Federation Dentaire Internationale Research Articles

The use and understanding of dental notation systems in UK and Irish dental hospitals.

Aim To identify the types of dental notation systems used in dental hospitals, and their perceived advantages and disadvantages. In addition, to record the dental notation used in patient referral letters.Method A self-completed questionnaire survey asking about the use of dental notation systems was distributed to 16 dental hospitals in the UK and Ireland in the summer of 2016. In addition, dentist referrals to the Restorative Dentistry department of the University Dental Hospital of Manchester were sequentially assessed for the dental notation used.Results Twelve hospitals replied. In order of frequency, the notation systems in use were the Alphanumeric, the Palmer, and the Federation Dentaire Internationale system. No hospital used the Universal system. Perceived advantages and disadvantages of each of the different systems were volunteered. One hundred and twenty-four referral letters were assessed and 100 were identified where dental notation was used. The majority used Alphanumeric notation.Conclusion A variety of dental notation systems remain in use in dental hospitals. The move to electronic recording and communication of information regarding teeth is encouraging the use of the Alphanumeric system. General dental practitioners are predominantly using the Alphanumeric system as their notation of choice in referral letters to the Restorative Dentistry department in Manchester.

Eruption Chronology in Children: A Cross-sectional Study

Aims and objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the appropriate reference standard for eruption timing of primary teeth in infants and preschool children of Bhopal city and to determine the role of various factors affecting the eruption of primary dentition.Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the infants and preschool children (4-36 months) attending the local government or private hospitals, and vaccination centers. Prior to the study, Institutional Ethical Committee clearance and informed written consent from the parents were obtained. The data were collected from full-term infants and preschool children of 4 to 36 months from Bhopal city. Oral examination was done under adequate natural light by a single examiner using mouth mirror and probe. Teeth present in the oral cavity were noted by using Federation Dentaire Internationale system of nomenclature in the preformed pro-forma. The teeth were considered as erupted, when any part of its crown had penetrated the gingiva and was visible in the oral cavity. Height, weight, birth weight, and other close-ended questions in questionnaire were asked from parents.Results and conclusion The data collected were statistically analyzed and it was observed that significant relation exists between tooth eruption and birth weight, feeding habits, socioeconomic status, and body mass index (BMI). Based on the findings, it may be concluded that Indian children experienced delayed eruption of primary teeth when compared with children of different countries and standard norms.How to cite this article Verma N, Bansal A, Tyagi P, Jain A, Tiwari U, Gupta R. Eruption Chronology in Children: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2017;10(3):278-282.

Management of a fractured nonvital tooth with open apex using mineral trioxide aggregate as an apical plug

A nonvital tooth with open apex is a challenging clinical condition for the dentist as it requires a systematic diagnosis of the problem and a customized treatment plan. A 17-year-old male patient reported to the clinic with fractured upper right central incisor (11– Federation Dentaire Internationale Notation) with discoloration, and the X-ray showed open apex which was treated using calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to form apical barrier (apexification) and then obturation was completed using gutta-percha. The metal ceramic crown was placed to restore the function and esthetics. As the tooth lacked natural apical constriction, an alternative to standard root canal treatment called as apexification or root-end closure is advised.

Análise ergonômica do atendimento clínico odontológico

O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar aspectos ergonômicos de atendimentos clínicos realizados em quatro especialidades odontológicas. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, para o qual foram filmados 48 procedimentos odontológicos, das especialidades de Endodontia, Cirurgia, Dentística Restauradora e Periodontia, realizados por acadêmicos concluintes de um curso de Odontologia em um laboratório de ergonomia. A postura ergonômica foi analisada por meio de um instrumento baseado nas especificações da ISO/FDI (International Standards Organization e a Federation Dentaire Internacionale). De acordo com essa classificação, são observados oito aspectos durante o atendimento, que envolvem o profissional e o equipamento utilizado, recebendo um ponto para cada item corretamente executado. Os tratamentos de Endodontia tiveram média de 3,69 pontos positivos; Cirurgia 4,03; Dentística Restauradora 4,26 e Periodontia 5,99 pontos. O tempo médio de atendimento foi de 62,3 minutos, sendo que os de maior duração resultaram em número maior de infrações ergonômicas (p<0,01). Quanto maior a complexidade do procedimento realizado, menor a adequação aos princípios ergonômicos (p=0,01). Em conclusão, a postura de trabalho foi insatisfatória principalmente em especialidades que demandaram maior tempo clínico.

