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BMC Oral Health Dec 2017Significant numbers of adults and children have untreated plaque due to poor oral hygiene and consequently suffer from associate dental and systemic diseases.
BACKGROUND
Significant numbers of adults and children have untreated plaque due to poor oral hygiene and consequently suffer from associate dental and systemic diseases.
METHODS
A handheld device equipped with 405 nm light-emitting diodes was constructed to examine the prevalence of red fluorescence signatures associated with dental plaque. This device was used for in vivo imaging of all four incisors and all four canines of twenty-eight consenting human subjects. The same areas were further imaged under white light illumination with a commercial image-processing based plaque-imaging device, and evaluated by a hygienist and dentist. A custom computer vision algorithm using pixel information was developed to calculate plaque coverage ratios ranging from 0 (no plaque) to 1 (complete plaque coverage) for images captured by both devices.
RESULTS
The algorithm calculated red fluorescence-based plaque coverage ratios ranging from 0.011 to 0.211 for the subjects imaged. Clinical assessment and statistical analyses of associated plaque ratios of the 405 nm device images indicated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting dental plaque by the experimental device compared to the commercial reference device.
CONCLUSIONS
The low-cost and open source 405 nm device and the associated computer vision algorithm successfully captured red fluorescence signatures associated with dental plaque and demonstrated comparable performance to a commercially available device. Therefore, a proof of concept validation was provided for the construction and application of a sensitive cost-effective plaque-detecting device. A miniaturized mobile adaptable version of the device was also provided, together with and a step-by-step guide for device assembly and webhost the associated software, to facilitate open-source access to a cost-effective at-home, in-clinic oral care technology.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03379337, December 19 2017. Retrospectively registered.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Algorithms; Dental Plaque; Female; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Male; Middle Aged; Optical Imaging; Reproducibility of Results; Software
PubMed: 29284461
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-017-0472-4 -
Medicine Sep 2018Limited information on the oral health status of adult heart transplant recipients (HTRs) is known, and no available data exist in China. A prerequisite dental...
Limited information on the oral health status of adult heart transplant recipients (HTRs) is known, and no available data exist in China. A prerequisite dental evaluation is usually recommended for patients' postorgan transplantation because lifelong immunosuppression may predispose them to infection spread.The aim of this study was to investigate the oral health status of Chinese adult HTRs and determine the association between oral health status and history of heart transplantation (HT).We carried out a cross-sectional study to collect clinical, demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral data from 81 adult patients who received heart transplantation during 2014 to 2015 in China. Clinical examinations for the presence of dental plaque, dental calculus, dental caries, and periodontal health conditions were performed in a standardized manner by one trained examiner. Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral data were self-reported using questionnaires. The prevalence of the above conditions was compared with 63 age- and sex-matched controls. General liner regression analysis was used to assess associations between mean number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and mean community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) scores and history of heart transplant.Mean age of the HT group was 47.7 ± 12.2 years and men accounted for 69.1% of the sample. The overall median DMFT score in the HT group was 3 (1-5) and caries prevalence was 80.2%, which were similar to the control group (P > .05). The overall mean CPITN score of the HT group was 1.84, which was significantly higher than the control group (1.07, P = .001). Participants in the HT group had worse oral hygiene status and more teeth with probing depth ≥ 4 mm than controls (P = .043). Compared with participants who had no history of heart transplantation, HTRs presented worse periodontal health conditions (mean CPITN score, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12-1.71, P = .003) and similar dental caries status (DMFT score, adjusted OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.37-0.91, P = .058).Periodontal health status was positively associated with history of heart transplantation in Chinese adult HTRs.
