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Nature Communications Oct 2023During the Mesolithic in Europe, there is widespread evidence for an increase in exploitation of aquatic resources. In contrast, the subsequent Neolithic is...
During the Mesolithic in Europe, there is widespread evidence for an increase in exploitation of aquatic resources. In contrast, the subsequent Neolithic is characterised by the spread of farming, land ownership, and full sedentism, which lead to the perception of marine resources subsequently representing marginal or famine food or being abandoned altogether even at the furthermost coastal limits of Europe. Here, we examine biomarkers extracted from human dental calculus, using sequential thermal desorption- and pyrolysis-GCMS, to report direct evidence for widespread consumption of seaweed and submerged aquatic and freshwater plants across Europe. Notably, evidence of consumption of these resources extends through the Neolithic transition to farming and into the Early Middle Ages, suggesting that these resources, now rarely eaten in Europe, only became marginal much more recently. Understanding ancient foodstuffs is crucial to reconstructing the past, while a better knowledge of local, forgotten resources is likewise important today.
Topics: Humans; Seaweed; Europe; Agriculture; Vegetables
PubMed: 37848451
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41671-2 -
Cureus Feb 2024Gingival enlargement can be referred to as an increased size of the gingival tissues. It might have originated because of inflammation, induced by certain drugs, linked...
Gingival enlargement can be referred to as an increased size of the gingival tissues. It might have originated because of inflammation, induced by certain drugs, linked to generalized illness, malignant, or pseudo enlargement, based on its etiology and pathogenesis. Enlargements may be widespread, papillary, or marginal, depending on the location. It affects the patient's masticatory, functional, aesthetic, and psychological health. Diagnosing the condition and its underlying cause through a detailed history is the mainstay for management. Diagnosis is based on a careful clinical examination in relation to the consistency, texture, and color of enlarged gingival tissues. Once diagnosed, the intervention relies on treating the causative factor involved in the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment with the elimination of the etiologic factor along with strict oral hygiene instructions and regular follow-up results in the restoration of aesthetics and function. This article presents a case report of a female patient aged 31 years who presented to the Oral Medicine and Radiology Department with chief complaints of swollen gums, bleeding gums while brushing for one month, and pain and loosening of teeth in the upper left back region of the jaw since 15 days. On thorough clinical examination, oral hygiene instructions were given along with antimicrobials and analgesic medications, and extensive scaling and sub-gingival curettage were done. On the follow-up visit after seven days, there was reduced inflammation due to the removal of local irritants like plaque and calculus and reduced gingival enlargement. The takeaway message from this case is that clinicians should be thoroughly acquainted with the normal and pathologic alterations of the gingival tissues and possible etiologic factors for it. Careful examination, prompt diagnosis, and treatment form the mainstay of management.
PubMed: 38496173
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54296 -
Cureus Aug 2023If left untreated, periodontitis is a chronic, irreversible disease that can contribute to tooth loss. The primary objective of periodontal treatment is to arrest the... (Review)
Review
If left untreated, periodontitis is a chronic, irreversible disease that can contribute to tooth loss. The primary objective of periodontal treatment is to arrest the progression of the disease and restore the supporting structures of the tooth. Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a common non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) used to reduce inflammation, pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss. However, NSPT has limitations, notably in difficult-to-access deep pockets and molar furcations. Deep pockets (greater than 4 mm) frequently retain calculus following NSPT. To attain direct access, surgical periodontal therapy (SPT) is recommended, particularly for pockets deeper than 5 mm. Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has emerged in recent years as a tool for periodontal regeneration when used in conjunction with NSP for infrabony defects. EMD may also have advantageous effects when combined with NSPT. The purpose of this review is to provide a thorough understanding of the effects of EMD as an adjunct to NSPT. The databases Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and Embase were systematically searched to identify relevant studies on the benefits of EMD and its use as an adjunct to NSPT. Incorporating EMD into NSPT reduces chair time, and 60% of studies demonstrated considerable benefits compared to SRP alone, according to the findings. On the basis of research, it can be concluded that EMD can be used as an adjunct to NSPT, thereby reducing the amount of time spent in the operating chair. In some cases, it can, therefore, be regarded as an alternative to surgical treatment.
