Cariogenicity of Candida albicans of distinct genotypes among 3-5-year-old Uygur children in Kashgar, China- a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the opportunistic fungus C.albicans has been linked to ECC.It is important to investigate the relationship between the distribution of C.albicans and early childhood caries (ECC) in 3-5-year-old Uygur and Han children in Kashgar, and the role of C.albicans of distinct genotypes in caries. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-six Uygur and 141 Han children were enrolled in the study. The identified C.albicans isolates were genotyped based on 25S rDNA Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) amplification, and their acidogenicity, aciduricity, and adhesiveness were examined. Moreover, secreted aspartic protease (Sap) activity and SAP1-5 transcriptional levels were compared in the ECC and caries-free (CF) groups of Uygur children. RESULTS: C.albicans detection rate was significantly higher in Uygur children than in Han children (44. 5% vs. 31. 2%; χ2= 6.739, P = 0.009);the A genotype was dominant in Uygur and Han children with ECC, the C genotype was dominant in Uygur CF children(P = 0.022). C.albicans acidogenicity and growth were more pronounced in the Uygur ECC group than in CF group, especially at pH 4.0 and 4. 5(pH 4.0, P = 0.012; pH 4. 5, P = 0.029); the average ratios of glass-wall adhesion and the Sap activity was higher in ECC group than in CF group(P < 0.01), and SAP2(P < 0.001) and SAP5(P = 0.001) were expressed more robustly in ECC group. CONCLUSIONS: The strong acidogenicity and aciduricity, Sap activity, and high SAP2 and SAP5 expression might be closely associated with ECC. C.albicans potentially plays a key role in the progression of caries, which most readily affects genotype A carriers and could be attributed to person-to-person environmental variation.

Fatores sociais, comportamentais e biológicos associados à presença de placa dentária na superfície oclusal de primeiros molares permanentes / Social behavioral, and biological factors associated with the presence of dental plaque on oclusal surfaces of first permanent molars

Objetivo: Analisar os fatores socioeconômicos, biológicos e comportamentais associados à presençade placa bacteriana na superfície oclusal de primeiros molares permanentes de escolares. Materiais e Métodos:Por meio de um estudo transversal, foram investigados 272 pais/responsáveis e suas respectivas crianças, de 6 a 8 anos de idade, de duas escolas públicas de um município de grande porte da região Sudeste do Brasil, selecionados por conveniência. A variável dependente foi a presença de placa dentária visível na superfícieoclusal dos primeiros molares permanentes. As variáveis independentes foram: sexo, número de irmãos morando na mesma casa, renda mensal, escolaridade materna, experiência odontológica, escovação dos dentes, nível de erupção dos primeiros molares permanentes e presença de lesões de cárie cavitadas. Os dados foram analisados por meio da análise bivariada (p<0,10) e análise de Regressão Múltipla de Poisson. Foi utilizado o programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS for Windows, version 17.0). Resultados: Amaioria das crianças foi identificada com placa dentária na superfície oclusal de algum dos primeiros molarespermanentes (60,0%). Aquelas crianças cujos pais/responsáveis relataram experiência odontológica préviaapresentaram 1,5 vezes mais frequência de serem identificadas com placa dentária na superfície oclusal dosprimeiros molares permanentes. Conclusão: A presença de placa bacteriana na superfície oclusal de primeiros molares permanentes foi associada apenas com a experiência odontológica prévia da criança.

Culture-based PCR analysis of plaque samples of Japanese school children to assess the presence of six common cariogenic bacteria and its association with caries risk.

The aim of the study was to assess the presence of six common cariogenic bacteria from Cariostat-inoculated plaque samples of Japanese elementary school children through PCR analysis and check its associations with caries risk testing the validity of Cariostat as a caries risk assessment tool. This epidemiological school-based study investigated plaque samples of 399 Japanese elementary school children. Assessed using the Cariostat, 48.2% of the children had high caries risk. DNA detection of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus salivarius, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus fermentum and both S. mutans and S. sobrinus was seen in 65.2%, 24.1%, 69.7%, 17.5%, 7.8%, 19.3%, and 17.3% of the participants, respectively. Except for S. salivarius, the presence of all other investigated bacteria resulted in a statistically significant increase among the proportion of subjects with high caries risk. Caries risk assessed using Cariostat was significantly influenced by the presence of cariogenic bacteria. Being a selective medium for cariogenic bacteria, the Cariostat can be a useful and direct source of cariogenic bacterial DNA for PCR analysis while effectively assessing caries risk.

