The research’s objective was to compare the effectiveness of dental unit waterline (DUWL) decontamination by combining shock treatment (ST) with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) followed by continuous treatment (CT) with chlorhexidine gluconate or ICX^TM . Thirteen dental units were treated with 0.005% NaOCl as ST. The first two groups were then treated continuously with 0.005% chlorohexidine and ICX^TM , respectively. Another group was kept as control. Water from each DUWL was sampled every working days for 2 weeks using aerobic heterotrophic plate count. Samples of colonies were randomly selected to be examined by Gram staining. The data was analyzed by using Mann-Whitney U Test. The DUWL cultured samples before the treatment had 6,800-195,000 CFU/ml. After ST, the average CFUs in water samples were reduced to nearly undetectable level in all dental units. CFUs in control group returned to pre-treatment level as early as day 5. Despite the gradual increase in bacterial count in chlorhexidine and ICX^TM groups, the CFUs were still below the pre-treatment levels by day 12. Percent reduction of CFUs recovered from chlorhexidine and ICX^TM groups were significantly higher than control group by day 5 and 12 ( p = .05 ). In contrast to the heterogenic Gram stain species of control group, most of the recovered bacterial in chlorhexidine or ICX^TM group were predominantly Gram negative bacilli. In conclusion, combining shock treatment with NaOCl followed by continuous treatment with 0.005% chlorhexidine gluconate or ICX^TM were more effective in inhibiting recoverable numbers of microorganisms from DUWL than shock treatment alone.

Extract from mangosteen pericarp has been known for its antibacterial activity against several pathogens that cause skin infection, diarrhea, tuberculosis, acne and dental caries. The purpose of this study was to examine the activity of mangosteen pericarp extract against bacteria associated with periodontal disease. Results showed that the extract was effective against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, but not Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for P. gingivalis were 20 and 40 µg/ml, respectively. The respective values for T. forsythia were 10 and 20 µg/ml. Time-kill assays for P. gingivalis showed that treatment with the extract at 2x MBC caused decreases in viable count of almost 2 orders of magnitude after 15 minutes, and viable organisms were not detected after 30 minutes. When the extract concentration was increased to 4x MBC, the bacteria were completely inactivated in only 15 minutes. The rate of bacterial killing was comparable to that of chlorhexidine, an antiseptic commonly used in periodontal therapy. The strong antiantibacterial activity of mangosteen pericarp extract against periodontal pathogens makes it a promising new agent for the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the relationship between behavioral factors, psychological factors, social factors and early childhood caries (ECC), and to study the variation of dental caries status and oral health behavior among 18-36-month-old Buddhist and Muslim Thai children in Tha Sala district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Data were collected from mothers/caregivers by using cross-sectional structured questionnaires, and dental examination records were obtained from children who participated in the study. The results showed that the prevalence of ECC among 256 children from study areas was 69.5 % with mean dmfs of 8.99䔮.63. No significance was found in dental caries status between Buddhist and Muslim Thai children at significant level .05. Muslim Thai children tended to have more inappropriate oral health behavior than Buddhist Thai children. The final multivariate analysis showed that the prevalence of both non-cavitated and cavitated ECC was significantly associated with age of child (p < .001), frequency of night-time feeding (p < .001), caretaker’s oral health education (p < .001), child’s daily tooth brushing (p < .05) and child’s cooperation in tooth cleaning (p < .05). In the final model of severe ECC (dmfs > 10), the variables significantly associated were age of child (p < .001), child’s daily tooth brushing (p = .001), child’s falling asleep during feeding (p = .004), child’s consumption of sweet drinks in bottle (p < .022) and sweet score (p < .045). In conclusion, both groups of children showed some different oral health behaviors because of their difference in beliefs and family structure. However, religion was not found to affect dental status of the children. Factors associated with early childhood caries included age, frequency of night-time feeding, dental health education of caretaker, child’s daily tooth brushing, child’s cooperation in tooth cleaning.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of parental discipline in their children’s daily care, dietary and oral hygiene practice and dental caries in their children. The samples included 138 children aged 6 to 72 months, lived in Muang District and its surrounding area in Chiang Mai. These children came to the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University for their dental care. Children’s dental status was recorded as decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft). Parents were asked by a questionnaire about their discipline, dental knowledge and general information. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Correlation between the parental discipline and children’s dental caries were analyzed by Spearman correlation. The results showed that there was correlated negatively and significant relationship between parental discipline and their children’s dental caries status at a moderate level (r = -0.315, p < .001). There were also correlated positively and significant relationships between mother education, mother age, paternal age and household income and parental discipline at a low level (r = 0.208, p = .01, r = 0.282, p = .001, r = 0.188, p = .03 and r = 0.245, p < .01). This study concluded that if parents were disciplined in children daily care, dietary and oral hygiene practice, the dental caries status of their children would be low. It was also found that mother education, mother age, paternal age and household income had the influence on parental discipline.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of smoking on periodontal tissues and halitosis. The study group consisted of 287 individuals. They received full mouth periodontal examinations and measurements of volatile sulfur compounds in mouth. The study group consisted of 76 non-smokers, 63 former smokers and 148 current smokers. The results showed that the mean clinical attachment level in non-smokers, former smokers and current smokers were 2.22۪.67 mm, 2.43۪.74 mm and 2.76۫.17 mm, respectively. Smokers had higher mean periodontal probing depth, mean clinical attachment level, mean number of sites with probing depth 4-5 mm and ≥ 6 mm than those of non-smokers (p < .05). The degree of association between the smoking status and the risk for halitosis was investigated using logistic regression analysis. Current smokers and former smokers were not at a higher risk for halitosis, compared to non-smokers. Heavy smokers ( ≥ 30 packyears) and moderate smokers (15 - 29.9 packyears) were not at a higher risk for halitosis, compared to light smokers (< 15 packyears). In conclusion, smoking had an adverse effect on periodontium, in terms of increasing probing depth and periodontal attachment loss. However, current smokers and former smokers were not at a greater risk for halitosis, compared to non-smokers.