The aging population: demographics and the biology of aging.

Epidemiologic studies show that 11% of the world's population is over 60years of age; this is projected to increase, by 2050, to 22% of the population. Oral aging is a current focus of several organizations including the Federation Dentaire Internationale, the World Health Organization and the American and Japanese Dental Associations. In their Tokyo Declaration, the Japanese Association identified the elderly population as one of its main target groups. One of the WHO goals is for each person to retain more than 20 teeth by age 80, despite the fact that the prevalence of periodontal disease is continuously rising as the population is aging. Every species has its own characteristic lifespan, which is determined by its evolutionary history and is modified by multiple diverse factors, including biological mechanisms. In humans, the gradual accumulation of products of cellular metabolism and extensive DNA damage contribute to the aging process. Aging is thought to be associated with a low-grade inflammatory phenotype in mammals, called 'inflammaging', and is the result of autophagic capacity impairing so-called 'housekeeping activities' in the cells, resulting in protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Delayed stem-cell proliferation, associated with aging, may impact the maintenance and survival of a living being, but excessive proliferation could also result in depleted reserves of stem cells. Studies are needed to address the association of delayed cell proliferation and wound healing with the onset of periodontal diseases and response to treatment. The effects of systemic diseases, medications, psychological effects and decreased interest or ability in performing oral-hygiene practices are thought to result in periodontal diseases, and ultimately in tooth loss, in aged individuals. Together with an aging population comes a responsibility for 'healthy' and 'successful' aging. This article describes the changing global demographic profile and the effects of an aging society on the prevalence and incidence of periodontal diseases. We review the definitions of normal and successful aging, the principles of geriatric medicine and the highlights of biological aging at cellular, tissue and systems levels.

2013 Hollenback Recipient

Dr. Anderson has been a leader in the area of research related to dental caries and has generated significant grants and discovery related to caries prevention and caries management. He is also a master clinician, a superb teacher, and a great seeker of ways to promote oral health through research and transfer of new information to dental practitioners. He had a tremendous impact on dentistry in the U.S. Navy and other federal services prior to (and after) his retirement as a Naval Dental Officer. Additionally, he has had great impact on dental education. He has lectured for the annual meeting of the Academy several times, most recently in 2011 when he delivered the Buonocore Memorial Lecture, “Advancing Science: Its Current and Future Impacts on Dentistry.” He has an extensive list of publications and invited lectures. But the primary reason for his deserving the Hollenback Award has been his leadership in translation of research findings transforming clinical practice with an open eye for economic realities. This has led to advances in prevention and treatment of dental caries in the Navy, in dental education, and in the insurance industry.He earned his DDS degree at the University of Nebraska in 1976, completed a U.S. Navy General Practice Residency in 1977, and received his MS degree in Operative Dentistry from the University of Michigan in 1983. He also received a M.Ed. degree from George Washington University in 1988. Dr. Anderson later served as Professor and Chairman, Operative Dentistry Department, Naval Dental School, Bethesda; Specialty Advisor to the Chief of the Navy Bureau of Medicine (the Navy's surgeon general); Assistant Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Washington; Professor and Chairman, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Indiana University; Vice President, Dental Director, and Chief Science Officer at Washington Dental Service (part of the Delta organization); and CEO, C3 Scientific Corporation (studying and promoting new technology in the prevention of dental disease). For health reasons, he stepped down as CEO of C3 Jian, Inc. but he continues to do extensive consulting work for several companies and dental schools.He has held the position of Editor of our journal, Operative Dentistry, and has served on the Editorial Board of that journal since 1994. He has also served the Academy as Councilor and has chaired the Research Committee. He is currently Associate Editor of The Journal of Evidence Based Dental Practice, one of the two major journals in the area of evidence-based dentistry. He has been a clinical consultant to The Dental Advisor and editorial advisor to the Journal of the American College of Dentists. He served the American Board of Operative Dentistry as a member of the Executive Council, an Examiner, and a member of the Examination Committee. He is a fellow in the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists and member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, the American and International Associations for Dental Research, the Federation Dentaire Internationale, and other professional organizations.Max's energy is infectious and has stimulated many in the profession and in the Academy to action. His contributions in the areas of caries prevention and treatment and in operative dentistry have been nothing short of superb. He is uniquely qualified to be awarded the Hollenback Prize.

