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Biomedical subjects

M E Curzon

Publications and source records attributed to M E Curzon.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

A comparison of the effects of some extrinsic and intrinsic sugars on dental plaque pH.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of some intrinsic and non-milk extrinsic sugars on plaque pH. Three fruits (apple, orange and banana) in three different physical forms (whole, homogenized and juice) were tested. Ten adult volunteers refrained from brushing their teeth for 48 hours and did not eat or drink for at least 2 1/2 hours before each test. Measurements of plaque pH were made at baseline to determine the resting plaque pH and at time intervals of 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23 and 27 minutes following a 1-minute rinse/chew of each test fruit. A pooled sample of plaque was removed from the buccal surfaces of six teeth representing all four quadrants of the mouth and thoroughly mixed with 20 microliters of distilled water. Plaque pH was determined using a micro-glass combination electrode. Data were compared with plaque pH changes resulting from rinsing with 10% sucrose solution. Analysis of pH minima and 'area under baseline pH', using ANOVA and multiple Turkey tests, indicated that there was no significant difference in any of the parameters between the different forms of preparation within one fruit, except for the minimum pH of whole orange and orange juice (P < 0.05). The results showed that homogenization of the fruits had little effect on acidogenicity even though the intrinsic sugars had been converted to extrinsic sugars. Both whole and mashed banana were of similar acidogenicity to 10% sucrose. Therefore it was concluded that there was no significant difference in the acidogenic potential between intrinsic sugars and extrinsic sugars derived from fruits.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Integration of methods for determining the acido/cariogenic potential of foods: a comparison of several different methods.

Assessment of the acido/cariogenicity of 11 fruits and cereals was carried out using methods recommended at the San Antonio Conference: plaque pH by sampling (PS), indwelling electrode (IDE) and intra-oral cariogenicity test (ICT), together with additional tests of the total carbohydrate content of salivary expectorants, acid anion profiles of plaque, liberated maltose in plaque, total food carbohydrate and fluoride concentration. All foods within each test were compared with sucrose and sorbitol as positive and negative controls. Results for foods were ranked against sucrose for cH area under the curve for PS, for mean ratio [H+] of food versus sucrose (IDE) and mean change in indenter penetration length in enamel after exposure (ICT). Results showed that different rankings of foods were obtained with each method, with a greater degree of commonality for PS and ICT versus IDE. Factor analysis identified liberated maltose in plaque, area below the curve (PS), total food carbohydrate and plaque pH drop (PS) as being important in determining the potential cariogenicity of foods. It was concluded that each of the methods was of value and could be used to assess potential acido/cariogenicity of foods. The recommendation that it was desirable that at least two methods should be used was confirmed.

Acids↗
PubMed1996

Acidogenic potential and total salivary carbohydrate content of expectorants following the consumption of some cereal-based foods and fruits.

The acidogenic potential of a group of popular cereal-based foods and fruits and total carbohydrate content of salivary expectorants following their consumption were assessed using an indwelling electrode with telemetry and the anthrone method. Paired t tests indicated that sorbitol did not cause the plaque pH to fall as low as any of the test foods (p <0.05) but there was no significant difference between sucrose and the test foods. Only the fruits produced less acid than sucrose. The breakfast cereals tended to yield the highest levels of total carbohydrate in the salivary expectorants although a greater percentage of original carbohydrate was retained after rice and bread. These results suggest the important effect of carbohydrate retention on plaque pH response.

Acids↗
PubMed1995

A clinical trial comparing two doses of oral temazepam for sedation of paediatric dental patients.

A study was carried out to compare the effectiveness of two doses of temazepam elixir for the behaviour management of paediatric dental patients. Twenty-two children aged 2-5 years (mean 4.06 years), classified as ASA Class I and II (American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification), were assigned to receive either 0.3 or 0.5 mg/kg temazepam elixir in a double-blind randomized cross-over study. All treatment sessions were videotaped and rated independently by three paediatric dentists for the degree of crying, movement, sleep and overall behaviour at 15-minute intervals while being treated. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two doses.

Anesthesia, Dental↗
PubMed1995

The effect of sucrose in medicines on plaque pH.

