Total Number Of Teeth Research Articles

Frequency and distribution of endodontically treated teeth.

To determine the distribution and pattern of carious teeth involvement in permanent teeth requiring endodontic treatment. Cross-sectional study. Dental Section of The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from September 2004 to March 2005. Data was collected from the dental records of patients. Tooth was the unit of evaluation. Variables studied were demographics, tooth type, etiology of endodontic treatment and pattern of caries involvement. Data was analyzed using chi-square test and Fischer's exact test. The total number of patients was 190; total number of teeth involved were 235. Females had more endodontically treated teeth than males. There was no significant difference in the distribution of etiology of endodontic treatment in both genders (p=0.564). An increasing trend of endodontic procedure was observed with the increasing age of patients. Caries was the most common etiological factor leading to endodontic treatment (p = 0.011). Class-II cavity i.e. proximal surface of teeth was the most commonly involved surface in endodontically involved teeth (p < 0.001). More molars had been endodontically treated followed by premolars and anterior teeth. Caries was the most common etiologic factor; lower molars were the most commonly involved and lower anteriors the least commonly involved teeth in endodontic procedure. Significant association was observed between etiology and tooth type. Significant association was found between cavity classification and etiology of endodontic treatment with class-II caries being most common.

Prosthetic status and treatment needs for lost masticatory function in haemodialysis patients

IntroductionPremature loss of permanent teeth leads to stomatognathic system disability. It is a very serious but underrated problem for patients with chronic renal failure. The aim of study was analyse the degree of loss of masticatory function and number of teeth present for haemodialysis patients, and to define patients’ needs for prosthetic treatment, which could restore correct occlusal condition.Material and methodsSixty-nine haemodialysis patients treated at the Nephrology and Transplantology Clinic with the Dialysis Centre at the Medical University of Bialystok, Poland. We checked: 1) the total number of teeth and number of teeth separately for upper and lower jaws, 2) the existing prosthetic restorations and 3) the preserved masticatory function.ResultsMore male than female patients were in possession of full dentition.All patients with at least 28 natural teeth with retained occlusal contacts whilst chewing were males (4; 10% males; 5.7% of the whole group). There were 15 edentulous patients: 7 males (10%) and 8 females (11.5%). Hundered percent of female patients presented with various degrees of tooth loss and needed prosthetic treatment. Nearly 70% of tested haemodialysis patients did not have a reconstructed masticatory function.ConclusionsThe population of haemodialysis patients from the North East part of Poland are patients with severe stomatognathic system dysfunctions. It is of importance for dentists, as well as nephrologists, to understand the essence of the problem, as the general health of a patient cannot be improved without ensuring functional comfort of such as important system as the masticatory one.

Prevalence of apical periodontitis and quality of root canal fillings in population of Zagreb, Croatia: a cross-sectional study

AimTo determine the prevalence of apical periodontitis and assess the quality of endodontic fillings in the population of the city of Zagreb, Croatia.MethodsA total of 1462 orthopantomograms from new patients at 6 different dental practices was analyzed during 2006 and 2007. The presence of periapical lesions was determined by using the periapical index score (PAI). The quality of endodontic fillings was assessed according to the filling length and homogeinicity. Data were analyzed using t test and ANOVA with Scheffe post-hoc test.ResultsThere were 75.9% of participants with endodontically treated teeth and 8.5% of all teeth were endodontically treated. Only 34.2% of endodontically treated roots had adequate root canal filling length, while 36.2% of root canal fillings had homogenous appearance. From the total number of teeth with intracanal post, 17.5% had no visible root canal filling. Using PAI 3 as a threshold value for apical periodontitis, periapical lesions were detected in 8.5% of teeth. Adequate quality of root canal fillings was associated with a lower prevalence of periapical lesions.ConclusionWe found a large proportion of endodontically treated teeth with apical periodontitis and a correlation between the quality of endodontic filling and the prevalence of periapical lesions. This all suggests that it is necessary to improve the quality of endodontic treatment in order to reduce the incidence and prevalence of apical periodontitis.

