Effect of controlled oral hygiene procedures on caries and periodontal disease in adults

Abstract The present investigation was carried out to determine if the occurrence of caries and the progression of periodontitis can be prevented in adults, and maintained at a high level of oral hygiene by regularly repeated oral hygiene instructions and prophylaxis. An attempt was also made to study the progression of dental diseases in individuals who received no special oral hygiene instruction but regularly received dental care of a traditional type. Two groups of individuals from one geographic site were recruited in 1971-72 for the trial; 375 were assigned to a test and 180 to a control group. A baseline examination revealed that the socio-economic status, the oral hygiene status, the incidence of gingivitis and the caries experience were similar among the test and control participants prior to the start of the study. During the subsequent 3-year period, the control patients were seen regularly once a year and given traditional dental care. The test group participants, on the other hand, were seen once every 2 months during the first 2 years and once every 3 months during the third year. On an individual basis they were instructed in a proper oral hygiene technique and given a careful dental prophylaxis including scaling and root planing. Each prophylactic session was handled by a dental hygienist. A re-examination was carried out towards the end of the third treatment year. The results of the trial clearly showed that it is possible, by regularly repeated tooth cleaning instruction and prophylaxis, to stimulate adults to adopt proper oral hygiene habits. The findings also demonstrated that persons who utilized proper oral hygiene techniques during a 3-year period had negligible signs of gingivitis, suffered no loss of periodontal tissue attachment, and developed practically no new carious lesions. The control patients, who during the same period received merely symptomatic treatment, suffered from gingivitis, lost periodontal tisssue support and developed several new as well as recurrent, carious lesions. These results indicate that dental treatment is a highly ineffective means of curing caries and periodontal disease.     

The effect of controlled oral hygiene and topical fluoride application on caries and gingivitis in Swedish schoolchildren

ABSTRACT An attempt was made to assess the effect of regularly repeated professional mechanical tooth cleaning on caries development and gingivitis in schoolchildren. A total of 209 children from the first (7–8 years old), fourth (10–11 years), and seventh (13–14 years) classes of an elementary school in Sweden participated. Children from each age group were assigned to one test and one control group. At a baseline examination the state of the gingiva, the oral hygiene and the number of decayed and filled tooth surfaces were determined. Once every second week after the baseline examination the members of the test groups were given careful oral prophylaxis including topical application of monofluoro-phosphate. Once a month the members of the control group brushed their teeth under the supervision of a dental nurse. Twelve months after the initial examination the test and control groups were re-examined. The results show that children given frequent oral prophylaxis combined with topical fluoride applications had clean teeth, only negligible signs of gingivitis, and practically no caries.     

Effect of proper oral hygiene on gingivitis and dental caries in Swedish schoolchildren

ABSTRACT The present paper reports the effect of a 3-year study of regularly repeated professional toothcleaning on oral hygiene status, gingivitis, and dental caries. At the initiation of the study in 1971, the children were 7–8 years old (Group 1), 10–11 (Group 2) or 13–14 (Group 3). The children were divided into test and control groups. Before the study all the children were examined regarding oral hygiene, state of the gingiva and dental caries. Throughout the 3-year period the controls brushed their teeth with a 0.2 % sodium fluoride solution once a month under supervision. During the first 2 years of the trial all the children of the test groups were given professional oral prophylaxis once every second week during the school terms. During the third year the interval between consecutive prophylactic sessions was prolonged to 4 weeks in Groups 1 and 2 and to 8 weeks in Group 3. The results demonstrated that regularly repeated professional cleaning of the teeth combined with fluoride applications and toothbrushing instructions, over a 3-year period in schoolchildren resulted in the establishment and maintenance of excellent oral hygiene standards. Inflammation of the marginal gingiva almost entirely disappeared, and practically no new carious lesions developed.     

Dental prophylaxis for youths in their late teens. II. Knowledge about dental health and diseases and the relation to dental health behavior

A study of the knowledge about dental health and diseases of youths in their late teens has been conducted. A 10-class questionnaire relating to dental caries and gingivitis/periodontitis was answered by three test groups (A, B, C) totalling seventy-eight 19-year-olds who, during a 3-year period, had undergone professional prophylaxis at different intervals. Nineteen young people of the same age without organized preventive measures since their last attendance at the public dental service constituted a control group (D). The test groups were found to have a significantly better knowledge of factors relating to gingivitis/periodontitis than the control group. In questions relating to caries there were no differences among the groups. Higher points were scored in knowledge of therapy and prevention than of the causes and symptoms of the dental diseases. Several regularly repeated sessions for professional prophylaxis did not lead to better knowledge than only a few. No consistent correlation was found for any of the groups between knowledge and both quantitative tooth cleaning, i.e. type and frequency of use of oral hygiene aids, and qualitative tooth cleaning, expressed as the occurrence of plaque and gingivitis. Nor were significant differences found in these respects between individuals with and without a caries increment during the observation period regardless of grouping.     