An investigation into the acidogenic potential of six of the most commonly used sugar-containing and sugar-free paediatric medicines was carried out on 10 adult volunteers. The guidelines of the Food, Nutrition and Dental Health Committee of the American Dental Association were followed. Subjects refrained from brushing their teeth for 48 hours and did not eat or drink for at least 2 1/2 hours prior to each appointment. pH measurements were taken at baseline to determine 'resting' plaque pH and at time intervals of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes following a 1-minute rinse with each medication. A pooled sample of plaque was removed from the buccal surfaces of posterior teeth, thoroughly mixed with 20 microliters of distilled water and plaque pH was determined using a glass combination electrode. Data were compared with plaque pH changes after rinsing with control solutions of 10% sucrose and 10% sorbitol. An ANOVA test indicated all sucrose-containing preparations produced a significantly greater drop in plaque pH than their sucrose-free counterparts (P < 0.001). The study provided evidence in support of prescribing sugar-free preparations for children on long-term medication.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1995

Breast feeding, bottle feeding and dental caries in Kuwait, a country with low-fluoride levels in the water supply.

A study was carried out in Kuwait, a country with low levels of fluoride in the water supplies, to determine the prevalence and extent of caries in early childhood, and enquire into associated factors. Mothers of pre-schoolchildren were interviewed, and their children aged 18 to 48 months received a dental examination. Of the 227 children examined, 107 (47 per cent) were caries free, and 41 (18%) had five or more dmf teeth. 'Nursing caries', affecting at least two maxillary incisors, was seen in 19 per cent of the sample. Breast fed children were significantly more likely to be caries free than those who were bottle fed from birth, although 'nursing caries' was positively associated with the practice of breast feeding at night 'at will' after 6 months of age (P < 0.01). Bottle fed children were more likely to develop caries, including 'nursing caries', particularly when the practice was continued to an older age. It was concluded that 'nursing caries' constitutes a significant dental health problem in Kuwait.

Bottle Feeding↗
PubMed1994

The fluoride content of bottled drinking waters.

Sales of bottled drinking waters in the United Kingdom have tripled over the last 5 years. The fluoride content of 12 bottled waters purchased from two Leeds supermarkets was determined by both the direct and acid diffusion methods and found to vary from 0.10-0.80 mg/l fluoride (ie ppm fluoride). This article shows that bottled drinking waters contain differing concentrations of fluoride. There is no apparent difference between the direct and acid diffusion methods for the determination of fluoride concentrations of drinking waters. The manufacturers' labelling of fluoride concentrations are mainly inaccurate. Dentists should be aware of the fluoride concentrations of the drinking water of their child patients, be they municipal or bottled drinking water, when prescribing fluoride supplements. Also, some parents are using bottled waters to prepare baby milk formulations which themselves may contain high levels of fluoride and subject their children to the risk of dental fluorosis.

Fluorides↗
PubMed1994

Cariogenic potential of foods. II. Relationship of food composition, plaque microbial counts, and salivary parameters to caries in the rat model.

A series of rat caries experiments was carried out to test the relative cariogenic potential and to identify the major carcinogenic elements of 22 popular snack foods. Parameters that were measured included rat caries, number of cariogenic bacteria in plaque, salivary parameters including flow rate, buffering capacity, total protein, lysozyme and amylase content, and composition of test foods including protein, fat, phosphorus, calcium, fluoride, galactose, glucose, total reducing sugar, sucrose, and starch. Many interesting relationships were observed between food components, numbers of plaque bacteria, salivary components, and specific types of carious lesions. Protein, fat, and phosphorus in foods were all associated with inhibition of both sulcal and buccolingual (smooth-surface) caries. Food fluoride was associated with inhibition of buccolingual caries, whereas calcium was related to inhibition of sulcal caries. Glucose, reducing sugar, and sucrose in foods were all related to promotion of both sulcal and smooth-surface caries. The numbers of Streptococcus sobrinus in plaque were associated with promotion of smooth-surface caries only, whereas lactobacilli, non-mutans bacteria, and total viable flora were related to promotion of both smooth-surface and sulcal caries. The salivary flow rate was associated with inhibition of both buccolingual and sulcal caries. Salivary buffering capacity (at pH 7) and salivary lysozyme delivery were associated with inhibition of number and severity of sulcal caries, while the salivary amylase content was related to the promotion of the number of sulcal lesions.