PubMed: 37719602
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43530 -
Dental and Medical Problems 2023Many patients are clinically consulted in dental clinics, where aerosol-generating procedures are widely used. In our previous study, we evaluated the temperature,...
BACKGROUND
Many patients are clinically consulted in dental clinics, where aerosol-generating procedures are widely used. In our previous study, we evaluated the temperature, humidity and contamination rates on the inner layer of masks according to the mask-wearing time. However, it is important to assess the contamination rates on the outer layer of masks used in dentistry as well. Previously, while examining the contamination rates, we only identified the associated bacteria; no detailed analysis of bacterial species depending on the mask-wearing time was conducted. Furthermore, we did not evaluate factors that could contribute to the contamination of masks.
OBJECTIVES
The present study was intended to supplement the limitations of our previous study.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The used masks were collected. Thereafter, colony forming unit (CFU) quantification and 16S rDNA sequencing were performed to calculate the contamination rates and identify bacterial species. Data on the participants' medical and dental history was collected. The participants filled out a questionnaire and underwent saliva tests.
RESULTS
On the inner and outer layers of the masks, 3.3 × 108 and 8.5 × 108 CFUs were found, respectively. The contamination rates of the masks increased with the increasing mask-wearing time. There was no correlation between the contamination rate on the inner layer and other factors, such as the probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm, the bleeding rate, the calculus rate, and saliva characteristics. The inner layer contamination rate increased as the number of treated teeth increased, and as the saliva buffering capacity decreased. The outer layer contamination rate increased with the number of times the mask was touched.
CONCLUSIONS
The contamination rates were higher on the outer layer than on the inner one, and the CFU count increased with the mask-wearing time. The following bacterial species were found on the masks: Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis); Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus); Staphylococcus capitis (S. capitis); Streptococcus oralis (S. oralis); and Streptococcus koreensis (S. koreensis). Oral health conditions may have affected the contamination of the inner layer. In addition, the number of times the mask was touched may have affected the contamination of the outer layer.
Topics: Humans; Masks; Staphylococcus aureus; Bacteria; Dentistry
PubMed: 38051004
DOI: 10.17219/dmp/153916 -
Journal of X-ray Science and Technology 2024Dental health issues are on the rise, necessitating prompt and precise diagnosis. Automated dental condition classification can support this need.
BACKGROUND
Dental health issues are on the rise, necessitating prompt and precise diagnosis. Automated dental condition classification can support this need.
OBJECTIVE
The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of deep learning methods and multimodal feature fusion techniques in advancing the field of automated dental condition classification.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
A dataset of 11,653 clinically sourced images representing six prevalent dental conditions-caries, calculus, gingivitis, tooth discoloration, ulcers, and hypodontia-was utilized. Features were extracted using five Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models, then fused into a matrix. Classification models were constructed using Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Naive Bayes classifiers. Evaluation metrics included accuracy, recall rate, precision, and Kappa index.
RESULTS
The SVM classifier integrated with feature fusion demonstrated superior performance with a Kappa index of 0.909 and accuracy of 0.925. This significantly surpassed individual CNN models such as EfficientNetB0, which achieved a Kappa of 0.814 and accuracy of 0.847.
CONCLUSIONS
The amalgamation of feature fusion with advanced machine learning algorithms can significantly bolster the precision and robustness of dental condition classification systems. Such a method presents a valuable tool for dental professionals, facilitating enhanced diagnostic accuracy and subsequently improved patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Deep Learning; Bayes Theorem; Neural Networks, Computer; Algorithms; Machine Learning; Support Vector Machine
PubMed: 38217632
DOI: 10.3233/XST-230271 -
Journal of Veterinary Dentistry Jan 2024To evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in reducing gingivitis following professional dental prophylaxis in dogs in a prospective, randomly...
To evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in reducing gingivitis following professional dental prophylaxis in dogs in a prospective, randomly controlled, double-blind study. The study included 47 dogs (male n = 23, female n = 24), with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.6 years and a bodyweight of 28.9 ± 5.3 kg. Breeds included: Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs (n = 23), German Shepherd Dogs (n = 14), Labrador Retriever (n = 4), and Dutch Shepherd Dogs (n = 3). The left side of the mouth was treated by performing dental prophylaxis (control group). The right side received dental prophylaxis and a single session of PBMT using a Class IV therapeutic laser (treatment group). Each side was graded individually for periodontal disease (PD), gingivitis, and calculus. Follow-up observations were conducted on days 1, 3, 8, and 15 post-treatment. Results were compared using a Mann-Whitney Test. Multiple regression was run to predict PD, gingivitis, and calculus scores using age, sex, and breed. A p < .05 was considered significant. The PBMT group (PG) showed significantly lower gingivitis scores from day 1 to 15 post-treatment. PD had an increasing prevalence with age. Age and breed contributed to the prediction of PD, gingivitis, and calculus grading. This study showed that PBMT significantly reduced the grade of gingivitis following dental prophylaxis, and may be a useful adjuvant procedure following dental prophylaxis.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Female; Male; Calculi; Dental Plaque; Dental Prophylaxis; Dog Diseases; Gingivitis; Inflammation; Low-Level Light Therapy; Periodontal Diseases; Prospective Studies; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 36632039
DOI: 10.1177/08987564221150525 -
Microorganisms Oct 2023Taxonomic profiling of ancient metagenomic samples is challenging due to the accumulation of specific damage patterns on DNA over time. Although a number of methods for...
Taxonomic profiling of ancient metagenomic samples is challenging due to the accumulation of specific damage patterns on DNA over time. Although a number of methods for metagenome profiling have been developed, most of them have been assessed on modern metagenomes or simulated metagenomes mimicking modern metagenomes. Further, a comparative assessment of metagenome profilers on simulated metagenomes representing a spectrum of degradation depth, from the extremity of ancient (most degraded) to current or modern (not degraded) metagenomes, has not yet been performed. To understand the strengths and weaknesses of different metagenome profilers, we performed their comprehensive evaluation on simulated metagenomes representing human dental calculus microbiome, with the level of DNA damage successively raised to mimic modern to ancient metagenomes. All classes of profilers, namely, DNA-to-DNA, DNA-to-protein, and DNA-to-marker comparison-based profilers were evaluated on metagenomes with varying levels of damage simulating deamination, fragmentation, and contamination. Our results revealed that, compared to deamination and fragmentation, human and environmental contamination of ancient DNA (with modern DNA) has the most pronounced effect on the performance of each profiler. Further, the DNA-to-DNA (e.g., Kraken2, Bracken) and DNA-to-marker (e.g., MetaPhlAn4) based profiling approaches showed complementary strengths, which can be leveraged to elevate the state-of-the-art of ancient metagenome profiling.
PubMed: 37894136
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102478 -
Journal of Dental Sciences Jan 2024Preserving the outcome of orthodontic treatment is both important and challenging. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the best way to ensure long-term...
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Preserving the outcome of orthodontic treatment is both important and challenging. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the best way to ensure long-term treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate a pre-fabricated chain retainer (PFCR) in terms of: ability to maintain satisfactory treatment outcomes; periodontal and dental health; complications; and patient satisfaction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Overall, 130 patients who had completed orthodontic treatment with a fixed appliance during the period 2016-2019 (follow-up time range, 24-55 months) at a specialist orthodontic clinic in Varberg, Sweden and who had a PFCR in the lower jaw were invited to take part in the study. Little's irregularity index (LII) was recorded on dental casts. Caries, gingivitis, calculus, probing pocket depth, and gingival retractions were registered during clinical examinations. Patient satisfaction and retainer complications were evaluated using a questionnaire.
RESULTS
In total, 76 patients (58.5%) agreed to participate. All patients, except for one, had their retainer still in place, and the complication rate was 40%. The LII scores were in the range of 0-4 mm (mean, 1.42 mm). At the retainer site, 82% had calculus, 74% had gingivitis, 1% had pocket depth >4 mm, 10.5% had gingival retractions >2 mm, and 0% had caries. All the patients expressed satisfaction with their retainer.