The use of miniscrew implants as an orthodontic anchorage device has become an accepted method for obtaining absolute anchorage. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the insertion angulation protocols applied to the placement of miniscrew implants into the dentoalveolar bone. Case reports and original clinical articles which applied miniscrew implants to orthodontic treatment were considered and searched by electronic databases (Scopus, Pubmed). Abstracts were reviewed to select articles that met predetermined criteria. Final selection was completed by the researcher reading the complete articles. The search strategy resulted in 121 articles, of which 87 articles met the inclusion criteria and 76 articles referred to placement of miniscrew implant in the dentoalveolar bone. The articles were categorized according to the type and the year of publication, insertion site and insertion angle. The use of insertion angles for miniscrew implant placement was recommended only by a minority of protocols (31.6%). In these protocols, the use of insertion angles was recommended to prevent root damage (54.2%), to increase the bone contact surface (25.0%), or both to prevent root damage and to increase bone contact (16.7%). The angles most recommended for miniscrew implant placement into the dentoalveolar bone were 30-40 οC and 10-20οC for maxilla and mandible, respectively. However, there were no evidence-based studies evaluating the effects of implant insertion angle on the biomechanical performance of the miniscrew implants in the dentoalveolar bone. Therefore, further studies are necessary to evaluate the effects of insertion angle choice on the biomechanical performance of miniscrew implants.

