Demonstration of the central dark line in crystals of dental calculus.
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Using an electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy, we studied the lattice images of crystallites of dental calculus to demonstrate the presence of the central dark line (CDL) in its crystallite and to compare this CDL with that of bone and synthetic hydroxyapatite crystals. Ultrastructural observations revealed clearly a number of crystallites, which displayed a proper lattice image and CDL similar to that of bone, in the dental calculus. FTIR microspectroscopy revealed that the dental calculus displayed a set of major spectra analogous to that of bone. These results suggest that the formation process of hydroxyapatite crystals with CDL in dental calculus, which is considered to be an unusual type of calcified structure in association with microorganisms, is basically similar to that of the ordinary calcifying hard tissues (bone, enamel, etc.). (+info)
The oral cleanliness and periodontal health of UK adults in 1998.
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Periodontal disease continues to be a major concern for dentists and patients. This paper reports the findings of the 1998 UK Adult Dental Health survey in relation to plaque, calculus, periodontal pocketing and loss of attachment. It is apparent from this study that moderate periodontal disease remains commonplace amongst UK adults and that the associated risk factors of plaque and calculus are in abundance, even amongst those who profess to be motivated about their oral health and attend the dentist regularly. The continued high prevalence of disease needs to be seen in the context of the far larger number of people who are now potentially at some risk, particularly in the older age groups, because of improvements in tooth retention. However, the cumulative effect of disease means that control of the periodontal diseases, even mild and slowly progressing disease, will be a key issue if large numbers of teeth are to be retained into old age. If that level of control is to be achieved we need a widespread improvement in our management of the disease, particularly in our ability to improve the oral cleanliness of the UK population. (+info)
Supragingival calculus: formation and control.
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Dental calculus is composed of inorganic components and organic matrix. Brushite, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, octacalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, and whitlockite form the mineral part of dental calculus. Salivary proteins selectively adsorb on the tooth surface to form an acquired pellicle. It is followed by the adherence of various oral micro-organisms. Fimbriae, flagella, and some other surface proteins are essential for microbial adherence. Microbial co-aggregation and co-adhesion enable some micro-organisms, which are incapable of adhering, to adhere to the pellicle-coated tooth surface. Once organisms attach to the tooth surface, new genes could be expressed so that mature dental plaque can form and biofilm bacteria assume increased resistance to antimicrobial agents. Supersaturation of saliva and plaque fluid with respect to calcium phosphates is the driving force for plaque mineralization. Both salivary flow rate and plaque pH appear to influence the saturation degree of calcium phosphates. Acidic phospholipids and specific proteolipids present in cell membranes play a key role in microbial mineralization. The roles of crystal growth inhibitors, promoters, and organic acids in calculus formation are discussed. Application of biofilm culture systems in plaque mineralization is concisely reviewed. Anti-calculus agents used--centering on triclosan plus polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic acid copolymer, pyrophosphate plus polyvinyl methyl ether/maleic acid copolymer, and zinc ion-in commercial dentifrices are also discussed in this paper. (+info)
The relationship between periodontal disease attributes and Helicobacter pylori infection among adults in the United States.
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OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and abnormal periodontal conditions. METHODS: Data from the first phase of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. A total of 4504 participants aged 20 to 59 years who completed a periodontal examination and tested positive for H. pylori antibodies were examined. RESULTS: Periodontal pockets with a depth of 5 mm or more were associated with increased odds of H. pylori seropositivity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12, 1.94) after adjustment for sociodemographic factors. This association is comparable to the independent effects of poverty on H. pylori (OR = 1.54; 95% CI = 1.10, 2.16). CONCLUSIONS: Poor periodontal health, characterized by advanced periodontal pockets, may be associated with H. pylori infection in adults, independent of poverty status. (+info)
Oral health and related factors in cystic fibrosis and other chronic respiratory disorders.