X – Zero Gear Drive with Minor Teeth Difference

Planetary gear drive with minor teeth difference (zd≤8) is one of the advanced transmitting styles and could meet the requirement of larger ratio in a smaller size of dimension. Generally the gears with addenda modifications play a principal role in planetary gear drive of minor teeth difference to avoid teeth interference during the mesh, and this transmission implies cumbersome parameters calculations and brings up higher angle of engagement to affect the load capacity because of life weakening on carrier bearings involved. In fact, provided some certain promise, zero addenda modification (viz. X-zero) drive with minor teeth difference could also qualify for gearing conditions so as to reduce the complicacy of calculations and angle of engagement mentioned above. From investigating the relationships amongst the total teeth number of internal gear, difference of tooth number between internal and external gear, addendum coefficient and teeth profile interference criterion, the unique design characteristic about X–zero gear drive with minor teeth difference are outlined.

Eruption Status of Third Molars in South Indian City

Aim : The aim of the present study is to determine the number of third molars per person, angulation, level, amount of space for eruption of third molar between ramus of mandible and second molar status of root and also to study the difficulty index. Objective: To study the eruption status of third molar in South Indian population. Materials and methods: The study conducted at Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. Maratha Mandals NG Halgekar College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre. Belgaum, Karnataka, India A total of 150 patients (54 females and 96 males) visiting outpatient department between the age group of 17 and 30 with a mean age of 23.5 years were selected- Before starting the study, ethical concern taken from the ethical committee and informed consent from each patent who underwent radiographic examination. Results: The results showed approximately 94.66% of the subjects had all four third molars, 8.6% had three third molars, 4.6% had two third molars and 2% had one third molars with 3.3% having agenesis of all third molars. Third molar agenesis showed predilection for upper jaw with higher proportion in females (5 5%) than males (2%). Angular position seen maximum with vertical position (66.16%) with least being horizontal impactions. Level of occlusal plane of third molar similar to that of adjacent tooth seen in 52.65%. Below the occlusal plane in 19.61 %, totally impacted teeth noted in 27.73%. More than 75% of the teeth had complete root formation. Among total number of teeth, 518 (91.51 %) teeth were easy to extract and remaining 33 (5.8%) were difficult to extract. Conclusion: Radiological and clinical findings have correlated to assess whether teeth were easy to extract or difficult. Because of the increasing incidence of unerupted third molars and the association of numerous complications with these retained teeth, assessment of germ position and prognosis of third molar eruption is necessary for better patient management.

Effect of occlusal contact stability on the jaw closing point during tapping movements

PurposeWe studied the relationship between tapping point reproducibility and stability of occlusal contacts at maximum intercuspation. MethodsTapping movements of 12 adult volunteers who had dentition with natural teeth were recorded, and distances between the tapping point (TP) and the intercuspal position (ICP) at the incisal point were calculated. Occlusal contacts at the ICP of individual subjects were also evaluated with black-colored silicone impression material. The correlation between TP–ICP distance and occlusal contact stability was studied. ResultsTP–ICP distance exhibited negative correlations with the total number of teeth showing occlusal contact at the ICP. Standard deviations of TP–ICP distance also negatively correlated with the extension of occlusal contact area over dentition. ConclusionsThis finding indicates that occlusal contacts at the ICP affect the kinematic behavior of tapping movements. The results of this study also suggest that jaw movement data may provide useful clinical information for the evaluation of occlusal contact at ICP.