Prevalence of malocclusion in urban libyan preschool children.

Objectives:This cross-sectional observational study aimed at quantifying primary dentition parameters and exploring differences in those parameters between included age groups.Materials and Methods:The examined sample comprised 800 preschool children, 3- to 5-year-old in Benghazi city, of which 500 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Primary canine relationship, spacing/crowding, overjet (OJ) and overbite (OB), occlusal relationship was carried out using Federation Dentaire Internationale (1973), modified to the primary dentition.Results:The prevalence of bilateral Class I, Class II, and Class III canine relationship was 69.6%, 22.4%, and 4.4%, respectively. The prevalence of asymmetric canine relationship was 3.6% with no significant difference between gender and age groups. Spacing, closed dentition, and crowding were observed in: 81.6%, 13,4% and 5% respectively in the upper arch, and 58.5%, 24.8%, and 16.7% correspondently in the lower arch. OJ and OB ranging between 1 and 3 mm were found in 82.6% and 56.5%, respectively. An OJ and OB of >3 mm was observed in 11.4% and 35%, respectively, and of edge to edge incisal relationship anteroposteriorly and vertically in 4.6% and 6% in this order. Anterior crossbite and anterior openbite were noted in 1.4% and 2.6%, respectively. There was no significant correlation between OJ and OB and age (P≥0.241). Additionally, there was no significant sex difference in the value of OJ (P=0.561). But, the mean OB value in boys was significantly greater than in girls.Conclusions:The current findings provide an insight into the prevalence of occlusal traits in urban Libyan preschool children and highlight the significance of early detection of malocclusion to assist in achieving effective and individualized long-term treatment planning.

Sarjeev′s supernumerary tooth notation system: A universally compatible add-on to the Two-Digit system

To give notation for quadrants, tooth position, and the type of supernumerary teeth for both permanent and deciduous dentition. Tooth numbering provides dentists with an essential shortcut in clinical record keeping. Three systems are favored worldwide: the Zsigmondy/Palmer system, the Universal system, and the Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) Two-Digit system. Histories of all tooth-numbering methods were traced and the strengths and deficiencies of each system were reviewed. The FDI Two-Digit system is widely used throughout the world, except USA, and is the only method that makes the visual sense, cognitive sense, and computer sense. On review it was noticed that all tooth notation systems in vogue have a drawback as they do not provide any information or notations for supernumerary teeth such as paramolar, distomolar, mesiodens, and fused teeth.

Identification of Supernumerary Teeth in 2D and 3D: Review of Literature and a Proposal

Supernumerary teeth occur in both syndromic and nonsyndromic patients, and dental professionals are likely to encounter such teeth in their professional careers. There are three main numbering systems used to identify teeth today: the Universal/ National, the Palmer/Zsigmondy notation, and the Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) numbering systems. However, a review of the literature suggests that none of these three consistently addresses the identification of supernumerary teeth. Being able to communicate the location of supernumerary teeth is important for dental professionals, especially in interdisciplinary situations. This article proposes a guideline to locate and identify supernumerary teeth in two and three dimensions, which may reduce treatment errors and improve communication among health care providers and third-party administrators.

