Patterns of Oral Microbiota in Patients with Apical Periodontitis.

In this study, microbial diversity of the root canal microbiota related to different endodontic infections was investigated. In total, 45 patients with endo-perio lesions (8 patients), chronic periapical periodontitis (29 patients) and pulp necrosis (8 patients) were recruited. In 19 (42.2%) patients there was secondary infection of root canals. Microbial specimens were collected from root canals of non-vital teeth with or without changes in periapical area visible in X-ray. Then, oral microbiota were detected and identified using the culture method and real-time PCR amplification primers and hydrolysis-probe detection with the 16S rRNA gene as the target. Overall, 1434 species/genes from 41 different genera of 90 various microbial species were retrieved. Of the major reported phyla, Firmicutes (62.9%), Actinobacteria (14.0%), Bacteroidetes (12.1%), Proteobacteria (9.1%) and Fusobacteria (4.2%) were detected. Of the bacterial species, 54.6% were strict anaerobes. Corynebacterium matruchotii (p = 0.039) was present significantly more frequently in chronic periapical periodontitis. Moreover, the higher values of Decayed, Missing and Filled Permanent Teeth index were positively correlated with relative abundance of Actinomyces spp. (p = 0.042), Lactobacillus spp. (p = 0.006), Propionibacterium spp. (p = 0.024) and Rothia spp. (p = 0.002). The multivariate analyses revealed differences in total root canal samples, where components that affected grouping of root samples into four main categories were identified. Anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria predominated in root canals of teeth with pulp necrosis and periapical lesions. Facultative anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria predominated in canals with secondary infections. All detected members of mixed population groups that might serve as keystone species contributed to the entire community in its clinical relevance.

Condition of mineralized tooth tissue in a population of 15-year-old adolescents living in a region of Ukraine with slightly exceeded fluorine concentration in the water.

INTRODUCTION: Fluorine is a common element in nature; however, the difference between a beneficial dose and a toxic dose for the organisms is small. The main source of fluoride for humans is water in addition to food. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the degree of severity of pathological changes, namely, caries or fluorosis, in the mineralized tooth tissue of 15-year-old adolescents with respect to their hygienic and nutritional habits, and the content of fluorine in drinking water, soil and plant products. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 adolescents aged 15 from schools in Sosnilka, L'viv region, were examined. The condition of mineralized tooth tissue was evaluated by the caries severity, expressed by the mean number D3MFT, caries frequency and value of the SIC index. Fluorine in plant material and soil were determined according to the PN-G-04543:1982 standard, and water according to the PN-EN ISO 10304 - 1: 2009+ AC: 2012 standard. RESULTS: Severity of caries disease expressed by the D3MFT number in the examined group of 15-year-olds was 3.39; in the group of girls - 3.08, and in the group of boys - 3.76. In the examined group, the average number of teeth with fluorosis was 7.59. Value of the SIC index among the examined population of students (n-31) was 6.26: 5.89 (n-18) for girls and 7.31 (n-13) for boys. Fluorine concentration in the water was 0.78 - 1.25(mg·dm-3). In the soil, it also did not vary across the sampled areas and amounted, on average, to 176 mg·dm-3. The biggest fluorine content noted in the dry mass of beetroots was 3.50 (mg F· kg), and the lowest - 3.34 (mg F· kg). CONCLUSIONS: Close to optimal fluorine content lowers caries severity and frequency of fluorosis. Optimal fluorine content in drinking water and food does not require additional diet supplementation.

Self-perceptions about the profession of dentistry-comparisons between Lithuanian and Polish University graduating students.

AIM: To examine the perceptions and overall satisfaction about the dental profession amongst the final-year student cohorts from the Lithuanian and Polish universities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For the Lithuanian cohort, the response rate was 95% (N = 143) and for the Polish cohort it was 99% (N = 123). The survey included a pre-tested questionnaire with multiple questions from three domains: (a) Sociodemographic, (b) Influences of others and (c) Dentistry Profession. RESULTS: Polish university students were older (25.3 ± 2.6 years) than Lithuanian students (23.5 ± 1.6 years), more Lithuanian (83.1%) students were single compared to Polish cohort (34.7%), and more students graduating in Poland (43.4%) were males compared to the Lithuanian students (26.6%). In both countries, students were mostly influenced towards their choice of dentistry by their parents/relatives and positive experiences. Similar profession-related dimensions were identified for student from both countries: (a) the prestige of the profession, (b) job-related security, and (c) self-realisation. Satisfaction with a profession differed substantially between the two student cohorts, but none of the sociodemographic predictors explained this variation satisfactorily. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic differences were found between the students from Lithuanian and Polish universities. Yet, both student cohorts were similarly influenced towards choosing dentistry. The profession's prestige, job security and self-realisation were the most important profession-related dimensions. Polish university students were more satisfied with the profession than Lithuanian students.

