Individual oral symptoms in burning mouth syndrome may be associated differentially with depression and anxiety

Background Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an idiopathic disease characterized by the feeling of burning in the oral cavity. Ten per cent of patients presenting to oral medicine clinics have BMS. Anxiety and depression are common co-morbidities in BMS, but it is not known if they are associated with specific BMS symptoms. Objective In an exploratory analysis, this study examined the association of generalized anxiety and depression with individual BMS symptoms. Methods Forty-one patients were recruited from a dental outpatient clinic (30 with BMS and 11 with other oral conditions), evaluating specific BMS symptoms and their intensity. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using a standardized measure (Clinical Interview Schedule–Revised). Results Taste change (p?=?0.007), fear of serious illness (p?=?0.011), metallic taste (p?=?0.018) and sensation of a film on the gums (p?=?0.047) were associated with an excess of psychiatric symptoms. More specifically, metallic taste (coefficient?=?0.497, 95% CI?=?0.149–0.845; p?=?0.006) and sensation of film on gums (coefficient?=?0.625, 95% CI?=?0.148–1.103; p?=?0.012) were associated significantly with higher scores for depressive symptoms; taste change (coefficient?=?0.269, 95% CI?=?0.077–0.461; p?=?0.007), bad breath (coefficient?=?0.273, 95% CI?=?0.065–0.482; p?=?0.012) and fear of serious illness (coefficient?=?0.242, 95% CI?=?0.036–0.448; p?=?0.023) were associated with higher anxiety scores. Conclusion Specific BMS symptoms are associated differentially with generalized anxiety and depression. Dental practitioners should ascertain which BMS symptoms are predominant and be mindful of the association of certain symptoms with anxiety or depression and, where necessary, consider medical consultation.     

Candida infection in oral leukoplakia: an unperceived public health problem

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the proportion, known risk factors and etiology for Candida infection in leukoplakia lesions among patients with oral leukoplakia attending the Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka.

Materials and methods: Eighty clinically suspected oral leukoplakia patients were included. Two oral swabs each, from leukoplakia patients: one swab from the lesion and the other one from the contralateral unaffected corresponding area (as a control) were collected. Direct microscopy and culture followed by colony count and phenotypic identification were performed to identify pathogenic Candida species.

Results: Candida infection was seen in 47% of patients with oral leukoplakia. Candida albicans (94.7%) was the most common Candida species followed by Candida tropicalis (5.3%). Majority of Candida-infected lesions were seen in the buccal mucosa region. Alteration of taste (p?=?0.021), having other oral lesions (p?=?0.008), angular cheilitis (p?=?0.024) and periodontitis (p?=?0.041) showed a significant association with Candida-associated leukoplakia. Increasing age showed a significant tendency for Candida infection (p?=?0.020). Smoking (p?=?0.026) and betel-quid chewing (p?=?0.006) were also found to be significantly associated, although alcohol consumption alone did not show a significant association. Oral leukoplakia patients who had all three habits: alcohol consumption, smoking and betel-quid chewing had a significant association with Candida infection (p?=?0.004).

Conclusions: Patients who had a combination of risk factors: smoking, betel-quid chewing and alcohol consumption were seen to have a significant association with Candida infection. Further betel-quid chewing alone and smoking singly was also significantly associated with Candida infection in oral leukoplakia.     

Severity of illness and extra pyramidal symptoms as predictors for oral diseases among patients with schizophrenia

Objective: The study explores the association between severity of illness (positive, negative, depressive and cognitive symptoms) and extra pyramidal symptoms (EPS) with dental caries, periodontal disease and prosthetic needs among patients with schizophrenia.

Material and methods: A total of 71 schizophrenic patients diagnosed based on ICD-10 criteria participated in the study. Clinical Global Impression – Schizophrenia (CGI–SCH) scale was used to evaluate positive, negative, depressive, cognitive symptoms and overall severity of schizophrenia. Simpson–Angus Scale (SAS) was used for assessment of EPS. Dental examinations were conducted as per WHO (1997) criterion.

