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Dental calculus, or tartar, is a mineralized biofilm that develops on the teeth, and is often observed on the teeth of the South American proboscidean Notiomastodon platensis. This structure can provide details on paleoecological, paleoenvironmental and paleopathological aspects of a species. However, characterization of tartar in N. platensis is lacking. The aim of this study was to provide a macromorphological characterization of tartar on N. platensis molars, and evaluate its prevalence, distribution patterns and severity. A total of 117 molariforms from Brazilian Quaternary fossiliferous assemblages were analyzed. Thirty‐five (29.9%) molars presented tartar. The majority displayed moderate severity. Calculus was present at least on one inteloph(id) of each molar, and prevailed on the posterior region. It predominated on lower and third molars. Adult individuals showed a predominance compared to juveniles. These patterns in N. platensis are probably due to the susceptible oral environment, molar morphology, mature age and tooth replacement. These results suggest that N. platensis and probably other proboscideans were relatively susceptible to tartar development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is nowadays broadly used in dental medicine to reduce time chair, improve the quality of treatment, and perform personalized dental care. Aim of the study. The study aims to use AI to predict caries risk for children and adolescents, based on dietary habits and oral hygiene. Material and methods. The study included 25 healthy school-aged children and adolescents with a range aged between 6 and 17 years old from urban areas with access to dental care services. The database includes age, gender, sweets intake, sweetened beverage intake, carbonated beverages intake, milk consumption, sweetener use, oral hygiene, dental plaque, tartar, dental caries, and teeth malposition. Results. After the learning process, the algorithm completed 100 predictions simulating subjects. Predictions contain plaque risk, tartar risk, and dental caries risk. Conclusions. Based on the analysis of AI, it can predict dental caries and provide recommendations to patients.

Tartaric acid is one of the characteristic acids in wine, playing a crucial role in wine characteristics. However, superabundant tartaric acid will form insoluble salts and precipitate in the form of crystals, affecting consumers' purchasing appetite. Therefore, tartaric stability is also one of the important indices for controlling the wine quality. At present, the main processing methods for tartaric stability include cold stabilization, ion exchange treatment, electrodialysis and the addition of exogenous components (gum arabic, metatartaric acid, carboxymethyl cellulose, mannoprotein and potassium polyaspartate). This review summarizes and analyzes the origin of tartaric acid in wine, factors influencing the tartaric stability, detection methods, treatments for tartaric stabilization, and the effects of these methods on the sensory quality of wine. Comparing the effects of these methods on wine quality can provide a basis for the further study of tartaric stabilization methods in order to select an appropriate tartaric stabilization method.

This article discusses a study published in the Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation that explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in dental medicine. The study focused on predicting the risk of dental caries, tartar, and plaque based on diet and oral hygiene. The results showed that the AI algorithm was able to accurately predict these risks. The study highlights the potential of AI in improving dental care and providing personalized recommendations to patients. However, it is important to note that the study had a small sample size, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Nonetheless, the results suggest that AI could be a valuable tool for dental practitioners in treatment planning. [Extracted from the article]

Plants have always represented a key element in landscape delineation. Indeed, plant diversity, whose distribution is influenced by geographic/climatic variability, has affected both environmental and human ecology. The present contribution represents a multi‐proxy study focused on the detection of starch, pollen and non‐pollen palynomorphs in ancient dental calculus collected from pre‐historical individuals buried at La Sassa and Pila archaeological sites (Central Italy). The collected record suggested the potential use of plant taxa by the people living in Central Italy during the Copper‐Middle Bronze Age and expanded the body of evidence reported by previous palynological and palaeoecological studies. The application of a microscopic approach provided information about domesticated crops and/or gathered wild plants and inferred considerations on ancient environments, water sources, and past health and diseases. Moreover, the research supplied data to define the natural resources (e.g., C4‐plant intake) and the social use of the space during that period. Another important aspect was the finding of plant clues referable to woody habitats, characterised by broad‐leaved deciduous taxa and generally indicative of a warm‐temperate climate and grassy vegetation. Other unusual records (e.g., diatoms, brachysclereids) participated in defining the prehistoric ecological framework. Thus, this work provides an overview on the potential of the human dental calculus analysis to delineate some features of the ancient plant ecology and biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antoine Janot and Paul Gout were 18th-century master dyers who specialised in the piece-dyeing of fine wool broadcloths manufactured in Languedoc (southern France) for exportation to the Levant. They wrote treatises, similarly entitled Mémoires de Teinture (Memoirs on Dyeing), illustrated with dozens of dyed textile samples. Janot’s is dated 1744, and Gout’s is dated 1763. These books are full of extremely valuable information, which is unique to its time: the books are composed of carefully described recipes for every colour, each originally preceded by a sample swatch. The yellows of both master dyers made from weld (Reseda luteola L.), belonging to recipes described as Jaune (yellow), were reproduced. The influence of the ingredients, in both the mordanting and dyeing baths, was assessed, and the timings for both baths, which in many recipes are not clear, were tested. This provided key knowledge on the technological processes for dyeing with weld from these 18th c. French masters. The resulting reference samples were preliminarily analysed by a multi-analytical approach. Their chromatic specifications, expressed in the CIEL*a*b*, were compared with those in the Mémoires. Moreover, the influence of the recipe on the percentages of the chromophores was assessed by HPLC-DAD. It was found that the bran and tartar in the mordanting bath influence the final obtained colour and that lime is essential to obtain a bright yellow.