Topics: Adult; Case-Control Studies; China; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dental Calculus; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Female; Health Status; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oral Health; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Index; Postoperative Complications; Postoperative Period; Prevalence; Self Report
PubMed: 30235763
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000012508 -
Microbiology and Molecular Biology... Dec 2007While reductionism has greatly advanced microbiology in the past 400 years, assembly of smaller pieces just could not explain the whole! Modern microbiologists are... (Review)
Review
While reductionism has greatly advanced microbiology in the past 400 years, assembly of smaller pieces just could not explain the whole! Modern microbiologists are learning "system thinking" and "holism." Such an approach is changing our understanding of microbial physiology and our ability to diagnose/treat microbial infections. This review uses oral microbial communities as a focal point to describe this new trend. With the common name "dental plaque," oral microbial communities are some of the most complex microbial floras in the human body, consisting of more than 700 different bacterial species. For a very long time, oral microbiologists endeavored to use reductionism to identify the key genes or key pathogens responsible for oral microbial pathogenesis. The limitations of reductionism forced scientists to begin adopting new strategies using emerging concepts such as interspecies interaction, microbial community, biofilms, polymicrobial disease, etc. These new research directions indicate that the whole is much more than the simple sum of its parts, since the interactions between different parts resulted in many new physiological functions which cannot be observed with individual components. This review describes some of these interesting interspecies-interaction scenarios.
Topics: Bacteria; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Biofilms; Dental Plaque; Genome, Bacterial; Humans; Mouth; Periodontal Diseases; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Research; Virulence
PubMed: 18063722
DOI: 10.1128/MMBR.00024-07 -
International Journal of Oral Science Sep 2012Alkali production by oral bacteria is believed to have a major impact on oral microbial ecology and to be inhibitory to the initiation and progression of dental caries.... (Review)
Review
Alkali production by oral bacteria is believed to have a major impact on oral microbial ecology and to be inhibitory to the initiation and progression of dental caries. A substantial body of evidence is beginning to accumulate that indicates the modulation of the alkalinogenic potential of dental biofilms may be a promising strategy for caries control. This brief review highlights recent progress toward understanding molecular genetic and physiologic aspects of important alkali-generating pathways in oral bacteria, and the role of alkali production in the ecology of dental biofilms in health and disease.
Topics: Agmatine; Alkalies; Arginine; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hydrolases; Urease
PubMed: 22996271
DOI: 10.1038/ijos.2012.54 -
BMC Oral Health Jul 2023Most people's tooth brushing performance is deficient, even when they are encouraged to brush to the best of their abilities. The aim of the present study was to explore... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Most people's tooth brushing performance is deficient, even when they are encouraged to brush to the best of their abilities. The aim of the present study was to explore the nature of this deficit by comparing best-possible vs. as-usual brushing.
METHODS
University students (N = 111) were randomly assigned to receive one of two instructions: "brush your teeth as usual" (AU-instruction) or "brush your teeth to the best of your abilities" (BP-instruction). Video analyses assessed brushing performance. The marginal plaque index (MPI) assessed after brushing was used as an indicator of brushing effectiveness. A questionnaire assessed subjectively perceived oral cleanliness (SPOC).
RESULTS
Participants in the BP group brushed their teeth longer (p = 0.008, d = 0.57) and used interdental devices more often (p < 0.001). No group differences emerged in the distribution of brushing time among surfaces, the percentage of brushing techniques used beyond horizontal scrubbing, or the appropriate use of interdental devices (all p > 0.16, all d < 0.30). Plaque persisted at the majority of the sections of the gingival margins, and the groups did not differ in this respect (p = 0.15; d = 0.22). SPOC values in the BP group were higher than those in the AU group (p = 0.006; d = 0.54). Both groups overestimated their actual oral cleanliness by approximately twofold.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to their usual brushing effort, study participants increased their effort when asked to brush their teeth in the best possible manner. However, that increase in effort was ineffective in terms of oral cleanliness. The results indicate that people's concept of optimized brushing refers to quantitative aspects (e.g., longer duration, more interdental hygiene) rather than qualitative aspects (e.g., considering inner surfaces and gingival margins, appropriate use of dental floss).
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was registered in the appropriate national register ( www.drks.de ; ID: DRKS00017812; date of registration: 27/08/2019 - retrospectively registered).
Topics: Humans; Toothbrushing; Gingivitis; Tooth; Dental Plaque; Dental Plaque Index
PubMed: 37415160
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03127-3 -
International Endodontic Journal May 2022The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a non-instrumentation technique to disinfect root canals infected by a human dental plaque-derived multispecies...
AIM
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a non-instrumentation technique to disinfect root canals infected by a human dental plaque-derived multispecies biofilm.
