In vitro evaluation of apical microleakage of a new MTA-based sealer.

AIM: To evaluate the apical microleakage of a new MTAbased sealer; MTA Fillapex (Angelus) and compare it with ProRoot MTA (Dentsply) and AH Plus (Dentsply). METHODS: 51 single-rooted permanent teeth were selected and the roots were prepared using a rotary system. The samples were divided randomly into 3 groups (n=15). Six roots were used as positive and negative controls. The teeth were obturated with respectively; A. AH Plus and gutta percha (DiaDent); B. MTA Fillapex and gutta percha; C. ProRoot MTA. Specimens were placed in 2% methylene blue dye for 72h. Then linear dye penetration was measured. Measurements were analysed statistically. RESULTS: MTA Fillapex group had significantly higher microleakage values (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between MTA and AH Plus groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The sealing ability of AH Plus and MTA were similar whilst MTA Fillapex showed more microleakage than the other two materials.

Prevalence of breath malodour in 7- 11-year-old children living in Middle Anatolia, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of breath malodour and to assess the relationships between breath malodour parameters such as dental caries, habitual mouth breathing, tooth-brushing, and the frequency of upper respiratory-tract infection. METHODS: A total of 628 healthy children (327 boys, 301 girls) ranging in age from 7 to 11 who were living in Kirikkale, Middle Anatolia, Turkey were included. Subjects who were taking antibiotics, having any suspicion of upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis or tonsillitis at the time of survey were excluded from the study. Oral malodour assessment was carried out by organoleptic method. The DMFT/S was used to record caries. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the association of each clinical variable to organoleptic oral malodour rating. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to detect the degree of association between oral malodour and various dental-habitual parameters. RESULTS: The prevalence of halitosis was 14.5%. Organoleptic oral malodour ratings were significantly higher in older age groups. Gender, frequency of tooth brushing, habitual mouth breathing did not influence oral malodour ratings. D(T), DMF(T), d(s) played the most significant role in higher oral malodour ratings, followed by d(t) and df(s). The frequency of tooth brushing, habitual mouth breathing did not contribute to the prevalence of halitosis. CONCLUSION: Age, prevalence and severity of dental caries were significantly related to breath malodour.

Doxycycline-induced staining of permanent adult dentition.

BACKGROUND: Doxycycline is the most effective antibiotic for managing brucellosis. Although it is relatively free from side effects, complications involving the skin, nails and teeth may rarely be encountered. METHODS: Four patients with brucellosis developed yellow-brown discolouration of teeth following a 30-45 day course of doxycycline therapy during summer at a dose of 200mg/day. RESULTS: All four patients were diagnosed as having doxycycline-induced staining of the permanent dentition. In all cases, the staining completely resolved and the teeth recovered their original colour following abrasive dental cleaning. CONCLUSIONS: These observations indicate that the incidence of staining of the permanent dentition, as a complication of doxycycline, may be much higher than the literature indicates, especially if treatment is administered during summer months. Fortunately, this complication is reversible and does not require termination of doxycycline therapy. Complete resolution following abrasive cleaning may suggest that an extrinsic mechanism within the dental milieu may be involved in its pathogenesis. Strict avoidance of sunlight exposure during high-dose, long-term doxycycline therapy might prevent the development of this complication.