Search

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of dentures with dietary advice and dentures alone on protein intake in older Thai adults. Background: Dentures combined with nutritional advice may improve protein intake in older adults with posterior tooth loss. However, evidence is limited, especially in developing countries. Methods: A randomised‐control trial including 69 older adults with less than four pairs of posterior occluding teeth was conducted for 3 months. The experimental group received dentures and dietary advice based on the Health Belief Model (HBM); the control group received dentures alone. Three‐day dietary records were collected and protein intake was assessed using INMUCAL‐NUTRIENTS V.4.0 software at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. Data were analysed using a t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi‐square test, and repeated‐measure ANOVA. Results: Both groups reported significantly increased protein intake (control group = 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 g kg BW−1 d−1, intervention = 0.4, 0.6, 0.7 g kg BW−1 d−1, at baseline, 1 month and 3 months, respectively). However, participants in the experimental group had significantly higher total protein (36.3 vs. 39.8 g/d, P =.032) and animal protein intake (18.9 vs. 23.2 g/day, P =.020) than those in the control group at 3 months after the intervention; plant protein intake was similar (10.9 vs. 11.5 g/day, P =.923). In addition, the HBM scores of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group after the intervention (P <.001). Conclusion: Dentures combined with dietary advice significantly increased the total and animal protein intake of older people with posterior tooth loss more than dentures alone. To maintain optimal protein intake, dental practitioners should incorporate dietary advice when providing dental prostheses to older adults with posterior tooth loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore how a metatheory composed of five dominant psychosocial theories of communication, developmental regulation, emotions, resources and social cognition, explains the beliefs, concerns and experiences, of people experiencing tooth loss.Background: Complete tooth loss is the leading cause of disability associated with oral conditions in 19 of 21 global regions, and it is among the most difficult treatment challenges in dentistry.Methods: Interviews with 18 participants were analysed inductively using interpretive description and qualitative synthesis to explain their beliefs and experiences relating to tooth loss.Results: Theoretical constructs from the five dominant theories constituting the metatheory explained the beliefs, concerns and experiences of the participants. For example, both before and after tooth loss they engaged in adaptive behaviours according to developmental regulation theory; implemented management strategies according to emotion theory, social cognitive theory, and resource theory; sought help from friends and dental professionals according to communication theory; and modified their physical and social activities according to social cognitive theory.Conclusion: A metatheory synthesised from five dominant theories addressing communication, personal background, emotions, resources and social awareness, offers a comprehensive and plausible explanation of how people respond psychologically and socially to the loss of their teeth, and expands the scope of information needed to help manage their loss and subsequent treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine: the knowledge of the participants about removable dentures, importance of tooth replacement; prevalence of tooth loss and denture use; and factors associated with its non-use among an elderly population in Nigeria.Background: Tooth loss without replacement can impact negatively on the quality of life of the elders, thus making use of denture a basic requirement for those with partial or complete edentulous arches in developed countries. It is, however, not known if this is the case among elders in suburban Nigeria.Material and Methods: A cross-section of 392 consenting elderly participants aged ≥65 years residing at Idikan, Ibadan, Nigeria, were interviewed on their biodata, knowledge of removable denture and importance of tooth replacement, history of use of denture and reasons for non-use where applicable. Oral examinations for the presence of missing teeth and denture were conducted by an examiner. Data were analysed with SPSS and P value set at ˂.05.Results: The mean age of the participants was 73 (SD = 9.2) years. About 39% of the participants believed that it was important to replace missing teeth, 56.0% had poor knowledge about tooth replacement options, and 47.7% had at least a missing tooth. Only 7.1% of those with missing teeth had them replaced and all were using removable acrylic partial dentures. Financial constraint was the main reason for non-replacement of missing teeth (80.1%). Age, gender, occupation before retirement, income, level of education and presence of physical impairment were associated with non-use of denture (P ˂ .05).Conclusion: Many elderly individuals had poor knowledge about removable dentures and the importance of tooth replacement. About half of the participants had full complement of teeth and only 7.1% of those with tooth loss reported denture wear. Major reasons for non-use of dentures were due to economic reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of humic acid substances on removing micro-organisms from denture base materials.Background: Old denture wearer needs effective, easy-use and safe denture-cleaning material.Material and Methods: Square-shaped, heat-polymerised acrylic resin specimens (n = 550) were prepared and divided into five groups (n = 110 for each) corresponding to the microbial contamination (Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Contaminated specimens were randomly assigned to the application of five different denture-cleaning agents as follows (n = 20 for each): Kloroben, Corsodyl, Steradent, Corega, experimental solution with humic acid. Ten specimens were assessed as an experimental control carried out simultaneously for the treatment groups for each micro-organism. It was divided into two groups: negative control and positive control (n = 5 for each). All acrylic specimens were incubated 37°C for 24 h (for bacterial strains) and 37°C for 48 h (for yeast strains). After incubation period, all brain-heart infusion broths (BHI) which contain disinfectant acrylic specimens were cultured on 5% sheep blood agar (for bacteria) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) for yeast using loop. The numbers of colony-forming units per millilitre (CFU/ml) were calculated. The results were analysed by Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p = 0.05).Results: Corsodyl and Kloroben completely eliminated the adherence of all investigated micro-organisms (100%) and showed the highest removal activity compared with other cleaning agents (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between Corsodyl and Kloroben (p ≥ 0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference between Corega, Steradent and experimental solution (p ≥ 0.05).Conclusion: Humic acid could be used as an alternative 'natural' solution for denture-cleaning agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To clarify the effectiveness of ultrasonic cleaning for removing Candida lodged in the denture base.Materials and Methods: In vitro - Specimens of acrylic resin for denture plates contaminated with Candida cells were ultrasonically cleaned for 30 min. Washings were sampled every 5 min and cultured to investigate residual contamination, measured as colony forming units/ml, and the surfaces of the specimens were subjected to low-vacuum scanning electron microscopy (LV-SEM). In vivo - A total of 24 maxillary denture bases were brushed for 2 min under running tap water, then ultrasonically cleaned for 30 min. The washings were sampled every 5 min and cultured to investigate residual contamination.Results: In vitro - Maximum removal was achieved during the first 5 min of cleaning, with the mean CFU/ml counts significantly declining over time. More than 85% of all Candida was removed within the first 15 min in specimens inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline suspensions of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. LV-SEM revealed a decreased number of Candida on the surface of the specimens after 30 min of ultrasonic cleaning. In vivo - Maximum removal was achieved during the first 5 min of cleaning, then the mean CFU/ml count significantly declined during the first 10 min. Ultrasonic cleaning for 15 min removed 88.4% of Candida species from the denture base.Conclusions: Ultrasonic cleaning is a reliable and simple method for removing Candida lodged in the denture base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the adhesion and proliferation of Candida albicans on denture base materials with different resin chemistries. Materials and methods Standardised specimens were prepared from different denture base materials (i.e. Palapress vario, Paladon 65, Castdon, Sherapress, Eclipse and Mucopren) and subjected to thermal cycling to simulate an artificial ageing process. After the determination of surface roughness and surface free energy, Candida albicans adherence and proliferation on the surface of denture base materials were simulated by subsequent incubation with Candida albicans ATCC 10231 for either 24 h or 196 h with and without prior simulation of salivary pellicle formation. Results Regardless of the presence of a salivary pellicle or the incubation time, the results indicate that the proliferation of Candida albicans is significantly dependent on the material that is used for the fabrication of denture bases ( p < 0.001). A significantly higher proliferation of Candida albicans was observed on the surface of denture base materials with the highest polar contribution to surface free energy (i.e. Eclipse, Mucopren), and this result supports the assumption that there might be a relationship between the polar contribution to surface free energy of the substratum material and Candida albicans proliferation. Conclusion The results obtained from this study indicate that Candida albicans proliferation in particular is not necessarily increased on denture base materials that are subjected to thermal cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

doi: 10.1111/j.1741-2358.2012.00664.x Relationship between behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and oral health status in the elderly with vascular dementia Objectives: The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and oral status in the elderly with vascular dementia. Background: There have been some reports of a relationship between disease symptoms and oral status in the elderly with Alzheimer's disease, but few reports have been conducted in the elderly with vascular dementia. Until now, the relationship between BPSD and oral status has been unknown. Materials and methods: An investigation was conducted concerning BPSD and oral status among 57 subjects with vascular dementia (mean age, 85.7 ± 5.5 years). The wearing of dentures and oral activities of daily living (oral ADL) were examined. Results: Subjects with activity disturbances and those with aggressiveness had significantly lower rates of denture wearing than those without these two symptoms ( p < 0.05). Significantly lower oral ADL scores were obtained from subjects with delusional ideas, hallucinations, activity disturbances and diurnal rhythm disturbances ( p < 0.05), as well as those with affective disturbances ( p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study indicated a relationship between BPSD and the wearing of dentures in the elderly with vascular dementia. The study also demonstrated relationships between BPSD and oral ADL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

