bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caries preventive effects of toothpastes containing monofluorophosphate and trimetaphosphate: a 3‐year clinical trial
Authors: Andlaw Reginald J. , Palmer John D. , King Joseph , Kneebone Steven B.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The caries‐preventive effects of two toothpastes were tested in a 3‐year clinical trial involving 1319 children aged 11–13 years. The test toothpastes were: 1) a low abrasion paste containing 0.8% sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP), and 2) a paste containing 3%. sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP). The control toothpaste was a conventional, moderately abrasive paste containing 0.8% sodium monofluorophosphate. The children were examined clinically and radiologically each year. Toothpaste was supplied to the children's homes, and its use was unsupervised. Caries increments after 3 years, in terms of DMF teeth and DMF surfaces, showed no significant differences between the MFP test group (444 children) and the MFP control group (450 children). However, the TMP test group (425 children) had significantly higher caries increments than the MFP control group. All three groups of children showed some improvement in oral hygiene and in gingival health, but there were no significant differences between the groups.
Dental visits and self‐assessment of dental health status in the adult Danish population
Authors: Petersen Poul Erik
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of the present investigation was to study dental visits and self‐assessment of dental health status in the adult Danish population. The study group comprised 5151 persons (86.7% of the original sample) who were interviewed in order to determine living conditions. Questions on dental visits and sell‐assessment of dental health status were included, 61 % of the adult Danish population in the age group 20–69 had regular dental visits. Dental visit habits varied according to urbanization, age, sex and social group. Among well off persons 85% had regular dental visits as opposed to only 40% in the disadvantaged social group. Well oil persons and persons with regular dental visits more often claimed good dental health than persons in the disadvantaged social group and among the non‐regular visitors. In the higher social group 13% reported to have removable dentures in contrast to 51% in the disadvantaged social group. To isolate determinants of dental visits a multiple dummy‐regression analysis was performed. Nearly 50% of the variation in dental visit habits was explained by the variables: urbanization, sex, age, perceived dental health status, education, work in exhausting jobs, income, social background and perceived psychological problems. Efforts to bring a greater part of the adult population in Denmark in contact with the dental health service system should consider these findings.
Oral hygiene instruction using a self inspection plaque index
Authors: Baab David A. , Weinstein Philip
Published: May 2006

Abstract The need for proper Oral hygiene requires large amounts of time and manpower, and relapse is still common. This paper describes a self instructional manual and self inspection plaque index that was tested in a periodontal recall population. The program was tested on 18 periodontal recall patients over a period of 5 weeks. Questionnaires were completed at the start, at 2 weeks, and at the end of the experimental period to evaluate patient opinions. Presence of plaque near the gingival margin was recorded at the start, at 2 weeks, and at 6 weeks. Patients were provided with a self instructional manual which taught them to recognize plaque on six teeth. Also, they were given a lighted mouth mirror, a toothbrush, and disclosing wafers. Initial, before‐brushing plaque scores of 47% decreased to 18% during the 6 weeks of the study. After‐brushing plaque scores also were significantly improved during the study. Patients were able to perform the plaque index without guidance to a high level of agreement with a dental hygienist (r=0.72). Furthermore, the program was well accepted by the patients according to their answers on the questionnaire.
Dose reduction in pantomography of children by means of reduction of irradiated area
Authors: Locht Seven
Published: May 2006

Abstract An Orthopantomograph® was provided with microswitches in order to reduce exposure time. The Collimation was vertically reduced. The reduced field size obtained covered all dentoalveolar regions except the third molar areas. The dose of energy imparted was thus reduced from 1.6 to 0.6 mJ and thyroid gland dose from 0.13 to 0.04 mSv compared to complete pantomography. The economy in reduction of film size was 55%.
Dental caries experience of 16–17‐year‐old naval recruits related to the water fluoride level in their home town
Authors: Robinson B. , Pethybridge R. J. , Rugg‐Gunn A. J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Out of 6694 recruits who joined the Royal Navy between September 1979 and February 1981. 1983 (30%) had lived all their lives in one locality. Information on the fluoride level, between 1963 and 1980, in the water supply to each of the recruits' homes was obtained. The examiner recording the dental status of each recruit did not know where the recruit had lived. Some of the information on fluoride levels was imprecise or of variable quality so the final analyses were restricted to 1332 16–17‐year‐old subjects. The overall mean DMFT for the 1332 recruits was 9.72. There was a consistent fall in caries experience with increasing water fluoride level although the difference between the caries experience of recruits from low and high fluoride areas (about 20% for mean DMFT) was smaller than that observed in other studies. A possible explanation for this smaller difference is that some of the subjects did not receive fluoridated water early in life.
Toothbrushing, flossing, and dental visits in relation to socioeconomic characteristics of white American families
Authors: Chen Meei‐Shia , Stone Donald B.
Published: May 2006

