Black Teeth Research Articles

Silver Diamine Fluoride Renaissance in Paediatric Dentistry: A 24-Month Retrospective and Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been incorporated into the treatment of dental caries in children, mainly in countries with high caries prevalence. In Europe, however, SDF started to gain popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of SDF and to evaluate dentists'/parents' acceptance of SDF use in paediatric patients treated in a German university setting. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all patients treated with SDF between 2017 and 2020 was carried out. Only teeth with no reported clinical/radiographic evidence of irreversible pulpal inflammation were included. The outcome measures were success, minor failures (caries progression, reversible pulpitis) and major failures (irreversible pulpitis, abscess). The treatment acceptance by dentists and the parents of SDF-treated children was cross-sectionally evaluated using questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed. Results: A total of 93 patients (mean age 5.3 ± 2.9 years) with 455 treated teeth (418 primary/91.9%; 37 permanent/8.1%) were included and followed up for up to 24 months (19.9 ± 10.5 months). SDF was used for dental caries (98.2%) and hypersensitivity relief on MIH teeth (1.8%). Most teeth did not show any failure (total success 84.2%). A total of 5 teeth (1.1%) showed minor failures, and 67 teeth (14.7%) showed major failures (p = 0.001). Success/failure rates were not affected by patient compliance, gender, dentition, or operator (p > 0.05). In total, 30 questionnaires were collected from parents (mean age 36.8 ± 6.4 years). SDF was applied on anterior (n = 2/6.7%), posterior (n = 15/50%) and anterior/posterior teeth (n = 13/43.3%). At the 1-week follow-up, 80% of parents noticed black teeth discoloration. Treatment satisfaction was higher for posterior (95.2%) than for anterior teeth (36.4%; p < 0.001). In the 27 responses from clinicians, SDF was generally considered a viable option in paediatric dentistry (n = 23; 85%). Conclusions: SDF was found to be effective and well-accepted by parents and dentists for caries inactivation in a paediatric dentistry German university setting.

Cleaning potential of interdental brushes around orthodontic brackets - an in vitro investigation.

This study evaluated the brushing efficacy of different interdental brushes around a multibracket appliance in vitro. In four models displaying misaligned and aligned teeth with and without attachment loss, the brushing capacities of three interdental brushes (IDB) were tested: A waist-shaped IDB with a diameter of 9 mm at both ends and 5 mm in the middle (B1), a cylindrical brush with a diameter of 9 mm (B2) and one with 5 mm (B3). Before cleaning, the black teeth in the respective models were stained white with titanium (IV) oxide and the percentage of cleaned surface was planimetrically assessed. In addition, the forces applied to the IDB were also recorded. The effect of brush and model on expected cleaning performance was examined using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The cleaning performance of the brushes in decreasing order was B2>B3>B1; no significant differences between the different tooth areas and models were found. With regard to force measurements, significant differences were found with the highest and lowest forces IDB (2) and (1), respectively. There was a significant correlation between force and cleaning performance: The higher the force needed the higher was the cleaning performance. In summary, this study showed that cylindrical interdental brushes achieved a better cleaning performance than the waist-shaped IDB. Given some shortcomings of this first laboratory study, more research is still needed, but IDB may represent a valuable yet still clinically underused tools.

Cleaning potential of interdental brushes around orthodontic brackets – an in vitro investigation