An evaluation of serum albumin, root caries, and other covariates in Gullah African Americans with type-2 diabetes

Associations between dental conditions and overall health have been previously reported. Investigators have also shown significant inverse relationships between serum albumin (a general health status marker) and root caries. This relationship was explored among a study population of Gullah African Americans (who have a considerably lower level of non-African genetic admixture when compared to other African American populations) with type-2 diabetes (T2DM) and self-reported history of normal kidney function (N=280). Root caries indices were defined as total decayed and/or filled root surfaces. The coronal caries index [total decayed, missing, and/or filled coronal surfaces (DMFS)], level of glycemic control, total number of teeth, and other covariates were also evaluated. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between these factors and hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin concentrations <4 g/dl). Serum albumin concentrations ranged 2.4-4.5 g/dl (mean=3.8, SD=0.3), with 70.4% exhibiting hypoalbuminemia. Root caries totals ranged 0-38 (mean=1.3, SD=4.5) surfaces decayed/filled, while total teeth ranged 1-28 (mean=19.4, SD=6.2). DMFS totals ranged 2-116 (mean=55.2, SD=28.0). We failed to detect significant associations for root caries; however, the final multivariable logistic regression models showed significant associations between hypoalbuminemia and total teeth [odds ratio (OR)=0.93, P=0.01], poor glycemic control (OR=2.49, P<0.01), elevated C-reactive protein (OR=1.57, P<0.01), glomerular filtration rates ≥60 (OR=0.31, P=0.03), and age (OR=0.97, P=0.03). Previously reported inverse relationships between serum albumin and root caries were not evident in our study population. We propose that these null findings are because of the considerably lower level of root caries as well as other differing characteristics (including oral health status, the chronic presence of T2DM, and predominantly younger age) within our study population compared to these previously assessed groups.

Exposure to dental amalgam restorations in pregnant women

The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) started in 1999 to identify environmental factors that could be involved in mechanisms leading to disease. Questions have been raised about potential risks to the fetus from prenatal exposure to mercury from amalgam fillings in pregnant women. The aim of the present study was to identify factors potentially associated with amalgam fillings in pregnant women participating in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). An additional aim was to obtain information about dental treatment in the cohort. Total of 67,355 pregnancies from the MoBa study were included in the present study. Information regarding age, education, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, weight, and height for the women was obtained from a questionnaire that was filled in at the 17th week of pregnancy. In another questionnaire, which was sent to all participants in the 30th week of pregnancy, the women reported types of dental treatment during pregnancy, total number of teeth, and number of teeth with amalgam fillings. The self-assessed number of teeth and number of teeth with amalgam fillings were validated in an external sample of 97 women of childbearing age. Odds ratio for having more than 12 teeth with amalgam fillings increased considerably with age. Other significant risk factors for having high exposure to amalgam were low education, high body mass index (BMI), and smoking during pregnancy. Women with the lowest levels of education had a twofold increased odds ratio of having more than 12 teeth filled with amalgam compared with women who had more than 4 years of university studies. According to the results from the validation of self-assessed number of teeth with amalgam fillings, the information obtained was reliable. Age, education, smoking habits, and BMI were associated with amalgam exposure.

The effect of the gap between the post restoration and the remaining root canal filling on the periradicular status in a Turkish subpopulation

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the gap between the post restoration and the remaining root canal filling had an impact on the periapical health of endodontically treated teeth in a Turkish subpopulation. Digital panoramic radiographs, evaluated for this cross-sectional study, were randomly selected from files of patients who attended to Yeditepe University, Faculty of Dentistry, between June 2007 and December 2008. The total number of teeth with endodontic posts and crowns was 407. Two observers assessed the radiographs and evaluated the quality of root canal filling and the gap between the root canal filling and the post restoration. Periapical status of the teeth was assessed by the Periapical Index (PAI) scores. Only the teeth with a minimum of 5 mm apical root canal filling that was classified as "good endodontic treatment" were included in the study. Teeth that had no root canal filling, poor endodontic treatment, or less than 5 mm remaining root canal filling beyond post restoration were not assessed. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis and significance level was established at 5%. In cases with good endodontic treatment, there were 207 teeth that had no gap between the remaining root canal filling and the post restoration. In this group, 135 (65%) teeth had healthy periapex and 72 (35%) teeth showed signs of apical periodontitis. There were 81 teeth that had a gap between the remaining root canal filling and the post restoration. Of these teeth, 69 (85%) had periapical pathosis; however, only 12 (15%) teeth had healthy periapex. Statistical analysis revealed that the success rate of good endodontic treatment was significantly affected by the gap between the post restoration and remaining root canal filling (P < .001).

