A successful antimicrobial therapeutic strategy for the discitis caused by Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans under unknown drug susceptibility: A case report

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is well-known as the pathogen of gingivitis or periodontitis, and discitis or vertebral osteomyelitis cases caused by this organism have rarely been reported. Ampicillin or amoxicillin has been used in the previously reported discitis cases; however, no cases have been reported that is treated with levofloxacin. We report the first published case we chose levofloxacin to treat. We failed to perform the susceptibility testing because of the poor growth and fastidious nature of the organism, and the result of susceptibility of amoxicillin was unclear. Levofloxacin, which A. actinomycetemcomitans is usually susceptible to, can be an effective alternative oral antimicrobial agent in such cases.     

Masticatory performance‐related factors in preschool children: establishing a method to assess masticatory performance in preschool children using colour‐changeable chewing gum

A knowledge gap regarding masticatory performance in preschool children exists, which in turn delays intervention for preventive care; therefore, a method to easily assess performance is needed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of assessing masticatory performance using colour‐changeable chewing gum and to investigate masticatory performance‐related factors in preschool children. This cross‐sectional survey was conducted in two childcare facilities and our laboratory. First, a one‐third quantity of colour‐changeable chewing gum was masticated by six adults to assess the nature and progression of colour changes in this quantity. Then, masticatory performance in 370 children 4–6 years of age was assessed using the same quantity of colour‐changeable chewing gum (60 chew strokes). The maximum bite force, body height, weight, age and number of healthy teeth were recorded. A t‐test was performed to determine whether gum‐chewing experience or lack thereof produced a significant difference in masticatory performance. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was then determined for masticatory performance assessment values and other factors solely for children with gum‐chewing experience. Measurements from 259 children were obtained. Children with gum‐chewing experience demons trated significantly higher assessment values and were deemed to have been correctly assessed. A very weak but significant positive correlation was observed only between masticatory performance and the number of healthy teeth. The masticatory performance of preschool children was easily assessed using colour‐changeable chewing gum. The assessment values demonstrated significant correlation with the number of healthy teeth, but not with maximum bite force, body height, weight or age.     

A structural equation model relating oral condition,denture quality,chewing ability,satisfaction, and oral health-related quality of life in complete denture wearers

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between mandibular ridge form, stability and retention of mandibular complete denture, accuracy of jaw relation recording, patients’ perception of chewing ability, satisfaction with dentures and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in complete denture wearers.MethodsA total of 183 edentulous patients, who visited the Dental Hospital of Tokyo Medical and Dental University for new complete dentures, were recruited. Oral examination was performed. Cawood and Howell's method was used to grade the mandibular ridge form. The stability and retention of the mandibular complete denture were assessed using Kapur method. Accuracy of jaw relation recording was evaluated using a newly developed jaw relation index. Patients’ perception of chewing ability was rated using a food intake questionnaire. Patients’ satisfaction with complete dentures was assessed on a 100-mm visual analogue scale. OHRQoL was measured using the Japanese version of the Oral Health Impact Profile for edentulous subjects. A structural equation model was constructed based on the hypothesis that oral condition and denture quality would be related to chewing ability, satisfaction and OHRQoL.ResultsSignificant relationships were found between mandibular ridge form, stability of mandibular complete denture, accuracy of jaw relation recording, perceived chewing ability, satisfaction and OHRQoL. Various fit indices were within acceptable limits.ConclusionsOral condition and denture quality were related to patients’ perception of chewing ability, satisfaction with dentures and OHRQoL in complete denture wearers.Clinical significanceA favourable oral condition and denture quality are important for successful complete denture therapy.     

Association between tongue and lip functions and masticatory performance in young dentate adults

Motor functions of masticatory organs such as the tongue, lips, cheeks and mandible are known to deteriorate with age, thereby influencing masticatory performance. However, there are few reports on the relationships between tongue and lip functions and masticatory performance. To investigate the relationship between tongue and lip functions and comprehensive masticatory performance, by evaluating crushing, mixing and shearing abilities in young dentate adults. Participants comprised 51 dentate adults with a mean age of 25 years. Maximum tongue pressure and oral diadochokinesis were measured to evaluate tongue and lip functions. A multiple sieving method using peanuts was performed to evaluate crushing ability. A colour‐changeable chewing gum was performed to evaluate mixing ability. A test gummy jelly was performed to evaluate shearing ability. The relationship between tongue and lip functions and each masticatory performance was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficients. In addition, stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of crushing ability. Crushing ability was significantly correlated with maximum tongue pressure and the number of repetitions of the syllables /pa/, /ta/ and /ka/. Maximum tongue pressure and number of repetitions of the syllable /pa/ were identified as significant predictors for crushing ability. Mixing ability was significantly correlated with the number of repetitions of the syllable /pa/. Shearing ability was not significantly correlated with tongue and lip functions. Masticatory performance during the chewing of brittle foods such as peanuts and solid foods such as chewing gum appears to be correlated with tongue and lip functions.