The aim of this study was to investigate oral health behavior and attitudes of dental students in years 1 to 6 at the University of Zagreb, Croatia. The Croatian version of the Hiroshima ...University–Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU–DBI) was administered to predoctoral dental students, and collected data were analyzed. A total of 503 students (22.3±2.6 mean age) completed the questionnaire. The response rate was 85.1 percent, and 72.4 percent of the respondents were female. These dental students’ answers to eleven out of twenty HU–DBI items differed significantly by academic year. The mean questionnaire score was 6.62±1.54, and the highest value of the HU–DBI score was in the fourth year (7.24±1.54). First–year students were most likely to have a toothbrush with hard bristles and felt they had not brushed well unless done with hard strokes. Students in the sixth year were least worried about visiting a dentist and most frequently put off going to a dentist until having a toothache, indicating that rise of knowledge contributes to higher self–confidence. The mean HU–DBI score for these students showed average value, pointing out the need for a comprehensive oral hygiene and preventive program from the start of dental school.
The aim of this study was to compare clinical, intra-surgical, 2D (panoramic) and 3D (CBCT)-based parameters in assessing molar furcation involvement (FI).
Six patients with generalized periodontitis ...Stage II to IV, Grade B and C who were scheduled for the periodontal flap surgical treatment were recruited in the study. In total, 38 molar teeth with 93 furcation sites were analysed. All subjects had comprehensive periodontal examination, which included an assessment of molar FI using Naber's probe according to modified Glickman's classification. Periodontal surgery was performed in patients with at least one maxillary molar with probing depth of ≥6 mm. This probing demonstrated lower grade of FI compared with intra-surgical findings.
Periodontal probing, intra-surgical measurement and measurements based on CBCT significantly correlated with each other regarding the assessment of FI, with r values ranging between 0.81 to 1.00 (p<0.01). The correlation of panoramic radiograph with periodontal probing is 0.49, with CBCT 0.39 and with intra-surgical measurements 0.36. The results showed an excellent agreement and higher accuracy between intra-surgical measurements and CBCT (0.96), in contrast to clinical examination and panoramic radiography- 0.87 and 0.63 respectively. Different clinical and radiological modalities showed a correlation among each other. They are accurate and have their own benefits, which makes (renders) them useful in establishing periodontal diagnosis and treatment planning.
However, CBCT offers significant advantages including excellent agreement and higher accuracy and can be used as justified as excellent diagnostic tool in detecting and locating FI to provide a more reliable diagnosis and basis for treatment decisions.
Smoking has been extensively investigated as a risk factor for periodontal disease and many studies have confirmed it. The aim of this study was to show data from Croatia on periodontal health among ...high school students, with the focus on association of tobacco use and oral hygiene habits, and the periodontal parameters.
Pocket probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing, supragingival calculus, and oral hygiene habits were recorded for each examinee out of 517 high school students. PPD was measured at 4 interproximal sites on all first molars and central incisors (index teeth).
There were 34.6% smokers among subjects, who started smoking on average at the age of 14. More than half of the smokers (55.3%) smoked 1-10 cigarettes per day and intensity of smoking increased with age. PPD was significantly greater (p = 0.012) in smokers (1.69 mm) than in non-smokers (1.59 mm). In non-smoking subjects, increased values of PPD were in direct proportion to the reduced frequency of brushing, while there was no difference in smokers. The number of cigarettes smoked and duration of smoking had a great influence on PPD. Smokers had on average more teeth with supragingival calculus than non-smokers, while non-smokers had more bleeding on probing, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001).
This study indicated that cigarette smoking was associated with decreased periodontal health even in this young population. Irregular oral hygiene was associated with decreased periodontal health only in non-smokers. Therefore, it should be important to inform young smokers about the negative effects of cigarette smoking on periodontal health, to provide consultations and reinforce smoking prevention measures.
Aim: The aim of this report was to assess the strength and influence of periodontitis as a possible risk factor for pre‐term birth (PTB) in a cohort of 81 primiparous Croatian mothers aged 18–39 ...years.