Differences in subgingival microflora of Korean and German periodontal patients.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to characterize the microbiological profile in samples of subgingival plaque taken from periodontal patients with different ethnic origin. METHODS: 178 patients (n=90 from South Korea and n=88 from Germany; age: 45.4 +/- 10.4 years) were diagnosed with severe generalized periodontitis. In all patients the deepest pocket of each quadrant was sampled for subgingival plaque. The four samples per patient were pooled and subsequently analysed with a 16s-RNA-gene probe test. RESULTS: Prevalence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was significantly higher in German patients (47.7%) compared to Korean patients (26.7%) (p < 0.01, chi(2)-test). For Tannerella forsythia and porphyromonas gingivalis, differences between Germans and Koreans were not as pronounced. A statistically significant difference could also be found for Treponema denticola (Germans: 95.5%, Koreans: 81.1%, p < 0.01, chi(2)-test). After logarithmic transformation, bacterial counts differed for all microorganisms under investigation between Germans and Koreans, even after using a General Linear Model/Analysis of Covariance (GLM/ANCOVA) to adjust for gender, age, smoking status, pocket probing depths (PPD) of sampled teeth, and gingival bleeding index (GBI). CONCLUSION: Depending on their ethnic origin, the microbiological profile of pooled subgingival plaque sample seems to differ significantly between patients of Caucasian and Asian ethnic origin.

Periodontal conditions in Swiss army recruits: a comparative study between the years 1985, 1996 and 2006.

AIM: To compare the periodontal conditions of Swiss Army recruits in 2006 with those of previous surveys in 1996 and 1985. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of six hundred and twenty-six Swiss Army recruits were examined for their periodontal conditions, caries prevalence, stomatological and functional aspects of the masticatory system and halitosis. In particular, this report deals with demographic data, the assessment of plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI) and pocket probing depth (PPD). RESULTS: Two per cent of all teeth were missing, resulting in a mean of 27.44 teeth per subject, and 77% of the missing teeth were the result of pre-molar extractions due to orthodontic indications. The mean PlI and GI were 1.33 and 1.23, respectively. On average, 27% of the gingival units bled on probing. The mean PPD was 2.16 mm (SD 0.64). Only 3.8% of the recruits showed at least one site of PPD > or = 5 mm, and 1.4% yielded more than one site with PPD > or = 5 mm. In comparison with previous, this survey yielded lower bleeding on probing (BOP) percentages than in 1985, but slightly higher scores than in 1996. This may be attributed to increased PlI scores in 2006. However, PPD remained essentially unaltered from 1996 to 2006 after having improved significantly from 1985. CONCLUSION: A significant improvement of the periodontal conditions of young Swiss males was demonstrated to have taken place between 1985 and 1996, but no further changes during the last decade were noticed.

Periodontal diseases in Asians.

Asia encompasses three of the four most populous nations in the world (China, India and Indonesia), accounting for nearly two-fifths of the worlds' total population. Over half of the world's population now inhabits Asia, which by definition includes countries of the Middle East and some former Socialist Soviet Republics. There has been a generally held view that Asians are particularly susceptible to periodontitis. The aim of this review is to consider the reasons for this view having become entrenched and to examine the evidence on which it could have been established and sustained. This view of a particularly high prevalence of periodontal diseases in Asians appears in retrospect to have originated from early epidemiological studies using an index system which gives weight to gingivitis and moderate periodontitis resulting from poor oral hygiene and calculus deposition, very commonly encountered in Asian populations. Studies that have been conducted comparing Asians immigrants with native Caucasians in industrialized northern hemisphere nations broadly concluded that Asians displayed worse periodontal conditions than Caucasians. Similarly, a classic study comparing Norwegian males with Sri Lankan Tamil males demonstrated worse periodontal conditions in the Asian males. A recent review (Albander and Rams, 2002) has stated that those of African origin display the highest prevalence of periodontitis followed by Hispanics and Asians. Studies of the natural history of periodontal disease in Asians, of perio-dontopathogens in Asians, of risk for periodontal destruction, and of reasons for extraction do not appear to explain increased susceptibility of Asians to periodontal destruction. Poor oral hygiene and calculus deposits are widespread, however. Traditional assessments of periodontitis focus on destruction of the periodontal attachment in terms of attachment loss and probing pocket depths, with no consideration being given to the morphological features of the dentition from which the periodontal attachment is being lost, features that may predispose to or complicate the management of periodontal destruction. The Mongoloid dentition shows a high prevalence of such features, which adds a further dimension to the consideration of periodontal diseases among many Asian peoples. Appropriate strategies for the prevention and management of periodontal disease should focus upon improvements in the oral hygiene situation in the diverse continent of Asia.