Isolated dinosaur teeth from the Lower Cretaceous Shahai and Fuxin formations of northeastern China

Isolated dinosaur teeth recovered from seven localities near Fuxin (western Liaoning Province, northeastern China) are described. They come from sediments belonging to the Shahai and Fuxin formations, considered to be Aptian to Albian in age. Seven taxa have been recognized. They include the oviraptorosaur Incisivosaurus, dromaeosaurid theropods, Euhelopus-like sauropods, as well as indeterminate nodosaurid, ankylosaurid, iguanodontoid and basal neoceratopsian ornithischians. The Shahai and Fuxin dinosaur faunas show the persistence of some Jehol biota taxa such as the highly specialised Incisivosaurus, basal titanosauriform sauropods, basal neoceratopsians and some dromaeosaurids, and the addition of more derived iguanodontoids and ankylosaurians. The persistence of some dinosaurs of the Jehol Biota into the Shahai and Fuxin formations suggests a long term stability of Liaoning terrestrial environments during the Early Cretaceous. Despite sampling bias and the rather small sample that must be taken into account, teeth abundances show a significant compositional difference between the localities of the Shahai and Fuxin formations, neoceratopsian teeth representing one third of dinosaur tooth remains in the Shahai Formation whereas they are totally absent in the Fuxin Formation. Ankylosaur teeth, in contrast, represent 3% of total remains in the Shahai Formation, whereas they seem to be the only herbivorous dinosaurs in the Fuxin Formation with 40% of the total number of teeth (the rest being theropod dinosaur teeth). Although a difference in micro-environmental conditions between Shahai and Fuxin localities may at least partly explain such pattern, the unusual and unbalanced faunal composition of Fuxin localities remains enigmatic and will need further field collecting in order to be clarified.

Oral health and its influence on cognitive behavioral therapy in patients fulfilling the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV criteria for intra-oral injection phobia

Objective. To describe self-perceived and clinically assessed oral health and oral treatment needs among intra-oral injection-phobic patients (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV) and to explore whether these factors have an impact on the outcome of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Material and methods. Fifty-five patients (43 women, mean age 32.5 years, range 18–62 years) were treated with short-duration CBT. Dental anxiety (Dental Anxiety Scale and Dental Fear Survey) and self-perceived oral health were assessed by means of questionnaires. Three dentists assessed oral health by means of clinical examination and radiographs. Treatment outcome was measured by ability to receive an intra-oral injection by a general dentist within a 1-year follow-up (FU) period or ability to complete a behavioral avoidance test (BAT) at FU, and changes in dental anxiety and positive and negative thoughts from pretreatment to FU. Results. Forty percent of patients ranged their oral health as “good” or “very good”. Mean decayed teeth (DT) was 2.2 (range 0–15). The total number of teeth in need of treatment, periodontal treatment, endodontic treatment and extractions ranged from 0 to 15, 0 to 19, 0 to 4 and 0 to 5, respectively. Self-rated oral health correlated significantly with clinical oral health. The outcome of CBT in terms of being able to receive a dental injection during FU was not influenced by oral health status. However, correlation analyses indicated that patients with the poorest oral health had the greatest increase in positive thoughts and the greatest decrease in negative thoughts from pretreatment to FU. Conclusions. The oral health of intra-oral injection-phobic patients varies substantially, but is comparable to that of the normal population. Coping with a dental injection after CBT is not influenced by oral health and treatment needs.