The effect of a preventive programme on dental plaque, gingivitis and caries in schoolchildren. Results after one and two years

Abstract The effect on plaque, gingivitis and dental caries of regularly repeated professional mechanical tooth cleaning combined with topical application of monofluoro-phosphate was tested in a group of 192 schoolchildren, 7–14 years of age, during a 2-year trial. They were divided into test and control groups. A baseline examination revealed that the test and control groups had a very similar oral hygiene status, degree of gingival inflammation and caries experience. Once every second week during the 2-year period the children of the test groups were given professional oral prophylaxis including careful tooth cleaning and topical application of 5 % sodium mono-fluorophosphate. Once every month, the children of the control groups brushed their teeth at school, under supervision, using a 0.2 % sodium fluoride solution. The results after 1 and 2 years of experiment indicate that the test group children had low Plaque Index scores (～ 0.3), only negligible signs of gingivitis (～ 0.25) and very low caries increment (0.1 new carious surface per year). The control group children had higher Plaque Index scores (～ 1.0), showed signs of gingivitis (～ 0.75), and developed on an average 3.1 new carious surfaces per year. It is suggested that the efficacy of public health programmes, based on professional tooth cleaning and topical fluoride administration, should be tested in larger groups of children and adults.     

Results of a 20-year oral hygiene and prevention programme on caries and periodontal disease in children attended at a private periodontal practice

To cite this article:
Int J Dent Hygiene 9 , 2011; 155–158
DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00455.x
Chambrone LA, Chambrone L. Results of a 20‐year oral hygiene and prevention programme on caries and periodontal disease in children attended at a private periodontal practice. Abstract: Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the long‐term effect of an oral hygiene and prevention programme on caries and periodontal disease in a group of children attended at a private periodontal practice. Methods: A total of 50 systemically healthy children, 25 males and 25 females, 03–13 years old, were invited to join a long‐term plaque control programme. All children had no caries and had no evidence of clinical bone loss. The participants were selected amongst children whose parents (mother, father or both) were treated of gingivitis, aggressive periodontitis or chronic periodontitis in a private periodontal practice. Subjects were separated in groups according to their parents’ periodontal diagnosis, i.e., gingivitis, aggressive periodontitis or chronic periodontitis. The following outcomes were evaluated: a) probing depth, b) plaque (PI) and gingival (GI) indexes. The plaque control programme applied consisted of a regular maintenance regime at 6‐to 12‐month interval with an experienced periodontist. Results: In total 30 subjects fulfilled the 20‐year period of maintenance. The mean recall frequency was 6.4 (± 3.1) months, and the mean PI and GI were 0.4 (± 0.3) and 0.3 (± 0.3) respectively. The average rate of caries lesions was 1.0 (± 1.4). None of the patients exhibited clinical or radiographic evidences of alveolar bone loss, and no tooth was lost by caries. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Adequate oral hygiene measures and periodic professional plaque control led to low levels of dental plaque, gingivitis and caries lesions.     

Dental caries experience, oral health status and treatment needs of dental patients with autism

Objectives

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. The aims of this study were to investigate whether children with autism have higher caries prevalence, higher periodontal problems, or more treatment needs than children of a control group of non-autistic patients, and to provide baseline data to enable comparison and future planning of dental services to autistic children.

Material and Methods

61 patients with autism aged 6-16 years (45 males and 16 females) attending Dubai and Sharjah Autism Centers were selected for the study. The control group consisted of 61 non-autistic patients chosen from relatives or friends of autistic patients in an attempt to have matched age, sex and socioeconomic status. Each patient received a complete oral and periodontal examination, assessment of caries prevalence, and caries severity. Other conditions assessed were dental plaque, gingivitis, restorations and treatment needs. Chi-square and Fisher''s exact test of significance were used to compare groups.

