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Introduction: in dentistry, many treatments are invasive and can lead to infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in the dental practice in Rabat. Methods: a survey on the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in Rabat dental practices was conducted among 324 practitioners. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess their training, hygiene, protection, organization of premises, asepsis, antisepsis and use of medical devices. Data were collected using JAMOVI version 1.8.4, the Χ² and Fisher tests were used to compare the variables, the significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: only 80 subjects took part in the study. All the dentists had protective equipment, but 68 (85%) did not have instructions on what to do in case of accidental exposure to blood; 41 (62.1%) operators had qualified assistants, 36.4% had a team vaccinated against hepatitis B and 61.3% of operators and assistants had been trained to handle reusable medical devices. Seventy-six studies had isolated examination rooms, 41 had a steam steriliser and a sorting area with sharps collector. However, 35.1% had a contract for the collection of waste generated by health-care activities, posing a significant risk of infection. Conclusion: the results of this study show that most practitioners in Rabat comply with the majority of the aseptic and hygienic standards in dentistry. However, more needs to be done to ensure that staff are vaccinated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction - The objective of the study was to identify the risk factors related to occupational radiological exposure in dentistry of the municipality of Oran, during radiodiagnostic and interventional procedures. Methods. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the level of dental facilities in the commune of Oran, from November 2017 to February 2018. It involved 198 manipulators working in the private and public sectors. During an actual radiological procedure, dosimetric measurements were recorded. According to a standard protocol, points were targeted for the placement of dosimeters. The dosimeters were placed in the left pocket (thorax) to record the whole-body dose, in the manipulator's hand and in the eye (a biologically highly radiosensitive organ). The dosimeters used were previously calibrated. Results -The recorded doses exceeded the regulatory tolérable limit in 43 out of 198 manipulators. The position of the manipulators in relation to the radiological devices noticed in the sector of activity an OR of 2.76 [1.09-6.99], the sex with an OR of 2.48 [1.18-5.19], the seniority (less than 10 years) with an OR of 1.99 [0.99-4.02] and the age (less than 36 years) with an OR of 0.55 [0.28-1.12] ,were significantly related to the risk of radiological exposure. The use of the angulator, but without leaving the danger zone, exposed the handlers to the risk of radiation exposure. Conclusion - The assessment presented contributed to the identification of the risk factors of radiological exposure observed in dentistry of the commune of Oran. These results encourage us to make dentists aware of the use of radiation protection means in order to reduce the health risks associated with ionizing radiation.

In a context of saturation of private dental practices and medical demography issues, responses to requests for emergency dental care are a poorly documented problem. In partnership with the Observatoire Regional de la Santé, the URPS Chirurgiens-Dentistes Nouvelle-Aquitaine, a union, conducted a survey of private dentists in May and June 2022. The objective was to estimate the volume of requests for unscheduled dental care and to describe the responses provided by professionals. More than eight out of ten professionals said they were often called upon for unscheduled care and more than four out of ten set aside specific time slots to provide it. More than a quarter of them said they provided care in 90 percent of cases, in response to requests of this type, and 40 percent provided care in at least half of the cases. For most professionals, the average waiting time for patients requesting unscheduled care was less than 24 hours. Respondents cited patient education as a general avenue for improvement, in addition to the creation of a specific pricing structure for unscheduled care. This survey provides a better understanding of the difficulties faced by professionals on a subject not yet investigated by the dental profession. It documents the acceptability of possible responses in terms of improving professional practices and institutional organizations.