Abstract This study investigated the patterns of preventive dental behaviors, including toothbrushing, flossing, and dental visits with respect to certain selected socioeconomic characteristics, namely population density, age, family income, size of family, presence of children, and level of education. The sample of the study included 685 white American families. The results indicated that an individual's preventive dental behavior is related to certain socioeconomic characteristics. The individual who lives in an urban area, possesses a higher income or who has a higher educational level is more apt to take preventive dental actions. Among the socioeconomic variables, family income and educational level made significantly stronger differences with respect to toothbrushing, flossing, and dental visits. Dental visits, compared to other dental activities appeared to be more easily influenced by socioeconomic variables.
Dental health education by “barefoot doctors”
Authors: Hager Bertil , Krasse Bo
Published: May 2006

Abstract In an insurance company 18 out of 507 employees were trained as dental health educators. They then informed their fellow workers about prevention of caries and periodontal disease in groups of about 10 persons. Two information meetings were held during a period of 10 months. Eighty‐nine percent of the employees were positive to this educational programme. Twenty‐two percent said that they had reduced the intake of sucrose after the first meeting. Even more persons reduced their sucrose intake later. Saliva secretion rate and buffer capacity were analyzed and the number of lactobacilli and Streptococcus mutans were determined before and alter the information meetings. A significant reduction in the number of lactobacilli was found, confirming the change in carbohydrate intake. The information raised the level of knowledge about dental health among the employees. It was suggested that this type of educational programme should be used in other health areas.
Dental health among workers at a Danish chocolate factory
Authors: Petersen Poul Erik
Published: May 2006

Abstract All workers (n= 59) at a Danish chocolate factory were given a questionnaire in order to study dental health behavior and self‐assessment of dental health. Regular dental visits at least once a year was reported by 71% of the respondents. Tooth brushing at least twice a day was claimed by most of the workers, but only a few reported to brush their teeth daily at work. One fourth declared that they often consumed chocolate at their working place. Good dental and gingival conditions were only reported by 25% and in correspondence with this, nearly one third claimed to have had much or a great deal of trouble with their teeth. Mean DMFS increased from 22.7 in the age group 16–19 yr to 106.7 among persons 40 yr of age or more. In the age group 20–39 yr hall of the teeth present had gingivitis and calculus and among the older individuals half of the teeth had gingivitis and pockets deeper than 5 mm. Chocolate workers were considered a high risk group.
Nitrous oxide‐oxygen sedation in dental care
Authors: Hallonsten Anna‐Lena , Koch Göran , Schröder Ulla
Published: May 2006

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the dental treatments under nitrous oxide‐oxygen sedation carried out during 1 yr by the first 45 Swedish dentists trained at probationary courses in the use of the technique. Special emphasis was placed on evaluating the risk and incidence of side effects. Data from 1719 treatment sessions in 823 patients, mainly children, were analyzed. Standardized sedation technique was used and the maximum level of nitrous oxide administered was set at 60%. About 90% of the patients showed excellent or fair acceptance. Factors influencing the acceptance were the patient's age, history of psychiatric disorders, mental retardation and occurrence of side effects. In 4.5% of the treatment sessions the patient experienced side effects, e.g. restlessness, vomiting or nausea, during treatment and in 0.9% after the treatment session. The side effects were mainly mild. No correlation was found between side effects and the nitrous oxide concentration used, length of treatment, patient's age or health classification. It is concluded that nitrous oxide‐oxygen sedation is an excellent and safe aid to dental care.
Epidemiologic characteristics of dental caries: relation of DMFS to DMFT
Authors: Järvinen Seppo
Published: May 2006

Abstract The relationship between the age‐specific mean number of DMF teeth and the age‐specific mean number of DMF surfaces in the population has been studied using the original data of Knutson and epidemic/logic data from five Finnish materials, including data of 4718 subjects examined. Two models of regression between the variables were evaluated statistically by making a comparison between a linear and a curvilinear model of regression. For Knutson's original data, both models were suitable, apart from one data set with a relatively high caries prevalence, for which the association between the variables could be better expressed by the linear model. Concerning the recent Finnish materials, the difference in accuracy between the models seemed to be related to the range of the measurements; the larger the range of the measured caries prevalences, including low and high prevalence rates, the more preponderant the curvilinear model. For very low caries populations as well, the curvilinear model, a correction exponential curve, seemed to fit caries data somewhat better than the straight line.
Study of tooth loss in an adolescent Brazilian population
Authors: Gjermo Per , Belid Maria‐Inkês , Bellini Hamilton T. , Martins Carlos Roberto
Published: May 2006