Results

The autism group had a male-tofemale ratio of 2.8:1. Compared to controls, children with autism had significantly higher decayed, missing or filled teeth than unaffected patients and significantly needed more restorative dental treatment. The restorative index (RI) and Met Need Index (MNI) for the autistic children were 0.02 and 0.3, respectively. The majority of the autistic children either having poor 59.0% (36/61) or fair 37.8% (23/61) oral hygiene compared with healthy control subjects. Likewise, 97.0% (59/61) of the autistic children had gingivitis.

Conclusions

Children with autism exhibited a higher caries prevalence, poor oral hygiene and extensive unmet needs for dental treatment than non-autistic healthy control group. Thus oral health program that emphasizes prevention should be considered of particular importance for children and young people with autism.     

Oral health status of patients 5-6 years after placement of cobalt-chromium removable partial dentures

This study is a clinical survey of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) removable partial denture (RPD) wearers that aimed to investigate the effects of denture wearing on oral tissues. A random sample of patients who had received their dentures 5-6 years previously from a dental teaching hospital in Hong Kong was selected. Those who had been constantly wearing the RPDs were examined by one calibrated examiner under an optimal clinical setting. The patients' dental, periodontal and mucosal status were assessed. A total of 87 patients were examined. Mucosal lesions under the Co-Cr RPDs were uncommon in this study sample. However, there was a high prevalence of plaque, gingivitis and gingival recession, especially in dento-gingival surfaces in close proximity (within 3 mm) to the dentures. Thus, there is a special need for regular oral hygiene reinforcement, scaling and prophylaxis among RPD wearers. Despite a low caries incidence in the study sample, root caries were found to be associated with contact with the RPDs (P < 0.05) but coronal caries were not. It is recommended that coverage of the exposed root surfaces by RPD components should be avoided. Also, topical fluorides should be regularly applied onto exposed root surfaces as a preventive measure.     

Prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis, and oral hygiene in hospitalized AIDS cases in Kinshasa, Zaire

The prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease in African HIV-infected patients has not previously been assessed, in spite of the high prevalence of HIV-infection in some countries and the fact that atypical gingivitis may represent an early sign of HIV infection. In the present study 83 AIDS patients hospitalized in Kinshasa, Zaire, were assessed for dental caries, gingivitis and oral hygiene status. The prevalence of dental caries was lower among AIDS patients than among healthy controls previously examined in the same area. The prevalence of gingivitis was higher in AIDS than in controls in spite of good oral hygiene observed among AIDS patients.     

On the prevention of caries and periodontal disease

In 1971-72, a total of 375 adult subjects were recruited for a clinical trial aimed at assessing the effect of a preventive program, based on plaque control and topical application of fluoride, on the incidence of caries and periodontal disease. After a baseline examination, the volunteers were subjected to scaling, root planning and conventional caries therapy. During the course of the subsequent 6 years, they were recalled for preventive measures once every 2-3 months. After the 6-year follow-up examination, however, it was decided to extend the interval between the preventive sessions. Thus, during the next 9-year period, about 95% of the participants returned for preventive measures only 1 to 2 times per year. A small subgroup of about 15 subjects, who, during the initial 6 years had developed new caries lesions or had exhibited additional periodontal attachment loss, however, were also during the following 9 years recalled 3-6 times per year for oral hygiene control and preventive therapy. The re-examination performed in 1987 disclosed that the 317 subjects, who participated during the entire 15-year period, had a low incidence of caries and almost no further loss of periodontal tissue support. It was suggested that improved self performed oral hygiene, daily use of fluoridated dentifrice and regularly repeated professional tooth cleaning effectively prevented recurrence of dental disease.     

The long-term effect of a plaque control program on tooth mortality, caries and periodontal disease in adults. Results after 30 years of maintenance

