Potential respiratory pathogens colonisation of the denture plaque of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

INTRODUCTION: The role of bacterial infections in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is widely examined. Denture plaque in patients with COPD is an example of bacterial and fungal biofilm, which is a reservoir of potentially pathogenic respiratory tract microorganisms. Poor denture hygiene might cause acute exacerbations of COPD. OBJECTIVE: Assessment of prevalence of respiratory tract pathogens in denture plaque in stable patients with COPD and it influence on oral ontocenoses depending upon the therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was based on the clinical assessment of oral mucosa and denture hygiene in 53 patients with COPD with mean age of 70 ± 18 years and 14 generally healthy participants with mean age of 65 ± 14 years. Microbiological and mycological tests were performed by culturing direct denture swabs. RESULTS: The study showcased the presence of potential pathogenic micro-organisms in denture plaque of 48 patients with COPD (90%) and nine healthy subjects (64.3%). Yeast-like fungi prevailed in denture surface swabs of 40 (75%) in patients with COPD and 8 (57%) in cases of control group. In 66% of patients, various degree of oral mucosa inflammation prevailed. CONCLUSIONS: Denture plaque could be a potential source of bacterial and fungal infections in patients with COPD.

A multidisciplinary treatment of patients with craniofacial disorders. Own experience.

Oral rehabilitation of patients with craniofacial disorders is a great challenge and needs a multidisciplinary approach. This is due to the diverse etiology of the disease and severity of changes in tissues and organs. Congenital absence of tooth germs manifested in the form of oligodontia or anodontia, the presence of persistent deciduous teeth in ectodermal dysplasia (ED), cleft lip and hard palate or cancer-induced changes in the tissues of the stomatognathic system are the most common causes of these disorders. The observed abnormalities are responsible for functional disorders of musculo-articular system, speech and chewing. In addition, noticeable adverse changes in the appearance have a huge psychological impact on patients and their well-being. Therefore, the treatment of these medical conditions should begin in childhood and comprise interdisciplinary rehabilitation, involving prosthetics and orthodontics supported by surgery, as well as speech or laryngological therapy. In this paper the interdisciplinary treatment of patients with oral hard and soft tissues disorders during ectodermal dysplasia is discussed. Early oral rehabilitation can restore lost or abnormally shaped tissues and proper functions of the masticatory system. It can also have a positive impact on further physical and psychological development of patients.