Periodontopathic bacteria in young healthy subjects of different ethnic backgrounds in Los Angeles.

BACKGROUND: The present study determined risk indicators for oral colonization by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus, and Treponema denticola in 150 children and adolescents, 4 to 16 years of age, living in Los Angeles, California. METHODS: Fifty Caucasians, 50 Hispanics, and 50 Asian-Americans completed a questionnaire on demographic characteristics. 16S rRNA-based polymerase chain reaction identification was employed to determine the presence of test bacteria in unstimulated saliva. Step-wise logistic regression analysis identified explanatory variables (risk indicators) accounting for the salivary presence of periodontopathic bacteria. RESULTS: A. actinomycetemcomitans occurred in 15%, P. gingivalis in 15%, B. forsythus in 14%, and T. denticola in 18% of all subjects. Two or more pathogens were detected in 20% of Hispanic subjects and in 12% of Asian-American subjects but not in any Caucasians (P = 0.0005, chi square test). However, no stable multivariate model including ethnicity was found for multiple pathogens. Risk for harboring any pathogens increased with the length of time lapse from last dental visit (odds ratio [OR], 4.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83 to 12.21), and decreased with higher education level of the mother (OR, 0.258; 95% CI, 0.052 to 0.875). Risk for harboring 2 or more periodontal pathogens decreased with the years the parents had resided in the United States (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.901 to 0.992). Risk for harboring A. actinomycetemcomitans decreased as the number of years the parents had resided in the United States increased (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.95), and decreased with higher income level of the father (OR, 0.201; 95% CI, 0.038 to 0.948). Girls were at higher risk for harboring P. gingivalis (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.02 to 7.03), but at lower risk for carrying T. denticola (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that salivary occurrence of periodontopathic bacteria in young individuals was related to the length of time the parents had lived in the United States, education level of the mother, length of time since last dental visit, and gender, but apparently not to ethnicity per se.

[Oral health and dental care in refugee children]. / Gebitstoestand en tandheelkundige zorg bij kinderen van asielzoekers.

An epidemiological study was performed on caries, fluorosis and plaque in children of refugees 8, 9 and 10 years of age. Tooth brushing habits and dental attendance were evaluated with a questionnaire. Of the 87 children participating (response rate 89%), 85% showed caries experience, 17% fluorosis and 46% clearly visible plaque. Only 14% of the children had filled teeth. The number of children brushing their teeth two times a day was 42%; 58% ever visited a dentist, mostly because of toothache. Statistically significant differences exist between ethnic categories for caries prevalence, tooth brushing frequency and dental attendance. As oral health in refugee children turned out to be less favourable than in Dutch children, organised activities are recommended to fulfill the observed need of professional curative and preventive oral care.

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in Chinese adults. Serotype distribution and analysis of the leukotoxin gene promoter locus.

The aim of the present study was to examine the Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans carrier rate in Chinese subjects, and to determine serotype distribution, presence of the leukotoxin gene lktA and the structure of the lktA-promoter region. Subgingival microbiological samples were obtained from 31 Chinese subjects with moderate to advanced adult periodontitis, 73 young factory workers, and 81 adult residents of a rural area. Bacterial isolates phenotypically identified as A. actinomycetemcomitans were found in 116 of the 185 subjects (detection frequency over-all: 63%). Presence of the leukotoxin gene lktA was demonstrated for all 115 isolates that could be subcultured. The PCR analysis of the lktA-promoter region showed that none of these strains had the deletion in the promoter region known to enhance expression of lktA. No significant difference in the frequency of A. actinomycetemcomitans could be observed between the subjects of the 3 study groups. Analysis by logistic multiple regression indicated a homogeneous distribution of A. actinomycetemcomitans in the 3 cohorts and a lack of significant influence of subject gender or age. Serotype a was found in 21 subjects, serotype b was found in 9, serotype c in 67 and serotype e in 11 individuals. Serotype d was not detected in any subject. Nontypeable isolates, lacking serotype a, b, c, d, or e antigens, were found in 9 individuals. A high prevalence irrespective of gender, age, and cohort suggests that A. actinomycetemcomitans is a common constituent of the normal flora in the Chinese subjects of this study and suggests differences in the microbiological composition of subgingival plaque may exist for this population group as compared to north American and European populations.