Amylases↗
PubMed1994

Effect of a calcium carbonate-based toothpaste with 0.3% triclosan on pH changes in dental plaque in vivo.

The effects of a calcium carbonate-based toothpaste with added 0.3% triclosan on the pH of human dental plaque after a cariogenic challenge with 10% sucrose solution was investigated against a calcium carbonate-based toothpaste without triclosan and an alumina-based toothpaste. A silica-based toothpaste served as a control. Twenty adult volunteers were included in this study. The results showed that the plaque pH drop and the area under the curve for both calcium carbonate-based toothpastes, with and without 0.3% triclosan, were significantly less as compared with the alumina-based toothpaste, with both parameters being least for the toothpaste with added 0.3% triclosan. Calcium carbonate has been shown in previous studies to have a buffering effect on the plaque pH after an acidogenic challenge. The addition of 0.3% triclosan to the calcium carbonate-based toothpaste seemed to enhance this effect.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

The use of tobacco and betel quid ('pan') among Bangladeshi women in West Yorkshire.

The high prevalence of oral cancer in South Asia has been linked to tobacco use particularly in conjunction with chewing betel quid or 'pan'. However, it is not known whether and to what extent these habits are practised by Asian people in the United Kingdom. Home based interviews using semi-structured questionnaires were undertaken among 296 first generation Bangladeshi women resident in inner-city Leeds and Bradford, West Yorkshire. 'Pan' was reportedly chewed by 282 (95 per cent) of the women, of whom 174 (62 per cent) added tobacco in leaf form, and 75 (27 per cent) as a component of zarda. Those who consumed more 'pans' daily were significantly older, less literate, had a lower educational attainment, and were more likely to believe that chewing betel quid was beneficial. Cigarette smoking was practised by 9 per cent, this group being older and having lived in the UK longer. Burnt tobacco leaves were used as an oral hygiene aid by 20 per cent. Over half (58 per cent) of the sample had never visited a dentist, the majority deeming it unnecessary. The use of tobacco and 'pan' imply an increased risk for oral cancer and precancer. Since 'pan' chewing is a traditional custom, health promotion within these communities would require a sensitive approach. Health personnel likely to be consulted by Asian groups who chew 'pan' should be aware of the danger to oral health posed by this practice.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Intravenous sedation for handicapped dental patients: a clinical trial of midazolam and propofol.

A double blind, cross-over study to compare intravenous sedation using continuous infusions of midazolam and propofol was carried out in 18 handicapped patients, aged between 5 and 26 years. Using a syringe pump (Ohmeda 9000) midazolam was delivered at 0.4 mg/kg/h with a bolus dose of 0.02 mg/kg and propofol was infused at 4.0 mg/kg/h with a bolus dose of 0.2 mg/kg. Sequential analysis showed that induction and recovery times were shorter with propofol (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively) and more work was performed over unit time (P < 0.05), with 15.7 units of work being completed per hour on patients under propofol sedation compared to 11.0 units under midazolam. The quality of sedation was assessed as better in patients receiving propofol; eight cases were abandoned under midazolam infusion due to failure of induction, uncontrolled movement and/or emotional outbursts compared with none under propofol. All parents/patients preferred propofol sedation, because recovery was faster and smoother.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

The effect of amoxycillin versus penicillin V in the treatment of acutely abscessed primary teeth.

A clinical study was carried out to compare the efficacy of a short course, high dose amoxycillin versus a conventional penicillin regimen in the treatment of acute abscessed primary teeth. In a blind way children were assigned to either group A (amoxycillin) or group B (penicillin). The efficacy of the antibiotics was assessed using the clinical parameters of pain, swelling, tenderness, mobility and lymphadenitis. The results showed a general trend of less swelling in patients in group A as compared with patients in group B. This was significant at days 1 and 7 for the operators assessment (Mann Whitney U test; z = 2.48 and z = 2.12). More teeth in group A were considered suitable for first stage pulpectomy by day 7 (c2 test; P 0.037 pounds). A short course, high dose amoxycillin regimen proved as efficacious as a conventional penicillin regimen.

