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To determine which types of bone lesion (spicules, lobules, porous bone) in the maxillary sinus indicate sinusitis Subadjacent dental disease is a cause of maxillary sinusitis; if a lesion type indicates sinusitis it should be more common above diseased posterior maxillary teeth than a lesion type that is not indicative of sinusitis. The study sample is a British Mediaeval human skeletal collection. Porous bone lesions (chiefly new bone deposits) in maxillary sinuses are associated with subadjacent dental disease; spicules/lobules of bone in the sinus are not. The results support the idea that porous lesions indicate sinusitis but the spicules/lobules may not. Spicules, lobules and porous lesions within the maxillary sinus should be analysed separately in biocultural studies; it would be prudent to regard only the porous lesions as indicative of sinusitis. Maxillary sinusitis is commonly used as a health indicator in palaeopathology, and spicular deposits are generally the most common type of alterations. By assuming that they are indicative of sinusitis we may have been greatly overestimating the prevalence of bony sinusitis in the past. These conclusions are provisional. Further work on larger, more diverse samples, together with more detailed anatomical studies on lesion location and structure is ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To utilize standardized clinical veterinary methods to analyze dental health in a series of Roman dog maxillae and mandibles and to compare results to modern clinical data. 28 skulls of juvenile and adult dogs from three archaeological sites in Switzerland and Germany dating to the Roman period. Standardized examination was carried out, which included metric radiographic assessment to diagnose oral pathology and estimate age at death. In one case, CT analysis was undertaken. The estimated average age at death was between three and four years old. Tooth fracture, periodontal disease, the presence of non-vital teeth, and brachycephalic skull form were found in the sample. Tooth resorption was unexpectedly noted. The study provides valuable insights into the dental health of dogs in the Roman era. Compared to modern dogs, Roman dogs examined in this study appear to have a shorter lifespan but display a high rate of pathological dental disease, while disease patterns were very similar to those of modern dogs. Dogs with pronounced brachycephalic features were found. This pilot study is the first to use standardized clinical examination and recording techniques to assess dental health in dogs from archaeological contexts. It provides insight into the dental health of Roman era dogs and offers data upon which cross-populational studies can be initiated. The sample size and geographic location of the archaeological sites were limited. Subsequent standardized studies, preferably in as many different Roman Empire regions as possible, are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental disease in sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) is understudied, with only limited clinical and pathological data available. An approximately 7-year-old female sugar glider presented to its primary care veterinarian for a decline in food intake, rapid weight loss and a mass involving the rostral mandible. At necropsy, the mandibular mass effaced most of the rostral mandible and adjacent musculature. Histologically, the mandible was disrupted by nodular infiltrates of variably degenerate neutrophils and macrophages encased in granulomatous inflammation and fibrous connective tissue. Within the neutrophilic cell population were segments of fragmented, necrotic bone and cloud-like colonies of gram-positive cocci. Aerobic culture yielded a heavy, pure growth of a gram-positive coccus morphologically consistent with those identified in the lesions, which was identified as a presumptively novel Kocuria sp by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. This is the first description of Kocuria infection in association with clinically significant pathology in an animal. Although isolated as a pure growth, Kocuria sp cannot be confirmed as the sole cause of lesion formation due to the case chronicity and potential for unculturable, polymicrobial infections. This report adds to our understanding of the clinical and pathological aspects of dental disease in sugar gliders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

this research seeks to investigate the impact the industrial revolution had on the population of England. Pre-existing skeletal data from 1154 pre-Industrial (1066–1700 CE) and 4157 industrial (1700–1905) skeletons from 21 cemeteries (N = 5411). Context number, sex, age-at-death, stature and presence/absence of selected pathological conditions were collated. The data were compared using chi square, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-tests and logistic regression (α = 0.01). There was a statistically significant increase in cribra orbitalia, periosteal reactions, rib lesions, fractures, rickets, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, enamel hypoplasia, dental caries and periapical lesions in the industrial period. Osteomyelitis decreased from the pre-industrial to industrial period. Our results confirm the industrial revolution had a significant negative impact on human health, however the prevalence of TB, treponemal disease, maxillary sinusitis, osteomalacia, scurvy, gout and DISH did not change, suggesting these diseases were not impacted by the change in environmental conditions. This is the largest study of health in the industrial revolution that includes non-adults and adults and considers age-at-death alongside disease status to date. This data supports the hypothesis that the rise of industry was associated with a significant decline in general health, but not an increase in all pathological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite periodontal disease being recognized as a common condition in captive bearded dragons, there is a lack of data regarding the prevalence. A soft diet has previously been cited as the main risk factor linked to the disease, although there has been little research conducted into the etiology since the disease was first described. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of dental abnormalities and disease in captive Central bearded dragons in the United Kingdom, and to begin to investigate the risk factors affecting the presence and increased severity of disease in this species. Data collection was conducted from 20 veterinary practices across the United Kingdom from March to October 2018. All bearded dragons presented to participating practices during this time period were assessed for the presence of dental disease, and for each animal a standardized data collection form was completed to provide information concerning the animal's signalment, diet, and health status. Severity of any dental disease was also graded in a subset of bearded dragons (n = 147) by two of the authors using a grading system from 0 to 5. The prevalence of dental abnormalities and disease was 50% in the sampled population of 304 bearded dragons. Increasing age, an abnormal body condition score, presence of concurrent disease, as well as presence of fruit in the diet were all significant risk factors for the presence of dental abnormalities and disease. Contrary to previous reports, neither presence of different live foods in the diet, nor presence of vegetable matter in the diet had any significant associations with dental abnormalities and disease, challenging some of the assumptions made to date about the etiology of dental disease in Central bearded dragons. This study instead found that fruit could be the main dietary risk factor for dental disease and should be excluded from the captive diet of these animals. This study has found a strong association between increasing age and presence of dental abnormalities and disease, and stresses the importance of a thorough oral exam, especially in older individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental disease continues to be one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the United States. Although oral self-care behaviors (OSCB), involving systematic twice-a-day tooth brushing, can prevent dental disease, this basic behavior is not sufficiently practiced. Recent advances in digital technology offer tremendous potential for promoting OSCB by delivering Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs)— interventions that leverage dynamic information about the person's state and context to effectively prompt them to engage in a desired behavior in real-time, real-world settings. However, limited research attention has been given to systematically investigating how to best prompt individuals to engage in OSCB in daily life, and under what conditions prompting would be most beneficial. This paper describes the protocol for a Micro-Randomized Trial (MRT) to inform the development of a JITAI for promoting ideal OSCB, namely, brushing twice daily, for two minutes each time, in all four dental quadrants (i.e., 2x2x4). Sensors within an electric toothbrush (eBrush) will be used to track OSCB and a matching mobile app (Oralytics) will deliver on-demand feedback and educational information. The MRT will micro-randomize participants twice daily (morning and evening) to either (a) a prompt (push notification) containing one of several theoretically grounded engagement strategies or (b) no prompt. The goal is to investigate whether, what type of, and under what conditions prompting increases engagement in ideal OSCB. The results will build the empirical foundation necessary to develop an optimized JITAI that will be evaluated relative to a suitable control in a future randomized controlled trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the associations of dental diseases and oral hygiene care with the risk of dementia. Retrospective longitudinal cohort study. We conducted a population-based study of individuals in the Korean National Health Insurance System. A total of 2,555,618 participants who underwent cardiovascular and dental screenings in 2008 were included. Dental diseases including periodontal diseases, dental caries, and tooth loss were assessed by dentists. Information on oral hygiene care, including professional dental cleaning and the frequency of tooth brushing, was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Study outcomes were all-cause dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD). Periodontal diseases [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.07, 95% CI 1.04-1.09], dental caries (aHR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05), and 8-14 missing teeth (aHR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12) were associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia. In contrast, either professional dental cleaning or frequent tooth brushing were associated with decreased risks of all-cause dementia (aHR 0.91, 95% CI 0.89-0.93 each; aHR 0.83, 95% CI 0.80-0.86 for both). The increased risks by dental diseases were reduced by oral hygiene care: periodontal diseases with professional dental cleaning (aHR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.98) or tooth brushing ≥2 times/day (aHR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-1.00) and 1 to 7 missing teeth with professional dental cleaning (aHR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.98) or tooth brushing ≥2 times/day (aHR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.95). Consistent results were noted for AD and VaD and in various subgroup analyses. Periodontal disease, dental caries, and a high number of missing teeth were independently associated with a higher risk of dementia. Conversely, improved oral hygiene care, such as professional dental cleaning and frequent tooth brushing, may modify the risk of dementia associated with