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[Microscopic study of dental calculus in cadavers from the 18th-19th centuries].

The authors studied the dental calculus of 20 mummies with ligth microscopy, polarized ligth microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Gram positive bacteria could be detected in all preparates, while Gram negative bacteria in 12 and fungi only in 3 dental calculus was visible. Animal food remains within five, and plant remains in all dental calculus were identified. Anorgic element and cell debris were seen in all preparates.

Adult↗

Fluoride distribution in human dental calculus obtained from different sites on the tooth surface.

We examined the site specificity of fluoride (F) distribution in human dental calculus. Teeth with supra- and subgingival calculus were obtained from patients who resided in non-fluoridated areas in Japan and China. Sequential layers of the dental calculus (30 microns thick) were abraded by an abrasive micro-sampling technique and fluoride and phosphorus in the powdered samples were analyzed. Fluoride concentrations were highest in the outer, lowest in the middle and intermediate in the inner layers of dental calculus in general. In the outermost layers fluoride concentrations were highest in calculus found near the tooth cervix both in supra- and subgingival calculus. Fluoride concentrations decreased markedly toward the apical region in subgingival calculus, while it did not change toward the incisal or occlusal region in supragingival calculus. In the inner layers, fluoride concentrations in both supra- and subgingival calculus were not affected by position on the teeth. Fluoride concentrations in subgingival calculus near the apex were lower than in supragingival calculus near the incisal or occlusal region. It was concluded that the fluoride concentrations differ in different regions of dental calculus, probably due to their different mechanisms of formation.

Calcium Phosphates↗

Inhibitory effect of a novel bisphosphonate, TRK-530, on dental calculus formation in rats.

BACKGROUND: A newly developed bisphosphonate, TRK-530 (disodium dihydrogen[4-(methylthio)phenylthio]methanebisphosphonate), has recently been reported to show anti-inflammatory and anti-bone-resorbing activity. Since bisphosphonates have been shown to inhibit the formation of calcium-phosphate crystals in vitro, TRK-530 may inhibit the formation of dental calculus. Therefore, the present study was performed to examine whether this compound has such an effect. METHODS: Three groups of Wistar rats fed a calculogenic diet (RC16) were treated with TRK-530 in drinking water at concentrations of 0 (control group), 0.75, and 1.5 mM. Another group received a daily subcutaneous injection of TRK-530 at a dose of 2.25 micromoles/rat, which was assumed to correspond to the maximum amount of this compound absorbed from the intestine when rats received 1.5 mM TRK-530 in drinking water. Rat dental calculus formation was evaluated. The crystalline nature of dental calculus was studied by x-ray diffraction analysis. Finally, the effects of TRK-530 on the precipitation of calcium-phosphate from solution were tested in vitro. RESULTS: TRK-530 in drinking water inhibited dental calculus formation dose-dependently. However, subcutaneous injection of TRK-530 did not have any significant effect, suggesting that the anticalculus effect of TRK-530 in drinking water was topical, not systemic. The calculus that formed in both the control and experimental groups was primarily hydroxyapatite, a main constituent of human dental calculus. TRK-530 inhibited the precipitation of calcium-phosphate from solution in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: TRK-530 inhibited the formation of dental calculus in a dose-dependent fashion via a local effect. Inhibition of the precipitation of calcium-phosphate from solution might be involved in the anticalculogenic mechanism of this drug.

Administration, Topical↗

[Incidence of dental caries and dental calculus in the front dentition].

The attempt had been made to determine interrelations in the incidence of dental caries and dental of frontal dentition in a total of 100 healthy individuals aged 21-40 years. Caries susceptibility was evaluated as averagely higher in the upper frontal denture and lower in lower one. Both supragingival and subgingival forms of dental calculus were of rare occurrence in upper portion, and they occurred massively in lower portion of denture. In the upper frontal portion, the significant correlation has been stated statistically between the caries susceptibility and the quantity of both forms of dental calculus. The higher was caries susceptibility, the lower was the amount of dental calculus. The lower frontal denture showed the significant differences as to the incidence of supragingival calculus at various degree of caries susceptibility in the same sense as in the upper one. No difference in unsatisfactory status of dental hygiene was determined in both portions observed. The periodontal disorder was more expressed with age and it showed no significant difference in both mentioned portions.

Adult↗

Scanning electron microscopy of dental calculus.

