Katarzyna Herman

Assessment of the influence of vegetarian diet on the occurrence of erosive and abrasive cavities in hard tooth tissues.

INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to determine the potential relation between vegetarian diet and tooth erosion and abrasion. MATERIAL/METHODS The examination included 46 vegetarians and the same number in the control group. Clinical research was carried out in order to detect the presence of abrasive and erosive changes and the level of hygiene in oral cavities. The questionnaire survey concerned dietary and hygienic habits. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted with Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test. The relations between following a vegetarian diet and the occurrence of non-carious cavities was tested with models of logistic regression. RESULTS Tooth erosion was present among 39.1% of vegetarians and 23.9% of controls, while abrasion appeared among 26.1% and 10.9%, respectively, and the differences were statistically insignificant. The distribution of the changes was similar in both groups. Among vegetarians, significantly more frequent consumption of sour products (predominantly raw vegetables and fruit and tomatoes) was observed. The level of oral hygiene and hygienic habits were similar in both groups. The analysis of statistical regression did not reveal any relations between following a vegetarian diet and the occurrence of tooth erosion and abrasion. DISCUSSION The results did not reveal any direct influence of vegetarian diet on the occurrence of erosive and abrasive changes. However, in the vegetarian group, more frequent consumption of some sour products and more commonly used horizontal brushing method were observed, with a slightly higher occurrence of non-carious cavities. Further research is required to obtain unambiguous conclusions.

Long-term release of fluoride from fissure sealants—In vitro study

The intensity of the cariostatic activity of fluoride ions can be attributed to their multidirectional influence on the caries process. They are an irreplaceable factor that helps sustain mineral balance of dental tissues, simultaneously demonstrating antibacterial properties. As a consequence, many manufacturers of fissure sealants include fluoride ions in their products. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine long-term fluoride release from four fissure sealants (Conseal F, Fissurit FX, Delton Fs+, Admira Seal). During a 14-week-long observation, all the materials showed a relatively constant level of F- release; however, it is crucial to mention that within the first 48h, the most significant increase in fluoride release was found for Fissurit and Delton sealants. Based on the overall assessment, the highest total amount of the released fluoride ions was observed for Delton, and the lowest level was reported for Admira Seal.

The heat risk during hardening of dental glass-ionomer cements using a light-curing

An use of a polymerization lamp to irradiate chemically hardened glass-ionomer materials may improve their properties and accelerate the setting time. However, an excessive increase in the temperature of a material poses a potential risk for the dental pulp. Maximum temperatures reported during irradiation of selected glass-ionomers have been determined in this paper for samples of sizes similar to those used in clinical practice. Three glass-ionomer materials used for filling dental cavities have been examined: GC Fuji VIII, GC Fuji Triage Pink, and GC Fuji Triage White. The LED Elipar lamp was used in the light-curing process. The temperature measurement on the outer surface of the samples was conducted with the use of the Thermovision®550 thermal imaging camera. The examined materials significantly differed in the maximum temperatures they reached, as well as the time they required to reach these temperatures. A statistically significant positive correlation of maximum temperature with the sample weight was observed for the GC Fuji Triage Pink material.

Assessment of Heat Hazard during the Polymerization of Selected Light-Sensitive Dental Materials

Introduction. Polymerization of light-cured dental materials used for restoration of hard tooth tissue may lead to an increase in temperature that may have negative consequence for pulp vitality. Aim. The aim of this study was to determine maximum temperatures reached during the polymerization of selected dental materials, as well as the time that is needed for samples of sizes similar to those used in clinical practice to reach these temperatures. Materials and Methods. The study involved four composite restorative materials, one lining material and a dentine bonding agent. The polymerization was conducted with the use of a diode light-curing unit. The measurements of the external surface temperature of the samples were carried out using the Thermovision®550 thermal camera. Results. The examined materials significantly differed in terms of the maximum temperatures values they reached, as well as the time required for reaching the temperatures. A statistically significant positive correlation of the maximum temperature and the sample weight was observed. Conclusions. In clinical practice, it is crucial to bear in mind the risk of thermal damage involved in the application of light-cured materials. It can be reduced by using thin increments of composite materials.