Background: Socioeconomic-related inequality in oral hygiene behaviors in Iran is poorly understood. This study aims to measure and decompose socioeconomic-related inequalities in oral hygiene behaviors among middle-aged and elderly adults in Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN), a large national cohort study. A total of 130,016 individuals aged 35 years and above from 17 cohort centers in Iran were included in the study. The normalized concentration index (C n) was used to measure the magnitude of inequality in oral hygiene behaviors, i.e. brushing at least twice and flossing once daily, among middle-aged and elderly Iranian adults included in the cohort centers. Decomposition analysis was performed to quantify the contribution of each determinant to the observed inequality in oral hygiene behaviors. Results: Totally, 65.5% of middle-aged and elderly adults brushed their teeth twice a day or more, 7.6% flossed at least once a day and 3.48% had both habits. The estimated C n of the two habits combined, i.e. tooth brushing and dental flossing, for all provinces taken part in the PERSIAN cohort study was 0.399 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.383 to 0.417), indicating that the prevalence of the two habits combined is more concentrated among individuals with higher socioeconomic status. Inequality in oral hygiene behaviors was pro-rich in all cohort centers. The decomposition results suggested socioeconomic status as the main factor contributing to the overall inequality, followed by the level of education, and the province of residence. Conclusion: A low prevalence of oral hygiene behaviors among middle-aged and elderly Iranian adults was observed. There was also a pro-rich inequality in oral hygiene behaviors among middle-aged and elderly adults in all cohort centers. These results suggest an urgent need for targeted policy interventions to increase the prevalence of preventive oral hygiene behaviors among the poor and less-educated middle-aged and elderly adults in Iran.

The mandible like other bones of the body has a series of anatomical landmarks that can serve as radiographic indicators. Using these indicators it is possible to evaluate changes in bone with respect to its quantity or quality by different methods of taking images. Osteoporosis is a significant problem of the elderly, especially postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to determine the thickness of the mandiublar angular cortex on the right and left sides of women as well as bone resorption in different age groups using panoramic radiography. One hundred female patients were selected from applicants for panoramic radiological services who did not have a history of systemic bone disease, hysterectomy, or taking hormonal supplements.Using a questionnaire, the selected subjects were asked questions about their education, job, marital status, number of pregnancies, age, menopausal status, and history of backaches. After statistical calculation it became clear an increase in age will increase bone resorption, and this process is related to a decrease in the sexual hormones of women. Higher bone resorption was detected in women with a higher number of pregnancies. Also, the higher educated the patient, the less bone resorption. Women with a background of backaches had more bone resorption to those who did not have this backache background. Finally, it was recognized that it would be possible to clear the quality dimension of the process of mandibular bone resorption.

This paper is a summary of the published studies on the possible association between osteoporosis and alveolar bone loss. Osteoporosis and low bone mass are considered as a major public health problem. The mandible like other bones of the body has a series of anatomical landmarks that can serve as radiographic indicators. Using these indicators it is possible to evaluate changes in bone with respect to its quantity or quality by different methods of taking images. Higher bone resorption was detected in women with a higher number of pregnancies. Also, the higher educated the patient, the less bone resorption. Women with a background of backaches had more bone resorption to those who did not have this backache background. Finally, it was recognized that it would be possible to clear the quality dimension of the process of mandibular bone resorption. If we can identify the osteoporotic process using a basic panoramic radiography measurement technique, then it is possible to intercept the progress of the disease through early warning and treatment. From the results of this study, it can be concluded the thickness of the mandibular angular cortex can be used as an index for bone resorption. A healthy lifestyle has multiple benefits for the mouth and throughout the body. Dental professionals can play a role in preventing osteoporosis by reinforcing this message.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the swallowing patterns of the tongue using B-mode sonography. A total of 65 patients aged between eight and 35 years were enrolled in the study including 25 controls. The swallowing patterns of the 40 patients were divided into groups of ten normal, 12 inconsistent, and 18 abnormal. Eight patients with a swallowing abnormality had Angle Class I occlusions, two had Class II, and the remaining ten patients had Class III. The majority of abnormal or inconsistent swallowing patterns were found in cases of mandibular prognathism. Quantitative data was not analyzed in this study. The results of this study show that B-mode sonography, being a non-invasive procedure permitting direct visualization of the movements of the tongue in both coronal and sagittal planes, can be used with certainty for diagnosing swallowing abnormalities.

