Comparative analysis of treatment outcomes between Bi-Maxillary Plates and Facemask for treating class III malocclusion in growing subjects. A retrospective study

AIM

To comparatively analyse the skeletal and dento-alveolar changes after treatment with Class III Bi-Maxillary Plates (BMPs) and FM appliances in growing patients with Class III skeletal malocclusion.

CONCLUSION

BMPs with class III elastics provided a similar pattern of skeletal and dento-alveolar changes compared to FMs, however supported by slightly greater dentoalveolar effects that contribute to the correction of the class III malocclusion in growing subjects.

Investigation of Parents' Awareness of Early Orthodontic Evaluation and Treatment in Paediatric Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

AIM

This study aims to gauge the level of awareness among parents about the importance, timing, and benefits of early orthodontic assessments for their children.

MATERIALS

A questionnaire consisting of 12 questions was created through Google Forms to measure the knowledge about early orthodontic treatment and consultation with the parents of 1821 patients aged 6-11 years admitted to the paediatric service of a training and research hospital and filled out by the parents. The distribution of variables was examined with the Shapiro-Wilk normality test; the independent t test was used in the comparison of paired groups of normally distributed variables; and the chi-square test was used in the comparison of qualitative data. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effective factors for consultation with the orthodontist.

CONCLUSION

The present study found a positive relationship between parents' education and monthly financial income and their knowledge of malocclusions for early orthodontic treatment. Conversely, there was a negative correlation between the number of children parents had and their awareness of malocclusions. The early identification of malocclusions allows orthodontic problems to be corrected with less complex treatment methods.

The association between parent education level, oral health, and oral-related sleep disturbance. An observational crosssectional study

AIM

To explore the relationship between parents' education levels, children obesity, children oral health and oral-related sleep disorders.

BACKGROUND

Prevention of oral diseases in children is important for their long-term health. Parents play a crucial role in the health and wellness of their children. As such, it is important for parents to be well-informed about the importance of their children's oral health, as well as the steps they can take to ensure that their children receive the best possible care.

METHODS

Observational cross-sectional study. At the time of enrollment data regarding parents' employment status and parents' education level were collected. We also collected BMI and anamnestic data regarding the presence or not of oral-related sleep disorders in the last 3 months: snoring, chronic mouth breathing, sleep bruxism. Oral health was also evaluated for each subject through the DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) index.

CONCLUSION

Parents' education levels influence several health outcomes, including oral health and the risk of obesity. In turn, obesity can represent a risk factor for oral-related sleep disturbances. Parents play a crucial role in the health and wellness of their children. As such, it is important for parents to be knowledgeable about the importance of their children's health, as well as the steps they can take to ensure that their children receive the best possible care.

Analysis of maxillary arch expansion in growing patients treated with early Class III protocol versus RME

Aim

To evaluate and compare the maxillary arch expansion obtained in growing patients treated with Class III early treatment protocol (the modified SEC III protocol), or rapid maxillary expansion (RME).

Methods

This retrospective observational study included patients in the mixed dentition with maxillary constriction and/ or dental crowding. The first group consisted of 30 patients (11 males and 19 females, mean age 9.4 ±1.7 years) with dentoskeletal Class III malocclusion treated with the modified SEC III protocol. The second group of 30 patients (14 males and 16 females, mean age 9.3 ±1.5 years) with Class I or II malocclusion was treated with a Hyrax-type expander applied to bands on the first upper molars. For each subject, initial (T0) and post expansion (T1) digital dental casts were collected. The intermolar and intercanine widths, the arch lengths at both cusp and gingival levels, the anteroposterior length and the palatal depth were measured at T0 and T1.

Results

At T1 there were statistically significant differences for 3-3 occlusal (OC) (P < 0.009), arch-length OC (P <0.030), anteroposterior arch-length (AP) (P <0.003), Depth (P <0.030) and Ap (P <0.000). No statistically significant T0-T1 changes were found between the modified SEC III and Hyrax groups except for Depth (P <0.011) with a mean difference of 2.3 mm between the two groups.

