A clinical study to compare between resting and stimulated whole salivary flow rate and pH before and after complete denture placement in different age groups

Purpose:

This study compared the flow rate and pH of resting (unstimulated) and stimulated whole saliva before and after complete denture placement in different age groups.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty healthy, non-medicated edentulous individuals of different age groups requiring complete denture prostheses were selected from the outpatient department. The resting (unstimulated) and stimulated whole saliva and pH were measured at three stages i.e.,

• i)Before complete denture placement;
• ii)Immediately after complete denture placement; and
• iii)After 2 to 3 months of complete denture placement.

Saliva production was stimulated by chewing paraffin wax. pH was determined by using a digital pH meter.

Results:

Statistically significant differences were seen in resting(unstimulated) and stimulated whole salivary flow rate and pH obtained before, immediately after, and after 2 to 3 months of complete denture placement. No statistically significant differences were found between the different age groups in resting (unstimulated) as well as stimulated whole salivary flow rate and pH.

Conclusion:

Stimulated whole salivary flow rates and pH were significantly higher than resting (unstimulated) whole salivary flow rates and pH obtained before, immediately after, and after 2 to 3 months of complete denture placement. No age related variations in whole salivary flow rate and pH were observed in healthy, non-medicated individuals.

Clinical Implications:

The assessment of salivary flow rate, pH in different age groups is of prognostic value, which is an important aspect to be considered in the practice of removable prosthodontics.Key Words: pH, resting whole saliva, salivary flow rate, stimulated whole saliva, xerostomia     

The effect of microwave processing and use of antimicrobial agent on porosity of conventional heat cured denture base resin: An in vitro study

Statement of Problem:

The occurrence porosity in polymethyl methacrylate, the most commonly used denture base material is a problem. The occurrence of oral candidiasis and other infections has also been reported in denture users.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of an antimicrobial agent, silver zeolite on the porosity of denture base resin, which will be an effective tool in the prevention of oral candidiasis among denture wearers. This study also aims to analyze the effect of polymerization technique on porosity in zeolite incorporated dentures to develop a denture base resin which will be easy to process with optimal mechanical and antimicrobial properties.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty rectangular resin specimens (65 mm × 40 mm × 5 mm) were divided into one control group (A) and three experimental groups (B – Microwave cured denture base resin specimens, C – Conventionally cured denture base resin incorporated with antibacterial zeolites, D – Microwave cured denture base resin incorporated with antibacterial zeolites) porosity was calculated by measurement of the specimen volume before and after its immersion in water. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance.

Results:

The mean values of the percent mean porosity were: A = 0.9555%, B = 0.9590%, C = 0.9630%, D = 0.9695%. No significant differences were found in mean porosity among the groups evaluated.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this study, it could be concluded that the addition of zeolites did not result in significant porosity and that the use of microwave processing is a viable option for denture processing.Key Words: Microwave, polymethyl methacrylate, zeolites     

Comparative evaluation of reproducibility of peripheral tissues produced by different border molding materials in edentulous patients: An in vivo study

Aim:

The aim of the study is to analyze the effect of different materials and techniques in current use on peripheral shaping of complete denture impression.

Methods:

The present study was conducted to compare and evaluate the maxillary border morphology produced using tissue conditioner as control and low fusing impression compound, Polyether, Pattern resin and periphery wax as border molding materials. The study was carried out on 15 denture wearer patients with well formed, rounded edentulous maxillary arch with adequate width and height. On each patient, border moldings were done, with tissue conditioner which was loaded on the borders of previous maxillary denture of the patient (control group), low fusing impression compound (Group 1), polyether (Group 2), Pattern resin (Group 3) and Peripheral wax (Group 4), respectively on special tray made for the patient. Sulcus width height and area was then measured for each group using stereomicroscope.

Results and Conclusions:

Based on the study it is concluded that the polyether was the best material for border molding which will give most accurate borders to a denture.     

Evaluation of flexural strength and color stability of different denture base materials including flexible material after using different denture cleansers

Aims:

Present study aimed at evaluating the colour stability and flexural strength of flexible denture base materials (Valplast) and Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base material (Meliodent) processed by two different methods (Injection moulding and compression moulding) after immersing them in three different denture cleansers with acidic, basic and neutral PH.