Objective. The task has been set to develop materials and technologies for repair, restoration and restoration of cultural heritage objects (CHOs) - historical and cultural monuments of CHOs that meet the requirements.Method. The work uses modern methods of physical and mechanical testing of materials and structures, including destructive and non-destructive quality control methods, as well as a modern mathematical apparatus for generalizing and processing experimental and statistical data.Result. Due to the fact that the South of Russia is rich in cultural heritage, and a significant number of historical and cultural monuments have been destroyed as a result of natural and man-made impacts, special attention is paid to the scientific substantiation and development of technological and technical solutions aimed at improving the efficiency of their repair, restoration and restoration.Conclusion. The work has developed methodological and methodological foundations for organizing work, a scale for assessing damage and destruction of historical and cultural monuments, and repair and restoration compositions based on air and hydraulic lime binders that meet the repair and restoration requirements.

Abstract Plants have always represented a key element in landscape delineation. Indeed, plant diversity, whose distribution is influenced by geographic/climatic variability, has affected both environmental and human ecology. The present contribution represents a multi‐proxy study focused on the detection of starch, pollen and non‐pollen palynomorphs in ancient dental calculus collected from pre‐historical individuals buried at La Sassa and Pila archaeological sites (Central Italy). The collected record suggested the potential use of plant taxa by the people living in Central Italy during the Copper‐Middle Bronze Age and expanded the body of evidence reported by previous palynological and palaeoecological studies. The application of a microscopic approach provided information about domesticated crops and/or gathered wild plants and inferred considerations on ancient environments, water sources, and past health and diseases. Moreover, the research supplied data to define the natural resources (e.g., C4‐plant intake) and the social use of the space during that period. Another important aspect was the finding of plant clues referable to woody habitats, characterised by broad‐leaved deciduous taxa and generally indicative of a warm‐temperate climate and grassy vegetation. Other unusual records (e.g., diatoms, brachysclereids) participated in defining the prehistoric ecological framework. Thus, this work provides an overview on the potential of the human dental calculus analysis to delineate some features of the ancient plant ecology and biodiversity.