Conclusions

Both bonded and banded expanders, used in the modified SEC III protocol and RME treatment respectively, produced similar changes in the upper arch. The different initial dentoskeletal malocclusions of the two sample groups were not relevant to the post-expansion arch changes.

Temporomandibular disc displacement with reduction treated with anterior repositioning splint: a 2-year clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up

Clicking may appear in the initial, middle, or final phase of mandibular opening. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the most appropriate diagnostic imaging for diagnosing disc position. With anterior repositioning splint (ARS), disc recapture is achieved through a change in the position of the condyle to encourage adaptation of the retrodiscal tissues. Three patients reported pain and sounds during movement and clicking in the final phases; also, the MRI confirmed anteriorized disc position and the treatments consisted of an ARS. The post-treatment examination confirmed a normal opening without deviations and deflections. After 2 years, the conditions were stable, and the MRI showed thickening of the retrodiscal tissues, including extra fibrous tissue, resulting in a pseudodisc. Treatment using ARS can stimulate tissue fibrosis and the formation of a pseudodisc. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment planning of disc displacement cases.

How social media meet patients’ questions: YouTube™ review for children oral thrush

YouTube™ is increasingly being used by patients to obtain health-related information. No studies have evaluated the content of YouTube™ videos on children oral thrush. The aim of this work is to examine the quality of information offered by this platform about oral thrush in children. Searching term “oral thrush in children” (OTC) displayed a total of 2.790 results. Of the top 60 videos analyzed, 27 were excluded. The main source of upload was from generalist information YouTube® channels (GC) followed by healthcare professionals (HP), individual users (IU), and healthcare information channels (HC); usefulness of videos is successfully correlated with the number of visualization, number of likes and viewing rate and was interdependent with the number of visualizations, number of likes and VR. However, videos on the oral thrush do not have satisfactory quality information. HP themselves, along with HC, do not seem to provide more appropriate information on COT, than GC or IU.

Psychiatric disorders in oral lichen planus: a preliminary case control study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) compared to a control group. Eleven patients (mean age 65.2 years-old), with diagnosis of OLP and 13 controls (mean age 64.8 years-old) underwent a psychiatric evaluation with five psychometric scales: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI 1-2), Distress Thermometer (DT) and Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). Seventy-three % of OLP group presented a VAS score of mild type; 9% had depressive symptoms; 100% of the sample had a score above the cut-off for state and trait anxiety; 45% presented Distress (36% moderate type). However, no statistical difference was found in comparison with the control group. In this study, there was no difference in these parameters between the OLP group and the control group. Perhaps, a larger cohort of patients could give different results.

Systemic and topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) on oral mucosa lesions: an overview

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment that has shown promising results in treating preneoplasticlesions. PDT reckons on the administration of a drug (photosensitizer), which can be used in a topical or systemic form. Photodynamic therapy has been successfully used in the management of a variety of pathologies from different anatomical sites, including the head, neck, brain and lungs, hepatobiliary tree and other gastrointestinal and urological pathologies, skin, gynaecological conditions and in vascular anomalies. Starting from these same considerations, PDT has also been adopted for oral malignant and premalignant lesions’ treatment, and should be kept under investigation as a promising therapeutic management of leukoplakia and preneoplastic lesions of the oral cavity.

Management of denture stomatitis: a narrative review

Candida albicans is a typical commensal microorganism of the oral cavity that can become virulent in certain conditions and cause denture stomatitis (DS). Many conditions can predispose for DS, including local and systemic alterations. The therapeutical approach to DS is various and both topical and systemic alternatives can be considered. Azoles molecules are the most common used, both topically and systemically, but in recent years various alternatives have been proposed. This review aims to examine the scientific literature to evaluate the effectiveness of conventional therapies and the potential of the new ones.

