Use of synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) in biomedical applications is well warranted. It has shown to have an excellent biocompatibility in human tooth and bones. Additionally it has been documented to possess antibacterial potentials. The present study was conducted to assess the presence of any such potential in locally produced (HA) using Streptococcus mutans, a common pathogen in the oral cavity. The study was carried out using 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400 and 800 mg/ml concentration of HA. The antibacterial property of HA was assessed using Miles and Misra method. Our studies showed that bacterial growth inhibitions of S. mutans occurred from 50 mg/ml, and complete inhibition was perceived at concentrations at 200mg/ml of HA. The antibacterial property HA should be used to good advantage as a bioactive biomaterial in dental and maxillofacial applications.
MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Bone and Bones; Humans; Mouth; Perception; Streptococcus mutans; Tooth; Durapatite
The purpose of this study was to determine the timing and sequence of emergence of the first 28 permanent teeth in a cross-section of Malay children in the district of Kota Bharu, in northeastern Peninsula Malaysia. The sample consists of 478 boys and 908 girls of Malay descent aged between 5-19 years. The criterion for tooth emergence was the appearance of the tooth through the gingivae. Descriptive statistics were calculated and probit regression analysis performed to determine the mean age of emergence of the permanent dentition. The mean age at emergence was found to conform to general trends, with emergence seen earlier in girls than in boys. Comparisons were made with the Chinese (Hong Kong) and the Punjabi (Chandigarh) profiles, which showed earlier emergence timings in those ethnic groups. The emergence timing in Malays, however, was earlier than in Thais (Central Thailand). The sequence of emergence was determined by referring to the mean age of tooth emergence of individual teeth and conforms to the general trend seen in other studies.
Desensitization of teeth after cavity preparation has been recommended in an attempt to avoid post-operative sensitivity. However, there is concern regarding application effect of desensitizing agent on shear bond strength of the adhesive system used. The purpose of our study was to compare the shear bond strength of adhesive system in two different dentin surface treatments, with and without desensitizing agent. Sixteen extracted human premolars were sectioned off at the coronal portion to expose the flat dentin surfaces. The surfaces were finished using 600 Grit Wet Silicon Carbide abrasive papers. The premolars were randomly assigned to two groups: control and treated with MS Coat desensitizing agent. The desensitizer was applied according to manufacturer’s instruction. Resin composite was bonded to each dentin surface using Prime & Bond ® adhesive system. The composite resin was debonded by shear stress. Mann-Whitney Test was used in statistical analysis. Our result showed that application of MS Coat desensitizing agent on dentin surface had significantly reduced the shear bond strength of the adhesive system used (z = - 0.14, p < 0.05). Thus, we conclude that shear bond strength of Prime & Bond ® NT (Dentsply, USA) adhesive system will be reduced if dentin surface is treated with MS Coat (Sun Medical, Japan) desensitizing agent.
The aim of the study was to evaluate post-polymerization of resin composite by measuring NanoHardness (H), Young’s Modulus (E) and Degree of Conversion (DC) using nanoindentation and Micro-Raman spectroscopy. For this purpose a computer-controlled NanoIndenter™ and a Renishaw 1000 Raman Spectrometer fitted with an Olympus microscope attachment, operated at 638 nm, were used. A light-activated resin composite was used in this study, (Z250, 3MESPE). Sub-groups (n=3) of specimens were irradiated for 20, 30, 40 s. All samples for nanoindentation were polished metallographically and typically 50 nanoindentations were performed per specimen. After curing and polishing, half of the samples were tested immediately (Group 1); the others after being stored dry at 37 °C for 7 days (Group 2) to allow scope for postpolymerization. H values ranged from 1.08 to 1.40 GPa for Group 1, and from 1.64 to1.71 GPa for Group 2. E values in Group 1 ranged from 19.60 to 19.94 GPa and for Group 2, from 21.42 to 22.05 GPa. DC values ranged from 55 to 66.39%, and 60.90 to 66.47% for Group 1 and Group 2 respectively. All values obtained shown significant different between Groups 1 and 2 (p