Abstract Data concerning tooth loss in developing countries may indicate the dental health status in young people and serve as baseline data for evaluation of future dental health programs. The study population consisted of 304 schoolchildren (145 males, 159 females) from Belo Horizonte, M.G. Brazil. The mean age was 14.5, ranging from 13 to 16 yr. The number of teeth already lost and teeth indicated for extraction were assessed from two posterior bitewing radiographs and one frontal color photo which were obtained from all participants. The results showed that 2/3 of the studied population had lost one or more permanent teeth. The average number of missing teeth was 1.8 in both males and females. Of the various teeth, the mandibular first molars had most frequently been lost. Differences between the sexes concerning amount and pattern of lost teeth were small.
A 15‐year follow‐up study of 30‐year‐old Danes with regard to orthodontic treatment experience and perceived need for treatment in a region without organized orthodontic care
Authors: Helm Sven , Kreiborg Sven , Solow Beni
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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It was the aim to study orthodontic treatment experience and past and present perceived need for treatment in 30‐year‐old Danes who, at adolescence, had no access to organized orthodontic care. In order to identify the malocclusion traits which elicited treatment or need for treatment, the findings were related to the occurrence of various I rails which had been registered in the same individuals 15 years earlier. From questionnaires (response rate 86%, n= 841) it appeared I hat 10% had received treatment and 20% perceived need for treatment either in childhood or at present. At adolescence, the subjects who had subsequently received treatment, displayed relatively high frequencies of ectopic eruption, anterior cross‐bite, extreme maxillary overjet, deep bile, and crowding; among those who perceived need for treatment, extreme maxillary overjet, mandibular overjet and crowding were relatively prevalent.
Public views on fluoridation and other preventive dental practices
Authors: Isman Robert
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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The political nature of fluoridation is due in part to public misconceptions about its purpose, and about its efficacy and practicality in preventing tooth decay as compared with other preventive practices. This paper describes a public opinion survey conducted in Portland, Oregon in May 1980, immediately following a referendum that repealed an earlier vote to fluoridate Portland's water supply. A household interview survey was conducted of 313 Portland residents aged 18 and over. The primary objectives of the survey were to: 1) determine attitudes on fluoridation; 2) gauge the effectiveness of several pro‐ and antifluoridation arguments; 3) determine key target populations for fluoridation education efforts; arid 4) determine the relative impact of different sources of information about fluoridation. Among the significant findings of the survey were: 1) preventive practices involving fluorides were rated less important to dental health than other preventive practices; 2) 71% of respondents knew the purpose of fluoridation; 3) newspapers were the predominant source of information about fluoridation; and 4) the “loss of freedom of choice” was by far the most powerful argument against fluoridation.
Anxiety and dental caries
Authors: Shimura Norio , Nakamura Chikako , Hirayama Yasuo , Yonemitsu Masami
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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It is accepted that emotional stress causes various kinds of degenerative physiological changes. We have assumed that it is important to study the relationship between anxiety and dental caries. Anxiety and personality of children were investigated and oral examinations and questionnaires about their life style were performed. There was statistically a significant relationship between dental caries and anxiety which may be overridden by keeping regular hours. To prevent dental caries, we conclude that more attention should be paid to psychosomatic responses which may cause dental caries.
Monitoring of caries progression in permanent and primary posterior approximal enamel by bitewing radiography A review
Authors: Pitts Nigel Berry
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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The work which has monitored caries progression in posterior approximal enamel surfaces by reference to the size of radiolucency seen on bitewing radiographs is reviewed. There are wide variations in the degree of standardisation achieved, in the composition of the study groups and in the duration of the studies. There is a paucity of information relating to adults, the elderly, groups with low caries prevalence, and fluoridated communities. The results indicate that for the majority approximal caries progresses slowly, and large numbers of lesions remain unchanged for long periods. The available results are compared using the mathematical model of a negative exponential. The ‘mean’ lime during which a lesion remains radiographically confined to the enamel is of the order of 3–4 yr, although in caries active individuals much shorter limes are reported. Some clinical implications are suggested and the need for further research using comparable methods is stressed.
A baseline study of periodontal conditions among youths and adults in Portugal
Authors: Freitas Eurico , Meyer Knut , Davis Robert K. , Kristoffersen Tore
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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A study was undertaken in 1979 to obtain baseline data of periodontal disease and treatment needs among rural and urban Portuguese. From Montemor‐o‐Novo, Alentejo and from Lisbon, 255 persons (121 males, 134 females) aged 15–44 yr were selected by a stratified quota sampling method and examined under field conditions using both Russell's Periodontal Index (P.I.), slightly modified, and components of a proposed new WHO method. The latter formed the basis for estimation of treatment need according to the Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs (CPITN). Periodontal disease as assessed by die P.I. exhibited epidemiologic characteristics which in several respects were similar to those reported in other populations. Severity increased with increasing age and there were trends towards more severe disease in males than in females, and more severe disease in rural than in urban districts. Relatively few cases of advanced periodontitis were detected by the P.I. as applied in this study. The underestimation of disease prevalence inherent in the scoring method, the high tooth mortality and the fact that only relatively young individuals were studied may have contributed to this finding. Great need for various types of periodontal therapy were found through CPITN assessments. However, relatively few individuals were in need of “complex periodontal therapy” as assessed by the CPITN.
Dental health of Vietnamese Boat People on Pulau Bidong, Malaysia
Authors: Scheutz F. , Heidmann J. , Poulsen S.
Published: May 2006