Actuarial life‐table analysis of lower impacted wisdom teeth in general dental practice

The appropriateness of extraction of asymptomatic impacted third molars has been much debated and as a result the number of extractions has fallen in the UK in the past few years. As a direct consequence of this decrease more impacted third molars are left in situ and yet, little is known about the natural history of these teeth. The aim of this study was to create an actuarial life-table and related survival analysis that would shed light on the natural history of an impacted lower third molar. Panoramic radiographs taken in 14 different general dental practices in Scotland were analysed and matched with their respective case notes in order to generate a sample of patients with asymptomatic impacted lower third molars. Subjects were assessed to confirm the presence of impaction and absence of symptoms and then re-assessed 1 year later for the development of symptoms during the study period to relate the incidence of symptoms within 1 year in the sample studied to age. Logistic regression was used to construct a life table based on the survival of symptom-free teeth (independently of extraction) during the study period. The number of patients included in the study was 583 and 421 for the baseline and follow-up assessments respectively. The total number of teeth analysed in both appointments was 676; from those 37 (5.47%) were extracted during the study period. About 562 teeth (83.13%) survived the study period symptom-free. There was a statistically significant inverse association between the development of symptoms studied and age. There was no statistically significant association between extraction and age. The study indicates that older patients are less likely to develop the symptoms studied. In addition the authors believe that there is evidence to suggest that general dental practitioners might not be following current guidelines when deciding whether or not to extract an impacted lower third molar in the centres studied.

Tooth loss and bone mineral density among women: a cross-sectional survey

We examined the association between total tooth loss and bone mineral density to determine whether the former can be used as a surrogate marker of the latter. A community based cross-sectional survey. The community-study area of the Faculty of Medicine, Galle. A group of randomly selected 327 women volunteers aged 32 to 97 years. Anthropometry, total number of teeth lost and bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and proximal femur. In categorical analysis, after adjusting for possible confounding factors, mean BMDs of the spine and proximal femur showed no significant differences in the thirds of the total tooth loss. In regression analysis, a loss of one tooth was negatively associated with spine BMD of premenopausal women by 0.003 g/cm2 and the trochanteric BMD of postmenopausal and all women by 0.001 g/cm2. These associations, however, were not seen in other skeletal sites. Total tooth loss did not show a uniform and significant association with bone mineral density, measured at relevant skeletal sites. Total tooth loss as a surrogate marker of low bone density cannot be justified in this population of women.

Prevalence and Incidence of Caries Lesions in Relation to Placement and Replacement of Fillings: A Longitudinal Observational Radiographic Study of an Adult Danish Population

The aim was to describe the prevalence and incidence of caries lesions in relation to the placement and replacement of amalgam and non-metal fillings in a randomly selected adult Danish population. In 1997 and in 2003, 470 individuals underwent a full-mouth radiographic survey. All recordings were based on radiographs. A total of 12,361 teeth were examined. Registrations were performed on surfaces: mesial, distal and occlusal or incisal. In 1997 the total number of teeth and the number of unfilled teeth per individual decreased with the age of the individual, whereas the number of caries lesions per individual did not vary systematically with age. In each age group approximately 50% of the individuals had no caries lesions. In 1997 approximately 70% of the filled surfaces were filled with amalgam and 30% with non-metal filling materials. In 2003 60% of the surfaces were amalgam-filled and 40% were non-metal-filled. Overall non-metal filling material was more frequently used than amalgam in both treatments and re-treatments. During the observation period approximately 20% of both amalgam and non-metal-filled surfaces were re-treated. For amalgam fillings this was constant across the tooth groups, but for non-metal fillings the percentage of re-treated surfaces was larger for molars. The percentage of teeth with caries increased from front teeth to posterior teeth. The lowest percentage of surfaces with caries was detected in unfilled surfaces, and the highest in non-metal-filled surfaces. The results from the present study suggest the need for reflection and diligence when using non-metal materials for dental fillings especially in relation to molars.

