ABSTUCT-The side effects of chlorhexidine mouth washes have been evaluated in a group of 50 soldiers during a period of 4 months. Previous publications have shown the effects on plaque formation and gingival conditions. The present paper discusses urifavorable side effects. When rinsing with 0.2 and 0.1 yo chlorhexidine gluconate and acetate, some desquamations and soreness in the oral mucosa were observed. lwelve per cent of the tooth surfaces and 62 "/c of the silicate fillings were discolored, while 36 % of the test persons developed discolored tongues in the experimental period. Because of the side effects, there are some objections LO uncritical use of chlorhexidine in preventive dentistry. A close control is necessary; and until more information is gained, the use of chlorhexidine mouth washes is recommended for. short periods only. Other methods of application must be studied.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are thought to result from an imbalance between those oral microorganisms which normally colonize tooth surfaces in close contact with the gingival margin, and the nature and efficiency of the host response. The bacteria are the triggering agents, but host defence mechanisms within the gingival/periodontal tissues seem to be responsible for most of the tissue damage and for the outcome and progression of the diseases. It has recently been shown that emotional or psychological load (stress) may influence immune activities directly via nerve messenger substances (neurotransmitters and neuropeptides) and/or indirectly via neuroendocrine (hormone) substances. This review discusses how emotional stressors and nervous and neuroendocrine responses to psychological stressors may modulate the immune response to bacteria, and thus be expected to influence the progression and course of gingivitis and periodontitis.

The prevalence of oral soft and hard tissue lesions related to mechanical oral hygiene procedures was recorded and correlated to toothbrushing habits and oral hygiene status in two selected samples. Fifty-one percent of 533 persons examined exhibited gingival retractions and 45% had wedge-shaped defects in the cervical area of one or several teeth. Both types of lesions were often seen in the same area, indicating a common etiologic factor. The subjects with a good oral hygiene status, as well as those who brushed more than twice daily, showed a high frequency of lesions. The various toothbrushing techniques did not, however, seem to influence the development of such lesions in the present material. Subjective symptoms were reported in a few cases only.

The plaque inhibiting effect in vivo of 11 antibacterial agents was compared with their antibacterial activity against salivary bacteria in vitro. The in vivo effect was tested for 4 days in a human model with a supplement of sucrose in the diet. The antibacterial activity of the compounds, which were chosen from different main groups of disinfectants (alcohols, iodophores, dyes, quaternary ammonium bases, amidines, guanidines) were tested in four in vitro systems. No correlation was evident between the in vivo and in vitro effects. Chlorhexidine gluconate and ‐acetate proved most effective in vivo, whereas several other substances equally or more effective against salivary bacteria in vitro, exhibited no effect in vivo. It is concluded that other factors than the antibacterial properties are important in plaque inhibition in vivo.

Objective. Destructive periodontitis is one of the most frequent and widespread bacterial infections in humans. Psoriasis is a common condition in the general population. Since both psoriasis and periodontal diseases are characterized by an exaggerated response of the immune system to the epithelial surface microbiota, there may possibly be an association between these two conditions. The aim of the present pilot study was to investigate the prevalence of periodontal disease in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls. Material and methods. Dental bite-wing X-rays were obtained from 155 psoriasis patients aged 45-60 years, as well as from 155 age-and gender-matched controls. All X-rays were examined by the same investigator for accumulated destructive periodontitis using bone level and loss of teeth as endpoints. Results. A significantly lower radiographic bone level (p < 0.001) and a significantly higher number of missing teeth (p < 0.001) were observed in the psoriasis cases compared to the controls. Conclusion. Our study indicates that psoriasis patients experience more bone loss than age-and gender-matched controls.