How social media meet patients’ questions: YouTube™ review for mouth sores in children

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common causes of mouth sores in children so the management of this condition is a matter of great importance. YouTube™ is increasingly being used by patients to obtain health-related information. The aim of this work is to examine the quality of information offered by YouTube™ about mouth sores in children (MSC). Searching the term ‘mouth sores in children’, (MSC) displayed 12.300 results. Of the top 60 videos analyzed, 31 were excluded following exclusion criteria. The major source of upload was from healthcare information channels (HC-41,38%), followed by individual users (HP-25.59%), healthcare professionals (IU-17.24%) and generalist information channels (HC-13.78%); 20.69% of them deal with predisposing factors, and related pathologies, the majority of these propose home remedies (60.72%) rather than topical analgesic drugs (21.43%), antimicrobials (7.14%) and topical steroids (3.57). Most of the videos analyzed were slightly useful (68.97%). Information about mouth sores in children on YouTube™ was poor regardless of the upload source. Analyzing health content on social platforms is a starting point for providing greater quality of health-related information.

Oral-facial-digital syndrome (OFD): 31-year follow-up management and monitoring

Orofaciodigital syndrome (OFD) is a group of hereditary disorders identified by malformations of the mouth (oris), face (facies), hands and feet (digitus=finger and toe). Although there are several different types reported in the literature, there is a great overlap in their clinical presentation. The full spectrum of all disorders due to OFD is not yet fully understood, since each patient shows variations in the expression of the syndrome. In the oral cavity, teeth are often affected by various alterations, such as dental caries, abnormal teeth, enamel hypoplasia, supernumerary teeth and dental agenesis. Treatment of a syndromic patient with a complex picture showing conditions such as palatine fissures and a severe hypodontia involves a multidisciplinary approach and a careful periodical follow-up.

Telescopic overdenture on natural teeth: prosthetic rehabilitation on (OFD) syndromic patient and a review on available literature

Orofaciodigital syndromes (OFD) are rare genetical disorders characterized by malformations of the mouth (oris), face (facies), hands and feet (digitus = finger, toe). It is still impossible to fully understand the whole spectrum of all dysfunctions due to OFD, since the expressions of the syndrome vary in each patient. There are various alterations, thoroughly described in literature that can affect the oral cavity such as dental caries, abnormal teeth, enamel hypoplasia, supernumerary teeth and dental agenesis. A syndromic patient with a complex picture showing conditions such as palatine fissures and a severe hypodontia has to be treated using a multidisciplinary approach, and in particular, needs a prosthetic rehabilitation for the restoration of missing dental elements in the arch.

Vulvovaginal gingival lichen planus: report of two cases and review of literature

PURPOSE

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of skin and mucous membranes. Approximately 20% of women with oral lichen planus develops lesions in the genital mucosa. In 1982, Pelisse described a special form of lichen planus (LP), which consists of a triad of symptoms: vulval, vaginal and gingival (VVG)-LP lesions. Aim of the present report is to report two new cases and review the international literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two cases of VVG-LP are reported and a review of recent literature is performed.

RESULTS

The onset of erosive or ulcerative mouth lesions may precede or follow by months or even years the onset of vulvovaginal lesions. Vaginal agglutination is associated with the postmenopausal state in conjunction with a dermatologic condition. Intra-lesional corticosteroids have a role in localized chronic ulceration, while systemic therapies such as corticosteroids, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, hydroxychloroquine, ciclosporin, methotrexate, retinoids, thalidomide and photo chemotherapy have been used in more severe cases with varying success.

CONCLUSIONS

VVG-LP is rather a rare condition and has been documented in the literature mainly in the form of case reports. Lack of a precise diagnostic criteria of VVG-LP depends on the specialists.

