The aim of this epidemiological survey was to analyze the periodontal conditions of 19-year old individuals in an urban area of Sweden, with special reference to gender and socioeconomic factors. A randomized sample of 272 individuals living in Göteborg, Sweden, was clinically examined with regard to oral hygiene, gingivitis, periodontal pockets, probing attachment loss (PAL) and gingival recession. Bitewing radiographs were used for assessments of alveolar bone level (ABL) and dental calculus. A questionnaire-based interview regarding oral hygiene habits was included. Data were analyzed with regard to differences between gender and socioeconomic grouping. The subjects showed a mean plaque score of 59% and a gingivitis score of 44%. 70% of the adolescents had a plaque score of ≥50%, whereas corresponding figure for gingivitis was 37%. 27% of the subjects had at least one tooth with gingival recession. The mean prevalence of sites with probing depth of ≥6 mm was 0.5, and the prevalence of PAL ≥2 mm was 0.7. A radiographic bone level of ≥2 mm was observed at on average 0.8 teeth per subject. Females had significantly less plaque and gingivitis than males and significantly higher number of teeth with gingival recession. There were no clinically significant differences in periodontal conditions between socioeconomic groups. In conclusion, the survey revealed higher prevalence of plaque and gingivitis among male than female adolescents but no differences between socioeconomic groups.

When treating patients with orthognathic surgery, there might be a risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) due to soft tissue changes in the upper airways, especially in patients treated with isolated mandibular setback or mandibular setback in combination with maxillary advancement. In the present study, we assessed respiratory function during sleep with home cardiorespiratory polygraphy in 62 patients who had not been previously been diagnosed with OSA at three times: prior to orthognathic surgery for aesthetic and functional indications, and then 3 months and 1 year after surgery. We evaluated surgical displacement based on measurements in three dimensions using pre- and post-operative computed tomography. There were only minor changes in the respiratory parameters such as the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), the apnoea-hypopnoea index in the supine position (AHIsup), the oxygen saturation index (ODI) and the snore index. There was no significant correlation between surgical displacement and the AHI, AHIsup and ODI. There was a weak but significant correlation between vertical displacement of the anterior mandible and the snore index. Within the limitations of the present study, the risk for iatrogenic obstruction of the upper airways seems to be low in patients without OSA treated with orthognathic surgery.

Introduction: In orthognathic surgery, understanding the patient’s motives for treatment is a key factor for postoperative patient satisfaction and treatment success. In countries/systems where orthognathic surgery is funded by public means, patients are referred mainly due to functional problems, although studies of quality of life related changes after treatment indicate that psychosocial and aesthetic reasons might be equal or more important for the patient. There is no available validated condition specific instruments in the Swedish language for quality of life evaluation of patients with dentofacial deformities.

Aims/objectives: Cross cultural translation and adaptation of the English-language instrument ‘Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire’ (OQLQ) into Swedish.

Methods: OQLQ was translated into Swedish. A total of 121 patients in four groups were recruited and the Swedish version of the OQLQ (OQLQ-S) was tested by psychometric methods. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Validity was evaluated by face, convergent and discriminant validity.

Results/findings and conclusions: OQLQ-S is reliable and showed good construct validity and internal consistency and can be used in a Swedish speaking population as a complement to clinical variables to evaluate patients with dentofacial deformity. 

Oral health is a multifaceted and changeable part of our overall health and well-being as it contributes to important everyday functions such as eating, talking, and conveying feelings. Our oral health can be affected by a range of determinants, one of which is obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] treated with continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP]. Even though xerostomia has been frequently reported upon, the possible relationship between oral health and CPAP-treated OSA is not clearly understood. The World Dental Federation [FDI] recently proposed a definition and theoretical framework of oral health, intended to be globally applicable and to move dentistry toward a more promotive approach. By using the FDI’s framework as a basis for exploration, studies in a general population can increase the understanding of different aspects of oral health and set the frame of reference for whether and how CPAP-treated OSA can be experienced to affect a person’s oral health.

The overall aim of this thesis was to gain a deeper understanding of how the FDI’s theoretical framework of oral health can be applied in a general population and how oral health is experienced in a specific population of persons with increased risk for adverse oral health.

The FDI’s framework was explored with empirical data from a general population (N=630) and a population of persons with experience of CPAP-treated OSA (N=18). In papers I and II, the FDI framework was tested and evaluated with quantitative methods (principal component analysis and structural equation modeling), using cross-sectional data from the Jönköping studies. In papers III and IV, qualitative methods (directed content analysis and critical incident technique) were used where personal views and experiences were explored using individual semi-structured interviews.

The findings in paper I showed that factors such as dental caries, periodontal disease, experience of xerostomia, and aesthetic satisfaction can be included in the FDI’s component the core elements of oral health. In paper II, driving determinants and moderating factors were found to have direct effects on all core elements of oral health except aesthetic satisfaction. Three of the core elements of oral health (oral health-related quality of life, aesthetic satisfaction, and xerostomia) had direct effects on the latent variable overall health and well-being. Driving determinants and moderating factors had no direct effect on overall health and well-being, and no indirect effects were found. In paper III, the study participants’ views on oral health determinants were described and could be categorized into all the FDI framework dimensions. The component driving determinants could include a range of determinants affecting a person’s oral health such as CPAP treatment, age, the influence of family and social surroundings, interdental cleaning, willingness to change when needed, and relationship with oral healthcare professionals. In paper IV, the study participants described both negative and positive experiences occurring with or without their CPAP. The negative experiences included increased xerostomia, pain or discomfort, tooth wear, and negative feelings. The positive experiences included decreased xerostomia and improved oral health habits due to improved sleep. Many of the difficulties could be managed by easily accessible facilitators. The experiences the study participants described could be included in all the FDI framework components.

In conclusion, the FDI’s framework can be applied in a general population to describe different components of oral health, and is also useful to describe a person’s views and experiences of oral health in a specific population. CPAP treatment could be considered an oral health determinant as it can affect a person’s oral health. Both positive and negative experiences can contribute to CPAP adherence as negative experiences often can be successfully managed.

Introduction

Oral health is part of general health, and oral diseases share risk factors with several non-communicable diseases. The World Dental Federation (FDI) has published a theoretical framework illustrating the complex interactions between the core elements of oral health (CEOHs): driving determinants, moderating factors, and general health and well-being. However, the framework does not specify which self-reported or clinical measurements to be included in the CEOHs.