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AIM: To compare the prevalence of dental caries, dental calculus, and enamel defects in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and children with other chronic respiratory disorders. METHODS: A cross sectional observational survey. One examiner (AN) undertook oral examinations to assess dental caries, periodontal health, and enamel defects in children attending respiratory outpatient clinics. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients with CF (35 male; mean age 10.7 years, range 2.5-16.5) were compared with a control group of 106 patients with other chronic respiratory disorders (52 male; mean age 9.1 years, range 3.0-16.5). There were significantly more defects of enamel in the permanent teeth of CF patients, compared with the teeth of those children with other chronic respiratory disorders. In addition, non-significant trends towards a lower caries prevalence in both dentitions, increased numbers of sextants with calculus deposits, and a reduced number of healthy gingival sextants were observed in the patients with cystic fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Enamel defects, particularly enamel opacities, which can be disfiguring, are more common in CF patients. Early, regular dental visits may prevent such defects becoming dentally disabling and would also permit the removal of dental calculus deposits. The use of long term antibiotics and pancreatic enzymes may confer some protection against the development and progression of dental caries in patients with cystic fibrosis. The inclusion of a specialist paediatric dentist, as part of the multiprofessional team managing the care of these children, would be an advantage. (+info)
OBSERVATION OF CHILDREN'S TEETH AS A DIAGNOSTIC AID: II. DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFICULTIES REFLECTED IN ENAMEL AND PIGMENT CHANGES IN TEETH.
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Current interest in tetracycline staining of teeth and other enamel defects led to this review. In the handicapped child structural defects that were seen in the dental enamel may provide a most accurate etiological clue. The method of determining the time of insult is described. Comments are made on seven states in which enamel dysplasia may be frequently observed. A simple means of identifying tetracycline pigment incorporated in dental enamel is outlined. Bilirubin staining of teeth is also shown and warnings are given about the indelible nature of these pigments. (+info)
Comparison of the effects of various periodontal rotary instruments on surface characteristics of root surface.
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The efficacy of scaling and root planing using various periodontal rotary instruments was examined. Eighty extracted human teeth with a history of periodontal disease were divided into four groups of 20 and subjected to one of the following procedures: Use of 1) a Root Burnisher, 2) a Perio Planing Bur (both rotating instruments for contra angle handpieces), 3) a Tooth Planing Bur (rotating instrument for use with an air turbine), or 4) a Gracey Scaler. In each case, the time required for cleaning was measured. Twenty healthy extracted human teeth were used as untreated controls. After treatment, the surface roughness of 10 specimens out of each group were measured using a profilometer and observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Half of the samples were then incubated in dishes with a suspension of fibroblasts. After counting the number of attached cells, the attachment of fibroblasts was observed by SEM. The root surfaces treated with the rotary instruments appeared smooth and there were no significant differences between groups. From the SEM observations, smooth root surfaces with different surface textures were evident and a tight attachment of fibroblasts was observed. The results of this study suggest that use of rotary instruments is superior for periodontal scaling and root planing. (+info)
Control of gingival inflammation in a teenager population using ultrasonic prophylaxis.
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Gingival inflammation is clinically characterized by gingival redness, swelling and increased tendency of bleeding of the soft tissue. Bacterial biofilm is the etiological agent. If, at this stage, the bacterial biofilm is removed and appropriate control methods are applied, remission of gingival inflammation occurs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a single session of ultrasonic prophylaxis for the reduction of gingivitis in an adolescent population using the Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI). The study sample consisted of 15 male adolescent students selected at a dentist's office of a public high school. Prior to treatment (baseline), plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded. The patients then received oral hygiene instructions and ultrasonic prophylaxis. Follow-up exams were made 15 and 30 days after the ultrasonic prophylaxis, again recording PI and BOP. The data were analyzed by the Student's t-test for dependent samples. Correlation analysis between presence of biofilm and bleeding on probing was also made using the Pearson correlation test. There was a statistically significant decrease in the plaque index and bleeding on probing between baseline and examinations at both 15 days and 30 days (p<0.05). However, the difference between the means at 15 and 30 days was statistically similar. The correlation analysis showed correlation between both parameters (p<0.05). The results indicate that a single session of ultrasonic prophylaxis associated to oral hygiene instructions is efficient to reverse gingivitis in adolescents. (+info)