Association between posterior crossbite and/or deep bite and temporomandibular disorders among Palestinian adolescents: A sex comparison

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and posterior crossbite and/or deep bite and any possible association between them.

Methods: One thousand-nineteen adolescents responded to a questionnaire regarding oral habits and TMD symptoms. Afterwards, they were diagnosed according to the Axis I of the DC/TMD and underwent a dental examination. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.

Results: A significant association was found between posterior crossbite and some TMD diagnosis, but no association was found between deep bite and TMD, nor between occlusal diagnosis and bruxism. TMDs were more prevalent in girls. There was a significant sex difference (more among females) in the prevalence of painful TMDs.

Conclusion: Posterior crossbite in the adolescent population analyzed may be related to TMDs, in contrary to deep-bite. The presence of posterior crossbite may have different impact on TMD findings between the sexes.     

An overview of the endodontic curriculum in Fiji from 2009 to 2013

This paper seeks to provide the reader with an overview of the endodontic curriculum in Fiji from 2009 to 2013. It also intends to inform readers of the changes in endodontic teaching, the learning methods utilised, curriculum development, the transition from block teaching to partial block teaching combined with longitudinal teaching, and the future plans for the endodontic module.     

An Innovative and Simple Approach to Functional Salivary Reservoir Fabrication

Saliva is a valuable oral fluid that is often taken for granted. Impaired salivary function is a major and a debilitating sequela of radiation treatment for patients with head and neck cancer. It can persist for years and thereby increases the risk of oral infection significantly. Moreover, it has a notably negative impact on the quality of life of such patients. To help overcome this problem, a number of techniques have been proposed for incorporating a reservoir containing salivary substitute into a removable prosthesis. A new design for a functional salivary reservoir is presented here. This design is simple to construct and easily maintained by the wearer. Details of its design, construction, and other potential advantages are presented.