The etiology of BMS remains unknown. Role of various cytokines has been implicated in the development of BMS. The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of salivary IL-2 and IL-6 in patients with BMS, compared with age-matched healthy volunteers (control group). Whole saliva from 30 patients with BMS, age range 55–65, was tested for the presence of IL-6 and IL-2 by enzyme immunoassay. Control group consisted of 30 healthy participants, aged 55–65 years. Saliva IL-2 concentrations in BMS were significantly increased in patients compared to healthy subjects: mean 34.1 ± 9.7 versus 7.3 ± 3.0 pg/mL; P < .001. Patients with BMS had significantly higher concentrations of IL-6 compared to control: mean 30.8 ± 5.6 versus 5.2 ± 2.8 pg/mL; P < .001. In patients with BMS, IL-2 and IL-6 levels in saliva are elevated, correlating with the severity of illness.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurring as a consequence of exposure to war stress. The examined group consisted of 100 male subjects, aged from 25 to 50 years, who had taken part in the War in Croatia, and in whom PTSD had previously been diagnosed. The control group comprised 100 subjects, without PTSD, of the same sex and age group, who had not taken part in the War. A functional evaluation of the stomatognathic system was performed using the Helkimo Anamnestic and Clinical Dysfunction Index. Eighty-two per cent of the group with PTSD had at least one symptom, and 98% at least one sign of dysfunction. Eight per cent reported mild symptoms and 74% severe symptoms. Twenty-eight per cent showed mild clinical signs, 22% had signs of moderate, and 48% of severe dysfunction. Twenty-four per cent of the control group of subjects had at least one symptom, and 52% at least one clinical sign of dysfunction. Twenty-two per cent reported mild and 2% severe symptoms. Mild clinical signs of dysfunction were found in 50% of subjects in the control group, moderate in 2% and none exhibited severe clinical signs. It is concluded that correlation exists between war stress and temporomandibular disorders.

The psychological elements and female gender are the main predictors of seeking dental therapy. Understanding the prevalence of dissatisfaction with the present esthetics and desired treatments to improve esthetics can be a guide for strategies for intervention to improve esthetics.

The study showed that medical students have very poor knowledge about dental injuries. Also, the vast majority of the students were neither informed nor educated about it during their studies.

Influences of age and maxillary anterior teeth status on patient's satisfaction with dental appearance and tooth colour Objectives: To study the impact of age, gender, tooth colour and maxillary anterior teeth status on patient's satisfaction with their dental appearance. Material and methods: A total of 259 Caucasian subjects participated in the study (119 men, mean age 56 years; 140 women, mean age 61 years) divided into three age groups (young <35 age; middle aged 35-54 age; old ‡55 age). Their maxillary anterior teeth status was classified into three groups: (1) natural teeth (NTG) group; (2) composite filling group (CFG) and (3) porcelain-fused-to-metal fixed prosthodontic restoration group (FPDG). The participants judged appearance and tooth colour using a scale with three categories: completely dissatisfied, moderately dissatisfied and completely satisfied. Results: Almost half of the participants were completely satisfied with their dental appearance and tooth colour. Half of the 'young' and 'middle-aged' participants with natural maxillary anterior teeth were completely satisfied and half of the 'old' participants were moderately satisfied with their dental appearance and tooth colour. The majority of participants with composite restorations (45-51%) were moderately satisfied with their dental appearance, one-third of 'young' and 'middle-aged' participants were moderately satisfied or dissatisfied with their tooth colour and more than 70% of older participants were dissatisfied with their tooth colour (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Satisfaction with the appearance of the maxillary anterior teeth differed both between individuals of different age and different dental status.

The results of this study suggest that LPT may be an efficacious choice of therapy.

The Croatian OIDP index showed good psychometric properties in terms of construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability and responsiveness confirming its appropriateness for use among Croatian population.

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