Herbal supplement use among adult dental patients in a USA dental school clinic: prevalence, patient demographics, and clinical implications.

Objective: This study assessed the frequency and patterns of utilization of herbal supplement products by adult dental patients at a USA dental school clinic.

Study Design: A self-reporting questionnaire was used to collect patient demographics and frequency of herbal supplement utilization along with other information. The questionnaire was distributed and collected at a dental visit.

CCL28 effects on periodontal pathogens.

Background: Chemokines are small proteins that signal to and attract cells of the immune system; they are vital components in the modulation of immunity and wound healing. A newly described chemokine was reported to have antibacterial and antifungal activity. This chemokine, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 28 (CCL28; also called mucosae-associated epithelial chemokine), is secreted by mucosal epithelial cells and is found in saliva and in breast milk.

Prevalence and severity of hypertension in a dental hygiene clinic.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of hypertension in a dental hygiene clinic and evaluate factors related to the disease.

Methods And Materials: Records of 615 patients, treated by dental hygiene students during 2003, were reviewed. Data collected included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, presence of diabetes and renal disease, non-modifiers (race, gender, and age), and modifiers (marital status, smoking habits, and occupation).

Treating patients with drug-induced gingival overgrowth.

The purpose of this paper is to review the causes and describe the appearance of drug-induced gingival overgrowth, so that dental hygienists are better prepared to manage such patients. Gingival overgrowth is caused by three categories of drugs: anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers. Some authors suggest that the prevalence of gingival overgrowth induced by chronic medication with calcium channel blockers is uncertain.