Comparison of plaque removal efficacy of new and 3-month-old toothbrushes in children

The cost of replacing toothbrushes at frequent intervals may be prohibitive in underdeveloped countries. The objective of this study in Tehran was to compare the plaque removal efficacy of new and 3-month-old toothbrushes in children. In a randomized, crossover study, 93 children aged 7-9 years old received a new manual toothbrush to use twice per day for 3 months. Plaque scores were measured using the modified Quigley-Hein plaque index after children had brushed for 60 seconds with either a new or their used toothbrush. Bristle wear of worn brushes was assessed by measuring brushing surface areas on digital images. Compared with new brushes in the same subjects, no statistically significant differences were found for plaque score reductions for 3-month-old toothbrushes exhibiting various degrees of wear. Worn toothbrushes are equally effective as new ones for children.

Retention of a Flowable Composite Resin in Comparison to a Conventional Resin-Based Sealant: One-year Follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Long-term retention of pit and fissure sealants is crucial for their success. This clinical study evaluated the retention rate of a flowable composite resin (Filtek Supreme XT Flowable Restorative) compared to a conventional resin-based sealant (Concise Light Cure White Sealant) over 12 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty subjects aged 6 to 9 years were included in the study. Using a half-mouth design, a total of 80 first permanent molars were sealed with conventional fissure sealant on one side of the mouth and flowable composite on the contralateral side. Clinical evaluation was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months by a single blind examiner and the retention was classified as complete retention, partial loss, or total loss.

RESULTS

For both materials, there was no total loss of sealants over 12 months. Partial loss of both materials was observed in one sealant after 3 months. After 6 months, 36 teeth sealed with conventional fissure sealant were intact compared with 37 sealed with a flowable composite, and after 12 months, 33 teeth sealed with conventional fissure sealant were intact compared with 35 that were sealed with a flowable composite. There were no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the two materials regarding the retention rate at each follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

As flowable composite resulted in comparable sealant retention rates, this material could be a good choice for fissure sealant.

Femoral artery ligation as treatment for infected pseudo-aneurysms, secondary to drug injection

OBJECTIVE

Parenteral drug injection can cause a wide range of vascular complications, from simple vascular irritation to severe infections, thrombosis and pseudo-aneurysm formation: These latter complications may become limb- or even life-threatening.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective descriptive study of cases admitted to the Shohada Medical Centre, between March 1990 and June 2005.

RESULTS

A total of 134 drug addicts presenting with infected femoral artery pseudo-aneurysms were treated. All patients had their femoral arteries ligated. Limbs of all 134 patients were saved.

CONCLUSIONS

Ligating the femoral artery is an effective way to treat femoral artery pseudo-aneurysm, secondary to drug abuse.

Effects of ER,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation and fluoride treatment on acid resistance of the enamel

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Er,Cr:YSGG loser on the enamel's acid resistance when irradiated alone, prior to or after acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) treatment.

METHODS

Eighty-five enamel surfaces were prepared from 17 extracted human premolars and randomly assigned to 5 groups: (1) untreated (control); (2) irradiated with a Er,Cr:YSGG loser; (3) exposed to a 1.23% APF gel; (4) loser-irradiated followed by APF treatment; and (5) APF-treated followed by loser irradiation. The specimens were individually demineralized in 0.2 M acetate buffer solution for 10 days, and the acid resistance was evaluated by determining the calcium ion using atomic absorption spectrometry.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found between group 1 and groups 2 through 5 (P < 0.001). There were no signifIcant differences between groups 2 and 3 (P = 1.000). Compared to groups 2 and 3, a lower calcium content was detected in the demineralization solution for groups 4 and 5. The difference between groups 4 and 5, however, was not statistically significant (P = 0.289).

CONCLUSIONS

Combining ocidulated phosphate fluoride with the Er,Cr:YSGG loser decreased the enamel demineralization more than either fluoride treatment or laser treatment alone.