Results: Mean DMFT and CPI scores with periodontal pockets were 5.57?±?2.12 and 2.37?±?0.74; significant differences being noted among those with and without EPS (p?p?p?p?p?Conclusions: Patients with schizophrenia had high dental caries, periodontal disease and unmet dental prosthetic needs. Severity of the schizophrenic and EPS was associated with poor oral health. Efforts need to be focused on strengthening the evidence of its association with oral health indicators through further studies including cohort investigations.     

Sense of coherence and oral health status in an adult Swedish population

Abstract

Objective . To investigate sense of coherence in relation to oral health status in an adult Swedish population in order to better understand the determinants of positive oral health-promoting behavior and differences in oral health. Material and methods . A stratified random sample of 910 individuals from Jönköping, Sweden aged 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 years was obtained. The investigation used the Swedish short version of the Sense of Coherence (SOC) questionnaire comprising 13 items and a self-report questionnaire to elicit demographic information. In addition, a clinical and radiographic oral examination was performed. Results. A total of 525 individuals, 261 men and 264 women, consented to participate in the study. Bivariate analysis revealed that higher mean SOC scores were statistically significantly associated with more decayed and filled surfaces (DFS) and filled surfaces (FS), fewer decayed surfaces (DS), fewer teeth with calculus and periodontal health. Multivariate analysis showed that higher SOC scores represented a predictor of fewer occurrences of a periodontal probing pocket depth of ≥4 mm and a lower risk of plaque in different regression models. Conclusions. Higher SOC scores may be a protective determinant of plaque and periodontal disease, indicating an association between SOC and oral health.     

Influences of parents,close friends and classmates on four co-existing oral health practices in Saudi male teenagers

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the association between oral health practices and similar practices adopted by parents, close friends and classmates in a group of Saudi male teenagers.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in 2016 including 12–14-year-old intermediate school students (n?=?478). A questionnaire assessed socioeconomic background, whether participants, their parents, close friends and classmates brushed twice daily, used tobacco, snacked on sugary foods or sugary drinks and perceiving a supportive classroom environment. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models assessed the association of parents’, close friends’, classmates’ practices and classroom support with participants’ four practices, controlling for socioeconomic factors.

Results: The response rate was 93.9%. In multivariate regression, close friends’ practices had a strong significant association with teenagers’ tooth brushing (OR?=?4.45; 95%CI?=?1.09, 18.12), tobacco use (OR?=?5.63; 95%CI?=?3.44, 7.88), snacking on sugary foods (OR?=?14.42; 95%CI?=?7.89, 21.89) and sugary drinks (OR?=?7.05; 95%CI?=?5.97, 9.20). The percentages of classmates perceived to brush their teeth and use tobacco were significantly associated with the respective practices in teenagers (OR?=?1.03 and 1.02). Fathers’ snacking on sugary drinks was significantly associated with that of the teenagers (OR?=?4.04; 95%CI=?1.03, 15.85).

Conclusions: In early adolescence, four oral health practices of Saudi males were associated with those perceived to be adopted by their close friends. Fathers’ use of sugary drinks was also significantly associated with that of teenagers.     

The effect of menopause on the relationship between hyperlipidemia and periodontal disease via salivary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and myeloperoxidase levels

Objective: Impairment of the lipid metabolism could affect the periodontal disease; increased oxidative stress may have a role in this relationship. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of menopause in the relationship between hyperlipidemia and periodontal disease via oxidative stress markers in saliva.

Materials and methods: Sixty-seven women were enrolled in the study and divided into four groups as systemically healthy and premenopause (C) (n?=?18), hyperlipidemia and premenopause (H) (n?=?16), systemically healthy and postmenopause (M) (n?=?17), and hyperlipidemia and postmenopause (MH) (n?=?16). Sociodemographics, periodontal and metabolic parameters, and saliva oxidative markers (myeloperoxidase [MPO] and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG]) were evaluated.

Results: Menopause and/or hyperlipidemia were associated with an increase in all evaluated periodontal parameters. Saliva 8-OHdG and MPO levels were higher in menopausal groups (M and MH). Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that hyperlipidemia was related to an increase in periodontal parameters. Salivary oxidative stress markers and periodontal parameters were also positively associated with menopause and hyperlipidemia.

Conclusion: Saliva 8-OHdG and MPO levels may indicate that the relationship between periodontal disease and hyperlipidemia is aggravated by menopause.     

