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Dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) diseases, primarily infectious and transmissible diseases, are current Navy problems. Studies at NMRI are aimed at initial mechanisms of bacterial attraction to teeth and gingiva for colonization and contribution to tissue destruction. Small molecular products of bacteria are tested for contribution to metabolic changes in epithelial and connective tissue cells, or to break down bone. These and other molecules are also studied for relationships with the immuno-cellular response. Other studies are directed at determining the physiological role of some organic constituents in saliva and what function, if any, they play in the dental and periodontal disease process. Oral and maxillofacial studies to replace deficient tissue, blood, and to evaluate results from such procedures over time are ongoing research. Radionuclide techniques have been used to qualitate as well as quantitate the progress of repair. Surgical blood loss estimated in oral-facial corrective surgery are compared to blood loss estimates with radioisotope measured blood volume changes. A survey investigation of Vietnam oral and maxillofacial casualties has been conducted.

A microbiological sampling of instruments intended for use in the treatment of patients in a dental operatory was taken. Selected instruments routinely used were sterilized by means of steam under pressure, dry heat, or ethylene oxide gas. Half of these sterilized instruments were exchanged for instruments intended for use from the dental unit, tray, or from the dental cabinet. The instruments were incubated in trypticase soy agar aerobically at 37 deg C for 72 hours. Eighty percent of the instruments intended for use developed biological growth. Most of these instruments were presumed properly sterilized but became contaminated during storage or upon delivery to the operating area.