Biomedical subjects

H Murtomaa

Publications and source records attributed to H Murtomaa.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1994

Trends in toothbrushing and utilization of dental services in Finland.

Prevention and control of common dental diseases highly depends on individual behavior, and during the last decades, individuals have increasingly been required to take responsibility for their own oral health. In Finland the rate of toothbrushing and dental visits were first surveyed nationwide in 1971 by interviews with a sample of 1063 individuals, drawn to represent the total population aged 15 yr and over. At the time, 68% of the 829 dentulous interviewees claimed to brush at least once a day. Using another sample of 1006 interviewees, drawn in the same manner, in 1990 the brushing rate was found to have increased to 91% in 853 dentulous subjects. Daily brushing was more frequent among women (98%) than men (83%). The most distinct positive change regarding brushing frequency was found among men and those with only elementary education. In 1971 the interval between the two most recent dental visits was 1 yr or less for 44% of all the interviewees and for 25% it was more than 5 yr. In 1990, 53% of the interviewees had visited a dentist within a year and the visiting interval was more than 5 yr for 16%. The youngest subjects were the most frequent visitors: 60% of them in 1971 and 74% in 1990. The results indicate a clear trend toward more frequent brushing in Finland. However, this trend regarding dental visits does not seem to be equally remarkable.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Utilization of dental services by Finnish seamen.

Utilization of dental services by Finnish seamen was surveyed late in 1990. Three hundred and sixty-five respondents on different vessels at sea for more than 5 days returned a pretested questionnaire. A randomly drawn control group of 230 workers at a ventilation-equipment-producing plant was also surveyed. Fifty-five per cent of the seamen studied and 73% of the control group stated they had visited a dentist within the year before the survey. One-third of the seamen stated that an acute dental condition had been the reason for their last dental visit. Almost one-third of the seamen and 5% of the control group reported having last visited a dentist at a health center. When questioned separately, 14% of the seamen stated that they had not received dental treatment fast enough when needed. One-third of the seamen surveyed offered ideas for improving their dental services, half of them suggesting an increase in facilities and personnel at health centers for seamen. Periodic oral examinations for and full use of oral health self-care procedures by seamen are recommended.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Comparison of the clinical status of third molars in young men in 1949 and in 1990.

We investigated the clinical status of third molars in 876 Finnish conscripts aged 19.9 years (SD, 1.1 years) and compared the findings with data on male students of the same age from 40 years before. Significantly more partially erupted and fewer totally erupted lower third molars were found in the present study than 40 years earlier: 29% (95% confidence interval +/- 3%) versus 19% were partially erupted (p > 0.001), and 13% (confidence interval +/- 3%) versus 23% were totally erupted (p < 0.001). Fifty-eight percent of the lower third molars in the present study were clinically missing, whereas 13% (confidence interval +/- 2%) were totally erupted. The respective percentages in the upper jaw were 56% (confidence interval +/- 3%) versus 38% (confidence interval +/- 3%). Thirty-eight percent (confidence interval +/- 3%) of our subjects had one or two partially erupted third molars in the mandible and 10% (confidence interval +/- 2%) in the maxilla.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Third molars as an acute problem in Finnish university students.

The study was carried out to determine the risk of acute disease of third molars in young adult patients. The subjects in this case-control study were 100 consecutive university students who complained of third molar problems when making an appointment. The third molars were mostly mandibular, partly erupted, and distoangularly oriented. Severity of discomfort and interference with daily activities were graded by the patients on average as 5.0 (SD +/- 2.7) and 3.6 (SD +/- 2.9), on a scale from 0 through 10. Distoangular lower third molars caused the most discomfort and interfered most with activities of patients. The risk of acute disease in patients with distoangularly oriented third molars was 3.6 times that in other patients. Bivariate analysis showed that if the follicle of a distoangular third molar were enlarged, the risk of acquiring acute disease was 44 times that in other patients. It was concluded that early removal of partially erupted and distoangularly oriented lower third molars is recommended, especially when they are associated with an enlarged follicle.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1993

The Dental Fear Survey Schedule: a study with Finnish children.

