No abstract

The study highlights the importance of identifying and thoroughly evaluating, educating and following up individuals with SIgAD, as their HRQL may be negatively affected due to health problems possible to prevent and treat.

IgAD predisposes to oral mucosal infections but does not influence periodontal or dental health. This is the first controlled study to include detailed clinical history and investigations, together with full oral and dental examination, in adults with IgAD.

In this study, we examined the prevalence of specific (dental) phobia among a sample of the Icelandic population. In addition to dental anxiety we explored factors that could be related to dental anxiety. In the period 1972-73, a stratified sample of 1641 schoolchildren in Reykjavík was selected for a study on malocclusion, dental maturation and other factors. Twenty-two years later (1995), a postal survey conducted in this group looked at many variables relating to oral health, including orofacial pain, functional oral disorders, self-perception of dental and general appearance and need for orthodontic treatment. Out of 1529 individuals contacted, 1192 completed questionnaires were returned (response rate 78%). Questions based on DSM-IV criteria of specific (dental) phobia (DP) were included. Ninety-six participants reported that they had avoided dental treatment during the previous 6 months. Twenty-one respondents fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for specific (dental) phobia (DP) and 75 admitted to many symptoms of dental anxiety (DA). Specific (dental) phobia (DP) was more prevalent among women than among men. The divorced or widowed were most at risk, as were non-salaried respondents. Most respondents attributed the onset of their phobias to a specific painful or fearful experience. There was a significant difference between the total dentally anxious (TDA = DA + DP) and the not dentally anxious (NDA) with regard to sex (women--higher TDA) and marital status (divorced or widowed--higher TDA). The TDA had statistically fewer teeth than the NDA and received dental treatment less frequently.

As part of a wider investigation of malocclusion, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gingivitis in 6-year-olds in Reykjavik. Parents and guardians of the 401 children in 8 schools were invited by letter to have their children take part. There were 230 positive replies (57%). The Gingival Bleeding Index was used to determine the condition of the gingiva on mesiobuccal and buccal surfaces of 6 selected teeth (totaling 12 surfaces). The results showed that 26% had healthy gingivae, 23% showed bleeding from one surface, 20% from two, 17% from three, and 15% from four to eight surfaces. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of bleeding surfaces between boys and girls. The mean GBI for the whole group was 16%. Gingivitis in this group was therefore prevalent but usually slight.