ObjectiveThe present study evaluated the association between lactotransferrin (LTF) gene
polymorphism (exon 2, A/G, Lys/Arg) and dental caries.Material and MethodsA convenience sample of 110 individuals, 12 years old, was divided into: group 1,
48 individuals without caries experience (DMFT=0), and group 2, 62 subjects with
caries experience (DMFT≥1). DNA was obtained from a mouthwash with 3%
glucose solution, followed by a scrapping of the oral mucosa. After DNA
purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), single strand conformation
polymorphism (SSCP) was performed to access the study polymorphism. The LTF A/G
(Lys/Arg) polymorphism had been previously reported as located in exon 1.ResultsAllele 1 of the study polymorphism was associated with low DMFT index and showed a
protective effect against caries experience (OR=0.16, IC=0.030.76, p=0.01).ConclusionLactotransferrin A/G (exon 2, Lys/Arg) polymorphism was associated with
susceptibility to dental caries in 12-year-old students.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision and sensitivity of four different pain rating scales in 59 temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients. The capacity of describing changes in symptoms during treatment was also addressed. All patients were asked to answer four pain scales: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Numerical Scale (NS), Behaviour Rating Scale (BRS) and Verbal Scale (VS). Two measurements were taken before any treatment. After beginning it, follow-ups and repeated measurements were taken 1 week, 15 days, and every month for 6 months. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (P < 0.05) for all scales, but the NS (P > 0.05), when the two initial measurements were analysed. Regarding the sensitivity, all pain scales demonstrated general symptom improvement of 30-50%, when initial and final figures were compared (P < 0.01). Also, the most significant improvement occurred in the first 2 months after beginning the management programme. Authors concluded that the NS was more accurate to measure reproducibility of pain. As for the capacity of expressing changes during the treatment, all scales demonstrated symptom decrease of 30-50% in a period of 6 months. Caution when analysing the results is recommended because of the subjective aspect of pain measurement, the absence of a 'gold standard' for comparison and the natural fluctuation of TMD symptoms.
The aim of this study was to perform a literature review about the composition and functions of saliva as well as describe the factors that influence salivary flow (SF) and its biochemical composition. Background: Saliva represents an increasingly useful auxiliary means of diagnosis. Sialometry and sialochemistry are used to diagnose systemic illnesses, monitoring general health, and as an indicator of risk for diseases creating a close relation between oral and systemic health. Review: This review provides fundamental information about the salivary system in terms of normal values for SF and composition and a comprehensive review of the factors that affect this important system. Conclusion: Since several factors can influence salivary secretion and composition, a strictly standardized collection must be made so the above-mentioned exams are able to reflect the real functioning of the salivary glands and serve as efficient means for monitoring health. Clinical Significance: Since many oral and systemic conditions manifest themselves as changes in the flow and composition of saliva the dental practitioner is advised to remain up-to-date with the current literature on the subject.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.