Knowledge of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance amongst final year dental students of Polish medical schools-A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance has been one of the biggest global concerns. Dentists constitute an important group of antibiotic prescribers, and it was shown that their therapeutic decisions are not always rational. In this paper, we present knowledge of antibiotics prescription rules and antimicrobial resistance amongst graduating dentistry students from all dentistry faculties of medical universities in Poland, who will soon join the group of antibiotics prescribers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 28 questions was developed. The survey was conducted in May-June 2015. RESULTS: The study group comprised a total of 752 students. About 54% expressed the opinion that dentists overprescribe antibiotics. One-tenth thought that they can be used for the treatment of flu (7%) and common cold (11%). Respondents pointed to amoxicillin (46%) and clindamycin (44%) as the first-choice treatment of dentoalveolar abscess, if medically indicated. More than half of the students (58%) suggested using doxycycline and metronidazole in aggressive periodontitis in an individual allergic to penicillin. The vast majority of students (97%) indicated that penicillins and cephalosporins were suitable for treatment of dental infections in pregnant women. The majority of participants (82%) said that rheumatic disease, chronic immunosuppression, chronic kidney failure and a history of infective endocarditis required a prophylactic administration of antibiotics before or during endodontic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The research showed variable levels of understanding of antibiotics use amongst dental students in medical universities in Poland. Our results emphasise the need to educate dental students further regarding antibiotics and risks related to antibiotic misuse, especially in dental practice.

The condition of mineralized tooth tissue of the inhabitants of Szackie Lake District (Ukraine) with regard to the content of silver and chosen microelements in drinking water and the soil.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the mineralization tooth tissues in the inhabitants of Melniki village Szackie, Lake District, Ukraine, with regard to silver content and chosen macro-elements in the soil, tap water, and the water in Pisoczno Lake located in the vicinity of village. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The macro-elements, silver ions contained in the lake, tap water and soil were examined. 125 people aged 12-73, indigenous inhabitants of Melniki village, were qualified for dental examinations. The research took into account the distance between the place of residence and Pisoczno Lake as a source of silver ions, dividing the examined patients into 2 groups: A) living at a distance less than 2,500 m from the lake, and B) living at a distance more than 2.500 m from the lake. RESULTS: In area A, significantly higher contents of phosphorus and potassium were detected, while in the soil of area B there was more Ca and Mg with 3 times higher number of Mg ions. A high concentration of Ag ions was observed in both Pisoczno Lake and tap water. The severity of caries expressed by D3MFT number was 4.18 in the group aged 12-16 living in area A, and 4.24 for the inhabitants of area B. The mean value of D3MFT for the group aged 32- 45 living in area A equalled 21.58, while for area B it was 21.19. The severity of caries expressed by the mean D3MFT value in the examined group of 46-73-year-olds was 24.60 for area A, and 23.80 for area B. The observed differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The high value of D3MFT recorded in the inhabitants of Melniki village indicates the poor condition of mineralized tooth tissues. The fact that the contents of macro-elements in the soil and drinking water increased, together with the distance from the Pisoczno Lake shoreline, did not affect the oral health of the indigenous inhabitants. No impact of silver ions contained in the lake and tap water on the condition of mineralized tooth tissue was detected in the examined group of inhabitants of Szackie Lake District.

Qualitative analysis of the margins of restorations made with different filling resins.