This study evaluated the brushing efficacy of different interdental brushes around a multibracket appliance in vitro. In four models displaying misaligned and aligned teeth with and without attachment loss, the brushing capacities of three interdental brushes (IDB) were tested: A waist-shaped IDB with a diameter of 9 mm at both ends and 5 mm in the middle (B1), a cylindrical brush with a diameter of 9 mm (B2) and one with 5 mm (B3). Before cleaning, the black teeth in the respective models were stained white with titanium (IV) oxide and the percentage of cleaned surface was planimetrically assessed. In addition, the forces applied to the IDB were also recorded. The effect of brush and model on expected cleaning performance was examined using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The cleaning performance of the brushes in decreasing order was B2&gt;B3&gt;B1; no significant differences between the different tooth areas and models were found. With regard to force measurements, significant differences were found with the highest and lowest forces IDB (2) and (1), respectively. There was a significant correlation between force and cleaning performance: The higher the force needed the higher was the cleaning performance. In summary, this study showed that cylindrical interdental brushes achieved a better cleaning performance than the waist-shaped IDB. Given some shortcomings of this first laboratory study, more research is still needed, but IDB may represent a valuable yet still clinically underused tool. Accepted for publication: April 3, 2023 Published online: April 25, 2023

Equisetum ×meridionale (Milde) Chiov. – a new hybrid taxon in the flora of Poland

A new hybrid within the Hippochaete subgenus of Equisetum genus, Equisetum ×meridionale (Milde) Chiov. was discovered in Poland during the research conducted in 2022 at two locations in Kotlina Żywiecka (the Żywiec Basin) and Beskid Wyspowy (Island Beskids – Western Beskids) in the anthropogenic habitats in close proximity to Equisetum ramosis-simum. The identity of the hybrid was unequivocally confirmed by macro-morphological observations, microscopic analysis and flow cytometry. The most pronounced macroscopic characteristics of the hybrid were the intermediate size of the shoots and leaf sheaths, which are black with long black teeth. The microscopic observations revealed that the hybrid has silica tubercles in the form of cross-bands, similarly as in the case of E. ramosissimum, but not in the form of two rows as in the case of E. variegatum. The measurements of the nuclear DNA content (2C values) revealed that the putative hybrid had a nuclear DNA content intermediate to that of the parental species, i.e. E. ramosissimum (56.13 pg) and E. variegatum (63.80 pg) obtained in the present studies and within the values previously reported for E. ×meridionale (60.7-61.2 pg).

The Black Teeth of Wancho

Wancho have a few reasons of their own. They consider black teeth beautiful. Some tribes feel what is the difference between...

If we cannot measure it, we cannot improve it: Understanding measurement problems in routine oral/dental assessments in Canadian nursing homes-Part II.

To evaluate the response process validity of the Resident Assessment Instrument-Minimum Data Set 2.0 (RAI) oral/dental items and the organisational processes for assessing nursing home (NH) residents' oral/dental status. Although care aides provide most direct care to NH residents, including oral care, they are not directly involved in structured care planning activities, including RAI assessments. This most likely affects the accuracy of RAI assessments, as well quality of care. However, we neither know how well regulated and unregulated care staff understand the RAI oral/dental items, nor what processes are used in completing oral/dental assessments. We conducted nine focus groups with 44 care aides, nurses, allied health providers, clinical specialists and managers. We discussed randomly selected RAI oral/dental assessments with focus group participants, including participants' understanding of the items and why the options were selected. Participants also explained the communication and process for completing the RAI. Participants' perceptions of the oral/dental items aligned fairly well with the item definitions. However, responses primarily focused on severe oral/dental problems with obvious physical characteristics (eg black teeth denoting caries). For non-visual oral problems, such as pain, staff relied on resident verbalisation. No formal mechanisms were described for care aides to update nurses on residents' oral health needs. Performance problems of RAI oral/dental items are largely rooted in poor communication between care aides and nurses and not integrating care aides in assessment processes. We need policies that address these problems in order to improve NH residents' poor oral health.