Objectives

To explore oral health measurements relevant for a general adult population to be included in the CEOHs in the FDI's theoretical framework of oral health.

Materials and methods

A psychometric study was performed, using cross-sectional data from Sweden (N = 630, 54% women, mean age 49.7 years). The data set initially consisted of 186 self-reported and clinical measurements. To identify suitable measurements, the selection was discussed in different settings, including both experts and patients. Principal component analyses (PCAs) were performed to explore, reduce and evaluate measurements to be included in the three CEOHs. Internal consistency was estimated by Cronbach's Alpha.

Results

The validation process yielded 13 measurements (four clinical, nine self-reported) in concordance with the CEOHs. PCAs confirmed robust validity regarding the construction, predicting 60.85% of variance, representing psychosocial function (number of measurements = 5), disease and condition status (number of measurements = 4), and physiological function (number of measurements = 4). Cronbach's Alpha indicated good to sufficient internal consistency for each component in the constructs (a = 0.88, 0.68, 0.61, respectively).

Conclusion

In a Swedish general adult population, 13 self-reported and clinical measurements can be relevant to include to operationalise CEOHs in the FDI's theoretical framework.

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases have been associated with cardiovascular diseases, and persons with continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP]-treated obstructive sleep apnoea [OSA] have an increased risk for negative consequences for both oral and general health. CPAP treatment is often life-long and adherence to treatment is essential. Xerostomia is a common side-effect which can lead to treatment abandonment. Oral health is a changeable part of our general health and well-being and exploring the views of oral health determinants from persons with experience of CPAP-treatment is important to prevent adverse oral health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore what persons with experience of CPAP-treated OSA view as determinants for their oral health.

METHODS: Eighteen persons with long-term experience of CPAP-treated OSA were purposively selected. Data were collected by semi-structured individual interviews. A code book based on the World Dental Federation's [FDI] theoretical framework for oral health was developed and used to analyse the data using directed content analysis. The domains in the framework's component driving determinants were used as pre-determined categories. Using the description of driving determinants as a guide, meaning units were extracted from the interview transcripts through an inductive approach. Then, by employing a deductive approach the code book was used to categorise the meaning units into the pre-determined categories.

FINDINGS: The views on oral health determinants described by the informants were compatible with the five domains in the component driving determinants in the FDI's theoretical framework. Ageing, heredity, and salivation (biological and genetic factors), influences from family and the wider society (social environment), location and re-localisation (physical environment), oral hygiene habits, motivation, willingness to change, professional support (health behaviours), and availability, control, finances, and trust (access to care) were viewed as important oral health determinants by the informants.

CONCLUSION: The study points to a variety of individual oral health-related experiences that oral healthcare professionals could consider when designing interventions to reduce xerostomia and prevent adverse oral health outcomes for persons undergoing long-term CPAP-treatment.

Introduction: The World Dental Federation (FDI) has recently proposed a new definition and theoretical framework of oral health. The theoretical framework includes 4 main components and describes the relationships amongst them. In 2020, an international work group proposed the minimum Adult Oral Health Standard Set (AOHSS) of variables to measure oral health, which was mapped onto the FDI's theoretical framework. By using an empirical data set, the proposed variables in the AOHSS and the potential interactions amongst the components of the FDI's theoretical framework can be tested. The purpose of this research was to investigate structural relations of the components of the FDI's theoretical framework of oral health based on data from a general adult population.

Methods: Data from a previously conducted Swedish cross-sectional study focusing on oral health were utilised (N = 630; women, 55.2%; mean age, 49.7 years [SD, 19.2]). Variable selection was guided by the AOHSS. Structural equation modeling was used to analyse relationships amongst the components of the FDI's theoretical model (core elements of oral health, driving determinants, moderating factors, and overall health and well-being).

Results: The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14, xerostomia, and aesthetic satisfaction had statistically significant direct effects on overall health and well-being (p < .05). Driving determinants and moderating factors had statistically significant direct effects on all core elements of oral health (p < .05) except aesthetic satisfaction (p = .616). The predictors explained 24.1% of the variance of the latent variable overall health and well-being. Based on several indices, the proposed model showed acceptable model fit.

Conclusions: The FDI's theoretical framework can be used to describe different components of oral health and the relationship amongst them in an adult general population. Further research based on the FDI's theoretical framework in other populations and settings is needed to explore complex interactions and possible relationships that form oral health and to investigate other or additional important social determinants.

Aim: The aim of this literary study is to investigate the incidence and causal factors of periodontitis among individuals ≥50 years of age with coronary heart disease. Method: The method used for this literary study was to search for original scientific articles in the databases CINAHL, DOSS and MEDLINE. Relevant keywords were used for the search in the databases with restriction for the selection with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Original scientific articles were quality reviewed, medium and high quality of the articles were included. Results: The study shows a link between periodontitis and coronary heart disease. The severity of periodontitis affects the onset and progression of coronary heart disease. Factors that affect disease development are the inflammatory process and its biomarkers (interleukins and adiponectin) as well as age and specific periodontal bacteria. Conclusion: The result of this literary study shows a connection between the occurrence of periodontitis and coronary heart disease. Common risk factors for the diseases that has been identified are the inflammatory process, inflammatory biomarkers, age and oral bacteria.

ObjectivesThe present systematic review aimed to investigate how oral health related quality of life (OHQOL) associates with anxiety and depression. The study protocol was registered prospectively in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023389372).Materials and methodsStudies investigating associations between OHQOL and depression and/or anxiety were included. Fisher's Z scores were used to summarize associations between OHQOL and depression/anxiety. Funnel plots and Begg's Tests were used to assess publication bias. Meta-regression was conducted to examine potential moderator effects in the associations. Academic databases including the ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, ProQuest and PubMed were systematically searched. The quality of included studies was checked with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS).ResultsAll 15 included studies were cross-sectional (14,419 participants from nine countries; mean age=43.74 years). The pooled estimates showed weak associations between OHQOL and depression (Fisher's z-score of 0.26 [95% CI = 0.17, 0.35; I2 = 96.2%; tau 2 = 0.03]) and anxiety (Fisher's z-score of 0.22 [95% CI = 0.001, 0.43; I2 = 97.9%; tau 2 = 0.06]). No severe problems in methodology quality, publication biases, or moderator effects were observed.ConclusionBoth depression and anxiety were weakly associated with individuals' OHQOL. Although the synthesized associations were not strong, they were significant, indicating that depression and anxiety are potential factors influencing individuals' OHQOL.