PURPOSE: In this study the comparative results obtained from examinations of two different restorative composites with different cavities filling method are presented. Micro-CT was used for the evaluation of the marginal integrity and quality of composite fillings in connection with microstructural investigations made by both optical and scanning electron microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The examinations of dental tooth filings in bulk-fill technique were based on micro-CT and microscopy observations. Two different restorative composites were selected for the study, namely SonicFill- bulk fill and conventional Filtek Z550. RESULTS: The experiment has shown that micro-CT screening analysis for identification of individual components of tooth and fillings systems gives a high quality of images. Thanks to that it was possible to analyze and identify the porosity in the fillings. But the microscopy analysis has shown more information about the internal structure and quality of bonding between composite and enamel/dentin. The SonicFill gives better quality and bonding to structure of teeth than Filtek. CONCLUSIONS: SonicFill's filling have more homogenous structure than Filtec. It has a greater share of reinforcement in the form of polygonal particles, in Filtek particles have a shape close to spherical. Sonic Fill gives a better adhesion to tooth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The evaluation of clinical relevance in this research is crucial to simplify the transfer of knowledge from research by materials engineering into practice in dentistry.

Prevalence of dental erosion among 18-year-old adolescents in the borderland districts of Lviv (Ukraine) and Lublin (Poland).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Recent epidemiological studies have shown an association between dental erosion occurrence and changes in lifestyle and dietary habits in both developed and developing countries, and now affects different regions of the world. Furthermore, in current literature, studies have shown that the prevalence of erosive tooth wear has increased particularly among the younger population. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and severity of erosive tooth wear among 18-year-old adolescents in the districts of Lviv (Ukraine) and Lublin (Poland). MATERIAL AND METHODS: College students (254 subjects) aged 18, living in the Lviv and Lublin districts were examined. Erosive lesions presented in the teeth were assessed on the basis of the BEWE (Basic Erosive Wear Examination) index. RESULTS: Among the 137 patients living in the Lublin district, 70 were females and 67 were males, while in the Lviv district, 60 women and 57 men were examined. In both districts, the following numbers of rural patients were examined: 66 in Lublin district and 56 in Lviv district; for urban inhabitants, the numbers were 71 in Lublin and 61 in Lviv. Analysing the BEWE values, it was noted that higher BEWE values, and resulting from them significant differences were observed in both male and female groups living in Lublin, compared with Lviv inhabitants. Based on clinical examination and statistical analysis, the occurrence of lesions of an erosive character in at least one sextant were observed in 59.85% of patients from Lublin district, and in 42.74% of patients from Lviv district. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the conducted study in the Polish and Ukrainian groups of 18-year-old adolescents living on the borderland, it can be stated that dental erosion is a problem noticeable in both groups of cohorts, but with higher prevalence in the Lublin district.

Periodontal condition in patients of the specialist Outpatient Clinics at the Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation which, if remains untreated, can lead to the loss of teeth and supporting structures. Evidence data support the relationship of periodontal disease with the development and course of diseases such as heart attack, stroke, hypertension, chronic renal diseases, rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to conduct an assessment of periodontal status and periodontal needs in people from the rural environment who were patients of selected specialist outpatient clinics at the Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The examined population included 450 patients. The Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs, which is a measure of the assessment of the selected periodontal symptoms incidence, was used. The obtained data was discussed and analyzed with Chi-square test. RESULTS: The data obtained revealed that a healthy periodontium occurred only in 5.1% of respondents, tartar in 41.6%, pathological pockets of 3.5-5.5 mm in 23.6%, and pockets deeper than 5.5 mm in 5.8% of patients. Most people with healthy periodontium were in the youngest age group. In the analyzed group, 7.1% of patients required specialized comprehensive periodontal treatment, and only 6.5% of the examined persons did not show any need for periodontal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients of specialist clinics of the Institute of Rural Health who formed the analyzed group, had affected periodontium which required comprehensive periodontal treatment. The alarmingly high percentage of people over 55 years of age with advanced periodontopathy may translate into an increased risk of cause-and-effect incidence of systemic diseases.

Number of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in saliva versus the status of cigarette smoking, considering duration of smoking and number of cigarettes smoked daily.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: A large number of colonies of Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus (LB) cariogenic bacteria in the saliva show a high risk of dental caries development. Cotinine is a biomarker of exposure to the tobacco smoke. The aim of the study was assessment of the number of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in the saliva of non-smokers and smokers considering the duration of smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked daily. The number of SM and LB was analysed in relation to the frequency of oral health check-ups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigated group comprised 124 people aged 20-54. 58 (46.8%) reported cigarette smoking; 66 (53.2%) reported they had never smoked cigarettes and had never attempted to smoke. Cotinine concentration in the saliva was assayed using the Cotinine test (Calbiotech), and the number of SM and LB with the use of the CRT bacteria test (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein). Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi2 and Mann-Whitney tests. Test values of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: No essential correlation was stated between the number of SM and LB and the status of smoking, the number of cigarettes smoked daily and duration of cigarette smoking. Smokers who reported having dental check-ups at least once a year significantly more frequently had a small number of LB stated in relation to people who had dental check-ups to control their oral health less frequently than once a year. CONCLUSIONS: The number of SM and LB in saliva does not depend on the smoking status, the number of cigarettes smoked daily and duration of smoking.

