Leszek Szalewski

Different association between specific manifestations of bruxism and temporomandibular disorder pain

INTRODUCTION A growing body of evidence suggests that bruxism exists in two separate manifestations. However, little is known about the association between specific manifestations of bruxism and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain. AIM The aim of our study was to analyze the association between TMD pain and specific diagnoses of bruxism (sleep, awake, and mixed diagnosis of sleep and awake bruxism). MATERIAL AND METHODS 508 adult patients (296 women and 212 men), aged between 18 and 64 years (mean age 34±12 years), attending to a clinic for general dental treatment. Patients were asked to fill an anonymous questionnaire, consisting of three questions, verifying the presence of TMD pain and two forms of bruxism. All questions were based on the Polish version of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders patient history questionnaire. Cross tabulation was done, and χ2 was used as a test of significance to find the association between the variables. RESULTS Awake bruxism was associated with TMD pain only in men (χ2=7.746, p<0.05) while mixed diagnosis of bruxism was associated with TMD pain in both women (χ2=10.486, p<0.05) and men (χ2=4.314, p<0.05). There was no statistically significant association between sleep bruxism and TMD pain. Gender-related differences in the presence of all bruxism diagnoses were also statistically insignificant. CONCLUSIONS Interaction between sleep and awake bruxism may increase the risk for TMD pain. We suggest considering concomitance as a confounder, when studying sleep or awake bruxism.

Association between estrogen levels and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic literature review.

Introduction To evaluate whether the hypothesis that estrogen levels are associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in humans can be confirmed or contradicted by available literature. Material and methods A systematic review based on the content of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Studies were identified using a combination of key words ‘temporomandibular disorder’ and ‘estrogen’. Nine studies were included into our review. Results The relationship between estrogen levels and TMD was found in seven out of nine reviewed papers. Results from two papers suggest that a high estrogen level is associated with an increased prevalence of TMD. Five additional papers found a relationship between a low estrogen level and an increase in TMD pain. In considering the value of evidence and inconsistencies of results in the reviewed publications, we state that there is weak evidence to support the hypothesis that estrogen levels are associated with TMD. Conclusions Results of reviewed studies were divergent and sometimes contradictory. One possible explanation is that estrogen influences TMD pain processing differently than temporomandibular joints (TMJ) structures, as shown in many animal studies. Estrogen may influence TMD pain processing differently than TMJ structures. We suggest consideration of the dual action of estrogen when planning future studies on its association with TMD.

The effectiveness of manual and powered toothbrushes

Abstract Proper oral hygiene is a basis for preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases. The most popular method of mechanical plaque removal is brushing teeth using manual and powered toothbrushes. The review of literature shows that removal of dental calculus using the powered toothbrushes is more effective, what is supported by greater reduction of plaque and symptoms characteristic for soft tissue inflammation. It needs to be underlined that the effectiveness of tooth brushing, regardless of the kind of toothbrush, to a great extent depends on the frequency and technique of brushing, on the time devoted to this hygienic procedure, and on the type of toothbrush bristles.

Oral hygiene in patients using removable dentures

Abstract Introduction. Properly designed and used denture is conducive to proper rehabilitation of edentulism. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and hygiene habits of patients using removable partial dentures (RPDs) including selected sociodemographic characteristics. Material and methods. The survey comprised 321 individuals wearing RPDs, the residents of the Lublin Province. They were asked about the age, gender, place of residence, education, duration of denture usage, repairs made to RPDs, preparations used for cleansing and disinfection of RPDs, storage at night, causes of visiting the dentist, which was associated with the use of the RPD and the frequency of visits. The results were statistically analyzed. Results. The average duration of removable partial dentures use was 7.8±5.7 years. The vast majority of respondents cleaned RPDs with a toothpaste – 90.9%, almost 2/3 of the surveyed population – did not disinfect their RPDs, 56.4% people not remove them for the night. Only 3.7% people visited the dentist on regular basis associated with the use of RPDs. Conclusions. Among people wearing RPDs, too long duration of current RPD usage is confirmed. Moreover, the dentist does not check them regularly because patients do not visit dentists for check-up. RPDs are cleaned using improper preparations and usually are not disinfected. They are inadequately kept at nighttime, if ever removed from the mouth during sleep. Incorrect handling related to the use of removable partial dentures applies to persons regardless of their level of education and place of residence.

