PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H Löe

Publications and source records attributed to H Löe.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1983

The use of six selected teeth in population measures of periodontal status.

Selected teeth have been used to represent the entire dentition in many epidemiological and clinical investigations. The present study sought to assess the relationship between the six selected teeth described by Ramfjord and the entire dentition for the Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Calculus Index and Loss of Attachment. The computations were performed on measurements obtained in investigations of the natural history of periodontal disease in Norway and Sri Lanka. A consistently strong correlation was observed between the tooth subset and whole mouth for all indices in both populations. This relationship persisted even though single members or pairs of the subset of teeth were removed from the calculations. Some bias, however, was observed with all indices. Plaque and gingival indices obtained from the six teeth underestimated whole mouth scores in the low range (less than 1.0) and overestimated scores in the high range (greater than 2.0). Use of the tooth subset for calculus and loss of attachment consistently overestimated scores for the entire dentition.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Principles of aetiology and pathogenesis governing the treatment of periodontal disease.

Modern periodontal therapy is based on the fundamental realization that accumulation of bacterial plaque at the gingival margin causes the incipient lesion in periodontal disease. Without interference, most lesions will progress to involve deeper parts of the periodontium. Recent research has revealed that dental plaque comprises a multitude of bacteria in various combinations with a variety of pathogenic potentials, that supragingival plaque is significantly different from the subgingival variety and that particular bacterial species are associated with different periodontal disease states. However, studies have not yet clearly defined a group of bacteria, much less one species, that is responsible for the different forms of periodontal disease. Therefore, the concept of specific pathogenesis is still not ready for clinical application in the prevention and treatment of these diseases, and dental plaque must be dealt with as an entity. Investigators have failed to demonstrate local or systemic factors, other than local aggregates of micro-organisms, that cause gingivitis and periodontitis. As in any other infections, the pathological events and final outcome are determined by the relationship between the microflora and host resistance. Presently, there are no known means by which the host factors can be manipulated to enhance the defense of the periodontium. Therefore, the only rationale for the clinical management of periodontal diseases is to interfere with the microbiological events. Since it is known that gingivitis precedes periodontitis, the only useful approach to preventing the development of periodontitis is to control gingivitis. The treatment of moderate and severe periodontitis also focuses on the elimination of subgingival bacteria and inhibition of recolonization. The target for this is the root surface, which must be detoxified. Surgical elimination of periodontal pockets is still a valid approach to the treatment of the advanced periodontal lesion but only in so far as it provides access to the subgingival accumulations of plaque. The key to success in periodontal therapy is to prepare the tooth surfaces in such a way as to make them biologically acceptable to the gingival tissues. This may be achieved with or without gaining surgical access.

Dental Plaque↗
PubMed1981

The role of bacteria in periodontal diseases.

The dental literature contains ample scientific data supporting the concept that periodontal diseases are infectious diseases. The formation of plaque on and around the teeth represents a massive accumulation of bacteria that are usually present in the oral cavity. This bacterial colonization is relatively independent of food intake, degree of salivation, mastication, or malocclusion.Although experimental studies have not defined the group of bacteria or a specific pathogen that is responsible for chronic gingivitis, it is known that the suppression of plaque is consistent with dental and periodontal health. It has been demonstrated that good oral home care combined with professional cleaning and/or the use of antimicrobial compounds can control dental plaque.In order to take full advantage of existing knowledge on dental care, it is necessary both to persuade the public to avail itself of the remedies available and to carry the message to practising clinicians, dental school staff, and dental scientists. The knowledge and techniques necessary to control plaque are available and, if applied collectively, can ensure the retention of the dentition throughout the life of the individual.

Animals↗