Effect of selected beta-blockers on supragingival calculus formation.

Supragingival plaque and calculus indices, salivary flow rates, pH, ionic and total calcium concentrations, total phosphate concentration, and the number of cervical restorations and caries lesions were measured in 29 subjects using systemic beta-(beta) blockers and in 28 subjects who were not taking any systemic medication. After 8 weeks of normal oral hygiene following an oral prophylaxis, a second comparison of each of the above quantities was made. With the exception of the calculus indices and the incidence of cervical restorations, no significant differences were found for any of the measured quantities between the medicated and non-medicated groups at either examination.

The effect of certain systemic medications on oral calculus formation.

A quantitative comparison was made of supragingival calculus that formed in individuals using systemic medications for defined systemic medical problems and individuals not using medication. Measurements of supragingival plaque and calculus were made on the lingual surfaces of the 4 mandibular incisors of 68 consecutive patients presenting for dental examinations and oral prophylaxes. Variables noted in addition to medication and plaque status were: age, sex, time interval since previous prophylaxis, and smoking status.

The effect of supragingival plaque removal on anaerobic bacteria deep periodontal pockets.

A study was made to determine if the numbers of subgingival anaerobes in deep periodontal pockets can be controlled by removal of only supragingival plaque. The study was based on the premises that the subgingival flora is dependent on the supragingival plaque for its source of organisms as well as for its perpetuation. Daily professional removal of only supragingival plaque produced a statistically significant reduction per sample in subgingival facultative and obligatory anaerobes.

Stress and dental caries in the rat.

The stress of crowding and exposure to inescapable electric shock increased both the incidence and the severity of dental caries in rats housed in a conventional animal facility. Male Osborne-Mendel rats were inoculated intraorally with cariogenic bacteria, fed a high-sucrose diet, and housed in either a conventional or a sheltered facility. Rats in both housing conditions were subdivided into control and stress groups.