BACKGROUND: The biofilm that forms and remains on tooth surfaces is the main etiological factor in caries and periodontal disease. Prevention of caries and periodontal disease must be based on means that counteract this bacterial plaque. OBJECTIVE: To monitor the incidence of tooth loss, caries and attachment loss during a 30-year period in a group of adults who maintained a carefully managed plaque control program. In addition, a comparison was made regarding the oral health status of individuals who, in 1972 and 2002, were 51-65 years old. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 1971 and 1972, more than 550 subjects were recruited. Three hundred and seventy-five subjects formed a test group and 180 a control group. After 6 years of monitoring, the control group was discontinued but the participants in the test group was maintained in the preventive program and was finally re-examined after 30 years. The following variables were studied at Baseline and after 3, 6, 15 and 30 years: plaque, caries, probing pocket depth, probing attachment level and CPITN. Each patient was given a detailed case presentation and education in self-diagnosis. Once every 2 months during the first 2 years, once every 3-12 months during years 3-30, the participants received, on an individual need basis, additional education in self-diagnosis and self-care focused on proper plaque control measures, including the use of toothbrushes and interdental cleaning devices (brush, dental tape, toothpick). The prophylactic sessions that were handled by a dental hygienist also included (i) plaque disclosure and (ii) professional mechanical tooth cleaning including the use of a fluoride-containing dentifrice/paste. RESULTS: Few teeth were lost during the 30 years of maintenance; 0.4-1.8 in different age cohorts. The main reason for tooth loss was root fracture; only 21 teeth were lost because of progressive periodontitis or caries. The mean number of new caries lesions was 1.2, 1.7 and 2.1 in the three groups. About 80% of the lesions were classified as recurrent caries. Most sites, buccal sites being the exception, exhibited no sign of attachment loss. Further, on approximal surfaces there was some gain of attachment between 1972 and 2002 in all age groups. CONCLUSION: The present study reported on the 30-year outcome of preventive dental treatment in a group of carefully monitored subjects who on a regular basis were encouraged, but also enjoyed and recognized the benefit of, maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene. The incidence of caries and periodontal disease as well as tooth mortality in this subject sample was very small. Since all preventive and treatment efforts during the 30 years were delivered in one private dental office, caution must be exercised when comparisons are made with longitudinal studies that present oral disease data from randomly selected subject samples.     

The efficacy of a school-based caries preventive program: a 4-year study

Abstract:  This longitudinal study aimed at testing the efficacy of a school-based caries preventive program, by comparing dental caries status of two groups, a study group (436 children) and a control group (420 children) over a period of 4 years. The study group received a preventive program which consisted of intensive oral hygiene instructions sessions, and supervised daily tooth brushing using fluoridated tooth paste in schools. The control group received only oral hygiene instructions sessions. Annual dental examination to record dental caries status, using Decayed Missed Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) and deft, was conducted for both groups over a period of 4 years. At the end of the fourth year the efficacy of the program was tested by comparing the DMFT and deft indices for the two groups using Pearson chi-square test and Cochran–Mantel–Haenzele test. The level of significance was set at P  < 0.05. The results after 4 years showed that the caries status of the children in the study group was better than that of the control group. The difference was statistically significant ( P -value 0.001). The estimates of relative risk values also showed that children in the control group are 3.1 and 6.4 times at higher risk of having dental caries than those in the study group for age group 12 and 6 respectively. This study proves that supervised daily tooth brushing using fluoridated toothpaste is successful in controlling dental caries in children.     

Oral health status and practices of dentate Bhil adult tribes of southern Rajasthan,India

Aims : To assess the oral health status of the Bhil tribal population of Southern Rajasthan and to investigate the association of age, oral hygiene and dental visiting practices with oral health status. Design : A cross sectional study of Bhil tribal adults chosen by a multi stage stratified random sampling procedure. Participants : The total sample size was 1,590 male tribal dentate subjects aged 15–54 years. Methods : Clinical recordings of oral hygiene status (OHI ‐ S), caries status (DMFT and DMFS) and treatment needs, and periodontal status (CPI). The Chi square test was applied to discrete data and one way ANOVA for continuous data. Multivariate analyses were carried out to test the association of age, frequency of cleaning teeth, material used for cleaning teeth and dental visiting habits with caries and periodontal status. Results : Debris, calculus and oral hygiene index scores increased with age. The overall mean DMFT and DMFS scores were 5.34±6.48 and 18.94 ± 35.87 respectively. Extraction was the most required treatment (1.74 ± 3.66 teeth) followed by one surface fillings (1.34 ± 1.65 teeth). Shallow periodontal pockets were prevalent (40%) among the 35–44 years age group whereas deep pockets were most common (11.6%) in the oldest age group. More than half the sextants (3.15) were excluded amongst the oldest study group. All the independent variables namely age, frequency of cleaning teeth, substance used for cleaning teeth and visiting habits were statistically significantly related to caries and periodontal status. Conclusions : The study population was characterised by a lack of previous dental care, high treatment needs, high prevalence of periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene. Under these circumstances, the implementation of a basic oral health care programme for the Bhil population is a high priority.     

