethnographic research concerning correlations between a person's sex, social status, and diet. Another purpose of the survey was to collect information for use by archeologists and physical anthropologists who reconstruct prehistoric behavior patterns using dental evidence. By investigating the sociocultural variables that influence the dental health of ethnographically well-documented groups of hunter-gatherers and agriculturalists, we hoped to strengthen the empirical basis for interpreting variation in the dental health of prehistoric populations.

Oral Mucosal Lesions Found in Smokeless Tobacco Users

Abstract: The risk for oral mucosal lesions associated with use of smokeless tobacco among 1,109 professional baseball players during spring training in 1988 was investigated. Leukoplakia was very strongly associated with use of smokeless tobacco in this population of healthy young men. Of the 423 current smokeless tobacco users, 196 had leukoplakia compared to seven of the 493 nonusers (OR = 60.0, 95% CI = 40.5-88.8). The amount of smokeless tobacco used (in hours per day that smokeless tobacco was held in the mouth), recency of smokeless tobacco use (hours since last use), type (snuff versus chewing tobacco), and brand of snuff used were significantly associated with risk for leukoplakic lesions among smokeless tobacco users. Ninety-eight leukoplakic areas in 92 subjects were biopsied and examined microscopically. All lesions were benign, but one specimen had mild epithelial dysplasia. The long-term significance of leukoplakia in smokeless tobacco users and their relation to oral cancer is not clear.

Effect of cigarette smoking on the transition dynamics in experimental gingivitis.

Abstract: This paper reports the findings of an experimental gingivitis study conducted in smokers and non-smokers. 33 volunteers were examined and underwent prophylaxis during a period of 4 weeks. 28 subjects who showed a plaque index less than 0.20 on all prophylaxis occasions were permitted to continue in the study. Subjects then had their gingival status recorded, had their teeth polished and were requested to abstain from all oral hygiene measures for the following 21 days. After 5 days, 10 days and 21 days, plaque and gingival status were recorded using the criteria of the plaque index and gingival index. After the examination on day 21, the teeth were polished and oral hygiene was re-instituted. Following 2 weeks of supervised oral hygiene, recordings of plaque and gingival status were performed. At the initial examination, there was no difference between the clinical assessment of plaque and gingival status in smokers and non-smokers. Similar amounts of plaque accumulated in the 2 groups during the period of no oral hygiene, but smokers exhibited less gingival inflammation assessed clinically than non-smokers. This difference occurred as a result of an apparently lowered incidence rate and a markedly higher recovery rate in smokers compared to non-smokers. These findings may indicate that smokers for reasons yet unknown have a reduced capacity to mount and maintain an effective defense reaction to a given plaque challenge.

Improved metabolic control, clinical periodontal status and subgingival microbiology in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. A prospective study.

Abstract: The effect of improved metabolic control on the clinical periodontal condition and the subgingival microflora of diseased and healthy periodontal pockets in 6 ambulatory insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients was prospectively studied. Duplicate measurements with a time-interval of 3 days were made every 4 moths for assessment of the metabolic status, the clinical periodontal condition and the subgingival microflora. During the study, patients maintained personal oral hygiene measures as they usually did before the study. Neither supplementary dental prophylaxis nor oral hygiene measures were applied during the investigation. Long-term metabolic control (HbAlc) improved significantly with intensive conventional insulin treatment. Gingival redness decreased significantly whereas gingival swelling showed a not significant trend to decrease. It is suggested that microvascular changes associated with improved metabolic control in diabetes mellitus may mediate the observed change in gingival redness. No effect could be demonstrated for probing pocket depth, probing attachment level, bleeding on probing and the plaque index. Statistical analysis of the effect of improved metabolic control on the subgingival microflora revealed that only the % of streptococci increased significantly in diseased periodontal pockets. In general, no significant changes were found in either healthy or diseased pockets with regard to the bacterial flora associated with periodontal disease. The results of the present study indicate that improved metabolic control in IDDM patients may have no potential impetus for an improved clinical periodontal condition nor on the subgingival bacterial flora. It is concluded that the periodontal condition in IDDM patients may only ameliorate when local oral hygiene measures are applied.

Oral hygiene compliance and gingivitis expression in cigarette smokers.