Objective: To analyse the relationship between caries determinants in early childhood and caries prevalence in proximal surfaces in adolescents at the age of 15 years. Methods: The present longitudinal study is part of a series of surveys of oral health in 671 children followed from 1 to 15 years of age. Data were selected from examinations, interviews and questionnaires at 1, 3 and 6 years and bitewing radiographs at 15 years of age. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify caries-related determinants. The outcome variable was carious lesions and fillings (DFa) in approximal tooth surfaces at 15 years of age. Statistical comparisons were made between caries-free teenagers, DFa = 0 and teenagers with DFa > 0, DFa 4 and DFa 8, respectively. Results: In the final logistic regression analyses, caries experience at 6 years and mother's self-estimation of her oral health care as being less good to poor remained statistically significant and were related to caries in all three caries groups (i.e. DF > 0, 4 and 8) at 15 years of age. The consumption of sweets at 1 year remained statistically significant, with a caries experience of DF 4 and 8. The variables 'parents born abroad' and female gender were statistically significantly associated with DFa 4 and DFa 8, respectively. Furthermore, infrequent toothbrushing habits at 3 years of age and failure to attend the examination at 1 year were statistically significantly associated with caries at 15 years in the univariable analyses. Conclusion: Early caries experience, consumption of sweets at an early age and mother's self-estimation of her oral health care as being less good to poor are associated with approximal caries in adolescents. The study indicates that caries determinants identified during early childhood have a strong impact on approximal caries in adolescence.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is steadily increasing in many countries. Dental caries and obesity are both multifactorial diseases and are associated with dietary habits.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between body weight status in adolescents and snacking habits in early childhood to approximal caries prevalence at 15 years of age.

METHODS: This study is part of a series of surveys of oral health in children followed from the ages of 1 year to 15 years. Body adiposity status was estimated at 13.5-16.4 years using the International Obesity Task Force cut-off values [age-specific body mass index (isoBMI)]. Information about snacking habits in early childhood was collected from interviews conducted at 1 year and 3 years. Approximal caries information was obtained from bitewing radiographs at 15 years. Data related to isoBMI and approximal caries were available in 402 teenagers.

RESULT: Adolescents with isoBMI > or = 25 (n = 64) had an approximal caries prevalence that was a mean of 1.6 times higher than those with isoBMI < 25 (n = 338) (4.64 vs. 2.94; P = 0.014). Furthermore, children's snacking habits at an early age were associated with approximal caries at 15 years.

CONCLUSION: Overweight and obese adolescents had more approximal caries than normal-weight individuals. Moreover, the frequent consumption of snacking products during early childhood appears to be a risk indicator for caries at 15 years. Future preventive programmes should therefore include, on a multidisciplinary level, strategies to prevent and reduce both obesity and dental caries at an early age.

Overweight and obesity are increasing as health problems at global level. Dental caries and obesity are both multifactorial diseases and are associated with dietary habits. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between body weight status and caries prevalence in an unselected population followed from pre-school years to young adulthood. The present investigation was designed as a longitudinal analysis of the association between overweight/obesity and dental caries in one population at 3, 6, 15 and 20 years of age. The result shows that adolescents (15 years) and young adults (20 years) who are overweight/obese had a statistically significantly higher caries prevalence than normal-weight young people. At 6 years of age, the odds (OR) of having caries among obese children are 2.5 times higher than the odds for caries among six-year-old children of normal weight (p = 0.04). At 3 years of age, no association between overweight/obesity and caries was found. To conclude, overweight and obese adolescents and young adults had more caries than normal-weight individuals. The present study emphasises the need for multidisciplinary approaches to change the lifestyle factors causing both overweight/obesity and dental caries.

Objective: To describe postoperative analgesic regimens and patient-reported pain-related outcomes after tonsil surgery.

Methods: Cohort study including perioperative data (n = 9274) and patient-reported outcome measures (n = 5080) registered in the Swedish Quality Register for Tonsil Surgery during 2023.

Results: After tonsil surgery, 92.7% received at least paracetamol and a NSAID/COX inhibitor, while 6.8% received no NSAID/COX inhibitor. Opioids were prescribed after tonsillectomy to 62.9% of adults and less often to adolescents and children (13–17-year-olds: 48.2%, 6–12-year-olds: 8.8%, 0–5-year-olds: 4.0%). Clonidine was frequently prescribed to 0–5-year-olds after tonsillectomy (54.4%). Overall, 11.7% reported dissatisfaction with the pain treatment, with the highest dissatisfaction rate after tonsillectomy in adolescents (20.6%) and adults (20.0%), and the lowest after tonsillotomy in children (4.9–6.8%). The most common complaint among dissatisfied patients was analgesics not being sufficiently helpful. Adult patients who received addition of opioids were less dissatisfied with the pain treatment (15.9% vs. 25.9%, p < 0.001), but also reported more side effects (5.7% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.039), compared with patients who received only paracetamol and NSAID/COX inhibitors.

Conclusion: Tonsil surgery patients in Sweden receive various analgesic regimens. Although most are satisfied with pain treatment, there is room for improvement, particularly among adolescents and adults undergoing tonsillectomy. Paracetamol and a NSAID/COX inhibitor seem advisable as basic treatment. However, many patients need more effective treatment. The addition of opioids in adults results in greater satisfaction with pain treatment, but safety issues with opioid prescriptions must be taken into consideration.

Levels of Evidence: Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoke induces inflammation and remodels immune response. Genetic and epigenetic alterations might be involved in the pathogenesis of smoking related diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of smoking on systemic inflammation biomarkers and epigenetic changes at microRNA (miRNA) expression level. We also examined if the levels of inflammatory biomarkers were associated with selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

METHOD: From 39 smokers and 101 non-smokers, levels of total white blood cells (WBCs) and its subpopulations, plasma cytokines/chemokines/proteins and miRNAs were analysed. For three biomarkers, C-reactive protein (CRP), MCP-1 and IFN-γ that were affected by smoking, the influence of SNPs was analyzed.

RESULT: Elevated levels of total WBCs, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, CRP, MCP-1, IFN-γ and lower levels of miR-21 were detected in smokers. The elevated levels of IFN-γ in smokers was only statistically significantly associated with rs2069705 AG/GG SNP-genotype.