The reliability and validity of the Dental Fear Survey Schedule for Children (DFSS-C) was examined in a sample of 828 school children in Finland. The DFSS-C mean was 22.1. Choking, injections and drilling were the most common fears. Internal consistency indicated a high level of reliability. Factor analysis (principal components, varimax rotation) found three factors accounting for 54% of the scale variance. Factors were defined as (1) fear of highly invasive procedures, such as injections and drilling; (2) fear of potential victimization, including fear of strangers, choking and hospitals; and (3) fear of less invasive procedures, such as opening the mouth and being examined by the dentist. The factor pattern was similar to results obtained with a sample of children in the United States. There were significant differences in fear score for children whose parents reported them fearful and/or reported them to have had a previous bad experience at the dentist. Boys (but not girls) who had a DMFT score of at least 1 had a significantly higher mean DFSS-C score (21.1) than those who were caries free (20.0). These data suggest the DFSS-C operates in Finland as it does in the United States, but that culture-specific minimal scores for determining high dental fear are needed.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1993

One-year trial of the effect of rinsing with an amine fluoride-stannous-fluoride-containing mouthwash on gingival index scores and salivary microbial counts in lymphoma patients receiving cytostatic drugs.

This double-blind study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of twice-daily use of a mouthwash containing 0.025% of fluoride as amine fluoride-stannous fluoride (AmF + SnF) or 0.05% of fluoride as sodium fluoride (NaF) on visible plaque index (VPI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) and on some salivary micro-organisms in patients suffering from non-Hodgkin or Hodgkin lymphomas. 79 patients were allocated at random to the two mouthwash groups. Mouthwashing began at the start of cancer chemotherapy. Results relating to 45 patients who completed a 1-year rinsing protocol showed a significant decrease in VPI and GBI in the AmF + SnF group. An increase was found in the NaF group. Mean values for stimulated salivary secretion rates and buffering capacities mostly did not differ significantly from baseline values during the study. In both groups, mutans streptococci counts decreased significantly after the study began and remained low in the AmF + SnF group. No corresponding effect was seen in relation to lactobacilli and yeast counts. In the NaF group, lactobacilli counts increased significantly over a year. Significantly more patients reported adverse or unpleasant effects in the AmF + SnF group (52%) than in the NaF group (6%), although both solutions had the same colour and taste. However, all patients continued with rinsing.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Periodontopathic bacteria and salivary microbes before and after extraction of partly erupted third molars.

This study examines the effect of extraction of third molars on suspected periodontopathogenic microbes, salivary acidogenic bacteria, and yeasts. The subjects were 39 healthy conscripts aged 20.2 yr, with symptom-free, partly erupted mandibular third molars. Microbial samples were taken from the mandibular third molar pericoronal space and from the adjacent gingival pocket of the second molar. The samples were stained by Gram's and Giemsa's methods and studied under a light microscope. Stimulated saliva was collected for assessing mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and yeast counts by chair-side kits. All partly erupted third molars were extracted from 20 test subjects; 19 control subjects were left untreated. Microbial samplings were repeated 2 and 5 months postoperatively. Results showed that at base line the total number of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-negative rods, and spirochetes was significantly higher at the third molar than at the second molar sites. The extraction of the third molars caused a significant decrease in the percentage of these bacteria at the second molar sites. High counts of salivary mutans streptococci (CFU > or = 10(6)) and lactobacilli (CFU > or = 10(5)) were also significantly less frequent after the operations. Yeast counts were not affected by the extractions. Thus, partly erupted third molars may harbor a periodontally pathogenic microflora and increase the number of salivary acidogenic microbes.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Effect of erupting third molars on dental caries and gingival health in Finnish students.

The purpose of this study was to assess how the eruptive status of third molars relates to gingival and dental health and, in particular, to the status of the adjacent second molar. One hundred and twenty-three young adults were followed up over a 6-year period, from age 20 to age 26. The status of the second and third molars, and DMF, DMFS, DS, MS, and FS indices, periodontal condition, and salivary acidogenic bacterial counts were assessed. The 6-year DFS increase in relation to second molars was greatest in sextants with unerupted third molars. The percentage of erupting third molars that became carious or had been filled during the study period was 30%. Most new caries lesions or filled surfaces were on mesial surfaces of second molars and occlusal surfaces of third molars. The periodontal condition was best in mandibular sextants in which the third molar was missing. It is concluded that the most favourable situation for upper second molars is if the neighbouring third molar is missing by age 20.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Effect of chewable antiplaque preparation on plaque and gingival index scores in military academy cadets during their two-week winter camp.

Dental emergencies in the military are mostly due to infections of the teeth. Practising normal oral hygiene is very difficult during terrain maneuvers, for example. Therefore, a chewable antiplaque preparation was developed to inhibit the growth of dental plaque. The preparation contains chlorhexidine, fluoride, and xylitol and it can be easily added to the soldier's kit. This paper presents results on the efficacy of the preparation in maintaining satisfactory oral hygiene in military academy cadets during a 2-week winter camp. The preparation was found significantly more effective in reducing gingivitis than conventional brushing of the teeth (p < 0.001).

