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Aim: The present study aimed to investigate any possible association between ABO blood groups and lung cancer., Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 122 lung cancer patients and 1,255 matched-healthy individuals that were reviewed retrospectively. Chi-square and logistic regression models were used for statistical analysis., Results: No significant difference between lung cancer patients and the control group was recorded regarding ABO blood types and the risk of lung cancer (p = 0.055, OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.61-1.03). Male gender (p = 0.006, OR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.24-3.49) and smoking (p = 0.000, OR = 3.13, 95% CI 1.72-5.69) were significantly associated with the risk of lung cancer., Conclusion: No association between ABO blood types and the risk of lung cancer was observed. more...

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the progression risk factors of periodontal disease by individual characteristics at baseline in a Greek adult population., Methods: The study sample consisted of 854 individuals. All participants were clinically examined and answered questions regarding sex, smoking status, socioeconomic status, low educational level, frequency of dental follow up, and oral hygiene habits. Serum levels of disease markers were investigated, and attachment levels were clinically recorded. For the assessment of periodontal disease progression, additional clinical attachment loss (CAL) was used if one or more sites showed a 3 mm or more increase in probing attachment level over a 2-year period. Statistical analysis was performed by using a modified multiple Poisson's analysis model., Results: A total of 74% of the participants exhibited additional CAL over a 2-year period. Significant associations were observed between additional CAL and smoking (relative risk [RR] = 0.78, 95% confidence level [CI] = 0.65-0.92), attachment level of 5 mm or more at baseline (RR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.75-1.05), educational level (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.76-1.07), socioeconomic status (RR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.59-1.14), and irregular dental follow up (RR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.04-1.45)., Conclusions: Smoking, baseline attachment level of 5 mm or more, low educational level, low socioeconomic status, and irregular dental follow up could be considered risk factors for further CAL., (© 2015 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.) more...

Aim: The aim of the present case-control study was to examine the possible associations between periodontal disease indices and the risk of lung cancer development in a sample of Greek out-patients referred to a medical and a dental private practice., Materials and Methods: A total of 200 individuals were interviewed and underwent an oral clinical examination, and 64 of them were suffered from several histological types of lung cancer. The estimation of the possible associations between lung cancer as a dependent variable and periodontal disease indices as independent ones was carried out by using a multiple regression analysis model., Results: Probing pocket depth (odds ratio (OR) = 2.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-7.06), clinical attachment loss (OR = 3.51, 95% CI 1.30-9.47) bleeding on probing (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 0.98-3.81) were significantly associated with the risk of developing lung cancer. Smoking (OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.20-5.17) was significantly associated with the mentioned risk, whereas it was consisted as a confounder regarding the estimated associations between moderate/severe clinical attachment loss and presence of bleeding on probing with the risk of developing lung cancer., Conclusion: Probing pocket depth as an index for periodontal disease severity was statistically significantly associated with the risk of developing lung cancer. more...

Aim: The aim of the current research was to investigate whether possible associations exist between indices of clinically-defined periodontitis and several systemic medical conditions in outpatients referred to a special hospital clinic., Methods: The study sample consisted of 3360 outpatients aged 45-65 years. Data were collected by means of an oral clinical examination and a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the questionnaire items was done with Fisher's exact test and the logistic regression model to assess possible associations between systemic medical conditions as independent variables, and the relative frequency of periodontal pockets ≥5 mm and clinical attachment loss (CAL) of ≥6 mm as dependent variables., Results: The depth of periodontal pockets was significantly associated with male sex, the presence of vascular disease, hypertension, stroke, heart attack, diabetes mellitus, other endocrine diseases, thyroid disease, respiratory allergies, and rheumatoid arthritis. CAL was significantly associated with the mentioned conditions, and also infective endocarditis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but not other endocrine and thyroid disease., Conclusions: The findings confirm the results from previous investigations in which a number of systemic medical conditions were significantly associated with probing pocket depth and/or CAL., (© 2014 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.) more...

Aim: The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to estimate gingival recession (GR) prevalence and associated risk factors in young Greek adults., Methods: The study population consisted of 420 young adults (200 males and 220 females). All individuals were clinically examined and answered questions regarding their smoking status, educational level, and oral hygiene practices. In addition, the association between GR and the following aspects was assessed: sex, smoking status, educational level, plaque index, gingival index, calculus presence, and plaque control methods. Statistical analysis of data was accomplished using the multivariate linear regression analysis model., Results: The average number of GR overall was 1.38 mm (standard deviation: 0.18 mm). Gingival index (P = 0.000) and smoking (P = 0.01) were the most important associated risk factors of GR, while sex, oral hygiene practices, presence of supragingival calculus, educational level, and plaque index were not significantly associated with it., Conclusion: Gingival inflammation, as determined by the gingival index, and smoking were the most important associated risk factors of GR., (© 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.) more...