CONCLUSIONS: A lower level of oncomir miRNA-21 and a higher level of immune modelling cytokine IFN-γ detected in smokers could be a protective immune response to cigarette smoke. The higher level of IFN-γ in smokers with a specific SNP genotype also suggests that a genetic interaction with smoking might predict the pathobiology of smoking related disease.

Background: Electrolytes, proteins, and other salivary molecules play an important role in tooth integrity and can serve as biomarkers associated with caries.

Objective: To determine the concentration of potential biomarkers in children without caries (CF) and children with caries (CA).

Methods: Unstimulated saliva was collected, and the biomarkers quantified in duplicate, using commercial Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits to determine IgA, fibronectin, cathelicidin LL-37, and statherin levels, as well as colorimetric tests to detect formate and phosphate.

Results: Significantly higher concentrations of statherin was detected in the CF group (Median: 94,734.6; IQR: 92,934.6-95,113.7) compared to the CA2 group (90,875.0; IQR: 83,580.2-94,633.4) (p = 0.03). Slightly higher median IgA (48,250.0; IQR: 31,461.9-67,418.8) and LL-37 levels (56.1; IQR 43.6-116.2) and a lower concentration of formate were detected in the CF group (0.02; IQR 0.0034-0.15) compared to the group with caries (IgA: 37,776.42; IQR: 33,383.9-44,128.5; LL-37: 46.3; IQR: 40.1011-67.7; formate: 0.10; IQR: 0.01-0.18), but these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The fact that these compounds have been identified as good markers for caries among European adults highlights the difficulty of identifying universal biomarkers that are applicable to all ages or to different populations.

Objective: This study aimed to 1) investigate the relationships between hair cortisol concentration (HCC), insomnia symptoms, Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in preschool children with severe early childhood caries, 2) compare HCC, insomnia symptoms, HRQoL and OHRQoL in preschool children with severe early childhood caries with these factors in children without clinical signs of dental caries, and 3) explore correlations between caries scores and HCC, insomnia symptoms, HRQoL and OHRQoL.

Material and Methods: A case-control pilot study, including 12 children with severe early childhood caries and 28 controls, aged 3-5 years. Dental examination was performed and hair samples for cortisol were taken. Parents filled out questionnaires about their child’s insomnia symptoms, HRQoL and OHRQoL. Interpreters were used in families with language difficulties.

Results: The key findings in this pilot study were tendencies that children with severe early childhood caries had more insomnia symptoms, and poorer OHRQoL than the controls. Caries scores was correlated with insomnia symptoms and OHRQoL.

Conclusions: Dentists should include questions about the child’s sleep when they see the child, as insomnia related to dental caries may lead to several physical, mental, and social problems.

BACKGROUND: Vietnam, being a developing country does not have the same economic means to put into dental care as a country like Sweden. Knowledge, attitude and behavior are determining factors for oral health. The AIM of this literature study´s was therefore to evaluate knowledge, attitude and behavior regarding oral health among children and adolescents, in Vietnam and Sweden. METHOD:A literature review was made using the databases DOSS, MEDLINE and CINAHL. Twelve articles were included for the review. RESULTS: Bleeding gum was known, by one-third of the Vietnamese children and adolescents, to be a clinical sign of gingivitis. In Sweden the knowledge varied between 75-83%. In both Vietnam and Sweden, shiny and white teeth were mentioned to be important. The frequency of toothbrushing twice a day or more was reported from 40% to 68% among the participants in Vietnam. In Sweden, it varied from 73% to 82%. The highest percentage of children who consumed sweets daily or more frequent was 59,7% in Vietnam respectively 2-6% in Sweden. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about oral health was lacking and behavior could be seen to be inadequate. The attitude towards oral health is more focused on appearance than on the aspect of health.

Aim: The aim of the literature study was to study the occurrence of dental hypomineralization (MIH), plaque and caries in prematurely born children in the primary and permanent dentition. Method: The study was a literature study. Four databases were used, MEDLINE, DOSS, CINAHL and PubMed, to find relevant articles for the study. A total of 14 articles were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Two out of four studies showed that prematurely born children have an increased risk for MIH-affected teeth than full-term children. In common, the findings from the studies showed a higher amount of plaque was found in preterm children compared to control groups. The majority of the studies did not find a statistically significant difference between premature children and full-term children in dental caries prevalence. Conclusion: Premature birth can lead to higher incidence of plaque and dental hypomineralization. A higher incidence of caries in preterm children could not be established.  Increased knowledge of these complications is important for being able to treat prematurely born children in a professional manner. More research is needed on the relationship between prematurely born children and caries.

Background: A growing body of evidence demonstrates a different bacterial composition in the oral cavity of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP).

Patients and methods: Buccal swab samples were collected from affected and non-affected sites of six patients with reticular OLP and the healthy oral mucosa of six control subjects. 16S rRNA gene MiSeq sequencing and mass spectrometry-based proteomics were utilised to identify the metataxonomic and metaproteomic profiles of the oral microbiome in both groups.

Results: From the metataxonomic analysis, the most abundant species in the three subgroups were Streptococcus oralis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, accounting for up to 70% of the total population. Principal Coordinates Analysis showed differential clustering of samples from the healthy and OLP groups. ANCOM-BC compositional analysis revealed multiple species (including P. aeruginosa and several species of Veillonella, Prevotella, Streptococcus and Neisseria) significantly over-represented in the control group and several (including Granulicatella elegans, Gemella haemolysans and G. parahaemolysans) in patients with OLP. The metaproteomic data were generally congruent and revealed that several Gemella haemolysans-belonging peptidases and other proteins with inflammatory and virulence potential were present in OLP lesions.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that several bacterial species are associated with OLP. Future studies with larger cohorts should be conducted to determine their role in the aetiology of OLP and evaluate their potential as disease biomarkers.

Relationship between oral health-related quality of life and teeth whitening

Summary

Aim: The aim of the study was to study the relationship between oral health-related quality of life and teeth whitening.

Method: Literature Study. Scientific articles were searched in databases DOSS, PubMed and Medline with keyword combinations "Oral health-related quality of life" AND "teeth whitening" and "quality of life" AND "teeth whitening". The literature study included 13 quality-reviewed articles.