Amoxicillin↗
PubMed1993

Parental presence during treatment of the child patient: a study with British parents.

A clinical study was carried out to determine if parental presence during dental treatment alters the child's behaviour when compared with parental absence. Thirty-two children who attended with a parent for a dental recall visit were randomly assigned to a parent present or a parent absent group. The age of the children ranged from 4 to 12 years. Twenty-three mothers and nine fathers attended during the study. Those parents absent during the visit viewed proceedings from behind a one-way mirror. Each visit was standardised in procedure and recorded on video tape. The results showed that 4 to 8-year-old children exhibited significantly more negative behaviour, regardless of parental presence, than the 9 to 12-year-olds. The presence of the parent did not lead to significantly greater negative behaviour. The parent's need to see what happened during the visit and the child's need to have a parent present were the most important reasons for having a parent present. Parents viewing from behind a one-way mirror were as satisfied with their position as parents who had been actually present in the surgery.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1993

Changes in the oral microflora during cytotoxic chemotherapy in children being treated for acute leukemia.

Thirty-four children with diagnosed cases of acute leukemias and being treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy at St James' Hospital, Leeds, were followed for between 6 months and 1 year to determine the changes in their oral microflora. They were examined before treatment commenced and then at monthly intervals. Swabs were taken from the oral cavity to test for the presence or absence of bacteria and Candida. Saliva samples were also used to assess the levels of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth. Sensitivity tests were carried out to assess the effect of the cytotoxic agents on the oral flora. All children received prophylactic nystatin and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinses four times daily for the whole period of the study. There was significant difference (p < 0.0001) for counts of S. mutans at different treatment stages. Sensitivity tests showed that S. mutans was sensitive to the cytotoxic drug daunorubicin, and this drug was probably responsible for the fall in S. mutans counts. A significant difference was also found in the types of bacteria isolated between the study and reference groups, but there was no change in the composition of the flora in the study group during treatment. These bacteria were also found to mirror those cultured from routine blood samples in children with acute leukemia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Prevalence and site characteristics of dental caries in primary molar teeth from prehistoric times to the 18th century in England.

A total of 1,974 primary molar teeth from the skeletal remains of 373 children from Prehistoric times to the 18th century were examined for caries prevalence and site characteristics. Results showed that caries in primary teeth was initiated more often at the cemento-enamel junction than the contact point in most time periods and that caries prevalence values recorded were comparable to those in other reports based upon much smaller sample sizes. Caries prevalence and site characteristics for primary molar teeth were found to be similar to those of permanent dentitions of corresponding periods, a finding that contradicts many previous studies. This study showed a higher caries prevalence in primary molars during the Romano-British period than recorded previously.

Child↗
PubMed1993

The effect of different concentrations of citrate in drinks on plaque pH.

The effect of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4% citrate in 10% sucrose solutions on the plaque pH in vivo was tested in 20 volunteers using the plaque harvesting technique. Results showed that the pH response for the three test solutions with citrate was significantly less compared with that for 10% sucrose (positive control) alone (p < 0.05). Mean areas under the pH curve were: sorbitol (negative control) 0.02, citrate 0.2% 5.30, citrate 0.4% 6.24, citrate 0.1% 6.94 and 10% 12.69. The cariogenic potential index of all the citrate test drinks was almost half compared with a 10% sucrose solution (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the addition of relatively low levels of citrate in a sucrose solution reduces the acidogenic response in the plaque.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Slow-release fluoride.

The latest evidence supports the concept of frequent applications of relatively low concentrations of fluoride for the elimination of caries, even in situations of high caries challenge. Dental materials exhibit a 'burst effect', and the fluoride release is short-lived. Intra-oral devices in the form of copolymer membranes or glass devices cause an elevation of salivary F levels for up to 2 years in animals and humans and have led to increased F uptake in enamel. Caries reduction has been achieved in rats using the copolymer device, and, at present, human caries trials using the copolymer and glass devices are under way in the USA and Leeds, respectively. These intra-oral devices hold great promise to target financial resources for prevention in groups of the population with high caries levels, in particular low socio-economic groups including ethnic minorities and the handicapped.

Animals↗