Utilization of dental services in a field practice area in Mangalore, Karnataka

Oral health is the absence of disease and the optimal functioning of the mouth and its tissues, in a manner which helps to preserve high levels of self-esteem. Oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis and oral and pharyngeal cancers are a global health problem in both industrialized and especially in developing countries. In many developing countries, oral health care utilization is limited and teeth are often left untreated or extracted. Utilization is the actual attendance by the members of the public at health care facilities to receive care. Utilization, which measures the number of visits per year or the number of people with at least one visit during the previous year,(1) serves as an important tool for oral health policy decision-making.(1,2) The main objective of any health-care system is to maintain and improve health outcomes which depends on adequate knowledge of the way that the individuals use health services, and the factors predictive of this behavior.(3) Regular home oral care and a yearly dental check-up are the best means for caring teeth but in spite of the information on adequate dental care provided by the dental professionals and the mass media, many people fail to take these precautions.(4) Barriers to seeking dental services as classified by the Federation Dentaire Internationale are related to the following: Individuals themselves (lack of perceived need and access, anxiety or fear and financial considerations), Dental profession (inappropriate manpower resources, uneven geographical distribution, training inappropriate to changing needs and demands and insufficient sensitivity to patient’s attitudes and needs), and Society (insufficient public support of attitudes conducive to health, inadequate oral health care facilities, inadequate oral health manpower planning and insufficient support for research).(5)

IFDAS News, July 2008

The Council of the International Federation of Dental Anesthesiology Societies (IFDAS) met in Puerto Rico on April 29, 2008. The Council of IFDAS is composed of the following members:Reports were presented by the President, Secretary General, and Treasurer. The Editor, Dr Weaver, advised that space is available in Anesthesia Progress for IFDAS news and material. Societies are invited to submit news items to Dr Weaver.A new body—the Federation of Asian Dental Anesthesiology Societies (FADAS)—has been formed. It was noted that China is a member of this body but is not yet a member of IFDAS. Dr Mahoney will attend the meeting of FADAS in November in Shanghai. Prof Kaufman reported on the establishment of a new facility for sedation in Jerusalem. He advised that new guidelines are being developed in Europe and will be available soon.Meanwhile, the American Dental Association has endorsed new guidelines that particularly identify minimal and moderate sedation. These guidelines may serve as a resource for members of IFDAS. Those interested in obtaining them should contact ADSA. It was proposed that the Federation Dentaire Internationale should be approached with a view toward having IFDAS present a segment at a forthcoming Congress. Professor Kaneko reported on the Yokahama Congress of 2006, which included 664 participants from 20 countries. He reported that costs were $700,000, and that assistance with these costs was provided by a generous donation from Prof Kubota.The 2009 Congress is scheduled to be held in Australia at the city of the Gold Coast Queensland, from October 14 through 17, 2009. Themes will include Education and Pediatric Sedation.Dr Phero reported on the 2012 meeting to be held on the Big Island—Hawaii. Bids are now open for the 2015 Congress and should be submitted to the Secretary General. Dr Holden reported on needed changes to the Constitution. These will be presented at the 2009 Congress General Assembly.The membership of IFDAS will be assigned to these categories:Dr Yagiela has prepared a draft statement of support and policy. When ready, this will be presented to the General Assembly. Council decided to honor the “Founding Father” of IFDAS, Dr Tony Reyes-Guerra, by naming a lecture at Congress in his memory. The Horace Wells Awards and the IFDAS Prize at Congress were discussed.The next meeting of Council will be held October 14, 2009, at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Australia. The General Assembly is also scheduled to meet on that day.

Photographs as a means of assessing developmental defects of enamel

To evaluate the validity and reliability of photographic examinations for developmental defects of enamel (DDE) in maxillary and mandibular incisors and canines using a standardized process. The anterior teeth of 257 children were examined 'wet', both clinically and photographically for DDE, using the modified Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) (DDE) Index. A series of five standardized photographs were taken for each child: a frontal view perpendicular to the four incisors; two lateral views, each showing the lateral incisors and canines on each side of the dental arch; and the superior and inferior views, retaking of the frontal view with the camera held at approximately 30 degrees above and below the horizontal plane. The photographs taken for each child were viewed as three different sets; the 'five-view' (frontal, two lateral views plus superior and inferior views), 'three-view' (frontal and two lateral views), and 'one-view' (frontal view only) slide sets. Using 'one view' slides, 91.7% of teeth could be examined photographically. Whereas using multiple views 99.9% of teeth could be assessed. At the subject level, agreements between clinical diagnoses (gold standard) and photographic examinations were substantial to almost perfect (k = 0.73-0.86). At the tooth level, agreement was best for incisors (k = 0.71 or higher). The intra-examiner reproducibility was high for the photographic assessments at both subject and tooth levels (k = 0.71-0.95). Multiple-view photographic slides of 'five-view' and 'three-view' are valid and reliable for assessing DDE on the 12 anterior teeth, while a 'one-view' (frontal) was acceptable to study only the incisors.