Enzymes in therapy of biofilm-related oral diseases.

Biofilm-related infections of the oral cavity, including dental caries and periodontitis, represent the most prevalent health problems. For years, the treatment thereof was largely based on antibacterial chemical agents. Recently, however, there has been growing interest in the application of more preventive and minimally invasive biotechnological methods. This review focuses on the potential applications of enzymes in the treatment and prevention of oral diseases. Dental plaque is a microbial community that develops on the tooth surface, embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances of bacterial and host origin. Both cariogenic microorganisms and the key components of oral biofilm matrix may be the targets of the enzymes. Oxidative salivary enzymes inhibit or limit the growth of oral pathogens, thereby supporting the natural host defense system; polysaccharide hydrolases (mutanases and dextranases) degrade important carbohydrate components of the biofilm matrix, whereas proteases disrupt bacterial adhesion to oral surfaces or affect cell-cell interactions. The efficiency of the enzymes in in vitro and in vivo studies, advantages and limitations, as well as future perspectives for improving the enzymatic strategy are discussed.

The role of probiotics in prevention of oral diseases.

The dynamic development of knowledge in the field of probiotics was commenced at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, many ways of their possible usage in medicine have been established. In accordance with the WHO, probiotics are live microorganisms, which if applied in adequate amounts may benefit the host. Among probiotics, fungi and bacteria are distinguished, and mechanisms of action of these organisms in the oral cavity and gut are parallel. Application in dentistry, in prophylaxis and treatment of oral diseases is still not well known. Most commonly, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium are applied. The aim of the study was to collect and systematize the latest information about probiotics and their role in pathomechanisms of dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis, candidiasis, and malodour. Based on the analyzed literature, it can be concluded that mechanisms of cariogenic pathogen inhibition using probiotics are still not well understood. The new research trend is based on application of probiotics which can naturally displace cariogenic bacteria in the oral cavity and influence oral health in adults and children. The results of studies also confirmed the beneficial role of probiotics in reduction of the bacterial population in periodontitis and halitosis. Long-term observation and a properly designed study protocol will allow us to answer many questions concerning substitution of one strain of bacteria by another.

Secretory immunoglobulin A concentration in non-stimulated and stimulated saliva in relation to the status of smoking.

Introduction: Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is a dominant immunoglobulin in the saliva. It is the first line of defense against microorganisms. Aim of the study: Analysis of secretory immunoglobulin A concentration in non-stimulated and stimulated saliva. Assessment of sIgA concentration in relation to the status of cigarette smoking of the investigated. Material and Methods: Survey and biochemical studies of saliva were conducted in the group of 109 people (smokers and non-smokers) aged 20-54. The smokers smoked from 5 to more than 20 cigarettes daily. The investigation material was nonstimulated and stimulated saliva collected from patients on the same day between 9.30 and 11.30 a.m, 1.5-2h after meal. Directly after non-stimulated and stimulated saliva collection Salivette tubes were placed in the ice container with the temperature of 4oC, then centrifuged at the temperature of 4oC for 12 minutes at 3000 r/min. The obtained supernatant was stored at the temperature of -75ºC until the assays were performed. sIgA concentration was determined using sIgA ELISA Kit (Immunodiagnostik AG, Germany). Statistical analysis was conducted with the use of Mann ­ Whitney test. While investigating the influence of age on the studied parameters Spearman correlation coefficient and its significance were used. Statistically significant test values were those of p<0.05. Results: In non-stimulated saliva sIgA concentration was significantly higher compared to stimulated saliva (Z = 4.00, p<0.001). No significant differences were stated in sIgA concentration in non-stimulated saliva between smokers and non-smokers (Z = 0.26, p>0.05). No essential differences were stated in sIgA concentration in stimulated saliva between non-smokers and smokers (Z = 0.23, p>0.05). Essential differences were stated between the groups. In men sIgA concentration in stimulated saliva was significantly higher compared to women (Z = 2.25, p<0.05). Conclusions: sIgA concentration in non-stimulated saliva is significantly higher in comparison to stimulated saliva. The status of cigarette smoking does not influence the essential differences in sIgA concentration in nonstimulated and stimulated saliva. In men sIgA concentration in stimulated saliva is significantly higher in comparison to women.