dental diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A very large intracoronal lesion in a M2 was observed in a mandible from Tel Erani. • The lesion was determined as PEIR using roentgenographs, and EDS program. • In modern case of PEIR the histology showed myofibroblastic cells and macrophages. • The mineral content of the internal surface of the PEIR lesion was analyzed. • It showed resorption of minerals and diagenesis with the soil. Abstract Objective To determine the cause of a large dental lesion, tentatively identified as a case of pre-eruptive intra-coronal resorption (PEIR), in the permanent second mandibular molar of a young individual from an Iron Age cemetery at Tel Erani (Israel), dated to ca. 3000 years B.P. The provisional diagnosis was based on the massive size of the lesion in a young individual in whom the adjacent teeth were caries-free and showed no visible enamel defects. Design The lower molars of Tel Erani on the affected side were radiographed and compared to radiographs of a modern clinical case of PEIR treated by one of us (U.Z) and the internal structure and mineral content of the lesion examined in detail using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results The Tel Erani specimen closely resembled the modern clinical case of PEIR. Moreover, both cases occurred in young individuals in whom the adjacent teeth were caries-free. Examination with SEM revealed absence of dentine in the affected tooth from Tel Erani, together with changes in structure and mineral content characteristic of resorption. Conclusions Our study shows that the changes found in the lower second molar of the 3000 year old mandible from Tel Erani are characteristic of PEIR and demonstrate the antiquity of this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, many people are affected by oral health issues because of continuous changes in lifestyle such as personal speech that is affected by crooked teeth and malocclusion teeth. Moreover, a dental problem can cause bacterial infections, cavities, and many other diseases due to an improper lifestyle. In this research, a novel Intelligent Ant Lion-based Convolution Neural Model (IALCNM) is designed for segmenting affected parts in teeth and to classify the wear and periodontitis diseases from the collected dataset. Moreover, the developed technique is implemented in the python 3.8 environment and the attained results of the developed procedure are related to other existing techniques implemented for different diseases in standings of accuracy, precision, error rate, execution time, and so on. Hence the outcome indicates that the current research technique applied to self-created datasets has enhanced the accuracy of segmenting affected parts and disease prediction more than other techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) is a complication of antiresorptive medications, such as denosumab or bisphosphonates, prescribed to patients with bone malignancy or osteoporosis. The most common instigating local factor in ONJ pathogenesis is tooth extraction. However, in adults the great majority of teeth are extracted due to dental disease. Here, we have investigated alveolar bone healing after extraction of healthy teeth or teeth with naturally occurring periradicular disease in mice treated with high dose zoledronic acid (ZA), a potent bisphosphonate, or OPG-Fc, a RANKL inhibitor. C57BL/6 mice were treated for eight weeks and in vivo micro-CT was performed to identify spontaneously occurring periradicular lesions around the roots of maxillary molars. Then, extractions of molars with and without dental disease were performed in all groups. Four weeks later, animals were euthanized and maxillae were dissected and analyzed. Clinically, all vehicle animals with extraction of healthy or diseased teeth, and most OPG-Fc or ZA animals with extraction of healthy teeth showed normal mucosal healing. On the contrary, most animals with OPG-Fc or ZA treatment and extraction of diseased teeth demonstrated impaired healing with visible mucosal defects. Radiographically, bone socket healing was significantly compromised in OPG-Fc and ZA-treated mice with periradicular disease in comparison to other groups. Histologically, all vehicle animals showed normal mucosal healing and socket remodeling. OPG-Fc and ZA animals with extraction of healthy teeth showed normal mucosal healing, woven bone formation in the socket, and decreased remodeling of the original socket confines. OPG-Fc and ZA animals with extraction of diseased teeth showed mucosal defects, persistent prominent inflammatory infiltrate, bone exposure and areas of osteonecrosis. These findings support that dental disease is critical in the pathogenesis of ONJ, not only as the instigating cause for tooth extraction, but also as a compounding factor in ONJ development and pathophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many psychological disorders are associated with comorbid physical illness. There are less data on dental disease in common psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety in spite of risk factors in this population of diet, lifestyle or antidepressant-induced dry mouth.Methods: We undertook a systematic search for studies of the oral health of people with common psychological disorders including depression, anxiety and dental phobia. We searched MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE and article bibliographies. Results were compared with the general population. Outcomes included partial or total tooth-loss, periodontal disease, and dental decay measured through standardized measures such as the mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) or surfaces (DMFS).Results: There were 19 papers on depression and/or anxiety, and seven on dental phobia/anxiety (total n=26). These covered 334,503 subjects. All the psychiatric diagnoses were associated with increased dental decay on both DMFT and DMFS scores, as well as greater tooth loss (OR=1.22; 