Limited information is available about the oral health of elderly people living in “Pondok” in Kelantan. This study aimed to assess the dentition status of elderly population staying in Islamic Religious Community Setup, “Pondok” in Kelantan. A cross sectional study involving 369 elderly people was carried out. A simple random sampling method was utilized for the selection of the subjects. Oral examination was done to assess the dentition status and data was analyzed using SPSS 11.5 version. The response rate was 95.6%. Majority of the subjects were edentulous (81.0%). The mean number of natural teeth, functional natural teeth, decayed teeth (D), missing teeth (M) and teeth indicated for extraction (X) were 3.22 (SD 7.54), 2.75 (SD 6.70), 0.06 (SD 0.48), 28.80 (SD 7.51) and 0.41 (SD 1.60) respectively. Among 70 dentate subjects, the mean number of natural teeth, functional natural teeth, occluding pair of functional natural teeth, decayed teeth (D), missing teeth (M), teeth indicated for extraction (X) and DMFX(T) index were 17.1 (SD 8.00), 14.5 (SD 8.11), 6.3 (SD 4.22), 0.3 (SD 1.06), 15.1 (SD 8.20), 2.2 (SD 3.14) and 17.6 (SD 8.08) respectively. There was no teeth had been filled (F). The proportion of subjects having minimum 20 functional natural teeth was 7.3%. The above results indicate that dental caries status of elderly people living in “Pondok” in Kelantan was unsatisfactory with high percentage of edentulism, contributing to the high value of the mean DMFX(T) index, 29.3 (SD 6.63).
This study was to investigate the association between functional dentition with inadequate calorie intake and underweight in elderly people living in “Pondok” in Kelantan. A cross-sectional study participated by 369 elderly people was carried out. A simple random sampling method was utilized for the selection of the subjects. Subjects were interviewed using a structured form to collect information about subjects’ demographic background and self-reported health status. The 24-hour recall method was used to provide information on the subject’s exact food intake during the previous 24 hours. Body mass index was calculated from subjects’ weight and height, followed by oral assessment. The “Nutrical Software” was used for nutrient calculation, followed by SPSS version 11.5 for data analysis. The response rate was 95.6%. Majority of the respondents were female (92.4%). The percentage of subjects who had inadequate calorie intake and underweight was 71.0% and 25.7% respectively. The percentage of edentulism was 81.0%. The proportion of elderly with compromised functional dentition was 48.2% and majority was edentate elderly without wearing any complete dentures or wearing defective dentures, 23.6% and 56.2% respectively, while 20.2% was dentate elderly. The odds of having inadequate calorie intake and getting underweight among elderly with a compromised functional dentition was 3.7 times and 42.0 times respectively, compared to elderly with a non-compromised functional dentition. There was a significant association between inadequate calorie intake and underweight with functional dentition among elderly living in “Pondok” in Kelantan.
MeSH terms: Aged; Body Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dentition; Denture, Complete; Eating; Female; Health Status; Humans; Surveys and Questionnaires; Software; Thinness; Body Mass Index; Self Report
Epidemiological studies of occlusion and malocclusion not only help in orthodontic treatment planning and evaluation of dental health services but also offer a valid research tool for ascertaining the operation of distinct environmental and genetic factors in the aetiology of malocclusion. The objective of this article was to give an overview on occlusion, malocclusion and the various methods on measuring the occlusion. Each index and method of the assessment described was based on the opinion of an individual or a group of individuals. It had been widely agreed that no particular index or method available that are truly inclusive of all occlusal criteria. Therefore, different indices or method had been developed according to different requirements and it may be necessary to use more than one index in order to gather information to suit the objective of the particular study.