This study’s objectives were to investigate the changes of mandibular positions in pre-molar extraction orthodontic cases and to seek the correlation coefficients of the changes in the positions of mandible, first molars and incisors. The non-randomized selected sample consisted of 32 adult females; mean aged 22.03 years (18-33 years) showing a skeletal Class I, normal bite malocclusion with ANB= 3۬ degrees and SN-GoMe = 33ۯ degrees. All patients were treated orthodontically with four premolar extractions. Pre- and post-treatment standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken on the same machine and cephalometric data were analyzed. MPA (SN-GoMe),Y-axis angle (NSGn) and SNPog angles were examined to evaluate the vertical and sagittal changes of the mandibular position. The changes of the mesial height of contour of the maxillary and mandibular first molars andthe incisal edge of incisors were recorded relatively to pre-treatment functional occlusal plane, vertically and sagittally. There is a statistical significant difference (Paired t-test, p < .05) of the pre- and post-treatment position of mandible. There are correlations between the increase of MPA and the decrease of SNPog angle and the extrusion of maxillary incisor position (r= 0.55, p < .01, r= -0.42, p < .05, respectively) and the backward movement of maxillary incisor position too. (r=-0.46, p < .05, r= 0.61, p < .01, respectively). There are correlations between the increase of Y-axis angle and the backward movement of maxillary incisor position and the extrusion of mandibular first molar position (r= -0.57, p < .01, r= 0.42, p < .05, respectively). There is a correlation between the decrease of Y-axis angle and the forward movement of maxillary first molar position (r= 0.45 , p < .05) . There are correlations between the decrease of Y-axis angle and the increase of SNPog angle and the backward movement of mandibular incisor position (r= 0.41, p < .05 and r= -0.52, p < .01, respectively). And there is correlation between the decrease of SNPog angle and the extrusion of mandibular incisor position (r= -0.55, p < .01). In summary, there is a statistical significant difference (pair t-test, p < .05) of the pre- and post-treatment positions of mandible in skeletal Class I, normal bite malocclusion adult females sample (mean age 22.03 years). The vertical and sagittal changes of mandibular positions are correlated to the changes of incisor and first molar positions.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tranexamic acid influenced in the reduction of blood loss in patients underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies.This randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies to correct the dentofacial deformities at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University from February 2006 to October 2006. A total of 19 patients in this study were divided into 2 groups, 10 patients were treated with 10 mg/kg TXA and the others were assigned as a control group. Standard bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies procedures were performed in all patients. Independent sample t-test was used at a significant level of p < .05. The study demonstrated that the intraoperative blood loss reduced by 36.92% in the experimental group, but the change was not statistically significant. The postoperative blood loss, total blood loss, hemoglobin level at the 1^stand 3^rd postoperative day, the difference of hemoglobin level at the preoperative and the 1^st postoperative day and the difference of hemoglobin level at the preoperative and the 3^rd postoperative day in the experimental group were similar to that in the control group. No patients in both groups received blood transfusion. There were no reports of thromboembolic events, post operative infection and other complications of all cases. In conclusion, tranexamic acid showed some influencesin reducing intraoperative blood loss but there was no statistically significant difference.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of different tooth cleansing methods on acid eroded teeth. Fifty enamel specimens were prepared from unerupted third molars and then randomly assigned into 5 groups. All specimens were eroded by pure orange juice for 5 minutes. Group A was not cleaned. Group B was cleaned (control group) by deionized water. Group C was cleaned by 0.05% sodium fluoride mouthwash. Group D was brushed immediately with an electric toothbrush with a fluoride toothpaste slurry. Group E was kept for 60 minutes in artificial saliva then treated with the same method as group D. During the experiment, all specimens were stored in artificial saliva and tested 3 times a day for 20 days. Lesion depth was recorded using a profilometer before and after treatment. The results showed that groups C, B, E and D had statistically lower lesion depths than the control group (p < .5). Group C had the lowest lesion depth while groups B, D and E showed no significant difference. Group A was significantly greater in lesion depth than all other groups. It was concluded that cleansing teeth after contact with acid can reduce erosion. However, the use of 0.05% sodium fluoride mouthwash after consuming acidic drink was shown to reduce erosion most effectively.