Introduction: mercury exposure is recognized as a worldwide public health concern. However, the effect of long-term exposure to low-doses of this heavy metal is still subject to debate. Due to the use of mercury in dental amalgam, dental health care professionals are chronically exposed to low-doses of this metal. In this context, we have conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey among liberal dentists in two regions of the center of Morocco. In parallel, the global health status of participants was investigated to assess the relevance of a subsequent etiological survey. Methods: data were collected through a self-reported questionnaire. Occupational exposure of dentists to mercury was evaluated based on their use of dental amalgam. Moreover, the other common factors increasing the background pollution or inducing exposure peaks were also investigated. On the other hand, smoking, vaccination, fish consumption, and the number of dental amalgam in mouth were considered as non-occupational exposure sources. Finally, the self-reported global health problems of participants were collected. Results: 192 dentists were included in the present study. Seventy-six percent (76.04%) of them declared using dental amalgam in their practice. Moreover, the presence of dental amalgam in mouth was identified as the main non-occupational source of exposure to mercury (63.45% of participants). Finally, most of participants (46.35%) have expressed neuropsychological complaints. Conclusion: altogether, our results revealed a real mercury exposure in the studied population. Thus, effective preventive measures should be promoted to minimize the mercury exposure in dental offices. Moreover, an etiological study will be of great interest to reveal the impact of mercury exposure in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As it seems likely that France, at the forefront in the use of surgical robotic platforms, will authorize the deployment of dental robots in the short term, the purpose of this article is to question what is at stake in this technological revolution, for dental professionals, regulators but also (and above all) for patients: what awareness-raising will the intervention of machines bring? How does robotics reshuffle the cards of the care relationship? What are the ethical and public health issues? After having defined dental robots as non-humanoid, automated surgical devices with exclusive restorative vocation, we will see how the field of dental robotics currently oscillates between hopes and illusions. We will describe the new responsibilities and ethical requirements related to the introduction of these AI-powered technical objects, as well as the necessary safeguards that have to be implemented in order to avoid any moral buffer and to protect patients from any robotization (literally or metaphorically in the sense of ‘zombification’). Finally, we will show that ultimately the question of robot-dentists is the natural evolution of unreasonable application of industrial processes to the rationalization of health and ectopic, neo-liberal practices shifting healthcare into a commercial commodity. Patients can participate in reversing this trend, by recalling that the centrality of the human person is the cornerstone of health professions.

The French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD) embodies a professional initiative in institutional form, based on the philosophy of “Aller vers” (going toward). Based on plural representation, it brings together a variety of dentists, who are representative of the diversity of practices, whether in urban or rural areas, as employees or independent practitioners, or in local practice or hospital contexts. Proximity to the public is the very essence of its action and gives it a good understanding of realities on the ground. Since its creation, the UFSBD has been engaged in an ever-evolving collective mission, adapting its efforts to the changing needs of society and citizens. Its bold approach goes beyond the traditional boundaries of dental practice, by reaching out to the most vulnerable people and those furthest from the health system. This translates into an inclusive, proactive, and local approach. This dynamic has played a decisive role in advocating, since the 1990s, the recognition of oral health as an essential component of general health. Despite the obstacles and the time required to change mentalities, the UFSBD persevered, particularly regarding the challenge that periodontal diseases represent for oral health. Challenges persist, particularly with regard to access to prevention for populations at risk, population aging, and the integration of oral health into overall care pathways. However, the main objective remains that oral health regains its place as an undeniable national priority. Indeed, the mouth is at the heart of general health and can play an essential transversal role in public health.

Introduction: in dentistry, many treatments are invasive and can lead to infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in the dental practice in Rabat., Methods: a survey on the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in Rabat dental practices was conducted among 324 practitioners. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess their training, hygiene, protection, organization of premises, asepsis, antisepsis and use of medical devices. Data were collected using JAMOVI version 1.8.4, the χ 2 and Fisher tests were used to compare the variables, the significance level was set at P<0.05., Results: only 80 subjects took part in the study. All the dentists had protective equipment, but 68 (85%) did not have instructions on what to do in case of accidental exposure to blood; 41 (62.1%) operators had qualified assistants, 36.4% had a team vaccinated against hepatitis B and 61.3% of operators and assistants had been trained to handle reusable medical devices. Seventy-six studies had isolated examination rooms, 41 had a steam steriliser and a sorting area with sharps collector. However, 35.1% had a contract for the collection of waste generated by health-care activities, posing a significant risk of infection., Conclusion: the results of this study show that most practitioners in Rabat comply with the majority of the aseptic and hygienic standards in dentistry. However, more needs to be done to ensure that staff are vaccinated., Competing Interests: Les auteurs ne déclarent aucun conflit d'intérêts., (Copyright: Marrouk Wiam et al.)

