Comparative differential dark-field microscopy of subgingival bacteria from tooth surfaces with recent evidence of recurring periodontitis and from nonaffected surfaces

Ninety-two subjects with a history of treatment for chronic periodontitis were monitored on a regular basis for an average period of 10.7 months. During this monitoring period, in spite of their participation in a preventive maintenance program, 19 subjects out of 92 showed evidence of significantly increased probing depth (greater than or equal to 3 mm from base line measurements) on at least one tooth surface, or approximately 1% of the dental units at risk in this population. A comparison of differential microscopic counts of subgingival bacteria from the affected tooth surfaces with a pooled sample of 6 other surfaces with the greatest probing depth, in the same mouth, taken at the same appointment, revealed no significant differences between proportions of coccoid cells, spirochetes, motile rods or other cell types. These findings suggest that disease recurrence, as measured by a comparatively rapid increase in probing depth, might be accounted for on the basis of the following hypotheses: an alteration in the host response without a detectable change in the composition of the subgingival microbiota, a qualitative change in the microbial flora not detectable by a microscopic assay, relatively brief episodes of disease activity which may be accompanied by brief, transient, qualitative changes in the local microbiota that cannot be readily detected by biannual examinations.     

P1 Bad breath among young Israeli recruits

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the extent of self‐reported bad breath in an Israeli population of young army recruits and to assess its relationship with other self‐reported parameters, as well as general dental status. Self‐reported parameters included smoking status, bad taste, gingival bleeding and the presence of tonsilloliths. The study comprised 426 young adults recruits (ages 18–19), almost all males (95%), all of whom agreed to answer a questionnaire. All participants underwent a dental screening and were divided into three groups regarding to their dental status (do not need treatment, need moderate treatment, need extensive treatment). Statistical analysis included Pearson's chi square test of association using BMDP statistical software. Among the recruits, 142 (33 %) were active smokers. Thirty‐five participants (8.2%) reported bad breath as well as bad taste. Twenty‐seven (6.3%) reported being told that they had bad breath. Tonsilloliths were reported by 31 participants (7.3%) and gingival bleeding by 80 (18.8%). Self‐reported bad breath was positively associated with bad taste, gingival bleeding, the presence of tonsilloliths and general dental status (P < 0.05). The study indicates that self reports of bad breath are associated by objective factors (e.g. dental status, tonsilloliths) as well as subjective parameters (bad taste). To our knowledge this is the first report indicating that one young adult in thirteen may suffer from tonsilloliths.     

Effects of patient involvement and esthetic preference on denture acceptance

The results of this investigation indicate that the crucial variable in the patients' acceptance of their dentures was their involvement in the process of denture selection and not the esthetic quality of the dentures they received. Further research using other patient populations and more experienced dentists is necessary to determine the value of these findings.     

Enamel solubility rate measurements in vivo on naval recruits.

Enamel solubility rates were determined in vivo to depths of 1 to 2 mum in the teeth from two samples of naval recruits that had been grouped, respectively, according to DMFT scores and visual indexes of oral hygiene status. No positive correlation between enamel solubility rates and DMFT scores were observed; rather there was a tendency for caries-resistant participants to have a highest apparent enamel solubility rates, even though mean differences among the DMFT groups were not generally significant. Intra-subject measurements on 12 teeth per participant for eight of the recruits showed, on the average, only about one half the variability founl incisors for more than 70 of the recruits. The least variability was found for measurements on paired maxillary central incisors. It was concluded that factors such as tooth morphology and, in particular, tooth-surface films could considerably affect enamel solubility rates measured in vivo.     

Amyloidosis with oral involvement. Case report

A patient with chronic renal failure was investigated after complaining of oral discomfort which was found to be due to macroglossia and generalized involvement of the oral soft tissues by amyloidosis. A search for multiple myeloma proved to be positive. She also had a previous history of Carpal-tunnel syndrome. Despite an initial good response to treatment with phenylalanine nitrogen mustard (melphalan hydrochloride), she finally succumbed to end-stage renal failure.     

Surgical correction of mandibulofacial deformities secondary to large cervical cystic hygromas

The clinical features of cystic hygroma are presented. The effect on mandibular morphology is described, and surgical correction of the deformities is discussed.     

Dento-alveolar and maxillofacial injuries – a retrospective study from a level 1 trauma center in Israel

Abstract –  To evaluate the frequency and causes of dental and maxillofacial trauma in hospitalized patients. From January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2003, data from hospitalized trauma patients in a level 1 trauma center in Israel were analyzed according to age, gender, time, place, and cause of injury. Maxillofacial and tooth injuries were separated and further analyzed according to the above parameters. The analysis was based on data from the Israel Trauma Registry (ITR). Of all 14 040 trauma patients, 1038 (7.4%) involved maxillofacial or dental injuries. Common causes of injury were motor vehicle crashes (41%), falls (27%) and intentional injuries (23%). Fifty percent occurred on the street/road, 17% at home and 14% in public buildings. Surgery was required in 55.5% of all maxillofacial injuries. Males were hospitalized three times more than females, and young people, ages 19–28, were at greatest risk (30.2%). Oral and maxillofacial trauma is common, requiring dental health training for primary caregivers.