[Television and Internet as sources of women knowledge of tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and energy drinks impact on health]

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.

[Cotinine concentration in the saliva in relation to oral hygiene procedures]

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.

[Oral hygiene in pregnant women versus cigarette smoking]

Proper oral hygiene is an essential element of dental caries prophylaxis and periodontitis. The aim of the study was evaluation of the oral health state and the state of periodontal in pregnant women in relation to the status of cigarette smoking. Survey and clinical studies were conducted in the group of 100 women--80% pregnant women and 20% in the first week of puerperium remaining at the gynaecological and obstetric hospital wards in Lublin and its region. The mean age of the investigated was 27.94. Study results revealed no correlation between the frequency of pregnant women tooth-brushing and the status of cigarette smoking or non-smoking. The average oral hygiene evaluated on the basis of API index was stated essentially more frequently in the group of non-smoking women (50%) in comparison with the smoking women (24.14%),, whereas improper oral hygiene was stated essentially more frequently in the group of smoking women (31.03%) in comparison with non-smokers (11.29%) (chi = 7.82, p < 0.05). No correlation was stated between the state of periodontal in smoking and non-smoking pregnant women.

Interrelationships between tooth properties and biochemical bone turnover markers investigated on six-month-old pig model

The aim of the study was to determine interrelationships between bone tissue metabolism indices and morphological, biomechanical and densitometric properties of hard dental tissues. First primary maxillary incisor from 6-month-old pigs (N=27) was evaluated in terms of weight and length. Mean volumetric tooth mineral density, total tooth volume, enamel total volume, enamel volumetric mineral density, dentine total volume and dentine volumetric mineral density were estimated with the use of quantitative computed tomography and micro computed tomography techniques. Tooth mineral density and tooth mineral content were evaluated with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Microhardness of enamel was measured using Vicker's test. Evaluations of total calcium, ionized calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide of type-I collagen (CTX), insulin-like growth factor-1, growth hormone and parathyroid hormone were performed in plasma and serum samples. Pearson's correlation coefficients were determined between all the investigated variables, and P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The obtained results have shown mainly mutual dependences between biochemical indicators of bone metabolism. Evaluation of CTX concentration in serum of pigs has shown the highest predictive value in relation to morphological, densitometric and biomechanical properties of teeth.

[Selected risk factors for diseases of hard tooth tissues in tobacco smokers--preliminary study]

The etiology of the diseases of hard tooth tissues is multifactorial. Important risk factors for caries development are i.a. high count of Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus (LB), dietary habits connected with improper diet composition and frequency of meals consumption as well as low salivary buffer capacity. The aim of the study was the assessment of MS and LB counts in saliva of smokers and evaluation of buffering capacity of stimulated saliva in smokers in relation to risk factors of the diseases of hard tooth tissues. Survey and clinical studies involved 42 patients aged 20-53 years. MS colonies count in saliva of smokers and non-smokers did not differ significantly, similarly to LB count. In smokers buffering capacity of saliva was significantly lower comparing with the non-smokers group. 50% of smokers and 80% of non-smokers presented for dental check-ups every six months. In the smokers group teeth hypersensitivity on stimuli declared 36,36% of the cases. Obtained results indicate the necessity of carrying out studies concerning caries risk factors in a larger group of smokers.

Relationships between biochemical bone metabolism indices and morphometric, densitometric and mechanical properties of mandible in 6-month-old pigs

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Mandible is used as a bone model for monitoring bone tissue responses to various factors influencing skeletal homeostasis. Considering the lack of experimental data on interrelationships between bone metabolism indices and morphometric, densitometric and mechanical properties of mandible, the aim of this study was to perform such an evaluation in 6-month-old pigs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative computed tomography was used to determine bone volume, mean volumetric bone mineral density, cortical bone density and cortical bone area. Using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bone mineral density and bone mineral content were measured for ramus, body and whole jaw. In the three-point bending test, maximum elastic strength and ultimate strength of jaw was determined. Assessment of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), parathormone (PTH), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OC) and C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type-I (CTX) in blood was performed.

RESULTS

Statistically significant correlations in relation to the investigated traits of the jaw were found in the case of ALP, OC, CTX, GH and IGF-1. Significant correlations of ALP activity, OC and IGF-1 concentrations with final body weight were stated (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the highest predictive value of ALP activity determination in relation to assessment of morphological, densitometric and biomechanical properties of mandible. Evaluation of Ca, P, Mg, BAP and PTH has not confirmed its significance for morphological, densitometric and biomechanical properties prediction in the jaw of pigs. ALP activity, OC and IGF-1 concentrations would be prognostic for body weight prediction.