The role of the FDI World Dental Federation in global oral health.

The FDI World Dental Federation is a federation of 157 dental associations in 136 countries, representing more than 900 000 dental professionals worldwide. Its main roles are to bring together the world of dentistry, to represent the dental profession on a global level and to stimulate and facilitate the exchange of information across borders. The idea of forming an international dental federation was first discussed at a meeting of the Copenhagen Dental Society, held in Copenhagen in 1894. In 1900, during a congress in Paris, the Federation dentaire internationale (FDI) was created in order to "forward dental education". As one of the two oral health-related nongovernmental organizations in official relations with WHO, the FDI has a long history of collaboration with the Organization, which is based on the FDI's mission "to promote optimal oral and general health for all peoples". Key activities of the FDI Policy-making In order to contribute to the development and dissemination of policies, standards and information related to all aspects of oral health care around the world, the FDI issues policy statements that set out current thinking on various issues related to oral health, the practice of dentistry and dental public health. These declarations, which are based on evidence where possible and are also the results of consensus among groups of experts, are disseminated to oral health professional organizations worldwide and serve as templates for national policy formulation. Representation Acting on behalf of its member associations, the FDI is the global voice of dentists and other oral health professionals. The legal framework of the practice of dentistry and other professional issues are elements of the FDI's representative functions with WHO, the United Nations and the European Union. The FDI protects the interests of its member associations and promotes the formation of professional organizations in countries where there are none. Adherence to the FDI and access to the support of the international family of health professionals helps such organizations to develop and strengthens their role at the national level. Advocacy Focus on the gaps and inequalities in oral and general health status is a major public health activity of the FDI, which promotes appropriate policies, education and technology. The reduction of risks to health--such as tobacco use and high sugar intake--are on the FDI's agenda for action, as well as the promotion of fluorides to prevent dental decay. Interaction The Annual World Dental Congress organized by the FDI is a major event aiming at information sharing between all stakeholders in international oral health. It is also a major source of income for the Federation. The official relations with WHO and other international organizations are of crucial importance for implication in consensus building, advocacy and policy formulation at the highest international levels. A strong, comprehensive set of ethical guidelines governs these relations, and is important to safeguard the independence and credibility of the FDI. Achievements in FDI-WHO collaboration Global goals for oral health In 1981, the FDI and WHO jointly established global goals for oral health for the year 2000 (1). During the following decades most high-income countries reached or even exceeded these goals, but for many low-income countries they remain a remote aspiration. A joint working group composed of the FDI, the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and WHO developed new goals for oral health for the year 2020 (2), whose focus draws on the experience and evaluation of the previous goals and acknowledges the recognition of oral health as an integral part of general health. The new goals also encourage a broader view of oral health and indicators by including other diseases and conditions as well as dental caries. …