METHODOLOGY
Twenty-two mandibular incisors were accessed, autoclaved and inoculated with dental plaque. The Center for Disease Control biofilm reactor was used to promote contamination of the root canal space. In the conventional technique (control), the specimens were instrumented until size 35/04 and irrigated with 6% NaOCl. In the non-instrumentation technique, a glide path was established using K-files size 10-20 and specimens were immediately cleaned with the GentleWave System. Samples were obtained for culture and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Differences in abundances of genera were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis test, and differences in alpha diversity were compared using anova. Alpha and beta diversity indices were calculated using mothur. The Shannon and Chao1 indices were used to measure alpha diversity. The Bray-Curtis dissimilarity was used to measure beta diversity. Differences in community composition were evaluated using analysis of similarity with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.
RESULTS
The total numbers of reads in biological samples ranged from 126 to 45 286. Significantly fewer reads were obtained from samples following cleaning by either method (p < .0001), and significantly fewer reads were obtained in post-cleaning samples following conventional versus non-instrumentation cleaning regiment (p = .002). Communities in pre-treatment samples were similar in both groups; however, significantly greater relative abundances of Streptococcus, Veillonella and Campylobacter were observed following cleaning using non-instrumentation technique (Kruskal-Wallis p = .009, .033, and .001, respectively). Whilst no significant differences were observed in Shannon alpha diversity, the Chao1 index was significantly lower in post-cleaning samples.
CONCLUSIONS
Significant shifts in composition were observed following cleaning by using both regimens, but the impact of this change was greater following a conventional cleaning technique.
Topics: Biofilms; Dental Plaque; Dental Pulp Cavity; Humans; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Root Canal Irrigants; Root Canal Preparation
PubMed: 35152445
DOI: 10.1111/iej.13706 -
BMC Oral Health Apr 2023Mouthwashes were convenient adjuncts to mechanical cleaning procedures. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mouthwashes on oral microorganisms and gingivitis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Mouthwashes were convenient adjuncts to mechanical cleaning procedures. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mouthwashes on oral microorganisms and gingivitis in orthodontic patients.
METHODS
By April 16, 2022, multiple databases and grey literature were searched based on the PICOS strategy. Randomized controlled trials in orthodontic patients evaluating the efficacy of mouthwashes with at least one microbial parameter and/or plaque- and/or gingival inflammation-related index were included. Relevant data were extracted, and the risk of bias was evaluated using Cochrane's tool. Individual mean and standard deviation of the outcomes in mouthwashes and placebos/blank controls were pooled to estimate the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). Sensitivity analysis, and certainty of evidence were evaluated.
RESULTS
Of 1684 articles, 32 studies satisfied the eligibility criteria, and nine were included for meta-analysis. Missing outcome data was the primary source of bias. Compared to blank controls, the short-term application of fluoride mouthwashes significantly reduced the colony counts of Mutans streptococci (MS), while the long-term application may not be effective. Compared to placebos or blank controls, Chlorhexidine mouthwashes significantly reduced the colony counts of multiple microorganisms in the short-term. Compared to placebos or blank controls, herbal mouthwashes showed the inhibitory effect of MS in the short-term, with some results lacking statistical significance. After meta-analysis, significant lower plaque- and gingival inflammation-related indexes were observed in the Chlorhexidine mouthwashes groups [Gingival Index: WMD = -0.45, 95%CI = -0.70 to -0.20 (placebos as control); WMD = -0.54, 95%CI = -0.96 to -0.13 (blank controls); Plaque Index: WMD = -0.70, 95%CI = -1.12 to -0.27 (blank controls)]. Significant lower gingival inflammation-related indexes were observed in the herbal mouthwashes groups [Gingival Index: WMD = -0.20, 95%CI = -0.32 to -0.09 (blank controls)].
CONCLUSIONS
The short-term application of fluoride mouthwashes may reduce the colony counts of cariogenic bacteria, but the long-term effect is not evident. Chlorhexidine may reduce the colony counts of multiple microorganisms in the short-term. Short-term application Chlorhexidine and herbal mouthwashes may effectively reduce plaque- and gingival inflammation-related indexes. However, the risk of bias, inconsistency, and imprecision in the included studies may reduce the certainty of the evidence.