The objectives of this study were to measure the Furcation Entrance Dimensions of first and second permanent molars in Malaysian samples and to compare the Furcation Entrance Dimensions with the blade widths of periodontal Gracey’s curette used for root surface instrumentation. A total of 199 extracted permanent teeth were measured, which comprised of 51 mandibular first molars, 51 mandibular second molars, 45 maxillary first molars and 52 maxillary second molars. Furcation Entrance Dimension was measured using calibrated test gauges. Results showed 51.91% of Furcation Entrance Dimension was
The impact strength of a newly developed experimental polyurethane-based polymer which is derived from palm oil (Experimental PU) was compared with denture polymers; heat-cured and self cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and ® Eclipse , light-activated urethane dimethacrylate prosthetic resin system. Ten specimens were ® prepared using heat-cured PMMA (Meliodent Heat Cure, Heraeus Kulzer, Germany), self cured PMMA ® (Meliodent Rapid Repair, Heraeus Kulzer, ® Germany), Eclipse baseplate resin (Dentsply, USA) and Experimental PU material. Specimens were prepared following manu- facturer’s instructions except for the Experimental PU material where it was prepared in bulk and sectioned to the desired dimension, 64 x 6 x 4 mm. A ‘V’ notch of approximately 0.8mm in depth was machine cut across the 6mm width. Prior to the Charpy type impact test, specimens were soaked in a water bath for 50 hours at 37ºC. ® Eclipse baseplate resin showed the highest 2 impact strength (2.73 kJ/m ±0.54) followed by ® 2 Meliodent Rapid Repair (2.50kJ/m ±0.65), ® 2 Meliodent Heat Cure (1.96kJ/m ±0.42) and 2 Experimental PU (1.04kJ/m ±0.29). One-way ANOVA showed significant interaction between materials (p
MeSH terms: Analysis of Variance; Baths; Dentures; Germany; Hot Temperature; Methacrylates; Methylmethacrylates; Plant Oils; Polymers; Polyurethanes; Polymethyl Methacrylate
Purpose of the study: The objective of this study was to investigate the flexural strengths of five commercially available tooth-coloured restorative materials – Alpha-Dent (composite resin, Dental Technologies Inc.), Solare Anterior (composite resin, GC), F2000 (polyacid-modified composite resin, 3M), Beautifil (giomer, Shofu) and Fuji II LC (resin- modified glass ionomer cement, GC] using the ISO 4049 specifications. Materials and Method: Ten specimens of (25±0.2)mm x (2±0.1)mm x (2±0.1)mm from each material were prepared at 22-23ºC using a customized metal mould. After light polymerization, the specimens were stored in distilled water at 37ºC for 24 hours. The specimens were subsequently blotted dry, measured and subjected to flexural testing using an Instron Universal Testing Machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min. The flexural strengths were calculated from the maximum load exerted on the specimens. Data were analysed using one way ANOVA and scheffe’s post-hoc multiple comparison tests at a significance level of 0.05.Results: The results showed that the mean flexural strengths of Beautifil, Solare Anterior and Alpha-Dent were above 80 MPa and those of F2000 and Fuji II LC were below 80 MPa. The results of one-way ANOVA and Scheffe’s post-host tests demonstrated that Beautifil had significantly higher mean flexural strength compared to Fuji II LC, F2000 and Alpha-Dent (P
Background: The high prevalence and impacts of orofacial pain (OFP) have caused major sufferings to individuals and society. The purpose of the study was to investigate the problems and impacts of OFP among a group of Malaysian aborigines. The objectives were to determine (i) the prevalence, aetiology, duration, severity, types and persistence of OFP during the past 3 months preceding the study; (ii) its associated impact on daily performance; and (iii) the measures taken for pain relief.
Methods: This is a cross sectional study carried out in Kuala Lipis, Pahang involving 6 villages of Orang Asli Bateq and Semai. Study sample was chosen using convenient sampling including adults aged 16 years and above. Participants were invited for an interview using structured questionnaire followed by clinical examination. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS ver12.
Results: Response rate was low at 20% (n = 140). Over one-quarter (26.4%) of the sample experienced OFP in the previous 3 months. Toothache was found to be the main aetiology (83.3%) followed by gingival pain (18.9%), temporomandibular joint (10.8%) and facial pain (8.1%). Mean duration of pain was 9.8 days for toothache, 162.4 days for gingival pain, 7.3 days for TMJ and 5.7 days for facial pain. Of those who had OFP, over half rated the pain as moderate (37.8%) and severe (29.7%) and most of the pain was ‘intermittent’ in nature (81.1%). Over half (62.2%) admitted the pain had disappeared during the interview. In terms of pain relief, 56.8% of the sample used traditional medicine. The pain had impacted on the chewing ability (70.3%, p=0.01), ability to sleep at night (73.0%, p<0.001), levels of anxiety (70.3%), ability to perform daily chores (33.3%) and social life (35.1%) of the Orang Asli sample.