The role of the FDI World Dental Federation in global oral health

The FDI World Dental Federation is a federation of 157 dental associations in 136 countries, representing more than 900 000 dental professionals worldwide. Its main roles are bring together the world of dentistry, represent the dental profession on a global level and stimulate and facilitate the exchange of information across borders. The idea of forming an international dental federation was first discussed at a meeting of the Copenhagen Dental Society, held in Copenhagen in 1894. In 1900, during a congress in Paris, the Federation dentaire internationale (FDI) was created in order forward dental education. As one of the two oral health-related nongovernmental organizations in official relations with WHO, the FDI has a long history of collaboration with the Organization, which is based on the FDI's mission to promote optimal oral and general health for all peoples. Key activities of the FDI Policy-making In order contribute the development and dissemination of policies, standards and information related all aspects of oral health care around the world, the FDI issues policy statements that set out current thinking on various issues related oral health, the practice of dentistry and dental public health. These declarations, which are based on evidence where possible and are also the results of consensus among groups of experts, are disseminated oral health professional organizations worldwide and serve as templates for national policy formulation. Representation Acting on behalf of its member associations, the FDI is the global voice of dentists and other oral health professionals. The legal framework of the practice of dentistry and other professional issues are elements of the FDI's representative functions with WHO, the United Nations and the European Union. The FDI protects the interests of its member associations and promotes the formation of professional organizations in countries where there are none. Adherence the FDI and access the support of the international family of health professionals helps such organizations develop and strengthens their role at the national level. Advocacy Focus on the gaps and inequalities in oral and general health status is a major public health activity of the FDI, which promotes appropriate policies, education and technology. The reduction of risks health--such as tobacco use and high sugar intake--are on the FDI's agenda for action, as well as the promotion of fluorides prevent dental decay. Interaction The Annual World Dental Congress organized by the FDI is a major event aiming at information sharing between all stakeholders in international oral health. It is also a major source of income for the Federation. The official relations with WHO and other international organizations are of crucial importance for implication in consensus building, advocacy and policy formulation at the highest international levels. A strong, comprehensive set of ethical guidelines governs these relations, and is important safeguard the independence and credibility of the FDI. Achievements in FDI-WHO collaboration Global goals for oral health In 1981, the FDI and WHO jointly established global goals for oral health for the year 2000 (1). During the following decades most high-income countries reached or even exceeded these goals, but for many low-income countries they remain a remote aspiration. A joint working group composed of the FDI, the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and WHO developed new goals for oral health for the year 2020 (2), whose focus draws on the experience and evaluation of the previous goals and acknowledges the recognition of oral health as an integral part of general health. The new goals also encourage a broader view of oral health and indicators by including other diseases and conditions as well as dental caries. …

In Vivo Study on the Biocompatibility of Newly Developed Calcium Phosphate-Based Root Canal Sealers

This study compared the biocompatibility of two new calcium phosphate-based root canal sealers (CAPSEAL I, CAPSEAL II) with another type of commercially available calcium phosphate sealer (Apatite Root Sealer type I, Apatite Root Sealer type II) and a zinc oxide eugenol-based sealer (Pulp Canal Sealer EWT) after implanting them in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. After 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks, the tubes were removed with the surrounding tissues. The tissue reactions were graded as being mild or 1, moderate or 2, and severe or 3 after a histopathological examination. The results were analyzed statistically with the Kruskal-Wallis test. The biocompatibility of the materials was interpreted according to the Federation Dentaire Internationale criteria (1980). The inflammatory reactions decreased with time. The new sealers showed a lower tissue response than any of the other sealers in all the experimental periods. All the tested sealers showed an acceptable biocompatibility.

Restorative pulpal and repair responses

Each year, about 90 million new restorations are placed in the United States and 200 million are replaced. Controversy surrounds the pulpal reactions and frequency of bacterial microleakage associated with common restorative materials. The authors investigated and compared pulpal reactions to different types of restorative materials. Two hundred seventy-two teeth with standardized rectangular Class V unexposed cavities were restored with resin-based composite bonded to dentin; resin-based composite bonded to enamel; resin-modified glass ionomers, or RMGI; amalgam lined with zinc polycarboxylate, or ZnPC; amalgam lined with calcium hydroxide, or Ca(OH)2; or zinc oxide-eugenol, or ZnOE. Teeth were extracted for orthodontic reasons between 20 and 381 days later. The authors categorized pulpal responses according to standards set by the Federation Dentaire Internationale and the International Organization for Standardization. Bacteria were detected using Brown-Brenn-stained sections. Pulpal responses were evaluated using histomorphometric analysis and analysis of variance statistics. The results showed that RMGI was the best material for preventing bacterial microleakage, and resin-based composite bonded to enamel was the worst. In regard to minimizing pulpal inflammatory activity, ZnOE was the best material and resin-based composite bonded to enamel was the worst. In terms of maximizing odontoblast survival beneath deep cavity preparations, Ca(OH)2, was the best material and RMGI was the worst. The results show that bacterial microleakage, pulpal injury and repair responses varied widely with different restorative materials. The authors recommend that RMGI be used to restore teeth with cavities that are shallow to moderate in depth, with the floor of deep cavities being lined with Ca(OH)2 before the teeth are restored with RMGI.