Objective: The main aim of this study was to assess dentists' compliance with current guidelines of antibiotic prophylaxis of Infective Endocarditis (IE) in France. Methods: A national survey was carried out, using a questionnaire developed in collaboration with the Association for the Study and Prevention of Infective Endocarditis (AEPEI). An electronic survey of 136 questions was sent out from September to October 2012 to the 12,000 practitioners who were members of the French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD). Results: 906 practitioners answered the questionnaire and 530 fully completed it. 94% of dentists declared managing patients at risk of IE; however, only 57% properly identified the publication date of the current guidelines promoted by the National Agency for Medicinal and Health Product Safety (ANSM) in 2011. This study highlighted a lack of knowledge of the respondents about the currently recommended management of patients at risk of EI, whether for the assessment of the risk of IE, its prevention or the follow-up of patients with predisposing cardiac conditions. Practitioners were not aware of their lack of knowledge: 59% declared that they had a good or a very good knowledge of these guidelines, but only 13% correctly assessed the risk of developing IE, 3% really knew the allowed or contraindicated procedures in patients at risk of IE, and only 22% had an appropriate drug prescription plan. In addition, there was a lack of the practitioners' compliance with the current guidelines. Only 41% declared having modified their practice according to these guidelines and only 16% had adapted their frequencies. Two major reasons for this lack of compliance were identified by this survey: the low level of scientific evidence to support these guidelines, and a huge evolution in the pathogenesis of IE. Finally, three-quarters of the respondents still wrongly prescribed an antibiotic prophylaxis to patients with moderate risk of EI. Nevertheless, comparing these results with those of two similar previous surveys in 1991 and 2001, the implementation of guidelines has globally improved in 20 years. Conclusions: The compliance with the guidelines on management of patients at risk of IE could be improved. The apparent stability of the incidence of oral streptococci IE in France since the reduction of the antibiotic prophylaxis indications in 2002 could reflect more the lack of the practitioners' compliance than a real efficacy of the current prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Résumé: Objectifs: L’abondance d’études récentes sur la relation entre les affections buccodentaires et les complications de grossesse conduit à s’interroger sur les connaissances des professionnels de santé sur ce sujet. Cette étude a pour objectif d’établir un état des lieux des connaissances et des pratiques des professionnels de santé en France sur ce sujet. Patientes et méthodes: Un questionnaire portant sur les connaissances des relations entre pathologies buccodentaires et grossesse a été adressé à des gynécologues-obstétriciens, sages-femmes et chirurgiens-dentistes (CD). Cette étude a été réalisée au centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Nantes et à l’hôpital général du Mans. Résultats: Quatre-vingt-sept rofessionnels de grossesse et 259 CD ont répondu au questionnaire. Les saignements gingivaux et la gingivite gravidique sont les manifestations buccodentaires les plus citées par tous les praticiens. Alors que les résultats concernant le risque carieux et l’épulis diffèrent selon les spécialités. Les complications de grossesse les plus citées sont la menace d’accouchement prématuré et la chorioamniotite. Seuls les CD avaient reçu une formation initiale sur les complications de grossesse. Enfin, l’ensemble des professionnels de santé soulignent l’absence de formation continue sur ce sujet. Discussion et conclusion: Il existe une bonne connaissance des complications de grossesse liées aux maladies buccodentaires malgré l’absence de formation des professionnels de la grossesse (PG), qui ne traduisent pas une prise en charge optimale. Il apparaît nécessaire de renforcer la formation de tous les praticiens dans ce domaine. La conception et la mise en place d’un questionnaire spécifique sur l’état buccodentaires pourrait permettre une meilleure identification des patientes à risque par les PG, et optimiser ainsi la prise en charge des femmes enceintes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: Objectif de l’étude: Étude dosimétrique comparative des organes à risques dentaires entre une irradiation conformationnelle avec modulation d’intensité avec un appareil de tomothérapie et une irradiation conformationnelle tridimensionnelle de cancers de l’oropharynx. Patients et méthodes: À partir de sept dossiers de patients atteints d’un cancer de l’oropharynx, deux dosimétries, une pour une radiothérapie conformationnelle tridimensionnelle et une pour une tomothérapie ont été effectuées. Les distributions de dose dans les volumes cibles et dans les organes à risque de la sphère dentaire ont été comparées. Résultats: En ce qui concerne le volume cible prévisionnel (planning target volume, PTV) du site de la tumeur primitive, les moyennes des V95 % (volumes recevant 95 % de la dose prescrite), D2 % (doses dans 2 % du volume cible), D98 % (doses dans 98 % du volume cible) et de l’indice de conformation étaient statistiquement en faveur de la tomothérapie. Pour le volume cible prévisionnel des aires ganglionnaires, les moyennes des V95 %, D2 %, D98 % étaient statistiquement en faveur de la tomothérapie. Pour les parotides homo- et controlatérales à la lésion tumorale primitive, les moyennes des V15Gy, V26Gy, V30Gy, V40Gy étaient toutes significativement inférieures avec la tomothérapie. Pour les glandes salivaires sous-maxillaires controlatérales, la moyenne des doses moyennes et des V40Gy était statistiquement en faveur de la tomothérapie. Pour la cavité buccale, la moyenne du V45Gy (volume recevant 45Gy) était statistiquement inférieure avec la tomothérapie. Les moyennes des doses moyennes reçues par les muscles masséters homolatéraux et controlatéraux étaient statistiquement inférieures avec la tomothérapie. Les moyennes des doses moyennes mesurées dans les articulations temporomandibulaires homolatérales et controlatérales étaient statistiquement inférieures avec la tomothérapie. Les moyennes des doses moyennes mesurées dans la mandibule étaient statistiquement inférieures avec la tomothérapie par comparaison à la valeur obtenue avec la radiothérapie conformationnelle tridimensionnelle. Conclusion: L’oncologue radiothérapeute peut contraindre la dosimétrie de la radiothérapie conformationnelle avec modulation d’intensité aux nécessités des dentistes, afin de prévenir ou d’améliorer les soins dentaires et la qualité de vie des patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge in oral implantology is to obtain adequate and long-term results either on the aesthetic or functional point of view. In order to achieve this goal, bone gain before or at implant placement, is needed each time we are faced to a bony defect. Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is the most documented between bone augmentation techniques in the literature and predictability of longterm results will be analyzed in this paper. Nevertheless, as for any other techniques, GBR has some limitations and failures. Different membranes and bone substitutes used in this approach will be presented and illustrated by three clinical cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest for immediate implantation after extraction continues to increase. However, cases that have failed serve to remind us that this technique should not be taken for granted. Recourse to such a technique must be properly thought through and success depends mostly on the operator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor. It represents 30% of benign tumors of the mandible. This tumor is "local malignant" because of its potential for expansion, and its tendency to relapse after treatment. The dentist is an essential link in the management of these patients. He acts on different levels: first for the diagnosis of the lesion wich can be done early, but also for the treatment of tumors of small size, and his role in the prosthetic rehabilitation of these patients. We report through this article the roles of the dentist and a series of clinical cases treated at the Center of consultation and dental treatment of the Faculty of Dentistry at Casablanca, or treated in collaboration with the Service of Maxillofacial Surgery of University Hospital of Ibn Rochd at Casablanca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The type I diabetes mellitus results from the destruction of the cell ß of islets Langerhans of the pancreas. The purpose of the present study is to present a strategy for management the oral complications caused by the low rate of the salivary flow, observed in the child or adolescent with diabetes of type I. It was a cross-sectional study comparative study in a sample of 150 children (75 children with diabetes type I, and 75 children not diabetics) 6 to 15-year-old selected within a clinical liberal and of a university hospital center pediatric in Lomé (Togo). The salivary flow, the prevalence of dental caries, decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT score), the frequency of brushing teeth then the conditions of oral hygiene of the children were evaluated. The majority of children lived in a middle socioeconomic means and is painted the teeth once to three times a day. So, 50 children with diabetes showed poor oral hygiene with an OHIS of 33.3%. The difference is statistically significant (p = 41 × 10-4). The index mixed DMFT corresponding to an age range of 6 to 9 years of age was 5.41 and the average DMFT means, indicates for the age bracket of 10 to 15 years of age is 6.30. A treatment of these children needs a supported and an interdisciplinary action by the doctor diabetologist, associating the dentists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Orthodontie Française is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revue de Stomatologie & de Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale is the property of Masson SPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Purpose: Antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis is still debated because of unproven efficacy and risk of side effects. French recommendations for infective endocarditis prophylaxis were revised in 2002 and its indications were restricted. Current knowledge and key points: Several arguments plead against prophylaxis: the absence of scientific evidence of its efficacy, the very high number of antibiotic doses required to prevent a very small number of endocarditis, the possible failure of prophylaxis even if correctly administered and a lack of compliance with current recommendations. High-risk patients for whom dental extraction is required should receive prophylaxis. For moderate-risk patients, prophylaxis is optional and should be discussed for each case individually. Future prospects and projects: Although prophylaxis is discussed, one should focus on prevention measures, such as dental hygiene and education of physicians, dentists and patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Revue de Stomatologie & de Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale is the property of Masson SPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Implantodontie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: Discriminatory attitudes (DA) of dental surgeons towards PLWHIV may hinder their access to oral health care. The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with the discriminatory attitudes of dentists towards PLHIV in C&#244;te d&#8217;Ivoire., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on a randomly selected sample of dentists in Abidjan. The data collected were: their socio-professional characteristics, their knowledge of HIV/AIDS, their perceptions and attitudes towards PLWHIV, and whether they had received continuing education or sensitization on HIV/AIDS. Discriminatory attitudes was a binary variable, defined from the combination of four criteria. Numbers and percentages were calculated for all variables. The risk of having DA was estimated by the odds ratio., Results: A total of 120 dentists were surveyed, 43.3% of whom were women and 39.2% from the private sector. They did not know the routes of transmission (29.2%) and the oral pathologies associated with HIV (62.5%). Their perceptions were dominated by the fear of being contaminated during care (69.2%). The frequency of DA was estimated at 69.2%. The main associated factors were: female gender; lack of knowledge of HIV/AIDS-related oral pathologies, lack of the risk of HIV transmission after blood exposure accident, and ignorance of the existence of a law on the protection of PLWHA; and fear of being contaminated., Conclusion: This study reveals that the DA of dental surgeons with regard to PLWHIV in C&#244;te d&#8217;Ivoire are mainly the result of poor knowledge of the disease.

It has been recognized that the diagnosis and treatment of caries vary so widely among dentists that patients increasingly feel the need to inform themselves and to compare recommended treatments before accepting one. This phenomenon is all the more present in pit and fissure surfaces intervention choices, where there is a wide variety of available treatment This article will attempt to highlight the factors explaining the pit and fissure treatment variation. The lack of knowledge on pit and fissure sealant effectiveness and indications as well as dentists' clinical experiences have given rise to different myths and prejudices that have had an impact on the variability of treatment decision making. When in doubt about the necessity to execute a treatment, each decision to withhold treatment results in an incomplete care episode. A dentist's lack of comfort with withholding treatment may stop him from offering preventive care and cause him to follow a restoration-oriented practice. It is therefore increasingly urgent to achieve agreement among dentists, especially as current knowledge on the subject is giving way to new research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic connective tissue disorder due to abnormal collagen synthesis. EDS is characterized by the triad: joint hypermobility - skin hyperextensibility - connective tissue friability leading to vascular and skin fragility. Thirteen forms exist including three main ones: the hypermobile, classical and vascular forms. Given the diversity of clinical manifestations, the diagnosis of EDS is difficult. The management of this syndrome is multidisciplinary and includes the dental surgeon, because EDS can have many oral and dental manifestations. This syndrome can lead to dental, periodontal, mucosal damage and also to joint damage to the manducatory apparatus. The authors, after describing the symptoms of EDS, their manifestations and their detection, will explain the implications in odontostomatology. EDS must be known to the dentist because it can lead to precautions during dental care, and because patients with EDS are more prone to temporomandibular disorders. At the last, the many oral and dental manifestations of EDS give the dentist an important role in screening for this syndrome.