Methods and Materials:

Total 120 specimens (65 × 10 × 3 mm3), 40 specimens of each material (Valplast, Meliodent compression moulding and injection moulding) were immersed in denture cleansers having different PH; Valclean (Acidic), Clinsodent (Basic) and Polident (Neutral) as well as Distilled Water. Color changes were measured with a spectrophotometer after 1 month, 3 months and 6 months of immersion cycle. A flexural 3-point bending test was carried out by using an Instron universal testing machine after 6 months of soaking. Data were analyzed using SPSS software

Results:

Maximum effect on colour stability was noted with Clinsodent followed by Valclean. Least color changes were observed after immersion in Polident. Colour difference was increased significantly as the immersion time increased. For both Meliodent and Nylon resins, statistically significant change in flexural strength occurred with immersion in all denture cleansers. Clinsodent has greater effect as compared to Valclean and Polident.

Conclusions:

Polident and Valclean can be safely used as denture cleanser for both nylon and acrylic resin denture base materials as far as colour stability and flexural strength both are concerned.Key Words: Acrylic resin, basic and neutral pH, denture cleansers with acidic, flexural strength and color stability, nylon denture base materials     

Maxillomandibular relationship record for implant complete mouth rehabilitation with elastomeric material and facial surface index of existing denture

Introduction:

The maxillomandibular relationship (MMR) record is a critical step to establish the new occlusion in implant supported complete mouth rehabilitation. Using patients existing denture for recording the MMR requires implant definitive cast to be modified extensively to completely seat the denture (with unaltered flanges) on it. This may influence the correct seating of the denture on the implant definitive cast causing faulty recording of the MMR.

Materials and Method:

Elastomeric record bases, reinforced with the resin framework, are fabricated and relined with the light body elastomeric material when all the healing abutments are in place. The MMR is recorded with these elastomeric record bases using vacuum formed facial surface index of the occluded existing dentures as a guideline.

Results:

The elastomeric record bases with facial surface index of the existing dentures can allow clinicians to record MMR records without removing the healing abutments from the mouth with acceptable accuracy. This can save chair-side time of the procedure. The record of facial surfaces of existing complete denture in the form of vacuum formed sheet helps to set the occlusal vertical dimension.

Conclusion:

Use of facial surface index together with the elastomeric record bases can be the useful alternative technique to record the MMR in patients with implant supported full mouth rehabilitation. Further study is required to prove its routine clinical utility.Key Words: Implant restorations, maxillomandibular relation, occlusion rim, record base     

The relationship between innercanthal dimension and interalar width to the intercanine width of maxillary anterior teeth in central Indian population

Statement of Problem:

Selection of proper sized maxillary anterior teeth is one of the difficult clinical steps in complete denture esthetics. Several studies have been reported to establish methods of estimating the combined width of maxillary anterior teeth.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between the innercanthal distance (ICD) and interalar width (IAW) with the combined width of maxillary anterior teeth.

Material and Methods:

The maxillary anterior teeth of 600 adult subjects were examined. ICD was measured between the median angles of the palpebral fissure. IAW was measured between the ala of the nose at their widest point. The mean combined width of the maxillary anterior teeth was determined intraorally at their widest dimension. Pearson''s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between ICD, IAW and the combined width of maxillary anterior teeth (α =0.05).

Results:

Although the Pearson correlation coefficients were relatively small, a significant relationship existed between innercanthal dimension and IAW (P < 0001).

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that ICD and IAW cannot be used as a preliminary method for determining the width of the maxillary anterior teeth for edentulous patients.Key Words: Innercanthal distance, interalar width, intercanine width     

Effect of abutment angulation in the retention and durability of three overdenture attachment systems: An in vitro study

PURPOSE

This in vitro study investigated and compared the durability and retention of three types of attachments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three commercially available attachments were investigated: Clix®, Dalbo-Plus® and Locator®. In total, 72 samples of these attachments were placed in the acrylic resin forms and subjected to mechanical testing (5400 cycles of insertion and removal) over the respective ball or Locator abutments immersed in artificial saliva at pH 7 and 37℃. The abutments were placed at angulations of 0°, 10° and 20°. The retention force was recorded at the beginning and after 540, 1080, 2160, 3240, 4320 and 5400 insertion-removal cycles.

RESULTS

The results revealed that there were significant differences in the average values of the insertion/removal force due to angulation (F _(2.48) = 343619, P<.05) and the type of attachment (F _(7.48) = 23.220, P<.05).