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Effect of extraction of partly erupted third molars on subgingival microorganisms.

This study was made to investigate the effect of extraction of third molars on subgingival microbes in 39 generally and gingivally healthy men with an average age of 20.2 years (SD 0.9). Microbial samples were taken from the pericoronal space of symptom-free partly erupted lower third molars and from the adjacent gingival pockets of the second molars. The samples were cultivated anaerobically. All partly erupted third molars were extracted from 20 subjects. A control group of 19 subjects was left untreated. Microbe sampling was repeated 2 and 5 months postoperatively with highly significant results. It was shown that at baseline the number of black-pigmented gram-negative bacteria and Fusobacterium species was more frequent in third molar than in second molar sites. The total bacterial count decreased significantly at the second molar sites after extraction of the third molars when compared with the control group. Before the extractions, black-pigmented gram-negative bacteria were detected in 45% of the test subjects and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in 20%. The respective postoperative figures were 30% for black-pigmented gram-negative bacteria and 10% for Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Capnocytophaga species were not affected by the extractions. The findings suggest that erupting third molars may harbor harmful bacteria that can be reduced by eradicating the foci.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Salivary flow and composition in lymphoma patients before, during and after treatment with cytostatic drugs.

To investigate the effect of modern, intensive chemotherapy on salivary flow rate and composition, 79 patients suffering from Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin lymphoma were studied before, during and after administration of cytostatic drugs. 49 patients (mean age 49.9 years, 30 men, 19 women) completed the 1-year study. All patients who received radiotherapy or medication other than cytostatics were excluded. The results showed no marked differences in stimulated salivary flow rates, buffering capacities and amylase and total protein concentrations between the beginning and the end of the 12 month trial. However, significant increases in albumin secretion into saliva and salivary lysozyme concentrations were observed. Total salivary IgG, IgA and IgM concentrations decreased significantly during the cancer therapy but values returned to the baseline levels after termination of treatment. Despite the well-known cytolytic effect of anticancer drugs, chemotherapy need not therefore be permanently detrimental to saliva.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Age and maintenance of removable dentures in Finland.

The age and maintenance of dentures, and denture-cleaning habits, were studied by an interview survey. The material represented nation-wide the Finnish population aged greater than or equal to 15 years old, and there were 957 interviewees, of whom 328 were denture wearers. In total, 45% of the upper and 40% of the lower dentures were over 10 years old. More than one-third of the dentures more than 5 years old had never been maintained during that time. Individuals whose dentures had been made and fitted by dental technicians visited dentists less frequently than individuals whose dentures had been made by dentists. Over 80% of the denture wearers reported cleaning their dentures by brushing at least once a day, and women cleaned them more frequently than men. The present findings suggest that denture wearers should be a special target group for dental health education, for the development of the latter, and for the development of dental health care services in the future.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

The effect of a combination of chlorhexidine diacetate, sodium fluoride and xylitol on plaque wet weight and periodontal index scores in military academy cadets refraining from mechanical tooth cleaning for 7-day experimental periods.

45 subjects participated in a double-blind cross-over mouthwash study where a new tablet-form combination of chlorhexidine, fluoride and xylitol (XYLIHEX) was studied together with solutions of chlorhexidine (CHX) and sodium fluoride (NaF). The preparation XYLIHEX was developed as a dental chemotherapeutic that could easily be added to the soldiers' kit to be used under circumstances where practising normal oral hygiene habits is restricted. For comparative purposes, XYLIHEX was prediluted in this study to make a solution. Before starting, professional prophylaxis was given to the subjects to bring their gingivitis index scores as close to 0 as possible. The subjects refrained from mechanical tooth cleaning for three 7-day test periods. Plaque wet weight and periodontal index scores were recorded before and after the test periods. The results showed that the preparations XYLIHEX and CHX did not statistically differ from each other in reducing plaque wet weight values and the recorded periodontal index scores. Both these preparations were statistically highly significantly more effective antiplaque agents than NaF, as expected.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Observations and concepts of the oral health consequences of tobacco use of Finnish periodontists and dentists.

The observations of Finnish periodontists and other dentists, and their concepts of the oral health consequences of tobacco use as well as their counseling on tobacco use, were surveyed from November 1987 to January 1988. A questionnaire was mailed to all 61 Finnish periodontists and to 535 other dentists; 37 periodontists (61%) and 432 of the other dentists (80%) responded. The periodontists enquired about and advised on smoking significantly more frequently than did the other dentists; 71% of the periodontists often or always enquired about, and 62% advised their patients on smoking. 31% of all dentists had patients who were users of smokeless tobacco, and 62% of those dentists had often or always advised the users to quit. Nearly all dentists had seen some tobacco-caused effects. Periodontists reported more frequently than the other dentists that they had observed more periodontitis, impaired healing of periodontitis and more changes in the oral mucosa in smokers compared with non-smokers. The majority of those who had seen users of smokeless tobacco had noticed changes in the oral mucosa and in the color of the gingiva. The majority of all dentists believed that heavy smoking may impair the host response in the periodontium, with periodontists believing in this more strongly than other dentists.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Work-related behavioral and dental risk factors among confectionery workers.