PENYULUHAN KESEHATAN TENTANG KARIES GIGI DAN LOMBA GOSOK GIGI DI WILAYAH RT 08 KELURAHAN MURNI

Damage of teeth can be affect for health of the other body, so it will interfere with daily activities. Based of the assessment in 26 school-age children in RT 08 Kelurahan Murni, showed 20 people (76.92%) who had tooth holes and black teeth, even though 18 people (69.23%) had brushed their teeth twice a day . Therefore, it is necessary to conduct health education on dental caries and tooth brushing competitions accompanied by demonstrations so that children can find out how to brush their teeth properly to avoid dental caries. The target of this counseling is that school-age children can practice the correct way of brushing their teeth to prevent dental caries. Extension activities were carried out for 45 minutes with the stages of directing participants to the place to be counseled, opening the presentation delivered by the moderator, delivering counseling material delivered by the presenter, demonstrating how to brush teeth properly, directing children to take part in brushing competitions, conducting competitions brush your teeth, give gifts to children who can brush their teeth properly, evaluate the counseling participants, distribute leaflets to the audience, document activities. The results of counseling activities are children are able to do the right way to brush their teeth.

Thaw

Thaw Jihyun Yun (bio) Suddenly, it is winter again. The cold came on as an unwanted lover, spread its snake belly on our floor and wouldn't leave. Grandma said, "We'll set the house to burning," Brandished heat lamps and hot tea, but never fire. Even so, the cold stayed, opened every drawer in every room, cracked our glass wares, wrapped a chrysalis of frost around any hanging thing. Once or twice, it laughed with its mouthful of root black teeth. When threats failed, we appeased with hyacinth persimmons on celadon plates, roast chestnuts, yams, the special kind of deference only the daug ters and wives of war-bruised men know how to give. But still, we shivered, sleet over carpets, clinging to lashes. It came to midJune. The branches of our bodies laid bare, the hard bark curling back. No living thing can only thrive. And here, we begin again. Somewhere, a fawnnoses the frozen turf,unearths the first budof the season [End Page 73] Jihyun Yun Jihyun Yun is a Korean-American poet. A Fulbright Fellow, she received her MFA from NYU. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in Bat City Review, Poetry Northwest, and elsewhere. She currently lives in Michigan where she is working on her first poetry collection Some are Always Hungry. Copyright © 2019 University of Wisconsin Board of Regents

Barriers and opportunities to oral health in Dutch-Moroccan children in the Netherlands: a narrative report

IntroductionPrevious studies showed that 5-year-old Dutch-Moroccan children had significantly higher dmft scores compared to Dutch children of the same age, even after correction for socio-economic status. The mechanisms underlying this difference are little understood.AimTo explore cultural factors involved in poorer oral health of Dutch-Moroccan children by identifying knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of their mothers concerning their children’s oral health.MethodsIn 2012 mothers of Dutch-Moroccan preschool children in two cities in the Netherlands were interviewed in two focus groups (n = 16) or individual semi-structured interviews (n = 13). Semi structured interviews were also c onducted with three oral health professionals, working with Dutch-Moroccan children, and one physician from an under-five-clinic. All interviews were voice recorded, transcribed and inductively coded. MAXQDA software was used for data analysis.ResultsAll mothers mentioned pain complaints, swelling and black front teeth as oral health problems in their children. Although mothers were aware that brushing teeth and reducing sugary snacks are effective preventative strategies, they did not sufficiently implement these measures. This was due to lack of brushing skills, insufficient awareness of the daily sugar intake of their children and their childrearing concerning these measures. Most mothers indicated they felt empowered in making dental care decisions.ConclusionsThis research revealed the presence of knowledge on preventive strategies regarding their children’s oral health in Dutch-Moroccan mothers, but an inadequate implementation of these measures in their daily lives. Additional qualitative research is needed to gain deeper insight for broader exposure of values, knowledge and culture.

Microscopic pillars and tubes fabricated by using fish dentine as a molding template.

Biomaterials in nature exhibit delicate structures that are greatly beyond the capability of the current manufacturing techniques. Duplicating these structures and applying them in engineering may help enhance the performance of traditional functional materials and structures. Inspired by gecko’s hierarchical micro- and nano-fibrillar structures for adhesion, in this work we fabricated micro-pillars and tubes by adopting the tubular dentine of black carp fish teeth as molding template. The adhesion performances of the fabricated micro-pillars and tubes were characterized and compared. It was found that the pull-off force of a single pillar was about twice of that of the tube with comparable size. Such unexpected discrepancy in adhesion was analyzed based on the contact mechanics theories.

