Tooth desensitizing calcium phosphate composite gelatin-based gel

Dentine sensitivity is a dental problem common in individuals aged between 20 and 50 years. The most effective treatment method involves occluding the exposed dental tubules. This study focused on the synthesis of calcium phosphate nanoparticles in the form of gel to use as a proof of concept for home-treatment of sensitive teeth. In this study, calcium phosphate nanoparticles were prepared using emulsion method, in which oleic fatty acid was employed as an external phase, and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) was used as a surfactant to form water-in-oil nanodroplets. Finally, in order to facilitate gel formation, the gelatin solution was introduced at the final step. The amount of gelatin varied from 5 to 15 percent by weight, which was found to have an effect on the gels’ properties and the size of calcium phosphate nanoparticles embedded in gel. Based on the characterization, the calcium phosphate nanoparticles were spherical in shape, though the size decreased as the amount of gelatin increased. The gel embedding smallest nanoparticle, that is, gel-15%G, was successfully proven to be non-toxic and able to fully occlude the dentine tubules only after overnight application. According to acid challenge, the occluded materials can resist to acid solution via redissolvation and reprecipitaion process.

Removable Prosthodontics for the Management of Severe Toothwear

Toothwear is becoming increasingly more common for dentists to manage as the population is maintaining its teeth for longer. A large proportion of cases can be managed by means of adhesive dentistry in conjunction with preventive advice. There are, however, patients with severe toothwear alone, or toothwear in conjunction with missing teeth, which would be best served with a removable prosthodontic approach. This is particularly the case where dental implants are not indicated or appropriate. This article illustrates the use of removable prosthodontics for the management of toothwear and highlights the importance of these restorations in certain cases. It also considers the supportive programme required to ensure success of this treatment modality. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Toothwear is a prevalent dental problem that cannot always be addressed with an adhesive restorative or fixed prosthodontic approach, particularly when the toothwear is severe and or in combination with existing missing teeth.

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Dental Care Utilization Among Pregnant Women in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Oral and systemic problems are common among pregnant women. Routine dental visits are important for the maintenance of optimal oral health which is linked with systemic health. AIM: To evaluate dental care utilization and related factors among pregnant women in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in hospitals and healthcare centers in the cities of Khobar, Dammam, and Qatif in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. A piloted tested self-administered questionnaire available in Arabic and English languages was distributed among a calculated sample of 341 pregnant women. Pearson's chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the study, 270 questionnaires were analyzed giving a response rate of 79.2%. Mean age of the participants was 29 ± 5.9 years. There were 43.7% pregnant women who received dental treatment when they have a dental problem and only 13.7% performed routine dental visit. Half the sample (52.6%) avoided dental visits during pregnancy and dental treatment being unsafe was the most common reason for avoiding dental visits. After adjustment, routine dental visits during pregnancy were 7.38 times higher among Saudis compared with non-Saudis women (p 0.05). The participants who had a negative perception about the safety of dental treatment had significantly lower odds (OR 0.31, p 0.036) of dental attendance for routine dental visits. CONCLUSION: Routine dental visits were low among pregnant women and many visited dentists when they had a dental problem. Negative perception about the safety of dental treatment was associated with reduced regular dental visits during pregnancy. Pregnant women should be educated about the importance of receiving dental care for the maintenance of optimal oral health.

The Role of Chemical Factors in the Inflammation and Infection of Cervico-facial Actinomicosis

Inflammation is a reflex reaction of the body to the action of some harmful agents, a reaction that manifests itself as a complex of functional and structural modifications of a vasculo-tisular nature, this reaction has occurred in the process of evolution. The intensity of the inflammatory reaction depends on the reactive properties of the body, the location of the inflammatory process, the anatomo-physiological particularities of the damaged tissue, and the conditions in which the inflammation develops. As accurate as dental technique and the practitioner�s skill, if the specific conditions of each patient are not taken into account, the benefit medical cannot rise to a higher level, with the final result being compromised by complications with unpredictable risks. Actinomycosis is a specific infection with subacute or chronic evolution, common to humans or animals, caused by microorganisms of the actinomycete family. The location of the affection in the cervico-facial sphere is four times bigger than the rest of the body; the disease is manifested by rough nodules, red in the cheek or sub-maxillary region, fistulas and scars on which new lesions appear. In order to achieve the proposed objectives, we conducted a study on a representative human sample of 158 patients, from the Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic, between 1.01.2013-31.12.2017. Risk factors (gender, age, area, dental anxiety score), our findings are unlikely to define separately the potential for the risk of installing actinomycosis. The level of dental anxiety as well as the general status of the patient are the markers that require the greatest attention from the practitioner in order to prevent a dental problem.

Patients’ reasons for consulting a GP when experiencing a dental problem: a qualitative study

BackgroundThere are approximately 380 000 dental consultations in UK general practice every year.AimTo explore the reasons why patients may consult a GP rather than a dentist when experiencing problems with their teeth or gums.Design and settingA qualitative semi-structured interview study with adults who had consulted a UK GP with a dental problem in the previous 12 months.MethodParticipants were recruited via print and social media; internet adverts; HealthWise Wales, the Welsh national population research cohort; and word of mouth. In total, 39 telephone interviews were conducted, and transcripts thematically analysed.ResultsParticipants’ consultation behaviour was influenced by their interpretation of their symptoms; their perceptions of the scope of practice of primary care practitioners; the comparative ease of navigating medical and dental care systems; previous experiences of dental care, including dental anxiety and dissatisfaction with prior treatment; and willingness and ability to pay for dental care.ConclusionThere are several reasons why patients may consult a GP with a dental problem. Effective interventions will need to break down the barriers preventing access to dental care. Accessible public-facing information on where to seek care for dental problems is required, and general practice teams should be able to signpost patients who present with dental problems, if appropriate. Dental providers should also be encouraged to maintain timely access to urgent care for their patients.