Prevalence of gingivitis in 6- to 11-year-old Croatian children.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of gingivitis in 6- to 11-year-old children in two urban settlements of Zagreb, Croatia. PARTICIPANTS: Total number of 1025 children was included in the study. The Gingival Bleeding Index was used to determine the condition of the gingiva on mesiobuccal and buccal surfaces of six selected teeth, totaling to 12 surfaces. RESULTS: Forty-three percent of the examined children had healthy gingival tissue, 12% showed bleeding from one surface, 6% from two, 5% from three, 17% from four, and 17% from five to eight surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: Gingivitis was prevalent, but slight to moderate. It is important to instruct and control schoolchildren in excellent oral hygiene in order to prevent gingivitis.

[The caries occurrence in schoolchildren of the city of Zurich in 1970-1993. A view of prevention in new immigrants]. / Kariesbefall der Schüler der Stadt Zürich im Zeitraum 1970-1993. Ausblick auf die Vorbeugung bei Neuzuzügern.

Surveys of dental caries prevalence were carried out from 1970-1993 in schoolchildren of the city of Zurich. DMFT experience declined by 68 to 80%, while the average dmft decreased by 48-53% (ages 7 to 9). From 1988 to 1993, the average DMFT decreased further in the age group of 12- and 14-year-olds; in the ages 7 to 10, however, neither the DMFT nor the dmft showed a decline. In children who had of late immigrated, DMF levels were 2 to 3 times higher than in the children holding Swiss citizenship.

Periodontal conditions in Swiss Army recruits.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the oral hygiene and periodontal conditions of a young male population representative for Switzerland. 757 Swiss Army recruits were examined for their oral health status including the assessment of Plaque Index (PlI), Retention Index (RI) and Sulcus Bleeding Index (SBI) as well as Probing Depth (PD) and Loss of Probing Attachment (LA). All the teeth of the right maxillary and mandibular dental arch were evaluated on four aspects. One recruit yielded a status of juvenile periodontitis and was excluded from further analysis. 2.3% of the teeth had been lost, mainly as a result of orthodontic therapy. Mean PlI and SBI for all 756 recruits approximated 0.6, while the mean RI was around 0.1. The mean PD was 2.3 mm, and the mean LA of 0.9 mm was measured. PD and LA were slightly higher on proximal than on buccal or oral aspects. Site specific analysis for all parameters are presented. Since only 0.4% of the recruits showed probing depths of greater than or equal to 5 mm and only 1% of the subjects showed LA greater than or equal to 4 mm on any surfaces it may be concluded that severe signs of chronic adult periodontitis are absent in 99% of young male Swiss citizens.

CEREC(R) CAD-CAM ceramic restorations. A case report after 5 years in place.

At least three different techniques have been described for preparing computer-aided designed (CAD) and computer-aided manufactured (CAM) inlays and veneers. This paper details a clinical case in which 13 Cerec CAD-CAM inlays have been in function for five years. The Cerec--System produces ceramic inlays which are designed, fabricated and placed during one appointment. Advantages and system-related limitations are discussed.

[Caries prevalence in Zurich schoolchildren in 1970, 1983 and 1988]. / Kariesprävalenz bei Zürcher Schulkindern 1970, 1983 und 1988.

In 1988, a random sample of 657 school children of the City of Zurich was examined for dental caries using standardized methods. The children at age 12 and 14 had 2.36 and 4.24 DMFT, respectively. There was a decline of caries prevalence during the period 1983-1988. Compared with the earliest available data obtained in 1958 and 1961, the children of 1988 had 69 to 78% less DMFT, and 54 to 60% when compared with the data obtained in 1970.

[Periodontal diseases]. / Parodontale Erkrankungen.

Research into pathogenesis and therapy of periodontal diseases have advanced considerably over the last 15 years. Basic research has disclosed anatomic and morphologic "weak spots" in the periodontium at the marginal gingiva and the interdental space. Approximately 70 microorganisms were isolated, among them many gram negative anaerobic bacteria. Products of these bacteria comprise of enzymes which destroy the periodontal connective tissue and interfere with immunologic mechanisms. Based on this knowledge several diseases are differentiated. A correct diagnosis contributes to a favorable therapy, such that the common periodontitis of adults (PA) responds well to treatment and the other periodontitis-forms are amenable to stabilisation if the patient cooperates. For the general practitioner the particular risks are elucidated. Already an examination for periodontitis and more so local treatment induces a bacteremia in every patient. Dentists and referring physicians should envisage preventive measures in patients at risk.

[Reduced incidence of gingivitis in Zurich schoolchildren]. / Gingivitisrückgang bei Zürcher Schulkindern.

Gingival health of school children was evaluated four years after adding an individualised prophylaxis program to the existing school dental health scheme in Zurich. Compared to the status recorded in a similar study undertaken in 1977, an improved gingival condition was found. In the present study, 79% of the children had gingivitis compared to 91% in 1977. Of 22 selected gingival areas, an average of 5.4 was inflamed, and 2.9 were severely inflamed. The numbers of inflamed sites in 1977 were 7.0 and 5.8, respectively.