Results: The thematic analysis resulted in three main themes and under each central main theme has several sub-theme identifiers. Main themes showed that there was a connection between oral health-related quality of life and teeth whitening: Aesthetic impact, Psychological impact and Pain impact. Teeth whitening led to reduced aesthetic anxiety, improved aesthetic self-perception, color change, reduced discomfort, improved self-confidence that had a positive effect on the oral health-related quality of life. On the other hand, teeth whitening could cause tooth sensitivity and soft tissue irritation, which had a negative effect on the oral health-related quality of life.

Keywords: Bleaching, discolored teeth, quality of life , whiter teeth.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of pictorial support among dental hygienists when meeting children in a dental environment. Method and material: A digital questionnaire with 15 questions was send out to all (102) actively working dental hygienists in the county of Jönköping. There were a total of 57 participants, 54 women and 3 men who answered the questionnaire. Results were presented with absolute and relative frequencies, mean value and Chi-square test. Results: There was an interest in using pictorial support among dental hygienists. All dental hygienists in special dental care used pictorial support. Among dental hygienists in public dental care 23.5% used pictorial support. Results showed that the majority of dental hygienists preferred using pictorial support on all children. There was no statistically significant difference between using pictorial support and the length of dental hygienist education, but participants who finished a three-year education used pictorial support more often. Conclusion: Pictorial support has found to be a useful tool in dental care, still there are dental hygienists that don’t use it. More knowledge and research are needed about pictorial support so the effect of augmentative and alternative communication can be evaluated.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess orofacial function and monitor oral care in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to maintain oral comfort and oral health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case series of 14 patients newly diagnosed with ALS accepted to participate in a quality improvement project. After initial examinations, baseline oral conditions were obtained and the patients were seen every 3 months. Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) was used for evaluation of orofacial function.

RESULTS: Patients were grouped according to initial symptoms in a bulbar group and a spinal group with eight and six patients, respectively. The mean age at diagnosis was 62.8 years. All were dentate with a mean of 26.7 natural teeth. Most patients had very good oral and dental conditions. As expected, orofacial functions were differently affected in the two groups; at initial NOT-S registration, the mean total score was 5.6 (range 3-8 domains) in the bulbar group and 0.7 (0-2 domains) in the spinal group. At final registration, the corresponding figures were 6.1 and 3.2. Oral and dental aids were introduced according to need.

CONCLUSIONS: In the bulbar group, several orofacial functions became impaired at an early stage of disease development, and at final registrations many vital orofacial functions were severely compromised. The spinal group was less severely affected orally. However, all individuals irrespective of type of initial symptoms needed assistance in performing oral hygiene measures in the latter part of the disease period. Good oral health and oral comfort could be maintained in all participants and no other dental treatment was needed.

Objectives. The aim was to assess signs and symptoms from other ectodermal organs in addition to teeth in young individuals with oligodontia and to establish the prevalence of oligodontia.

Sample and methods.  Children born 1981–94 reported by dental teams in the Public Dental Service to have oligodontia were asked to participate in a clinical study. The examinations comprised a structured interview on symptoms from ectodermal organs, and testing of salivary secretion.

Results.  One hundred and sixty-two individuals met the inclusion criteria, and 123 individuals (75·9%) participated in the clinical study. Half of the individuals had one to four signs or symptoms from ectodermal organs beside oligodontia. The most common sign was low salivary secretion. Twelve individuals (9·6%) with isolated oligodontia reported impaired function of the sweat glands, hair, or nails. The prevalence of oligodontia was 0·090%.

Conclusions.  An early identification of individuals with oligodontia can be made in a majority of cases by checking that all permanent incisors have erupted at the age of 8 years. The validity in asking individuals about normal and abnormal function of ectodermal organs was found to be low. This indicates that there is a strong need to establish routine clinical criteria for dysplasia of ectodermal organs.

BACKGROUND: The WNT10A protein is critical for the development of ectodermal appendages. Variants in the WNT10A gene may be associated with a spectrum of ectodermal abnormalities including extensive tooth agenesis.

METHODS: In seven patients with severe tooth agenesis we identified anomalies in primary dentition and additional ectodermal symptoms, and assessed WNT10A mutations by genetic analysis.

RESULTS: Investigation of primary dentition revealed peg-shaped crowns of primary mandibular incisors and three individuals had agenesis of at least two primary teeth. The permanent dentition was severely affected in all individuals with a mean of 21 missing teeth. Primary teeth were most often present in positions were succedaneous teeth were missing. Furthermore, most existing molars had taurodontism. Light, brittle or coarse hair was reported in all seven individuals, hyperhidrosis of palms and soles in six individuals and nail anomalies in two individuals. The anomalies in primary dentition preceded most of the additional ectodermal symptoms. Genetic analysis revealed that all seven individuals were homozygous or compound heterozygous for WNT10A mutations resulting in C107X, E222X and F228I.

CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that tooth agenesis and/or peg-shaped crowns of primary mandibular incisors, severe oligodontia of permanent dentition as well as ectodermal symptoms of varying severity may be predictors of bi-allelic WNT10A mutations of importance for diagnosis, counselling and follow-up.

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has an impact on an individual's quality of life and general health, and can also affect their oral health. The patient's experiences, together with intraoral signs and symptoms could indicate the presence of OSA. Knowledge that the patient has, or is at high risk for having OSA can help the dental healthcare provider maintain the oral health and general health for these patients. The purpose was to explore dentists and dental hygienists' experiences when encountering adult patients with potential, untreated and treated OSA.

Methods: A qualitative inductive approach was used. Experienced dentists and dental hygienists working within Swedish Public Dental Service were strategically selected. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were performed followed by qualitative content analysis.

Results: Interviews from 13 participants, seven dental hygienist and six dentists, led to three areas describing varied experience: Importance of the patient encounter and identifying intraoral signs both of which describe experiences related to the importance of the initial unstructured conversation and focused clinical assessments, and strategies for nurturing care which point to interest about care, treatment, and collaborations with medical health care providers.