doi: 10.1111/j.1741-2358.2011.00555.x Nutritional status and oral status of the elderly with dementia: a 2-year study Objectives: To determine the relationship between denture wearing and nutritional status in the elderly with dementia. Background: There could be a correlation between nutrition, oral health, dietary habits, patients' satisfaction, and their socio-economic status in the elderly, and the relationship between compromised oral status and nutritional status in the elderly with dementia. Subjects and methods: A 2-year follow-up study of 63 elderly Japanese women with and without dentures from a nursing home was undertaken to investigate their oral, physical and mental, and nutritional status. Results: Each item for 2006 and 2008 in this study showed no significant difference between 2006 and 2008, except the calories/day. The elderly with dementia without complete dentures during the 2 years of the study only significantly decreased the mean of the calories/day. Conclusion: The calories/day of the elderly with dementia without dentures decreased after 2 years. Denture wearing for the elderly with dementia could be necessary to maintain a satisfactory intake of calories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

doi: 10.1111/j.1741-2358.2011.00547.x Evaluation of newly developed devices for denture placement and removal in the dependent elderly Objective: The purpose of this study was to subjectively evaluate the utility of newly developed denture placement and removal devices. Objective observations were also made to support the evidence. Materials and method: Twenty-one subjects were instructed to place and remove their dentures with and without the devices. We evaluated the device based on a questionnaire. Objective observations were based on a 2-D image analysis. We analysed three factors: the time, the area and the circumference required to insert and remove the dentures. Results: Image analysis showed that the effectiveness and ease with which the subject used the device significantly improved with practice. The questionnaire data showed that a majority of the subjects appreciated the device after the first and second time. While there was no significant decrease in time required to place and remove dentures even with the device, the area and circumference of the movement on 2-D images were significantly reduced. Conclusion: In this study, the utility of denture placement and removal devices was evaluated both subjectively and objectively. Our data reveal that the device is effective in the elderly. Further minor improvement in the device might be required to increase its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

doi: 10.1111/j.1741-2358.2011.00477.x Telescopic crowns: extra-oral and intra-oral retention force measurement - in vitro/in vivo correlation Objective: This study deals with the determination of the retentive forces of telescopic crowns measured extra- and intra-orally and the correlation of these values. Background: The telescopic denture is a well-documented solution for prosthetic rehabilitation for a partially edentulous jaw. Acceptable retention forces are needed to avoid inadvertent removal of the denture during movement of the jaws. Recent literature suggests 3-7 N per attachment to be acceptable. These values are only supported by in vitro studies. In vivo data are scarce, and a correlation of the in vitro and in vivo values is lacking. Material and Methods: Twenty-five combined fixed-removable prostheses with a total of 72 double crowns were used for extra-oral retention force measurement prior to cementation ( in vitro). The intra-oral measurement was performed at 72 defined measuring points of the dentures 4-6 weeks after prosthetic rehabilitation ( in vivo). A specifically designed measuring device was used. Results: The rank correlation showed that the in vitro and in vivo values correlate with each other (Spearman's ρ = 0.5052). Additionally, it was found that the median values measured before (1.97N) insertion of the dentures were significantly lower than after (4.70N) insertion (Mann-Whitney test, p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusion: The retention forces measured before and after insertion of the denture correlate with each other although their dimension is significantly higher after insertion. The reason for this behaviour might be some tilting during removal. Nevertheless, the correlation allows a prediction of the clinically relevant forces by a measurement of the extra-orally measured retentive values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