Identification of a Novel Splicing Form of Amelogenin Gene in a Reptile, Ctenosaura similis

Amelogenin, the major enamel matrix protein in tooth development, has been demonstrated to play a significant role in tooth enamel formation. Previous studies have identified the alternative splicing of amelogenin in many mammalian vertebrates as one mechanism for amelogenin heterogeneous expression in teeth. While amelogenin and its splicing forms in mammalian vertebrates have been cloned and sequenced, the amelogenin gene, especially its splicing forms in non-mammalian species, remains largely unknown. To better understand the mechanism underlying amelogenin evolution, we previously cloned and characterized an amelogenin gene sequence from a squamate, the green iguana. In this study, we employed RT-PCR to amplify the amelogenin gene from the black spiny-tailed iguana Ctenosaura similis teeth, and discovered a novel splicing form of the amelogenin gene. The transcript of the newly identified iguana amelogenin gene (named C. Similis-T2L) is 873 nucleotides long encoding an expected polypeptide of 206 amino acids. The C. Similis-T2L contains a unique exon denominated exon X, which is located between exon 5 and exon 6. The C. Similis-T2L contains 7 exons including exon 1, 2, 3, 5, X, 6, and 7. Analysis of the secondary and tertiary structures of T2L amelogenin protein demonstrated that exon X has a dramatic effect on the amelogenin structures. This is the first report to provide definitive evidence for the amelogenin alternative splicing in non-mammalian vertebrates, revealing a unique exon X and the splicing form of the amelogenin gene transcript in Ctenosaura similis.

Revision of the European Delia pruinosa species group (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) feeding as larvae in seed capsules of Silene L. (Caryophyllaceae)

The European taxon Delia pruinosa (Zetterstedt) currently treated as one species is shown to represent a complex of several closely related species all characterized by the short antennnae, enlarged proboscis with strong, black prestomal teeth and a weak tibial setation. Biologically, all members of this Delia pruinosa species group may share the larval habit of living in seed capsules of various species of Silene L. (Caryophyllaceae). The number of species recognized in both sexes is presently raized from one to four: Delia pruinosa (Zetterstedt, 1845), D. judicariae (Pokorny, 1893), D. sileni sp. nov. and D. capdellae sp. nov. It is further documented that a few more species exist within this species group, but they are so far only known from female individuals. The known distribution of the Delia pruinosa species group includes Europe and western Anatolia.

Internal bleaching of teeth: an analysis of 255 teeth

Studies about bleaching have not analysed factors that affect the outcome. This aim of this study was to analyse the outcome of, and the factors associated with bleaching. Internal bleaching was done on 255 teeth in 203 patients. Colour was assessed pre-operatively, postoperatively and at recalls. The cause and type of discolouration, number of applications, bleaching outcome, and colour stability were assessed. The most common teeth were upper central (69 per cent) and lateral (20.4 per cent) incisors. Trauma was the most common cause (58.8 per cent), followed by previous dental treatment (23.9 per cent), pulp necrosis (13.7 per cent) and pulp canal calcification (3.6 per cent). Dark yellow and black teeth required more applications of bleach than light yellow and grey teeth. Colour modification was "good" (87.1 per cent) or "acceptable" (12.9 per cent). Teeth restored with glass ionomer cement/composite resin had good colour stability, but this was less predictable with other restorations. No teeth had external invasive resorption. Bleaching endodontically treated teeth was very predictable, especially for grey or light yellow discolourations. Glass ionomer cement/composite restorations were effective at preventing further discolouration. Patient age and tooth type did not affect treatment outcome and no cases of external invasive resorption were observed.

