Dental caries prevalence in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy in Kermanshah, Iran

Introduction of new approaches for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection such as anti-retroviral medicines has resulted in an increase in the life expectancy of HIV patient. Evaluating the dental health status as a part of their general health care is needed in order to improve the quality of life in these patients. The aim of this study was to compare the root and crown caries rate in HIV patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy [HAART] with that rate in HIV patients without treatment option. This cross sectional study consisting of 100 individuals of both genders with human immunodeficiency virus were divided into two groups: i. group 1 [treatment group] including 50 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS] receiving HAART and ii. group 2 [control group] including 50 HIV infected patients not receiving HAART. Dental examinations were done by a dentist under suitable light using periodontal probe. For each participant, numbers of decay [D], missed [M], filled [F], Decayed missed and filled teeth [DMFT], decay surface [Ds], missed surface [Ms], filled surface [Fs], Decayed missed and filled surfaces [DMFS], and tooth and root caries were recorded. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and independent t test using SPSS 13.0, while p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant in all analysis. The mean and standard deviation [SD] of decayed, missed and filled teeth of those who were on highly active antiretroviral therapy was 6.86 +/- 3.57, 6.39 +/- 6.06 and 1.89 +/- 1.93, respectively. There was no significant difference between these values regarding to the treatment of patients. The mean and standard deviation of DMFT, DMFS and the number of decayed root surfaces were 15.14 +/- 6.09, 56.79 +/- 28.56, and 4.96 +/- 2.89 in patients treated by anti-retroviral medicine which were not significantly different compared to those without this treatment. According to the results of the present study, highly active antiretroviral therapy could not be considered as a single factor for dental caries prevalence in HIV-infected patients. However, more research is recommended to evaluate the cariogenic potential of these medicines

Evaluation of the relation between salivary beta-2 microglobulin and viral proliferation in HBS Ag[+] HBV DNA PCR[+]and HBV DNA PCR[-] subjects

Hepatitis includes a wide range of clinical and pathological conditions. The beta-2 microglobulin [B[2][M], as part of the HLA complex, is responsible for transmission of viral antigens on the surface of liver cells. The purpose of this study is to determine the concentration of salivary B2M as a marker of viral proliferation in subjects who are HbsAg[1], HBV DNA PCR[+] compared with those who are HbsAg[+], HBV DNA PCR[-]. In this case-control study, we enrolled 25 patients who were Hbs Ag[+], HBV DNA PCR[+] in addition to 21 patients who were Hbs Ag[+], HBV DNA PCR[-]. We obtained sputum samples from all patients and measured salivary B[2]M levels by nephelometry. Data analyses were performed by the descriptive, student's t- and chi-square tests. There were 25 men [54.3%] and 21 women [45.7%] with a mean age of 35.72 +/- 11.86 years who participated. Of PCR[+] patients, 72% were on medication, however 85.7% of the PCR[-] patients did not take medication [p<0.001]. Salivary B[2]M concentration in the PCR[+] patients [5.28 +/- 5.45] was greater than observed in the PCR patients [1.51 +/- 0.77], of which this difference was statistically significant [p<0.003]. Salivary B2M levels, as a marker of viral replication, could be used in patients with hepatitis B

Awareness of general dentists and senior dental students of Hamadan city [Iran] about prescribed drugs in dental procedures

Every day, numerous people undergo dental treatments, and if required different drugs are prescribed by dentists. Some patients have systemic disorders, so dentists must have correct information about drug prescriptions and drugs that are to be used by their patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the awareness of dentists and dentistry students about using drugs in dentistry. In this cross-sectional study, the awareness of general dentists and dentistry students about drugs used in dentistry were evaluated during 2009-2010. A questionnaire was prepared and completed by 58 final year dental students and 96 Hamadan general dental practitioners for a total of 154 completed questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of some demographic questions and questions about their awareness and their main information resources about drugs. Gathered data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Independent t-test statistical analysis. More questions about drug awareness were answered by dental students than general dentists. Dentistry students answered the question about awareness of drugs used in dentistry more correctly than did general dentists [64.96% versus 56.73%, respectively] P<0.001. The assessment of general dentists and dentistry students indicated that the awareness of dentistry students was much better, and the difference was statistically significant. Overall, 94.9% of students had to some extent desirable and completely desirable awareness, while this level for general dentists was about 82.3%. The awareness level of general dentists about drugs which are used in dentistry is moderate. An inverse relationship between job experience and the score of awareness shows that the awareness of dentists has not updated along with experience and there is no serious follow-up in this field. This issue indicates the necessity of retraining courses for dentists about drugs prescribed in dentistry

[In vitro evaluation of antibacterial effect of myrtus extract with different concentrations on some oral bacteria]

Microorganisms are the main etiologic factors of periodontal diseases and dental caries. Recently, the use of herbal medications has been considered as an alternative method in elimination of oral microbial agents. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial effects of Myrtus extract on some common oral bacteria. This experimental trial study was performed on nine strains of some oral bacteria. Each strain was cultured in blood agar and Muler-Hintone media. Paper disks 6mm in diameter containing different concentrations of Myrtus extract were placed on the selected media and then inhibition zone [IZ] was measured after 24 hours. Data analysis was carried out using ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. The results of this study showed that, there were no statistically significant differences in IZ between S.Salivarius and S. epidermis in different Myrtus concentrations. The widest IZ was presented in concentration of 2.5% for S.Sanguis, S.Mutans and diphteroid and in concentration of 1% for lactobacillus and in concentration of 1% and 2.5% for S.aureus and finally, in concentration of 2.5% for P.aeruginosa. The narrowest IZ was presented in concentration of 5% for Laetobaeillus. The highest sensitivity to Myrtus extract was observed in concentration of 2.5% and the lowest sensitivity in concentrations of 0.5% and 5%.Myrtus extract had different effects in different concentrations and on different bacteria in this study. The widest IZ [16 milimeter] was presented in concentration of 2.5% for P. aeruginosa and the narrowest IZ [6mm] was presented in concentration of 5% for Lactobacillus