doi:10.1111/j.1741-2358.2009.00329.x Experiments on in vivo biofilm formation and in vitro adhesion of Candida species on polysiloxane liners Objectives: Microorganisms may colonise polysiloxane soft liners leading to bio-deterioration. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro adhesion and in vivo biofilm formation of Candida species on polysiloxane surfaces. Methods: The materials used in this study were Molloplast B, GC Reline soft, Mollosil Plus, Silagum Comfort and Palapress Vario. The in vitro retention of clinical isolates of Candida albicans to the relining and denture-base materials by microscopic (scanning electron microscopy, SEM), conventional culturing methods and antimicrobial properties of these materials were studied. Candida found on materials and mucosa following long-term use were identified and quantified, and biofilms covering the surfaces were investigated by SEM. Results: There was a significant decrease in the number of cells attached in vitro to saliva-coated surfaces compared with non-treated surfaces. An oral Candida carriage of 78% was found. Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. intermedia and C. tropicalis were identified. In vivo biofilm formation on the liners appeared as massive colonisation by microorganisms. Conclusions: The results of the in vitro experiments suggest that salivary film influences early colonisation of different C. albicans strains. The film layer also minimises the differences among different strains. The Candida carriage of these patients was similar to denture-wearing patients without soft liners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

doi:10.1111/j.1741-2358.2009.00294.x Should edentulous patients be constrained to removable complete dentures? The use of dental implants to improve the quality of life for edentulous patients Background: Nowadays, there is some speculation among dental educators that the need for complete dentures will significantly decrease in the future and that training in their provision should be removed from the dental curriculum. Objective: To sensitise the reader to the functional shortcomings of complete denture therapy in the edentulous patient and present restorative options including implants to improve edentulous quality of life in these patients. Methods: Information retrieval followed a systematic approach using PubMed. English articles published from 1964 to 2008, in which the masticatory performance of patients with implant-supported dentures was assessed by objective methods and compared with performance with conventional dentures, were included. Results: National epidemiological survey data suggested that the adult population in need of one or two complete dentures will increase from 35.4 million adults in 2000 to 37.9 million adults in 2020. Clinical studies have showed that the ratings of general satisfaction were significantly better in the patients treated with implant overdentures post-delivery compared with the complete denture users. In addition, the implant group gave significantly higher ratings on comfort, stability and ability to chew. Furthermore, patients who received mandibular implant overdentures had significantly fewer oral health-related quality of life problems than did the conventional group. Conclusion: Implant-supported dentures including either complete overdentures or a hybrid prosthesis significantly improve the quality of life for edentulous patients compared with conventional removable complete dentures. Therefore, the contemporary dental practitioner should consider other options as well as conventional removable complete dentures to restore edentulous patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The virulence potential of Candida albicans strains enrolled in denture-related candidosis still remains uncertain. Candida albicans cells with higher cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) rates, so-called hydrophobic, present higher adhesion success in different host tissues than cells with lower rates, or even hydrophilic. Objective: The proposition of this study was to evaluate the differences in the CSH of strains isolated from denture users with and without denture-related candidosis. Material and methods: The strains were obtained from two paired groups of patients living a same retirement house. Fungal cells were submitted to CSH evaluation by the hydrocarbon partition test using xylene. Results: The measures revealed that the yeasts from patients with candidosis had CSH values ranging from 4.52% to 12.24%, with an average of 8.22 ± 2.92%. In the countergroup, the CSH ranged from 3.86% to 14.36%, with an average of 8.38 ± 3.76%. The difference between the groups were considered not relevant ( p = 0.997). Conclusion: The results let to the inference that natural populations of C. albicans from patients with and without clinical manifestation denture-related candidosis do not differ one from the other regarding to CSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of two different preventive oral hygiene education and motivation programmes on the plaque and gingival index, as well as denture hygiene of patients provided with removable partial denture (RPD) during a 12-month follow-up. Material and methods: A total of 53 partially edentulous patients were recruited for this study. The presence or absence of plaque and gingival bleeding by gentle probing was scored on all tooth surfaces at the preliminary visit. The plaque and gingival indexes were measured using the Löe index. Following treatment, the patients were randomly divided into three groups. In Control Group I, subjects were instructed to continue their personal oral hygiene routine. In Group II, participants were given verbal instructions and a self-educational manual on oral hygiene without illustrations. In Group III, oral hygiene guidance was delivered using a combination of verbal instructions and a self-teaching manual. To evaluate the effect of the different modes of instruction, the presence or absence of plaque and gingival bleeding was scored on all tooth surfaces (day zero examination) and re-examined 7, 15 and 30 days, 3, 6 and 12 months following RPD placement. The state of denture hygiene