Dental fear and adult oral health in Australia

Abstract– Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between dental fear and both dental caries and periodontal indicators. Methods: A three‐stage stratified clustered sample of the Australian adult population completed a computer‐assisted telephone interview followed by a clinical examination. Oral health measures were the DMFT index and its components, periodontitis and gingivitis. A total of 5364 adults aged 18–91 years were dentally examined. Results: Higher dental fear was significantly associated with more decayed teeth (DT), missing teeth (MT) and DMFT. There was an inverted ‘U’ association between dental fear and the number of filled teeth (FT). Periodontitis and gingivitis were not associated with dental fear. The association between dental fear and DMFT was significant for adults aged 18–29 and 30–44 years, but not in older ages. Dental fear was significantly associated with more DT, MT, and DMFT but with fewer FT after controlling for age, sex, income, employment status, tertiary education, dental insurance status and oral hygiene. Conclusion: This study helps reconcile some of the conflicting results of previous studies and establishes that dental fear is associated with more decayed and missing teeth but fewer FT. That people with higher dental fear have significantly more caries experience underlines the importance of identifying and then reducing dental fear as important steps in improving adult oral health.     

Oral hygiene practices and periodontal health in primary school children in Nairobi, Kenya.

The purpose of this study was to obtain data on the oral hygiene practices, oral hygiene status, and periodontal health among primary school children in Nairobi. The study group consisted of 513 children, 262 aged 6-8 years and 251 aged 13-15 years. The children were from 6 schools randomly selected among the 154 public primary schools in the city. The clinical examination was performed in a room with natural daylight, using the WHO (1980) criteria. Although most of the children reported brushing habits, 75% of the index tooth surfaces in the younger and 55% in the older age group had visible plaque. In both age groups about 25% of the index sites had gingivitis. Moderate amounts of calculus were recorded among the older children. Only two children had periodontal pockets greater than or equal to 4 mm. There was no statistically significant difference (p greater than 0.05) between males and females recorded with plaque and gingivitis in the younger age group. In the older group, however, a significantly higher proportion of males (p less than 0.05) were recorded with plaque and gingivitis. The oral hygiene practices and oral hygiene status were poorer among children from low than from high socioeconomic status. Provision of dental health education for children in Nairobi is recommended.     

Effect of oral hygiene instruction and professional toothcleaning on caries and gingivitis in schoolchildren

Abstract The present study was performed lo assess the effect on caries and gingivitis of plaque control measures such as oral hygiene instruction, toothcleaning practice and professional toothcleaning. 104 children, 13-14 years old, participated in the trial. Prior to the start of the preventive treatment all children were examined regarding oral hygiene, gingivitis and caries. The caries examination was limited to the proximal surfaces of molars and premolars. Following this baseline examination the children were randomly divided into two treatment groups, A and B. Both groups of children were recalled for professional toothcleaning once every 2 weeks during an 18-month period. In each child the professional toothcleaning was restricted to either the right or the left jaws by random selection. In addition, the children of Group A at each recall appointment received careful oral hygiene instruction and practice in proper toothcleaning methods. In conjunction with the professional toothcleaning an abrasive paste was used including fluoride. The children were re-examined 18 months after the baseline examination. The result of the present investigation demonstrated that professional toothcleaning repeated every second week is a prophylactic measure which in children substantially improves the oral hygiene status, and effectively reduces clinical signs of gingivitis and caries. It was also observed that while oral hygiene instruction and practice in proper toothcleaning techniques reduced plaque and gingivitis, no such effect could be detected regarding the development of caries.     

Periodontal disease and oral hygiene habits in a type 2 diabetic population

To cite this article:
Int J Dent Hygiene 9 , 2011; 68–73
DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2009.00439.x
Commisso L, Monami M, Mannucci E. Periodontal disease and oral hygiene habits in a type 2 diabetic population. Abstract: Objectives: Periodontal disease is a serious oral health problem that is observed in patients with diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study is to observe the oral health condition in a diabetic type 2 population in connection with glycaemic control and lifestyle. Materials and methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 118 patients in a centre for diabetics to collect information, such as date of birth, year of onset of diabetes, diabetic parameters, pharmacological therapy and oral hygiene habits. An oral examination was conducted to evaluate the presence of plaque, calculus, tooth mobility, caries and gingivitis. In a sub‐group scaling and root planning (SRP) was completed. Results: Thirty‐one of 118 patients were edentulous and were excluded from the main analysis. Nearly 60% of patients presented dental plaque and gingivitis. A statistically significant difference in patients with or without a glycaemic control was only observed in women. Patients treated with SRP had significant better oral health and a slight reduction of HbA1c. Conclusion: Poor oral health care was observed in the diabetic population. The high risk of periodontal disease needs the attention of dental hygienist.     