Methods: PTB cases (n=17; mean age 25±2.9 years; age range 20–33 years) were defined as spontaneous delivery after less than 37 completed weeks of gestation that were followed by spontaneous labour or spontaneous rupture of membranes. Controls (full‐time births) were normal births at or after 37 weeks of gestation (n=64; mean age 25±2.9 years; age range 19–39 years). Information on known risk factors and obstetric factors included the current pregnancy history, maternal age at delivery, pre‐natal care, nutritional status, tobacco use, alcohol use, genitourinary infections, vaginosis, gestational age, and birth weight. Full‐mouth periodontal examination was performed on all mothers within 2 days of delivery.
Results: PTB cases had significantly worse periodontal status than controls (p=0.008). Multivariate logistic regression model, after controlling for other risk factors, demonstrated that periodontal disease is a significant independent risk factor for PTB, with an adjusted odds ratio of 8.13 for the PTB group (95% confidence interval 2.73–45.9).
Conclusion: Periodontal disease represents a strong, independent, and clinically significant risk factor for PTB in the studied cohort. There are strong indicators that periodontal therapy should form a part of preventive prenatal care in Croatia.
Halitosis, or oral malodour, is an unpleasant smell emanating from the oral cavity. It is a common complaint among patients with periodontitis, however, their relationship is not fully elucidated. ...This study aimed to evaluate the association between halitosis measures, clinical indicators of periodontitis and tongue coating, as well as a novel measure, periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA).
Data of 10 patients with periodontitis and halitosis were included in this study. Halitosis was assessed by the organoleptic method and the portable sulphide monitor, measuring volatiles sulphur compounds. A comprehensive periodontal examination was conducted, and the parameters of probing depth, gingival recession, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, plaque and tongue coating were registered. The PISA was calculated using clinical attachment level, gingival recession and bleeding on probing.
A correlation between organoleptic score and tongue coating (r=0.554) and plaque (r=0.614) could be observed. No correlation between measures of halitosis and probing depth or the PISA could be detected. A significant correlation was found between organoleptic scores and volatiles sulphur compounds values (r=0.931).
This pilot study has shown and further reiterated a complex interplay between different factors causative to halitosis in patients affected by periodontitis. The results suggest that tongue coating and oral hygiene may have an important role in halitosis in patients with periodontitis.
Health status of soldiers affects their quality of life and combat readiness. The aim of the research was to explore the differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between combat ready und ...unready soldiers and to what extent are clinically assessed combat readiness and psychological dimensions related to self-reported HRQoL. The study included 402 consecutively selected soldiers aged 21 to 54 (mean age 35.3 +/- 6.0) who were classified on the basis of a regular health examination as combat ready (N=327) and unready (N=75). HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-8 Questionnaire and psychological dimensions using the Brief Symptom Inventory. There were no significant differences in physical and mental components of HRQoL between combat ready and unready soldiers. Clinically assessed combat readiness and psychological symptomatic dimensions were weak predictors of HRQoL. Higher intensity of psychoticism and less years in military service were the only significant predictor of higher physical component of HRQoL (p=0.027 and p=0.020, respectively) but accounted for low variability (each 1%). None variable was a predictor of mental component. In conclusion, clinically assessed combat readiness of soldiers and psychological symptomatic dimensions are poor predictors of HRQoL. HRQoL should be introduced in evaluation of combat readiness.
Quorum Sensing of Periodontal Pathogens Plančak, Darije; Musić, Larisa; Puhar, Ivan
Acta stomatologica Croatica,
09/2015, Letnik:
49, Številka:
3
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
The term 'quorum sensing' describes intercellular bacterial communication which regulates bacterial gene expression according to population cell density. Bacteria produce and secrete small molecules, ...named autoinducers, into the intercellular space. The concentration of these molecules increases as a function of population cell density. Once the concentration of the stimulatory threshold is reached, alteration in gene expression occurs. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria possess different types of quorum sensing systems. Canonical LuxI/R-type/acyl homoserine lactone mediated quorum sensing system is the best studied quorum sensing circuit and is described in Gram-negative bacteria which employ it for inter-species communication mostly. Gram-positive bacteria possess a peptide-mediated quorum sensing system. Bacteria can communicate within their own species (intra-species) but also between species (inter-species), for which they employ an autoinducer-2 quorum sensing system which is called the universal language of the bacteria. Periodontal pathogenic bacteria possess AI-2 quorum sensing systems. It is known that they use it for regulation of biofilm formation, iron uptake, stress response and virulence factor expression. A better understanding of bacterial communication mechanisms will allow the targeting of quorum sensing with quorum sensing inhibitors to prevent and control disease.
