Oxidative Damage to the Salivary Glands of Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes-Temporal Study: Oxidative Stress and Diabetic Salivary Glands.

Objective. This study evaluated oxidative damage caused to the salivary glands in streptozotocin-induced diabetes (DM). Materials and Methods. Rats were divided into 4 groups: groups 1 and 2, control rats, and groups 3 and 4, DM rats. 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), protein carbonyl (PC), 4-hydroxynonenal protein adduct (4-HNE), oxidized and/or MDA-modified LDL-cholesterol (oxy-LDL/MDA), 8-isoprostanes (8-isoP), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured at 7 (groups 1 and 3) and 14 (groups 2 and 4) days of experiment. Results. The unstimulated salivary flow in DM rats was reduced in the 2nd week, while the stimulated flow was decreased throughout the duration of the experiment versus control. OSI was elevated in both diabetic glands in the 1st and 2nd week, whereas 8-isoP and 8-OHdG were higher only in the parotid gland in the second week. PC and 4-HNE were increased in the 1st and 2nd week, whereas oxy-LDL/MDA was increased in the 2nd week in the diabetic parotid glands. Conclusions. Diabetes induces oxidative damage of the salivary glands, which seems to be caused by processes taking place in the salivary glands, independently of general oxidative stress. The parotid glands are more vulnerable to oxidative damage in these conditions.

Antioxidant profile of salivary glands in high fat diet-induced insulin resistance rats.

OBJECTIVE: There is no study analyzing the salivary antioxidant profile in the course of the insulin resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into two groups. One group was fed with a normal diet, another one with a high fat diet for 5 weeks. The analysis included: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase, peroxidase activities, uric acid, and total antioxidant status concentrations. RESULTS: The activity of peroxidase in both kind of glands of insulin resistance rats was significantly reduced than in the control rats. The protein concentration, total amount of total antioxidant status in the parotid glands of insulin resistance rats were significantly lower than in the control glands The total amount of superoxide dismutase, CAT, and uric acid in the parotid glands of insulin resistance rats were significantly elevated in comparison with the control rats. The median values of the total amount of superoxide dismutase, CAT, peroxidase, total antioxidant status were significantly higher in the parotid than in the submandibular glands of the insulin resistance and control rats. CONCLUSION: Parotid and submandibular glands of rats react differently when exposed to insulin resistance condition; however, the parotid glands seem to be more affected. The main source of antioxidants is parotid glands of rats.

Activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases in saliva of patients with HIV infection.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of HIV infection on the catabolism of glycoconjugates in the oral cavity, by determination of the activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases in mixed saliva. METHOD: The specific activities of the following exoglycosidases were tested: N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase (HEX), its isoenzymes A (HEX-A) and B (HEX-B), alpha-mannosidase (MAN), beta-galactosidase (GAL) and alpha-fucosidase (FUC). RESULT: A significant increase of activity of HEX-A, GAL and FUC, and a significant decrease of the activity of HEX-B was found, but no significant changes in the HEX and MAN activity we noted. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that following HIV infection, there is probably an increased rate of catabolism of glycoconjugates in saliva resulting from changes in the proportions of the activity of isoenzymes A and B of N-acetyl-beta-hexosaminidase, beta-galactosidase and alpha-fucosidase. An increase of HEXA activity can implicate the beginning of neoplastic changes developing in the oral cavity.

