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Biomedical subjects

L B Messer

Publications and source records attributed to L B Messer.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction and selected health parameters in the elderly.

Little research has focused on temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) in the elderly. The present study describes relationships between TMJD and selected health parameters in a population of 75- to 94-year-old Roman Catholic sisters (nuns). Mental, physical, and oral assessments made on 117 sisters identified 26 with TMJD. Among all sisters, TMJD was not associated with age, education, mental impairments, hand coordination, handgrip strength, mobility, or use of walking aids. In 75- to 84-year-old sisters, TMJD was positively associated with self-reported arthritis (p = 0.12), edentulism (p = 0.09), and the presence of complete dentures (p = 0.05), and negatively associated with the number of teeth present (p = 0.05), especially the posterior teeth. These associations were weaker in 85- to 94-year-old sisters. This study suggests that TMJD is associated with the presence of complete dentures and a low number of teeth, especially the posterior teeth.

Aged

Long term retention of sealants applied by inexperienced operators in Minneapolis.

A clinical trial of 4047 single applications of Nuva Seal placed on the occlusal surfaces of primary molars, permanent first and second molars and premolars by 250 dental students showed that the sealants were not well retained. The sealant was fully retained on 86% of all permanent posterior teeth at 3 months, on 76% at 6 months, 58% at 12 months, 52% at 24 months and 41% at 36 months. At 4 years, complete sealant coverage was shown by 14% of primary molars, 25% of permanent molars and 68% of premolars. Permanent mandibular molars and premolars were superior to permanent maxillary molars and premolars in fully retaining sealants. Following sealant failure, i.e. providing partial coverage or missing, permanent maxillary molars and premolars were more prone to occlusal caries than permanent mandibular molars and premolars. At 4 years, caries was diagnosed in 40% of applications to permanent molars and in 9% of applications to premolars. Twelve instances of caries under apparently intact sealants were seen.

Adolescent

Postdoctoral research training in cariology: an opportunity initiated by the National Caries Program at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.

In response to the need for development of measures to effectively control human dental caries, a postdocroral research training program in cariology has been established at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. This article discusses the concept of cariology, the background leading to the development of the program, and the goals and structure of the program. The recruiting and training of individuals to perform and direct multidisciplinary basic and applied research in cariology are explained. A didactic and clinical program is presented which gives a comprehensive introduction to cariology to trainees with a Ph.D degree and little previous knowledge of the multifactorial nature of dental caries.

Curriculum

Nutrient intake and dental caries in the primary dentition.

An extensive literature has assessed the influence of diet on dental caries, but to date dietary influences on caries of the primary dentition have not been studied widely. This study examined the role of specific nutrients in the caries experience of preschool children. A total of 628 children ages 2 to 6 years received a dental examination, parent interview, and a seven-day diet diary. The diary was completed adequately for 269 children (43%). The average daily intakes of 15 nutrients were computed and compared with recommended dietary allowances (RDA); total sugar consumption and Ca/P ratio were calculated. Each child's gender, age, fluoride history, previous dental experience, and nutrient intakes were examined as independent variables. Stepwise logistic regression showed the combination of categories most predictive of caries was older age, suboptimal fluoride consumption, and recall dental visit. No association was apparent between dental caries and the intake of specific nutrients, total sugar consumption, or Ca/P ratio.

Age Factors

Sealant use by general practitioners: a Minnesota survey.

A 1987 random-sample mail survey on the use of sealants by general dentists in Minnesota (71 percent response, N = 375) found that almost all (95 percent) reported using sealants. Usage was predominantly for the six- to fourteen-year-old patient age-group. Frequency of use per week ranged from 1-25 (mean +/- S.D. = 3.3 +/- 3.6). More frequent use was associated positively with employing more dental hygienists, having more sources of information about sealants, having higher knowledge scores, and having more favorable opinions about sealants. While reported use of sealants is high in this state, the frequency of use and proportion of child patients receiving sealants were both relatively low.

Adolescent

Fluoride mouthrinses.

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Dental Caries