Abstract: The compliance with an oral hygiene intervention program and its effect on oral cleanliness and gingivitis was studied in smokers and non-smokers. The study group represented patients with regular dental attendance. It comprised 68 patients 21-60 yr of age, including 28 habitual smokers. The program included toothbrushing with an electric toothbrush for 12 months. Oral cleanliness was evaluated according to a percentage plaque index and gingivitis according to the percentage of bleeding sites. The compliance with the oral hygiene program was very high among smokers and non-smokers. Plaque index at baseline was very similar in smokers and non-smokers and remained so during the course of the investigation. Following the introduction of the oral hygiene program, plaque index decreased in both groups, and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. In spite of the similarity in plaque index, gingival bleeding was significantly lower in smokers than non-smokers. The results suggest that smokers and non-smokers do not differ with respect to habitual oral hygiene or compliance with hygiene programs. In smokers, however, the clinical gingivitis expression in response to plaque is suppressed.

Pretreatment strategies for infection prevention in chemotherapy patients.

Abstract: It is important to understand the pathogenesis of acute oral infections in patients with chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in order to develop strategies to prevent such complications. Four distinct oral sites that can either be acutely infected or contribute to acute systemic infection are the oral mucosa, dental pulp and periapical tissues, periodontium, and salivary glands. Many cytotoxic drugs can be directly stomatotoxic to replicating oral mucosa. Once mucosal integrity is affected, secondary acute infection can occur. Even without clinical ulceration, deleterious shifts in the oral microbial population can develop. Gram-negative bacilli have been identified as frequent colonizers of myelosuppressed patients, although coagulase-negative staphylococci are being recovered with increasing frequency. Strategies to prevent oral mucosal infection include reducing trauma and preventing proliferation of organisms. Dental pulpal infection is most commonly caused by extensive dental caries. Most pulpal infection is of bacterial origin and can progress to involve the periapical tissues of the involved tooth if not treated. Specific endodontic interventions will usually stabilize or eliminate the source of the infection until the patient's hematologic status returns to normal and definitive pulpal therapy can be provided. In part because acute pulpal complications in the myelosuppressed cancer patient are relatively infrequent, research on the causative organisms and the appropriate therapy of acute, systemic infection of pulpal origin has been limited. Many adults have chronic, asymptomatic periodontal disease. In its advanced stages, extensive ulceration may be present that is not clinically observable. In patients with reduced host defenses, exacerbation of preexistent periodontal disease can have systemic sequelae and is associated with elevated levels of periodontopathic organisms or pathogens typically associated with systemic infection in myelosuppressed cancer patients. Mechanical and chemical antimicrobial techniques are available to reduce prevalence and improve patient comfort and oral hygiene. Dental extractions may be indicated to eliminate the nidus of infection of either pulpal or periodontal origin in patients who are scheduled to receive myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Data indicate that such procedures may be performed without undue risk. Unlike patients who undergo bone marrow transplantation or radiotherapy, patients who receive chemotherapy do not commonly experience subjective salivary gland dysfunction. Occasionally, a transient xerostomia may occur; this condition is frequently attributed to the patient's oral habits, such as breathing through the mouth. The dessicating effect of breathing through the mouth can contribute to oral mucosal injury during function as well as provide a setting for acute infection of commensal origin. More research is needed on the effects of chemotherapy on salivary host defenses.

Chewing gum and dental health--a review.

Abstract: Recent evidence of the actions of chewing gum on plaque pH needs to be assessed against the background of other evidence, including clinical data. 'Sugar-free' gums are non-cariogenic and potentially beneficial in reversing early caries, while the potential cariogenicity of sucrose-sweetened gums can be modified by additives or selected patterns of use.

A 10-year retrospective study of periodontal disease progression. Clinical characteristics of subjects with pronounced and minimal disease development.