SINGLE APPLICATION OF A DESSICATING AGENT IN THE TREATMENT OF RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS

Recurrent aphtous stomatitis (aphthae, canker sores) is ones of the most common and painful oral mucosal inflammatory ulcerative conditions; etiopathogenesis is uncertain and only symptomatic therapy is available. We used a dessicating agent based on a concentrated mixture of sulfates. The rationale for use of this product on canker sores is that it cauterises the epithelial tissue affected by the immune response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the topical application of this dessicating agent on aphtous ulcers, and verify its efficacy in reducing pain. Fifty-seven patients, with oral minor aphtous lesions and a history of recurrent aphtous stomatitis were enrolled into this study and were assigned into two groups: 30 patients were treated with a single topical application of a dessicating agent and 27 without any treatment. A subjective evaluation of symptoms was completed by each patient using a visual analog scale (VAS) of 0-10. Patients’ oral lesions were clinically observed at days 0 (before entering the study) and at day 6. We found that from day three the mean differences in pain score between the two groups was about 16.33% with a decrease of symptoms of 49.57% compared with pretreatment VAS score at baseline (P 0.001). Unfortunately, if we compare the mean differences from baseline in the range of 6 days of pretreatment until day 6 in the group treated with the dessicating agent and in the one receiving no treatment, performing an unpaired t-test, no significant differences appeared (P>0.05). These data suggest that a single application of this medicament could become a valid support in the management of recurrent aphtous stomatitis.

IN VIVO CHARACTERIZATION OF ORAL PEMPHIGUS VULGARIS BY OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune disease that manifests as intraepithelial blisters in skin and mucous membranes. We report the case of a 62-year-old female patient with clinical picture of desquamative gingivitis and a histological and serological diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris. The aim of this study is to analyse bollous oral diseases in order to evaluate the feasibility to image epithelial architecture of oral mucosae using in vivo optical coherence tomography. Optical coherence tomography seems to be a valid non-invasive auxiliary diagnostic device able to show in vivo the epithelial layers and basal membrane.

In-vitro Analysis of Antifungal Activity of Epigallocatechin-Gallate: Preliminary Study

Oral candisosis is an heterogeneous group of diseases, caused by different species of Candida fungus. The incidence of drug-resistant species is increasing dramatically; furthermore, in recent years higher incidences of non-albicans and antimycotic-resistant species of Candida have been reported, thus increasing necessity of a non-antibiotic agent, which should be both highly effective and safe. It has been showed that the main polyphenols component of green tea, epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG), has antibacterial activity; recently, it has been reported its antifungal activity too. We tested the effectiveness of a 0.20% EGCG (TEAVIGO®) gel, a non-pharmaceutical product suitable for oral in vivo use, on four species of Candida yeast (C.albicans, Cparapsilosis, C.tropicalis, C.glabrata), evaluating its antifungal activity and its capacity to inhibit biofilm formation. The EGCG gel showed a remarkable activity against C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. This preliminary study confirms EGCG effectiveness on fungi; for this reason, a product with such a low concentration of EGCG could be used with no side-effect for every-day oral hygiene. Anyway, mechanisms of antifungal activity of EGCG are not comprehended and need further studies to better understand the reasons of some Candida species' resistance.

Comparison of phenotypic (Biolog System) and genotypic (random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction, RAPD-PCR, and amplified fragment length polymorphism, AFLP) methods for typing Lactobacillus plantarum isolates from raw vegetables and fruits

The diversity of 72 isolates of Lactobacillus plantarum, previously identified from different raw vegetables and fruits, was studied based on phenotypic (Biolog System) and genotypic (randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction, RAPD-PCR, and amplified fragment length polymorphism, AFLP) approaches. A marked phenotypic and genotypic variability was found. Eight clusters were formed at the similarity level of 92% based on Biolog System analysis. The most numerous clusters grouped isolates apart from the original habitat. Almost all isolates fermented maltose, D,L-lactic acid, N-acetyl-D-mannosamine and dextrin, and other typical carbon sources which are prevalent in raw vegetables and fruits. None of the isolates fermented lactose and free amino acids. At high values of linkage distance, two main clusters were obtained from both UPGMA (unweighted pair group with arithmetic average) dendrograms of RAPD-PCR and AFLP analyses. The two clusters mainly separated isolates from tomatoes and carrots from those isolated from pineapples. At 2.5 linkage distance, a high polymorphism was found and several sub-clusters were formed with both analyses. In particular, AFLP allowed the differentiation of 55 of the 72 isolates of L. plantarum. The discriminatory power of each technique used was calculated through the Simpson's index of diversity (D). The values of the D index were 0.65, 0.92 and 0.99 for Biolog System, RAPD-PCR and AFLP analyses, respectively.