At present, it is generally accepted that mini-implant can be used for orthodontic anchorage. However, dentists may not be accustomed to the mechanism of pain perception of pain during implant placement surgery. To elucidate the basic knowledge about this particular pain, this article summarizes the literature related to this type of pain. Pain during mini-implant placement surgery can be caused by the injured tissues as the implant is driven into the alveolar bone including gingiva, mucosa and periosteum. In addition, nociceptors in the bone proper may play a role in the generation of intraosseous pain. It should be noted here that careless drilling during the surgery may damage the periodontal ligament or pulpal tissue. Injured periodontal ligament and pulpal tissue could theoretically generate different pain signal from their surrounding tissues. Understanding pain characteristics from all these tissues during the surgery may enable the dentist to safely place an implant and minimize such an adverse effect.

The objective of this article was to review the recent literature pertaining to stability assessment of orthodontic miniscrew implants. Stability is an important factor for the clinical success of miniscrew implants, and is related to local bone quality and quantity, type of miniscrew implant, and placement technique. Methods of stability assessment reported in the literature included clinical, histological, and biomechanical assessments. It was clear that the stability during functioning as an orthodontic anchorage was an important criterion for the success of miniscrew implants.

Oral lichenoid lesion and oral lichen planus have similar clinical and histologic findingsbut oral lichenoid lesion occurs on mucosa directly contact or close to a dental restoration. The etiology may result from allergic reaction to dental restorative materials such as amalgam, resin composite, composition of dental crown. These allergens cross-react with contact tissue and cause delayed-hypersensitivity. When the causes are removed, oral lesions are improved. We reported a case of a 49-year-old female patient with gingival lesions, which were localized in closed contact with amalgam restoration. The oral manifestation showed white lines, which could not be rubbed off, with erythematous and erosive areas. She experienced burning sensation when eating spicy food. Tissue biopsy and skin patch test were carried out. The results of patch test revealed allergies to amalgam and copper sulfate. The patient was treated with 0.1% fluocinolone acetonide in orabase as well as the replacement of amalgam restoration with resin composite. The lesions were improved and the burning sensation disappeared at four weeks after the treatment. No recurrence was observed after the periodic follow-ups for 6 months.

The objective of the research was to study oral health behaviors and dental anxiety in a group of Thai adolescents. A sample of 291 students was selected using a simple random sampling of Thai adolescents aged 11 to 18 in two schools in Bangkok. The self-administered questionnaire composed of questions about socioeconomic background, oral health behaviors, and dental fear and anxiety according to the Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) translated into Thai language. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, 2-independent sample t-test and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that, 41.2% were males. Sixty-eight percent were from families with monthly income lower than 15,000 Baht. The majority (92.3%) of them reported to brush their twice daily. Twenty-two percent use dental cleansing aids (mouth rinse or dental floss) in addition to brushing. However, only 9.5% visited dentists every 12 months where 90.5% visited dentists only when they had dental problems. Thirty-six percent received dental treatments in the past 12 months. The main reasons for not visiting the dentists every 12 months were having good oral health (46.4%) and dental fear (19.2%). Other reasons (34.4%) included having no time and lack of money. The Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale showed that 28.7% of the students had high to very high dental anxiety. The highest anxiety occurred when they were on the dental chairs. The mean anxiety of different dental treatments varied with the highest score for dental examination. Females had slightly greater mean DAS (3.56, s.d.=1.77) than males (3.12, s.d.=1.75). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean DAS of different gender, family income, and brushing frequency. There was a statistically significant difference in DAS between students with (mean DAS=7.69) s.d.=2.97 and without (mean DAS=10.58) s.d.=4.01 regular dental visits every 12 months (p < .001). In conclusions, the majority of the adolescents reported that they brush twice daily. However, only one-tenth of them visit dentists every 12 months. The Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale showed that a quarter of the students had high to very high dental fear and anxiety. Comparing between various types of dental treatment, the highest anxiety occurred when they had an oral examination. From the DAS result, the students who have routine dental examination every 12 months had statistically significantly less DAS than the one who did not have routine dental examination.