Objectives
To compare a monophasic (100% ß‐TCP) and a biphasic (60% HA and 40% ß‐TCP) bone substitute material (BSM) regarding biocompatibility, osteoconductivity and implant stability using ...histological, radiological and resonance frequency analysis.
Material and Methods
Sixty‐seven sinus floor elevations were performed in 60 patients. One patient group (monophasic bone substitute MBS, 30 patients, 32 sinuses) was augmented by the use of the monophasic material (Bioresorb®, Sybron Implant Solutions, Bremen, Germany), while the second group (biphasic bone substitute (BBS), 30 patients, 35 sinuses) received a biphasic material (Maxresorb®, Botiss Biomaterials, Berlin, Germany). Cone beam CT images were taken immediately after augmentation and prior to implant placement after 6 months. Trephines were harvested, while the implant bed was prepared. Resonance frequency analysis was performed immediately after implant placement and 6 months later. Descriptive analysis was performed on all augmented sinus (n = 67). For statistical comparison of the groups, one sinus of each bilaterally treated patient was randomly excluded, resulting in 30 sinuses grafted with MBS and 30 sinuses grafted with BBS (n = 60).
Results
Histomorphometrical analysis of all sinuses displayed comparable results for both groups regarding new bone matrix (MBS 36.16 ± 19.37%, BBS 38.42 ± 12.61%), residual BSM (MBS 30.26 ± 11.7%, BBS 32.66 ± 12.57%) and non‐mineralized tissue (MBS 34.29 ± 18.32%, BBS 28.92 ± 15.04) %) (P > 0.05, respectively). Radiological volume of BBS was significantly more stable (volume loss of 22.2% for MBS, 6.66% for BBS; P < 0.001), and homogeneity of the graft after 6 months was higher for BBS than that for MBS (P < 0.05). Resonance frequency analysis endorsed a higher implant stability quotient for BBS after 6 months than that for MBS (MBS 78.31 ± 5.81, BBS 80.42 ± 6.31; P < 0.05, Mann–Whitney U‐test, respectively).
Conclusion
Both monophasic and biphasic materials show good biocompatibility and osteoconductivity with satisfactory support on implant stability. BBS remains more stable in terms of volume maintenance and radiological graft homogeneity after a healing period of 6 months.
Adequate oral care in intubated patients may reduce occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. The purpose of this study was to explore knowledge, attitudes, and oral care practice in Croatian ...intensive care units and influencing factors. Nurses' knowledge is insufficient; however, most of them reported positive attitude toward the importance of oral care. Performed oral hygiene measures are mostly inappropriate. There is a need to improve the knowledge of ventilator-associated pneumonia and oral care.
Inadequate oral hygiene in intensive care units (ICUs) has been recognized as a critical issue, for it is an important risk factor for ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). VAP is an aspiration ...pneumonia that occurs in mechanically ventilated patients, mostly caused by bacteria colonizing the oral cavity and dental plaque. It is the second most common nosocomial infection and the leading cause of complications and death in mechanically ventilated patients. It has been suggested that improvement of oral hygiene in ICU patients could lead to a reduced incidence of VAP. Although diverse oral care measures for ICU patients have been proposed in the literature, there is no evidence that could identify the most efficient ones. Although there are several evidence-based protocols, oral care measures are still performed inconsistently and differ greatly between individual ICUs. This paper lists the oral care measures most commonly performed in ICUs, indicating their advantages and disadvantages. Brushing with regular toothbrush and rinsing with chlorhexidine are considered optimal measures of oral hygiene in critically ill patients. To date, there is no definitive agreement about the most effective oral care protocol, but evidence demonstrates that consistent performance of oral care may lower the incidence of VAP in critically ill patients.