95%CI=1.14-1.30). There was no association with periodontal disease, except for panic disorder.Limitations: Cross-sectional design of included studies, heterogeneity in some results, insufficient studies to test for publication bias.Conclusion: The increased focus on the physical health of psychiatric patients should encompass oral health including closer collaboration between dental and medical practitioners. Possible interventions include oral health assessment using standard checklists that can be completed by non-dental personnel, help with oral hygiene, management of iatrogenic dry mouth, and early dental referral. Mental health clinicians should also be aware of the oral consequences of inappropriate diet and psychotropic medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An adult, 2-year-old, 173 g, intact male degu ( Octodon degus ) was presented to the authors’ clinic with a 2-week history of reduced food intake, weight loss, epiphora, and dyspnea. Physical examination revealed lethargy, cachexia, bilateral serous ocular discharge, dehydration, inspiratory dyspnea, and severe dental disease. Diagnostic investigation showed extensive apical elongation of premolars causing partial nasal cavity obstruction by masses of increased opacity, and loss of conchal detail. The animal was euthanized due to general poor condition and the severity of disease. Postmortem micro–computed tomography showed marked reserve crown elongation of all premolars and molars. All cheek teeth were abnormally curved and had widened interdental spaces. The apex of the maxillary left premolar nearly penetrated the left nasal bone. Both maxillary premolars penetrated into the nasal cavity and caused complete left and partial right nasal cavity obstruction. Apices of all premolars were dysplastic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 6-year-old intact male guinea pig was referred with a 5-day history of reduced food intake and weight loss. Incisor teeth were clipped with nail clippers at another veterinary clinic 4 days earlier. Owing to a poor prognosis and the health status of the animal, the owner elected for euthanasia. Based on the postmortem results of the oral cavity examination, micro–computed tomography analysis, bacteriology, and histopathology, iatrogenic incisor malocclusion, incisor enamel fractures, dental disease, hepatic lipidosis, chronic purulent gingivitis/periodontitis caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella buccae , and dental caries were determined to be the final, postmortem diagnoses. Patients with acquired dental disease should be screened carefully for periodontitis, as periodontal disease is progressive in nature and early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate diagnosis of dental disease and related complications is extremely important in companion rabbit medicine. When dental disease is diagnosed, a proper prognosis and surgical plan is essential for treatment success. The objectives of this retrospective study were to compare survey radiography and computed tomography (CT) of the skull and teeth in rabbit patients affected by dental disease verifying consistency between observers and diagnostic significance of the 2 techniques, and to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of the 2 modalities for prognostic and therapeutic purposes. In total, 27 pet rabbits were included in the study. A second diagnostic procedure was performed on 3 patients with dental disease for a total of 30 examinations for each technique. A full series of 5 extraoral radiographic views and CT scans of the head without contrast medium were obtained from each patient while under general anesthesia. With both series of imaging modalities, 13 bilateral anatomic and dental structures were evaluated by 2 observers for each patient’s skull. Observations were statistically consistent for diagnosis, within the same technique and between the 2 techniques. Diagnostic accuracy of CT was superior in 24 patients (80%) in diagnosis and prognosis and in 17 patients (56.6%) for guiding extraoral dental and surgical treatment. Radiography provided superior accuracy in 5 patients (16.6%) for guiding intraoral dental treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased uptake of Tc-99m-methylene diphosphonate in the area of jaw is a common finding on the whole body bone scan. To study its incidence, causes and clinical significance, we performed static anterior and bilateral head views on 52 consecutive patients, followed by a dental examination and a panoramic radiograph. We demonstrated that increased uptake of bone tracer in the area of jaw was observed at a high incidence, as well as its characteristic distribution. The mainly causes are some common dental diseases. These findings would better guide the diagnosis and treatment for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Between January and December 2013, the dental and periodontal health of 99 Swedish wild boars ( Sus scrofa ) was investigated. Sampling occurred in conjunction with routine hunting at six large estates in the southern and middle parts of Sweden. All six of the estates use supplemental feeding. The weight of the animals, their sex and their dates of death were noted. Age was estimated using tooth eruption and tooth replacement patterns. The oral cavity was inspected and abnormalities were recorded on a dental chart modified for wild boars. The findings included supernumerary teeth, absence of teeth, mild class II malocclusion, severe tooth wear, periodontitis, calculus, caries, tooth fractures and the presence of enamel defects. Swedish wild boars suffer from different dental lesions and the impact of supplemental feeding on dental and periodontal health is still to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of dental abnormalities due to improper occlusal wear is common among modern domestic horses. This phenomenon often is attributed to jaw conformation. Rostral mandibular hooks may develop in horses with underjet or mandibular prognathism, a condition where the lower jaw protrudes forward, beyond the upper jaw. Less abrasive diet, free of phytoliths and matrix-like plant fibers, also may promote enamel and focal overgrowths of equine dentition. Here we report a rostral mandibular hook in a lower premolar tooth of a medieval horse, found in a spring deposit in Levänluhta, Osthrobothnia, Finland. To our knowledge, this is the first such report from a medieval horse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To examine the relationship of poor dental health and depression, controlling for markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein; CRP) and adiposity (body mass index; BMI). Method: Data from two National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2005–2008) were utilized (n=10214). Dental health was assessed using the Oral Health Questionnaire (OHQ). Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), where cases were identified using a cut off score of 10 or above. Logistic regression was applied to measure magnitude of associations, controlling for a range of covariates including CRP and BMI. Results: After adjustment for covariates, a significant dose–response relationship between number of oral health conditions and likelihood of PHQ-9 defined depression was observed. Compared with individuals without an oral health condition, adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for depression in those with two, four and six conditions were 1.60 (1.08–2.38), 2.13 (1.46–3.11) and 3.94 (2.72–5.72), respectively. Level of CRP and being underweight or obese were associated with being depressed. Conclusions: A positive association exists between poor dental health and depression that is independent of CRP and BMI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Companion exotic mammal herbivores may be diagnosed with chronic disease that the owner believes is causing acute clinical illness. It is generally believed that because of the enhanced disease-masking ability of these “prey” species, numerous disease states may go unnoticed for a significant period. A veterinarian should be knowledgeable about this behavior trait and consider its possible effects when assessing the patient''s health status. In some cases, the chronic disease condition may respond rapidly to treatment, whereas with other diagnoses, treatment is more frustrating. This article describes a selection of chronic disease conditions that one may diagnose in guinea pigs (e.g., hypovitaminosis C, trixacariasis, urolithiasis, dental disease), chinchillas (e.g., dental disease), and rabbits (e.g., dental disease, renal failure, cranial thoracic mass disease). Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disease problems diagnosed in companion exotic mammal herbivores are covered elsewhere in this journal issue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Dental data from 22 Swedish brown bears (Ursus arctos) were collected during April and May 2008, during the annual capture of free-ranging brown bears in Dalarna County, Sweden by the Scandinavian Brown Bear Research Project. The bears were of different genders and ages. All animals were weighed and subjected to physical examination and all were found to be in good condition. The oral cavity was inspected and photographed and abnormalities were recorded on a dental chart. One bear had mild class II malocclusion. All yearlings had varying numbers of incompletely erupted permanent teeth. All adult bears were missing one or more premolars. Tooth wear increased with age; the most affected teeth were the incisors followed by the canines, premolars and molars. Complicated fractures most commonly affected the canines. Fifteen animals had gross evidence of enamel defects, but the aetiology of these was not determined. There was a low prevalence of calculus and periodontal disease and none of the bears had caries infections. The mean pH of saliva collected from these animals was 9.75. Further studies, based on a larger sample size followed over time, will be required in order to evaluate the progression of dental disease in brown bears. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This article describes a case of severe acquired dental disease with elodontoma formation in the nasal cavity of a 3.5-year-old degu (Octodon degus). Physical examination revealed cachexia, bilateral serous nasal discharge, dehydration, inspiratory dyspnea and severe acquired dental disease. Diagnostic investigation revealed severe apical elongation of all cheek teeth, dental caries of the occlusal surface of the first right mandibular premolar, exposed crown lysis (osteoresorption) of the mandibular premolars, and multiple areas of increased opacity of the right nasal cavity with loss of conchal detail. Because of general poor condition and severity of disease, the animal was euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed a mass in the nasal cavity associated with the right maxillary incisor. The mass was characterized on histopathology as an elodontoma. To the authors'' knowledge, this is the first described case of elodontoma in this species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nonhuman primates require, at minimum, annual dental examination, cleaning, and prophylactic care. Sedation is necessary for examination and may be extended into full anesthesia should dental conditions require oral surgery. Because there is a potential zoonotic disease risk during dental procedures, personal protective equipment should include masks, double gloving, face shields, and goggles. Dental disease commonly treated in nonhuman primates includes tartar and calculus, gingivitis, fractures and caries, periodontal disease, abscesses, and osteomyelitis. Ethical considerations of canine tooth reduction will also be discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ferrets commonly present with dental disease. Principles of veterinary dentistry can be applied to diagnose and treat dental conditions in these animals. Common presentations include calculus, gingivitis, missing teeth, fractured teeth, necrotic teeth, periodontal disease, and dental abscesses. Regular dental cleaning and prophylaxis, along with home brushing, should be encouraged. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dental disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in rabbits, rodents, and other small herbivores. Because of their small oral commissure, the rigid telescope is an ideal tool for examining and working within the buccal cavity of these animals. Focal illumination and magnification provide greater sensitivity and accuracy for identifying occlusal dental disease than other modalities. In addition, the telescope provides intraoperative visualization during dental trimming, extractions, and exploration of abscess, nasal, or paranasal cavities associated with dental structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This article presents a review of differences in physioanatomy of the masticatory apparatus and pathophysiology of dental disease in rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. The entire dentition of these commonly kept pets is aradicular hypsodont, with teeth that continue to grow throughout life. This peculiarity of nature is present in animals with marked chewing behavior and allows replacement of tooth substance that is lost because of constant abrasive wear. Evidence is emerging that inappropriate physical form and composition of the diet may be responsible for tooth elongation and associated conditions in captive lagomorphs and rodents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Dental disease in rodents can be difficult to diagnose based on oral examination and radiography alone, but diagnosis can be aided with computed tomography (CT). An adult guinea pig presented with nonspecific signs of pain, mild exophthalmia, and strabismus. Initial complete blood count, plasma biochemistry, and radiographs were nondiagnostic, so high-resolution micro CT was performed. A diagnosis of a tooth root abscess of the left maxillary third molar and associated osteomyelitis was made based on CT images. Micro CT, which can provide superior resolution over conventional CT, has been used primarily for research purposes in veterinary medicine but proved beneficial in this case. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dentistry is a very important branch of medicine and surgery for exotic pet mammals. Because of their anatomical and physiological differences, many health problems in pet rabbits and herbivorous rodent species are primarily or secondarily related to dental diseases, making this discipline even more important for this group of mammals. Special equipment and other materials are available for diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases in these species. Among them, the most important are mouth gags, cheek dilators, specially designed luxators and extraction forceps, and straight hand pieces for high-speed dental units for cutting and polishing. The small exotic mammal dental suite should also include radiographic and endoscopic equipment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background and Objective: Tooth loss has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the mechanisms are unclear. We evaluated the association of total tooth loss with prevalent CVD in men and women; as well as with citrus fruit consumption, plasma vitamin C, and inflammatory and thrombotic variables.Methods: We used an age-and sex-stratified population survey, of men and women aged 25–74 years, in North Glasgow.Results: Thirty-eight percent of women and 29% of men were edentulous. Total tooth loss was associated with prevalent CVD in both sexes. After adjustment for major potential confounders (age, sex, smoking, and social class), the odds ratio (95% CI) for prevalent CVD was 1.55 (1.13, 2.13) in the edentulous. Total tooth loss was also associated with low citrus fruit consumption and low plasma vitamin C levels, increased plasma C-reactive protein in men, and with increased plasma interleukin-6, fibrinogen, and factor VIII levels in women.Conclusion: Prevalent CVD is associated with total tooth loss. Possible mechanisms include low intake of citrus fruit, and hence, low plasma vitamin C levels, and a predisposition to low-grade inflammation and thrombosis. It may be prudent to ensure adequate vitamin C intake in people with no teeth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Forensic odontology plays an important role in the age estimation of a corpse. However, some cases exhibit a large margin of error when using conventional morphological methods. The final purpose of this study was to survey dental diseases to find the factors that result in errors in age estimation. First, we surveyed dental status related to dental caries in forensic autopsy cases to examine their characteristics. We investigated 335 forensic autopsy cases with accurate age and gender information available from autopsy and police reports. We assessed the number of teeth with caries, including the number of present teeth, missing teeth, sound teeth, treated teeth, untreated teeth, and the total number of carious teeth (DMF teeth: decayed, missing, and filled teeth).Then, each mean number of teeth from autopsy cases was compared with that from the results of a control survey of dental disease performed by Akita Prefecture. The autopsy cases, mainly in their 50’s, showed a significantly higher incidence of DMF teeth, missing teeth, and untreated teeth. They also showed lower incidence of treated teeth. The more severe carious status in the autopsy cases suggested that they did not regularly visit dental clinics while they were alive. We will continue to analyze their past physical disease histories, the causes of death, and their antemortem lifestyles to find the factors that lead to incorrect age estimation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]