Abstract: The present study reports on some characteristics of 2 groups of subjects, chosen from a sample of 191 dentate individuals who had been exposed to full-mouth intraoral radiographic examinations in 1975 and 1985 The 1st group, which comprised 14 subjects, had experienced pronounced loss of periodontal bone support during a 10-year period (mean longitudinal bone loss of 413 mm (SD 14] The 2nd group of 14 subjects had suffered no or minimal periodontal disease progression (mean longitudinal bone gain of 035 mm (SD 07] A clinical examination was performed in conjunction with the radiographic examination in 1985 and included assessment of plaque, gingivitis, bleeding on probing from the base of the pocket, probing depth and probing attachment loss Information regarding the oral hygiene habits of the subjects as well as the amount of dental and periodontal therapy received between 1975 and 1985 was obtained through a questionnaire The results revealed that the 14 subjects who had experienced pronounced progression of periodontal disease had more plaque and gingivitis, deeper pockets and more attachment loss than the 14 subjects with minimal periodontal disease progression Over the 10-year period, subjects in the "high rate" group had lost a mean of 68 teeth (SD 50) as compared to 41 teeth (SD 44) in the "low rate" group The radiographic assessments of alveolar bone loss were strongly correlated with the assessments of probing attachment loss (r = 080, p = 00001) In 92% of the tooth sites examined, the difference between the radiographic and the clinical assessment was within 2 mm(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

5-year follow up of periodontal intraosseous defects treated by root planing or flap surgery

Abstract: Intraosseous, periodontal defects in 12 subjects initially treated by root planing alone (21 defects) or by flap surgery (21 defects) were monitored during a 5-year postoperative interval. Maintenance therapy during this interval was limited to reinforcement of oral hygiene and tooth polishing every 6 months. No subgingival instrumentation was performed at the defect sites. Longitudinal clinical measurements demonstrated that surgically-treated lesions responded with somewhat more reduction of probing depth and more gain of probing bone level than root-planed lesions. Mean gains of probing attachment level were similar for the 2 treatments. Some relapse of the clinical conditions could be observed towards the end of the 5-year observation interval compared to the results at year 1 and year 2. However, the majority of defects subjected to either treatment showed 60-month recordings of probing attachment and probing bone levels equal to or slightly improved compared to those at baseline. Counts from cultures of subgingival, microbial samples were obtained at 42, 48 and 60 months. No significant difference between the 2 therapies was observed for the investigated groups of micro-organisms.

An investigation of the oral pathologies occurring in bulimia nervosa

Abstract: This study investigated oral pathologies associated with bulimia nervosa and examined the relationship between these pathologies and the bulimic's binge eating, vomiting, and postvomiting oral hygiene. Results revealed a greater prevalence of enamel erosion, dental caries, dentin hypersensitivity, parotid dysfunction, and xerostomia in the bulimic group when compared with a nonbulimic control group. Enamel erosion was related to the duration of vomiting behavior. After 6 months the majority of bulimics exhibited erosion, which increased in severity with time. Tap water rinsing appeared to enhance erosion and cannot be recommended as a postvomiting hygiene practice. Since oral pathology may be the only detectable sign of bulimia nervosa, the information provided by this study facilitates the identification of bulimic patients and provides guidelines for evaluation of oral pathology in bulimia nervosa.

Oral health status of Mexican-Americans with low and high acculturation status: findings from southwestern HHANES, 1982-84.

Abstract: This article presents the results of a cross-sectional analysis of the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease, as well as the use of dental services, among 395 low acculturated dentate Mexican-Americans, 12-74 years of age, examined during the southwestern portion of the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES). Comparisons were carried out with 1,894 dentate Mexican-Americans who had high acculturation status. Mexican-American adolescents and adults with low acculturation status had 73 and 116 percent higher mean number of decayed and missing teeth, respectively, compared with those with high acculturation status. The differences between the two groups, however, did not remain statistically significant when the confounding effects of age, sex, education, and income status were taken into account. Gingivitis and periodontal pocketing were highly prevalent in both groups, but those with low acculturation status had significantly higher disease levels than those with high acculturation status. Despite the unmet dental needs and the higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease, Mexican-Americans with low acculturation status were significantly less likely than those with high acculturation status to have dental insurance and to have visited the dentist as frequently.