Fluoridated ground water and its toxic effects on domesticated animals residing in rural tribal areas of Rajasthan, India

Ground water sources (wells and handpumps) for drinking water in 12 villages of tribal areas of Rajasthan (India) were analysed for evidence of fluoride (F) content. These sources revealed mean F concentration in the range of 1.0 to 5.2 ppm. The toxic effects of fluoride (fluoride toxicity) in the form of osteo‐dental fluorosis were observed in the domesticated immature and mature animals, viz., cattle, buffaloes, goats and sheep. The prevalence of dental fluorosis in calves (< 1 year age) was found to be relatively higher than for adult cattle and buffaloes. Cent percent calves (7/7) were revealed with enamel mottling with varying grades at 3.0 ppm F concentration in ground water, whereas cattle (40/40) and buffaloes (14/14) were at 3.2 ppm. The older buffaloes showed brownish black teeth, not creamy yellow as found in calves and cattle. Out of 516 goats and 468 sheep and their 236 lambs, none showed evidence of osteo‐dental fluorosis. The overall prevalence of skeletal fluorosis was 36.2%, with the highest prevalence of 56.0% in cattle and 59.6% in buffaloes at a mean F concentration of 5.2 ppm. At or more 4.0 ppm F concentration only 28 (7.16%) buffalo calves were found to be affected with skeletal fluorosis. Intermittent lameness occurred in most of the higher age group of animals (>7 years age) at 1.8 ppm F or more in the water. None of the fluorotic animals was found to be affected with hypothyroidism. The prevalence and severity of osteo‐dental fluorosis in these animals was progressive with age. Different effects of fluoride toxicity in cattle and buffaloes are also discussed.

Diplazium condorense (Athyriaceae), a new species from Ecuador

Abstract A new species of Diplazium, D. condorense from Ecuador, with free veins and concolorous blade scales, is described and illustrated. It is apparently most closely related to species of Callipteris, having anastomosing veins and scales with black margins and teeth.

Black teeth: beauty or caries prevention? Practice and beliefs of the Kammu people

To be beautiful and caries-free, Kammu women in Laos and Vietnam habitually paint their teeth black. Although this practice existed for many generations, it is now known only among the elderly. To describe how the tooth-blackening procedure is performed and to test the black stain for possible antimicrobial effects in laboratory experiments. Information on how to blacken teeth was obtained by interviewing groups of elderly Kammu people living in different villages in Laos and Vietnam. Water extracts of the stain were placed in wells in agar plates and the plates incubated with Streptococcus mutans or S. sobrinus. The stain was also let such that it covered half of the strip test-side of the Dentocult SM Strip Mutans test kit and incubated with saliva from five persons known to carry mutans streptococci in their saliva. Interviews revealed that three plants were commonly used: Dracontomelon dao nuts (DD nuts), Cratoxylum formosum (CF) wood or Croton cascarilloides (CC) wood. The parts (nut, wood) were burned and soot collected on metal plates. The fresh soot, which had a viscous consistency, was applied to teeth with the index finger. Extracts of soot of the DD nuts had no effect on the streptococci on agar plates but inhibited the growth of salivary mutans streptococci on strips. Controls using soot from birch tree (Betula pendula) had no effect. The procedure was simple and resulted in black, beautiful (?) teeth. The soot of DD nuts effectively inhibited growth of salivary mutans streptococci in in vitro experiments.