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective investigation was to examine the occurrence of periodontal disease in patients referred to a specialist clinic for neurosurgery and to explore possible associations between common systemic disorders and periodontal disease in an adult population in Greece., Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 1,652 individuals, 760 males and 892 females, aged 40 to 68 years, with a mean age of 57.3 ± 4.7 years. Data were collected by means of an oral clinical examination and a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis of questionnaire items was performed by using a multiple linear regression analysis model in order to estimate correlations between systemic disorders as independent variables, and the relative frequency of periodontal pockets of 5 mm or more and the frequency of clinical attachment loss of 6 mm or more as dependent variables., Results: The relative frequencies of periodontal pockets >= 5.0 mm and clinical attachment loss >= 6.0 mm as expressed in terms of mean values were 76% and 70.2%, respectively, for individuals who suffer from cardiovascular disease and 62.3% and 52.9% respectively, for those who suffer from respiratory disease. The depth of periodontal pockets was significantly and positively correlated to the presence of respiratory diseases (P = 0.0001) and diabetes mellitus (P = 0.0001) after adjustment for age, gender and smoking, whereas clinical attachment loss was significantly and positively correlated to the presence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.0001) and cardiovascular diseases (P = 0.037)., Conclusion: Based on the clinical criteria for established periodontitis, the current study supports associations between periodontal disease and systemic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. more...

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the periodontal condition of an adult population in three isolated regions in Greece and to determine the association of periodontal disease with several demographic, behavioral and environmental factors., Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 640 individuals, aged 20 to 69 years from three isolated regions. The following indices were assessed: Pocket Depth (PD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Dental Plaque, Calculus and Bleeding on Probing (BOP). Statistical analysis was accomplished by multiple linear regression model which was used to assess the association between the mean clinical attachment loss and clinical, demographic and behavioral parameters., Results: The samples of the study showed high levels of dental plaque, dental calculus and BOP. The final multivariate model showed that age (p=0.000), gender (p=0.016) and presence of calculus (p=0.000) were associated with the mean clinical attachment loss. Age (p=0.000), gender (p=0.000) and dental plaque (p=0.027) were associated with gingival recession, while age (p=0.018) and gender (p=0.000) were associated with probing depth. Bleeding on probing, dental plaque, toothbrush frequency, level of education, tobacco consumption and reasons for dental visits were not associated with the mean clinical attachment loss., Conclusion: Periodontal disease consists of a complicated destructive condition of the Periodontal tissue with a. multi-factorial etiology. Oral hygiene instructions and a regular dental follow-up could play a significant role in the prevention of periodontal disease. more...

Objectives: The aims of the present study were to assess the reasons for the placement and replacement of resin-based composite (RBC) restorations in permanent teeth and to establish the longevity of replaced restorations., Methods: The study population consisted of 2,480 individuals attending a private practice. Clinical examination involved the evaluation of the numbers of decayed teeth (primary caries) and failed restorations, respectively, and the reasons for the placement and replacement of RBC restorations. In addition, possible associations between the placement and replacement of restorations and type of cavity, and the reasons for the placement and replacement of RBC restorations by tooth type were assessed. Statistical analysis was accomplished using the chi-squared test., Results: A total of 3,528 restorations were identified; 2,046 (58%) of these were first-time restorations and 1,482 (42%) were replacement restorations. The main reason for first-time RBC restorations was primary caries (56%). Secondary caries was the most frequent reason for the replacement of RBC restorations (43%). Statistically significant differences were recorded between cavity type and first-time (P = 0.0083) and replacement (P = 0.0067) restorations. No statistically significant differences were observed between tooth type and the reasons for first-time (P = 0.067) or replacement (P = 0.073) RBC restorations. The median longevity of replaced restorations was approximately 4 years (39%)., Conclusions:   Primary and secondary dental caries were the principle reasons for first-time and replacement restorations, followed by tooth and restoration discolouration, respectively. Therefore, patients at high risk for developing caries may require more frequent dental care., (© 2012 FDI World Dental Federation.) more...