Conclusion: This study suggests the prevalence of OFP was high among the Orang Asli sample, which imposed considerable physical and psychological impacts on daily life.
Key words: orofacial pain; impacts; quality of life; Malaysian aborigines
MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Facial Pain; Humans; Malaysia; Mastication; Medicine, Traditional; Surveys and Questionnaires; Temporomandibular Joint; Toothache; Prevalence; Continental Population Groups
Pyknodysostosis is a rare sclerosing bone disorder with autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. The condition is characterized by continuous bone deposition without physiological resorption, occurring mainly in the trabecular and not the cortical bone. The skeletal features include short stature, brachycephaly, open cranial sutures and fontanelles, diffuse osteosclerosis and obtuse mandibular angles. Among the oral features observed were grooved or furrowed palate and disturbances in eruption and exfoliation of teeth. Multiple fractures of long bones and osteomyelitis of the jaw are frequent complications. These are attributed to the increased brittleness and reduced vascularity of the bone as a result of continuous endosteal bone deposition. Treatment is usually successful with surgical management and sustained bactericidal antibiotic therapy, although hyperbaric oxygen has been recommended as adjunct treatment in the more refractory form.
This study evaluated the effect of a Probiotic mouthrinse containing nisin, a bacteriocin extracted from Lactococcus lactis on dental plaque and gingivitis in young adult population. A group of 32 subjects were randomly assigned into two groups of 16 each. The first group started using the control mouthrinse (placebo) for 2 weeks followed by a washout period of 4 weeks. This group then used the test mouthrinse (Probiotic) for a further duration of 2 weeks. The second group followed a similar protocol as the first except that this group started with the test mouthrinse (Probiotic). Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) were recorded at baseline and after 2 weeks for each group. All subjects were given full mouth prophylaxis after each measurements. The results of this study showed that rinsing with Probiotic mouthrinse resulted in a statistically significant reduction of plaque accumulation and gingivitis compared to rinsing with placebo. The results indicated that Probiotic mouthrinse containing nisin had the potential of inhibiting plaque accumulation and was effective in reducing gingivitis.
During post crown restoration, the preparation of the post canal can be fraught with difficulties resulting in widening, gouging and transportation of the post canal; sometimes with near root perforation. A technique is described to repair such iatrogenically damaged internal root canal walls using reinforcing resin composite and optic glass fibre posts. The root dentine, resin composite and glass fibres, having similar moduli of elasticity, will result in a repaired root with a ‘monolithic’ structure and possessing numerous desirable characteristics. This repair technique can easily be carried out in one sitting at the chairside thereby allowing the continued serviceability of the iatrogenically compromised root-filled tooth.
The purpose of this study were to compare the emergence profiles of crowns with their contralateral tooth, in vitro, and to determine if there is any association between the design of tooth preparations and the resultant emergence profile. 50 working models used for single crown construction were examined. Measurements of the faciolingual width of the crowns and contralateral teeth were taken using digital calipers. Internal line angles and the margin width of dies and the emergence profile of the corresponding crowns were measured from longitudinally sectioned polyvinylsiloxane indices mounted on a flat-bed scanner using image analysis software. Using Students t tests, no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found for shoulder width (mean 0.94 ± 0.23mm), internal line angle (mean 105.83 ± 13.57°) or emergence profiles (28.56 ± 12.95°) in the different (anterior, premolar or molar) preparations or crowns. The mean emergence profiles for all crowns was statistically significantly greater (p
The purpose of this study was to gather information on the oral hygiene behaviour among the visually impaired adolescents. Interview and observation methods were used to collect data. A total of 114 visually impaired adolescents were interviewed and 10 of the interviewees were selected for observation on the actual oral hygiene practices. The mean age of the sample was 16 years old. The sample comprised of 53.5% female, majority were Malays (86.8%) and most of them were from the lower income group. Fifty four percent of the sample had low vision and 45.6% were blind. All of the participants reported that they brushed their teeth daily and most of them brushed twice a day or more. Flossing (6.1%) was not common practice among this group. It was observed that they encountered some difficulties, especially when putting the toothpaste on the toothbrush and also the way that they brushed their teeth could cause detrimental effect to the oral cavity. Thus, they need to be taught on proper oral hygiene care so that they can practice safe oral hygiene care and maintain their own oral health.