Conclusions: Dental professionals are not able to consistently recognize patients who have, or are at high risk for OSA. During the patient encounter, is it important to determine if a patient is at risk for, or has oral signs of OSA.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we investigated prolonged pain reactions in teenage orthodontic patients during a common orthodontic treatment. The aim was to examine factors predicting pain at the end of a follow-up week after placement of elastic separators. METHODS: Fifty-five patients (ages, 12-18 years) were included. Baseline assessments were made of perceived intensity of general and dental pain experiences, motivation for treatment, dental anxiety, and personality factors (self-esteem and temperament). Pain intensity was assessed on a visual analog scale, and pain medications were recorded. The patients were separated into pain and no-pain groups according to pain experiences at day 7. RESULTS: The pain group (mainly girls) had significantly higher ratings of treatment pain than in the non-pain group at all times measured except for the treatment day. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions showed significant predictive power from motivation, dental anxiety, activity temperament, and vaccination pain. CONCLUSIONS: In this adolescent patient sample, low motivation for orthodontic treatment, high ratings of vaccination pain, elevated dental anxiety level, and low activity temperament characterized patients reporting pain 1 week after the elastic separators were placed.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in patients referred to a specialist clinic because of muscular problems 18-20 years earlier and who had received mainly acupuncture and/or interocclusal appliance therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-five subjects who had received therapy at a TMD specialist clinic 18-20 years earlier were mailed a questionnaire with questions about TMD symptoms, their attitude towards the therapy, and their opinion about the outcome. Fifty-five subjects (85%) answered and returned the questionnaire. RESULTS: Before therapy, 87% had had severe TMD symptoms, but this figure decreased to 38% at the long-term follow-up. The mean values of the subjects' complaints at worst and at best before treatment, measured with a visual analog scale, were 66 (range 26-100) and 31 (range 0-100), respectively. The corresponding figures at the long-term follow-up were 32 (range 0-96) and 16 (range 0-70). Headache at least once a week was originally reported by 73% of the women and by 77% of the men. Headache prevalence 18-20 years later was 35% in women and 54% in men. The majority of patients were positive about the therapy they had received, and would recommend it to a friend with similar complaints. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of the patients reported a lasting improvement in their symptoms. Patients' overall opinions of the therapy received were positive.

Objectives: To compare treatment time, patients' perceptions during orthodontic treatment, dental fear and side effects, between open and closed surgical exposures in patients with palatally displaced canines (PDCs). Trial design: Multicentre, randomized controlled trial, with random 1:1 allocation of two parallel groups. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty patients from three different orthodontic centres were randomized into one of the two intervention arms, open or closed surgical exposure. Both techniques had mucoperiosteal flaps raised and bone removed above the PDCs. In open exposure, tissue was removed above the canine, and glass ionomer - reaching above soft tissue - was built on the crown. The canine was then left to erupt spontaneously, prior to orthodontic alignment. At closed exposure, a chain was bonded to the canine and orthodontic traction was applied under the mucosa until eruption. Orthodontic alignment of the canines was undertaken after eruption into the oral cavity, with fixed appliances in both groups. All participants were treated according to intention to treat (ITT). Blinding: Due to the nature of this trial, only outcome assessors could be blinded to the intervention group. Results: One hundred and seventeen patients completed the trial. All PDCs were successfully aligned. Total treatment time was equal in the two techniques, mean difference -0.1 months (95% CI -3.2 to 2.9, P = 0.93). The closed group experienced more pain and discomfort during the active orthodontic traction. Dental fear, root resorption and periodontal status did not show any clinically significant differences between the groups. Generalizability: Results of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) can be generalized only to a similar population aged 9-16 years, if exclusion criteria are met. Conclusion: The closed exposure group experienced more pain and discomfort mostly during active orthodontic traction. All other studied outcomes were similar between the two exposure groups.

OBJECTIVES: To study secular trends in cardiovascular risk factors in four different cohorts of women examined in 1968-1969, 1980-1981, 1992-1993 and 2004-2005. DESIGN: Comparison of four representative cohorts of 38- and 50-year-old women over a period of 36 years. SETTING: Gothenburg, Sweden with approximately 450,000 inhabitants. SUBJECTS: Four representative samples of 38- and 50-year-old women were invited to free health examinations (participation rate 59-90%, n =1901). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), leisure time exercise, use of antihypertensive medication, smoking, levels of haemoglobin, b-glucose, s-cholesterol, s-triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in mean BMI from 1968-1969 versus 2004-2005. Mean leisure time exercise was significantly higher in later born cohorts; in 1968, around 15% were physically active compared with 40% in 2004. SBP and DBP, mean s-cholesterol and s-triglyceride levels were significantly lower in both 38- and 50-year-old cohorts in 2004-2005 versus 1968-1969. HDL-cholesterol (not measured until 1992-1993), showed a significantly higher mean level in 2004-2005. Reduction of risk factors was apparent in women with a high as well as low level of physical activity. Smoking declined most in women with high levels of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Several cardiovascular risk factors related to lifestyle have improved in middle-aged women from the 1960s until today. Most of the positive trends are observed in women with both low and high physical activity.

Background: Closed and open surgical techniques are two different main approaches to surgical exposure of palatally displaced canines (PDCs). Because there is insufficient evidence to support one technique over the other, there is a need for randomized controlled trials.

Objectives: To compare surgery time, complications and patients' perceptions between closed and open surgical techniques in PDCs.

Trial design: The trial was a multicentre, randomized, controlled trial with two parallel groups randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio.

Material and methods: Study participants were 119 consecutive patients from 3 orthodontic centres, with PDCs planned for surgical exposure, randomly allocated according to a computer-generated randomization list, using concealed allocation. Full-thickness mucoperiosteal flap was raised, and bone covering the canine was removed in both interventions. In closed exposure, an attachment with a chain was bonded to the canine and the flap was sutured back with the chain penetrating the mucosa. In open exposure, a window of tissue around the tooth was removed and glass ionomer cement placed on the canine crown, to prevent gingival overgrowth during spontaneous eruption. Patient perceptions were assessed with two questionnaires, for the evening on the day of operation and 7 days post-surgery.

Blinding: It was not possible to blind either patients or care providers to the interventions. The outcome assessors were blinded and were unaware of patients' intervention group.

Results: Seventy-five girls and 44 boys, mean age 13.4 years (SD 1.46) participated in the study and got either of the interventions (closed exposure, n = 60; open exposure, n = 59). Surgery time did not differ significantly between the interventions. Complications though were more severe in bilateral cases and the patients experienced more pain and impairment in the open group.

Conclusion: There were no statistically significant differences regarding surgery time between the groups. Postoperative complications were similar between the groups in unilateral PDCs, but more common in the open group in bilateral cases. More patients in the open group experienced pain and impairment compared to the closed group.