Postnatal inositol levels in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

To measure plasma inositol levels in preterm infants fed formula containing inositol at levels close to those in human milk.

STUDY DESIGN

Plasma inositol levels were measured in 72 preterm infants fed formula containing 1110 mumol/L inositol and in cord blood of 12 healthy term infants. Preterm infant plasma levels were measured four times: (1) within the first 7 days of life, (2) intermediate enteral feeding, (3) at hospital discharge, and (4) 2 months after hospital discharge.

RESULTS

Inositol concentrations in term cord blood samples were significantly lower than in preterm initial feeding, intermediate feeding, and discharge samples. Initial concentrations in blood of preterm infants were higher than in all other groups, and were significantly lower among infants with gestational ages of 31 to 33 weeks compared with those of 28 to 30 or 31 to 33 weeks. Days of parenteral nutrition were a significant predictor of inositol levels in the full feeding sample, with lower levels associated with prolonged parenteral nutrition. Clinical outcomes were not related to plasma inositol levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Feeding preterm formula with inositol levels close to those reported for human milk may not prevent the postnatal decline in preterm infant plasma inositol levels.

[Cephalometry of cleft lip and palate]

This study demonstrated that there were basic differences in facial morphology between patients with cleft lip and palate and subjects with non clefting. The findings are obtained on cephalometric analysis of skull's teleradiograph L-L. These differences are for all pratical purposes confined to the maxillary complex. The mandible appear, instead, normal unless in the position in every respect in the not cleft lip and palate subjects.

[Teratomas of the facial mass]

The A. after bringing up to date the bibliografic dates about the subject, describes the cases T of maxillo-facial district reported by the literature. Subsequently, he illustrates the most recent classifications and etiopathogenic and anatomic-pathologic theories formulated on these neoformations.

[Water absorption by composite resins]

A literature review about water absorption in dental composites has led to a number of hypotheses made for the variables affecting the experimental behaviour. It follows a discussion about the possible advantages and disadvantages of the fenomenon.

[Etiopathogentic aspects, clinical picture and differential diagnostic view of first and second branchial arch syndromes]

The AA. examine in the present work the main syndrome of I and II branchial arch, valuing the hetiopathogenetic and clinic aspects and determining a diagnostic-differential scheme between the same. It is underlined the importance of the echografic exam for the prenative diagnosis and the clinic exam for the after native diagnosis.

[Etiological problems of anterior tooth crowding: the role of the third molar]

The authors discussed about the extraction or not of the 3 degrees molar either to prevent or correct the dental crowding. They state that, since there is no definitive evidence of the real importance of the 3 degrees molar in creating dental crowding, it is not possible to perform without discrimination 3 degrees molar germectomy nor the extraction for prevention.

[Importance of the study of cephalometric values in a patient with Melnick-Needles syndrome (clinical case)]

The Authors exposed cephalometric analysis in a patient with Melnick and Needles syndrome. Craniomaxillary, maxillofacial, dentomaxillary, skeleton and soft tissue spatial ratio have been evalued.

[Neoadjuvant chemotherapy using methotrexate and cisplatin in locally advanced urothelial cancer of the bladder]

Thirty-one consecutive patients with clinically and histologically documented urothelial cancer of the urinary bladder of category T3-T4a, N0, M0 underwent a trial of neoadjuvant chemotherapy before radical cystectomy. All patients received 2 courses of methotrexate 300 mg/m2 day 1 followed by folinic acid rescue days 2 and 3 and cisplatin 100 mg/m2 day 4, q. 3 weeks. Only responders were to receive 2 further courses of chemotherapy. The protocol was violated in 5 cases and all did poorly. Of the remaining 26 patients, 19 (73%) had a partial or complete remission to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The actuarial disease-free survival was very encouraging at 18 months (87% for responders versus 43% for the 7 non responders), but at 30 months the difference became minimal (60% versus 43%). Furthermore, all 3 responders who had refused radical cystectomy relapsed locally. Postoperative randomized trials are necessary to prove the advantage of neoadjuvant therapy with a long term survival and bladder preservation.