Abstract
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The influx of refugees from Vietnam to the industrialized countries has attracted a certain interest to studies describing the oral health status of these population groups. The present study comprises 361 refugee arriving in Malaysia from Vietnam and collected immediately at the refugee camp on Pulau Bidong. Dental caries, calculus, gingival bleeding and loss of periodontal attachment were recorded. Mean dmft increased from 1.3 for 0–2‐yr‐olds to 7.4 for 3–5‐yr‐olds. For 6–9‐yr‐olds mean DMFT was 2 A while it ranged between 8.5 and 10.0 for the older age groups. The frequency of secondary lesions was high for all age groups. Calculus increased consistently with age, while gingival bleeding was common even in the youngest age group. Loss of periodontal attachment greater than or equal to 6 mm was rare in all age groups except the oldest (45 yr or older). A strategy for oral health care for these population groups is discussed.
Effects of dental health care instruction on knowledge, attitude, behavior and fear
Authors: Hoogstraten Joh , Moltzer G.
Published: May 2006

Abstract— A field experiment was done to assess the effects of two methods of dental health instruction on knowledge, attitude, reported behavior and fear. Subjects (n=108) were male and female inhabitants of Abcoude, a suburban Dutch village of about 7000 inhabitants. There were three conditions, two experimental and one control. Subjects of experimental condition 1 were given a 30‐min personal instruction on dental hygiene, subjects of experimental condition 2 received the same instruction preceded by a 10‐min instructional film on dental hygiene. Subjects of the control condition received no instruction. Half of each group was pretested. All subjects were posttested 6–12 months after the dental health education. Mean postscores of control subjects were significantly lower than either mean postscores of condition I subjects (on attitude and three behavioral aspects) or mean postscores of condition 2 subjects (on knowledge, attitude and one behavioral aspect). There were no significant differences between the two experimental conditions or between the pretested and not‐pretested groups.
Dental X‐ray exposure in a group of New Zealand children
Authors: SILVERSTEIN Steven J. , STOKES ALASTAIR N. S.
Published: May 2006

Abstract— The New Zealand School Dental Service provides dental care forchildren 2/2–13 yr of age, without using routine diagnostic radiographs. This study investigated the pattern of dental X‐ray exposure in groups of New Zealand children. One group consisted of 100 children who had all treatment before the age of 13 years with the School Dental Service. The other group consisted of 82 children who were treated in the University of Otago School of Dentistry paedodontic programme. Children in both groups turned 13 years of age between 1977 and 1982. From age 13 years these children were cared for by contracting dentists. Radiographic histories were recorded from School of Dentistry charts, and from the area Principal Dental Officer. Cumulative radiation doses were calculated. Surfaces restored at age 13 were noted from Department of Health records. Results show that by age 13 children enrolled in the School of Dentistry paedodontic programme received a mean cumulative skin dose of 23.03 mSv. Thyroid dose was 0.242 mSv. Children treated in the School Dental Service received a mean cumulative skin dose of 1.01 mSv and a thyroid dose of 0.006 mSv. Cumulative radiation dose for both groups was low. There was no significant difference in the mean number of restorations placed at age 13 years despite an extremely low level of diagnostic radiography in the School Dental Service group.
Errors on dental bitewing radiographs
Authors: Nvsether Svein , Hansen B. Frode
Published: May 2006

Abstract— The prevalence of common errors on posterior bitewing radiographs was assessed on 2409 pairs of films collected from different public dental clinics in the county of Buskerud, Norway. Only 4.6% fulfilled the criteria for correct bitewing radiographs. Incorrect position of the film was found in 42.7%. Exposures with wrong horizontal angulation of the central beam constituted 10.6%, and under/overaxial exposures 2.2%, of the sample. Cone cutting occurred in 4.3%. Disturbing spots were found on most of the films (88.1%); 7.7% of the films had been insufficiently washed. Other errors due to wrong darkroom procedures or equipment failures were more rarely observed. The present study has shown that unnecessary errors, reducing the readability of bitewing radiographs, are frequently found. Steps should be taken to improve the standard of the radiographs used for diagnosis.
A method to reduce interproximal overlapping and improve reproducibility of bitewing radiographs for use in clinical trials
Authors: McDonald Simon Paul
Published: May 2006