Association between severity of body mass index and periodontal condition in women

This study evaluated the association between body mass index (BMI) and periodontal condition in a population of Brazilian women. A hospital convenience sample of 594 eligible women was recruited from a women's health reference center of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Four groups were formed considering BMI levels: BMI normal group (n?=?352), overweight (n?=?54), obesity level I (n?=?48), obesity level II (n?=?56), and obesity level III (n?=?74). Full-mouth periodontal examination was performed and biological, demographic, and behavioral risk variables were evaluated. Obese and overweight women showed statistically significant differences in bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level ??4?mm, and frequency of periodontitis (p?<?0.05) compared to women showing normal BMI. The final multivariate model for the occurrence of periodontitis revealed that obesity groups were significantly associated with periodontitis. In addition, age (25?C45), smoking, diabetes, and hypertension remained significantly associated with the occurrence of periodontitis (p?<?0.05). Periodontitis was positively associated with obesity, and this association was more evident as obesity levels increases. These findings indicate the need for early diagnosis and the inclusion of periodontal care in health care programs for obese women.     

Income-related inequality in perceived oral health among adult Finns before and after a major dental subsidization reform

Objectives In Finland, a dental subsidization reform, implemented in 2001–2002, abolished age restrictions on subsidized dental care. The aim of this study was to investigate income-related inequality in the perceived oral health and its determinants among adult Finns before and after the reform. Materials and methods Three identical cross-sectional nationally representative postal surveys, concerning perceived oral health and the use of dental services among people born before 1971, were conducted in 2001 (n?=?2157), in 2004 (n?=?1814) and in 2007 (n?=?1671). Three measures of perceived oral health were used: toothache or oral discomfort during the past 12 months, current need for dental care and self-reported oral health status. Concentration index was used to analyse the income-related inequalities. Its decomposition was used to study factors related to the inequalities. Results The proportion of respondents reporting need for dental care decreased from 2001 to 2007, while no changes were seen in reports of toothache or self-reported oral health status. Income-related inequalities in reports of toothache and perceived need for care widened, while the inequality in self-reported oral health remained stable. Most of the inequalities were related to income itself, perceived general health and the time since the last visit to dental care. Conclusions It seems that the income-related inequalities in perceived oral health remained or even widened after the reform.     

Association between alcohol use and periodontal pockets in Finnish adult population

Objective: To investigate whether alcohol use is associated with deepened periodontal pockets and whether this association is dependent on age, gender or socioeconomic position (SEP).

Material and methods: This cross-sectional study, based on the Health 2000 Survey, consisted of dentate, non-smoking Finnish adults aged 30?65 years (n?=?3059). The outcome was the number of teeth with deepened (≥4?mm) periodontal pockets. The exposure was self-reported alcohol use assessed as amount, frequency, and use over the risk limit. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results: In this study, alcohol use did not consistently associate with the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets. An association with the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets was found among men, older participants, and those participants belonging to basic or intermediate educational groups. An association with poor periodontal health was observed among men or older participants who belonged to the basic or intermediate educational group, whereas such associations were not observed among those participants belonging to the higher educational group.

Conclusions: The association between alcohol use and periodontal health appears to be confounded by individual characteristics such as age, gender, and especially one’s SEP.     

Commentaries on scientific papers published in this edition

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the interrelationships between factors involved in orthodontic treatment seeking by children aged 12–15?years.

Setting: State funded orthodontic clinic at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and a nearby public school.

Subjects and methods: One hundred and ninety‐four adolescents aged 12–15?years took part in the study; 92 had sought orthodontic treatment at UERJ (orthodontic group) and 102 were from a nearby public school and had never undergone or sought orthodontic treatment (comparison group). Each participant underwent a comprehensive oral examination, and both parent and child were questioned about who had initiated the orthodontic referral.

Outcomes: Normative need assessed with IOTN DHC; clinician and self‐perceived aesthetic perception assessed with IOTN AC, previous caries experience was determined using the decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMFT) and WHO diagnostic criteria. The ‘Brazil Economic Classification Criteria’ was used to classify the socioeconomic status. Intra‐examiner repeatability and inter‐examiner agreement were assessed with kappa statistics. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association between orthodontic treatment seeking (dependent variable) and the independent variables (i.e. aesthetic impairment, malocclusion severity, socioeconomic status, gender, age and DMFT).