Improvement of gingival health by tooth brushing in individuals with large amounts of calculus

Abstract: Dental calculus itself is not thought to affect gingival health, but its rough and porous surface retains plaque better than a calculus-free surface. In a population with a high degree of supragingival calculus, the effect of toothbrushing after a careful professional prophylaxis (group A) has been compared with the effect of toothbrushing as the sole oral hygiene aid (group B). The subjects in this comparison were Indonesian soldiers, 20-25 years of age, none of whom had pathological pockets (CPITN less than or equal to 2), but all had large amounts of calculus. They had no experience of modern oral hygiene practice but were given individual instruction in toothbrushing at the start of the study and were provided with toothpaste and toothbrush. Removal of calculus in group A took an average of 1 h per subject by an experienced clinician. Gingival health in both groups improved after 2 months: group A from 63% to 34% bleeding points and group B from 61% to 36%. There was thus no obvious benefit from the professional prophylaxis received by group A. The results are particularly relevant for populations in which professional prophylaxis is not normally available. However, they were obtained in a group of young, healthy individuals and may not be extrapolated to older and less healthy populations or to individuals with deep periodontal pockets. The improvement of gingival health through toothbrushing, in spite of the presence of calculus, supports the contention that plaque, rather than calculus as a non-inflammatory scale, provides the pathogenic potential.

Meswak chewing stick versus conventional toothbrush as an oral hygiene aid.

Abstract: This study consisted of two trials. Trial 1 compared the meswak with the toothbrush when used twice and five times a day. Trial 2 compared habitual meswak users with toothbrush users. Under experimental conditions, a significant reduction in gingivitis was found both buccally (p less than 0.01) and lingually (p less than 0.05) after using a meswak five times a day compared with a conventional toothbrush. Twice a day brushing with a meswak produced a significant reduction in gingivitis buccally (p less than 0.005) compared with toothbrushing, but lingually the difference was insignificant. There were no significant differences in plaque scores between a meswak and a conventional toothbrush when brushing was continued five times a day. Plaque scores became significantly higher when a meswak was used only twice a day compared with toothbrushing, specifically on the lingual surfaces of the teeth (p less than 0.01). Habitual meswak users showed a significant reduction in gingival bleeding (p less than 0.05) and interproximal bone height (p less than 0.02) compared with toothbrush users. The differences in plaque scores and pocket depth measurements between the two groups were insignificant. The results imply that a meswak, used five times a day, may offer a suitable alternative to a toothbrush for reducing plaque and gingivitis. However, meswak may not be sufficient for maintaining interproximal dental health when used without the support of other oral hygiene aids.

An assessment of the level of dental and mouthcare knowledge amongst nurses working with elderly patients.

Abstract: A 60 item questionnaire was completed by a self-selected sample of nurses working with elderly patients. The questionnaire was divided into three sections; to collect personal data, to assess the nurses' attitude to mouthcare and their level of training in this subject, and to assess the level of dental knowledge. This paper identifies the disadvantages of using a self selected as opposed to a random sample. Analysis of the completed questionnaires revealed a fairly high level of basic training in dental and mouthcare matters. There was however, a paucity of specific dental knowledge e.g. there was some confusion over the aetiology and prevention of dental caries and also as to the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis. In addition, few nurses seemed to be aware of the effects systemic disease and drugs may have on the oral tissues. In spite of this most respondents achieved more than 50 per cent correct answers. A number of recommendations to improve nurses' dental knowledge is given at the end of the article.

Mutans Streptococci, Oral Hygiene, and Caries in an Adult Swedish Population

Abstract: The objective of the present study was to describe the distribution of salivary mutans streptococci in a randomly selected adult population and to relate the distribution to the prevalence of caries. The aim was also to study the association between caries and different levels of oral hygiene (OH). The results were based on the assessment of caries, dental plaque, and concentration of salivary mutans streptococci in 914 subjects who represented 95% of an age- and gender-stratified population sample of 967 individuals, randomly selected from the total adult population living in Alvsborg County, Sweden. The results showed that the distribution of mutans streptococci among dentate adults not wearing any kind of removable denture(s) was similar to that previously reported from studies on Swedish schoolchildren, while a comparably higher proportion of subjects with high levels of mutans streptococci was found among the dentate individuals wearing some kind of removable denture(s). Even higher proportions were ...

Dental pathology and alcohol‐related indicators in an outpatient clinic sample

Abstract: A relationship between alcoholism and dental pathology (particularly missing teeth), has been reported in studies of male, inpatient alcoholics. The present exploratory study was undertaken to assess how readily these findings can be generalized to an unselected sample of male and female dental patients. Data on drinking behavior, alcohol-related problems, and risk factors for alcoholism were obtained through an interview and questionnaire. A dental chart review provided measures of dental pathology. The results showed that measures of dental pathology (including tooth loss, carious teeth, and periodontal disease) correlated significantly with alcohol-related indicators. The associations were more evident for males than for females, which is consistent with some studies of alcohol-related medical consequences. The results suggest that further analytic studies of alcohol consumption and dental pathology are warranted. Because the relationship between tooth loss and harmful drinking was clearest among males with a history of conduct problems, subsequent research would benefit from a focus on this high-risk group.