[Evaluation of serum albumin level in chronic periodontitis]

Periodontal disease has been implicated as a risk factor for systemic diseases. There was a association between periodontal disease and serum albumin level in recent studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum albumin concentration as a prognostic marker of the periodontal disease. In this cross-sectional study, 64 patients with chronic periodontitis, aged 20-50 years and 64 healthy control subjects with same age were selected. Dental and systemic stata were assessed for all subjects. Blood samples [2cc] were collected and COBASMIRA method was used to determine serum albumin level. The data were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA, Chi- square and t-tests. The mean serum albumin concentration was 5.05 +/- 2.7 gr/dl in chronic periodontitis and 4.40 +/- 0.39gr/dl in control group and the difference was significant [P=0.000]. Also there was a significant difference in albumin level between mild and moderate periodontitis [P=0.000]. Mean concentration of serum albumin level in periodontitis [mild, moderate, sever] was higher than control group

Histologic effects of demineralized bone matrix on regeneration of alveolar socket in diabetic rats

The aim of this in vivo study was to determine the effect of demineralized bone matrix [DBM] on alveolar bone repair in type I diabetic rats. This study was carried out on 40 adult [8 weeks-old] albino rats with an average weight of 200-250 grams. The animals were divided into four groups [n=10] as follows: group 1 nondiabetic rats, group 2, 3 and 4 were diabetic rats, group 4 rats took one unit of insulin daily. Diabetes was induced by Alloxan Monohydrate through the tail veins of the rats in groups 2-4. Only group 4 received insulin NPH 1 unit daily. After 10 days, the upper right incisors of all samples were extracted and the socket was filled with DBM in groups 3 and 4. The animals were sacrificed at the end of week 1 and 2. The specimens were prepared and stained with H and E. Histological results of group 4 displayed osteoblastic activity and bone formation with collagen fibers at the end of the first week and thick bone trabeculae formation in vicinity of DBM at the end of second week. In group 3, DBM showed some osteoinductivity at the end of the first week, but in some regions DBM particles were degraded by osteoclastic activity. Bone trabeculae formed with a dispersed and separate pattern at the end of second week. In group 2 hematoma and inflammation were dominant histological features at the end of first and second weeks; poor bone formation was detected in these two groups [2 and 3]. In group 1, the results were as expected. It seems demineralized bone matrix simulate osteoblastic activity

Root canal configuration of one-rooted mandibular canine in an iranian population: an in vitro study

A perfect endodontic treatment necessitates proper understanding of the morphology of canal and pulpal variations. This in vitro study was conducted to demonstrate the internal anatomy of mandibular canine teeth in an Iranian population. The samples consisted of 100 extracted mandibular permanent canines. The roots of the teeth were molded in acrylic boxes. The crowns of the teeth were cut and 2 mm cross sections were made from CEJ to the apex. Sections were examined using stereomicroscope to reveal the number and location of root canals. From 100 evaluated teeth, 12 [12%] had 2 canals from which 5 had type II canal configuration and 7 [7%] had type III. 88% of the specimens had one canal and none were seen to be of type IV. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of dentist's knowledge of variations in root canal morphology, since leaving a canal untreated is one of the main reasons of endodontic failures. When treating mandibular canines, the existence of a second canal should be taken into consideration

Epidemiology of pemphigus in Tehran, Iran: a 20-year retrospective study

Pemphigus is a chronic autoimmune and vesiculobollous disease that can affect skin and different mucous membrane surfaces. Primary manifestations occur in oral cavity in almost 60% of cases. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the epidemiology of pemphigus in Tehran, Iran in a 20-year period. A retrospective study was conducted on the records of 1560 patients diagnosed with different types of pemphigus in Razi Hospital of Dermatology in Tehran from March 1985 to March 2005. A questionnaire was prepared to collect information regarding age, sex, bedridden duration, pemphigus subtype, sites of involvement, recurrence and mortality rate. Data was analyzed using chi-square test with significant level of P < 0.05. There was a female predominance with a male to female ratio of 1:1.53. In nearly half of the patients, only the oral mucous membranes were affected. One hundred and fifty had only skin lesions and 261 cases had both skin and oral mucosal lesions. Involvement of esophageal and vaginal mucous membranes without skin lesions was observed in 150 patients and 298 cases had esophageal and vaginal mucosal involvement as well as skin lesions. Pemphigus vulgaris was the most common type, with the mean age of 44.6 years. Oral mucous membrane was the most frequent location where pemphigus vulgaris was observed. 1265 patients recovered which 52.2% of them had only oral lesions. Average of bedridden duration was 2.9 months. The highest recurrence rate was seen in patients with skin lesions exclusively. There was a significant difference between recurrences of lesions and location of involvement [P < 0.05]. Thirty six patients had died from of the disease. The mean age of the disease onset in the present study was found to be a decade earlier than the other parts of the world. Recurrence and mortality rates were lower in patients with only oral lesions and their prognosis was better