Objectives. The early diagnosis of probable lesions in edentulous patients is essential, as complications can include irritated tissue and recurrent infectious abscesses. This study determined the prevalence of impacted teeth, retained roots, condensing osteitis, and upper and lower jaw atrophy in panoramic radiographs of edentulous patients. Methods. This descriptive study examined panoramic radiographs from the records of the Oral Maxillofacial Radiology . The sampling method was simple, and 447 samples were included in the study. Each radiograph was studied for impacted teeth, retained roots, condensing osteitis, maxillary sinus migration, and change in position of the mental foramen in relation to the apex of the residual ridge. The data were analyzed using the χ-squared test. Results.Of the 447 radiographs, 305 (68.2%) showed migrated maxillary sinuses, 220 (49%) showed a change in the position of the mental foramen in relation to the apex of the remaining alveolar ridge, 150 (33%) showed condensing osteitis, 145 (32.4%) showed retained roots, and 28 (6.3%) showed impacted teeth. Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that panoramic radiography is critical before making dentures for patients.

Objectives.To determine the prevalence of calcifi ed carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs) in panoramic radiographs of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods. The panoramic radiographs of 751 patients referred to the Oromaxillofacial Radiology Department of the Dental Faculty of Shahid Sadoughi University for routine dental treatment were evaluated for CCAAs. In this descriptive study, the data for each patient were recorded on a questionnaire based on the medical history, an interview, and a physical examination. The prevalence of CCAA was compared statistically to determine the signifi cance of atherogenic risk factors. Results. Of the 751 patients studied, 75 showed signs of CCAAs in their radiographs (10%). Fifty-fi ve of the 128 diabetics patients had CCAAs compared with only 20 of 623 nondiabetic patients (43% vs. 3.2%; P < 0.001). The prevalence of CCAA in 180 patients over 50 years of age was 28.9%, while the prevalence was only 4% in patients under 50 years. The prevalence of CCAAs on the radiographs of nondiabetic patients over age 50 was 11.8% versus 47.1% in diabetics over age 50 (P < 0.001). Conclusion. Individuals over age 50 and patients with diabetes mellitus have a greater prevalence of CCAAs in their panoramic radiographs than younger individuals and nondiabetic patients.

BackgroundScaphoid fractures are the most common type of carpal fractures.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic value of panoramic and conventional radiographs of the wrist in scaphoid fractures.Patients and MethodsThe panoramic and conventional radiographs of 122 patients with acute and chronic wrist trauma were studied. The radiographs were analyzed and examined by two independent radiologist observers; one physician radiologist and one maxillofacial radiologist. The final diagnosis was made by an orthopedic specialist. Kappa test was used for statistical calculations, inter- and intra-observer agreement and correlation between the two techniques.ResultsWrist panoramic radiography was more accurate than conventional radiography for ruling out scaphoid fractures. There was an agreement in 85% or more of the cases. Agreement values were higher with better inter and intra observer agreement for panoramic examinations than conventional radiographic examinations.ConclusionThe panoramic examination of the wrist is a useful technique for the diagnosis and follow-up of scaphoid fractures. Its use is recommended as a complement to conventional radiography in cases with inconclusive findings.

Introduction: One of the fractal analysis methods to examine the structure of a texture is fractal dimension (F.D.) measurement. F.D is a quantitative method to show the complexity of a structure using a number. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different exposure conditions, voltages and angle of x-ray tube on F.D. values of mandibular bone. Methods: This lab-trial analytical research was conducted on ten healthy, non-fracturing human mandibles. Periapical digital images were obtained by the Peri-Apical Focus (Planmeca, Finland) with a constant time of 0.2 seconds and changes in exposure conditions and angle of the tube. Periapical radiographs were obtained with 2 kV voltages of 60, 70, with2 mA of 400, 500, and 3 tube angles of -5, 0, +5 degrees. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 16 software  and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, mann whitney test‌and ANOVA test. Results: No significant difference was observed in fractal mean values between 60 and 70 kVp and among 5-, 0, 5+ degrees in all 10 mandibles.There was a significant difference between the 400 and 500 mA just in one case (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Considering the incompatibility of the amount of calculated fractal dimension from kVp, mA and tube angle, this method can be used as a useful tool in dentistry to examine the structure of spongy bone and its changes in various pathological conditions. Then, standardize the periapical imaging technique to compare it is not necessary.