Concatenation of variations in plaque formation with variations in crevicular temperature.

The hypothesis was tested that variations in the temperature of gingival crevices are linked to variations in plaque formation. Fifty-nine abutment teeth to removable partial dentures were studied during four experiments, under various conditions of plaque formation, i.e. not brushing the teeth whilst wearing and not wearing dentures, and performing ordinary and then specialized tooth brushing whilst wearing dentures. The collation of temperature curves with plaque curves revealed a proportional relationship between the rate and magnitude of plaque formation and the rate and magnitude of the recorded temperature changes. Furthermore, the removal of plaque resulted in a reversal of induced temperature rises. The lowest crevicular temperatures were obtained with the practice of the specialized tooth brushing.

Plaque recordings as a guide to the prognosis for partial denture treatment.

Separate mean plaques scores of the proximal surfaces of abutment teeth, which faced denture saddles, were obtained from thirty-three subjects with removable partial dentures, following a period of ordinary tooth-brushing and at the end of a period following instruction in specialized tooth-brushing. With ordinary tooth-brushing, the subjects were distributed in the upper range of plaque scores which was considered dangerous to periodontal health. With specialized tooth-brushing the subjects showed lower mean plaque scores, but over a wider distribution. Thus patients are variously at risk when treated with partial dentures.

Host response to two different designs of minor connector.

Temperatures were recorded in thirty-two gingival crevices adjacent to proximal surfaces of abutment teeth fitted with minor connectors of an open space design, and in thirty gingival crevices adjacent to proximal surfaces fitted with minor connectors of a closed design. During the 2 week experimental period, the twenty-seven removable partial denture subjects who were involved in the study kept the accumulation of plaque to a minimum by applying specialized tooth-brushing. Although an equal but small amount of plaque formed in both groups, the presumed minimal rise in temperature stimulated by this plaque did not prevent the two connector designs from showing disparate effects on the crevicular temperature. It was concluded that the open space design of minor connector is less conducive to irritation of the adjacent marginal gingiva than is the closed design.

Proximal plaque accumulation with two minor connector designs.

The relationship of plaque accumulation to two different designs of a proximal minor connector, was studied in twenty-seven removable partial denture wearers. On thirty proximal surfaces adjacent to a closed space design, and on thirty-two surfaces adjacent to an open space design, plaque formation was recorded using a plaque scoring system. Mean plaque scores were calculated separately for the two types of design, and no difference was found between the two sets of scores.

Crevicular temperature rises stimulated by plaque formation.

In nineteen subjects, temperatures were recorded thermo-electrically in the vestibular and proximal crevices of fifty-nine teeth. It was found that the formation of a new plaque was followed by a rise in crevicular temperature. In addition, it was found that the normal as well as the abnormal crevicular temperatures were higher in the mandible than in the maxillae.

Ecologic changes in the oral cavity caused by removable partial dentures.

1. The introduction of a removable partial denture into the oral cavity adversely affects the prevailing ecologic situation in terms of plaque formation. 2. The rehabilitative effect of a removable partial denture may be safeguarded by controlling plaque formation by strict personal hygienic measures on the part of the patient. In particular, proximal surfaces adjacent to denture bases should be pointed out to patients as surfaces to which they must give special attention. 3. Simplification of the design of removable partial dentures can reduce their damaging potentialities. 4. Further prophylactic measures, such as topical application of fluorides and perhaps other chemicals, should also be taken.

Pernicious anaemia among Arabs in Kuwait.

Addisonian pernicious anaemia is believed to be very rare in Arabs. Three cases are reported. Two were Jordanians of Palestinian origin and one an Egyptian. All had the typical peripheral macrocytosis, a frankly megaloblastic bone marrow, and a Schilling test result in the range of pernicious anaemia. All three improved remarkably on vitamin B(12) therapy and have maintained a normal haemoglobin level. There was no evidence of gastric carcinoma in any of these cases.