Prevalence of Periodontitis in Erectile Dysfunction Patients

ABSTRACT@#Erectile dysfunction (ED) and periodontitis have common risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and tobacco smoking. Multiple reports are available in regard to the association between ED and chronic periodontitis (CP). The study aimed to determine the association of ED and CP in selected Malaysian population. In this study, 74 patients (mean age = 52.4 ± 10.9 years old) diagnosed with ED, from scores via the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire, were included. ED severity was classified as mild, mild to moderate, moderate, and severe. Periodontal condition was recorded using basic periodontal examination (BPE) method, of which scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3 were associated with having no periodontitis while a score of 4 was considered to have periodontitis. There are 40 (54.1%) subjects found to have periodontitis and the association of ED and periodontitis showed a moderate positive degree of correlation, ρ = 0.487 (p < 0.001). The percentage of subjects having periodontitis indicated an increasing trend with the severity of ED; from 19.0% (mild ED), 54.2% (mild to moderate ED), 75.0% (moderate ED), to 84.6% (severe ED). A greater degree of correlation was noted between dental scaling experience and ED, ρ = 0.635 (p < 0.001). Binomial logistic regression had shown no other co-morbidities and factors were affecting this relation. There seemed to be an association between ED and periodontitis existing in these selected Malaysian populations.

Acrylic partial dentures fixed to adjacent teeth: a case report on quack dentistry

The practice of quack dentistry worldwide is a challenge to the profession of dentistry as it undermines the trust of the general public and places the patients at unnecessary risks through their illegal practices. Although the ratio of patients to dentists is rapidly decreasing in Malaysia due to the increased output of qualified dentists from both local and foreign institutions, quack dentistry is still practiced in many areas. This report intends to highlight a popular treatment prescribed by these quack dentists which is removable partial dentures that is fixed to the adjacent teeth by cold cure acrylic. We also aim to discuss the design of the denture and the means employed to remove this ’fixed partial denture’. It is hoped that this case report will highlight the prevalence of the practice of quack dentistry especially in geographical area of this case report and allow the authorities to devise means to stop this illegal practice.