CONCLUSION
PFCRs exhibit characteristics similar to those of traditional bonded retainers in terms of complications, stability, side-effects and patient experience. Therefore, they can be considered a viable alternative to traditional retainers installed in the lower anterior teeth.
PubMed: 38303849
DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.05.020 -
Clinical and Experimental Dental... Aug 2023The use of a toothbrush with radio frequency (RF) has shown to be of benefit regarding the reduction of plaque, calculus, and dental staining and improving teeth shade... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
The use of a toothbrush with radio frequency (RF) has shown to be of benefit regarding the reduction of plaque, calculus, and dental staining and improving teeth shade compared to conventional powered and manual toothbrushes.
AIM
To evaluate the efficacy of the RF toothbrush in the reduction of calculus accumulation and its effect on periodontal parameters as well as subject satisfaction as compared to an identical sham-tooth brush.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients who are under a strict maintenance program were included. Patients were allocated to test (RF toothbrush) or control (sham) randomly and were examined at baseline, one and three months. Clinical photos were taken and a consequential calculus assessment via ImageJ software. Clinical assessment included the following: plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and recession (REC). Patient satisfaction was assessed via a questionnaire.
RESULTS
Fifty-eight patients (29 control, 29 test) were included. At baseline mean PPD, BOP, PI, REC, and calculus accumulation were similar between the groups. Mean buccal calculus was lower in the test group at one month 4.0% versus 6.7%, p < .05. Calculus accumulation within the groups was lower in the test group at 1 and 3 months when compared to baseline at the buccal aspect (2.8% vs. 8.9%, p < .05% and 3.8% vs. 8.9%, p < .05) and lingual aspect (6.7% vs. 16.5%, p < .05% and 8.9% vs. 16.5%, p < .05). No statistically significant results were found regarding periodontal parameters PPD, BOP, PI, and REC. No difference was found between groups regarding patient satisfaction.
CONCLUSION
RF seems to have an additive effect on preventing calculus accumulation on the buccal aspect of anterior mandibular teeth at 1 month. Nevertheless, at 3 months, no difference between the toothbrushes is seen regarding calculus formation and maintaining periodontal health (ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT04640857).
Topics: Humans; Calculi; Dental Plaque Index; Gingivitis; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Prospective Studies; Single-Blind Method; Toothbrushing
PubMed: 37515446
DOI: 10.1002/cre2.770 -
International Journal of Dental Hygiene Oct 2023Antiseptic mouthwashes are useful adjuncts to daily brushing and flossing for the control of dental plaque and gingivitis. The objective of the present study was to...
BACKGROUND
Antiseptic mouthwashes are useful adjuncts to daily brushing and flossing for the control of dental plaque and gingivitis. The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of three mouthwashes: chlorhexidine, essential oils and cetylpyridinium chloride on oral health-related quality of life, gingival health, tongue coating and also to compare their potential side effects after 2-week consumption.
METHODS
Sixty participants were enrolled in this study and were divided into four groups (three mouthwash groups plus no mouthwash group). At the beginning, scaling and cleaning were performed and the following parameters were recorded: oral health impact profile (OHIP-5) questionnaire, tongue coating index, modified gingival index, calculus surface index, modified Lobene stain index and a questionnaire for side effects. Each group has followed up in 2 weeks. Data were analysed using paired t-test, ANOVA, Fisher's exact test and Pearson chi-square.
RESULTS
At the end of second week, all three mouthwashes significantly improved OHIP-5 score and reduced modified gingival index whereas essential oils and cetylpyridinium chloride significantly reduced tongue coating index when compared to control group (p < 0.05). The differences between four groups were significant for calculus formation, dental staining and reported burning sensation and changes of taste sensation and perception (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The use of all three mouthwashes has been effective in controlling and reducing gingivitis and tongue coating; however, it appeared that essential oils has the minimum and Chlorhexidine has the maximum side effects. Moreover, the use of all three mouthwashes has been examined to improve the quality of life. Overall, essential oils mouthwash has the best performance among these three mouthwashes.
PubMed: 37793064
DOI: 10.1111/idh.12761