The article discusses several problems related to the mythical female beast Campe (Κάμπη), described by Greek and Roman mythographers. According to Apollodorus of Athens, Ovid, and Nonnus of Panopolis, Campe inhabited the deepest levels of the underworld. Epicharm of Cos, Lycophron of Chalkis, and Hesychius of Alexandria claim that she is a real sea monster living in the depths of the ocean. On the other hand, Diodorus of Sicily locates her in the desert areas of Libya. It is possible that Campe could fly, because (according to Nonnus) she had black wings. There is also a "timeless" horizon where Campe could dwell. Adrienne Mayor suggests Campe can be treated as a trace of a paleontological myth created by the ancient Greeks on the basis of the finds of gigantic fossil bones. Her ingenious hypothesis refers to the prehistoric world where the mythical Campe once lived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antoine Janot and Paul Gout were 18th-century master dyers who specialised in the piece-dyeing of fine wool broadcloths manufactured in Languedoc (southern France) for exportation to the Levant. They wrote treatises, similarly entitled Mémoires de Teinture (Memoirs on Dyeing), illustrated with dozens of dyed textile samples. Janot's is dated 1744, and Gout's is dated 1763. These books are full of extremely valuable information, which is unique to its time: the books are composed of carefully described recipes for every colour, each originally preceded by a sample swatch. The yellows of both master dyers made from weld (Reseda luteola L.), belonging to recipes described as Jaune (yellow), were reproduced. The influence of the ingredients, in both the mordanting and dyeing baths, was assessed, and the timings for both baths, which in many recipes are not clear, were tested. This provided key knowledge on the technological processes for dyeing with weld from these 18th c. French masters. The resulting reference samples were preliminarily analysed by a multi-analytical approach. Their chromatic specifications, expressed in the CIEL*a*b*, were compared with those in the Mémoires. Moreover, the influence of the recipe on the percentages of the chromophores was assessed by HPLC-DAD. It was found that the bran and tartar in the mordanting bath influence the final obtained colour and that lime is essential to obtain a bright yellow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the fact that Helicobacter spp. has been detected in equine gastric mucosa, no evidence exists about this infection in Colombian horses affected by equine ulcerative gastric syndrome (EGUS), nor in dental tartar. Objective: To detect Helicobacter spp. DNA in equine gastric mucosa and dental tartar and determine the relationship between the presence of Helicobacter spp. and gastric lesions. Methods: Samples of glandular gastric mucosa and dental tartar were collected from 30 equine slaughterhouses. Macroscopic lesions of the stomachs were classified and the total DNA in all samples was extracted using a commercial extraction kit. A final-point PCR was performed using primers for amplification of a segment of 251 bp of the gene encoding the 16s rRNA region; the amplified fragments were subjected to a second PCR to determine the presence of H. pylori, the VacA gene was typified. The resulting amplicons were sequenced. Results: It was possible to amplify 16s rRNA in several samples but there was no amplification of VacA. Fragments of the sequences were compatible with H. heilmannii. The 23.3 and 10% of gastric and tartar samples were positive for 16s rRNA of Helicobacter spp., respectively. Conclusion: Although genetic material of Helicobacter spp. was found in some animals, there was no relationship with gastric lesions. It is possible that helicobacteriosis has no bearing in EGUS etiology.

This article applies a material-historical lens to the representation of Tartar cloths in Inferno XVII. A close examination of the language used to depict these luxury textiles reveals intriguing connections to contemporary textile production practices, military culture, and various cultural anxieties. All of this reveals a more complex depiction of fraud rooted in textile materials and techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Numerous prehistoric sites in Europe and the Near East provided bones and dental remains of the populations of the past. One of them is the Combe-Grenal Cave (SW France), where fossils of children and adults represent the Neanderthals who lived there more than 60 ky ago, during a harsh period of the last glaciation. In this paper, we analyze a sample of the tartar of a juvenile individual. The numerous bacteria forming the plaque are compared to those of one adult from Israel, Kebara 2, revealing the differences between the most common bacteria in a young and an older individual, probably because of their immunological systems, and the different living conditions of the human groups they represented. Combe-Grenal site (Southwest France) was excavated by F. Bordes between 1953 and 1965. He found several human remains in Mousterian levels 60, 39, 35 and especially 25, corresponding to MIS 4 (~75–70/60 ky BP) and with Quina Mousterian lithics. One of the fossils found in level 25 is Combe-Grenal IV, consisting of a fragment of the left corpus of a juvenile mandible. This fragment displays initial juvenile periodontitis, and the two preserved teeth (LLP4 and LLM1) show moderate attrition and dental calculus. The SEM tartar analysis demonstrates the presence of cocci and filamentous types of bacteria, the former being more prevalent. This result is quite different from those obtained for the two adult Neanderthals Kebara 2 and Subalyuk 1, where more filamentous bacteria appear, especially in the Subalyuk 1 sample from Central Europe. These findings agree with the available biomedical data on periodontitis and tartar development in extant individuals, despite the different environmental conditions and diets documented by numerous archeological, taphonomical and geological data available on Neanderthals and present-day populations. New metagenomic analyses are extending this information, and despite the inherent difficulties, they will open important perspectives in studying this ancient human pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following article presents results of the clinical research on prevalence of use, justification of leading and development of possible complications due to the teeth’ whitening. The main aim of the research is to study prevalence of apply of the teeth’ whitening procedure among patients of different age groups in the Dental Department of the Odessa University Clinic, with a study on indications for leading the aforementioned procedure, as well as complications, that had been developed as a result of it. The research materials are: anamnestic data of patients from the University Clinic, who underwent the teeth’ whitening procedure. Moreover, we had taken into account the following indexes: patient’s age, presence of concominant pathology, the data on leading the teeth’ whitening procedure in the past. The main group was presented by 32 patients, who underwent the aforementioned procedure for the first time in their lives. The group of comparison is represented by 33 patients, who underwent the same procedure couple of times before (once, twice, three times or four times). The research methods: anamnestic, statistical. The methods of whitening, that had been chosen: hardware whitening, laser beam, thermocatalytic whitening and use of chemical catalysts. The analysis of anamnestic data, which was held, make us possible to postulate, that 5% of patients from both groups did not have any complications after the teeth’ whitening procedure. The other patients of the study groups though had a stable pain syndrome, the intensity of which is increasing in 24-48 hours after the procedure and last in average 5-7 days. The folowing article presents a data on a fact, what concominant conditions and diseases of the oral cavity do stimulate a pain syndrome development more often and during what period of time. The current article also describes a character of inner-connections between pain syndrome and gender feature as well as presence of such procedures in the past. The authors had postulated, that the less traumatic and quite efficient method is oxidative cleavage of enzymes, by using which a stable long-lasting effect is reached, as well as there is a lack of pain after the procedure.