Mechanical properties of materials used for temporary fixed dentures – in vitro study

Abstract Objectives. The objective of the research was to define the mechanical properties of currently marketed temporary filling materials. Methods. Eight temporary filling materials: Boston, Dentalon, Protemp II, Revotek LC, Structure 2, Structure 3, UniFast LC, UniFast Trad were used to make 5 samples each of measurements 2 × 2 × 25 mm, in order to define the flexural strength, and 10 rings each of measurements 2 × 5 mm, in order to carry out the Vickers micro-hardness test. After preparation, the samples were stored in distilled water of temperature of 370°C, for 7 days. Subsequently, flexural strength and Vickers hardness testing was undertaken. Results. Composite temporary materials showed considerably better mechanical properties, both in flexural strength and in Vickers micro-hardness testing. Conclusions. the best mechanical properties, both in terms of flexural strength, as well as Vickers micro-hardness test can be observe among composite materials.

Socio-medical analysis of patients aged 0-6 years reporting to the dentist

Abstract Introduction. The results of epidemiological and socio-medical studies of specific age groups in Poland indicate that tooth decay and periodontal diseases still pose a significant health problem. Aim. The aim of the study was the assessment of the reasons for reporting to the dental office and the assessment of oral health in children aged 0-6 years. Material and methods. The study comprised 45 patients in the preschool age (2-6 years old), who for the first time reported in 2015 to the dental office, which offers treatment under the framework of an agreement with the National Health Fund or for a fee. Gender, age, the place of residence and the reason for the reporting to the dentist were analyzed. The place of residence was a village, a town of less than 200 thousand inhabitants or the city of more than 200 thousand inhabitants. The reason for reporting to the dental office was a check-up visit, toothache or loss of filling. Dental condition was assessed by calculating the dmf index. The results were statistically analyzed. Results. Among the surveyed, there were no children younger than 2-year-olds. It was found that the dmf index was ranging in an individual patient from 0 to 20, in half of them the dmf index value was ≤ 7, while in all of the patients the average dmf index was 6.42. The percentage of respondents with dmf=0 was significantly higher among children living in the city than children living in rural areas. Conclusion. It is necessary to intensify educational activities concerning oral health of children, addressed to pregnant women, parents and people from the living environmental of a little child. This applies in particular to promoting early reporting to the first ever, the adaptive visit of a child to the dentist, frequent and regular check-up visits, during which, regardless of the examination, prophylaxis or treatment activities can be carried out if necessary.

Pro-health behavior of Łęczna town residents concerning protection against UV radiation

Abstract Introduction. The fashion for a tan appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century, in the era of technological progress and urbanization with medical knowledge about heliotherapy and the promotion of the tan by fashion designer Coco Chanel being a contributing factor in it. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified the UV to the first group of carcinogens but despite these warnings the increase in exposure to UV radiation has been seen in recent years. New solariums have been created around the world so that people can enjoy a tan all year round, no matter what the weather conditions are. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the attitudes and behaviors related to UV radiation exposure among residents of Łęczna. Material and methods. A survey conducted among 180 people inquiring about sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes and behaviours associated with exposure to UV radiation while tanning. Results. Statistical analysis of the data obtained in the study showed that the socio-demographic characteristics affect the attitudes and behaviour associated with exposure to UV radiation. Suntan is believed to be significantly more fashionable among women, people with secondary education who have no permanent relationships. Conclusion. There is a need for preventive actions and educational programs concerning the dangers of UV radiation in order to develop not only knowledge but also the correct behaviour in society.

