Bruxism – contemporary knowledge about the disorder and therapeutic possibilities

Introduction: bruxism is a parafunction characterized by excessive activity of the masticatory muscles, consisting in grinding, or clenching of the teeth. The etiology of bruxism is multifactorial. Carefully collected history and additional tests enable correct diagnosis. There is no single method that is completely effective in treating bruxism. It is important to make the patient aware of the disorder, it’s possible consequences, and the need for treatment.   Aim of the study: approximation of the bruxism profile, drawing attention to the prevalence of the disorder and the need for early diagnosis, as well as discussing the current therapeutic options   Material and methods: the authors reviewed the literature on bruxism in terms of its causes, epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment   Conclusions: Correct, short-term diagnosis and application of appropriate treatment may inhibit the development of functional disorders of the masticatory system

The influence of drugs used in mental disorders on the health of the oral cavity - a systematic review

Ze wzrostem liczby diagnoz zaburzeń psychicznych łączy się wzrost zapotrzebowania na leki psychotropowe, których częstym działaniem niepożądanym jest kserostomia, definiowana jako uczucie suchości w jamie ustnej i prowadząca m.in. do próchnicy i stanów zapalnych błon śluzowych. Największą zdolnością do wywoływania tych działań niepożądanych cechują się leki przeciwpsychotyczne i trójcykliczne leki przeciwdepresyjne, ale nie są od nich wolne także SSRI, antydepresanty atypowe                   i anksjolityki takie jak benzodiazepiny. W leczeniu kserostomii ważna jest profilaktyka kandydozy i próchnicy: odpowiednia dieta, prawidłowe zabiegi higienizacyjne oraz regularne kontrole stomatologiczne. Inne metody to farmakoterapia i stosowanie substytutów śliny. Istnieje korelacja pomiędzy zaburzeniami psychicznymi a wyższą liczbą ubytków próchnicowych, niższą jakością higieny jamy ustnej i większą częstością występowania chorób periodontologicznych

Potential mechanisms of action and effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy in the treatment of depressive disorders

The aim of this study is to prove the positive effect of electroconvulsive therapy on depressive disorders. Depression as a mental illness has not been fully studied in terms of its relationship in combination with electroconvulsive therapy. Nevertheless, despite many uncertainties, its positive effect on this type of treatment is indicated. Analysing a number of studies, electroconvulsive therapy is considered to be the most effective treatment for depression. As the research work shows, thanks to the use of electroconvulsive therapy in older people over 60 years of age, a positive effect on the patient's health can be observed in the entire study group. The mechanism of action of electroconvulsive therapy is multifaceted. There are several theories of how it works, affecting different areas of the individual's body. These include an anticonvulsant theory (GABAergic), effects on serotonergic and dopaminergic functions in the brain, effects on neurogenesis in the hippocampus and amygdala and neuropathicity, effects on gene transcription, an increase in the Narp protein with a presumed antidepressant effect, support for the neuroendocrine mechanism, as well as effects on inflammation (cytokines).&nbsp

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oral health

The COVID-19 pandemic in Poland is from March 2020 to May 2022. During this time, dental personnel were identified as one of the groups with the highest risk of the virus, resulting in a sanitary regime in dental offices. Numerous restrictions and precautions began to generate additional costs, and patient fear avoided visits. Many offices stopped working during the pandemic period. The aim of this study was to examine the impact that the SARS-CoV-2 virus epidemic had on the level of dental care and on changing oral health habits in Poland. The study, which included 312 individuals, showed a significant increase in endodontic visits and extractions and a decrease in conservative treatments and hygienization performed. Despite the withdrawal of the epidemic state in Poland, the intensity of follow-up visits has still not returned to those prior to March 20, 2020, and the fear of the virus has exacerbated the lingering anxiety of many patients to see a dentist.

Is simulation in dentistry able to replace clinical practice? Analysis of students' opinions

Haptic simulators are technically advanced devices that enable students to learn practical skills without the participation of patients. A survey conducted among students of the Medical University of Lublin showed a higher level of satisfaction while working with haptic simulators compared to traditional phantoms. The respondents indicated as the most important features of Simodont simulators, inter alia, their modernity, realism of work and a wide range of clinical situations that can be practiced on them. With modern simulators, students were more likely to give maximum scores than with traditional phantoms. Research has also shown that haptic devices are friendly to left-handers, who may find it challenging to learn practical skills on phantoms. The respondents showed willingness to take part in subsequent sessions with haptic simulators, justifying their opinion as a good complement to what these devices constitute for traditional educational solutions, clearly stating, however, that they cannot replace clinical practice