Estrogen deficiency mostly results in a low bone mass in postmenopausal or bilateral oophorectomized women. Since evidence linking changes in alveolar bone density to estrogen status was lacking, this study aimed to compare alveolar bone density changes between postmenopausal or bilateral oophorectomized women with hormone replacement therapy (H+) and without hormone replacement therapy (H-). There were 13 H+ and 17 H- subjects completed this study. All were between 1-6 years after reaching menopause. They were in good periodontal health at entry and received regular 2- or 3-month oral prophylaxis during the study period. Intraoral radiographs were taken from lower posterior teeth using individual geometric standardized device under control of current, voltage, exposure time and film processing. Radiographs were converted into digital images. Alveolar bone density gain or loss between baseline and 12-month images were evaluated by intensity analysis software. The result indicated that H- group displayed a higher mean net loss in alveolar bone density when compared to H+ group at 12-month interval. However, differences between groups did not reach statistical significance (p > .05). Furthermore, H- group exhibited a higher number of sites demonstrating loss in bone density, while H+ group exhibited a higher number of sites demonstrating gain in bone density with Odds Ratio of 1.78 and 95% confidence interval of 1.48 – 2.14. Thus, estrogen status may influence a trend toward alveolar bone density changes in postmenopausal women who displayed healthy periodontal status.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral cancer. Even with the advanced technology in cancer treatment at the presence, the 5-year-survival rate of oral cancer patients has not been improved significantly. Early detection of oral cancer is believed to be an important step to achieve good prognosis and treatment outcome. The aims of this paper were to review oral cancer screening studied in many countries, and to propose points of consideration for the most effective oral cancer screening.

Denture adhesive has been a product that supplements efficiency of the denture for more than a century. There have been continuous modifications in the formula and improvement of the products. Denture adhesives are provided in powder, paste and pad which have differences usages, advantages and disadvantages. Some practitioners may still have doubt, conjecture and prejudice in the salutary use of denture adhesives. This article provides a concise knowledge to diminish the misapprehension involving history, type and composition. The article also describes properties, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of denture adhesives. Management and cleaning of denture adhesive as well as problems and misuse of denture adhesive are proposed. The objective of the article is to provide information in decision making of the use of denture adhesive in various types of patients.

To achieve a good restorative dental treatment, function and esthetics are combined without overlooking the biologic responses. Many reports have shown the relevance of oral lichen planus and the allergy of metal restorations. The purpose of this study was to explore dental metal allergy with oral lichen planus in a group of Thai. Ten patients with histopathologic verified oral lichen planus with metal restorations in their teeth have completed the epicutaneous patch test. Only one patient has shown allergy to mercury and nickel. After the amalgam restorations removal, her symptom has improved significantly. From the results, it has been concluded that the number of patients displaying oral lichen planus from dental metal allergy is low.

The purpose of this study was to compare effectiveness of conventional technique and rotary instrument technique for gutta-percha removal. Ninety extracted human upper anterior teeth were selected. The canals were instrumented with step-back technique, obturated with laterally condensed gutta-percha. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups of 30 specimens each, group 1: conventional technique; Hedstrom files with eugenol were used to remove gutta-percha, group 2; ProFiles 300 rpm with eugenol, were used to remove gutta-percha and group 3; ProFiles 800 rpm alone were used to remove gutta-percha. The time for gutta-percha removal was recorded. Teeth were grooved longitudinally and split. All samples were photographed. The amount of gutta-percha remaining on the canal walls was then traced,scaned and measured using Pixel comparison program. Data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results showed that the mean percentage of wall coveraged by remaining gutta-percha in the ProFiles with eugenol group and the ProFiles alone group was significantly less than the Hedstrom files with eugenol group( p < .05). ProFiles alone removed gutta-percha the fastest. In conclusion, using rotary instruments, either ProFile 300 rpm with eugenol or ProFile 800 rpm alone can remove gutta-percha significantly more rapid and leave less remaining gutta-percha than conventional technique in straight single canal teeth.