A Curriculum Vitae of Teeth: Evolution, Generation, Regeneration

The ancestor of recent vertebrate teeth was a tooth-like structure on the outer body surface of jawless fishes. Over the course of 500,000,000 years of evolution, many of those structures migrated into the mouth cavity. In addition, the total number of teeth per dentition generally decreased and teeth morphological complexity increased. Teeth form mainly on the jaws within the mouth cavity through mutual, delicate interactions between dental epithelium and oral ectomesenchyme. These interactions involve spatially restricted expression of several, teeth-related genes and the secretion of various transcription and signaling factors. Congenital disturbances in tooth formation, acquired dental diseases and odontogenic tumors affect millions of people and rank human oral pathology as the second most frequent clinical problem. On the basis of substantial experimental evidence and advances in bioengineering, many scientists strongly believe that a deep knowledge of the evolutionary relationships and the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the morphogenesis of a given tooth in its natural position, in vivo, will be useful in the near future to prevent and treat teeth pathologies and malformations and for in vitro and in vivo teeth tissue regeneration.

Molar-Incisor-Hypomineralisation (MIH). Retrospective clinical study in Greek children. I. Prevalence and defect characteristics

This was to evaluate the prevalence and the clinical characteristics of MIH in a group of Greek children. During the years 2003--2005, all MIH cases diagnosed according to the recently set criteria were selected from the new patients clinic of a Community Dental Centre for Children (Athens). Age, gender and teeth involved were recorded. The severity of MIH was determined collectively by dividing the affected teeth in two groups; a) mild defect (demarcated opacities) and b) moderate/severe defect (enamel breakdown and atypical restorations). Evaluation of the distribution of the affected teeth within MIH cases was performed in a separate group of 225 affected children aged 8-12 years with their entire 12 'index' teeth erupted. From the 3,518, 5.5 to 12 year old children that were examined, there were 360 (10.2%) children with MIH, 211 (58.6%) females and 149 (41.4%) males, with 1,926 affected teeth, 1,231 molars and 695 incisors. In the molars group, maxillary molars were more frequently affected (87.8/90.3%) than mandibular (81.7/82.2%). In the central incisor group, maxillary teeth were also more frequently affected (50/55%) than mandibular (24.4/25%), while laterals were the least affected. In all there were 37.9% molars with moderate/severe defects as compared with 4.9% incisors, the remaining 62.1% and 95.1% respectively being mild. The various associations between the affected teeth were evaluated in the sub-group of 225 MIH children with all 'index' teeth erupted (1,286 affected teeth, 776 molars and 510 incisors), with mean number of affected teeth per child being 5.7; separately for molars 3.4 and for incisors 2.2. In these cases 28.4% of the children had only molars affected and 71.6% had both molars and incisors. In descending order the associations of affected teeth more frequently found were: 4 molars/2 incisors (23.5%), 4 molars/4 incisors (16.8%), 4 molars alone (15.1%) and 2 molars alone (9.7%), the remaining being much less. As age increased the clinical severity of the affected teeth became more prevalent (p=0.0001), and when the total number of affected teeth was assessed the likelihood of having severe defect was also increased (p=0.001). The prevalence of the defect in the present study was 10.2% with maxillary teeth being more frequently affected. Severity increased with age. Mild defects were much more frequent, particularly in incisors. The total number of teeth affected and the most frequently found associations were, 4 molars/2 incisors, 4 molars/4 incisors, 4 molars alone and 2 molars alone.

Risk factors for tooth loss in an adult population: a radiographic study

The aim of the present study was to estimate the incidence and identify risk factors for tooth loss during a 5-year period in a randomly selected Danish population. In 1997 and 2003, 473 randomly selected adults received a full-mouth radiographic examination. The total number of teeth was 12,444. For each tooth, the following information was recorded from the radiographs: marginal bone level, filling, crown, root canal post, root filling, apicectomy, periapical status and caries lesion. Unconditional and conditional logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for tooth loss. During the study period, 107 teeth in 60 individuals were lost. On the individual level, reduced marginal bone level and apical periodontitis (AP) were highly associated with tooth loss. On the tooth level, a reduced marginal bone level, AP and apicectomy were strongly associated with tooth loss. Canines were not lost often, whereas tooth loss was more frequently observed in molars and premolars than in incisors. A reduced marginal bone level and AP were associated with tooth loss over time. Furthermore, there was a higher risk of tooth loss in the posterior regions than in the anterior region.