Lipids and lipoproteins and inflammatory markers in patients with chronic apical periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Since chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) appears to be a risk factor for coronary heart disease, the aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the size of CAP lesion and inflammatory markers (hsCRP, IL-6, TNF-α), as well as lipids and lipoproteins (LpPLA2, apoAI, apoB level) in blood serum of patients with CAP. METHODS: The patients studied (n = 43) were divided into groups: patients under 50 and over 50 years of age, and a separate subgroup of the oldest age with the largest size of CAP lesions. Apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) above 150 mg/dL and below 150 mg/dL was used as an important criterion for the division of patients into groups. The CAP lesion size was measured using the Kodak digital imaging system software. The control group consisted of clinically healthy volunteers (n = 20) without CAP. Lipids were measured on a Siemens analyzer (Germany), apoAI, apoB, hsCRP levels were determined by immunonephelometric method, using the Health Care Diagnostic Product (Siemens GmbH, Germany), and IL-6, TNF-α and LpPLAG7 assay kits (ELISA, R&D Systems) were used. RESULTS: The findings suggested that in patients with CAP and their age increase, the CAP lesion size, the concentration of inflammatory markers and LpPLA2 mass increased. Correlations between the CAP lesion size and LpPLA2 mass and between the CAP lesion size and TG level in patients with apoAI 150 ≤ mg/dL showed increase TG in atherogenic apoB-containing triglyceride-rich lipoprotein and TC in cholesterol-rich lipoprotein. The patients with a low apoAI and high LpPLA2 level can have a higher risk of odontogenic disease and progression of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. CONCLUSION: We have found a positive correlation between apoAI level and the CAP lesion size and a negative correlation between LpPLA2 level and the CAP lesion size. The results suggest that apoAI and LpPLA2 in HDL particles have antiinflammatory action and together can limit the CAP lesion size in patient with a higher apoAI level. The literature data on the distribution of lipoprotein particles in subjects are still insufficient, so this problem requires further studies.

Assessment of Pain Intensity in Patients with Dentin Hypersensitivity After Application of Prophylaxis Paste Based on Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate Formula.

BACKGROUND: One of many functions of the pulp-dentin complex is sensory function. Acute, situated, receding pain after the cessation of the stimulus action is called dentin pain. Dentin hypersensitivity has been described as one of the most painful and least successfully treated chronic ailments of teeth. The aim of this research was the clinical evaluation of the effectiveness of professional polishing paste containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate formula (NovaMin) in eliminating dentin hypersensitivity after a single application. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 92 teeth with dentin hypersensitivity diagnosed on the basis of history and clinical examination. The pain reaction of exposed dentine was induced by tactile and dehydrating stimuli, asking patients to assess the severity of pain on the VAS scale. Clinical trial and survey were carried out twice: before and 1 week after the application of the polishing paste. RESULTS: After the application of the examined paste, the percentage of teeth reacting with a severe pain to the touch of the probe decreased from 16.3% to 4.3%, and with a moderate pain from 42.4% to 12%. Examination after applying dehydrating stimulus a week after carrying out the application showed a decrease in the proportion of teeth with strong pain from 28.3% to 0% and moderate pain from 38% to 15.2%. The lack of pain increased from 12% to about 50%. CONCLUSIONS: The use of prophylactic professional paste with NovaMin formula in in-office procedure provides the reduction of dentin hypersensitivity noticeable by 1 week after application.

[Comparison of root canal system disinfection effectiveness with and without rubber dam use]. / Porównanie skutecznosci dezynfekcji systemu kanalowego wykonywanej z zastosowaniem oraz bez stosowania koferdamu.