The objective of this study was to determine split pattern of sagittal split ramusosteotomy (SSRO) with varied inferior border cut depth. Fifteen cadaver mandibles, 6 males and 9 females, with 68.3 years old mean age (SD=10.4), were fixed in Plaster of Paris. Inferior border of each mandible was flipped upward and parallel to horizontal plane. The thickness of inferior border was measured by digital veneer caliper. Standard SSRO was performed in each specimen, but the inferior border osteotomy was varied. In group 1 (5 specimens), depth of osteotomy was 1/3 of bucco-lingual thickness of mandible, whereas the depth in group 2 (5 specimens) was 2/3 and group 3 (5 specimens) was throughout the thickness of mandible. In group 1, four mandibles had favorable splits, whereas one mandible had unfavorable split. In group 2, all mandibles had favorable splits. However, in group 3, only two from five mandibles had favorable splits. The unfavorable splits included facture of lingual plate of molar area, fracture of buccal plate, fracture to posterior ramus, and fracture to the neck of condyle. From this study, there is tendency that favorable SSRO fragments are obtained after 1/3-2/3 cut of inferior border of mandible, whereas unfavorable fragments occurred higher after complete cortical cut. However, from Fisher’s Exact test, depth of inferior border cut osteotomy may not affect the split pattern of SSRO (p = .077).

The aim of this study was to examine the cusp numbers and groove patterns of the mandibular permanent second molars in a group of southern Thai people. One thousand and eight hundred thirty pairs of study casts (920 males and 910 females) with bilateral mandibular permanent second molars were evaluated. Then the cusp numbers and groove patterns were recorded. Statistical analyses between males and females were performed by Chi-square test at significant level .05. The results showed that, for the cusp numbers, six hundred and sixty-two pairs (71.96%) in men and six hundred and fifty-eight pairs (72.31%) in women were bilaterally four-cusp. For the groove patterns, the majority of the samples were (+)-pattern. There was no statistically significant difference between the cusp numbers and groove patterns in males and in females (p > .05). This study could be a basic data for further study of the cusp numbers and groove patterns in Thai population and genetic relationship or migration of the population.

This study’s objectives were to assess and compare oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), perceived needs and normative needs in a group of Thai older people. Data were collected through oral examinations to assess normative denture need, and interviews to assess OHRQoL and perceived denture need. Samples were 110 older people who participated in local meetings organised for elderly people during January 2006. The Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) index was used to assess OHRQoL. Severity and frequency scores of oral impacts were recorded, and impacts scored were later calculated. 88.2% of older people had normative denture need while 53.6% had oral impacts on quality of life and 47.3% had perceived denture need. Relationships between OHRQoL/perceived need and normative need were statistically significant. However, nearly half of those normatively needing dentures did not have oral impacts/perceived needs. Diagnostic values of OHRQoL/perceived need against normative needs were low. OHRQoL/perceived need poorly predicted the normative needs of individuals. In order to assess oral health in a multidimensional concept, the subjective assessment should be used in combination with the traditional normative assessment.

To date, the dental implant has been accepted as a standard of care for tooth replacement. The high success rate of dental implants with its wide spread use indicates that more and more implants will require maintenance in the future. This article discusses the nature of soft tissue surrounding implants, the cause of peri-implant disease, diagnostic parameters for peri-implant disease, and maintenance care for dental implants. Dental plaque is the cause of peri-implant inflammation, so called peri-implant disease, which shares many features to periodontal disease. Peri-implant diseases are classified into peri-implant mucosistis and peri-implantitis. Peri-implant mucositis is presented with redness and swelling of peri-implant mucosa without marginal bone loss. Peri-implantitis, on the other hand, show redness and swelling of peri-implant mucosa, deep probing depth as well as destruction of marginal bone. Peri-implantitis is one of the major cause of late implant failure. Regular maintenance of dental implants is therefore critical for their long term success.