Abstract— To improve the quality of bitewing radiographs a Bite Registration Technique (BRT) was developed by modifying a commercially available Rinn XCP Instrument. The modification involved using a rubber impression material to register the subject's bite so that the subsequent replacement of the instrument in the mouth was guided by the registration indentations. A total of 240 radiographs were analysed to determine the frequency and severity of the overlapping and the degree of deviation in the horizontal angulation between the subsequent films. Approximately half the films were taken with BRT and the other half were taken with the unaltered Rinn XCP Instrument (without BRT). Two radiographs were taken of each side of the mouth. Only 11.6 % of the proximal surfaces had more than half the enamel overlapped ‘with BRT’ compared with 33%‘without BRT’, In addition, when using the BRT, the initial and the subsequent radiographs of each child were more alike than “without BRT”. Ninety percent were virtually identical; the mean difference in width of the largest overlap between the two films was 0.11mm. To check the validity of these findings, 100 radiographs from a previously published clinical trial which used similar aged children and also used a Rinn XCP Instrument (modified), were analysed using the same criteria. The results obtained were similar to the ‘without BRT’ results; 30% of the proximal surfaces had more than half the enamel overlapped. Improved accuracy allowed a narrower X‐ray beam to be used, thus reducing patient irradiation. The use of the Bite Registration Technique is recommended when a high degree of diagnostic accuracy is desired in clinical trials involving primary dentitions.
Capability of a national epidemiological survey to predict General Dental Service treatment
Authors: Nuttall Nigel M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract— The aim of this investigation was to examine the relationship between the dental status of tooth surfaces, as recorded during the 1978 Adult Dental Health Survey, and the treatment dental attenders subsequently received. A year after the survey, almost twice as many surfaces had been filled than were predicted on the basis of the survey. After 3 yr, this had risen to a 3.5‐fold difference. Despite this, 59% of the restorative need identified by the survey criteria remained unmet by the end of the 1st yr; 46% was unmet by the end ofthe 3rd yr. A surface that received a filling for the first time was three times more likely to have been identified as in need of filling during the survey than a surface which was refilled. These findings cast doubt upon the usefulness of the epidemiological survey as a tool for predicting restorative treatment, and show that maintenance of previous fillings was particularly poorly forecast by the survey data.
Oral health survey in Haitian and Hamburg children aged 12–15
Authors: Franz F. Ekkehart , Gotze Walter
Published: May 2006

Abstract— Oral hygiene, dental caries and periodontal diseases were surveyed in 1743 children aged 12–15. Of these 879 of Black origin resided in Haiti (West Indies) and 864 of While origin in Hamburg (West Germany). Oral hygiene was assessed using the Greene & Vermillion'sOHI‐S, periodontal status using Ramfjord's PDI and Muhlemann'S SBI and the caries rate using the DMFT and DMFS indices. Boys of all age groups showed significantly poorer oral hygiene than girls. In the Hamburg children the mean OHI‐S was 1.28, in Haitians 1.14. Periodontal diseases showed equal prevalence in Haiti and Hamburg when expressed in PDI, namely 0.59, while SBI was slightly higher in the Haitians, namely 2.58 against 2.21 in the Hamburg children. Hamburg girls showed lower PDI and SBI scores than all boys and Haitian girls. Same degrees of OHI‐S caused more severe periodontal diseases among Haitian than among German children. In general, scores of OHI‐S, PDI and SBI increased with age except in Haitian girls, who showed a decrease. The DMFT and DMFS of the Haitian children averaged 3.65 and 4.80 respectively, and those of the Hamburg children 8.35 and 21.09.
Primary dentition caries trends, 1976–1981, in four South African populations
Authors: Cleaton‐Jones P. , Richardson B. D. , Setzer S. , Williams S.
Published: May 2006

Abstract— This paper is a comparison of cross‐sectional data on dental caries in the primary dentition undertaken between 1976 and 1981 in the Transvaal Province, South Africa, on 690 rural Black, 1463 urban Black, 870 Indian and 1622 White children aged 2–5 yr. There was a decrease in percentage dental caries prevalence in the urban White children and an increase in the other three groups, the fastest rate being seen among urban Indian children. Similar trends were noted for mean dmft. Dental caries in incisor and canine teeth remained fairly static but caries in molar teeth increased in the groups of Black and Indian children and decreased in the White children. Ratios d/dmft, m/dmft and f/dmft indicated that minimal treatment was received by all the children.
Caries prevention using a 1.2% sodium monofluorophosphate dentifrice in an aluminium oxide trihydrate base
Authors: Hanachowicz Leo
Published: May 2006