CONCLUSION

Greater angulation of the abutments was found to influence the retention capacity of the attachments, and the fatigue test simulating 5 years of denture insertion and removal did not produce wear in the metal abutments.     

Effect of sociodemographic variables on complete denture satisfaction

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sociodemographic factors on quality of satisfaction towards denture treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred subjects (filling inclusion criteria) who were wearing a denture for at least two months were enrolled and divided into five groups on the basis of sociodemographic variables (age, gender, literacy level, socio-economic and marital status). Questionnaires consisting of 38 questions (positive and negative attitude towards denture satisfaction) related to patients'' perception of clinical outcome in different domains such as mastication, appearance, speech, comfort, health, denture care and social status were scored by the subjects. Questions reflecting positive attitude were scored as 2, 1, or 0 (yes, uncertain and no, respectively) and reversely for the negative questions. Statistical analysis was done by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (α = .05).

RESULTS

Level of denture satisfaction was higher in age subgroup belonging to 45 - 65 years of age in relation to comfort, health and denture care. Female and male showed significant priority for denture treatment because of esthetic and function respectively. Level of satisfaction was statistically significant with literacy level. Upper high income group showed significantly higher level of satisfaction only in case of social status. Married group showed significantly higher satisfaction level only with comfort.

CONCLUSION

Patients'' sociodemographic variables were influential factors on denture satisfaction.     

Elastic modulus and flexural strength comparisons of high-impact and traditional denture base acrylic resins

Background

Fractures of acrylic resin dentures are a common occurrence in clinical dentistry. The denture may be fractured accidentally when dropped or while in service in the mouth due to flexural fatigue.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the elastic modulus and the flexural strength between two heat-cured acrylic resins used in denture bases: a high-impact resin (Lucitone 199) and a traditional resin (Rodex).

Materials and methods

Rectangular strips of Lucitone 199 and Rodex (10 samples each) were fabricated and stored in artificial saliva at 37 °C for 2 weeks. The specimens were subjected to a three-point flexural test. The data were statistically analysed with Student’s t-test (p ⩽ .05).

Results

The high-impact acrylic resin had a lower elastic modulus (p = .000) and higher flexural strength (p = .001) compared to the traditional acrylic resin.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the high-impact acrylic resin is a suitable denture base material for patients with clinical fracture of the acrylic denture.     

The Effect of Salivary Calcium and Fluoride Toothpaste on the Formation of KOH-Soluble Fluoride: In Vitro Study

Objective

The aim of this in vitro preliminary study was to assess the effect of smokers’ saliva (assuming their higher calcium concentration) in combination with fluoridated toothpaste on the enamel uptake of alkali-soluble (KOH-soluble) fluoride.

Materials and methods

Four enamel slabs were cut from each of 14 impacted third molars and randomly assigned into 4 groups. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from two age and sex matched volunteers. One of the samples was taken from a heavy smoker and the other sample was taken from a non-smoker. Two groups (A and B) were shaken in saliva (A in smoker''s saliva, B in nonsmoker''s saliva) for 5 min and then shaken for 3 min in a toothpaste/deionized water slurry (1:3 w/w). One of the groups (group C) received no saliva treatment and was only shaken in toothpaste slurry for 3 min. The treatment was repeated after a 6-hour period. One of the groups (D) served as a control group with no treatment.

Results

Calcium concentration in the smoker’s saliva was higher than in the nonsmoker’s saliva. The enamel uptake of KOH-soluble fluoride in group A was significantly higher than that in the other two treatment groups, B and C. The enamel uptake of KOH-soluble fluoride in all 3 groups was statistically different from that in the control group.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that saliva collected from a heavy smoker, which had higher salivary calcium concentration, enhances enamel uptake of alkali-soluble fluoride and encourages us to conduct a large-scale study.Key words: Salivary calcium, fluoride, smoking, enamel     

A study of the emotional effects of tooth loss in an edentulous Gujarati population and its association with depression

Context:

To fully estimate the burden of illness due to edentulism and establish valid treatment outcomes measures in this regard, it is equally important to study its psychosocial repercussions.

Aims:

The aim was to conduct a study to explore the emotional reactions to tooth loss, screen for current depressive symptoms and test for association between the two; among an edentulous Gujarati population.

Settings and Design:

A total of 147 edentulous people visiting the Prosthodontics Department were surveyed.

