Impressions

Publication for alumni and friends of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicin

Avaliação da necessidade de distinção entre pacientes brancos e negros quando da estimativa da largura mesiodistal combinada da coroa de caninos e pré-molares

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the need to distinguish between white and black patients when predicting the combined mesiodistal crown width of canines and premolars in Recife. A sample of 120 dental casts (60 from black and 60 from white patients) was selected from the archives of dental clinics in Recife. The mesiodistal crown width of the maxillary and mandibular canines and premolars and of the mandibular incisors was measured in these casts using a caliper with an accuracy of 0.02mm. The combined mesiodistal crown width of these teeth in the black patients was compared with that found in the white patients, and also with the estimated values obtained by regression equations based on the sample of white patients and on a large sample of a population from the same city. The study demonstrated that there were no significant differences between whites and blacks in the combined mesiodistal crown width of any of the three analyzed teeth groups and also revealed that such equations were statistically accurate in estimating the mesiodistal crown width of canines and premolars in blacks. It was concluded that there is no need for specific tables or equations regarding the patient's race in the analysis of mixed dentition in Recife.O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a necessidade de distinção entre pacientes brancos e negros quando da estimativa da largura mesiodistal combinada da coroa de caninos e pré-molares em Recife. Uma amostra de 120 modelos de gesso (60 de negros e 60 de brancos) foi selecionada dos arquivos de clínicas do Recife. As larguras mesiodistais das coroas dos caninos e pré-molares superiores e inferiores e dos incisivos inferiores foram medidas nesses modelos, utilizando-se um paquímetro com precisão de 0,02mm. As larguras mesiodistais combinadas desses dentes nos pacientes negros foram comparadas com aquelas encontradas nos pacientes brancos; e comparadas com aquelas estimadas por equações de regressão elaboradas com base na amostra de pacientes brancos e com base em uma ampla amostra de recifenses. O estudo verificou não apenas a não diferença significativa entre brancos e negros na largura mesiodistal combinada de nenhum dos três grupos de dentes analisados, como também verificou que equações elaboradas com base na amostra de indivíduos brancos ou na amostra de recifenses foram estatisticamente precisas em estimar a largura de caninos e pré-molares dos negros. O estudo concluiu que não há necessidade de tabelas ou equações específicas segundo a raça do paciente para a análise de dentição mista em Recife

Oral hygiene knowledge versus behavior in children: A questionnaire-based, interview-style analysis and on-site assessment of toothbrushing practices

Objectives: Oral hygiene plays an important role in eliminating biofilms and preventing dental caries. However, the implementation of oral health knowledge that children learn from their parents and through school dental health programmes remains poorly studied. This study aimed to investigate oral hygiene knowledge and its practical utilization in children and young adolescents (CYAs) aged 2–15 years. Material and methods: This was a questionnaire‐based, interview‐style community survey and on‐site practical assessment of CYAs' toothbrushing skills conducted during two 1‐day public science‐promoting events held at a major German university hospital in consecutive years. CYAs first answered questions on toothbrushing frequency, dental aids used, and dental care. They subsequently underwent diagnostic staining and demonstrated their brushing technique and method. CYAs' responses (percentages) to questionnaire items addressing oral hygiene knowledge and practice, and on‐site assessment of toothbrushing skills served as the main outcome measures. Results: Of 244 participating CYAs, 178 (73%) CYAs had no caries experience, the percentage increasing with age from 5% in 2–5‐year‐olds to 40% in those aged > 10 years. Of 117/244 (48%) indicating that teeth should be brushed three times daily, 80/ 117 (68%) self‐reported twice‐daily brushing, 32/117 (27%) reported brushing three times, and 4/117 (3%) stated doing so only once. Although 131/244 (54%) considered that teeth should be brushed for 3 min, 77/131 (59%) self‐reported actually doing so and 41/131 (31%) reported brushing for 2min. Seventeen of 42 (40%) participants aged > 10 years showed no systematic brushing method, with 21/42 (50%) failing to clean their teeth completely. Participants aged 6–10 years exhibited the highest proportion (97/134, 72%) of complete cleaning. One hundred and forty‐six of 244 (60%) of CYAs knew about floss; 63/134 (43%) reported using it. Good adherence to oral health recommendations (i.e., brushing ≥ 2/day for ≥2min) was observed in 212/ 244 (87%) CYAs, the remaining 32/244 (13%) exhibiting poor adherence. Conclusion: CYAs knew about the importance of oral hygiene and cleaned their teeth frequently. However, translation of their knowledge into practice showed deficiencies. Repeated encouragement to put oral health knowledge into practice is important

Can Toothache Cause Heartbreak?

