Susceptibility to gingivitis: a way to predict periodontal disease?

Clinical studies suggest that gingival inflammatory response to plaque accumulation may vary between individuals. Evidence seems to indicate that there is an association between susceptibility to gingivitis and susceptibility to periodontitis. Recently, among participants in a large scale experimental gingivitis trial, we were able to identify and characterize subjects that differ significantly in their gingival inflammatory response to plaque accumulation. Research efforts are being focused on the effect of genetic, anatomic and environmental host-related factors which may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the gingival inflammatory process, and whether susceptibility to periodontitis and susceptibility to gingivitis may partly share common risk factors. In this respect, it is possible that identification of factors related to increased susceptibility to gingivitis may help identify, at an early age, subjects at risk of periodontitis.     

Are dentists willing to advise their patients to quit smoking?

In order to know whether dentists are prepared to advise their patients to stop smoking, a representative study was performed in several EU-countries. From the Dutch results, it may be concluded that dentists in the Netherlands are aware of the harmful effects of tobacco use. They are prepared to pay more attention in their dental practice to these harmful effects for general health and for oral health in particular. The majority is willing to participate in a smoking cessation campaign, provided there is more information about 'why' and 'how'.     

Gone to waste, or something to get your teeth into?

Geoff Dillow, author of Dental compressed air and vacuum systems--2003, a supplement to the NHS Estates publication Health technical memorandum No 2022: Medical gas pipeline systems, examines issues surrounding the use of scavenging systems for nitrous oxide during relative analgesia (RA) procedures in dentistry. Practical advice to help reduce unnecessary exposure of practice staff is offered.     

Getting your back back to work: pain relief--where to start?

Dental health care workers are vulnerable to back and neck pain resulting from poor occupational posture. While numerous choices exist for treatment, this article will provide them with a practical approach to seeking out appropriate care for this common malady. The McKenzie treatment approach is discussed and recommendations for its application are presented to provide the reader with a starting point for treatment. For the dental health care worker experiencing pain and dysfunction of the back and/or neck, as more than half will during their careers, this article will seek to provide an overview of potential causes while creating a roadmap for seeking the most appropriate conservative "antidote" for their care.