Abstract A 3‐year clinical trial was carried out in France just after fluoride toothpaste was allowed to be sold on the mass market. The aim was to assess the caries preventive effect of a toothpaste containing the maximum fluoride level permitted by the EEC (1.2% SMFP). The trial started with 1318 10–12‐yr‐old children from a wide socioeconomic background in a typical French community. Test toothpaste was given to 659 children whereas the remaining 659 children obtained the same toothpaste without the fluoride additive. The brushing was unsupervised and performed by the children at home. Dental caries was assessed by clinical and radiographic examinations. 1061 children completed the trial. An interview carried out at the final examination identified a group of 116 uncooperative children (less than five brushings a week on average) who were not included in the statistical analysis. The following mean reductions were found: 26% for DMFT, 27% for DMFS, and 39% for DMFSU. The DMFS index for approximal, buccal‐lingual and occlusal surfaces showed caries reductions of 32%, 25%, and 22%, respectively. The trial demonstrated a highly significant effectiveness of the 1.2% SMFP toothpaste in a French population.
Dental health in a group of drug addicts attending an addiction‐clinic
Authors: Scheutz F.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The present study was undertaken to investigate the dental health of a group of parenteral drug addicts. The study population comprised 134 persons with a mean age of 25 yr (min. 18, max. 37) examined in 1977‐81. Mean DMFT was 18.3 and mean DMFS was 50.2, approximately twice as much as found in comparable age groups in Denmark. Even free smooth surfaces were often involved. The oral hygiene was measured by the use of the Visible Plaque Index (VPI) and the Bleeding Index (BI). Both indices were high, mean VPI = 77.4 and mean BI = 71.3. 12–40% of the teeth selected had a loss of periodontal attachment of more than 4 mm. It is suggested that not only drug abuse, but also factors like low social status, low education and different barriers towards receiving dental treatment should be considered in a multifactorial cause‐effect relationship. The effect of offering a free dental care system for this high‐risk group will be dealt with in another paper.
Five‐year evaluation of a dental care delivery system for drug addicts in Denmark
Authors: Scheutz F.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The present study describes the experiences and results of the first 5‐year period of a municipal dental clinic offering free dental care to drug addicts. One of the many problems was the instability of this socially deprived group whose erratic life style made it impossible to maintain regular dental care. The DMFS level of the drug addicts was 50.2 and mean caries increment per yr was 2.5 (1.3 new surfaces and 1.2 surfaces with recurrent decay). The caries increments among the present drug abusers and the individuals on methadone maintenance were higher than among the previous drug addicts, 3.1 and 1.3 surfaces per yr respectively, but this difference was not statistically significant. Only slight improvement in oral hygiene (VPI) could be demonstrated whereas gingivitis (BI) remained unaltered. Traumatic injuries of the orofacial region were frequent. The mean time expenditure concerning dental treatment was 5 hr per individual in the initial treatment phase but decreased to 1–2 h per individual per yr. Broken appointments and last minute cancellations were as a rule related to drug/alcohol abuse. The mean number of fillings was 8.2 per individual in the initial treatment phase and 1.7 per yr for individuals in a maintenance phase. The poor dental health of the drug addicts seems closely related to their life style habits and the clue to an improvement would probably follow the cure of the drug abuse and a concurrent resocialization.
Costs of school‐based mouthrinsing in 14 demonstration programs in USA
Authors: Doherty Neville J. G. , Brunelle Janet A. , Miller Ann J. , Li Shou‐Hua
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the economic costs of school‐based mouthrinsing in the demonstration programs. Costs for two complete years were expressed in 1978 dollars, and divided into explicit and implicit categories. Costs per participant were found to vary among programs (ranges of average total costs ‐ period I: $2.35‐$8.05, period II: $1.46‐$7.94), and a tendency for some average costs to increase with size was identified. That costs were higher than the conventionally reported $0.50‐$1.00 reflects 1) the organization of these federally funded programs and, 2) the use of an accounting method which describes the real economic costs of public programs.
Survey of the dental health and denture status of institutionalized elderly patients in Ireland
Authors: Lemasney Joe , Murphy Elmer
Published: May 2006

Abstract An investigation was conducted to establish the dental status of 368 elderly patients in two geriatric hospitals in Limerick, Ireland, in terms of denture status and the number of teeth present. Seventy eight percent of those examined were edentulous, but only 27% of edentulous patients were wearing maxillary and mandibular dentures. A further 18% wore a maxillary denture only, 21% had dentures made but no longer wore them, and 33% had never had dentures. Forty‐four patients had some maxillary and mandibular teeth present and 20 of these had sufficient teeth for masticatory purposes. Very few patients, edentulous or dentate, complained of any problems, although 27 were felt to require extraction of one or more teeth.
Fissure sealing of permanent first molars in children receiving a high standard of proaphylactic care
Authors: Raadal Magne , Lægreid Olav , Lægreid KarinV. , Hveem Harald , Korsgaard Eva K. , Wangen Kjell
Published: May 2006

Abstract The efficiency of sealing the occlusal fissures of permanent first molars was studied in a group of patients 6–9 yr of age receiving a high standard of prophylactic care. Very soon after the eruption one of the teeth in a homomaxillary pair was sealed, and the contralateral was used for control. The control teeth were painted with a fluoride varnish (Duraphat) every 6 months during the trial. 210 sites in 121 children were scaled and followed for a mean observation period of 23 months. At the end of the study, the retention rate was 62.9%, the percentage of effectiveness 24.2%, and the net gain 7.1 %. The dmft index (primary molars and canines) was recorded for each patient at the time sealing was performed. A relationship between the caries prevalence in the primary teeth and the susceptibility for fissure caries in the control teeth was found. Effectiveness and net gain was highest in the group of children with 3–6 dmft.
Long‐term effect of intensive caries prophylaxis
Authors: Klock Björn
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to examine the long‐term effect of intensive caries prophylaxis. A preventive program mainly based on professional toothcleaning was demonstrated to be highly effective against caries incidence over a 2‐yr period. Five years after the termination of the test period 519 subjects, 17–21 yr of age, were reexamined. The results showed that 1) the smooth surface caries prevalence was very low, 2) a high number of the carious lesions became arrested with time, 3) a long‐term effect seemed to be obtained in subjects at a high caries risk, and 4) salivary S. mutans and lactobacilli could be used for caries prediction over a 7‐yr period.
Attitudes of school personnel and parents toward a school‐based fluoride mouthrinse program
Authors: Scheetz James P. , Suddick Richard P. , Fields W. Thomas
Published: May 2006