The objectives of this study were to describe dental caries prevalence, nutritional status and to identify the correlation of sugary eating habit with dental caries and obesity among Thai children under the age of five. Data were collected by interviewing caregivers who brought their children to Well Baby Clinics for vaccination or to day care centers in 255 community hospitals in 20 provinces. This study surveyed demographics, all sorts of food taken in the last week, snacks and drinks taken in the past 24 hours with their treasons. And dental caries examination was performed in 4,043 children. Data analyses included Chi-square test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and forward stepwise logistic regression statistics. Results revealed that actual caregivers were mothers only 41.1% finished primary schools (53.7%), almost all resided in rural areas (92.3%), and three-fourth of them had family income less than 10,000 Baht per month (75.6%). The prevalence rates of dental caries and obesity were 47.9% and 9.3%, respectively. Sixteen percent of the children pertained regular sugary eating habit. Average daily sugar intake from snacks and drinks was equivalent to 30.4 grams.Half of the samples (51%) had sugar intake less than the standard (24 grams per day). Entire 24 hour snacks and drinks were summed up to 13,634 items including fruits (17.5%), snacks (37.2%), sugar-free drinks (15.4%) and sugar drinks (29.9%). It was also found that regular sweet consumption (OR = 1.866, 95% CI, 1.573 – 2.212, p = .000), frequency of snacks and drinks >5 items per day (OR = 1.161, 95% CI = 1.008 - 1.338, p = .039) and amount of sugar from snack and drinks > 40 grams per day (OR = 1.201, 95% CI = 1.039 – 1.389, p = .013) were associated with child dental caries. However, only amount of sugar from snack and drinks > 40 grams per day was found to be associated with obesity (p = .013).

This study’s objective was to assess oral health-related quality of life, perceived needs and demands for denture and factors affecting perceived needs and demands in a group of elderly Thais normatively needing dentures. Data were collected in 32 elderly Thais, using a combined qualitative and quantitative method through structured and in-depth interviews. If any oral impacts on quality of life were detected, older people were asked to rate their impacts. Results showed that subjective assessment differed considerably from normative assessment and from service utilisation. Forty-seven percent of the elderly did not have oral impacts while 28.1% had low and 25.00% had high levels of oral impacts. Oral impacts affected quality of life mainly through eating difficulties. Eighty-one percent had perceived need for denture; 34.6% did not have oral impacts. 43.8% had demands for denture; 35.7% did not have oral impacts. Nevertheless, 47.1% of those having oral impacts and perceived needs did not get access to service. The discrepancy between demand or service utilisation and oral health-related quality of life was due to factors such as free service, dental personnel’s suggestions, problems regarding general health and socioeconomic conditions.

The purpose of this study was to assess the difference of static frictional force between stainless steel brackets and low-friction beta titanium alloy wires at different second-order angulations. Stainless steel brackets with 0.018 inch x 0.025 inch in slot (mini dyna-lock, 3M Unitek) were tested. Four types of orthodontic wire alloys with 0.016 inch x 0.022 inch in dimension used to this study included Stainless Steel Archwire (Ormco), Beta III Titanium Archwire (3M Unitek), Colored TMA^® Honeydew (Ormco), and Nickel-Free Titanium Beta III Archwire (Masel). They were tested at second-order angulations of 0 degree and critical angle (1 degree). Static frictional force was evaluated using a Lloyd Universal Testing Machine. Each test was performed with a new bracket-wire sample. All experiments were carried out at a room temperature in the dry state. One-Way Analysis of Variance and multiple comparisons were used for testing the difference of static frictional force of wire types at the same second-order angulations. Independent-Sample t test was used for testing the difference of static frictional force of 2 second-order angulations in the same wire. The results showed that,at 0 degree, stainless steel wire had statistically significant lower static frictional force than the other 3 types of low-friction beta titanium alloy wires (p < .05). No significant differences were found among low-friction beta titanium alloy wires. At 1 degree, stainless steel wire and Colored TMA Honeydew wire showed lower static frictional force than Beta III Titanium and Nickel-Free Titanium Beta III wires with statistical significances (p < .05). No significant difference was found between Stainless Steel and Colored TMA Honeydew wires. The static frictional force was increased when the second-order angulations were increased to 1 degree.However, there were significant differences of static frictional force only in Stainless Steel wire and Beta III Titanium wire (p < .05). At 0 degree, there were no statistical differences of static frictional force among three types of low-friction beta titanium wires. At 1 degree, however, Colored TMA Honeydew showed the lowest static frictional force when compared with the remained two types of low-friction beta titanium wires. Thus, when tooth movement with sliding mechanic on beta titanium wire is needed, Colored TMA Honeydew may be the optimal choice in such situation.