INTRODUCTION: Endodontic treatment consists in necrotic pulp removal, proper root canal preparation, and sealed obliteration. The effectiveness of treatment depends on careful root canal disinfection of existing bacteria. Modern endodontics recommends the use of a rubber dam, not only to protect the patient from endodontic instrument aspiration, but also to protect root canals from bacteria existing in saliva. The aim of the study is a comparison of root canal disinfection among patients treated with and without rubber dam protection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Endodontic treatient of 36 patients who came to the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics was performed. 36 teeth were qualified to the treatment. In 17 patients the whole treatment was done with rubber dam protection. In the other 19 (II group) the treated tooth was isolated only by cotton rolls. After chamber trepanation, and after chemo-mechanical root canal preparation, samples of root canal bacteria were taken. After 24h incubation, the density of bacterial suspension was checked using a spectrophotometer. RESULTS: In both groups of patients very similar results were obtained: a high density of bacterial suspension in samples taken before treatment, and a significantly lower density in samples taken after chemo-mechanical root canal preparation. CONCLUSIONS: In our research the use or lack of use of a rubber dam does not change the effectiveness of root canal disinfection.

[Possibility of using saliva as a diagnostic test material in cardiovascular diseases].

INTRODUCTION: Civilizational nature of the cardiovascular diseases, their prevalence and social impact of complications resulting from late diagnosis force to seek new faster and cheaper diagnostic methods. THE AIM: To present a systematic review of the literature on studies of classical and new cardiovascular diseases' risk markers in saliva. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Used database Pubmed, Cochrane from 1980 to 2013 in search of clinical studies of diagnostic tests for saliva in diseases of the cardiovascular system. RESULTS: Saliva sampling for testing is done in a non-invasive and painless way, transport and storage procedures are simpler and less expensive than blood. The diagnostic tests necessary in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system can be performed in saliva. So far, the most promising diagnostic tests are: hs CRP saliva, cortisol, CK-MB, troponin, myoglobin and other biomarkers of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarkers of the cardiovascular diseases may be determined in saliva. The use of saliva in the diagnosis is possible and should be applied both to screening assays, as well as in epidemiological and clinical diagnostics.

Teeth whitening versus the influence of extrinsic factors on teeth stains.

The improvement of teeth colour is the effect of using whitening toothpastes, professional removal of dental deposits, pulpless teeth and vital teeth whitening. The aim of the study was evaluation of various methods of teeth whitening in relation to sex and age of the investigated as well as the extrinsic factors causing teeth stains such as cigarette smoking, consumption of coffee and tea. Questionnaire survey was conducted in the group of 204 patients, reporting for a dental treatment at the Chair and Department of Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics of the Medical University of Lublin as well as private dental practice in Lublin. Questionnaire survey was elaborated for the needs of the planned investigation and included questions concerning, among others, socio-demographic data of the investigated, methods of teeth whitening, cigarette smoking, consumption of coffee and tea. Statistic analysis was performed with the use of descriptive statistics, Chi2 test, Mann-Whitney test. The values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically essential. Women used whitening toothpastes more frequently in comparison with men (χ2 = 7.96, p < 0.01). People who declared drinking at least one coffee cup used whitening toothpastes more frequently in comparison with the people drinking coffee occasionally and those who didn't drink it (χ2 = 9.99, p < χ0.05).

[Cotinine concentration in the saliva in relation to oral hygiene procedures]. / Stezenie kotyniny w slinie w relacji do przeprowadzania zabiegów higienicznych w jamie ustnej.

Cotinine is a biomarker of the exposure to the tobacco smoke, nicotine metabolite with half-life in the saliva which is 17 hours. Assessment of cotinine concentration enables among others verification of the questionnaire data as well as evaluation of both smokers and non-smokers exposure to the tobacco smoke. Practicing proper oral hygiene procedures is an essential factor of the prophylaxis of dental caries and periodontal diseases which influence general health state. The removal of dental calculus is achieved by proper teeth brushing and the use of additional oral aids. The aim of the study was evaluation of cotinine concentration in non-stimulated saliva in order to verify questionnaire data (smoker/non-smoker) and analysis of practicing oral hygiene procedures in relation to the status of cigarette smoking. Questionnaire and biochemical studies were conducted in the group of 116 people aged 20-54. In questionnaire survey 53 people (45.69%) confirmed cigarette smoking, 63 (54.31%) declared they had never smoked and never tried to smoke. Non-stimulated saliva was collected between 9(30) and 11(30), 1,5-2 hours after meal. Cotinine concentration was assayed with the use of Cotinine ELISA (Calbiotech, USA). Obtained study results were submitted to statistic analysis with the use of Chi2. Statistically essential test values were those with p<0,05. In the study group the mean value of cotinine concentration was 155.76 ng/ml. Brushing teeth once a day or less frequently was reported by 26.92% smokers and 4.76% non-smokers, brushing teeth at least twice a day was reported subsequently by 73.08% and 95.24% participants. Non-smokers in comparison with smokers considerably more frequently brushed their teeth, at least twice a day (XZ=11.11, p<0.001). Smokers used a toothbrush with medium hardness bristle (X2=6.05, p<0.05) as well as toothpicks to maintain hygiene of interdental spaces and teeth contact surfaces (X2=21.34, p<0.001) whereas they used dental floss less frequently (X2=10.64, p<0.01). Smokers more fre. quently brushed their teeth improperly (X2=1 3.41, p<0.001). Smokers in comparison with non-smokers did not practice proper oral hygiene which is an essential risk factor of the oral health. It is crucial for dental surgeons to conduct oral hygiene instructions in smokers as well as realization of health threats resulting from cigarette smoking.