Poor mouth care and heart disease are two major health concerns worldwide. Both conditions occur in humans and in many mammals, including our pets. “Periodontal” is the word used to refer to structures surrounding the teeth, including the gums and bone. Scientists have seen a connection between poor periodontal health and the increased risk of developing heart disease. It is thought that the bacteria found in dental plaque enters the bloodstream once the gums become inflamed. These bacteria travel through blood vessels, helping blockages called atherosclerotic lesions to form, which narrow the passageways of blood to the heart. In severe cases, lesions can dislodge from the arteries and completely block blood flow to the heart, leading to heart disease and heart failure. Scientific studies have shown that poor periodontal health significantly increases the risk of developing heart disease. Interestingly, it seems our canine companions are suffering the same effects. Brushing teeth could save lives

Management of post-operative complications during maxillary teeth extraction

Abstract Introduction: During maxillary teeth extractions, variety of complications can occur which can significantly affect the post-operative healing period and patient’s life in general. Aim: The main aim was to discuss some of the most common complications that clinicians encounter during dental extractions and proper management of the potential complications associated with the procedure. Materials and methods: To achieve the aim, variety of materials and methods have been used in order to appropriately manage the complications. The following materials and methods were used: ligature and resorptive sutures in arterial bleeding, ice packs and steroids in post-op swelling, Caldwell – Luc procedure in cases of tooth root in maxillary sinus etc. Results: With the previously noted methods, we have achieved successful control over the complications. For example, use of steroids decreases swelling in post-op day 3-4 to completely disappear by day 10. Conclusion: Several common post-operative complications of dental extractions have been discussed here, and their etiologies and managements explored. It’s our hope that the practitians will be more prepared to manage this kind of complications which often occur in daily practice. Keywords complications, extraction, management, maxillary

What is being done to respond to the rise of chronic diseases and multi-morbidity in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia?

Although countries in central and eastern Europe (CEE) have relatively younger populations compared to the West, their populations are often affected by higher prevalence of chronic conditions and multi-morbidity and this burden will likely increase as their populations age. Relatively little is known about how these countries cater to the needs of complex patients. This Perspective piece identifies key initiatives to improve coordination of care in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, including some pioneering and far-reaching approaches. Unfortunately, some of them have failed to be implemented, but a recent strategic commitment to care coordination in some of these countries and the dedication to rebuilding stronger health systems after the COVID-19 pandemic offer an opportunity to take stock of these past and ongoing experiences and push for more progress in this area

State of Evidence on Oral Health Problems in Diabetic Patients: A Critical Review of the Literature

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health problem, having recognized that in the next 20 years the number of diabetic patients in the world will increase to 642 million. DMexerts enormous repercussions on general health diabetic (especially derived from vascular, cardiac, renal, ocular, or neurological affectation). It entails in addition a high number of deaths directly related to the disease, as well as a high health care cost, estimated at $673 billion annually. Oral cavity is found among all the organs and systems affected in the course of DM. Important pathologies are developed with higher prevalence, such as periodontitis (PD), alterations in salivary flow, fungal infections, oral cancer, and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). It has been proven that PD hinders the metabolic control of DM and that the presence of PD increases the possibility for developing diabetes. Despite the relevance of these oral pathologies, the knowledge of primary care physicians and diabetes specialists about the importance of oral health in diabetics, as well as the knowledge of dentists about the importance of DM for oral health of patients is scarce or non-existent. It is accepted that the correct management of diabetic patients requires interdisciplinary teams, including dentists. In this critical review, the existing knowledge and evidence-degree on the preventive, clinical, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic aspects of oral diseases that occur with a significant frequency in the diabetic population are developed in extension