The relationship between formative and summative assessment of undergraduates in oral surgery

Regular, on-going formative assessments or a more comprehensive end of program summative assessment can be used to assess student's progress. The literature is scarce regarding the use of both types of assessment coincidentally and if the outcomes of formative assessments can predict the grades achieved summatively. This paper investigates whether there is any correlation between the formative assessments used in routine clinical contacts in the Newcastle course and the final summative assessment grade. The logbooks of 72 third year dental students were examined to collect data on the gradings achieved for formative and summative assessments. The categories of history and presentation, local anaesthesia, extraction and overall grades for each were compared using Spearman's Rho. Six logbooks were incomplete so were omitted from analysis (n = 66). In the formative assessment, the total number of teeth extracted was 1913, giving a mean per student of 29 (SD = 6.88). In the summative assessment, 15 students failed on their first attempt but all subsequently passed on resit. Positive correlation was found within each of the two types of assessment but no correlation was found between the overall grades for the formative and summative assessment. The overall grade achieved by a student in the formative assessment does not appear to predict their grade in the summative. The use of both assessments is beneficial, however, their use together must be considered carefully to avoid confusing students.

Increased serum leptin and decreased dental caries associated with overweight or obesity in children

Salivary and serum leptin are upregulated in overweight or obese (OWOB) adults, but this relationship is not established in young children. Salivary leptin may influence dental bacterial colonization leading to differences in incidence of caries between OWOB and lean controls (CON). The objectives were to determine if BMI, serum leptin and salivary leptin are correlated in children aged 2–7 and to determine if number of decayed and filled surfaces (DFS) in teeth differs between OWOB and CON.Children aged 2–7 were recruited, blood serum was collected and BMI was calculated. Serum leptin was quantified by radioimmunoassay. Number of teeth, and DFS were recorded after radiographic and clinical exam. Data were analyzed using ANOVA accepting p&lt;0.05 as significant.Serum leptin was significantly elevated in OWOB versus CON and correlated with BMI. CON and OWOB females produced more leptin than males. Salivary leptin was not detectable via conventional RIA in this population. Total number of teeth did not significantly differ between OWOB and CON. OWOB had significantly fewer decayed teeth, and fewer anterior DFS.Children as young as 2 exhibit elevated serum leptin levels. Females are more prone to this effect than males. Salivary leptin is not detectable by conventional methods in this population. OWOB children had significantly less dental decay.

Prosthetic Management of Patients Presenting with Juvenile Peridontitis at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Objective: To relate the pattern of tooth loss to tooth replacement in patients diagnosed with juvenile periodontitis at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital [LUTH]. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of the pattern of tooth loss and replacement in all patients diagnosed with juvenile periodontitis and post-juvenile periodontitis between March 2000 and June 2004 was carried out. Data collected from the clinical records of each patient contained: Name, Age, Sex, Type of missing teeth at presentation and pattern of tooth replacement. Results: A total of 27 patients were diagnosed with juvenile periodontitis during this period. Eighteen were referred for prosthetic replacement. Their age ranged between 18 and 36 years. A total of 24 removable partial dentures were fabricated, 17[70.8%] were kennedy class III type, of which 11[64.7%] had the bounded saddle located in the anterior segment. Majority 8[44.4%] of the patients had 2-4 teeth replaced even when more than 10 teeth were missing. Upper and lower anterior teeth accounted for 75.3% of the total number of teeth replaced. Though upper and lower 1st molars accounted for 19[22.1%] of missing teeth at presentation, they only accounted for 16[15.4%] of teeth replaced. Conclusion: The main objective of prosthetic rehabilitation is the restoration of the integrity of the dental arches. However, the choice of teeth replaced in the partial dentures provided for the patients in this study was based on the choice of the patients, and their choice was determined by aesthetics and affordability. Keywords: Juvenile periodontitis, pattern of partial tooth replacement.NQJHM Vol. 15 (3) 2005: pp. 138-142