The purpose of the present study was to clarify the long-term effects of frequent chewing of unflavored and odorless gum (hereafter, gum base) on oral hygiene and mental health. This single-arm study, which started with a 4-week control and ended with a 4-week intervention period, was conducted in two phases: one in 2017 and one in 2018. The participants comprised 36 dental hygiene students (17 in 2017, 19 in 2018). During the intervention period, all participants were required to chew a piece of gum base 7 times a day for 10 min each time. The unstimulated salivary flow rate and masticatory efficiency were measured and chewing number counted. Two questionnaires -the Profile of Mood States, second edition (POMS2) and the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30)-were administered to assess mental health. In both phases, the unstimulated salivary flow rate showed a significant increase after the intervention period (p<0.05). In 2017, the GHQ-30 scores and masticatory efficiency showed a tendency toward a negative correlation after the intervention period (r=-0.4647, p=0.06). In 2018, a significant negative correlation was observed between chewing number and the POMS2 scores after the intervention period (r=-0.6296, p<0.01). These findings suggest that frequent chewing of gum base increases unstimulated salivary flow rate. However, no significant change was observed in the mental health.
The aim of this randomized-controlled, single-blinded study was to compare the effects of mechanical tooth cleaning (MTC) and ultrasonic debridement (UD) on oral hygiene status in healthy young adults. Thirty-seven participants (mean age: 20.3±0.62 years) were divided into 3 groups after pre-examination: group A, receiving MTC; B, receiving MTC+UD using a universal insert (UDUI); and C, receiving MTC+UD using a probe-shaped insert (UDPI). All participants were required to abstain from oral hygiene for 24 hours after the allocated intervention, after which they were examined. A masked examiner determined the Quigley-Hein plaque index (PlI) and Silness and Löe gingival index (GI) scores before the interventions and after 24 hours of non-brushing. A significant increase in the PlI score was observed in group A (p<0.001) in comparison with that in group B (A: 0.311±0.26; B: −0.01±0.33; C: 0.13±0.27; p<0.05). A significant decrease in the GI score was observed in groups B and C (p<0.05), and the change in this score in group C significantly differed from that in group A or B (A: −0.04±0.25; B: −0.13±0.17; C: −0.33±0.2; p<0.05). Only MTC was insufficient to prevent plaque formation over a 24-hour period of non-brushing and decrease the GI score. Ultrasonic debridement was more effective in preventing plaque formation and decreasing the GI score, regardless of the type of insert used. The present results suggest that UD should be included as an important procedure in the provision of professional oral prophylaxis and that UDPI is as efficient for cleaning as UDUI.
Previous research has shown that an ultrasonically activated water stream is effective for removing oral biofilms 1 ; therefore, ultrasound is considered effective for improving oral hygiene. Ultrasound technology is utilized in powered and ultrasound toothbrushes, which generally have a frequency of 1.6 MHz, 2,3 and the further positive effects of ultrasonic toothbrushes have been confirmed in additional studies. 4,5 A previous pilot study also demonstrated that ultrasound helps to remove plaque. 6 However, the effects of ultrasound toothbrushes with no sonic vibration on oral hygiene have not been elucidated. Moreover, no evidence indicating whether 1.6 MHz is
Background: Taurine is an abundant amino acid in human cells, promoting ocular and biliary health, which is also used to treat congestive heart failure, hypertension, and hepatitis. Recently, taurine-enriched energy drinks have become popular with young adults, but the effects of taurine on serum lipids in young adults are unknown.Objective: We studied the influence of oral administration of taurine on serum lipid levels in healthy young women.Methods: Ten healthy young women with a mean body mass index of 20.0kg/m2, apolipoprotein E (apoE) phenotype 3/3 and normal menstrual cycles participated. Each subject was instructed to orally ingest 1g of taurine powder after each meal (3g/day) in addition to their usual diets during one menstrual cycle. Before and at the end of taurine intake, physical measurements and blood collection were performed in the morning after a 12-h fast, and 3-day weighted dietary records were obtained. Concentrations of serum lipids, apolipoproteins, and fatty acids in the serum phospholipid fraction were measured.Results: The subjects showed good compliance with taurine intake and none reported adverse effects during the experimental period. After taurine intake, concentrations of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), free cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B (apoB) increased (p<0.05), while phospholipids tended to increase (p=0.051). Fatty acids in the serum phospholipid fraction also significantly increased (p<0.05). However, triglyceride, remnant-like particle cholesterol, remnant-like particle triglyceride, apoE, the apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA- 1)/apoB ratio and the LDL-C/apoB ratio were unchanged. Furthermore, body weight was significantly increased (p<0.01), but did not correlate with changes either in serum lipids or nutrient intakes.Conclusion: These results suggest that high taurine intake affects lipoprotein metabolism and increases serum lipids in slightly lean young women.Key Words: Taurine, slightly lean young women, serum lipids, remnant lipoprotein, fatty acids of the serum phospholipid fraction.
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