Effect of lozenge surface texture, taste and acidity on salivary flow rate: A crossover preclinical trial in healthy subjects.

Dry mouth is a multifaceted condition which is caused by reduced salivary secretion. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of different lozenge surface textures, tastes and acidity levels on stimulated salivary secretion for increased oral moistening in participants without hyposalivation. This randomized, double-blind, clinical crossover trial with before and after comparison involved 33 healthy volunteers. Five lozenges, including a baseline control (C), apple (A), sour (S), sour apple (SA) and granular pectin (P) were tested on five different days with all the subjects. Salivary flow, pH value, and subjective feeling (visual analog scale) were measured before and after consuming the lozenge each day. Throughout all trial days the unstimulated whole salivary flow (UWSF) averaged 0.65 ± 0.26 ml/min. Lozenges S, SA, and P showed higher stimulated whole salivary flow (SWSF) than C (P < 0.001) by more than 0.5 ml/min. Lozenge P, with a rough surface, demonstrated the highest difference between UWSF and SWSF, 2.41 ± 0.69 ml/min. The stimulated saliva with the lozenges containing acidifiers (S, SA and P) was more than 1.4 pH units lower compared to lozenges C and A (P < 0.001). Subjects reported the strongest subjective feeling of increased saliva with lozenges SA and P. Overall lozenges SA and P provided the best objective results in enhancing salivary flow rate and subjective feeling of increased salivary flow.

Changes in periapical status of root canal-treated teeth after head and neck IMRT: a retrospective study.

The objective of this retrospective study was to analyze the effect of the intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) of the head and neck region on root canal-treated teeth and their periapical changes due to radiation. Patients undergoing IMRT of the head and neck region were evaluated. Different types of teeth (molars, premolars, incisors and canines) were compared. Panoramic and dental radiographs were used to assess the periapical region of root canal-treated teeth using the periapical index (PAI) before and after radiotherapy (RT) and put in relation to the radiation dose per tooth. Further parameters (patient-, therapy- and tooth-related factors) were included in this study. One hundred and twenty-four root canal-treated teeth (maxilla and mandible) of 51 patients were observed. A radiolucency in the periapical region was seen in 34.7% of the samples before IMRT and an increasing number of 46% after IMRT (p-value 0.092). Clinical or radiological signs of osteoradionecrosis could not be determined. The only statistically significant difference was detected in regions irradiated with less than 40 Gy (p-value 0.045). In regions irradiated with higher doses (>40 Gy), comparable pathologies increased in non-significant numbers. A statistically significant increase of periapical pathologies was detected in premolars of the maxilla. The observations reported here suggest that a high radiation dose during IMRT has no significant consequences on root canal-treated teeth. To compare the success of endodontic treatment before versus after IMRT, further research needs to be done.

The effects of various types of lozenges on halitosis: A crossover clinical trial.

The aim of this crossover clinical trial was to assess the efficacy of three different types of lozenges on halitosis based on their composition and surface roughness. This crossover clinical trial comprised 35 healthy subjects who were tested after the induction of halitosis via the intake of chips and soft cheese. The breath was analyzed using the organoleptic and instrumental measurement techniques. The effects of three different types of lozenges were tested: apple-flavored (CA, control); apple-flavored with zinc (AZ, <0.2%); and apple-flavored with zinc and a rough surface (AZR, <0.2%). The instrumental and organoleptic measurements were repeated four times with a time interval of 120 s between measurements after the first measurement (baseline). Subsequently, the subjects were asked to describe their experience with the tested type of candy using a questionnaire. Statistically significant reductions in the grade of halitosis were observed after using the three different types of lozenges at the various time-points compared to the baseline value (p < 0.001). Additionally, significant correlations were observed between the instrumental and organoleptic measurements for all the lozenges (p < 0.001). Neither AZ nor AZR showed a significant difference compared to CA with regard to the reduction of the instrumental readings. Furthermore, the subjective feeling of having a fresh breath was not related to the values obtained using the instrumental technique. These findings indicate that lozenges can significantly reduce artificially induced halitosis, regardless of the type used. Nonetheless, additional studies using a larger sample size are required to validate these findings.

Removal of composite-bonded trauma splints using the Fluorescence-aided Identification Technique (FIT).

Accident-related dental dislocations must be considered as part of an emergency treatment. The use of tooth-colored fixation composites makes the splint seem less noticeable in everyday life. However, this makes it more difficult to remove without damaging the tooth's enamel surface. In order to better visualize the transition between composite and the tooth , the fluorescent properties of some composites can be advantageous. This article will explain the individual steps of a rapid and minimally invasive splint removal, using the so-called Fluorescence- aided Identification Technique.

Evaluation of a Fluorescence-aided Identification Technique (FIT) for removal of composite bonded trauma splints.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Accurate removal of composite bonded titanium trauma splints (TTS) can be challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate a Fluorescence-aided Identification Technique (FIT) compared with a conventional light source (CT) for removal of trauma splints regarding loss of tooth substance, residual composite, and time taken. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty maxillary models with six bovine teeth (13 - 23) were fabricated. An optical three-dimensional impression was taken and a TTS was applied from 12 to 22 with two bonding sites on every tooth under standardized conditions using an etch-and-rinse adhesive and resin composite. Two operators removed 10 splints each (5x FIT and 5x CT). For FIT, a 405 nm light-emitting headlamp was used. Time was recorded. A post-operative scan was superimposed on the pre-operative scan using OraCheck software. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of tooth defects and composite remnants was performed by two operators and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with the CT, FIT led to significantly fewer and smaller enamel defects (mean volume: -0.04 mm3 vs -0.33 mm3 ) (P < 0.001), significantly less composite remained (mean volume: 0.02 mm3 vs 0.28 mm3 ) (P < 0.001), and the removal procedure with FIT was significantly quicker (mean: 162 seconds vs 268 seconds) (P < 0.001), CONCLUSIONS: FIT facilitated the removal of composite used to bond trauma splints leading to less time-consuming as well as less invasive treatment. It left fewer composite residues on enamel surfaces.