Results: Univariate analyses showed that self‐perceived aesthetics (P<0·001), examiner‐assessed aesthetics (P?=?0·01) and treatment need (P<0·001), socioeconomic status (P<0·001) were significantly associated with orthodontic treatment seeking, but gender (P?=?0·22) and DMFT (P?=?0·41) were not. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that poor self‐perceived aesthetics (OR?=?16·7; 95% CI: 4·17–61·9), more severe malocclusion (OR?=?3·4; 95% CI 1·64–7·14) and better socioeconomic position (OR?=?39·1; 95% CI: 5·47–280·54) significantly influenced the decision to seek orthodontic treatment.

Conclusions: Concern about dental appearance and the desire for treatment, together with normative orthodontic need, should be carefully assessed by dentists before referring patients to specialized orthodontic care in publicly‐funded clinics. In a publicly‐funded oral health care system, self‐perceived orthodontic treatment need is the key to establishing treatment priority.     

Long-term stability of splinted anterior mandibular teeth during supportive periodontal therapy

Objective: The aim of the study was to retrospectively assess the survival rate and stability of periodontally compromised and mobile anterior mandibular teeth after splinting in patients under supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).

Materials and methods: Thirty-nine patients with splinted anterior mandibular teeth and SPT (≥1 visit/year) for 3–15 years were re-examined. Periodontal status, patient and tooth-related factors were assessed retrospectively before (baseline) and 3 years after splinting (n?=?39 patients, 162 splinted teeth). For patients with splints inserted for more than 3 years, retrospective data after 5 (n?=?30), 7 (n?=?24), 10 (n?=?16), 12 (n?=?8) and 15 years (n?=?4) was included, if available. At baseline, splinted teeth included at least one tooth with increased mobility combined with clinical attachment loss (CAL)?≥?5?mm and ≥50% relative bone loss (RBL). Baseline RBL of splinted teeth was assessed for all patients. Change in RBL was assessed after 10 years, if available.

Results: No splinted tooth was lost within the first 3 years after splinting. One splinted tooth was lost 7 years after baseline and one 12 years after baseline. After 3 years mean(SD) periodontal probing depth of splinted teeth decreased from 3.39(1.41) mm to 2.12(0.37) mm and mean(SD) CAL from 5.61(1.66) mm to 5.09(1.67) mm and remained stable over the observation period. No change in RBL was observed over a 10-year period (p?=?.213). The survival rate of the splints until fracture or debonding was 74.4% after 3 years.

Conclusions: Periodontally compromised splinted teeth show a high survival-rate and periodontal stability during SPT.     

Association between age at asthma diagnosis and tooth loss

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between age at asthma diagnosis and tooth loss due to caries using data obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Materials and methods: A complex sample multivariable linear regression was used, and the results were analysed. Age at diagnosis and the number of teeth lost were set as independent and dependent variables, respectively. Among the total 65,973 subjects, 10,056 aged <12 years and 11,714 with missing values in dependent and independent variables were excluded. Asthmatic subjects were divided into the following age groups based on the age at diagnosis: 0–6 years, 7–12 years, 13–18 years, 19–28 years, and 29–64 years. In each analysis, the calibration was performed by adding covariates to each model.

Results: Compared with the no asthma group (β?=?0), the values of β in asthmatic subjects belonging to the age groups 0–6 years (β?=?0.794, 0.521, 0.560) and 7–12 years (β?=?0.527, 0.407, 0.437) were high in all models.

Conclusions: Our findings revealed significant increase in tooth loss due to caries after early asthma diagnosis at 0–6 years (β?=?0.560, p?β?=?0.437, p?相似文献   