The relationship between chewing sticks (Miswak) and periodontal health. 2. Relationship to plaque, gingivitis, pocket depth, and attachment loss.

Abstract: For centuries, chewing sticks have been used as a tooth-cleaning device. One of the most commonly used types is known as the Miswak. Despite its common use, few studies have examined possible effects on the gingiva and the surrounding structures. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Miswak and periodontal health. The incisors, canines, and premolars were examined in 236 patients. All patients were interviewed regarding their demographic data, oral hygiene habits, and use of Miswak. Clinical examination included scoring of plaque, gingival inflammation, pocket depths, attachment loss, and gingival recession. Patients were divided into three groups: a Miswak group, a toothbrush group, and a Miswak/toothbrush group. The results of this study indicated that use of the Miswak may influence plaque accumulation and periodontal health.

Microbiological and clinical effects of a dentifrice containing zinc citrate and Triclosan in the human experimental gingivitis model.

Abstract: A partial mouth experimental gingivitis model was employed to establish the effect of a dentifrice containing 0.2% Triclosan and 0.5% zinc citrate on the development of chronic gingivitis. In addition, changes in the plaque flora associated with the developing gingivitis have been monitored. Following a period of stringent oral hygiene, volunteers were allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups. A toothshield was constructed to fit 4 posterior mandibular teeth. During the 21-day experimental period test or placebo dentifrice was applied to the experimental teeth via the tooth shield. The toothshield also prevented plaque removal from those teeth during habitual brushing of the remaining dentition. Supragingival plaque was collected at baseline and day 21 for analysis of the total bacterial flora. At the end of the experimental period, plaque and gingivitis had developed in both groups. However, the test group had significantly less plaque and gingivitis than the placebo group. The microbiological data demonstrated that plaque from the test group contained significantly lower numbers of anaerobes compared to plaque from the placebo group. This was considered particularly significant as these bacteria are generally associated with chronic inflammatory periodontal disease. There was also a trend for the numbers of actinomyces to decrease in plaque from the test group but not in the placebo group.

Dental health behaviors and periodontal disease indicators in Danish youths. A 10-year epidemiological follow-up.

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to analyse the epidemiologic relationship between dental health behaviors and periodontal disease. Indicators of periodontal disease in terms of bleeding and calculus were measured dichotomously (absence/presence). Periodontal pockets were as follows: normal pockets (0-3 mm), shallow pockets (4-5 mm), and deep pockets (6+ mm). The indicators were measured on 4 surfaces on 6 index teeth (16, 11, 26, 36, 31, 46) in 1984-85. The highest value for each tooth of bleeding (0/1), calculus (0/1) and pockets (0/1/2) was used for calculation of the bleeding index, the calculus index and the pocket index. The participation rate in 1984-85 was 86%, and the study population involved 368 males and 388 females. Information concerning dental health behavior was obtained both in childhood (1974) when the individuals were 9-10 years of age, and in adulthood (1984-85) when the individuals were 20-21 years of age. Information concerning dental health behaviors in adulthood, i.e., regularity of dental visits, frequency of tooth brushing, and regular use of interdental aids, was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire (1984-85). Dental health behaviors in childhood (1974) was operationalized as level of plaque, gingivitis, and dmfs. The results showed that dental health behaviors in childhood and in adulthood were together responsible for 9.4-13.8% of the variance in level of periodontal disease indicators. Determinants of early dental health behaviors in terms of plaque and dmfs at age 9-10 years were significant predictors in pocket index at age 20-21.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Personal dental hygiene assembly

Abstract: From prior oral hygiene devices, this invention, in its preferred embodiment, is dry and intended for oral use in cleaning and polishing the teeth and for cleaning the gums, tongue, and surrounding mucosa of the mouth and in plaque removal, with the user's own mouth furnishing the only liquid required, which reconstitutes in situ, the ingredients which are dehydrated and/or impregnated within a membrane.