[Television and Internet as sources of women knowledge of tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and energy drinks impact on health]. / Telewizja i internet jako zródla wiedzy kobiet o wplywie palenia papierosów, spozywania alkoholu i napojów energetyzujacych na stan zdrowia.

INTRODUCTION: Accessibility of the Internet allows obtaining information on different areas of life, including the impact of smoking, alcohol consumption and energy drinks on health. Environmental exposure to tobacco smoke and active smoking are a serious risk for women's health, especially for women in reproductive age and children at any time in their lives. Alcohol is a risk factor for the development of general diseases, and consumed by pregnant women has a toxic effect on the body of women and a child in the prenatal period. Due to the increased consumption of energy drinks containing among others nervous system stimulants and carbohydrates, their consumption should be a conscious choice of the consumers. Knowledge of the health risks resulting from the lifestyle can be a decisive factor for the implementation of health behaviour. The aim of the study was to determine the sources from which men and women acquire information concerning the effects of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and energy drinks on health. The respondents interest in the above mentioned subjects was also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey study was carried out in a group of 160 persons (114 women and 46 men), aged 19-60 years, randomly selected from the patients presenting to the Department of Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics of the Medical University of Lublin. An author's questionnaire was prepared for this research. The data were analyzed statistically with the use of Pearson's X2 test. Statistically significant test values were those with p<0.05. RESULTS: The internet was a source of information about the impact of smoking cigarettes on health for 52.63% women and 56.52% men, about the alcohol effect on health for 57.02% women and 45.65% men, while about energy drinks for 61.40 % of women and 47.83% men. Differences between sex of the respondents and indicated source of information were not statistically significant. Obtaining information from television programmes on the impact of smoking on health reported 70.18% of women and 63.04% of men, about alcohol consumption - 66.67% women and 58.70% men respectively. There was no statistically significant correlation between sex of the respondents and obtaining information concerning cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. Women showed significantly more frequently TV programmes as a source of information about energy drinks (61.40%) compared to males (43.48%) (X2 = 4.28, p <0.05). Interest in the subject of the impact of smoking, alcohol consumption and energy drinks on health was not dependent on sex of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Most women acquire knowledge about the effects of cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and energy drinks on health from TV programmes, although the internet is an increasingly important source of information in this respect.

Salivary mineral composition in patients with oral cancer.

AIM: To analyse the mineral content of saliva in patients with oral cancer in order to identify possible markers that might aid the diagnosis of oral cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 34 patients, aged 35-72 years with a diagnosis of oral cancer, including seven women and 27 men, before the start of treatment. Samples of unstimulated saliva were collected in plastic containers. The concentrations of sodium and potassium were assessed using ion selective electrodes, and the concentrations of calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus were assessed using colorimetric methods. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between the study and control groups were found only for the concentration of sodium--higher concentrations were found in the study group. When comparing different cancer localisations, the highest levels of salivary sodium were found in cases of cancer of the floor of the oral cavity, and the lowest levels in tongue or parotid gland cancer. The highest calcium levels were found in cancer of the floor of the oral cavity, and the lowest levels in tongue cancer. The highest levels of magnesium were found in cancer of the floor of the oral cavity, and the lowest in tongue cancer. As regards the different histological types, higher sodium and calcium levels were found in squamous cell carcinomas than in other types. CONCLUSION: Salivary mineral content in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma is indicative of oral dehydration; however, we found no evidence of any salivary mineral markers that would be useful for the diagnosis of oral cancer.