[Chewing gum as an additional agent in maintaining oral hygiene versus smoking status--preliminary study]

Nowadays chewing gum is widely used in different age groups, so complying with proper duration and frequency of chewing is an important factor influencing the state of masticatory system. The study involved 112 dental students of the Medical University of Lublin. Everyday use of chewing gum declared 47,32% of cases. Chewing time up to 10 minutes was stated in 23,08% of respondents, 11-20 minutes in 40,38% of interviewees. Among the examined students 17,3% smoked cigarettes. In smokers group 83,33% of questioned chewed the gum every day, while among non-smokers - 43,37%. Chewing time shorter than 10 minutes declared 22,22% of smokers and 23,26% of non-smokers, while chewing time between 11-20 minutes - 27,78% i 44,35% of smokers and non-smokers respectively. Obtained results indicate the need of carrying out further studies aimed at the nicotine influence on saliva parameters with respect to development of diseases of hard tooth tissues.

[Possible use of saliva in the diagnostics and treatment--review of the literature]

In recent years increasingly more attention has been devoted to the possibilities of saliva analysis in laboratory diagnostics. The article discusses issues associated with the production of saliva, and contemporary possibilities of its use in the diagnostics and treatment. The benefits of diagnostic application of saliva for laboratory tests instead of blood serum are presented, and current possibilities of its application in the diagnostics of hereditary disorders, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, endocrine disorders, as well as in the assessment of therapeutic drug levels and the monitoring of stimulants.

[Oral hygiene habits among tobacco-smoking and non-smoking students of the Medical University of Lublin--chosen aspects]

Among several etiologic factors for dental caries and periodontal diseases we can find dental plaque that forms on the teeth surfaces and prosthetic appliances. Elimination of dental plaque by proper oral hygiene procedures is crucial in caries and periodontal disease prevention. The aim of the study was evaluation of tobacco smoking prevalence among dental students of the Medical University of Lublin and the comparative analysis of oral hygiene habits among smoking and nonsmoking students. A questionnaire survey was carried out among 112 students of the Medical University of Lublin during the second, third, fourth and fifth year of their studies. The students were 20-28 years of age. The questions concerned cigarettes smoking habit and the ways of maintaining oral hygiene. Respondents were divided into smoking and non-smoking group. Statistical analysis was carried out. Obtained results were sent to statistical analysis. Cigarette smoking was reported by 16.67% of surveyed students. No significant differences between smoking and non-smoking students were stated in frequency of brushing, changing the toothbrush, density of toothbrush filaments, using manual and power toothbrush, using whitening toothpastes and frequency of using dental floss and toothpicks. Statistically significant difference was noted in gum chewing habit--smoking students chewed the gum more frequently (83.33%) than non-smoking students (40%). Significant differences occurred also in frequency of professional removal of dental deposits. Calculus removal performed twice a year was reported by 50% of smoking students, comparing with 17.8% of nonsmoking students. 37.78% of nonsmoking students declared professional teeth cleaning performed more often than twice a year comparing with 11.11% of respondents from the smokers group (p < 0.05).

Orofacial symptoms related to boreliosis--case report

Lyme disease (borreliosis) is an infectious disease caused by the Borrelia spirochaetes, usually transmitted to humans by the Ixodes ticks. It is manifested by a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms varying according to the time elapsed from the infection. The paper describes orofacial symptoms of the disease in a woman who has suffered from a chronic borreliosis for 3 years. Multiorgan clinical manifestations of borreliosis might occur in the masticatory organ and this fact should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of pain by medical and dental practitioners.

[Tobacco smoking-related attitudes of dental students of the Medical University of Lublin]

Despite the growing consciousness of negative tobacco smoking consequences there is still a need of propagating healthy lifestyle among the society. Physicians and dentists as well as medical and dental students have a particular role in this process due to their daily contact with smokers. The aim of the study was evaluation of tobacco smoking prevalence among dental students of the Medical University of Lublin as well as recognizing their knowledge and attitudes regarding negative tobacco smoking consequences. The questionnaire survey was carried out among 112 dentistry students, tobacco smoking was reported in 16.07%. The students smoked most frequently 5-10 cigarettes per day for 4.3 years. 44.44% of students started smoking during their studies. The main reason of smoking was relaxation and pleasure or in respond to stressful situations. The half of the respondents made one or more attempts of quitting smoking with different results. The most often potential cause of smoking cessation was pregnancy. Almost 75% of students could not indicate any tobacco dependent disease or they could indicate only one - lung cancer.

