Parvimonas micra is an important oral microbe that has the ability to grow and proliferate within oral biofilms and is involved in periodontal disease, leading to gingival bleeding, gingival recession, alveolar bone loss, and tooth mobility. However, occasionally these normally oral pathogens can cause infections at other sites in the body. We present the genome sequence of Parvimonas micra strain A293, a smooth Parvimonas micra strain isolated from an abdominal abscess from a patient at Barts Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
The aims of the study were to determine the periodontal status of the teeth in contact with removable partial dentures (RPDs) and to compare them with other teeth in the opposing arch not related to any prosthesis. The periodontal status was also assessed in relation to the age of the dentures. Four hundred and twenty-seven patients treated with RPDs from 1981 to 1986 were recalled for examination. Prior to prosthetic treatment they were given periodontal treatment and fillings when required. Initially all were given oral hygiene instructions and motivation. They were reviewed regularly only on a short-term basis. Eighteen patients were suitable for the present study comprising of eight males and 10 females whose mean age was 41 years. The RPDs were in use from 1.5 to 8 years (mean 4.6 years). The following parameters were assessed: Plaque index (P1I), Gingival index (GI), loss of attachment (LA) and tooth mobility. The wearing of RPDs resulted in higher P1I, GI and LA compared to the controls and these differences were statistically significant. There was an increased frequency of higher P1I, GI and LA with the increase in denture age. Minor changes in tooth mobility were observed. It was concluded that the wearing of RPDs was detrimental to periodontal health in patients whose oral hygiene was less than adequate.
Burkitt's lymphoma is a tumour that most often affects the jaws, especially in endemic areas of Africa. In non-endemic areas, the jaws are affected in about 15-18% of cases. A case is presented which demonstrates the significance of jaw lesions in the disease. The history and pathogenesis of the disease also are discussed.
Loss of tooth-supporting structures results in tooth mobility. Increased tooth mobility adversely affects function, aesthetics, and the patient's comfort. Splints are used to over-come all these problems. When faced with the dilemma of how to manage periodontally compromised teeth, splinting of mobile teeth to stronger adjacent teeth is a viable option. This prolongs the life expectancy of loose teeth, gives stability for the periodontium to reattach, and improves comfort, function and aesthetics. Although splinting has been used since ancient times, it has been a topic of controversy because of its ill effects on oral health, including poor oral hygiene and adverse effects on supporting teeth. There have been considerable advancements in the materials used for splinting, resulting in fewer ill effects. This article is intended to provide the clinicians with an updated overview of splinting, types and classification of splints, with their indications, contraindications,rationale and effects on oral health.
Histiocytosis X is a rare disorder with no particular predilection for race, age or sex. Since its discovery by Hand in 1893, the etiology has remained unknown, although viruses, bacteria and genetic factors have been implicated. Familial occurrence of this disease is very rare, and only a handful of such cases have been reported. The present study adds further evidence to support the influence of genetic factors in the etiology of histiocytosis X.
The aims of this study were to determine the dental and periodontal status and the associated treatment needs, other than that for prosthetic care, in patients who requested removable partial dentures. Forty-six patients who had never worn removable partial dentures before were examined for plaque index, tooth status, gingival index, loss of periodontal attachment and tooth mobility. Prior to prosthetic treatment, 15% of the teeth needed conservative treatment and 1% needed extractions. From the periodontal point of view, 65% of the teeth needed some form of related therapy, and 2% of the teeth were at risk of extraction due to advanced mobility.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the awareness of periodontal disease and level of knowledge of the relationship between smoking and periodontal disease amongst subjects who were smokers verses non-smokers.
Methods: A questionnaire looking at knowledge of respondents regarding gum disease and knowledge and awareness about oral impacts of smoking on periodontal disease was developed and pretested in Dental Faculty University of Malaya. Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) index was used to assess periodontal status.
Results: The questionnaire was answered by 130 subjects. Prevalence of smoking was 14.6%. A total of 58.6% non-smokers and 57.9% smokers knew about periodontal disease. However, only 26.1% non-smokers and 10.5% smokers knew that the cause for periodontal disease was plaque. More non-smokers than smokers knew that smoking affected periodontal health (80.2% and 68.4% respectively) (p>0.05) and tooth mobility was an effect of smoking on periodontal health (27.0% and 0%) (p<0.05). Regarding source of information on effect of smoking on periodontal health, 63.2% smokers and 63.1% non-smokers reported obtaining information through the mass media. However, only 31.6% smokers and 28.8% non-smokers were informed by their dentist.
Conclusion: The awareness of periodontal disease and knowledge of the relationship between smoking and periodontal disease was low in this selected population of smokers and non-smokers.
Keywords: Awareness, knowledge, periodontitis, smoking
Study site: Primary Care Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia