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Background: Whether poor oral health is associated with dementia risk remains unclear. Objective: We conducted a cohort study of 14,439 participants who were followed up for up to 40 years in Uppsala County, central Sweden, aiming to explore the association between poor oral health, namely the number of tooth loss, dental plaque status, and oral mucosal lesions, and the risk of dementia. Methods: We used Cox proportional hazards regression model to derive cause-specific hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), while adjusting for baseline potential confounders as well as a time-varying covariate, Charlson's Comorbidity Index score. Results: Dementia risk was substantially higher among those with a higher number of tooth loss; compared to the group with tooth loss 0-10, the HRs were 1.21 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.42), 1.17 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.40), and 1.30 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.54) respectively for groups with increasing number of tooth loss. There was some evidence of dose-risk association in this study, with a HR of 1.10 (1.04, 1.18) comparing adjacent groups (ptrend = 0.001). In a stratified analysis by attained age, tooth loss was more pronouncedly associated with the risk of dementia onset before age 80 (those with 21-32 versus 0-10 lost teeth, HR = 1.82, (95% CI: 1.32, 2.51); HR = 1.22 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.35) comparing adjacent groups, ptrend < 0.001). Conclusion: In summary, there are some indications that poor oral health, as indicated by more tooth loss, is positively associated with an increased risk of dementia, especially for dementia onset before age 80. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of sub-mucosal mechanical instrumentation following supra-mucosal plaque removal in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis. Materials and methods: A total of 44 patients, 27 from a specialist clinic in Sweden, and 17 from a Japanese one, were included. The 44 patients had a total of 175 implants of which 84 (48%) had clinical signs of mucositis (bleeding on probing [BoP]) and no radiographic bone loss. At baseline, the 44 patients received professional supra-mucosal plaque removal and oral hygiene instruction and motivation. Following the 1-month examination, sub-mucosal instrumentation was initiated using ultrasonic and hand instruments. Patients were then examined at 4 and 7 months. Presence of plaque, marginal bleeding, BoP and probing pocket depth (PPD) changes were recorded at each examination in an unblinded manner. Results: One month following supra-mucosal plaque removal, the number of treated implants with BoP was reduced from 84 to 44 (48% reduction) with a concomitant decrease of the mean PPD of 0.6 mm (95% CI: -0.5 to -0.7), from 4.4 ± 1.0 mm (mean ± SD) to 3.8 ± 1.0 mm, P < 0.0001. Following sub-mucosal instrumentation, a further reduction of 9% (from 44% to 36%) of BoP was recorded, with a concomitant reduction of the mean PPD of 0.3 mm (95% CI: -0.1 to -0.4) at the 7-month examination. Conclusions: The improvement of the clinical condition (absence of marginal bleeding, BoP and PPD reduction at treated implants) following non-surgical treatment of mucositis appeared to be in great part because of supra-mucosal plaque removal, while the sub-mucosal instrumentation seemed to have only a minor additional effect. Deep implant position compared to neighbouring teeth/implant was associated with persisting mucositis following treatment. The presence of deep pockets following treatment was associated with BoP, screw-retained prostheses without abutment and sub-mucosal crown margins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reported prevalence of periodontitis in children and adolescents varies considerably between populations globally. This cross‐sectional study compares clinical and microbiological findings on 83 Somali immigrants and 96 non‐Somali children aged 10–17 years old living in Trollhättan, Sweden. The clinical examination included registration of bleeding on probing, plaque, and calculus on incisors and first molars. The distance between cemento‐enamel junction and bone level was measured on bitewing radiographs. Pooled microbiological samples (1 μL) were taken from the mesial surface of 16, 11, 31, 36, and analyzed by culture and real‐time polymerase chain reaction for seven periodontal associated bacterial species. The Somali participants had poorer oral hygiene and more bleeding, plaque, and calculus. Ten of the Somali but none of the non‐Somali participants showed periodontal breakdown (radiographical bone loss > 3 mm), corresponding to a prevalence of 12% (95% CI: 5.9, 21.0%). The presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans was almost exclusively associated with Somali participants. Further, the JP2 clone was found in five Somalis (including two periodontitis cases) confirming the association of this clone with African populations. The Somali group showed significantly higher frequencies and numbers of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola, implying a mature and adult type of subgingival microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To test the effectiveness of a person‐centred and theory‐based educational intervention to increase adolescents′ adherence to adequate oral hygiene behaviour, that is, self‐performed periodontal infection control. Materials and Methods: Data were derived from a prospective, multi‐centred, two‐arm, quasi‐randomized field study in which treatment was performed by dental hygienists (DHs) within the Public Dental Service, Västra Götaland, Sweden. Adolescents with poor oral hygiene conditions were invited to participate. The test intervention was based on cognitive behavioural theory and principles, and the DHs used a collaborative communicative approach, inspired by motivational interviewing. The control intervention consisted of conventional information/instruction. Clinical assessments and oral hygiene behaviours were evaluated at 6 months. Results: Three‐hundred and twelve adolescents were enrolled, of whom 274 followed the treatment to 6‐month follow‐up. There were significant improvements in gingival bleeding and plaque scores for both treatment groups at 6 months, with significantly greater improvements in the test group. Adolescents in the test group brushed their teeth and used interdental cleaning aids more frequently compared to participants in the control group at 6 months. Conclusion: A person‐centred and theory‐based oral health education programme is more effective than conventional oral health education in improving adolescents' oral hygiene behaviour and periodontal infection control. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02906098). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene is the property of Canadian Dental Hygienists Association 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.)

Objective: To analyse mucosal and major salivary secretion rates, caries and plaque microflora in connection with treatment for cancer in the head and neck region. Methods: Thirty‐three patients were included and the number of teeth, filled surfaces and caries lesions registered. The labial and buccal gland secretion and stimulated whole salivary secretion rates were determined. Supragingival plaque microflora was analysed using cultivation technique. Data were collected pretreatment, during treatment and 6 months, 1 year and 2 years post‐treatment. Results: Two years post‐treatment, 36% had new caries lesions, which had been restored. The labial secretion was comparable with pretreatment, while the buccal secretion was lower (P < .001). The stimulated secretion rate was lower compared with pretreatment (P < .001) and was ≤0.7 mL/minute for 50%. Growth of lactobacilli increased during treatment (P < .001) and remained increased (P < .001), while growth of mutans streptococci was decreased (P < .01) 2 years post‐treatment. Growth of Candida increased over time and was higher 2 years post‐treatment compared with pretreatment (P < .001) while growth of Prevotella was lower (P < .01). Conclusions: Two years post‐treatment, the stimulated salivary secretion rate was substantially decreased, acid‐tolerant lactobacilli and Candida increased, acid‐sensitive microorganisms decreased, and the caries prevalence was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the risk for caries in children as determined by Cariogram® software (CS; Stockholm, Sweden) with and without its microbiological component and by a form based on Cariogram® (FBC).Methods: Children (n = 28) aged 3-9 years were included. Data were collected clinically and from anamnesis. The salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans (SM) were evaluated. A linear regression model was used to determine which variables were predictive for each type of risk analysis. Caries risk was the dependent variable and the independent variables were caries experience, related disease, plaque amount, diet frequency, salivary levels of SM, fluoride sources and clinical judgment. A paired Student t-test was used for the following comparisons: (a) CS with and without SM; (b) CS without SM and FBC; (c) CS with SM and FBC.Results: The mean dmft/DMFT was 5.56 ± 2.51. There was no difference between the methods (p < .05). Regardless of caries risk, the children presented the same levels of SM (p = .889). Caries experience, plaque amount, diet frequency and fluoride sources were predictors of caries risk in all assessment methods. Clinical judgment was a significant predictor in CS.Conclusions: Caries experience, plaque amount, diet frequency and fluoride sources are valuable predictors of caries risk; microbiological tests are not necessary for evaluating caries risk in children, which can be assessed similarly by CS without SM and FBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect of weekly professional oral hygiene care on the proportion of micro-organisms associated with good oral health, caries, and periodontal and soft tissue diseases in oral biofilms in dentate, dependent elderly residents.Background: Assisted oral hygiene care reduces the plaque score and number of micro-organisms in the oral biofilms in elderly residents. Less is known about the effect on the quality/composition of the remaining oral flora.Materials and Methods: Participants comprised 33 residents in the study and 35 in the control group. Dental status (≥10 natural teeth and no removable dentures to be included), plaque score, salivary secretion rate and prescription medicines were recorded. Duplicate samples, collected from supragingival plaque and tongue, were analysed using cultivation technique. Differences between and within groups were analysed using one-way and two-way ANOVA, respectively.Results: At the baseline, the number of teeth in the participants (mean age, 83.7 ± 7.4 years) was 22.0 ± 4.5. The number of prescription medicines was 9.4 ± 4.5. Seventy-six per cent had low salivary secretion rate. Fifty per cent had "visible thick" supragingival plaque. At the 12-month registration, "no visible" or "visible but thin" plaque was recorded in 92% in the study group. The proportions of bacteria associated with good oral health and periodontal diseases were decreased over time, while the frequency and proportions of micro-organisms associated with caries and soft tissue infection were unaffected or increased.Conclusion: The results indicate that assisted oral hygiene care alone is not sufficient to regain an oral microbial flora associated with good oral health in dentate, dependent elderly residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim was to evaluate the effect of a chlorhexidine-containing brush-on gel when used as supplement to oral hygiene instructions and mechanical debridement, on peri-implant mucositis in adults. Materials and methods The study group consisted of 38 adults (48-87 years.) with peri-implant mucositis that were consecutively enrolled in three private clinics after informed consent. The study employed a double-blind controlled design with two parallel arms. After baseline registrations, oral hygiene reinforcement and mechanical debridement, the patients were randomly allocated to either a test group with once daily tooth brushing with an oral care brush-on gel containing 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate (Cervitec Gel) or a control gel group. The duration of the intervention was 12 weeks. The primary outcome was bleeding on probing ( BOP) and secondary endpoints were local plaque score ( LPS) and pocket probing depth ( PPD). Results The groups were balanced at baseline. The daily use of the chlorhexidine-containing gel resulted in reduced BOP after 4 and 12 weeks compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). The PPD was significantly reduced ( P < 0.05) after 12 weeks compared to baseline in the test group, but not in the control group. No side effects or adverse events were reported. Conclusion The present findings indicated moderate but significant improvements of clinical parameters when mechanical debridement was combined with a self-applied oral care brush-on gel for the management of peri-implant mucositis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have investigated the associations between use of Swedish moist snuff (snus), associated poor oral health, and risk of Parkinson's disease (PD).We followed 20,175 participants who were free of PD in 1973-1974 in Uppsala, Sweden, until the end of 2012. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate hazard ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for the associations between tobacco use, oral health indicators, and PD risk. We found that tobacco use was associated with a lower risk of PD in males. Compared with males who never used any tobacco daily, pure ever tobacco smokers, pure ever snus users, and combined users had adjusted hazard ratios of 0.68 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49, 0.93; n = 83), 0.51 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.95; n = 11), and 0.21 (95%CI: 0.07, 0.67; n = 3), respectively. No association was observed for number of teeth, dental plaque, or detectable oral mucosal lesions and PD risk, although there was a suggestive association with Candidarelated oral mucosal lesions in males (hazard ratio = 1.56, 95% CI: 0.92, 2.65; P = 0.098). Use of snus is associated with a lower risk of PD in males, while poor oral health seems not to be associated with PD occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) risk factors are suspected to vary between regions with different caries prevalence.Aim: Identify ECC risk factors for 1-year-olds predicting dentin caries at 3 years of age in a region with low caries prevalence.Design: Caries risk was assessed by dental hygienist or dental assistant in 779 one-year-olds. The oral mutans streptococci (MS) score was performed from a tooth surface or (in pre-dentate children) from oral mucosa. A parental questionnaire with questions regarding family factors (siblings with or without caries), general health, food habits (night meals, breastfeeding, other beverage than water), oral hygiene habits and emerged teeth were answered by parents of the 1-year-olds. Dentin caries was assessed when the children were 3-year-olds. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were used for identification of caries-associated factors.Results: An increased caries risk was assessed in 4.4% of the 1-year-olds. Dentin caries was found in 2.6% of the 3-year-olds. Caries risk at 1 year was associated with caries at 3 years (OR = 6.5, p = .002). Multiple regression analysis found the variables Beverages other than water (OR = 7.1, p < 0.001), Caries in sibling (OR = 4.8, p = .002), High level of MS (score 2-3) (OR = 3.4, p = .03) and Night meal (OR = 3.0, p = .03) to be associated with caries. The single variables Beverage other than water between meals and Caries in sibling were more reliable than Caries risk assessed performed by dental personnel.Conclusions: Behavioural, family and microbial factors are important when assessing caries risk among 1-year-olds in a region with low caries experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the progression of dental erosion in 13-14 year-olds after 4 years, and its association with lifestyle and oral health.Methods: 227 randomly selected 13-14 year-olds from a Public Dental Clinic, Örebro, Sweden, were investigated. A clinical examination was performed which included dental caries/gingival/plaque status, as well as grading of dental erosion at the tooth surface and participant levels in "marker teeth", including buccal/palatal surfaces of 6 maxillary anterior teeth (13-23), and occlusal surfaces of first molars. An interview and a questionnaire regarding drinking habits and other lifestyle factors were completed. All investigations were repeated at follow-up. The participants were divided into high and low progression erosion groups and logistic regression statistics were applied.Results: 175 individuals participated at follow-up. Progression occurred in 35% of the 2566 tooth surfaces. 32% of the surfaces had deteriorated by one severity grade (n=51 individuals) and 3% by two grades (n=2 individuals). Boys showed more severe erosion than girls at the follow-up. Among the variables predicting greater progression, a lower severity of erosive wear at baseline had the highest OR (13.3), followed in descending order by a "retaining" drinking technique, more frequent intake of drinks between meals, low GBI and lesser sour milk intake, with reference to the baseline recording. Using these five variables, sensitivity and specificity were 87% and 67% respectively, for predicting progression of erosion.Conclusions: Progression of erosive lesions in Swedish adolescents aged 13-14 years followed up to age 17-18 years was common and related to certain lifestyle factors.Clinical Significance: In permanent teeth, dental erosion may develop early in life and its progression is common. Dental health workers should be made aware of this fact and regular screenings for erosion and recording of associated lifestyle factors should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim was to evaluate the clinical effect of a dentifrice containing 0.3% Magnolia extract on dental plaque and gingivitis. Material and methods The trial was a 6-month double-blind, stratified, randomized and 2-armed parallel group study. Forty-six subjects in the test group brushed their teeth with a dentifrice containing 0.3% Magnolia extract and 48 subjects in the control group brushed with a placebo dentifrice. Plaque and gingivitis were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Results There was a significantly larger gingivitis reduction in the Magnolia group than in the control group (0.26 ± 0.11 versus 0.11 ± 0.12) ( P < 0.001). There was a greater increase in the total number of healthy gingival units Gingival Index ( GI score 0) in the Magnolia group than in the control group (149% versus 31%) and a larger reduction in inflamed gingival units ( GI score 2/3) (60% versus 30%). Furthermore, at sites with similar amounts of plaque, less clinical signs of gingival inflammation were observed in the Magnolia group than in the control group. Conclusion Six months' unsupervised use of a dentifrice containing 0.3% Magnolia extract resulted in significantly greater gingivitis reduction than a corresponding control dentifrice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to analyze oral health-related perceptions, attitudes, and behavior in relation to oral hygiene conditions among 19-yr-old Swedish subjects. A random sample of 506 individuals was clinically examined regarding oral hygiene conditions and provided questionnaire-based information on oral health-related perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. Higher scores of plaque and gingivitis were significantly related to the following perceptions: (i) a less favorable oral health situation, (ii) a lower satisfaction with the esthetic appearance of the teeth, (iii) more frequent gingival bleeding during toothbrushing, (iv) less favorable self-care of the teeth, (v) a lower possibility to impact on own oral health, (vi) a lower importance of cleaning the teeth, and (vii) a lower importance of good oral health conditions. More favorable oral hygiene conditions and more positive perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors towards oral health were found among female subjects than among male subjects. In conclusion, adolescents with high scores of plaque and gingivitis had less positive perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors towards oral health than those with more favorable oral hygiene conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strömberg E, Hagman-Gustafsson M-L, Holmén A, Wårdh I, Gabre P. Oral status, oral hygiene habits and caries risk factors in home-dwelling elderly dependent on moderate or substantial supportive care for daily living. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2011;. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract - Objectives: Elderly people with disabilities have an increased risk of developing oral diseases as compared with the healthy elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate oral hygiene habits, clinical variables related to oral self-care and caries risk in elderly individuals living at home with moderate and substantial needs of home care. Methods: A random sample of 151 elderly people with moderate needs and 151 with substantial needs of home care were examined. Data concerning general health, social conditions and oral hygiene habits were collected using a questionnaire. Data showing the prevalence of caries, plaque scores and gingival bleeding were obtained through clinical examinations. Results: Elderly subjects with substantial needs of home nursing had more active caries ( P < 0.01) and more often gingival bleeding ( P < 0.05), as compared with elderly people with moderate needs. Forty-nine per cent of the elderly with moderate needs performed acceptable self-care, as compared with 25% of the individuals with substantial needs. Good self-care was associated with women, low plaque scores, less bleeding and less caries. Factors increasing the risk of having caries were low saliva secretion, high plaque scores and a large number of fillings, while having a dentist and good oral hygiene habits increased the chance of not developing caries. Conclusions: Good oral hygiene habits were associated with less prevalence of plaque and oral disease in the elderly irrespective of extent of needs of home nursing. However, the elderly with moderate needs more often performed good self-care, indicating that the possibilities of strengthening self-care and learning new routines are better when functions are less affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dahlén G, Charalampakis G, Abrahamsson I, Bengtsson L, Falsen E. Predominant bacterial species in subgingival plaque in dogs. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 354-364. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: The dog has been used extensively for experimental and microbiological studies on periodontitis and peri-implantitis without detailed knowledge about the predominant flora of the subgingival plaque. This study was designed to evaluate the predominant cultivable bacterial species in dogs and compare them phenotypically and genotypically with corresponding human species. Material and Methods: Four subgingival samples were taken from two upper premolars in each of six Labrador retrievers. The samples from each dog were processed for anaerobic culture. From the samples of each dog, the five or six predominating bacteria based on colony morphology were selected and pure cultured. Each of the strains was characterized by Gram stain, anaerobic/aerobic growth and API-ZYM test. Eighteen strains showing clear-cut phenotypic differences were further classified based on DNA sequencing technology. Cross-reactions of DNA probes from human and dog strains were also tested against a panel of both human and dog bacterial species. Results: Thirty-one strains in the dogs were isolated and characterized. They represented 21 different species, of which six belonged to the genus Porphyromonas. No species was found consistently in the predominant flora of all six dogs. Porphyromonas crevioricanis and Fusobacterium canifelinum were the two most prevalent species in predominant flora in dogs. DNA probes from human and dog species cross-reacted to some extent with related strains from humans and dogs; however, distinct exceptions were found. Conclusion: The predominant cultural subgingival flora in dogs shows great similarities with the subgingival bacteria from humans at the genus level, but distinct differences at the species level; however, a genetic relatedness could be disclosed for most strains investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 21: 43-49 A common clinical finding is that many schoolchildren display a nonacceptable oral hygiene. To evaluate the tooth-brushing behaviour in children aged 6-12 years. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. Children aged 6, 8, 10, and 12 years in an elementary school in a middle class area in Umeå, a city in northern Sweden, were invited and 82 (82%) consented. Visible plaque on buccal surfaces of incisors and canines was recorded from photographs of the participant's teeth before and after brushing using the scores of the Green and Vermillion Oral Hygiene Index. Brushing technique was recorded with a video camera. A questionnaire was used to collect data about oral hygiene habits at home. The ratio between the sum of plaque scores after and before brushing was statistically significantly higher in the 6-year-old group compared with the 10-year olds, ( P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between time spent for brushing and the ratio between the sum of plaque scores after and before brushing ( r = −0.31, P < 0.01). The lowest correlation was displayed in the youngest age group ( r = 0.07, P > 0.05). Six-year olds spent statistically significantly less time for brushing than older children ( P < 0.05). Plaque removal from buccal surfaces from brushing was poor and averaged 19% for 6-year olds and 30% for older children. The results of brushing for children aged 8-12 years could benefit from increasing tooth-brushing time. Children could be given an increasing responsibility from 7 to 8 year of age but parental help is motivated up to 10 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To study the risk factors and risk indicators associated with high caries experience (DMFS ≥ 10) in 19-year-olds. Material and Methods. The subjects ( n =800) lived in seven suburbs of Stockholm and answered a structured questionnaire about their parents’ education, occupation, and country of birth, as well as their dietary habits, oral hygiene habits, and attitudes to dental care. Dental caries was assessed by clinical and radiographic examination using the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT), and surfaces (DMFS) indices. Dental plaque (VPI%) and gingival bleeding (GBI%) indices were recorded. Results. A total of 696 subjects (364 M, 332 F) participated in the study. The mean DMFT and DMFS were 3.9 and 5.1, respectively. In 81% of subjects, the DMFT was ≥ 1 and 15% had DMFS ≥ 10. In the multivariate analysis, the variables significantly associated with high caries experience were: dental fear ( p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The periodontal condition of the inhabitants of Jönköping County, Sweden was followed for 20 years by means of 3 cross-sectional investigations performed in 1973, 1983, and 1993. The study comprised individuals in the age groups 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 stars. The number of dentate individuals was 537 in 1973, 550 in 1983, and 552 in 1993. All individuals participating in the studies were examined clinically and radiographically They also filled out a questionaire about dental care habits, socio-economic status, and general health. A clear reduction in the plaque score was seen between 1973 and 1983 in all age groups. With one exception, no further significant change in plaque levels was found between 1983 and 1993: the increase in plaque among the 20-year-olds was significant. In 1993 the mean % of surfaces with plaque was between 30% and 40% in all age groups. Gingivitis values corresponded well with the values of dental plaque: the same pattern with a clear reduction in gingivitis score was seen in all age groups between 1973 and 1983, and an increase in the mean frequency of gingival inflammation between 1983 and 1993 was seen in the 20-year age group. 30% of the individuals in this age group had more than 50% gingivitis in 1993 compared with 9% of the individuals in 1983. The 20-year-olds were further analyzed in a linear regression model using gingivitis as a dependent variable against some socio-economic, general health, and dental care variables associated with poor oral hygiene and gingivitis. In 1993, the most important explanatory variable was gender: significantly more males than females had higher gingivitis scores. The second most important explanatory variable was toothbrushing habits. Together they explained 10.9% of the variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dental health and the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli were examined in 101 13-14-year-old children. The average number of decayed (incipient caries) and filled surfaces (DFS) was 10.1 and 12.8, respectively. S. mutans was not detected in 11% of the children while 21 % had 10[sup6] or more S. mutans per ml saliva. Lactobacilli were not found in 21 % of the children whereas 11% had 10[Sup5] or more lactobacilli per ml saliva. Statistically significant correlations were found between S. mutans and lactobacilli, S. mutans and DFS, lactobacilli and DFS and S. mutans plus lactobacilli and DFS. Increasing numbers of S. mutans and lactobacilli, alone and in combination, were associated with an increased caries frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal conditions in adolescents from the north of Sweden have been described in an earlier study. 2 groups were distinguished, one with proximal and the other with buccal/lingual probing attachment loss (AL). The present study analyzed the relationship between AL and various background variables: plaque, bleeding, calculus, pocket depth, toothbrushing, experience of fixed orthodontic appliance, general disease, socioeconomic level. No significant differences between the total group with AL and that without AL were seen concerning general disease, socioeconomic level, experience of orthodontic treatment, or presence of bleeding, plaque or calculus. When groups with AL on proximal surfaces and on buccal/lingual surfaces were analyzed separately, it was found that the group with proximal AL more often had plaque, bleeding, calculus and pocket depths &ges;4 mm than the group with absence of AL and the group with buccal/lingual AL. In the latter group, toothbrushing was more frequent. The differences seen between the group with proximal AL and that with buccal/lingual AL may indicate different etiologies of loss of tooth support in these ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to describe, clinically and radiographically, the periodontal conditions in 16- and 18-year-old adolescents from northern Sweden. The studied samples comprised 287 1 6-year-olds and 283 1 8-year-olds. The clinical examination included recording of presence of plaque, bleeding on probing and calculus, and measurements of attachment level and pocket depth. Alveolar bone level was measured on bite-wing radiographs. A history was taken of the individual's occupation, oral hygiene habits and tobacco use, health, medication and previous orthodontic treatment. The prevalence of attachment loss (AL) was 9.4% in the 16-year-olds and 19.4% in the 18-year-olds. Proximal AL was found in 2.8% and 4.9%, respectively, and proximal bone loss in 1% in both groups. With only a few exceptions (3 individuals out of 82), the individuals with AL had their loss either at buccal/lingual surfaces or at proximal surfaces. Calculus was present in 32.7% of the 16-year-olds and in 44.9% of the 18-year-olds. Pocket >3 mm were found in 4%. No significant differences concerning the periodontal status or presence of plaque and calculus were detected between urban and rural groups or between sexes. Toothbrushing 2 or more times/day was performed by 84.3% of the 16-year-olds and by 83.7% of the 18-year-olds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical studies in Sweden have shown that the proportion of sorbitol-utilizing strains of Streptococcus sanguis increases in dental plaque from individuals using sorbitol-containing products for prolonged periods. We have undertaken to study the metabolism of glucose and sorbitol by S. sanguis 160, isolated from a subject consuming sorbitol-containing chewing-gum 4 times a day for 4 years. Growth on glucose was inhibited by the presence of sorbitol in the growth medium and sorbitol was utilized in the presence of glucose, albeit, at a slower rate than glucose. In addition, pulses of glucose added to cultures growing on sorbitol resulted in the expulsion of sorbitol from the cell. In order to examine further the relationship of sorbitol and glucose, uptake assays were carried out with S. sanguis 160 grown in continuous culture (ph 7.0 dilution rate=0.1 h-1 with glucose, sorbitol-limited cells, but not by glucose-limited cells, was inhibited by sorbitol, as was glycolysis. Kinetic experiments with glucose-limited cells shoed 2 transport systems for glucose with Ks values of 5.2 and 40μM, and glucose phosphorylation activity by decryptified cells indicated transport by the P-enolpyruvate (PEP) phosphotransferase system (PTS) with lesser activity for and ATP-dependent transport process. Transition from glucose-limited growth to sorbitol-limited growth reveled repression of total [14C]-glucose uptake by intact cells and activity for Enzyme II for glucose (Ellglc) of the PTS measured in membrance preparations in the presence of an excess of the soluble PTS proteins in crude cell-free supernatant fractions. In a 'crossover' experiment, Ellglc activity in membranes of glucose-limited cells was repressed when the glucose-limited soluble fraction was replaced by the soluble supernatant derived from sorbitol-limited and sorbitol-excess cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to describe the distribution of salivary mutans streptococci in a randomly selected adult population and to relate the distribution to the prevalence of caries. The aim was also to study the association between caries and different levels of oral hygiene (OH). The results were based on the assessment of caries, dental plaque, and concentration of salivary mutans streptococci in 914 subjects who represented 95% of an age- and gender-stratified population sample of 967 individuals, randomly selected from the total adult population living in Älvsborg County, Sweden. The results showed that the distribution of mutans streptococci among dentate adults not wearing any kind of removable denture(s) was similar to that previously reported from studies on Swedish schoolchildren, while a comparably higher proportion of subjects with high levels of mutans streptococci was found among the dentate individuals wearing some kind of removable denture(s). Even higher proportions were found among edentulous individuals with complete denture(s). There was a correlation between mutans streptococci concentration in saliva and caries. The subjects with lower concentrations showed a significantly lower mean number of decayed surfaces, compared with the individuals with higher concentrations of mutans streptococci in their saliva. The median OH standard was lower in the older age groups, and there was a higher ratio of decayed surfaces per remaining tooth in those age groups, in comparison with the younger groups. However, for individuals without mutans streptococci, no relation between OH standard and caries could be found and, regardless of OH standard, higher numbers of decayed surfaces were found with an increasing concentration of mutans streptococci in saliva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this split-mouth, prospective controlled study was to compare the effects of two different interdental devices on clinical plaque elimination, gingival bleeding and patient acceptance and comfort., Materials and Methods: Thirty participants who had been diagnosed with gingivitis were included in the study. After professional oral prophylaxis and a 3-day washout period, patients were advised to use two test devices (TePe Interdental Brushes Original and TePe EasyPick™, Malmö, Sweden) according to instructions. The plaque index (Turesky modification of the Quigley and Hein Index) and bleeding index (Papillary Bleeding Index) were recorded at baseline and after 2 weeks. Patient satisfaction and comfort were assessed with a questionnaire., Results: Both of the tested devices improved the plaque and bleeding index scores. There were no differences between the two sides in terms of time-dependent changes. The patients felt more satisfied with the cleansing capacity and more comfortable with the use of SCIP compared with IDB (p = 0.001). Pain sensation with the use of SCIP was significantly lower than with IDB (p = 0.002)., Conclusion: The clinical efficiency of the tested interdental devices was similar in terms of removing plaque and decreasing bleeding. However, SCIP were found to be more comfortable and preferable to IDB., Clinical Relevance: The silicone coated interdental picks showed similar effects on plaque removal as interdental brushes and superiority in terms of ease to use than interdental brushes.

Poor oral health may be involved in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer, however, some aspects have not been explored. Further, for previously studied aspects, for example, tooth-loss, the findings are inconsistent. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 19,831 participants from Uppsala, Sweden, cancer-free at baseline in 1973-1974 and followed until 2012 through linkage to national registers. We found that individuals with fewest teeth at baseline had an increased risk of gastric cancer relative to subjects with all examined teeth present (p = 1.75e-2). Presence of denture-associated lesions was also associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer (p = 1.00e-4). However, these excess risks significantly varied with attained age; estimated hazard ratio (HR) at attained age 50 for tooth loss was 4.24 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83-9.80] and 5.91 (95% CI 2.76-12.63) for denture-associated lesions, decreasing at an estimated 4% and 6% per year respectively, resulting in HR of 1.54 (95% CI 0.90-2.64) for tooth loss and HR 1.29 (95% CI 0.90-1.85) for denture-associated lesions at attained age 75. No increased risk of gastric cancer was found for individuals with higher levels of dental plaque, or with Candida-related or tongue lesions. In conclusion, tooth-loss and denture-associated lesions are associated with increased risks of gastric cancer. Previous conflicting findings of tooth-loss and gastric cancer risk may partly be explained by the age-varying relative risk of gastric cancer., (© 2018 UICC.)

Poor oral hygiene has been proposed to increase the risk for pancreatic cancer. We aim to assess this hypothesis, using number of teeth, dental plaque and oral mucosal lesions examined at baseline as a proxy for oral hygiene. During 1973-74 a population-based prevalence study of oral mucosal lesions was carried out in Uppsala County in central Sweden. We followed the study population through linkages with the Swedish Cancer and Total Population registers. A total of 19,924 participants were included, and 126 pancreatic cancer cases were identified during an average of 28.7 years of follow-up. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pancreatic cancer were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Overall, subjects with fewer teeth at baseline tended to have an increased risk for pancreatic cancer, although the estimates were not statistically significant. Among subjects with more than 10 teeth, those with unacceptable dental plaque had an HR of 2.1 (95% CI: 1.0, 4.7), compared with those without dental plaque after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Individuals with Candida-related or denture-related oral mucosal lesions, or tongue lesions, compared with those without any of the three studied lesions, had a 70, 30 and 80% excess risk of developing pancreatic cancer, respectively. Presence of more than one type of studied lesions further increased the risk for pancreatic cancer. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence to support the hypothesis that poor oral hygiene plays an important role in the development of pancreatic cancer., (© 2015 UICC.)

The article presents a Swedish study, conducted by Professor Birgitta Söder and colleagues, which suggests that persistent dental plaque might raise the risk of dying early due to cancer.

The article focuses on a study conducted in Sweden among randomly selected adults to determine the relationship between dental plaque and premature death due to cancer. The results showed that out of 1390 periodontal healthy Swedish men and Women above 24 years of age people who died prematurely had statistically high correlation between dental plaques and caner. Journal's editorial consultant Dr. Joel Epstein suggests that research on bacterial carcinogens should be done.