The evaluation of lysozyme concentration and peroxidase activity in non-stimulated saliva of patients infected with HIV.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was the comparison of lysozyme concentration and peroxidase activity in mixed, non-stimulated saliva of HIV-positive patients and healthy subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in the group of 37 patients infected with HIV. The control group comprised of non-infected individuals, counterpart of the examined group. Mixed non-stimulated saliva, collected using expectoration method in the amount of 3-5 ml 2 hours after meal, was used for the study. Saliva samples were centrifuged, divided into portions 200 microl each, and stored at -80 degrees C. Peroxidase activity was determined using the method by Mansson-Rahemtull et al. Lysozyme concentrations were determined with the use of radial immunodiffusion method, ready-made kits (Human NL Nanorid plate--The Binding Site Ltd., UK). RESULTS: Higher concentrations of lysozyme as well as peroxidase activity were observed in the group of patients with HIV as compared to the control group, and they were 35.08 microg/ml, 46.74 IU/1, 21.3 microg/ml, 37.73 IU/l, respectively. The difference was statistically significant only in case of peroxidase activity. CONCLUSIONS: 1. HIV infection triggers immune mechanisms, that are manifested by the increase in salivary enzymes responsible for local non-specific resistance. 2. The immunological resistance decrease, manifested by the drop of the absolute number of CD4 lymphocytes T, is compensated by the increase in lysozyme concentration and peroxidase activity in non-stimulated saliva of HIV-positive patients.

Prosthetic status and needs of HIV positive subjects.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is an evaluation of existing dentition reconstructions in HIV-infected patients and definition of prosthetic needs of the examined population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 49 HIV-infected subjects (19-52 years of age) and 49 non-infected patients as the control group. Dental services were evaluated using treatment structure. The analysis of teeth loss was performed by using index created by Rogowiec. The area of prosthetic treatment was also defined. Aquired data were analyzed in examined populations regarding infection's duration time. RESULTS: Analysis of Rogowiec index values showed heavy losses in all anatomic groups of teeth and treatment structure index in the group of HIV infected subjects reached value 71.27%. The percentage of infected patients using prosthetic dentures was two times higher than in control group. In mandible, this difference was more significant. As the HIV infection's duration time increased, the percentage of subjets with prosthetic dentures in both dental arches also increased. Reconstruction of maxilla's dentition was necessary in 38.78% of HIV(+) subjects. In infected group, the necessity of reconstruction of teeth loss in lower dental arch reached 46.94%. As the infection's duration time increased, prosthetic needs of upper dental arch slightly decreased and needs of lower dental arch increased. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Using only emergency dental aid by HIV infected people results in significant loss of dentitnion. 2. Extraction domination over conservative reconstrucions in dental treatment, despite of young age of examined subjests, leads to damage of mastication organ. 3. The teeth loss in subjects infected for a longer period of time, results in increased need of prosthetic treatment.

Periodontal status and treatment needs in HIV-infected patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is evaluation of periodontal status and definition of periodontal treatment needs in HIV infected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 49 HIV-infected subjects (19-52 years of age) and 49 non-infected patients as the control group. Periodontal status and treatment needs were evaluated by using CPITN - Community Periodontal Index and Treatment Needs. Aquired data were analyzed in examined populations regarding infection's duration time and in dependance on absolute number of CD4 lymphocytes in microl of plasma, dividing patients according to criterion of HIV infection classification after CDC (Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention). RESULTS: More advanced changes in the paradontium were observed mostly in examined HIV infected subjets. As HIV infection time proceeds, the periodontal status of examined patients impairs, what is manifested by the decrease of the number of sextants with the intact paradontium and the increase of the number of sextants excluded from the research. There was no significant relation found between periodontal status evaluated with CPITN and the immunity status of examined subjects. 26.5% of HIV infected subjects needed the complex therapy. As the immunity decreased, the number of patients qualified to the complex treatment increased, and the number of HIV(+) patients with no need of therapy decreased. CONCLUSIONS: 1. As the infection duration time proceeds, the periodontal status in HIV-infected patients impairs. 2. Deterioration of health status, expreesed with decrease of absolute number of CD4 lymphocytes is accompanied by intensification of pathological periodontal changes. 3. HIV infected persons are group with high periodontal needs and require intensive periodontal care.

Evaluation of periodontal status in young patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1).