[State of dentition and the index of dental decay treatment in smokers and non-smokers]

The aim of the study was evaluation of the state of dentition and the efficiency of dental decay treatment in smokers and non-smokers as well as defining whether dentists and family doctors inform their patients about the negative influence of tobacco smoking on their health state. The studies were conducted among 64 people, 35 men (54.69%) and 29 women (45.31%). Cigarette smoking was reported by 26 people (40.63%). The mean age of nonsmokers was 37.87 and smokers 39.04%. In the smokers group the value of mean number D denoting the number of carious teeth was 6.23; the mean number M denoting the number of missing teeth had the value of 9.85, in non-smokers 4.66 and 6.29 respectively. In smokers the value of mean number F denoting the number of filled teeth was 4.46 and in non-smokers 7.39 (p< 0,01). The mean number DMF in smokers had the value of 20.54, in non-smokers 18.34. The state of dentition in smokers was distinguished by greater number of carious and missing teeth and smaller number of filled teeth. In non-smoking patients the efficiency of dental decay treatment was higher in comparison with the group of non-smoking people (p < 0.05). Dentists informed 35.94% of the surveyed about the harmfulness of cigarette smoking whereas family doctors informed 29.69% of them. It is necessary to conduct thorough studies to define the influence of cigarette smoking on oral health as well as to inform all patients about the negative influence of cigarette smoking on their health state.

[Concentration of calcium ions in the saliva and the value of the pH of the saliva in female and male smokers]

Dental decay is a pathological process of extrasomatic origin which leads to demineralization and proteolytic degradation of hard surfaces of a tooth susceptible to this disease. Saliva composition, including calcium ion concentration and its pH value, is of importance in the development of the carious process. Tobacco smoke contains toxic compounds which negatively influence oral health. The aim of the study was evaluation of the selected saliva components: protein concentration, Ca2+ concentration, pH value both in male and female smokers. The investigated group included 65 patients reporting for the treatment to the Department of Conservative Dentistry of Medical University in Lublin. In the investigated group male smokers constituted 15.38%, female smokers--20.00%, male nicotine abstinents 21.54% and female nicotine abstinent 43.08%. The study included both survey examinations of patients and biochemical examinations of the saliva. Mixed, non-stimulated saliva was used as a material for biochemical examinations. Ca2+ concentration and pH of the saliva were assayed with the use of Rapidlab 348 analyzer. Protein in the saliva was assayed with calorimetric method according to Lowry. Saliva was collected from smokers 10-120 minutes after smoking of several cigarettes. It was stated that Ca2+ and protein concentration as well as pH of the saliva were not correlated with sex and cigarette smoking or non-smoking.

[Cigarette smoking by the mothers of neonates and small children from Lublin area--survey studies]

Cigarette smoking by women in the reproductive age is a threat to the health of a woman as well as a child, in every stage of its life. The investigated group included 189 women aged 19-39. The survey studies were conducted among 123 women staying at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Obstetric Pathology of the Medical University in Lublin as well as 66 women who reported for the treatment at the Department of Conservative Dentistry, having been mothers of at least one child. The questions included in the survey concerned cigarette smoking by the women in the reproductive age considering their dwelling place, education and reporting for their oral health control check-ups. Study results revealed, that from the among 189 women cigarette smoking was reported by 12.70% of the respondents including 20.83% with higher education, 70.83% with secondary education, 8.33% with elementary education. 87.50% smoking women lived in the city whereas 54.17% respondents had one child and 45.83% at least two children. In the group of smoking women 8.33% reported that they limited the number of cigarettes during the day in pregnancy and 29.17% continued cigarette smoking. In the group of nicotine abstainers 56.97% women had higher education, 42.42% secondary education, 0.61% elementary education. 75.76 % lived in the city while 64.24% women had one child, 3576% at least two children.