Background: Despite the fact that Helicobacter spp. has been detected in equine gastric mucosa, no evidence exists about this infection in Colombian horses affected by equine ulcerative gastric syndrome (EGUS), nor in dental tartar. Objective: To detect Helicobacter spp. DNA in equine gastric mucosa and dental tartar and determine the relationship between the presence of Helicobacter spp. and gastric lesions. Methods: Samples of glandular gastric mucosa and dental tartar were collected from 30 equine slaughterhouses. Macroscopic lesions of the stomachs were classified and the total DNA in all samples was extracted using a commercial extraction kit. A final-point PCR was performed using primers for amplification of a segment of 251 bp of the gene encoding the 16s rRNA region; the amplified fragments were subjected to a second PCR to determine the presence of H. pylori, the VacA gene was typified. The resulting amplicons were sequenced. Results: It was possible to amplify 16s rRNA in several samples but there was no amplification of VacA. Fragments of the sequences were compatible with H. heilmannii. The 23.3 and 10% of gastric and tartar samples were positive for 16s rRNA of Helicobacter spp., respectively. Conclusion: Although genetic material of Helicobacter spp. was found in some animals, there was no relationship with gastric lesions. It is possible that helicobacteriosis has no bearing in EGUS etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tartaric acid is one of the characteristic acids in wine, playing a crucial role in wine characteristics. However, superabundant tartaric acid will form insoluble salts and precipitate in the form of crystals, affecting consumers' purchasing appetite. Therefore, tartaric stability is also one of the important indices for controlling the wine quality. At present, the main processing methods for tartaric stability include cold stabilization, ion exchange treatment, electrodialysis and the addition of exogenous components (gum arabic, metatartaric acid, carboxymethyl cellulose, mannoprotein and potassium polyaspartate). This review summarizes and analyzes the origin of tartaric acid in wine, factors influencing the tartaric stability, detection methods, treatments for tartaric stabilization, and the effects of these methods on the sensory quality of wine. Comparing the effects of these methods on wine quality can provide a basis for the further study of tartaric stabilization methods in order to select an appropriate tartaric stabilization method., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Authors.)

The year 2021 was declared the year of the Tatar language and culture in Lithuania. This fact has inspired the authors to take a closer look and examine lexicographic material related to this nation. The image of the Lithuanian Tatars in the eyes of local Lithuanians has been scrutinized by ethnologists, folklorists, historians, linguists. However, their studies in that regard have so far omitted the largest linguistic tract, the Dictionary of the Lithuanian Language, which can be approached as some kind of a chronicle covering different material from our first writings dated 1547 until 2001. This article firstly aims to take a closer look at the image and relationship between those two ethnic groups, living in the close neighborhood for around 700 years, on the basis of available material recorded in the Dictionary of the Lithuanian Language. Illustrations provided in the dictionary cover written texts of different scope and types, various dialects across the country, and a broad variety of historical periods. A semantic analysis of roughly 120 illustrative examples associated with the Tatar has revealed an image of how Lithuanians have looked at Tatars – basically the warriors and mostly enemies. Even in peaceful times with no major battles around the Tartars were looked upon as strangers. People different in appearance, clothing, using the language strange to the locals, practicing different traditions, and religious confession. Sometimes local girls, though not too willingly, would get married to Tartars, fearing life could get worse and family links with their relatives will be lost. It is worth mentioning that a considerable number of plants and two animals are etymologically related to Tartars.