Physiological Stress in Prehistoric India: New Data on Localized Hypoplasia of Primary Canines Linked to Climate and Subsistence Change

Approaches to the origin, character, and decline of the Jorwe Culture of prehistoric western India rely heavily on the interpretation of substantial archaeological and paleoclimatological evidence. A prominent feature of the Jorwe Culture at Inamgaon is the Late Jorwe phase (period III; 1100–700BC) which experienced climatic deterioration (aridity), cultural degeneration and a subsistence shift toward nomadism. The archaeological perspective envisions culture change during the Late Jorwe as an environmentally induced decline in economic status accompanied by a subsistence shift that included greater reliance on hunting and foraging. The language of choice by archaeologists describing the nature of the transition from Early to Late Jorwe has a pejorative tone insinuating that the changes described are largely for the worse.The objective of this study is to utilize new data on developmental defects of the primary teeth to evaluate levels of physiological stress in infants and children during the transition from Early to Late Jorwe Periods at Inamgaon. Does the degree of documented change in climate, culture, and subsistence have a measurable impact on growth and development of primary teeth? How does the prevalence of enamel hypoplastic defects at Inamgaon correlate with other measures of physiological stress and with cultural variations?To answer these questions a sample of 762 teeth and developing dental germs were observed for evidence of linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) and localized hypoplasia of primary canine teeth (LHPC). Scoring of enamel defects followed standards recommended by the Federation Dentaire Internationale. The primary canine sample comprised a total of 141 teeth, from 66 individuals. All primary teeth were examined with oblique incandescent light and a record was made of all enamel defects, including size and location on affected teeth. This analysis found that primary enamel defects were almost exclusively LHPC, and that very few individuals displayed LEH or other types of enamel defect.Thirty-nine percent of Inamgaon specimens and 28% of primary canine teeth exhibit evidence of LHPC. Side differences in prevalence do not occur, but mandibular canines display LHPC significantly more often than maxillary isomeres. The more numerous Late Jorwe sample shows a significantly lower prevalence of LHPC, an observation that agrees with better bone growth, increased dietary diversity and higher protein intake. While archaeological reference to climatic, cultural, and subsistence changes at Inamgaon as reflecting degeneration, deterioration, and decadence, may be justified, using these adjectives to describe the health, growth and nutrition status changes from Early to Late Jorwe is inappropriate. The Late Jorwe people of Inamgaon may have been “poorer” in material culture, but display several indicators of improved skeletal and dental development that suggest lower levels of physiological stress.

Strategies for Application of Scientific Findings in Prevention

Dental research in the last 50 years has accomplished numerous significant advances in preventive dentistry, particularly in the area of research in fluorides, periodontal diseases, restorative dentistry, and dental materials, as well as craniofacial development and molecular biology. The transfer of scientific knowledge to clinical practitioners requires additional effort. It is the responsibility of the scientific communities to transfer the fruits of their findings to society through publications, conferences, media, and the press. Specific programs that the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) has developed to transmit science to the profession and the public have included science transfer seminars, the Visiting Lecture Program, and hands-on workshops. The IADR Strategic Plan also has a major outreach goal. In addition, the Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have initiated plans to celebrate World Health Day and the Year of Oral Health in 1994. These are important strategies for the application of scientific findings in prevention.

ICOI Becomes Affiliate Member of Federation Dentaire Internationale

ICOI Becomes Affiliate Member of Federation Dentaire Internationale

The use of animal models in research on dental implants

The use of animal models in the study of dental implants has contributed greatly to our present understanding of the many different devices in use today. Animal testing plays a major role in assessing the safety and efficacy of dental implants. Standardized tests for determination of the toxicity and general biocompatibility responses of dental implants have been developed by the American Dental Association, the American National Standards Institute, and the Federation Dentaire Internationale. To date, animal testing has shown the nature of soft tissue attachment to implants and the types of interfacial tissues within bone sites. There have been increased studies correlating animal tests with in vitro analysis and human studies. Additional development of testing remains to be accomplished to show the effects of function on host tissue and the long‐term safety of dental implants.