Dental prophylaxis for youths in their late teens I. Clinical effect of different preventive regimes on oral hygiene, gingivitis and dental caries

Abstract The effect of a dental prophylactic program based on systematic plaque control has been tested during a 3-year period on youths aged 16–19 years. During their last year at comprehensive school they received professional tooth cleaning every third week by specially trained dental hygiene nurses. At the end of this first experimental year the subjects were offered continued prophylaxis of the same type against caries and gingivitis during 2 more years. Interested subjects were divided equally at random into test groups A and B. In the second year group A received professional tooth cleaning once a month and in the third year once each 6 months. Group B was offered, both in the second and third years, only two prophylactic sessions each year according to this model. Test group C comprised the subjects who expressed no interest in continued professional tooth cleaning. A control group, group D, consisted of pupils of the same ages from a neighboring school area. These received in the first experimental year a prophylactic program based on mouthrinsing each second week with 0.2% sodium fluoride solution. After this first year neither test group C nor the control group D participated in any organized dental health care program. After the first year there were significant differences among the groups, the plaque and gingival indices in the control group D being significantly higher than in test groups A, B and C. At the end of the third year significant improvements in these indices had taken place in groups A and B. The corresponding values in groups C and D did not differ significantly at the three recordings. Significant correlations existed between the plaque and gingivitis scores at the end of the experimental period within the respective groups. Significantly more dental caries (new DPS) developed in the control group D than in test groups A and B during the period of the experiment: on average 3.3 versus 1.0 and 1.2 new DFS, respectively. The figure for caries increment in group C was 2.0. Regardless of grouping, individuals with caries increment during the experimental period had a significantly higher number of risk factors, here defined as the total of upper or lower quartile values for lactobacillus counts, secretion rate and buffering capacity of the saliva, than individuals without caries increment.     

Dental screening of pediatric cardiac surgical patients

Dental screenings were completed on 209 pediatric patients six months and older that were scheduled for cardiac surgery from two different geographical locations. The screening involved an educational session on bacterial endocarditis and preventive dentistry followed by a dental examination. We found that sixty-two (30 percent) patients had seen a dentist regularly, ninety-three (44 percent) practiced daily oral hygiene and thirty-seven (18 percent) knew about bacterial endocarditis. Local dentists performed invasive procedures on seventy-one (34 percent) patients and thirty-four (48 percent) received antibiotic prophylaxis. Only twenty-three (68 percent) of the thirty-four patients received the then current American Heart Association antibiotic regimen. Dental disease was diagnosed in 175 (84 percent) of the 209 patients: 164 (78 percent) gingivitis; sixty (29 percent) caries; six (7 percent) dental abscess; three (1 percent) periodontal abscess; five (2 percent) periocornitis. Cardiac surgery was postponed in twenty-four (12 percent) patients. We conclude that parents lacked knowledge about bacterial endocarditis even after being informed during their routine cardiology visit, there appears to be a deficiency of knowledge among dentists regarding the indications and antibiotic regimen required to prevent bacterial endocarditis, and all cardiac surgical patients should have a dental exam and preventive dental program implemented prior to six months of age and dental screening prior to their cardiac surgery.     

Arresting dentine caries in Chinese preschool children

Objectives. To investigate the incidence of rehardening of caries lesions in children in Southern China taking part in a preventive programme. Design. Longitudinal study. Sample and methods. A prevention programme was established for 168 3–6-year-old children in a kindergarten (KG1), which included regular oral health education sessions and a daily toothbrushing exercise using fluoridated toothpaste (1000 ppm F). A group of 121 children studying in two other kindergartens without a preventive programme formed the controls. Due to lack of resources and dental personnel, restorative and other curative treatments were not provided. Results. Rehardening of dentine caries (arrested caries) was found in children in both test and control groups. At the third annual examination, 45% of the caries lesions on the proximal surfaces of primary anterior teeth in KG1 children found at the baseline and previous annual examinations had become arrested. A multiple linear regression analysis indicated that baseline ds score and its interactions with the prevention programme, gender and the child’s oral hygiene all had significant effect on the number of tooth surfaces with arrested caries at the third annual examination. Conclusion. Results from this study support the use of simple prevention programmes to stabilize the caries situation in communities where intensive use of trained dental personnel is not feasible.