Subjects and Methods:

A questionnaire (based on previous studies) to test the emotional reactions to tooth loss and Nine Item-Patient Health Questionnaire to test for depression were used.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The data were analyzed using the Chi-square (χ²) test with the help of SPSS v. 18.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

Results:

Totally, 100 out of 147 edentulous people returned the questionnaire of which 58% experienced difficulties in accepting tooth loss and 37% felt unprepared for its effects. Those with difficulties accepting tooth loss had a greater effect on self esteem and social life, had more reservation about discussing tooth loss and was more likely to experience depression. Both groups were satisfied with dentures, had no problem meeting their friends or partners without dentures and leaving out dentures at night.

Conclusion:

About 58% of edentulous people had difficulties accepting tooth loss, which was unrelated to denture satisfaction. Respondents appeared to be restricted in social activities mainly due to functional limitations. Those with difficulties accepting tooth loss were more likely to experience depression.Key Words: Depression, edentulous Gujarati population, emotional effects, study, tooth loss     

Usage of removable partial dentures in Saudi male patients after 1 year telephone interview

Objective

The success of removable partial dentures (RPDs) is partly dependent on patients’ acceptance and compliance in using them. The purpose of this study was to describe the usage of removable partial dentures (RPDs) by patients 1 year after insertion and to evaluate the factors that influence their denture usage.

Methods

Forty-seven patients who received 75 new RPDs at the undergraduate clinic of College of Dentistry, King Saud University, were contacted by telephone 1 year later for an interview. The questions covered denture usage, patient’s satisfaction and reasons for non-use.

Results

Results showed that 36% of patients discarded or occasionally used their RPDs. There was no significant association between denture usage and RPD experience, location or Kennedy classification. A significantly more RPD rejection was found when it was opposed by natural teeth or complete denture. The most quoted reason for RPD rejection was pain and discomfort.

Conclusion

Despite the short follow-up period, RPDs were poorly accepted by patients treated by undergraduate students.     

Effect of denture cleansers on surface hardness of resilient denture liners at various time intervals- an in vitro study

PURPOSE

This study was aimed to determine the effect of two chemically distinct denture cleansers and water on the surface hardness of acrylic and silicone based soft denture liners at various time intervals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two commonly used commercial resilient liner material were selected based on their chemical composition (silicone- and acrylic-based soft liners) for this investigation. 120 cylindrical specimens were made of 15 mm × 10 mm dimensions (according to ASTM: D-2240-64T) in a custom made metal mold. All specimens were stored in artificial saliva throughout the study. Forty specimens were cleansed daily in 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution; forty were cleansed in sodium perborate and remaining forty specimens were daily rinsed in water. Testing was done at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months for surface hardness using a Shore A Durometer. A mean of 3 reading for each sample was subjected to one-way ANOVA, Post Hoc test and pair-t test for statistical analysis. P values of less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Surface hardness of all the samples was significantly higher after a period of 6 months irrespective of the cleansing treatment. Minor changes were observed between control, sodium hypochlorite and sodium perborate groups with time. Greater change was observed in surface hardness of acrylic-based soft denture liners as compared to silicone-based soft liners for all groups, as time progressed.

CONCLUSION

Silicone-based soft denture liners performed significantly better in all cleansing treatments than acrylic-based soft denture liners.     

Evaluation of the surface roughness of three heat-cured acrylic denture base resins with different conventional lathe polishing techniques: A comparative study

Purpose:

Surface roughness promotes adhesion and colonization of denture plaque. Therefore, it is important to know the effects of polishing and finishing on the surface roughness of various acrylic resin materials.

Objectives:

To evaluate and compare the effects of different conventional lathe polishing techniques on heat cured acrylic resins in producing surface roughness.

Materials and Methods:

Three different commercially available heat-cured acrylic resin materials namely DPI, Meliodent and Trevalon Hi were selected. 30 Specimens of each acrylic material (30 x 3 = 90, 10 x 60 x 2mm) were prepared and divided into 5 groups, each group consisted of 6 Nos. of specimens per material(6x3=18) and were grouped as Group A(unfinished), Group B (finished), Group C (Polishing Paste), Group D (Polishing Cake) and Group E (Pumice and Gold rouge). The resulted surface roughness (μm) was measured using Perthometer and observed under Scanning Electron Microscope. The values obtained were subjected statistical analyses.