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to value periodontal status in young persons with well-controlled insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 50 young people with IDDM (25 girls and 25 boys) and 50 healthy subjects (25 girls and 25 boys). Mean age of examined persons was about 14 years. We investigated gingival indexes: GI (Gingival Index) and PBI (Papillary Bleeding Index) and periodontal indexes: PI (Periodontal Index) and PDI (Periodontal Disease Index). The results were statistically analysed, and significant differences we observed for p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean scores of Gingival Index and Papillary Bleeding Index were lower in healthy subjects but differences were not statistically significant. Only maximum scores of these indexes were significantly higher in diabetics. The mean and maximum values of Periodontal Index were significantly higher in patients with IDDM. We did not notice differences between mean scores of PDI in both examined groups. Analysis of maximum values of Periodontal Disease Index reveals higher level in diabetic girls than in female controls. CONCLUSIONS: IDDM patients may be at risk of periodontal diseases. Well-controlling insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus may be important for periodontal tissues status and prophylaxis of periodontal diseases.

The effect of glass ionomer cement Fuji IX on the hard tissues of teeth treated by sparing methods (ART and CMCR).

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of glass ionomer fillings Fuji IX on the mineral content of the hard dental tissues of carious teeth treated by sparing methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material consisted of 4 deciduous teeth lost due to physiological resorption. The teeth had glass ionomer fillings Fuji IX inserted after treatment of caries by means of sparing methods (ART and CMCR). Chemical analysis of enamel and dentin was performed by means of energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) with X-ray analysis QUEST system at a distance of 20 um (point C) and 120 um (point D), respectively. The content of the following elements was evaluated in weight percent: oxygen (O), fluoride (F), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr). The Ca/P ratio was calculated. T-student test for pairs, with the level of significance p < 0.05, was used for statistical analysis of the results. RESULTS: We found significantly higher levels of fluoride, aluminum and silicon and lower concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in the dentine adjacent to the filling (point C). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the levels of the elements between these two sites of measurement. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that mineralization of the calcified dentine may involve elements released from glass ionomer cement Fuji IX.

Efficacy of local treatment with chlorhexidine gluconate drugs on the clinical status of periodontium in chronic periodontitis patients.

PURPOSE: Chlorhexidine gluconate is a relatively commonly used chemotherapeutic in the treatment of periodontitis (P), exhibiting antimicrobial capabilities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and fungi. This compound is a component of various preparations for topical use in the form of solutions for mouthrinsing or peri-irrigation, gels, varnishes, chips and even chewing gums. The aim of the study was the clinical evaluation of periodontium after treatment with one of the drugs containing chlorhexidine gluconate (Corsodyl) as compared to professional tooth cleaning in patients with chronic periodontitis. MATERAL AND METHODS: Forty subjects enrolled in the study were divided into four groups, 10 in each group, according to the mode of treatment (Corsodyl rinse, Corsodyl gel, Corsodyl gel + surgical dressing, scaling). RESULTS: The greatest differences between baseline and follow-up examinations were observed in the group where surgical dressing was applied in addition to Corsodyl gel and in the group treated with scaling. CONCLUSIONS: Chlorhexidine gluconate should be more frequently used as a drug adjunct to classic periodontal therapy, especially in the forms allowing its direct application to the periodontal pockets.

Oral Candida albicans carriage in healthy preschool and school children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to detect Candida albicans carriage in the oral cavity of healthy preschool and school children. The second aim was the determination of correlation between C. albicans occurrence and dental caries in children population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The samples for mycological examinations were collected from the pharynx and supragingival plaque, and carious lesions in 102 children, aged 4-7 years (preschool children) and 104 children and adolescents, aged 12 and 18 (school children). All samples were cultured directly on Sabouraud agar medium. Isolated yeasts were identified based on API 20C AUX (bioMérieux). RESULTS: A total of 123 C. albicans strains were isolated, in which 61 (49.6%) derived from supragingival plaque, 48 (39%)--from carious lesions, and 14 (11.4%)--from pharyngeal swabs. C. albicans was isolated from the samples of single material in 61 children (35--school children, 26 --preschool children) while from the rest of 29 children, C. albicans was isolated from two (25x) or three materials (4x). C. albicans was detected in 48/75 (64%) children with dental caries; the rate was statistically significantly higher as compared to the overall number of children with C. albicans carriage (90/206; 43.7%) (p = 0.0026). Similar results was obtained in preschool children (38/61; 62.3% and 47/102; 46.1%, respectively) (p = 0.0449), as in school children (10/14; 71.4% and 43/104; 41.3%, respectively) (p = 0.0336). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Candida albicans was observed in the oral cavity of healthy children with high (approximately 40%)--comparable rate in school and preschool children (p > 0.05). 2) C. albicans was isolated with high comparable rate from carious lesions in preschool and school children. The statistically significant differences between the rate of C. albicans in carious lesions in preschool children (62.3%) and school children (71.4%) and the overall number of children with C. albicans carriage in the oral cavity of children in both age groups (p < 0.05) were showed.