The purpose of this study was to compare the shear bond strengths of orthodontic brackets bonded to enamel surfaces using a self-etching primer system and phosphoric acid etching technique with self-cured (Unite^TM, 3M Unitek) and light-cured adhesives (Transbond^TM XT, 3M Unitek). The metal orthodontic brackets were bonded under different enamel surface preparations: Group 1 (n = 20): 37% phosphoric acid etching, bonded with Unite^TM ; Group 2 (n = 20): 37% phosphoric acid etching, bonded with Transbond^TM XT; Group 3 (n = 20): self-etching primer, bonded with Unite^TM ; Group 4 (n = 20): self-etching primer, bonded with Transbond^TM XT. All specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours and then thermocycled between 4°C and 55°C for 1,000 cycles before debonding. An Instron universal testing machine was used to determine the shear bond strength at acrosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Mean shear bond strength of group 1 2 and 4 were significantly greater than group 3, but there were no statistical differences (p > .05) among group 1 2 and 4. It can be concluded that the mean shear bond strength of groups 1 2 and 4 are clinically acceptable. However, group 3 has the lowest bond strength compared to group 1 2 and 4 and may not be clinically acceptable.

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of Carabelli’s tubercles of the maxillary permanent first and second molars in few Thai groups of southern Thailand. One thousand and six hundred seventy-five pairs of study casts (840 males and 835 females) with bilateral maxillary permanent first and second molars were used. The Carabelli’s tubercle was categorized into 8 grades. Males and females were compared using Chi-square test at a significant level .05. The results revealed that, in maxillary permanent first molars , four hundred and forty teeth (26.19%) in men and four hundred and twenty-eight teeth (25.63%) in women had the Carabelli’s tubercles. In maxillary permanent second molars, seven teeth (0.42%) of each males and females had Carabelli’s tubercles. There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of Carabelli’s tubercles in males and females. Therefore, this study provides basic data for further study for the Carabelli’s tubercles in Thai population.

To date, soft denture lining materials have been used in several applications fordental treatment. This study reviewed the various applications of soft liners available in the literature and also discussed some interesting topics and tips for use of these materials. Soft liners are divided, according to the duration of use, into short and long-term materials. They are made of the different chemical substances that make them suitable for application in various situations. Short-term soft liner is mainly used as a tissue conditioner for the treatment of traumatic tissue or immediate denture and can be used as a temporary liner, a functional impression material for fabrication of several types of prostheses and to improve the stability and retention of the record base. Long-term soft liner or resilient liner is mainly used as a soft base of acrylic denture for patient who cannot tolerate hard base of regular denture. This material is durable and flexible enough to pass through the undercut area of bony exostosis without trauma; therefore, it is beneficial to use the combination of resilient liner and regular denture base in this situation, eliminating the need for treatment with flexible denture. In addition, it can be used to improve the stability and retention of the obturator, to gain retention for implant-supported overdenture and to make a functional impression for the ocular prostheses.