Abstract A study was conducted to assess the attitudes of school personnel and parents toward a school‐based fluoride mouthrinse (FMR) program. The responses were obtained by administering a questionnaire to school personnel and parents of an urban school system. The responses of the school personnel indicate that they support the FMR program as it is currently structured; they perceive that the program does not interfere with the education of the students and they have willingly participated in the program. The school personnel do not oppose governmental participation in such a program, but they believe that parents should be responsible for their children's oral health. Parents are supportive of the FMR program as a means of preventing dental problems and improving children's oral health. The parents do not object to governmental involvement and funding of the program. They do not perceive the cost of operating the program as excessive in relation to the expected benefits.
Dental anxiety, the parental family and regularity of dental attendance
Authors: Schuurs Albert H. B. , Duivenvoorden Hugo J. , VanVelzen Sijo K. Thoden , Verhage Frans
Published: May 2006

Abstract A survey was carried out among 25‐yr‐old inhabitants of Amsterdam in order to study the‐ relationship between regularity of dental attendance on the one hand and dental anxiety, dental upbringing of the respondents, dental behavior of the parents, education, sex, and the interactions between these independents, on the other. The data were analyzed hierarchically with regression analysis, the logistic approach. Dental anxiety, sex, dental upbringing and the interaction between education and anxiety, in that order, were found to be of importance for the prediction of regularity of dental attendance. Two other terms, though lacking substantial standardized regression coefficients, namely education and the interaction between education and dental upbringing, are also present in the model found. The prediction of one being a regular attender is satisfactory, but the classification of the irregular attenders is disappointing. The effect is discussed of the rather large non‐response and attention is given to the effect of dental upbringing in regard to coping resources in the dental situation. It has to be concluded that other factors must be included to achieve an improvement of the classification of the irregular attenders. Dental anxiety, although of importance, cannot account for an adequate differentiation between regular and irregular attenders.
Mathematical description and use in forecasting of the caries curve
Authors: Abler Peter , Snabó Zoltán
Published: May 2006

Abstract Caries curves drawn from empirical prevalences (DMFT counts) of US and Hungarian males as well as females, and British male‐female combined samples were satisfactorily described by the transformed truncated Cauchy function: y=1+c [− 1/2+1/φ arc tan (a x + b)]. The parameters a, b, and c, respectively, were determined by a computer with the least squares' method. Of these descriptive models, prevalences at specified ages (covered in the original reports) were read, and additionally the half‐life values and maximum yearly relative increments of decay (with the age of their occurrence). The mean deviation of all individual readings in the live models from the observed prevalences was 3.6% only. In each sample, thereafter, relying upon empirical DMF counts in only five juvenile cohorts, analogous models, referred to as predictory, were constructed by the computer, and their extrapolated right tails were compared both with the empirical DMF counts and with the descriptive models. Slight deviations were experienced, the mean deviation of all readings from the empirical counts being 4.5%. Accordingly, predictions of future caries prevalence (in later adolescence in the US samples, and adulthood in all five ones) were feasible relying on DMFT counts. By the predictory models a trend to improving dental health was demonstrated in the American samples (based on the 1971–74 survey) whereas for the other three populations a further rise of caries prevalence was forecast in adults. Merits and limitations of such predictions as well as an improved new procedure used in the comparisons (“penalty points method”), taking into account clinical requirements, were discussed.
Study design to reduce biases in estimating the percentage of carious lesions that do not progress within a time period
Authors: Shwartz Michael , Pliskin Joseph S. , Gröndahl Hans‐Göran , Boffa Joseph
Published: May 2006

Abstract Much of the available information on the rate of caries progression comes from studies in which two examinations have been done and the percentage of lesions that do not progress from a carious state between the examinations recorded. Extrapolation from this type of study is subject to two offsetting biases. On the one hand, slow progressing lesions that have been in a state for a long time before the first examination may progress between examinations. When these are counted as lesions that progress within the time period between the two examinations, there will be an underestimation of non‐progressing lesions. On the other hand, slow progressing lessions will be over‐represented in the sample of lesions detected at the first examination. This will result in an overestimation of non‐progressing lesions. We suggest a three examination protocol to minimize these biases.
Systems for grading approximal carious lesions and overlaps diagnosed from bitewing radiographs Proposals for future standardization
Authors: Pitts Nigel Berry
Published: May 2006