Topics: Humans; Mouthwashes; Chlorhexidine; Fluorides; Gingivitis; Inflammation; Dental Plaque; Dental Plaque Index; Anti-Infective Agents, Local
PubMed: 37024817
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-02920-4 -
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal... Nov 2020Human microbiome studies are increasingly incorporating macroecological approaches, such as community assembly, network analysis and functional redundancy to more fully...
Human microbiome studies are increasingly incorporating macroecological approaches, such as community assembly, network analysis and functional redundancy to more fully characterize the microbiome. Such analyses have not been applied to ancient human microbiomes, preventing insights into human microbiome evolution. We address this issue by analysing published ancient microbiome datasets: coprolites from Rio Zape ( = 7; 700 CE Mexico) and historic dental calculus ( = 44; 1770-1855 CE, UK), as well as two novel dental calculus datasets: Maya ( = 7; 170 BCE-885 CE, Belize) and Nuragic Sardinians ( = 11; 1400-850 BCE, Italy). Periodontitis-associated bacteria (, and ) were identified as keystone taxa in the dental calculus datasets. Coprolite keystone taxa included known short-chain fatty acid producers () and potentially disease-associated bacteria (, . Overlap in ecological profiles between ancient and modern microbiomes was indicated by similarity in functional response diversity profiles between contemporary hunter-gatherers and ancient coprolites, as well as parallels between ancient Maya, historic UK, and modern Spanish dental calculus; however, the ancient Nuragic dental calculus shows a distinct ecological structure. We detected key ecological signatures from ancient microbiome data, paving the way to expand understanding of human microbiome evolution. This article is part of the theme issue 'Insights into health and disease from ancient biomolecules'.
Topics: Archaeology; Bacteria; Belize; DNA, Ancient; DNA, Bacterial; Dental Calculus; Feces; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; History, Ancient; History, Medieval; Humans; Italy; Mexico; Microbiota
PubMed: 33012230
DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0586 -
International Dental Journal Oct 2023Gingivitis is one of the most prevalent plaque-initiated dental diseases globally. It is challenging to maintain satisfactory plaque control without continuous...
OBJECTIVES
Gingivitis is one of the most prevalent plaque-initiated dental diseases globally. It is challenging to maintain satisfactory plaque control without continuous professional advice. Artificial intelligence may be used to provide automated visual plaque control advice based on intraoral photographs.
METHODS
Frontal view intraoral photographs fulfilling selection criteria were collected. Along the gingival margin, the gingival conditions of individual sites were labelled as healthy, diseased, or questionable. Photographs were randomly assigned as training or validation datasets. Training datasets were input into a novel artificial intelligence system and its accuracy in detection of gingivitis including sensitivity, specificity, and mean intersection-over-union were analysed using validation dataset. The accuracy was reported according to STARD-2015 statement.
RESULTS
A total of 567 intraoral photographs were collected and labelled, of which 80% were used for training and 20% for validation. Regarding training datasets, there were total 113,745,208 pixels with 9,270,413; 5,711,027; and 4,596,612 pixels were labelled as healthy, diseased, and questionable respectively. Regarding validation datasets, there were 28,319,607 pixels with 1,732,031; 1,866,104; and 1,116,493 pixels were labelled as healthy, diseased, and questionable, respectively. AI correctly predicted 1,114,623 healthy and 1,183,718 diseased pixels with sensitivity of 0.92 and specificity of 0.94. The mean intersection-over-union of the system was 0.60 and above the commonly accepted threshold of 0.50.
CONCLUSIONS
Artificial intelligence could identify specific sites with and without gingival inflammation, with high sensitivity and high specificity that are on par with visual examination by human dentist. This system may be used for monitoring of the effectiveness of patients' plaque control.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Gingivitis; Dental Plaque
PubMed: 37117096
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2023.03.007 -
Journal of the American Dental... May 1995Does reduction of supragingival calculus provide only a cosmetic effect, or does it benefit oral health as well? The author discusses the causes and effects of calculus... (Review)
Review
Does reduction of supragingival calculus provide only a cosmetic effect, or does it benefit oral health as well? The author discusses the causes and effects of calculus development and reviews methods of calculus control.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Dental Calculus; Dental Caries; Diphosphates; Female; Gingivitis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; United States
PubMed: 7759682
DOI: 10.14219/jada.archive.1995.0235