Professional Dental Cleaning Research Articles

Mundhygiene, Prophylaxe und Therapie bei entzündlich-rheumatischen Erkrankungen

Inflammatory disorders of the periodontium are often associated with chronic systemic diseases, which can demonstrate a reciprocal influence. Within the adult population at present, 74% of younger adults and 88% of older individuals require periodontal treatment. Due to inflammatory processes, patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other chronic polyarthritides frequently suffer from pain in the temporomandibular joint and, since finger mobility is often limited, their ability to perform oral hygiene measures is impeded. However, diligent and constant oral hygiene is of crucial importance both for maintaining a healthy periodontium and to prevent the development of caries. For their daily dental care, these patients should favor the use of electric toothbrushes, products for interdental cleaning and mouth rinses. The dentist should be informed immediately about increased and constant gingival bleeding, gingival hyperplasia, loosening or migration of teeth associated with gingival recession or other irritations in the oral cavity. Professional dental cleaning should be routinely performed at 3- to 6-month intervals in order to prevent an increase in the risk for periodontal disease.

It is Unclear if Toothbrushing is a Risk Factor for Infective Endocarditis in Children

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Prevalence, intensity and nature of bacteraemia after toothbrushing. Lucas VS, Gafan G, et al. J Dent 2008;36(7):481-7. Reviewer Jan Bergstrom, PhD, DDS Purpose/Question Does professional dental cleaning have an influence on prevalence and intensity of bacteraemia? Source of Funding Information not available Type of Study/Design A cohort study Level of Evidence Level 2: limited-quality patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendationgrade Grade B: Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence

Dentistry and epilepsy

Epileptic seizures are the third most common medical incident in dental surgeries. Dentists should ask patients about a history of epilepsy and should know how to manage an epileptic seizure. Falls caused by seizures increase the risk of dental injuries, and fixed dental replacements (e.g., tooth implants) are recommended to reduce the risk of aspiration. Phenytoin induces gingival hyperplasia in 50% to 60% of patients, treatment options include a switch to alternative anticonvulsant drugs and improved dental hygiene. In addition to conventional dental care, the use of electric toothbrushes and the application of chlorhexidine and regular professional dental cleaning may prevent the development of gingival hyperplasia. Local anaesthetic agents without added adrenalin should be chosen (e.g., Mepivacain and Articain). There are case reports of reflex epileptic seizures caused by (prolonged) brushing of teeth.