Background and Aims: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the placement and replacement of resin-based composite restorations and related factors in a private practice in Greece., Materials and Methods: The study included 1500 subjects, 720 males and 780 females, aged 18 to 52 years old. The clinical examination involved calculation of the number of teeth with primary caries and failed-restored teeth. In addition the relationship between placed and replaced composite restorations and the following aspects was assessed: gender, cavity type, tooth type and evaluation of longevity of the replaced composite restorations. Statistical analysis performed using the chi-square test. A p value less than 5% was considered statistically significant., Results: The total number of restorations placed were 1940; 1202 of those (62%) were placed for first time while 738 (38%) were replaced. The main reason for the placement of new composite resin restorations was primary caries (60%), while secondary caries was the most frequent reason for the replacement (48%) of those. A statistically significant differ-ence was recorded between males and females regarding the composite restorations placed and replaced (p = 0.00082), the type of cavity of placed restorations (p = 0.00062), and the type of cavity of replaced ones (p = 0.00038). The median lon-gevity of the replaced resin composite restorations was approximately 4 years (47%)., Conclusion: Dental caries, primary and secondary, followed by tooth discoloration and loss of filling were the main rea-sons for placed and replaced composite restorations. more...

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of permanent teeth extracted due to periodontal disease and its relation to age, military rank, and type of extracted teeth due to periodontal and non-periodontal reasons among a group of Greek Army personnel attending a military dental practice., Materials and Methods: Study population consisted of 509 officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers, aged 18 to 44 years from a military dental hospital in Greece. The reasons for extractions of teeth for a period of two years were obtained, including aspects such as age, military rank and the type of teeth extracted due to periodontal and non-periodontal reasons. Data were analyzed using chi-squared test., Results: The total number of extracted teeth was 1,231, of which 34.4% were extracted because of periodontal reasons, 32.2% for dental caries and 33.4% for other reasons. The average number of extracted teeth due to periodontal disease showed an increase with age. Maxillary and mandibular first and second molars were the most frequently extracted teeth due to periodontal reasons; however, the anterior teeth of both jaws with mobility (grade III), the same teeth with attach-ment loss (≥5.0 mm) and the posterior teeth of both jaws with furcation involvement (grade IV) were the most frequently extracted teeth due to periodontal reasons., Conclusion: Although the goal of the WHO regarding the reduction of dental caries was accomplished, periodontal dis-ease was still the main cause of tooth extraction and showed an increase with age. more...

Background: Gingival recession is the most common and undesirable condition of the gingiva. The aim of study was to investigate the aetiology and severity of gingival recession in a Greek adult population sample., Methods: The study was performed on 165 males and 179 females, 18-68 years old who sought dental treatment in a private dental practice and showed gingival recession. All subjects were clinically examined and answered questions regarding their oral hygiene habits such as the type of toothbrush, frequency of brushing and method of brushing. The association between gingival recession and the following parameters was assessed: plaque score, gingival score and tooth position. Statistical analysis of the results was accomplished using chi-square test (α = 0.05)., Results: The majority (79.4%) of the patients showed grade I gingival recession and 15.3% showed grade II gingival recession. The maxillary 1(st) and 2(nd) molars (35.3%) and the mandibular 1(st) and 2(nd) molars (28.7%) were the teeth most frequently affected by root surface exposure. Patients with sub-gingival calculus, bacterial plaque and gingival inflammation (P <60; 0.05), malpositioned teeth (P <60; 0.001), horizontal brushing method, medium type of toothbrush (P <60; 0.001) and brushing once daily (P <60; 0.001) appeared to be the most common precipitating aetiological factor for gingival recession., Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, gingival recession was the result of more than one factor acting together. Horizontal brushing method, usage of medium type toothbrush and tooth brushing once daily were found to be more associated with gingival recession. more...

Aim: To investigate the reasons for tooth extraction and their correlations with age and gender in Greece., Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 1,018 patients, 560 males and 458 females, aged 18-74 years from a private practice in Greece. Each patient's age, gender, number of extracted teeth and the reasons for the extraction were recorded for a period of 5 years., Results: Two thousand four hundred and eighteen permanent teeth were extracted for various reasons during the study period. The results showed that the main reasons for extraction were caries (45.6%), periodontal disease (32.1%), failed root canal treatment (7.3%) and root fracture (4.4%). Caries was the main reason for extraction in patients up to 44 years old (64.7%), while periodontal disease was the main reason for extraction in patients over years of age (77.6%). Maxillary and mandibular 1st and 2nd molars, were the most frequently extracted teeth due to dental caries. Premolars of the mandible and maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth were the most frequently extracted teeth due to periodontal disease., Conclusions: Although the targets of the WHO regarding the reduction of dental caries were accomplished, dental caries and periodontal disease are still the main reasons for tooth extraction regardless of the age of the patients., (© 2011 FDI World Dental Federation.) more...