Trial registration: Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02186548 and Researchweb.org, ID: 127201.

Objective: To evaluate the costs of open and closed surgical exposure and subsequent orthodontic treatment for the correction of palatally displaced canines (PDCs).

Trial design: A multicentre, two-arm parallel group randomized controlled trial.

Methods: One hundred twenty adolescents between 9 and 16 years of age, from three orthodontic specialist centres, were randomized to one of the two surgical exposure interventions.The randomization was conducted according to a two-arm parallel group 1:1 allocation ratio, using computerized lists with block randomization. In both the surgical techniques, whole mucoperiosteal flaps were raised, and bone covering the PDCs was removed. In the open technique, glass ionomer was built up on the PDC crown reaching above the mucosa through a hole punched in the flap-to allow the canine to erupt autonomously. After eruption, the canine was orthodontically moved above the mucosa. In the closed technique, an eyelet was bonded onto the PDC, the flap was repositioned and the canine was orthodontically moved beyond the mucosa.The trial ended when the PDC was successfully aligned in the dental arch. Cost analysis was performed including costs for surgery, orthodontic treatment, emergency visits, and material, as well as costs for transports and time spent in connection with every appointment.

Blinding: Patients and caregivers could not be blinded due to obvious limitations of the clinical setting, while outcome assessors and data analysts were blinded.

Results: A cost-minimization analysis was performed since both exposure groups succeeded equally well in terms of treatment effects. The two different surgical exposures and following orthodontic treatments did not differ significantly in terms of costs.

Generalizability and limitations: Costs are estimated in the Swedish setting, which needs to be considered if applying the results in other settings. Calculations of total cost do not include finishing, debonding, retention, and follow-up.

Conclusion: There is no significant difference in costs between closed and open surgical exposure with following orthodontic treatments in PDCs.

Objective

To investigate current odontological care routines for patients treated for head and neck cancers in the county councils/regions (C/Rs) of Sweden.

Methods

An invitation to fill in a web-based questionnaire was sent to dentists/dental hygienists working in dental clinics in the 12 C/Rs, treating and responsible for the odontological care of patients undergoing treatment for cancer of the head and neck. The questionnaire started with two mandatory and one non-mandatory questions, followed by questions regarding routines before (n = 28), during (n = 23), and after (n = 9) treatment, plus two additional questions, totalling 65 questions.

Results

Four dental hygienists and six dentists in 10 of the 12 C/Rs answered the questionnaire. Three C/Rs stated that they measure both the unstimulated and stimulated salivary secretion rate, and another C/R stated that they measure the stimulated secretion rate only. Similar recommendations were given regarding oral hygiene, salivary stimulants and substitutes, and extra fluoride. However, great variations were seen regarding recommendations for preventing and relieving oral mucositis. There were also discrepancies regarding information about the importance of avoiding smoking and alcohol. In seven C/Rs, patients visited the dental hygienist once a week during cancer treatment.

Conclusion

The results suggests that there are great variations in odontological care given to patients undergoing treatment for cancer of the head and neck region in different county councils/regions in Sweden. There is a need to develop and implement evidence-based guidelines to decrease the risk of oral complications and increase both the quality of life and the quality of care.

Introduction During development of dental caries, oral biofilms undergo changes in microbial composition and phenotypical traits. The aim of this study was to compare the acid tolerance (AT) of plaque from two groups of children: one with severe caries (CA) and one with no caries experience (CF) and to correlate this to the microbial composition and metabolic profile of the biofilms. Methods Dental plaque samples from 20 children (2-5 years) in each group were studied. The AT was analyzed by viability assessment after exposure to an acid challenge (pH 3.5), using LIVE/DEAD (R) BacLight (TM) stain and confocal microscopy. Levels of acid tolerance (AT) were evaluated using a scoring system ranging from 1 (no/low AT), to 5 (high/all AT). Metabolic profiles were investigated following a 20 mM glucose pulse for one hour through Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Microbial composition was characterized by 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing. Results The mean AT score of the CA group (4.1) was significantly higher than that of the CF group (2.6, p < 0.05). When comparing the end-products of glucose metabolism detected after a glucose-pulse, the CA samples showed a significantly higher lactate to acetate, lactate to formate, lactate to succinate and lactate to ethanol ratio than the CF samples (p < 0.05). The bacterial characterization of the samples revealed 25 species significantly more abundant in the CA samples, including species of Streptococcus, Prevotella, Leptotrichia and Veillonella (p < 0.05). Discussion Our results show that AT in pooled plaque from the oral cavity of children with severe caries is increased compared to that in healthy subjects and that this can be related to differences in the metabolic activity and microbial composition of the biofilms. Thus, the overall phenotype of dental plaque appears to be a promising indicator of the caries status of individuals. However, longitudinal studies investigating how the AT changes over time in relation to caries development are needed before plaque AT could be considered as a prediction method for the development of dental caries.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to design a structured treatment model focusing on all levels of adult’s dental fear, the Jönköping Dental Fear Coping Model (DFCM). The aim was to study the DFCM from a dental health professional perspective.

Material and methods: The DFCM was studied by means of quantitative and qualitative analyses. Nine dental clinics participated in Period I (pre-intervention/standard care), and 133 dental health professionals (dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants) and 3088 patients were included. After completion of Period I, four of the clinics were randomized to Period II (intervention), beginning with the professionals undergoing DFCM training. Following that, 51 dental health professionals treated 1417 patients according to the DFCM. The other five clinics served as controls.

Results: Half or more of the dental health professionals assessed the model as better than standard care, regarding anamnesis and diagnostics, communication and contact, and understanding of patients and dental fear. The dental health professionals reported higher tension in their fearful patients in Period II compared with Period I, possibly due to their increased awareness of dental fear.

Conclusions: The qualitative data suggest that dental health professionals find the DFCM beneficial in routine dental care. The model promotes a holistic approach to the treatment of adult patients. However, stress among the professionals was not reduced when measured, neither quantitatively nor qualitatively. It is important to evaluate the model in further studies to make it possible to draw generalizable conclusions. 

Objective: This study is a part of a project with the aim to construct and evaluate a structured treatment model (the Jönköping Dental Fear Coping Model, DFCM) for the treatment of dental patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the DFCM from a patient perspective.