Results:

Among the materials tested, better results were obtained with Trevalon Hi followed by Meliodent and DPI. Among the polishing methods used, superior results were obtained with universal polishing paste followed by polishing cake; Pumice and Gold rouge. Although Pumice and Gold rouge values produced greater roughness value, they were well within the threshold value of 0.2 mm.Key Words: Gold rouge, heat-cured acrylic resin, polishing cake, pumice, universal polishing paste     

An evaluation of relation between the relative parallelism of occlusal plane to ala-tragal line and variation in the angulation of Po-Na-ANS angle in dentulous subjects: A cephalometric study

Aims:

The aim was to evaluate if any correlation exists between variation in angulation of Po-Na-ANS angle and relative parallelism of the occlusal plane to the different tragal levels of the ear in dentulous subjects.

Methodology:

A total of 200 subjects were selected for the study. A custom made occlusal plane analyzer was used to determine the posterior point of the ala-tragal line. The lateral cephalogram was shot for each of the subjects. The points Porion, Nasion, and Anterior Nasal Spine were located and the angle formed between these points was measured.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Fischer''s exact test was used to find the correlation between Po-Na-ANS angle and relative parallelism of the occlusal plane to the ala-tragal line at different tragal levels.

Results:

Statistical analysis showed no significant correlation between Po-Na-ANS angle and relative parallelism of an occlusal plane at different tragal levels, and an inferior point on the tragus was the most common.

Conclusion:

Irrespective of variations in the Po-Na-ANS angle, no correlation exists between the variation in the angulations of Po-Na-ANS angle and the relative parallelism of occlusal plane to the ala-tragal line at different tragal levels. Furthermore, in a large number of subjects (54%), the occlusal plane was found parallel to a line joining the inferior border of the ala of the nose and the inferior part of the tragus.     

Caries-free subjects have high levels of urease and arginine deiminase activity

Objectives

This study investigated the relationship between urease and arginine deiminase system (ADS) activities and dental caries through a cross-sectional study.

Material and Methods

Urease and ADS activities were measured in saliva and plaque samples from 10 caries-free subjects and 13 caries-active. Urease activity was obtained from the ammonia produced by incubation of plaque and saliva samples in urea. ADS activity was obtained from the ammonia generated by the arginine-HCl and Tris-maleate buffer. Specific activity was defined as micromoles of ammonia per minute per milligram of protein. Shapiro-Wilk statistical test was used to analyze the distribution of the data, and Mann-Whitney test was used to determine the significance of the data.

Results

The specific urease activity in saliva and plaque was significantly higher in individuals with low DMFT scores. ADS activity in saliva (6.050 vs 1.350, p=0.0154) and plaque (8.830 vs 1.210, p=0.025) was also higher in individuals with low DMFT scores.

Conclusions

Caries-free subjects had a higher ammonia generation activity by urease and arginine deiminase system for both saliva and plaque samples than low caries-active subjects. High levels of alkali production in oral environment were related to caries-free subjects.     

Comparison of fiber reinforcement placed at different locations of pontic in interim fixed partial denture to prevent fracture: An in vitro study

Background:

The interim restoration is an important phase in fixed prosthodontic therapy. It should provide sufficient durability to withstand the forces of mastication. A fractured interim restoration is damaging to the prosthodontic care and may lead to an unscheduled appointment for repair. Several attempts have been made to reinforce interim fixed partial dentures (FPDs). These have included the use of metal wire, a lingual cast metal reinforcement, a processed acrylic resin interim restoration, and different types of fibers, e.g., carbon, polyethylene, nylon and glass. These fibers can be placed in the occlusal, middle or cervical thirds in the FPD. There is no scientific data to evaluate the effect of fiber placement methods on the fracture resistance of clinical interim FPDs.

Purpose of the Study:

Hence this study was designed to evaluate fracture load values of interim FPDs with different locations of fiber reinforcement.

Materials and Methods:

30 interim FPD samples with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) reinforced with fibers at three different locations mainly occlusal, cervical and middle (10 samples each) were fabricated using a metal FPD on a master die. They were tested for fracture resistance in universal testing machine.

Results:

The fracture resistance was recorded and is tabulated and analyzed statistically. The results showed that the placement of the reinforcement in the occlusal third of the pontic resulted in higher fracture resistance which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than all other locations.

