The Effect of Salivary Calcium and Fluoride Toothpaste on the Formation of KOH-Soluble Fluoride: In Vitro Study.

Objective: The aim of this in vitro preliminary study was to assess the effect of smokers' saliva (assuming their higher calcium concentration) in combination with fluoridated toothpaste on the enamel uptake of alkali-soluble (KOH-soluble) fluoride.

Materials And Methods: Four enamel slabs were cut from each of 14 impacted third molars and randomly assigned into 4 groups. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from two age and sex matched volunteers.

Pathophysiology of osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients treated with bisphosphonate.

Apart from the well-known mechanism of bisphosphonates' cellular effect, embryonic development and the specific features of alveolar bone homeostasis have been discussed. The unique ethiopathogenic mechanism which relates osteonecrosis of the jaw and bisphosphonates treatment has not been explained. The emphasis lies on the toxicological effects of bisphosphonates on the physiology of the alveolar bone and on the lasting effect of tooth extraction followed by an infection of the extraction wound and consequent progression into deeper layers of osseous tissue.

Salivary calcium concentration and periodontal health of young adults in relation to tobacco smoking.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of tobacco smoking and salivary calcium on the periodontal status of young adults.

Materials And Methods: Plaque index, gingival bleeding on probing, supragingival calculus, DMFT index, salivary flow, pH and salivary calcium in unstimulated salivary samples were recorded in smokers and nonsmokers.

Results: There were no significant differences between smokers and nonsmokers with respect to salivary flow (P = 0.

Antimicrobial effect of different brushing frequencies with fluoride toothpaste on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species in children with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial effect of different frequencies of brushing with fluoride toothpaste on the levels of salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in children undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Methods: The study included 22 patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic therapy distributed between 2 groups with different hygiene regimes. All the subjects received identical braces, bands, and brackets bonded with the same material.

Physical fitness course in the dental curriculum and prevention of low back pain.

Physical and psychosocial stressors in dental schools are associated with adverse health outcome, including low back pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical fitness course included in a dental school's curriculum with regard to prevention of low back pain. Ninety first-year and sixty-two final-year dental students completed an anonymous questionnaire on physical fitness habits and low back pain.