The article discusses the issues associated with the settlement of emigrants from Vologda in a new place in the 19th century drawing on the analysis of archival sources, primarily paperwork materials. An extensive group of sources allowed us to trace and analyse the activities of government bodies, as well as identify the causes of emigration and main problems associated with the settlement in a new place. The analysis of archival materials was supplemented by field studies conducted by the Tyumen Scientific Centre SB RAS in 2005–2008 in the south of the Tyumen Region, where the descendants of the Komi settlers live (Zavodoukovsk, Yurga, Yalutorovsk and Yarkovo Districts). The settlement of Komi family groups from the Vologda Governorate is dated at the first third of the 19th century and is primarily related to the economic situation of the peasants (shortage of land, poor harvest, growing tax arrears). Most of the immigrants from Vologda settled in the Yalutorovsk District of the Tobolsk Governorate, having established compact settlements in Zavodoukovsk, Ivanovo and Pletnevo volosts. Due to a long period of land management works, the first settlers could not get a job for a long time. With the permission given by the Tobolsk State Chamber in 1841, the Komi-Zyryans settled in the lands of the non-indigenous Tatars (Aslaninskaya Volost), who traditionally used these lands in accordance with the cadastres, annually paying yasak (tribute) to the treasury. The culture, everyday life and the lifestyle of the indigenous population and immigrants differed significantly. Land management works caused great discontent among the indigenous population, which led to numerous land disputes. Difficulties and hardships of immigrants were reflected in the archival documents on the allocation of land and forest allotments, their use, as well as appeals to official authorities (complaints, petitions and legal disputes). When resolving the land dispute, local authorities tried to find a compromise and resolve the conflict through the allotment of vacant state lands. However, the Tatars demanded the return of the land given to the Komi settlers. As a result, the land was allocated to the settlers. As the proper conditions for the settlement were not created, in the following years they had to develop new lands, as well as to establish relations with the surrounding population. Later immigrants were settled on the excess land taken from long-term residents, who did not give it to the settlers and oppressed them. A lot of immigrants due to their plight made a decision to move to other governorates.

Copyright of Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics/Fortschritte der Kieferorthopadie is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Poor oral health is a common problem in dogs causing pain and impaired welfare. The gold standard to maintain good oral health and prevent periodontitis is daily tooth brushing. However, many dog owners find it difficult, and dogs often show aversive behavior. There are several different tools available, and in this intra-subject study, four different active dental home care treatment options were examined: manual and ultrasonic toothbrush, a nylon glove, and a microfiber finger cloth. The treatments were evaluated for efficacy against gingivitis, plaque, and calculus in beagle dogs. Each dog received two treatments on the buccal sides of the teeth once daily, either two types of toothbrushes (N = 10) or two types of textiles (N = 11), on separate sides of the mouth. The dogs’ teeth were assessed before and after the five-week treatment period, with the assessor blinded by additional, similar dogs (N = 7). The study also assessed the dogs’ stress levels during treatment using a fear, anxiety, stress (FAS) protocol. All four treatments improved dog oral health, reducing gingivitis and plaque. Furthermore, the amount of calculus also decreased in some individuals. Adaptation to dental care occurred in the dogs over time. This information can be used to encourage dog owners to brush their dogs’ teeth.

Plant records reveal remarkable evidence about past environments and human cultures. Exploiting dental calculus analysis and using a combined approach of microscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry, our research outlines dietary ecology and phytomedicinal practices of the ancient community of Motya (Sicily, eight to sixth century BC), one of the most important Phoenician settlements in the Mediterranean basin. Micro-remains suggest use or consumption of Triticeae cereals, and animal-derived sources (e.g., milk and aquatic birds). Markers of grape (or wine), herbs, and rhizomes, endemic of Mediterranean latitudes and the East, provide insight into the subsistence of this colony, in terms of foodstuffs and phytotherapeutic products. The application of resins and wood of Gymnosperms for social and cultural purposes is hypothesized through the identification of Pinaceae secondary metabolites and pollen grains. The information hidden in dental calculus discloses the strong human-plant interaction in Motya’s Phoenician community, in terms of cultural traditions and land use.

