Pitfalls for diagnosis of burning mouth-like syndrome

This research gives a scientific framework for burning mouth syndrome(BMS) etiology and diagnostic approach in clinical dental and medical practice. BMS-like symptoms can be induced by systemic diseases such as diabetes, gastrointestinal, endocrine disorders, allergy etc. or by local oral cavity conditions as candidiasis or geographic tongue or odontogenic causes. Because the etiology of BMS is multifactorial, treatment can only be distinctive, and is aimed at relieving symptoms. The complexity of BMS symptoms and associated psychosocial infirmities, anxiety and depression raise the need for a multidisciplinary and individualised approach.

Case selection in dental bleaching

Dental bleaching is a method of treatment for tooth discoloration that uses hydrogen peroxide in various concentrations. For this dental maneuver to be successful, the etiological diagnosis of dental dyschromia and the treatment plan must be rigorously established. In this article we present the criteria underlying the selection of patients who can benefit from dental bleaching, grouped in a questionnaire. Adequate case selection suitable for teeth whitening, as well as the appropriate choice of the specific bleaching method are essential in obtaining satisfactory aesthetic result for the patient, immediately after completing the treatment, but also in the long term.

A radiological study method of vertical alveolar resorptions using immediate dental implants

Dental extraction is followed by decreases in alveolar volume, vertically and horizontally. This retrospective study measured vertical alveolar resorption after insertion of immediate implants, using OPG, without CBCT or additional radiographs. Patients were randomly split in two groups A (57 implants) and B (47 implants). Measurements were made by two independent observers. The types of implants were: Exacta (Biaggini Medical Devices), Nova, Dentix Millenium and Surcam. The method was based on the size of the implant and another common element of the two radiographs. It used an optimal radiologic exposure. It can be generalized to other studies. Similar results measured in the two groups showed that alveolar remodeling does not depend on the type of the implant. Half of the alveoli did not have any resorption. Another quarter showed barely perceptible clinical resorption (1-2 mm). In the last quarter were registered all the notable resorptions that were associated with various factors (temporary mobile prosthesis, surgical flap, medication and some health problems, smoking, etc.) showing real situations, not ideal conditions. Maximum resorption was unique (7.63 mm).

Impact of delivery mode on oral health

The route of delivery influences the gut microbiota and the development of the immune system. At the moment of birth, cesarean section infants have a lower diversity of bacteria when compared to naturally born infants. The delivery mode does influence the oral cavity colonization of infants, but there is no relevant association with dental caries.

The functions of lactoferine in the oral cavity

Lactoferrin is a cationic glycoprotein found in different compartments of the body and secreted mostly by glandular epithelia and neutrophils. Although initially considered that its functions derive solely from its iron-binding capacity, further research demonstrated the pleiotropic nature of the glycoprotein. Thereby, lactoferrin fulfills various essential physiological functions based on its anti-infectious, immunomodulatory and antioxidative properties. In the oral cavity, lactoferrin is an central component of the local defense mechanisms, and based on its versatility, it can prevent the occurrence and progression of different local pathologies, including periodontitis. Microbiological and inflammatory periodontitis-induced modifications influence the local levels of secreted lactoferrin, the protein becoming a potential diagnosis biomarker of periodontal disease. Moreover, lactoferrin has a potential adjunctive therapeutic benefit in periodontal treatment, based on the interference of the biomolecule with local microorganisms, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activity. Additionally, the adverse effects of lactoferrin administration seem less evident as compared to other adjunctive agents. Thus, the present study aims to review the most important characteristics of lactoferrin in different oral pathologies, particularly in periodontitis.

Concordance of SMI and CVMS bone maturation indices in pubertal growth stages – cross-sectional study

In order to verify the concordance of the bone development indices (SMI) estimated on the hand and fist radiograph by the method of Fishman (1982) and the indices of development of the cervical vertebrae (CVMS), estimated on the profile teleradiography by the method of Baccetti (2002), was conducted a cross-sectional study on a group of 150 subjects (89 girls and 61 boys), aged 8-18 years. Based on the existing data in the literature and taking into account the average ages at which the SMI and CVMS stages were reached in the research group, a hypothesis of correspondence between SMI and CVMS stages in the pubertal stages was issued and this hypothesis was statistically verified using the coefficient Cohen k. The obtained results (k = 0.82 for the girls 'group and k = 0.67 for the boys' group) confirm the concordance of the SMI and CVMS indices within the researched group and validate the correspondence hypothesis issued.