Conclusion:

The occlusal third of the pontic region from mesial to the distal end of the connector is the best site of placement of the fiber for reinforcing the PMMA interim restorative resin.Key Words: Fiber placement, fracture resistance, interim fixed partial denture, polymethyl methacrylate, reinforcements     

A comparative evaluation of the reliability of three methods of assessing gingival biotype in dentate subjects in different age groups: An in vivo study

Introduction:

In the modern competitive society, a pleasing appearance often dictates the difference between success and failure in both our personal and professional lives. Evaluation of gingival biotype is very important from the start of treatment plan to the final restorative placement to provide excellent esthetics.

Materials and Methodology:

For the study, subjects were divided into 4 groups of different ages, from 20-30, 31-40, 41-50 and 51-60 years. 30 subjects (15 men and 15 women) were selected in each group for the study. Examination of the thickness of Gingival Biotype was done in 3 different ways; - Direct visual, William''s Graduated Probe and Using modified wax caliper.

Results:

The McNemar test showed statistically significant differences in the way gingival biotype was identified when comparing visual assessment with assessment using direct measurement (P < 0.001). And there was no statistically significant difference when assessment using a periodontal probe was compared to direct measurement (P < 0.676). There is no correlation for the Biotype among the different age groups.

Conclusion:

Gingival biotype identification by visual assessment is statistically significantly different from assessment with direct measurement. Gingival biotype identification by assessment with a periodontal probe is not statistically significantly different from direct measurement.Key Words: Direct measurement, gingival biotype, visual measurements     

Clinical and antimicrobial efficacy of NitrAdine ™-based disinfecting cleaning tablets in complete denture wearers

Objective

This study evaluated the efficacy of NitrAdine^TM-based disinfecting cleaning tablets for complete denture, in terms of denture biofilm removal and antimicrobial action.

Material and methods

Forty complete denture wearers (14 men and 26 women) with a mean age of 62.3±9.0 years were randomly assigned to two groups and were instructed to clean their dentures according to two methods: brushing (control) - 3 times a day with denture brush and tap water following meals; brushing and immersion (experimental) - brushing the denture 3 times a day with denture brush and tap water following meals and immersion of the denture in NitrAdine^TM-based denture tablets (Medical Interporous^TM). Each method was used for 21 days. Denture biofilm was disclosed by a 1% neutral red solution and quantified by means of digital photos taken from the internal surface before and after the use of the product. Microbiological assessment was conducted to quantify Candida sp.

Results

An independent t-test revealed a significant lower biofilm percentage for the experimental group (4.7, 95% CI 2.4 to 7.9) in comparison with the control group (mean 37.5, 95% CI 28.2 to 48.1) (t38=7.996, p<0.001). A significant reduction of yeast colony forming units could be found after treatment with Medical Interporous^TM denture tablets as compared to the control group (Mann-Whitney test, Z=1.90; p<0.05).

Conclusion

The present findings suggest that NitrAdine^TM-based disinfecting cleaning tablets are efficient in removal of denture biofilm. In addition, a clear antimicrobial action was demonstrated. Therefore, they should be recommended as a routine denture maintenance method for the prevention of the development of microbial biofilm-induced denture stomatitis.     

Alkali production in the mouth and its relationship with certain patient’s characteristics

Objectives

To assess the relationships among alkali production, diet, oral health behaviors, and oral hygiene.

Methods

Data from 52 subjects including demographics, diet, and oral hygiene scores were analyzed against the level of arginine and urea enzymes in plaque and saliva samples. An oral habit survey was completed that included: use of tobacco (TB), alcohol (AH), sugary drinks (SD), and diet. Alkali production through arginine deiminase (ADS) and urease activities were measured in smooth-surface supragingival dental plaque and un stimulated saliva samples from all subjects. ADS and urease activities were measured by quantification of the ammonia generated from the incubation of plaque or saliva samples. Spearman correlations were used to compute all associations.

Results

Participants in the lowest SES (Socio-economic status) group had the habit of consuming sugary drinks the most and had the highest rate of tobacco use. Males consumed significantly more alcohol than females. No significant relationship was found between age or gender and alkali production. Higher rates of sugary drink consumption and tobacco use were significantly related to lower alkali production.

Conclusion

The study showed a relationship between alkali production and oral hygiene, diet, and certain oral health behaviors. Poor oral hygiene was significantly associated with age, lower SES, tobacco use, and alcohol, and sugary drinks consumption.

Clinical relevance

Certain oral health behaviors have an impact on oral hygiene and on alkali production; it is important to address these factors with patients as a strategy for caries control.