The dietary habits and dental health behavior of 294 employees in a Finnish confectionery company were studied to determine the reasons for their dental caries experience and their caries-promoting salivary microbiological findings. A diary and a questionnaire were used. A caries risk index was constructed for salivary microbiological findings. Daily dietary acidogenic exposures were calculated, and differences between low and high caries-risk groups were analyzed. Statistically significant differences in dietary habits between the low- and high-risk groups were found for the entire study population and for the men, the cookie markers, and the sweets makers. A significant positive correlation was found between untreated caries and the number of sugary meals. No differences were found in dental health behavior or dental knowledge between the study groups. The results show that the nature of between-meal snacks and confectionery workers' freedom to consume their products constitutes a potential hazard to dental health.

Cooking↗

PubMed1992

Use of dental services by students of Helsinki University during six years.

This follow-up study was carried out to survey the utilization of dental services among university students, together with treatment modalities received during their six years of university studies. Initially 20-year-old students were followed during six years, starting from their first year at the University of Helsinki. Results of the questionnaire showed that during the previous 12 months 59% of the students had had a dental appointment, mostly on their own initiative. According to the patient register, 83% of the students, during their studies, had received dental care financially subsidized at the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) in Helsinki. During the six years of follow-up, the mean number of appointments was 9.3 per patient (SD 6.8). Female students made dental appointments relatively more often than did male students (p < 0.01). The main treatment modality was restorative care. Patients did not show up for 3.5% of all appointments reserved. One sixth of all visits were made by a group representing 5% of the study group. In conclusion, as the utilization of FSHS dental services was very common, and as restorative dentistry continues to be the main treatment modality among Finnish university students, prophylaxis of caries in systematic dental health care programmes at FSHS is of prime importance and thus has a good possibility to reach each student.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Mechanical aids in the prevention of dental diseases in the elderly.

Dental practitioners, who are often unaccustomed to treating geriatric patients, should be taught to accept that old people do not necessarily respond to optimal dental treatment as younger patients do. There is an evident need for continuing education in this respect. The many plaque removing mechanical aids available, such as toothbrushes, toothpicks, and dental flosses, have not been studied in the elderly. Since manual dexterity decreases with increasing age, the use of electric tooth cleaning devices and other aids for improving oral hygiene should be encouraged among the elderly. This is particularly so in patients with physical or mental handicaps. Future studies should investigate the benefits of preventive dental procedures in the elderly and to survey their knowledge, attitudes and behaviour related to oral health. Maintaining proper oral hygiene among the institutionalised elderly has been neglected in many cases. Nurses and other staff in institutions need more information about the role of optimal oral health in the patient's general health and well-being. Staff also need to know more specifically how to help the patients in their daily oral hygiene and how to take care of the patient's dentures. The recently discovered association of poor oral health with life-threatening vascular diseases and other medical catastrophes further emphasizes the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Diseases of the mouth and the teeth must be diagnosed and treated in the elderly, who are just as entitled to receive individually designed preventive dental care as are the younger generations.

Aged↗

PubMed1992

Effect of an experimental antiplaque preparation on salivary microbial counts in military academy cadets refraining from mechanical cleaning of the teeth.

Dental emergencies in the army are mostly due to infections of the teeth, caused by dental plaque micro-organisms. Because practicing normal oral hygiene is restricted during terrain maneuvers, for example, we developed a new antiseptic tablet preparation which can be used to make an antiplaque solution or even chewed and thus mixed with saliva to rinse the mouth. The preparation contains chlorhexidine, fluoride, and xylitol (XYLIHEX) and can be added to the soldier's kit. The efficiency of the preparation on selected oral micro-organisms was tested against mouthwash solutions containing plain chlorhexidine (CHX) and sodium fluoride (F) in 45 military cadets who volunteered to participate in this double-blind cross-over study. The results showed a significant decrease in salivary mutants streptococci after rinsing periods with XYLIHEX and CHX when compared with F (p less than 0.001). Lactobacilli and yeast counts were not affected. The new preparation appeared promising as a new means for improving soldiers' oral hygiene.

Adult↗