– A Study on the predominant cultivable microorganisms inhabiting gingival crevices affected with a chronic gingivitis was carried out using the roll tube culture technique. Samples were obtained from nine individuals 25–42 years of age. Gram‐positive rods made up 26.1% of the isolates and included mainly Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces israelii, and Actinomyces viscosus. Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus sanguis together made up 26.8% of the cultivable organisms. Feptostreptococcus averaged 3.0% of the organisms recovered. Gram‐negative anaerobic rods constituted 25.0% of the total isolates with Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides melaninogenicus ss. intermedius, Bacteroides ochraceus, other Bacteroides species, Selenomonas sputigena, and Campylobacter sputorum as the most predominant isolates. Haemophilus parainfiuenzae averaged about 14% and Veillonella species 4.3% of the cultivable microflora. The data presented indicate that the subgingival microflora of a chronic gingivitis differs from those of healthy periodontium and advanced adult and juvenile periodontitis. This might suggest that different infectious processes may be operative in various clinical entities of periodontal disease.

– The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of 0.2 % chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse following gingivectomy on plaque under the dressing and on healing. Twenty‐eight patients with indications for gingivectomy were selected. Coe‐Pak® was used as surgical dressing. In addition to usual home care, the patients rinsed twice daily with chlorhexidine or placebo for 21 d after surgery. The study followed a cross‐over, double‐blind design. Gingival exudate was assessed and P1 I and G I were registered at 7, 14, and 21 d postsurgically. The study indicated that chlorhexidine did not influence the amount of plaque under the dressing, and it was uncertain whether chlorhexidine had any effect on the healing process when the surgical area was covered by Coe‐Pak. However, (1) after the surgical dressing was removed, the chlorhexidine maintained plaque scores at the same low level as under the dressing, (2) healing was promoted when chlorhexidine was used, and (3) the presence of a dressing in one side of the mouth did not prevent the patient from maintaining good oral hygiene.

In 1973 and 1984 the caries status of 624 and 394 children, respectively, was recorded in an urban area of northern Tanzania where the water fluoride content was 2.0-3.5 ppm. Although slightly different scoring criteria were used, the data showed very' low levels of caries, and little evidence of increases in caries experience over the 10-yr period. Tbe distribution of caries lesions was markedly skewed, such that a minority of mdi\'iduals accounted for most of the caries. Tbe leveh of caries were low by internasional standards and equivalent to those found in children fro.m low fluoride areas of Tanzania.

Changes in infection control and behavior and attitudes towards HIV-infected patients from 1986 to 1992/93 were studied among a random sample of 335 Danish dentists; previous studies among random samples of Danish dentists served as references. 249 (74.3%) returned a mailed questionnaire together with a time, steam, temperature (TST) control indicator strip processed in their steam autoclaves, 3.4% of the autoclaves had not sterilized properly, which was an insignificant decrease compared to 1986. Overall, infection control had improved since 1986. In 1992/93 17.3% of dentists surveyed reported use of gloves always: in 1986 0.8% did so. Many (60.2%) reported at least one needlestick or cut accident within the last year. The number of dentists who were willing to treat HIV-infected patients and the number of clinics that found they could treat infectious patients safely had increased from 56.1% to 78.7% and from 43.0% to 66.8%, respectively. Other attitudinal dimensions, for example views on secrecy of HIV test results and HIV screening policy, had not changed. A conceptual model based on the theory of reasoned action formed the framework for multiple logistic regression analysis with two different outcomes: Willingness to treat HIV-infected individuals and Treatment of HIV-infected patients. In particular, expected staff problems turned out to have a high explanatory value (odds ratio = 18.2) if HIV-infected patients were received. In both models Certainty about hygienic precautions had some explanatory value. The findings may give some clues about how to plan and implement future continuing education on infection control and attitudinal and behavioral aspects of caring for infectious patients.

abstract— The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect on plaque formation after gingivectomy when the periodontal dressing Coe‐Pak® was coated with chlorhexidine hydrochloride powder. The study indicates that no additional plaque‐inhibiting effect can be obtained by this method.