The article tells about periodontal diseases, etiopathogenetic factors for their onset and development, relationship with somatic diseases, and identifies the main ways, methods and types of prevention.

Removal of dental calculus deposits is one of the basic parts of professional dental cleaning. Despite the popularity of power-driven scalers, several risks are associated with their use, mechanical damage of the enamel surface being one of the most important. The present study evaluated enamel damage caused by a sonic scaler in different work patterns to quantify the damage and allow a clear comparison. Seventy-five canine teeth were carefully extracted from twenty-three dogs. The scaler was used on a clean surface with several combinations of time (five to twenty seconds) and parts of the scaler (point vs. side of the tip). Subsequently, damaged surface topography was mapped using three-dimensional optical microscopy. The results revealed a high variance in defect depth which was influenced by both factors. Statistical assessment confirmed highly significant (P < 0.001) or at least significant (P < 0.05) differences in data acquired for each group. As expected, the shallowest defects were produced by the scaler side in the shortest experimental period (five seconds). Point use proved to be quite damaging, as it resulted in approximately four times higher median values than the side in the same timeframe. Therefore, it is crucial to follow all safety precautions when handling a power-driven scaler even during routine treatments. Use of the side of the tip and constant movement on the tooth surface are essential to reduce the risk of enamel damage.

To detect surface contamination of ancient dental calculus scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used independently as well as coupled with detector of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Electron micrographs of samples from four individuals from locality náměstí Svobody, Znojmo (SEM imaging) and from Majetín man (EDX analysis) were taken. Significant contamination with recent fungi (hyphae and spores) and bacteria (not the original part of ancient dental calculus) was found in all samples from náměstí Svobody, Znojmo. In the sample from Majetín man, the permeability of selected elements from the soil was determined, thus confirming the contamination of the external side (in contact with the soil) of the tartar. The inside was not contaminated. The applied methods can be used non-destructively and to utilise comparative microscopy for ancient dental calculus. Thus, an increased amount of contamination from the external environment can be detected before the following analyses. Further experiments can be modified based on this finding, or samples can be excluded from the research in time before costly destructive (especially molecular) analyses are applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of bacterial plaque on the teeth, the mineralization of these and the change of the oral cavities pH are the result of the interactions between different components of the oral environment and bacterial flora. These interactions will determine the type of bacterial populations that will occur on every situs thus forming the dental plaque. The bacterial plaque can be characterized based on localization, bacteriological composition and the effect on the oral cavity. Tartar is the main factor, which determines different grades of gingivitis, infections, and paradental diseases leading to tooth loss at cats. A thorough prevention and treatment plan will primarily consist of a well-balanced alimentation with a gross structure of feed. Potassium phosphate has a crucial role in the efficiency of the therapeutic protocols capacity to eliminate bacterial plaque, accounting for a reduction of 32% of calcium accumulations thus considerably slowing the mineralization or calcification of bacterial plaque at cats. This study looked at the impact that certain foods have on the development of plaque and tartar formation, furthermore it analyzed the tartar reduction after implementing a therapeutic diet. We also did a microbiologic examination of the saliva and the deposits at the level of the enamel. It was also observed that cats that were fed dry and moist food in equal amounts, were more prone to develop the above mentioned deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unusual dental deposit characterizes a skeleton from the excavation of the medieval graveyard at Clarensac (Gard, France). Its large size led us to investigate its origin, but the results of macroscopic examination alone are inconclusive. It could be either a biological formation such as tartar or a taphonomic process. To further our investigation, we carried out an analysis of the atomic composition of the deposit using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This revealed the presence of atoms which are constituents of the inorganic portion of tartar. However, a post mortem calcification on a tartar deposit which was already present cannot be excluded. The existence of another example in the anthropological series studied, although smaller, indicates the importance of the loss of antagonist teeth in the development of such deposits.