Prevalence of suspected periodontal pathogens identified using ELISA in adolescents of differing ethnic origins.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia in a group of adolescents and investigate the association of these organisms with various clinical parameters. A total of 527, 11-13-year-old children, of whom 333 (63%) were white Caucasian, 187 (35%) Indo-Pakistani and 7 (1%) Afro-Caribbean, participated in the study. Subgingival plaque samples, collected from the mesio-buccal of both upper first permanent molars using sterile paper points, were stored in phosphate buffered saline with 0.01% thiomersal and analysed for the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and P. intermedia using ELISA. The mesio-buccal sites of both upper 1st permanent molars were also examined and the presence/absence of supragingival plaque, subgingival calculus, bleeding on probing and pocket depths greater than 3 mm were recorded. The % of white Caucasian children in whom the monoclonal antibody identified at least 1 site with A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and P. intermedia were 4%, 3% and 2%, respectively, and for Indo-Pakistanis were 3%, 17% and 2%. The difference for P. gingivalis was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The associations between the clinical parameters and the 3 organisms were considered separately for both upper first molar sites. The prevalence of P. gingivalis was higher for sites with subgingival calculus, pockets > 3 mm and bleeding on probing (p < 0.01).

Periodontal health in adopted children of Asian origin living in Sweden.

In the present study the periodontal condition of a group of adopted 6-17 year-old children of Asian origin living in Sweden was compared with that of age- and sex matched Sweden children. Thirty-one Asian children and 31 Swedish children participated. Data on general health for all the children and on age at arrival for the Asian children was collected by interview. A clinical examination included recording of presence of plaque, supragingival calculus, bleeding on probing, probing depth, and caries. Radiographs were used to determine marginal bone loss (distance between the cemento-enamel junction and the marginal bone level > 2 mm), proximal calculus, and proximal caries. In addition, previously taken and filed radiographs of the primary dentition of the older children and current radiographs of the younger children with primary teeth were analysed to determine the prevalence of bone loss and calculus. The children of Asian origin showed a significantly higher number of surfaces with plaque and bleeding on probing. No significant differences were noted in the number of individuals with probing depths > or = 4 mm, supragingival calculus, or radiographic calculus. Three of the Asian and none of the Swedish children displayed radiographic bone loss. The retrospective analysis of all available radiographs from the primary dentition showed that 9 of 29 (31%) Asian children and 2 of 29 (7%) Swedish children had experienced bone loss in primary teeth.

Predominant cultivable microflora of supragingival dental plaque in Chinese individuals.

The aim of this study was to determine the predominant supragingival cultivable bacterial flora in Chinese individuals, using the experimental gingivitis model. A total of 11 healthy dental students, mean age 22.5 years (range 20-25) were recruited. All were provided with once-a-week dental prophylaxis and oral hygiene reinforcement for 3 weeks to ensure gingival health. In the fourth week, after prophylaxis, the participants entered a 14-day period without any plaque control. A plaque sample was collected at days 1, 3, 7 and 14 from the buccal surface of the upper right canine, second premolar, first premolar and first molar, respectively. Each sample was then dispensed in tryptic soy-broth transport medium and grown anaerobically to obtain pure cultures, which were subsequently identified. Results showed that Gram-positive cocci and rods were the predominant cultivatable species (51-61%) in the samples throughout the 14-day period; with time there was a decreasing percentage of cocci and an increasing percentage of rods. Gram-negative cocci and rods increased in proportion with the plaque age (11-37%). Streptococcus spp. were the predominant Gram-positive cocci while Actinomyces were the predominant Gram-positive rods isolated. Fusobacterium and Capnocytophaga spp. were the two most frequent Gram-negative anaerobic rods cultured. The results compared with those from other analogous studies from the West suggest the possibility of interracial differences in supragingival plaque flora.