Evaluation of teeth loss among workers in the laminate and composite materials department of aircraft factory

Liquid epoxide resins, solvents and solvent-modified epoxide resins, as well as hardeners for epoxide resins, appear to be skin and mucosa irritants of different intensity and possibly have allergenic properties. Therefore, it is required that the employees are qualified and industrial safety rules are followed when these substances are in use in the manufacturing process. Our study evaluated the state of dentition and analysed the loss of teeth in the workers of the laminate and composite materials department of aircraft factory. The research has been carried out in a group of 114 workers, which consisted of 88 men and 26 women 20 to 61 years old. The control group consisted of 41 workers of the administration department in the aircraft factory who did not have any contact with chemical compounds. The workers in the studied group are characterised as having an unsatisfactory state of dentition, as shown by the high rate of lost teeth (74 %). Statistically significant difference between the studied group and the control was found when the relationship between the number of lost molar teeth in women in the studied group and those in the control group is taken into consideration, a statistically significant difference appears to refer to teeth 46 and 27. The same statistically important correlation between men in the control and studied groups concerns teeth 16. The research data shows that incisor teeth are the least frequently extracted teeth in the whole population studied. Statistically significant differences can be noted for teeth 21 and 23 between the women in the control group and those in the studied one. Future studies are necessary to assess the potential relationship between the loss of teeth among workers of the department of laminate and composite materials of aircraft factory and their workplace.

Selected cases of periapical changes treated with calcium hydroxide preparations

Success in endodontic treatment with application of non-hardening calcium hydroxide preparations to periapical pathosis has been described. The clinical procedures consisted in elaboration of root canals and temporary filling with Biopulp preparation. Control clinical and radiological investigations were carried out after 3 and 6 months. In spite of occurrence of initial periapical pathosis, the method of treatment with calcium hydroxide preparations permitted to achive positive results of healing of periapical pathosis thus eliminating the necessity of surgical operation.

The activity of dental caries in students of the Faculty of Stomatology examined by using microbiological and biochemical tests--Dentocult LB

The aim of the study was to examine the relation between the value of Dentocult LB and numbers of DMF, DMFs and Ds in the 20-25 age group. Sixty-six randomly chosen students of the Faculty of Stomatology, Medical University of Lublin were included in the study. In all of them, their dental state was assessed by using average numbers of DMF, DMFs and Ds. In the microbiological examinations, a ready-made medium from the Dentocult LB set was used. Statistically significant, directly proportional dependence of the number of surfaces with Ds active caries and the LB number was found.

The activity of dental caries in students of the Faculty of Dentistry, the study with the use of microbiological and biochemical tests (Dentocult SM)

The aim of the paper is to answer the question whether the Dentocult SM tests could be used to study dental caries activity in the 20-25 age group. 66 students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Medical University of Lublin, were included in the study. In all cases dental state was assessed by using average numbers of DMF and DMFs Ds. In the microbiological examinations a ready-made medium from Dentocult SM set was used. The results revealed that the risk of dental caries in the population studied cannot be determined only on the basis of Streptococcus mutans values.

Evaluation of millers' dental health. Part II. State of the parodontium

A study of the oral health of workers in flour mills was carried out. The examined group consisted of 40 males and 8 females currently employed at flour mills. As much as 97.92 % of the workers showed evidence of parodontopathy. The results of the researches indicate the necessity of professional periodontal prophylaxis among mill workers.

Health of the oral cavity of 18-years old students in vocational schools without dental care

63 18-year-old students of both sexes of vocational school of gastronomic profile were examined. The state of hard tissues of teeth was assessed on the basis of the DMF number, that of periodontium according to the CPI index and the hygiene of the oral cavity - using the simplified OHI index of Greene and Vermillion. The thickness of the dental plaque was estimated on the basis of its colour, using Red-Coty tablets produced by Butler. A group of 14 students specializing in production of cakes was isolated as an increased risk group. In the studied group of students a 100 percent frequency of dental carries was found. The average DMF value for all students was 11.6 and average D = 5.5; for the group of increased risk the DMF value was 12.8 and D = 8.0. For 80.7 percent of the examined students the hygiene of the oral cavity was good (OHI index - code 1); the state of the periodontium was as follows: 62 percent of students had dental scale (CPI index - code 2) and the occurrence of gingival bleeding was found for 38 percent of the students (CPI index - code 1).

[The assessment of dental caries activity in students of stomatology using Dentobuff tests]

The aim of the paper was to assess the risk of dental caries in students of the Faculty of Stomatology using standard biochemical tests and to answer the question whether Dentobuff tests could be used to study dental caries activity in the 20-25 age group. Sixty-six randomly chosen students of the Faculty of Stomatology, Medical Academy in Lublin have been included in to the study. Clinical examinations of dental state have been performed in all of them and they have been expressed by means of the average number of DMF, DMFs and component Ds. In biochemical examinations a ready-made test from Dentobuff set has been used. Statistically significant dependence between salivary pH and numbers DMF, DMFs and Ds has been found. In assessing the risk of dental caries, the results of Dentobuff should be considered together with other examinations and history data.