Dental treatment needs in patients of a Lublin dental clinic aged 35-54

Abstract Introduction. Evaluation of the oral health among adult Poles carried out in the framework of the “National Monitoring of Oral Health and Its Determinants” study and the research results of clinical centers in Poland indicate that dental caries, periodontal diseases and missing teeth are a major health problem. Aim. The aim of the study was determining the reasons for reporting to the dentist of 35-54-year-old people, the assessment of dental health and prosthetic needs. Material and methods. The study comprised 154 patients aged 35-54 reporting in 2015 to the dental clinic in Lublin, which offers treatment financed by the National Health Fund or for a fee. Gender, age, the place of residence and the reason for the reporting to the dentist were analyzed. The place of residence was a village, a town of less than 200 thousand inhabitants or the city of more than 200 thousand residents. The reason for reporting to the dental clinic was a check-up visit, toothache or loss of filling. Dental condition was assessed by calculating the DMF index. The prosthetic state and needs were evaluated. The results were statistically analyzed. Results. Most patients reporting to the dental examination were women (59.09%) and residents of a big city (70.78%). More than a half of the patients (55.84%) had a check-up appointment, 25.32% appeared due to the loss of filling, and 18.83% - because of a toothache. The frequency of decay in the study group was 100% and the DMF index values ranged from 2.0 to 32.0, assuming an average of 21.18±5.02, and with the age the DMF index values increased. The highest number of decayed and extracted teeth were found in the rural population. Both residents of big cities and patients who reported for regular check-ups had the biggest number of fillings. Conclusion. Dental caries is still a major health problem in Polish population aged 35-44. Poor oral health among the adult population in Poland is due to the low health awareness of society. This requires launching large-scale dental educational campaigns and prevention measures among adult Polish citizens, especially in rural areas.

Sociomedical and epidemiological analysis of patients aged 18-34 years visiting the dental office

Abstract Introduction. Carelessness in caring for oral cavity in adults may contribute to severity of dental caries, periodontal diseases and diseases of mucous membranes that pose a risk to health of both dental and systemic character. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between selected demographic factors and the cause of visiting the dental practitioner and the dental health status in adults. Material and methods. The study comprised 194 patients, aged 18-34 who visited in 2015 one of the dental offices in Lublin, which offers treatment under the framework of an agreement with the National Health Fund or for a fee. Gender, age, the place of residence and the reason for visiting the dental office were analyzed. The place of residence was a village, a town of less than 200 thousand inhabitants or the city of more than 200 thousand inhabitants. The reason for visiting the dental office was a checkup visit, loss of filling or a toothache. Dental condition was assessed by calculating the DMF index. The results were statistically analyzed. Results. In the group of respondents, women accounted for 53.62%, and men – 45.88%. The prevalence of dental caries was 100% and the incidence expressed by the mean DMF index was 14.64±5.78, and increased with age. The main reason for visiting the dentist for 65.46% of respondents was a check-up visit, for 17.53% – loss of filling and for 17.01% – a toothache. The lowest incidence of tooth decay was found in people visiting the dentist for a check-up, higher in patients appearing with the loss of filling and toothache. Conclusions. A high percentage of people visiting the dentist because of toothache, confirms the low level of health-related knowledge in adult patients. High incidence of tooth decay proves the need to intensify preventive measures against the carious disease in adults. It is necessary to intensify educational activities and programs addressed to the adult part of Polish society to prevent the development of dental caries.

Tooth loss in the population of south-eastern Poland

Objectives. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between selected socio-demographic factors and tooth loss in patients using removable dentures. Materials and method. The study comprised 321 individuals, all of whom were residents of the Lublin province in southeastern Poland. The study investigated the influence of socio-demographic factors, such as gender, age and education on the severity of tooth loss. To analyze the structure of tooth loss, the classifications by Galasińska-Lansberger and by Eichner were used. The results were analyzed statistically. Results. Edentulous gaps and lateral edentulism in the maxilla were significantly more frequent in women, while mixed tooth loss was more frequent in men, while the percentages of men and women with maxillary edentulism were similar. There were no statistically significant gender-specific differences concerning mandibular edentulism. The number of individuals who reported total tooth loss in both the maxilla and the mandible increased with age, the differences being statistically significant. Individuals with primary education only were significantly more likely to report maxillary edentulism, while a high percentage of those with secondary or higher education reported edentulous gaps in the maxilla. There was no statistically significant relationship between education and the type of tooth loss in the mandible. Conclusions. There is a strong relationship between age and education level on the one hand, and the severity of tooth loss on the other. However, gender exerts no significant influence on tooth loss, which was confirmed using 2 classifications