Bacterial morphotypes of 3-day old plaque in Chinese. A pilot study.

The aim of the this study was to estimate the % distribution of bacterial morphotypes of supragingival plaque in Chinese subjects after 3 days of no oral hygiene. 36 dental students, hygienists or dental surgery assistants (mean age: 24.3 years) were recruited. Prophylaxis and oral hygiene reinforcement were given 1 x a week for 3 weeks to obtain gingival health and a 3-day period without any plaque control started afterwards. At the end of the 3-day period, the plaque along the gingival margin of the upper right central incisor was removed and direct Gram stained smears were prepared for light microscopy. Bacteria were classified as gram-positive or gram-negative cocci, rods, filaments, fusiform organisms, spirilla or spirochetes. A differential count of 200 organisms from 3-6 microscopic fields was performed and the results expressed as a % of the organisms counted. Results from the 36 direct smears showed approximately 83% (range: 52%-96%) of the organisms to be gram-negative while gram-positive bacteria comprised only a minority of about 12% (range: 0.7%-43%). This result is remarkably different from previous reports from the West where gram-positive bacteria were the predominant bacterial types noted in early supragingival plaque. Further longitudinal studies involving both microscopy and bacteriological culture will be necessary to confirm this finding.

Profiles of destructive periodontal disease in different populations.

In this study we evaluated the traditional view that the severity of periodontal disease varies between populations in that African and Asian populations are more severely affected than other populations. Our data on periodontal destruction in two random samples of a Kenyan and a Chinese adult population were recalculated to conform with the methods of examination and data presentation utilized in each of 6 other studies of attachment loss levels in different populations. The adult Kenyan and the adult Chinese group, who had very poor oral hygiene conditions and massive gingival inflammation, had attachment loss levels which were quite similar to those in a Japanese population (31), in a Norwegian population (27) and in a New Mexico group of adults (30). Attachment losses were similar in a population of young US adults (26) aged between 35 and 60 years relative to the corresponding Kenyan and Chinese groups while young US citizens had higher and elderly US citizens had lower mean attachment levels than either Kenyans and Chinese. Higher attachment loss levels beyond the age of 27 years were reported for a population of Sri Lankan Tamil tea workers (27) and across all ages in two South Pacific island populations (29). Overall, the analysis indicates that the periodontal attachment loss profiles may differ between populations, but that these differences do not conform with the traditional generalization that African and Asian populations suffer more severe periodontal breakdown than other populations.

Periodontal conditions in Vietnamese immigrant children in Sweden.

The aim of the present study was to compare the periodontal health in Vietnamese immigrant children in Sweden with that of native Swedish children. The study groups consisted of 42 6-17-year-old Vietnamese children and 42 age- and sex-matched Swedish children. Information on systemic health was obtained by interview. Clinical examination included recordings of dental plaque, supragingival calculus, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment loss and caries. Radiographs were evaluated for presence of marginal bone loss, proximal calculus and proximal caries. In addition, previously obtained and filed radiographs were used as a supplement in order to evaluate if the children at any time point during the ages 4-11 years had experienced proximal calculus or bone loss in the primary dentition. The Vietnamese children showed significantly higher number of sites with bleeding on probing and with probing depths > or = 4 mm. Radiographic calculus was found in 55% of the Vietnamese and in 2% of the Swedish children. 5 Vietnamese children and 1 Swedish child showed periodontal bone loss at the time of examination. In all children except 1, the bone loss was confined to primary teeth. The retrospective analysis of available radiographs from the primary dentition showed that 28% of the Vietnamese children and 5% of the Swedish children had experienced bone loss in their primary teeth during the ages 4-11 years.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Medical and dental status of a culture in transition, the case of the Inuit elderly of Canada.

The medical and dental status, and drug utilisation patterns of Canadian Inuit elders (60+ years) were evaluated. Inuit elders averaged 6.3 medical conditions per person, primarily nervous systems-sense organ deficits, respiratory problems and systemic infections. The mean number of drugs being used was 2.5 per person, primarily analgesics, bronchodilators and antibiotics. Poorly fitting dentures, and high levels of tooth decay, periodontal disease, soft tissue and TMJ anomalies were documented. Compared to older southern Canadians, the medical and dental findings for these Inuit elders were different. Drug utilisation rates were consistent with older southern Canadians, but different drugs were taken.

