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Biomedical subjects

D A Geddes

Publications and source records attributed to D A Geddes.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Assessment of the cariogenic potential of Streptococcus mutans strains and its relationship to in vivo caries experience.

Strains of Streptococcus mutans isolated from the plaque of 6 subjects were studied using an in vitro model to determine whether differences in their cariogenic potential could be detected, and if so, whether the results correlated with the caries experience of the individuals. Each strain was incubated with a bovine enamel slab and 5% (w/v) sucrose for 24-h periods. The acidogenic potential was assessed by pH measurement and analysis of acid anion production. Microradiographic and microdensitometric assessment of the enamel, together with measurement of the change in calcium concentration of the reaction mixture were used to determine the demineralizing potential of each strain. Significant differences in cariogenic potential were found between some of the strains tested, and correlations were found between 3 of the test parameters and the decayed-missing-filled-surface score of the individuals. The results suggest that the caries experience of individuals may be related, to some extent, to the cariogenic potential of their S. mutans strains.

Acetates

The effect of chewing gum use on in situ enamel lesion remineralization.

Two independent cross-over studies investigated the possibility of enhanced early enamel lesion remineralization with the use of chewing gum. The first study involved a sorbitol-containing chewing gum, and the second, which had an identical protocol, tested a sucrose-containing chewing gum. In each study, 12 volunteers wore in situ appliances on which were mounted enamel sections containing artificial caries lesions. Subjects brushed twice daily for two min with a 1100-ppm-F (NaF) dentifrice (control and test) and in the test phase chewed five sticks of gum per day for 20 min after meals and snacks. Microradiographs of the enamel lesions were made at baseline and at the end of the seven-week experimental period. In the sugar-free gum study, the weighted mean total mineral loss (delta z) difference [(wk7-wk0) x (-1)] was 788 vol.% min. x micron for the gum, corresponding to remineralization of 18.2%, vs. the control value of 526 vol.% min. x micron, 12.1% remineralization (p = 0.07). There were no significant differences for the surface-zone (p = 0.20) and lesion-body (p = 0.28) values. In the sucrose-containing gum study, the delta z difference was 743 vol.% min. x micron for the gum, corresponding to a remineralization of 18.3%, vs. the control value of 438 vol.% min. x micron, 10.8% remineralization (p = 0.08). The surface-zone values were not significantly different (p = 0.55). For the lesion body, however, the sucrose-containing gum value of 6.11 vol.% min. was significantly different (p = 0.01) from that of the control (2.81 vol.% min.).

Adult

Teeth for the future.

The main dietary influences on teeth are, with the exception of ingested fluoride, local rather than systemic. The frequent use of carbohydrates which can be rapidly fermented by dental plaque micro-organisms is the major factor in dental decay. Sweetened and/or highly acidic soft drinks or medicines sweetened with sugars may damage the teeth. Similarly infant's comforters also have their dangers if they provide prolonged exposure of the teeth to cariogenic conditions. Although dental caries is primarily a disease of children many adults still develop new lesions and adults who have lost gingival tissue through periodontal disease may develop root surface caries. Pathological conditions of the oral mucosa can arise from nutritional disorders or inappropriate dietary habits. Health education is most effective when it carries a positive message so encouraging patients to eat the right kind of tasty snacks and to round off meals with sugar-free products or a modicum of cheese should in healthier eating without conflicting with general health guidelines.

Adult

The areas of various surfaces in the human mouth from nine years to adulthood.

Surface area measurements of five regions of the oral cavity were made from study casts of 57 subjects with an age range from 9.3 to 19 years. While the longitudinal pattern of growth exhibited by the total of the five areas, when subgroups were compared, was characterized by a steady increase to around puberty (13 years), followed by a plateau, different areas showed different patterns of growth. Increase in the surface area of the teeth was associated with the eruption of the second and third molars, whereas the area of the buccal lingual mucosa continued to increase into adult life. The palate, buccal vestibular mucosa, and dorsum of the tongue demonstrated a typically skeletal pattern of growth, i.e., increase until puberty with a rapid cessation thereafter. The results of this study indicate the need for longitudinal data to further knowledge concerning growth of the oral cavity.

Adolescent