The morphologic structure of anorganic dental calculus was studied by means of the scanning electron microscope. From surface observations, calculus is apparently composed of two components with distinguishable patters of calcification. One component is formed by the precipitation of minute calcific crystals on microorganisms and intermicrobial substances (plaque matrix). Such calcified masses, often spherical in shape, have a sponge-like appearance with empty spaces representing the former sites of entombed and degenerated organisms. Thus, intracellular calcification is not evident at this stage of calculus development. The other component, although having at least one common calcification front with the former, does not appear to be directly associated with microbial calcification. It exhibits a configuration of generally larger crystal growths of varying shapes and sizes. These two calcification patterns are comparable, both in distribution and size, to what has been observed by means of the transmission electron microscope, and what Schroeder has designated as "types A & B centers of mineralization," respectively. The calcific precipitation in type A centers have been identified by X-ray diffraction as hydroxyapatite. It is, therefore, speculated that the crystal patters in type B centers might represent other known forms of calcium phosphates present in calculus, such as octacalcium phosphate, whitlockite and brushite.

Calcium Phosphates↗

Use of scanning electron microscopy to investigate dental calculus in dogs.

The formation of dental calculus in dogs is a major problem. Scanning electron microscopy of tartar specimens from dogs revealed on the outer surface of the plaque polymorphic configurations, more or less arranged as free filaments, corn-cobs or swab-like structures. Uninhabited bacterial recesses were found on the inner surface of the calculus. Calcification may occur between or within the bacteria. Elucidating the mechanisms of calculus formation should help in the development of prophylactic measures.

Actinomyces↗

Gingival recession, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus in adults 30 years of age and older in the United States, 1988-1994.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and extent of gingival recession, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus in United States adults, using data collected in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). METHODS: The study group consisted of 9,689 persons 30 to 90 years of age obtained by a stratified, multi-stage probability sampling method in 1988 to 1994. The weighted sample is representative of U.S. adults 30 years or older and represents approximately 105.8 million civilian, non-institutionalized Americans. Gingival recession, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus were assessed at the mesio-buccal and mid-buccal surfaces in 2 randomly selected quadrants, one maxillary and one mandibular. Data analysis accounted for the complex sampling design used. RESULTS: We estimate that 23.8 million persons have one or more tooth surfaces with > or = 3 mm gingival recession; 53.2 million have gingival bleeding; 97.1 million have calculus; and 58.3 million have subgingival calculus; and the corresponding percentages are 22.5%, 50.3%, 91.8%, and 55.1% of persons, respectively. The prevalence, extent, and severity of gingival recession increased with age, as did the prevalence of subgingival calculus and the extent of teeth with calculus and gingival bleeding. Males had significantly more gingival recession, gingival bleeding, subgingival calculus, and more teeth with total calculus than females. Of the 3 race/ethnic groups studied, non-Hispanic blacks had the highest prevalence and extent of gingival recession and dental calculus, whereas Mexican Americans had the highest prevalence and extent of gingival bleeding. Mexican Americans had similar prevalence and extent of gingival recession compared with non-Hispanic whites. Gingival recession was much more prevalent and also more severe at the buccal than the mesial surfaces of teeth. Gingival bleeding also was more prevalent at the buccal than mesial surfaces, whereas calculus was most often present at the mesial than buccal surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: Dental calculus, gingival bleeding, and gingival recession are common in the U.S. adult population. In addition to their unfavorable effect on esthetics and self-esteem, these conditions also are associated with destructive periodontal diseases and root caries. Appropriate measures to prevent or control these conditions are desirable, and this may also be effective in improving the oral health of the U.S. adult population.

Adult↗

The crystalline components of dental calculus in the domestic cat.

Feline dental calculus was found to consist of carbonate-containing hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)3(CO3)3(OH)2. Other forms of calcium phosphates consistently present in human calculus, and calcium carbonates found in horse, dog, and miniature pig calculus were not present. Calculus composition was performed using wet chemical method, x-ray diffraction, spectrographic analysis, and infrared spectrophotometric analysis. All samples showed traces of amorphous material, including magnesium and ammonium, but were negative for uric acid, cysteine, and oxalate.

Animals↗

In vivo remineralization of human enamel and dental calculus formation.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the inorganic composition and the surface morphology of remineralized enamel areas and of dental calculus in heavy-calculus-formers (five subjects) and to compare these results with those of non-calculus-formers (two subjects). Electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) was carried out on sound, acid-etched, and in vivo remineralized enamel samples from heavy- and non-calculus-formers. The mean values of Ca, P, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, Cl, and K were compared with the SEM morphology. EPMA measurements showed no significant differences in the Ca/P ratio of the surface layers of prism-oriented and/or homogeneous enamel remineralization. The variations of remineralization pattern after acid-etching are similar in teeth from heavy dental-calculus-forming patients and in teeth from non-calculus-formers. The SEM appearances of remineralized areas and of the inner surface of mature dental calculus must be considered to be totally different. The experiments carried out suggest that the remineralization of enamel is not related to the formation of calculus.