Material and methods: The study was performed at four Public Dental Clinics, with the same 13 dentists and 14 dental hygienists participating in two treatment periods. In Period I, 1351 patients were included and in Period II, 1417. Standard care was used in Period I, and in Period II the professionals had been trained in and worked according to the DFCM. In the evaluation, the outcome measures were self-rated discomfort, pain and tension, and satisfaction with the professionals.

Results: In comparison with standard care, less tension was reported among patients treated according to the DFCM, (p =.041), which was also found among female patients in a subgroup analysis (p =.028). Additional subgroup analyses revealed that patients expecting dental treatment (as opposed to examination only) reported less discomfort (p =.033), pain (p =.016) and tension (p =.012) in Period II than in Period I. Patients with low to moderate dental fear reported less pain in Period II than in Period I (p =.014).

Conclusions: The DFCM has several positive effects on adult patients in routine dental care. In a Swedish context, the differences between standard care and treatment according to the model were small but, in part, statistically significant. However, it is important to evaluate the model in further studies to allow generalization to other settings. 

Objectives: The aim of this multicenter trial was to compare the clinical and radiographical outcome of a ready-to-use Emdogain®-gel (test) with the marketed Emdogain® (control). Methods: Subjects with bilateral infrabony defects ≥4 mm deep and ≥2 mm wide according to radiographs were selected. 88 subjects with probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥6 mm ≥1 month after supervised oral hygiene and scaling participated. At baseline plaque index, bleeding on probing, PPD and probing attachment level were recorded and reproducible radiographs for computer-based bone level measurements were taken. In each subject, 1 tooth was randomly treated with the test and 1 tooth with the control gel. Examinations were repeated 8 and 16 months post-operatively. Results: After 16 months, the mean test PPD was 4.1 mm and the mean control PPD 4.2 mm. The mean gain of attachment was 2.7 mm for test and 2.9 mm for the control sites, and the radiographic measurements demonstrated a mean gain of 1 mm for both test and control sites. Conclusion: This series of cases demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of pocket depths and gain of attachment and bone after 8 and 16 months with no difference between the 2 preparations.

Aim: The aim of the study was to compile scientific studies that studied the reliability of the caries risk assessment instruments (CAMBRA, Cariogram and R2) and their capacity to predict future caries development in children and adolescents. Method: The study is a general literature study based on scientific articles obtained from the databases Dentistry & Oral Sciences source (DOSS), PUBMED, CINAHL, SwePub and SveMed+. The articles were selected according to inclusion-/exclusion criteria. The included studies were reviewed with modified review template to present studies of strong value. The result is based on a total of 17 scientific articles that respond to the study's purpose and questions. Result: Caries risk assessment instrument is a useful tool in dental care, as it facilitates work with the risk grouping of patients. However, there is a need for further development of the various instruments in order for these to be considered fully reliable. Conclusion: The common feature of the three caries risk assessment instruments is that these should be reviewed and further developed in order to achieve full reliability.

This study investigated the effect of mechanical infection control for periodontitis and periodontal surgery on the prevalence of well-established risk factors for atherosclerosis, and plasma levels of cytokines, antibodies against heat shock proteins and markers of systemic inflammation. Sixty-eight patients between 39 and 73 years of age with severe periodontitis who had been referred to four specialist periodontology clinics in Sweden were investigated. A fasting venous blood sample was taken at baseline and additional samples were collected after 3 and 12 months. A total of 54 patients underwent periodontal treatment. The periodontal treatment was successful, as pathogenic gingival pockets decreased significantly. Plasma glucose, lipids and markers of systemic inflammation were not significantly altered after 3 months. One year after the initial treatment, HDL-C concentrations were significantly increased (Δ0.08 mmol/L) whereas LDL-C concentrations decreased (Δ0.23 mmol/L). Haptoglobin concentrations were also lower. Interleukin-18 and interferon-γ levels were also lower after 12 months (60 ng/L (-23%) and 11 ng/L (-97%) respectively). Treatment had no effect on plasma levels of IgA, IgG1, IgG2 antibodies against heat shock proteins. In conclusion, this study indicates that standard treatment for periodontal disease induces systemic changes in several biochemical markers that reflect the risk for atherosclerosis. 

Aim: Studies have reported on an association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and periodontitis. The purpose of this case-control study was to provide an insight into this association by determining the plasma levels of some risk markers for CVD in cases with periodontitis.

Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight cases with periodontitis, mean age 53.9 (SD 7.9) years, and 48 randomly selected healthy controls, mean age 53.1 (SD 7.9) years, were investigated. Fasting blood plasma was analysed for glucose, lipids, markers systemic inflammation, cytokines and antibodies against heat shock proteins (Hsp). The associations between periodontitis and the various substances analysed in plasma were calculated using a multivariate logistic regression model, which compensated for age, gender, smoking and body mass index.

Results: The regression analyses revealed a significant association between periodontitis and high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) [odds ratio (OR) 4.0, confidence interval (CI) 1.4-11.4] and fibrinogen (OR 8.7, CI 2.6-28.4), IL-18 (OR 6.5, CI 2.2-19.5), and decreased levels of IL-4 (OR 0.12, CI 0.0-0.5). The study showed increased levels of antibodies against Hsp65 (OR 2.8, CI 1-7.6) and 70 (OR 2.9, CI 1.1-7.8) and decreased levels of antibodies against Hsp60 (OR 0.3, CI 0.1-0.8).

Conclusions: Periodontitis was associated with increased levels of CRP, glucose, fibrinogen and IL-18, and with decreased levels of IL-4. 

Intra-oral halitosis usually results from the production of volatile sulfur compounds, such as methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide, by the tongue microbiota. There are currently no reports on the microbial gene-expression profiles of the tongue microbiota in halitosis. In this study, we performed RNAseq of tongue coating samples from individuals with and without halitosis. The activity of Streptococcus (including S. parasanguinis), Veillonella (including V. dispar) and Rothia (including R. mucilaginosa) was associated with halitosis-free individuals while Prevotella (including P. shahi), Fusobacterium (including F. nucleatum) and Leptotrichia were associated with halitosis. Interestingly, the metatranscriptome of patients that only had halitosis levels of methyl mercaptan was similar to that of halitosis-free individuals. Finally, gene expression profiles showed a significant over-expression of genes involved in L-cysteine and L-homocysteine synthesis, as well as nitrate reduction genes, in halitosis-free individuals and an over-expression of genes responsible for cysteine degradation into hydrogen sulfide in halitosis patients.