Kimura’s disease (KD) is a rare, benign chronic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology, typically presents in the Orientals as subcutaneous masses in the head and neck region that could be easily misdiagnosed as a malignant tumour, leading to unnecessary radical surgery or intensive cytotoxic therapy. It has been mainly reported in the Chinese and Japanese literature. It is difficult to diagnose before tissue biopsy and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has limited value. Hence, unless the pathologists are aware of this entity, it might be mistaken as a malignant lesion. We encountered a case of KD in a Malay patient presenting as a parotid mass that was initially diagnosed as Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL). This disorder should be suspected in young male Asian patients presenting with a painless unilateral mass in the head and neck region with associated hypereosinophilia.
A cross sectional study on work stress prevalence was carried out among 185 executives and managers in the head quarter of an international tobacco company. The aim of the study was to identify work stress prevalence in this company and work stressors that were associated with stress experienced by the workers. A questionnaire based on the Personal Stress Inventory by O'Donell (1984) was used. Data collected from participants included sociodemography factors, symptoms of stress and work stressors related to organizational policy, organizational structure, organizational process, and work environment. The study showed that the prevalence of stress among executives was 68.1% and managers were 67.9%. There was no significant difference in the level of stress between the executives and the managers in the company. The sociodemographic factors that were significantly associated with stress were salary, number of children and personal factors. The significant stressors in the workplace were lack of job recognition, over focusing on quality of work, heavy workload and long working hours.
MeSH terms: Cross-Sectional Studies; Personality Inventory; Surveys and Questionnaires; Salaries and Fringe Benefits; Tobacco; Work; Prevalence; Organizational Policy; Workload; Workplace
Sharps injury among health care workers in HUKM has received serious attention lately due to the possible transmission of diseases like HIV, Hepatits B and Hepatitis C, which can cause serious consequences for the victim. The aim of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of the emotional problems experienced by health care workers who had incurred a sharps injury and the coping strategies adopted by them to overcome the problem. A 28 item semi-structured questionnaire was designed by the supervisors and the researcher as there was no existing questionnaire to be adopted, as no research had been carried out in this area prior to this. The target group consisted of 64 health care workers of different categories working in HUKM. Data was collected over a period of five months from November 2000 to March 2001. The results of the study revealed that the most frequently injured were the staff nurses, nearly 90% of whom were emotionally upset and were worried that they might contract a disease. There was no significant difference in the emotional stress experienced by the different categories of the health care workers, all were equally upset about the injury but each category of staff adopted different methods to overcome the tragedy. Open comments and opinions about prevention and the management of the sharps injury in HUKM as given by the respondents here are taken into account. Several views given by the participants were explored and discussed. Finally, several implications for nursing and recommendations have been presented.
Study site: Wards and the general operating theatres in Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
MeSH terms: Attention; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Personnel; Hepatitis C; Hospitals, University; Malaysia; Medical Staff; Nurses; Surveys and Questionnaires; Research Personnel; Stress, Psychological; Students, Nursing; HIV Infections; Hepacivirus; Needlestick Injuries
Smoking in adolescence is a great health concern as it is related to many chronic diseases and mortality in later life. It is also associated with other high-risk behaviours among adolescents. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and reasons for smoking among upper secondary schoolboys. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among Form 4 and Form 5 students. Three schools in the District of Hulu Langat were identified and students from these schools were selected randomly. The students were given a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 343 students were included in the study. The prevalence of smoking among the schoolboys was 37%. Although the majority of them initiated smoking between 13-15 years old (67%), 21% of them began smoking below 12 years of age (primary school). There was a significant association between adolescent smoking and smoking among family members (p<0.05). The common reasons reported for
initiating smoking were curiosity (69%) and peer pressure (51%). However, the common reasons for continuing smoking were stress (70%) and addiction (49%). Schoolwork was reported as the most important factor which contributed to their stress. Smoking prevention programmes should begin early in primary schools. Adolescents should be educated on effective coping strategies in managing stress and learning to be assertive.
Keywords: smoking, adolescents, secondary school, reasons.