Oral Inflammatory Burden and Carotid Atherosclerosis Among Stroke Patients

IntroductionThis study aimed to test the hypothesis that oral inflammatory burden (OIB) is independently associated with the carotid atherosclerotic burden (CAB) among individuals with ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA).MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study included 240 hospital patients with the diagnosis of IS or TIA. The main exposures were apical periodontitis (AP), root canal treatment (RCT), and crestal alveolar (periodontal) bone loss (BL), and the main outcome was the CAB. Exposure and outcome variables were measured through a head and neck multidetector computed tomography angiography and CAB was dichotomized in <50% and ≥50% vessel occlusion. OIB scored as a composite measure of the endodontic and periodontal disease exposure. Hospital health records provided information on sociodemographic and medical covariates. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated through Poisson regression models, estimating the relationship between the oral exposures and CAB, with = 5%.ResultsMean age was 62.15 ± 13.1 years, with 56.7% men. Univariate analyses showed that AP ≥2 (PR = 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–3.17) and endodontic burden (EB) (AP and/or RCT ≥ 2) (PR = 1.98; 95% CI, 1.13–3.47) were associated with CAB ≥50%. Multivariate models, adjusted for sociodemographic and medical covariates, revealed that pooled periodontal and endodontic parameters (OIB = BL ≥ 5 mm and EB ≥ 2) were independently associated with CAB ≥ 50% (PR = 2.47; 95% CI, 1.04–5.87).ConclusionA higher OIB was independently associated with increased levels of CAB among hospital patients with IS or TIA. The combination of endodontic and periodontal parameters strengthened the observed association and should be evaluated in future studies on the relationship between oral health and cardiovascular outcomes.     

Periodontal disease could be a potential risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: An 11-year retrospective follow-up study

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the association of periodontal disease with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Materials and methods

A retrospective follow-up study using the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort was performed from 2002 to 2015 in the Korean population. A total of 165,032 subjects were followed up for incident NAFLD during 11 years. Periodontal disease and NAFLD were defined by a diagnosis using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision (ICD-10) codes. Periodontal status was used as the severity of periodontal status and the number of dental visit due to PD.

Results

Periodontitis was associated with a 4% increase in risk for NAFLD after adjusting for socio-demographic factor, health behaviors, and systemic diseases (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]?=?1.04, 95% CI?=?1.01 to 1.07). Between the number of dental visit due to PD and the risk for NAFLD was observed a dose–effect association (aHR?=?1.02, 95% CI?=?0.99 to 1.05 for once; aHR?=?1.10, 95% CI?=?1.06 to 1.15 for two times; aHR?=?1.14, 95% CI?=?1.06 to 1.24 for three times).

Conclusions

Our data confirmed that periodontitis showed an association with a higher incidence of NAFLD.

Clinical relevance

Prevention and management of periodontal disease could be beneficial for reducing the risk of NAFLD.

     

Perceptions of national recruitment for orthodontic specialty registrars: 2012–2014

Aim: To assess the changes in interviewees’ and interviewers’ perceptions and experiences of national recruitment and a multi-station interview (MSI) for the selection of Orthodontic Specialty Registrars to UK training programmes from 2012 to 2014. Design: Questionnaire-based longitudinal survey. Setting: Interviews for selection of Orthodontic Specialty Registrars (StRs) held at London Deanery, London, UK. Methods: Interviewees and interviewers completed an anonymous questionnaire comprising of 17 and 26 questions, respectively. Results: Interviewees: The number, age (p?=?0.29) and time since qualification (p?=?0.90) increased slightly over the 3 years but these changes were not statistically significant. The proportion of females (p?=?0.32) and those with a UK primary dental qualification (p?=?0.52) varied slightly but the variation was not statistically significant. The proportion that had experience of the MSI format increased significantly over the 3 years (p?Interviewers: The age (p?=?0.54), time since being a consultant (p?=?0.90), proportion of females (p?=?0.43) and those favouring the MSI format (p?=?0.29) varied slightly but this was not statistically significant. More than 75% were positive about the organization, experience and fairness of the MSI format. More than 90% of interviewers thought that the process selected the best candidates, was fair and that more than one assessor was required at each station. Conclusions: Interviewees were consistently very positive about the organization and fairness of the MSI format. Interviewers were consistently very positive about the selection of candidates, fairness and conduct of the MSIs.     