was evaluated 7, 15 and 30 days and 3, 6 and 12 months following rehabilitation. Parametric statistics was applied to dental plaque and gingival indexes. For accumulation of plaque and calculus on the RPD, non-parametric statistic was applied. Results: The frequency of plaque found during the preliminary visit was higher than that found in the other periods. With regard to gingival index, significant difference was found between the preliminary visit examination and other periods. There was a significant difference in the plaque accumulation on the denture surface between groups I and III. Conclusion: The different methods of oral hygiene instruction used in this study indicate that the type of education was not of significant importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To suggest methods for maintaining an adequate nutritional status for elderly patients with dementia by evaluating the relationships between oral status, physical and mental health, and feeding conditions. Background: Feeding difficulties in dementia patients are related to food intake, and failure to eat may be associated with weight loss in long-term care facilities. The relationship between compromised oral function and diet is still unclear. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of 94 elderly women with dementia (mean age 89.6 ± 5.6 years) from a nursing home was undertaken to investigate their oral, physical and mental and nutritional status. Results: There were significant differences in serum albumin ( p = 0.0284), N-ADL ( p = 0.0005), NM scale ( p = 0.0004) and HDS-R ( p = 0.0004) between denture wearers and non-denture wearers. However, there were no significant differences in body mass index between denture wearers and non-denture wearers. Conclusion: A suitable type of diet and assistance with feeding could maintain the nutritional status of elderly patients with dementia if they are still feeding themselves. The nutritional support team will benefit from the participation of a dentist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of problem: The selection of appropriate teeth for complete denture occlusion is very important for long-term success, and adequate maintenance of the residual alveolar ridge. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the stress generated underneath the complete denture by altering the cuspal angulations of the denture teeth. Material and methods: A two-dimensional finite element model of a coronal section of maxillary and mandibular complete dentures, mucosa and alveolar bone in the first molar region was designed. The occlusal aspect of the denture teeth was altered to make 33°, 20°, 0° cuspal angulation. All the nodes at the bases of maxillary and mandibular alveolar bone of finite element analysis models were restrained in all directions. A functional occlusal load of 50 N was applied through the mandibular model base. To design these models and to analyse them, EMRC’s NISA II finite element analysis computer software was used. In these models, the elements were selected (a, b, c, d, e, f) in the region where it was necessary to determine the stresses generated in both the maxillary and mandibular portions. Results: The results were interpreted as Von Mises stresses and were observed in pre-defined areas. The stress patterns observed within model with each type of posterior occlusion, showed unique variations as well as some similarities. Conclusion: Stresses of greater magnitude were observed in cuspal teeth, 33° and 20° respectively, where as 0° teeth showed a slightly less magnitude of stress generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To record self-reported hygiene habits, examine the oral conditions of a sample group of institutionalised elderly, and examine possible relationships between these habits and conditions. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: All the institutions for the elderly in Taubaté, Brazil. Subjects: The entire population of these institutionalised elderly people ( n = 553). Intervention: The subjects were interviewed and underwent an oral examination. Main outcome measures: Oral hygiene habits, oral conditions and statistical relationships between habits and oral conditions were recorded. Results: The average age of the subjects who knew their age ( n = 364) was 74.9 years (±12.9), and 64.7% of the sample group were females. Denture-related stomatitis was found in 19.5%, impaired manual dexterity in 40%, dry mouth sensation in 36.3%, difficulty in performing oral hygiene in 20%, no oral hygiene-related orientation in 54.1%, no periodic oral examinations in 59.5%, and no tongue cleaning in 68.3% was declared. Among dentate subjects, 73.3% had periodontal disease, 54.7% had caries, 26% reported no toothbrushing, and 7.3% reported flossing. Of the denture wearers, 7% did not brush their dentures. Denture-related stomatitis showed a statistical relationship with impaired manual dexterity ( p = 0.012) and an inverse statistical relationship with denture brushing frequency ( p = 0.006). Periodontal disease showed an inverse relationship to flossing ( p < 0.001) and tongue cleaning ( p = 0.0026). Caries showed an inverse relationship with tooth-brushing ( p = 0.043), flossing (0.022), proper oral hygiene orientation ( p = 0.041) and periodical check-ups ( p = 0.007). Conclusion: Oral hygiene practices in this sample group were found to be inadequate, and statistically significant relationships were verified between the lack of good oral hygiene practices and the deleterious oral conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the influence of dental occlusion, with or without the use of dentures, on mortality in community-dwelling elderly