Assessment of periodontal status following the alignment of impacted permanent maxillary canine teeth.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of orthodontic movement of the impacted canines after surgical exposure and alignment on the periodontal status of the transpositioned and adjacent teeth as well as to compare certain parameters with those of spontaneously erupted teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients (mean age 18.4 +/- 3.66) with unilaterally impacted 24 canines were enrolled in the study. The following parameters were assessed: pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), platelet index (PI) of Silness and Löe, and modified sulcus bleeding index (SBI). Optic density of the alveolar bone along the root surface of the aligned canine was analysed based on digital radiological images made with the right angle technique. Control group consisted of spontaneously erupted teeth. RESULTS: In comparison to the control group, in the orthodonticaly treated group PD was found to increase on the mesial buccal and palatal surfaces of the first premolar (p < 0.003, p < 0.04), on the treated side; on the distal buccal (p < 0.01), mesial buccal (p < 0.0005), mesial palatal (p < 0.02) and distal palatal surfaces of the canine (p < 0.02); and on the distal buccal (p < 0.04) and distal palatal surfaces of the lateral incisor (p < 0.048). CAL was statistically significant on the mesio-buccal and mesio-palatal surfaces of the aligned canine (p < 0.02). PI was statistically insignificant, while SBI values at the aligned tooth were statistically significant (p < 0.0004). Positive correlation was found between treatment duration and distance to the occlusal plane (d) expressed by the correlation coefficient r = 0.49 (p < 0.02). No relationship was observed between bone density within the canine alignment zone and the control, and there was no link between the method of treatment and periodontal status, either. CONCLUSIONS: The alignment of the impacted permanent maxillary canines poses a risk of periodontal deterioration. Patients subjected to surgical-orthodontic treatment require periodic periodontal follow-ups.

Complications in the course of surgical-orthodontic treatment of impacted maxillary canines.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of gender and age of patients with impacted permanent maxillary canines on complications in the course of tooth transposition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material included files of 82 patients with a diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral impaction of 102 permanent maxillary canines. The study group consisted of 65 female and 17 male subjects, aged 8.5-39 years (mean 14.5 years) divided into four age groups: group I--patients under 12, group II--12.0-13.9 years, group III--14.0-15.9 years and group IV--patients at the age of 16 and older. RESULTS: In the study population, the impacted teeth showed the following locations: palatal (67.64%), vestibular (19.60%) and alveolar (12.74%). Spontaneous resorption caused by abnormal tooth position was observed in 5 (4.9%) permanent maxillary lateral incisors. In 4 cases, the resorption was bilateral and all the five cases were recorded in group III. In group IV, one patient had alveolar process atrophy and severe resorption, while another one showed ankylosis of a permanent canine. Extraction of palatally impacted canines was done in 3.92% of cases. Complications were noted in girls and referred to 5.58% of the study cases. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic movement of the impacted teeth to the dental arch may result in complications. However, because of the major significance of the upper canine which is responsible for the behaviour of the frontal triad, surgical-orthodontic treatment should be undertaken to improve occlusion and the aesthetic look of patients. Thus, any case of the ectopic canine requires observation and proper choice of radiological diagnostics.

Activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases in saliva of patients with HIV infection.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of HIV infection on the catabolism of glycoconjugates in oral cavity, by determination the activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases in resting whole saliva HIV positive patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sample of resting whole saliva from HIV infected patients (divided into two groups, depending on lymphocyte CD4+ number in peripheral blood) and the control-HIV negative group were analyzed for exoglycosidases activity. Determinations the activities (muKat/kg of protein) of lysosomal exoglycosidases were performed according to Chatteriee et al., modified Zwierz et al. The protein content (mg/ml) was determined by the Lowry method. Statistical analysis was performed using packet Statistica 6.0. Results were expressed as the mean and SD. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Exoglycosidases activities were not statistically dependent on immunological status of HIV patients. We obtained insignificant increase activities of HEX, HEX A and GALp and insignificant decrease activity of HEX B along with the reduction of the CD4+ number. In both HIV positive groups the activities of HEX B were statistically lower and GALp statistically higher in comparison to the control. In the case of HEX A significant differences could be observed between patients with low immunological status and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection intensifies catabolism glycoconiugates in saliva and changes activities of HEX, its isoenzymes A and B and beta-galactosidase. It may change susceptibility the cells lining oral cavity to viral and bacterial infections.

The saliva immunology mechanisms and periodontal status in HIV infected subjects.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was the evaluation of connection between parodontium determined by using GI and PBI indexes and specific immunity status and non-specific in HIV infected group and in control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in the group of 37 patients infected with HIV. Mixed non-stimulated saliva was used for the study. Peroxidase activity was determined using the method by Mansson-Rahemtull. Lysozyme and A, G, M antibodies concentrations were determined with the use of radial immunodiffusion method. The concentration of lactoferrin was determined by using ELISA method. The clinical state of parodontium estimated by means of GI and PBI evaluating quality changes in the gum. RESULTS: Deterioration of the immunological status of subjects was accompanied by the increase of the values of GI and PBI. The strong negative correlation between GI and PBI and the concentration of lactoferrin and positive activity of the peroxidase in the whole examined population was determined. In the infected group the correlation between the status of gingiva expressed by GI and concentration or activity of examined enzymes and immunoglobulins was not ascertained. CONCLUSIONS: 1. HIV infection is connected to worsening of paradontium status expressed by values of GI and PBI indexes. 2. Paradontium status correlated positively with immunological status of HIV positive subjects. 3. In HIV infected group, no connection between number of IgA, IgG, IgM, concentration of lysozyme, lactoferrin, activity of peroxidase and paradontium status was observed.

Microorganisms in root carious lesions in adults.

PURPOSE: Root caries is emerging as a significant problem in the middle aged and elderly subjects because of the improving general health conditions, and medical and technological advances. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the prevalence of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as yeasts of Candida genus in root carious lesions in middle-aged and older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens of root carious lesions were collected from 78 adults for bacteriological and mycological studies. Standard procedures of culture, isolation, and identification of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and fungi were used in the study. RESULTS: The analysis of results was performed independently in two age groups of adults, i.e. 52 subjects aged 35-44 years (middle age) and 26-aged 55-72 years (older age). There were 120 bacterial strains isolated from root carious lesions in middle-aged subjects, 63 (52.5%) strains belonged to 5 genera of aerobic bacteria and 57 (47.5%)--to 7 genera of anaerobic bacteria (p > 0.05). While in the second group, 85 strains were isolated, 54 (63.5%)--6 genera of aerobic bacteria and 31 (36.5%)--4 genera of anaerobic bacteria (p = 0.0004). There were no differences between the isolation rate of a various species in both examined groups, except for Streptococcus spp., S. oralis, Micrococcus spp., Neisseria spp. and Veillonella spp., which statistically significantly most frequent occurred in elderly (p < 0.05). The yeasts of Candida genus of 4 species (C. albicans, C. lusitaniae, C. pelliculosa, and C. pulcherrima) were isolated from middle-aged subjects (32.7%) with the comparable rate to older adults (30.8%; only C. albicans) (p > 0.05). Among all isolated microorganisms, Candida spp., were comprised about 10% in both examined groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic Gram-positive cocci (Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp.) as well as anaerobic ones (Peptostreptococcus spp.), and Candida albicans were occurred most frequently in root carious lesions in middle-aged and older adults.

