T-cell interactions with extracellular matrix proteins in periodontal disease.

Lymphoid cell infiltration of periodontal tissues undergoing pathological destruction suggests a functional interdependence between connective tissue proteins such as collagen, fibronectin and elastin and mononuclear cells, mainly T lymphocytes. The aim of the study was to assess T lymphocyte proliferation after stimulation by mAb OKT3 and then costimulation by ECM (extracellular matrix) proteins, as well as T-cell adhesion to connective tissue proteins in patients with adult periodontitis, early-onset periodontitis, chronic gingivitis and experimental gingivitis. Controls included patients with clinically healthy periodontium. Statistical analysis of results showed a significantly decreased level of T lymphocyte proliferation in response to costimulating action of ECM proteins among patients with adult periodontitis as compared to the control group. Reactivity of T-cells was much higher in experimental gingivitis than in adult periodontitis, and significantly lower in chronic gingivitis than in controls. In addition, T-cell interaction with ECM proteins was abnormal in early-onset periodontitis patients, but was not statistically significant.

[3 year observation on the effects of a preventive programme on dental caries and gingivitis]. / Wybrany program zapobiegania prochnicy i zapalen dziasel na podstawie 3-letnich obserwacji.

The effects of a preventive programme which was based on repeated professional toothcleaning, OHI and motivation as well as fluoride application performed by especially trained auxiliaries are presented and discussed in relation to dental health, manpower and resources in Poland.

Effect of a preventive program on dental caries and mutans streptococci in Polish schoolchildren.

The effect of a preventive program was studied in Polish schoolchildren. The study was carried out in a group of 133 children, aged 10-12 yr, divided into a test and a control group. Children in the test group were initially treated with temporary restorations and were then given oral health education and preventive treatment by a specially trained chairside assistant. The preventive treatment included prophylaxis and topical fluoride treatment and was carried out at least 10 times a year. The mean 3-yr DFS increment was 1.7 in the test and 10.9 in the control group. The salivary counts of mutans streptococci were similar in test and control group at baseline and after 1 and 2 yr. At the examination after 3 yr, a difference was established between the two groups.

Oral health and factors related to oral health in Polish schoolchildren.

The oral health and factors related to oral health were surveyed in 168 schoolchildren, aged 10-12 years, attending one school in Warsaw. The children were examined for dental caries and gingival status, dental plaque and salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts. An interview on dietary habits and use of fluoridated toothpaste was also performed. The results showed a mean DMFT of 4.7 in the sample. Gingival Index 1 and Plaque Index 3 were median scores for the majority of the children. S. mutans was demonstrated in 94% of the children and high numbers were found in 15%. Lactobacillus sp. were present in all examined children, with high counts in 56% of the subjects. The interview revealed that most of the children eat five or six times per day and consume candies or cakes each day. Fluoridated toothpaste was not used regularly by any of the children. In conclusion this study shows a high prevalence of dental disease and an unfavorable combination of etiologic factors.

[Effect of the working environment in the petrochemical industry on the periodontium and mucous membrane of vocational school students]. / Wplyw srodowiska pracy w przemysle petrochemicznym na przyzebie i blone sluzowa uczniów szkoly zawodowej.

The clinical dental examination was carried out at 6 months intervals in a group of 41 vocational school pupils exposed to chemical hazards in the petrochemical industry and a control group consisting of 30 pupils of an economic grammar school. The paradontium and mucous membrane of vocational school pupils before occupational exposure was worse than that of grammar school pupils. Pupils exposed to working environment hazards exhibited an increased rate of paradontium diseases.