Introduction: mercury exposure is recognized as a worldwide public health concern. However, the effect of long-term exposure to low-doses of this heavy metal is still subject to debate. Due to the use of mercury in dental amalgam, dental health care professionals are chronically exposed to low-doses of this metal. In this context, we have conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey among liberal dentists in two regions of the center of Morocco. In parallel, the global health status of participants was investigated to assess the relevance of a subsequent etiological survey., Methods: data were collected through a self-reported questionnaire. Occupational exposure of dentists to mercury was evaluated based on their use of dental amalgam. Moreover, the other common factors increasing the background pollution or inducing exposure peaks were also investigated. On the other hand, smoking, vaccination, fish consumption, and the number of dental amalgam in mouth were considered as non-occupational exposure sources. Finally, the self-reported global health problems of participants were collected., Results: 192 dentists were included in the present study. Seventy-six percent (76.04%) of them declared using dental amalgam in their practice. Moreover, the presence of dental amalgam in mouth was identified as the main non-occupational source of exposure to mercury (63.45% of participants). Finally, most of participants (46.35%) have expressed neuropsychological complaints., Conclusion: altogether, our results revealed a real mercury exposure in the studied population. Thus, effective preventive measures should be promoted to minimize the mercury exposure in dental offices. Moreover, an etiological study will be of great interest to reveal the impact of mercury exposure in this population., Competing Interests: Les auteurs ne déclarent aucun conflit d´intérêts., (© Nourdine Attiya et al.)

For several decades, orthodontists and periodontists have repeated that orthodontics have no harmful consequences on the periodontium when it is healthy or treated. However, a systematic review of the literature undermines this common refrain and concludes that there is a lack of reliable evidences of the positive effects of orthodontics on periodontal health with, in the best periodontal conditions, slight adverse effects. It is therefore the responsibility of orthodontists to keep the periodontal cost of orthodontic treatment as low as possible. How to make sure that this « at best » does not turn into an « at worst » ? In order to minimize the deleterious consequences of orthodontic treatment on the periodontium, the orthodontist must be able to specify which patients she/he can immediately consider providing orthodontic treatment and those on whom periodontal treatment is mandatory before all. The orthodontist must therefore transform, for a few minutes, into a periodontist in order to recognize the eight signs of loss of attachment and the six risk factors for periodontitis, exposed in this article. Both needs for periodontal and orthodontic treatment have to be measured and would not be efficient without the patient's and the practitioners' motivation.

Pregnant women undergo several physiological changes – including when it comes to taking medication. Many substances, when taken by the expectant or lactating mother, will be transferred to the foetus or newborn, and not all drugs that help the mother will be beneficial for the baby. Especially in early pregnancy, during organogenesis, the foetus is highly sensitive. If this early development is disturbed by harmful substances such as certain medications, there can be serious consequences. In the worst case, the child is born with a malformation or is limited in its mental development. But later in the course of pregnancy, too, the use of certain drugs is dangerous. Although the risk of malformations now is no longer as high as in the first few weeks, certain drugs can, for example, trigger contractions or affect the baby.

In pregnancy, it is necessary to pay particu­lar attention to oral health, as inflammatory periodontal changes can occur due to the ex­ceptional hormonal situation. The popular be­lief, still existing today, that «each pregnancy costs the woman a tooth» is no longer valid considering conventional oral hygiene mea­sures and the fact that most pregnant women are very conscious of their nutrition (diet).