Periodontal disease in an Amish population.

Epidemiological studies of periodontal disease have attempted to focus on defined groups in which the variables thought to be responsible for disease could be controlled or more easily identified. This study documents periodontal disease parameters in a unique population of Amish farmers. A total of 371 Amish were contacted and 282 were examined in their homes giving a participation rate of 76%. Ages ranged from 18 to 79 years. Overall means for periodontal conditions were 1.54 mm for attachment loss, 2.63 mm for pocket depth, 0.17 for calculus, 0.63 for plaque and 0.61 for gingivitis. One dental examiner conducted all examinations. Prevalence of periodontal disease tended to be higher among males and increased with age. The majority of Amish examined had little evidence of destructive periodontal disease; about 3.4% of teeth examined had attachment loss of 6 mm or more. These findings indicate a modest level of periodontal disease among the Amish. It is of interest that this population does not generally seek routine dental care. Preliminary analyses of health behavior data collected indicate a lack of regular oral hygiene practices. It appears that the Amish may have protective factors which affect their level of disease.

The distribution and interrelationship of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and BANA scores among older adults.

In a random sample of subgingival dental plaque samples from 375 blacks and 300 whites aged 65 and older, immunofluorescence assays for 3 target pathogens including Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia, and BANA enzyme analysis were carried out. Blacks had significantly greater proportions of P. gingivalis and P. intermedia in their subgingival plaque and had significantly higher BANA scores. These assay results were investigated for concordance with each other and with 2 cariogenic salivary bacteria, Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli. In general for both races, the periodontal pathogens were more likely to occur in combination with each other than with either S. mutans or lactobacilli. P. gingivalis and P. intermedia were more frequently associated with each other than with A. actinomycetemcomitans. There was a significant negative concordance between BANA and A. actinomycetemcomitans in whites and a significant positive concordance between BANA and P. intermedia in blacks.

Periodontal pathogens in the shallow pockets of immigrants from developing countries.

The aim of this study was to examine the distribution of typical periodontitis-associated microorganisms in refugees arriving from non-industrialized countries, and to relate the presence of these organisms to the periodontal condition of the subjects. Thirty males between 35-44 years of age were surveyed. Dental plaque, calculus, gingivitis, loss of attachment, and probing depths were recorded for all surfaces. A total of 90 microbiological samples were taken with paper points from mesial sites of teeth 16, 36 and 41. Microbiological test sites were grouped by probing depths and loss of attachment. Only 16.8% of all surfaces had probing depths > 3 mm, although 90.7% of surfaces had loss of attachment > 1 mm. Twenty-one sites with obvious periodontal destruction (PD > 3 mm, LA > 2 mm) showed the greatest recovery of Porphyromonas gingivalis (66.7%). However, 51 sites with minimal periodontal disease (PD < or = 3 mm, LA < 2 mm) and with no gingival recession also showed a relatively high detection frequency of P. gingivalis (34.1%). Twenty-four of these samples came from 12 patients with no pockets > 5 mm and with less than 10% of all sites yielding pockets > 3 mm. The detection frequencies of Prevotella intermedia (91.6%), Bacteroides forsythus (25.0%), Wolinella spp. (33.3%) and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (50.0%) were similar in these sites compared with periodontitis sites. Morphologically distinct isolates, from 19 individuals positive for A. actinomycetemcomitans, were serotyped by indirect immunofluorescence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Risk indicators and potential risk factors for caries in 5-year-olds of different ethnic groups in Amsterdam.

The aim of this study was threefold: first, to assess the oral health of Turkish, Moroccan, Surinamese, Dutch and "other" 5-yr-old children living in Amsterdam; second, to identify risk indicators for caries, in addition to ethnicity; and third, to identify potential risk factors related to differences in caries experience in these children. Results showed the mean dmfs scores of Turkish and Moroccan children to be much higher than that of the Dutch and Surinamese children; 8.1 and 8.2 versus 3.6 and 3.4, respectively. The educational level of the parents and the gender of the children were important risk indicators, in addition to ethnicity. The age of the child at which the parents had started to brush their child's teeth, the use of fluoride tablets and the regularity of the brushing behavior in the past could be identified as potential risk factors.