Comparative occlusal study analog and digital – a pilot study

The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the analysis of maximal intercuspation, protrusive and laterotrusive movements requires an additional digital method of occlusal diagnosis using the T-Scan™ Novus™ device (TekScan). In this observational study, we retrospectively examined a number of 10 subjects which were divided into 2 groups: the 1st group involved patients with intact dental arches and the 2nd group with patients that had received implant-supported restorations. The methods of analysis involved the calibrated articulating paper of 200 and 40 micrometers, and also the T-Scan™ Novus™ device (TekScan). The following data were collected: contact points in maximum intercuspation (functional and premature contacts), the pairs of teeth performing protrusion and right/left laterotrusion, active/passive interferences and premature contacts during protrusion and right/left laterotrusion. Descriptive statistics were obtained using the MedCalc Statistical Software version 19.2.6 (MedCalc Soft-ware bv, Ostend, Belgium) and Microsoft Excel for MAC 2011. It was tested if a statistically significant difference existed between the diagnostic methods regarding the number of contact points. The T test for independent samples without the assumption of equal variances and the Mann-Whitney test was used (to which we reported the medians of the 2 subgroups and the P value adjusted for equalities) and also the magnitude of association using the Chi-square test (p value) was measured. Also it was studied the correlation between the number of premature contacts and the number of contact points, respectively, obtained by each diagnostic method, and we expressed the results through the Spearman correlation coefficient. The analysis of the maximum intercuspation, of the protrusive and the laterotrusive movements has shown comparable results using the two examination methods. There were no statistically significant differences between the two methods of analyzing dental occlusion.

Correlations between temporary teeth and functional treatment in mixed dentition – case presentation

Objectives. Orthodontic treatment intends to create a harmony between dental, muscular and osseous components. The purpose of this case presentation was to emphasize consequences of early loss of temporary teeth on dental-maxillary complex development. Material and methods. 10 years old patient with dental movements following the early extraction of temporary teeth. The patient has habitual oral breathing associated with lower lip interposition. Results. The functional treatment with twin-block appliance was chosen, taking into account the age-specific growth potential. Discussions. Premature extraction of temporary teeth engenders lee-way-space loss, significant shortening and transverse constriction of the dental arch, elements aggravated by dysfunctions and parafunctions. Conclusion. The early extractions performed during the growth period, through the associated dental migrations, determine growth changes with consequences on the functionality of the dento-maxillary apparatus.

Peculiarities of calcium-phosphorus homeostasis of the oral fluid in young patients with primary hypothyroidism, having generalized periodontitis

The problem of hormonal imbalance in periodontal diseases, as well as the importance of endocrine diseases in its development, plays a significant role. In the professional literature there are data that thyroid disease is a risk factor for the occurrence and further progression of periodontal diseases. The processes of bone modeling and remodeling and its mineralization are closely related to calcium metabolism. The biochemical manifestation of osteoporotic processes in the alveolar bone in generalized periodontitis is a violation of calcium-phosphorus homeostasis against the background of altered markers of bone metabolism. The aim of our investigation was to study the calcium-phosphorus homeostasis of the oral fluid in patients with primary hypothyroidism and persons without endocrine pathology, with generalized periodontitis. Since in the structure of periodontal diseases in the study groups generalized periodontitis of the initial-I and II degree had the largest percentage, biochemical studies were performed in this sample of patients. The first group included 50 people with generalized periodontitis against the background of primary hypothyroidism: 25 patients – with generalized periodontitis of the initial-I degree and 25 patients with generalized periodontitis of the II degree of development. The second group included 50 patients with generalized periodontitis without endocrinological pathology (25 patients with GP of the initial-I degree and 25 patients with GP of the II degree of development). In young people with generalized periodontitis, against the background of hypothyroidism, there were observed negative changes in calcium-phosphorus homeostasis of the oral fluid: there was a tendency to the decrease of calcium content in the oral fluid with the development of inflammatory-dystrophic process in the periodontium, on the contrary, phosphorus level has increased. Negative dynamics of calcium-phosphorus molar coefficient was found in patients with hypofunction of the thyroid gland. Thus, the analysis of research results shows that in young people with periodontal diseases and hypothyroidism there is a pathological change in metabolic processes, increased excretion of mineral components, especially calcium. Periodontal pathology against the background of hypothyroidism is characterized by the development of a chronic inflammatory process together with a pronounced decrease in calcium-phosphorus homeostasis of the oral fluid.

Perception of the importance of oral hygiene in a group of adults from South-West Romania

Oral hygiene is a dental procedure with the role of removing bacterial plaque and action to prevent oral diseases, including periodontal disease. Oral prophylaxis includes both daily dental hygiene (daily brushing, flossing and mouthwash) and the visits to the dentist for professional hygiene and prophylaxis. The correct brushing of the teeth is important not only for maintaining oral health but also for the health of the whole body, because there are correlations between diseases of the oral cavity and problems of the digestive tract or even heart disease.