Removal of dental calculus deposits is one of the basic parts of professional dental cleaning. Despite the popularity of power-driven scalers, several risks are associated with their use, mechanical damage of the enamel surface being one of the most important. The present study evaluated enamel damage caused by a sonic scaler in different work patterns to quantify the damage and allow a clear comparison. Seventy-five canine teeth were carefully extracted from twenty-three dogs. The scaler was used on a clean surface with several combinations of time (five to twenty seconds) and parts of the scaler (point vs. side of the tip). Subsequently, damaged surface topography was mapped using three-dimensional optical microscopy. The results revealed a high variance in defect depth which was influenced by both factors. Statistical assessment confirmed highly significant (P < 0.001) or at least significant (P < 0.05) differences in data acquired for each group. As expected, the shallowest defects were produced by the scaler side in the shortest experimental period (five seconds). Point use proved to be quite damaging, as it resulted in approximately four times higher median values than the side in the same timeframe. Therefore, it is crucial to follow all safety precautions when handling a power-driven scaler even during routine treatments. Use of the side of the tip and constant movement on the tooth surface are essential to reduce the risk of enamel damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Verbum (2029-6223) is the property of Vilnius University 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.)

Plant records reveal remarkable evidence about past environments and human cultures. Exploiting dental calculus analysis and using a combined approach of microscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry, our research outlines dietary ecology and phytomedicinal practices of the ancient community of Motya (Sicily, eight to sixth century BC), one of the most important Phoenician settlements in the Mediterranean basin. Micro-remains suggest use or consumption of Triticeae cereals, and animal-derived sources (e.g., milk and aquatic birds). Markers of grape (or wine), herbs, and rhizomes, endemic of Mediterranean latitudes and the East, provide insight into the subsistence of this colony, in terms of foodstuffs and phytotherapeutic products. The application of resins and wood of Gymnosperms for social and cultural purposes is hypothesized through the identification of Pinaceae secondary metabolites and pollen grains. The information hidden in dental calculus discloses the strong human-plant interaction in Motya's Phoenician community, in terms of cultural traditions and land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study evaluated calculus removal efficacy of household vinegar and its effect on autopolymerizing orthodontic resin following repeated immersion., Methods: A total of 72 sectioned specimens of orthodontic retainers with calculus deposits following cleaning with the help of immersion in vinegar of different dilutions between 12.5% and 100%, tap water, effervescent tablets, and mechanical debridement were digitally analyzed. Changes in Ca and Fe ions in vinegar were assessed by atomic emission spectroscopy (AES). For mechanical testing, autopolymerizing polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) samples were similarly grouped and immersed for 78 cycles and their flexural strength and hardness measured. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to evaluate changes in their chemical composition. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test were used to analyze the differences in the mean flexural strength and hardness between the groups (p ≤ 0.05)., Results: A minimum immersion of 2 h in 25% vinegar solution combined with brushing attained efficiency of 74.13 ± 22% calculus removal. Whereas, tap water and effervescent tablets had 15% and 49% efficiency, respectively. AES results showed diffusion of Ca ions from calculus into the vinegar solution as a plausible mechanism for its structural weakening and removal. Results of mechanical testing showed that undiluted vinegar solution affected the flexural strength of PMMA and this effect was significantly different from that of the effervescent tablets and the remaining vinegar concentrations. There was no significant difference in hardness between the groups. The FTIR showed no changes in the chemical composition of PMMA samples following repeated immersions., Conclusion: Vinegar can be useful in the removal of calculus from dental appliances but should be used in diluted forms to minimize side effects.

A doubleblind 3-month anticalculus clinical study was conducted to determine the magnitude of the antitartar effect to be derived from use of a 0.5% zinc citrate dentifrice. From a population of 1600 subjects exhibiting calculus, 1210 subjects (age 18 and over) were selected and received a dental prophylaxis. The subjects were initially stratified on the basis of calculus score, age, and sex, then allocated randomly to a 3-month usage period of one of two treatment groups. These were a dentifrice containing 0.5% zinc citrate or a control dentifrice without zinc citrate. Calculus was assessed using the Volpe-Manhold Index. Oral soft tissue status was assessed throughout the course of the study. At the conclusion of the study 964 subjects had completed the trial: 486 using the zinc citrate dentifrice and 478 using the control. The results showed that the mean calculus scores in the group using the dentifrice containing zinc citrate were 13.7 % lower than those of the group using the control dentifrice. This finding was statistically significant (P <0.05). No adverse effects related to the use of either dentifrice were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]