Abstract The diagnosis of dental caries from bitewing radiographs has become an important and integral part of many clinical caries trials, particularly in longitudinal studies. Although many seemingly similar systems for grading the degrees of approximal lesions have been used, the diagnostic criteria employed often differ in a number of significant areas. A variety of different conventions have evolved for the treatment of: 1) overlapping surfaces, 2) lesions in the region of the ADJ, 3) subdivision of the radiographic enamel cap and 4) score transitions and caries progression systems. Direct intertrial comparisons may be invalidated by the use of incompatible grading systems. Whilst one rigid grading system will not be suitable for all clinical trials, the use of the appropriate scoring codes and criteria from a standard system may greatly facilitate the comparison and interpretation of results. A comprehensive standard system for the grading and scoring of radiographic diagnoses (compatible with the existing WHO recommendations for the grading of clinically diagnosed lesions) is proposed.
Prevalence and distribution of traumatic injuries to the permanent teeth of Dominican children from private schools
Authors: Garcí‐Godoy Federico M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe by age and sex, the prevalence, etiology, distribution and type of injury to permanent incisors of children from private schools of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, located in the Caribbean archipelago. The sample consisted of 1633 children, 5–14 yr enrolled in several private schools of Santo Domingo. The prevalence of injury was 10.0% (5.0% in boys and 5.1 % in girls). The largest number of injuries was found in the 5‐ and 6‐yr‐old children, followed by the 7‐ and 8‐yr‐olds. There was no significant difference in the number of teeth injured in both sexes (0.1 %). The most common type of injury in both sexes was concussion (42.7%) with no significant difference between sexes (5.7%). The most common cause of injury in both sexes was falling against an object (77.8% in boys and 78.3% in girls). Most boys injured their teeth playing baseball (86.4%) and most girls playing on roller skates (72.3%). More girls suffered injuries (not significantly) with the ratio of boys to girls being 0.91 to 1.
Trends in sugar intake: do these parallel changes in caries prevalence among S. African preschoolchildren?
Authors: Richardson Barbara D. , Cleaton‐Jones Peter E. , Sinwel Ruth E. , Rantsho Johanna M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract Mean sugar intake in South Africa has fallen in Black rural groups and remained more or less constant for their urban counterparts; for Indian groups it has risen, but fallen in White groups. The amounts of sugar in mean snack/sweet intakes have not shown the same degree of fall and have remained relatively constant in all but Indian groups where there has been a definite fall in consumption. Caries prevalences (percentages of children with caries) have risen in all but White groups. It can be concluded that quantitative changes in sugar consumption and caries prevalences do not parallel each other.
Relative effectiveness of a rotary and conventional toothbrush in plaque removal
Authors: Walsh Trevor Frank , Glenwright Harry Donald
Published: May 2006

Abstract The ability of a powered rotary toothbrush to remove 3‐ and 4‐day‐old microbial plaque deposits was evaluated in 10 young adults with healthy gingivae. Using a split mouth technique and a cross‐over experimental design, the powered brush was compared with a conventional hand brush over a 14‐day period. Statistical analysis of the results showed no significant differences between either method of brushing when the whole mouth, maxillary or mandibular arches were compared. Further analysis of the proximal scores again showed no significant differences between the powered brush or handbrush. The majority of the subjects preferred the conventional handbrush to the powered brush.
Normative and subjective need and utilization of complete denture services
Authors: Tuominen Risto , Rajala Matti , Sintonen Harri , Paunio Ilkka
Published: May 2006

Abstract The need for complete denture treatment was compared to utilization of complete denture services. To estimate the need for complete denture treatment we used data from the Mini‐Finland Survey which included 3620 persons who were edentulous in one or both jaws. Data about utilization of services was obtained through questionnaires sent to samples of dentists and special dental technicians. Utilization of services was 21.8% of the need assessed with professional criteria and 17.7% of the subjective need. Compared to the subjectively assessed need, utilization of complete denture services was highest among young women and lowest among men aged 60–69 yr. Subjective need for denture services was highest in older groups. From these results we conclude that certain barriers prevent patients from seeking care; and as these barriers are reduced, use of complete denture services may increase.
Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions associated with wearing removable dentures in Finnish adults
Authors: Mikkonen Markku , Nyyssönen Viljo , Paunio Ilkka , Rajala Matti
Published: May 2006

Abstract Of a representative sample of 8000 persons aged 30 and over living in Finland, 3875 users of removable dentures were examined. The condition of the oral mucosa was recorded during clinical examinations. The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions associated with removable dentures was analyzed according to age, sex, place of residence, geographical region of living, and type and location of prosthesis. Lesions were found in about 50% of the denture wearers. Women were affected more often than men. The prevalence of lesions decreased with age and differed slightly according to region of living and place of residence. Compared with the wearing of partial dentures, wearing complete dentures increased the risk of lesions. Only one of the 72 denture users who wore a denture with metallic base plate had oral mucosal lesions associated with wearing a denture.