The evaluation of dentition status in HIV-infected patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was the evaluation of dentition status in patients infected with HIV. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 30 HIV + patients, aged 20-46 and 30 non-infected subjects as the control group. Oral hygiene and dentition status were estimated. Oral hygiene status using simplified OHI-plague index according to Green and Vermilion. Dentition status was analysed using decay intensity index (DMF) as well as teeth loss index according to Rogowiec. The results were analysed in dependence on HIV infection with regard to infection time. RESULTS: The results point to a high intensity of decay in HIV+ patients (23.66). There was a positive correlation between infection time and decay intensity and teeth loss evaluated using Rogowiec index. Unsatisfactory oral hygiene status (OHI > or = 1) was observed in 53.33% of infected patients. There is a relation between infection time and oral hygiene status. OHI-plague index increased in patients with infection time longer than 5 years up to 2.99 (patients with shorter than 5 years infection time--1.17 and the control group--0.57). CONCLUSIONS: 1. There is a positive correlation between HIV infection and dentition status and oral hygiene. 2. Infection time influences index values: decay intensity, teeth missing, and oral hygiene. 3. HIV+ subjects are patients of high necessity of therapy and because of their basic disease they should come within broadened health education and prophylactic activities.

[Prosthetic treatment and needs for this treatment in adults aged 35-44 years in the province of Bialystok]. / Leczenie protetyczne oraz potrzeby w tym zakresie u doroslych w wieku 35-44 lat w województwie Bialostockim.

In randomly selected 180 subjects of either sex aged 35-44 years from a city, a town and a village in the Province of Bialystok (30 subjects in each group) the state of prosthetic management and the needs for prosthetic treatment were analysed. Removable prostheses were worn by 23.3% of the subjects. Over one-fourth of the used partial removable prostheses required exchange. In this group of 180 subjects the need for prosthetic management included 168 removable prostheses (including 3 complete ones), 63 bridges and 277 crowns. These data indicate an urgent need for increasing the range of prosthetic treatment for the population of this province.

[Microhardness of amalgams Stabil B and Amalcap]. / Mikrowardosc amalgamatów; Stabil B i Amalcap.

The microhardness of the amalgams Stabil B and Amalcap was determined and compared. Samples of the Stabil B amalgam were divided into three groups depending on the amount of mercury and mode of preparation. The experiment showed that Stabil B amalgam prepared in the proportion of 5 weight parts of filings and 6 parts of mercury had a final microhardness of 145.4 kG/m2, similar to that of Amalcap which was 155.1 kG/mm2. Stabil B amalgam prepared manually had a significantly lower microhardness which was 119.6 kG/mm2 for the 5:6 proportion and 103.9 kG/mm2 for the 5:7 proportion.

[The condition of oral mucosa and periodontium in drug addicts]. / Stan przyzebia i blony sluzowej jamy ustnej u narkomanów.

The condition of the parodontium and oral hygiene were assessed in two 29-case groups of drug addicts before withdrawal treatment (hospital) and after it (in MONAR centre). The control group comprised 29 non-addicts. The PI index of Russel and OHI-S index were calculated. It was found that the mean value of PI and OHI-S was significantly greater before withdrawal treatment than after it, and in relation to controls. The values of both indices increased significantly with the duration of addiction. The authors concluded that drug-addiction through psychic deterioration leads to abandoning of oral hygiene which is the main cause of paradontal changes.

[The condition of teeth and the need for teeth treatment in drug addicts]. / Stan uzebienia i potrzeby lecznicze narkomanów.

The condition of teeth was studied in 30 drug addicts aged 21-34 years (drug addiction duration 3-16 years) comparing the results with those obtained in a similar group of 30 age-matched subjects without drug addiction. The needs for stomatological treatment were determined also. It was found that drug addicts had twice the number of teeth with active caries and missing teeth, and four times less filled teeth as compared with controls. Most drug addicts had lost 45-100% chewing ability, and loss of teeth included all anatomical groups. The mean number of teeth requiring treatment per one addict was 8, and 2.8 teeth required removal. Only 3 addicts were not in need of prosthetic treatment, the remaining ones (90%) should have been given permanent of removable replacements (including complete denture). Drug addiction was found to produce intensification of caries and mutilation of the stomatognathic system.