persons. Subjects: A total of 1030 randomly selected healthy independent elderly aged 65 and over were surveyed in 1995. For the study reported here, subjects were classified into three groups according to the presence or absence of maxillo-mandibular tooth contacts. Subjects with no maxillo-mandibular tooth contacts were further subdivided into those with and without dentures. Methods: Data on mortality were obtained from Kure City Council in September 2003. Cox regression models were used in analysing the risk for death with gender and age as covariates. Results: Individuals whose teeth had contact in at least the bilateral premolar regions at baseline had 0.78 times (95% CI: 0.60–0.99) smaller risk for death during the succeeding 8 years than those who had no occlusion. Among those who had no occlusion with their own teeth, the risk for mortality among denture non-users was 1.52 times (95% CI: 1.25–1.83) higher than the risk for denture users. Conclusion: These results may support the view that, in the elderly, poor dental occlusion is associated with an increased risk for mortality and that, in the edentulous, the use of dentures is associated with a decreased risk for mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: This paper summarises a series of studies already published in German and presents new data related to the aetiology of the 'dry mouth' and its associated problems.Aims: To study factors affecting mucous and serous salivary gland secretion, the aetiology of the 'dry mouth' and its associated problems, causative factors for hyposalivation and it's treatment.Setting: Two university dental hospitals.Subjects: 587 denture wearers and 521 control subjects, and autopsy material.Interventions: Exercise, chewing, water, oestrogen, pilocarpine, and anetholtrithion therapy, biopsy of the minor glands.Main Outcome Measures: Palatal secretion (PAL, microL/cm2/min) and parotid salivary flow (PAR), subjective complaints and clinical findings.Results: Resting flow rates for PAL between 0 and 65 microliters/cm2/min were seen in every age group. The flow rates of PAR (0 to 3.7 ml/10 min) were not correlated with PAL. Most patients with a resting flow rate of PAL < or = 6.0 microliters/cm2 suffer from a 'dry mouth' and Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) or oral dysaesthesia (OD) with or without chronic lesions of the oral mucosa. Etiological factors for the incidence of reduced PAL and associated problems include xerostomic drugs, oestrogen deficiency, radiotherapy, thyroid dysfunction, smoking or continuous wearing of complete upper dentures. PAL also correlated with the retention of upper complete dentures. PAL was correlated with the water content of epithelial tissues. PAL and PAR were both increased by drinking ample fluid, improving their circulation by physical exercises, chewing intensively, or taking oestrogens, pilocarpine, anetholtrithion.Conclusions: Variation in palatal salivary secretion occurs and is clinically important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possible relationship between patient age and the long term survival of fixed prostheses was studied in a randomised group of persons, who had received restorative treatment by general practitioners 15 years prior to this study. These fixed partial dentures had a mean extension of 6.9 units and a mean pontic/abutment ratio of 0.47. The group studied consisted of 77 persons who agreed to participate from an original group of 150 persons. Of the original group 20 had died, 17 were not traceable or unable to participate for medical reasons, and 36 declined to participate. The outcome of the treatment was compared between the following age subgroups (age as at the time of the original treatment) by division of the data at 37, 60 and 65 years. In these subgroups between 20 and 50 per cent of the prostheses had been lost or partially lost during the fifteen year period. Most of the failures and unacceptable quality ratings were found to be caused by fractures, loss of retention and/or dental caries. However, no systematic differences were found between any of the age subgroups studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

doi: 10.1111/j.1741-2358.2012.00614.x Exploring the quality of life after denture-wearing within elders in Kaohsiung Objective: The objective of the research is to investigate whether the elderly people's quality of life get improved after denture wearing. Material and methods: About 1600 elderly persons, over 65 years old, were sampled as the research target. The overall response rate was 71.62%. The tool of research is a structural questionnaire Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) that was used to measure the oral health-related quality of life. Individual's satisfaction of denture wearing divides into three groups: edentulous individuals who are satisfied with denture wearing, edentulous individuals who are not satisfied with denture wearing and dentulous individuals. Results: The result shows the eight variables, which are oral health condition, frequency of snacks-eating, age, frequency in participation in social activities, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), vision, satisfaction with life and physical functions, have significant influence on total OHIP score. Conclusions: Although being edentulous, if the elderly are satisfied with their denture, the quality of life can be maintained and not affected by oral health problems. It is suggested that the further researches can include more relevant factors when in a discussion on the oral health-related quality of life, especially, the subjective perception of individual's feeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]