[Action of the Delaire facial mask: a clinical case]

Authors describe the effects of face mask therapy in III class treatment. A case report is presented.

[Hallermann-Streiff-Francois syndrome]

Hallermann-Streiff-Francois Syndrome, or oculomandibulodyscephaly is a rare congenital anomaly, characterized by bilateral congenital cataracts and bird-face. As the disease always involves oral troubles, that sometimes precede or predominate over other symptoms, the patient need oral examinations and life-long rehabilitation.

[Relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMJ pathology: current knowledge]

The Authors examine the international literature about the relationship between orthodontics and TMJ status. In five articles cited, the TMJ status who had received orthodontic treatment was compared with controls and no major differences was noted.

[Orthodontic movement and root resorption]

Frequent sequela following orthodontic treatment is some degree of root resorption. Much controversy exists concerning its cause and predisposing factors. The purpose of this study was a review of the literature.

[Respiratory and deglutition pathology in malocclusion]

The Authors, in this work, describe the ripercussions fixed by the pathology of the first respiratory organs and of the deglutition both at expense of maxillo-facial development and at systematic-level; by beginning from physiologic mechanisms, the most frequent causes of the oral respiration and the atypic deglutition are analysed.

[Open bite: classification and etiopathogenetic examination]

In the present study different types of "open-bite" have been taken under consideration. First of all, have been analysed the main etiopathogenetic factors which are the causes of the malformation in sphere of various classifications.

[Orthodontic treatment and periodontal injury]

The authors examine the literature about the relationship between orthodontic treatment and periodontal tissues health and consider the problems relating to orthodontic therapy in periodontopatic patient.

[Surgical and nonsurgical therapy: possibilities and limits in treatment of periodontal disease]

Authors expose literature about kinds of periodontal lesions recovery achieved by surgical and non-surgical techniques to establish which of them is preferable and when. They emphasize that, by both techniques, recovery occurs through a "long epithelial attachment" and that is very preferable the surgical technique of tissues guided regeneration gained by membranes that allows the formation of a "new attachment".

[Cysts and pseudocysts of the maxillary sinus]

The AA. describe the aetiopathogetical remarks, the actual nosologic and histopathologic arrangement, the clinical observations, the diagnostic and therapeutic trend of the cysts and pseudocysts arising from the mucosa of the maxillary sinus.

[Examination of the face in the frontal view]

After a short description of some analysis of the aesthetic of the face in its frontal view, the Authors make some final considerations.

["Maryland Bridge" technique and its possible use in periodontology]

The authors describe the Maryland Bridge technique relating to more recent acquisitions and consider some possible indication in periodonatal disease patients.

[Orthodontic card: a compilation proposal]

In relation to particular specialist filing of orthodontic patients and with reference to the need for pointing out peculiar data during diagnosis and treatment, it is necessary to have a suitable clinical card, which, if filed, may represent a reliable and valid document for case reports. Such a card has also been conceived for its likely insertion into a computer database.

[Cranial and facial sutures: embryological aspects, anatomy and effects on orthopedic treatment]

In this work, the AA. have related the principal suture of the skull and the face, analysing the embryonal, functional and anatomic aspects, with particular reference to the times of end of growth and ossification. Furthermore, the AA. had explained the orthopedic appliances which influence, with their action, the activity of specific suture, emphasizing the growth period in which they are more efficient in the correction of the various dentofacial disharmonies.

[Cranial base in patients with cleft lip and palate]

The AA. discuss the problem of morphology of cranial base in children with cleft lip and palate, using a cephalometric appraisal. They record the data from 28 patients with cleft and from 30 normal children; the linear dimensions from nasion to sella and sella to basion are significantly reduced in the cleft lip and palate group, while cranial base angulation doesn't differ between the cleft sample and the control group.