SEXUAL SELECTION FOR SIZE AND SYMMETRY IN A DIVERSIFYING SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTER IN DROSOPHILA BIPECTINATA DUDA (DIPTERA: DROSOPHILIDAE)

Abstract Results of intrapopulation studies of sexual selection and genetic variation and covariation underlying elements of the sex comb of Drosophila bipectinata are presented. The magnitude of the sex comb, a sexual ornament, varies significantly among Australasian populations, motivating research into the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for its incipient diversification. The comb is composed of stout black teeth on the front legs of males arranged in three distinct segments: C1, C2, and C3. Significant sexual selection in field populations in northeastern Queensland, Australia, was detected for increasing C2 and body size, and simultaneously for reducing comb positional fluctuating asymmetry. In contrast, sexual selection was not detected for other comb segments, nor for sternopleural bristle number or symmetry. Selection intensities for C2 and comb positional fluctuating asymmetry were similar in magnitude, and although they were opposite in sign, values across twelve sampling dates, or selection episodes, were uncorrelated. Heritability estimates for C2 were high and significant across years, whereas heritability estimates for comb positional asymmetry were small, and generally nonsignificant. The major sex comb segments (C1 and C2) were significantly and positively correlated genetically, indicating the potential for correlated evolution of these components of the comb under sexual selection. The original finding of a significant positive genetic correlation between the magnitude of this sex trait and its positional asymmetry indicates that the counteracting and independent selection pressures detected could contribute to the maintenance of genetic variation sustaining sexual selection. The study documents the simultaneous presence of sexual selection in nature and of heritable genetic variation underlying expression of the sex comb, fundamental conditions necessary for its adaptive diversification. Drosophila bipectinata may be a valuable model for studies of adaptive diversification and incipient speciation by sexual selection.

SEXUAL SELECTION FOR SIZE AND SYMMETRY IN A DIVERSIFYING SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTER IN DROSOPHILA BIPECTINATA DUDA (DIPTERA: DROSOPHILIDAE)

Results of intrapopulation studies of sexual selection and genetic variation and covariation underlying elements of the sex comb of Drosophila bipectinata are presented. The magnitude of the sex comb, a sexual ornament, varies significantly among Australasian populations, motivating research into the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for its incipient diversification. The comb is composed of stout black teeth on the front legs of males arranged in three distinct segments: C1, C2, and C3. Significant sexual selection in field populations in northeastern Queensland, Australia, was detected for increasing C2 and body size, and simultaneously for reducing comb positional fluctuating asymmetry. In contrast, sexual selection was not detected for other comb segments, nor for sternopleural bristle number or symmetry. Selection intensities for C2 and comb positional fluctuating asymmetry were similar in magnitude, and although they were opposite in sign, values across twelve sampling dates, or selection episodes, were uncorrelated. Heritability estimates for C2 were high and significant across years, whereas heritability estimates for comb positional asymmetry were small, and generally nonsignificant. The major sex comb segments (C1 and C2) were significantly and positively correlated genetically, indicating the potential for correlated evolution of these components of the comb under sexual selection. The original finding of a significant positive genetic correlation between the magnitude of this sex trait and its positional asymmetry indicates that the counteracting and independent selection pressures detected could contribute to the maintenance of genetic variation sustaining sexual selection. The study documents the simultaneous presence of sexual selection in nature and of heritable genetic variation underlying expression of the sex comb, fundamental conditions necessary for its adaptive diversification. Drosophila bipectinata may be a valuable model for studies of adaptive diversification and incipient speciation by sexual selection.

Lectotypification of Several Names Currently Placed in Diplazium (Woodsiaceae)

Abstract Lectotypifications are made for the following names that apply to species of Diplazium in the Old World: D. atratum, D. conterminum, D. crinipes, D. megaphyllum, D. polypodioides var. vestitum, D. sechellarum, and D. sikkimense. The types of these names have scales with black borders and bifid marginal teeth, a scale type characteristic of the diplazioid segregate Callipteris.

An unusual case of black teeth

Loss of enamel and a deep black stain of the teeth in a 40-year-old diabetic patient are strongly suggested to be caused by the daily consumption of a cheap white wine and, possibly, by the chewing of cayenne. The wine proved to be rather acid, thereby promoting abrasion as a result of gnashing, and to contain a high concentration of tannin. The exact role of the tannins is described.