Is there a need for gerodontology?

One of the major criteria of successful ageing is maintaining a natural, healthy, functional dentition throughout life, including all the social and biological benefits such as aesthetics and comfort, and the ability to chew, taste and speak. However, the oral health of elderly people is far from optimal. The treatment needs are high due to edentulism, missing teeth, caries, periodontal diseases and tooth wear resulting in impaired oral functions. The demand for treatment is much lower than the need. In the future the elderly will retain their natural dentition and more teeth per individual will be present. Despite this there will be a rise in edentulousness due to the sharp rise in numbers of the elderly population. The 'new elderly' will be more critical and more demanding of oral health care services. The dental profession and governments in all industrialised countries must be aware of these trends which should be reflected in undergraduate and postgraduate education of dentists and in research. The European College of Gerodontology has been founded to contribute to solving all problems related to oral health and oral health care of the elderly.

Cystic fibrosis: a current review

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common severe genetic disorder seen in Caucasians. Defective exocrine gland secretions result in chronic diseases of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. However, the CF gene recently has been located and cloned. Currently, genetic technology allows identification of sibling carriers and antenatal diagnosis within families. Oral implications associated with CF include enamel hypoplasia and tooth discoloration, salivary gland involvement, reduced incidence of dental caries, reservoir for potentially pathogenic respiratory bacteria, mouth breathing, and anterior open bite associated with nasal and sinus obstruction. Continued efforts to improve early diagnosis and treatment of CF should increase life expectancy. Affected patients are expected to seek regular dental care more frequently as they learn to view the disease as manageable.

Common dental emergencies. Evaluation and management for emergency physicians

Dental pain and disfigurements cause patients to seek care from the Emergency Department of hospitals. It is important for physicians to understand dental disease and trauma in order to diagnose, treat, and refer patients with dental emergencies efficiently. Many common dental problems have been discussed in clinical terms. Treatment and referral options were offered. Techniques for local dental anesthesia and avulsed tooth splinting were described.