Oral health,sense of coherence and dental anxiety among middle-aged women

Abstract

Aims. The specific aims of this investigation were to analyze the relationship between sense of coherence (SOC), dental anxiety (DA) and oral health status among middle-aged women, measured both subjectively and objectively and adjusted for socioeconomic status (SES). Materials and methods. Randomly selected women, 38 (n = 206) and 50 (n = 287) years of age, were included in a cross-sectional health examination. The participants underwent a series of examination stages, including a clinical and dental radiographic examination. The women responded to questionnaires concerning SES, oral health, DA and SOC. Results. The number of teeth was significantly related to SOC, where more missing teeth revealed a lower SOC level among 50-year-olds. The variables of caries, apical periodontitis and filled surfaces were not statistically significantly associated with SOC. However, the self-reported measure of oral health was associated with SOC in both age groups. High DA was significantly related to self-perceived poor oral health regardless of age. Individuals with high DA also had fewer teeth, more filled surfaces and more approximal caries. The multivariate models showed that higher SOC levels were associated with better oral health, as estimated by objective or subjective measures, while the inverse results were seen for DA. Thus, individuals reporting high DA were more likely to have fewer teeth and poor perceived oral health, taking SES into account. Conclusions. Sense of coherence and dental anxiety are psychological aspects with respect to health- and risk-factors of oral health.     

Sleep quality in patients with xerostomia: a prospective and randomized case-control study

Objectives To investigate sleep quality, anxiety/depression and quality-of-life in patients with xerostomia. Materials and methods This prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among a group of xerostomia patients (n?=?30) compared with 30 matched control subjects. The following evaluation scales were used to assess the psychological profile of each patient: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), the Xerostomia Inventory, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results The PSQI obtained 5.3 3?±?1.78 for patients with xerostomia compared with 4.26?±?1.01 for control subjects (p?=?0.006); ESS obtained 5.7?±?2.1 for test patients vs 4.4 0?±?1 for control subjects (p?=?0.010). Statistical regression analysis showed that xerostomia was significantly associated with depression (p?=?0.027). Conclusions Patients with xerostomia exhibited significant decreases in sleep quality compared with control subjects.     

The relationship between Sense of Coherence and toothbrushing behaviours in Iranian adolescents in Mashhad

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the association between Sense of Coherence (SOC) and toothbrushing behaviours in Iranian adolescents in Mashhad. Materials and Methods: A representative stratified random sample of 1054 grade 6 Iranian students, living in Mashhad, answered a 37‐item questionnaire with questions on socio‐demographic characteristics, frequency of toothbrushing behaviours and Antonovsky's 13‐item SOC scale. Binary logistic regression was used to test the association between SOC and toothbrushing behaviours. Results: Higher SOC scores were significantly associated with more frequent toothbrushing behaviours (p=0.01). This positive association remained significant after adjusting for sex and father's education level (p=0.01). When testing this association for the boys and girls separately, the association was significant only for girls (p=0.02). However, the interaction between sex and SOC was not significant (p=0.56). The association between toothbrushing and sex remained significant after adjusting for SOC (p<0.001). Boys had a significantly stronger SOC than girls (p=0.04). Conclusions: SOC was associated with toothbrushing frequency in Iranian adolescents in Mashhad. SOC did not fully explain the sex difference in toothbrushing behaviours.     

The Silent Period in the EMG of the Jaw Muscles During Mastication and its Relationship to Tooth Contact

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities, through micronuclei, and apoptosis by the sum of karyorrhexis, pyknosis and condensed chromatin in individuals with chronic periodontitis, gingivitis associated with biofilm and no periodontal disease. Materials and methods. This study included 72 individuals divided into three groups: gingivitis (n = 21), periodontitis (n = 24) and control (n = 27). Information on sociodemographic characteristics, health and lifestyle was obtained. Full mouth clinical examination was performed to define the periodontal condition. Exfoliated cells from gingival mucosa were collected for computation of micronuclei and nuclear changes indicative of apoptosis. The differences in the occurrence of endpoints (micronucleus, karyorrhexis, pyknosis and condensed chromatin) were evaluated using the conditional test to compare proportions in a rare events situation. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of micronucleus (p > 0.1) between gingivitis, periodontitis and control groups. The occurrence of apoptosis was significantly higher among individuals with periodontitis compared to individuals with gingivitis (p < 0.05) and controls (p < 0.025). Conclusions. The findings showed that the inflammatory process generated by gingivitis and periodontitis is not related to a higher occurrence of chromosomal damage. However, the higher occurrence of apoptosis in individuals with periodontitis points to genotoxic effects induced by periodontal infection.