Calcium↗

The prevalence and incidence of dental calculus in adults.

The occurrence of dental calculus is widespread with various investigators having reported evidence of calculus accumulations in a vast segment of the population. The purpose of this paper is to provide information on both the prevalence and incidence of calculus formation among adults. To determine prevalence, a total of 1,426 adult males and females were graded in Indiana for the presence of calculus using the Volpe-Manhold (VM) Index on the lingual surfaces of the six mandibular teeth. A second panel of 980 subjects was recruited in Texas to determine the incidence of calculus over a six-month period. These latter participants were given a thorough dental prophylaxis, a sufficient supply of a sodium fluoride dentifrice and toothbrushes, and were instructed to use the dentrifrice as they normally do, at least once a day. Six months after the prophylaxis, 804 participants were available and were examined for calculus accumulation using the VM Index. Results from both clinical trials indicate that males have more calculus than females and calculus formation was directly related to age for both sexes. Data are presented regarding the frequency distribution of VM Index scores by sex and age.

Adolescent↗

Crystallography of supragingival and subgingival human dental calculus.

Selected area electron diffraction of sections and individual crystal fragments of human dental calculus has demonstrated that octacalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite and whitlockite form the inorganic part of both supragingival and subgingival dental calculus. However, the major constituents in supragingival calculus are platelet-shaped crystals of octacalcium phosphate and needle-shaped crystals of hydroxyapatite, while bulk crystals of whitlockite is the predominant component in subgingival calculus. The subgingival samples seemed to be better crystallized than the supragingival ones. The results obtained by the electron optical and X-ray powder investigations are in good agreement.

Calcium Phosphates↗

A quantitative microradiographic study of mineral content of supragingival and subgingival dental calculus.

This study was undertaken to determine the distribution and concentration of mineral in supragingival and subgingival dental calculus. Extracted incisors and premolars with attached dental calculus were used. After fixation the specimens were dehydrated and embedded in methylmethacrylate and 100-micrometers-thick ground sections were made. Microradiographs were produced and the mineral content in the sections was determined photometrically, using an aluminum step-wedge as a reference system. The distribution of the mineral varied considerably within the specimens and between different specimens. Supragingival calculus appeared heterogeneous and often stratified, containing areas that seemed to be non-calcified. The average mineral content was 37% by volume. By contrast subgingival calculus appeared homogeneously calcified, with an average mineral content of 58%. No differences in mineral content between surface areas and portions close to the tooth were seen. This indicates that once the calculus is formed no changes occur in the mineral content, i.e. no maturation occurs with age. Local variations in mineral content within the calculus might be explained by periodic differences in the fluid environment of the microbial plaque.

Absorption↗

Possible origin of sulfated glycosaminoglycans in human dental calculus.

The sulfated glycosaminoglycans present in human dental calculus have been shown to be dermatan sulfate and chondroitin-4-sulfate. The composition suggests that the glycosaminoglycans present in calculus, particularly subgingival material, could originate as a result of associated periodontal disease since closely similar compounds have previously been identified in normal and inflamed human gingiva.

Dental Calculus↗

Rare and abnormal massive dental calculus deposit: an investigative report.

An unprecedented case is presented involving a massive calculus buildup on the mandibular incisors. The clinical and radiographic findings were reviewed, probable causes were investigated, and results were outlined and discussed. The composition, origin, and formation of dental calculus and its interrelationship with dental plaque and saliva were highlighted. The role of dental calculus in the pathogenicity of periodontal diseases, in view of epidemiological data, research, and clinical study findings, is discussed. Both the case management and the benefit of total calculus removal for resolving periodontal disease are underlined.

Adult↗

Electron microscopy of dental calculus.

Electron microscopy of ultrathin osmium-fixed sections of dental calculus, cut with a diamond knife without prior decalcification, revealed densely mineralized areas entrapping many degenerating microorganisms, within which were deposited similarly electron-dense crystals. Two principal forms of crystals were found, the predominant type being of the same order of magnitude and shape as those found in bone, and showing the typical characteristics of apatite in selected area electron diffraction patterns.

Apatites↗

Identification of osteopontin in human dental calculus matrix.

Osteopontin is a prominent non-collagenous component of bone matrix, although it is expressed in several other tissues. Recently, osteopontin was reported to be involved in urinary stone formation and atherosclerotic lesions of the aorta, suggesting that it may be a key protein associated with these types of pathological mineralization. In this study, whether or not human dental calculus contains osteopontin was investigated by immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analyses. After extraction of calculus proteins with EDTA and separation of the proteins by electrophoresis, immunoblotting analysis revealed the presence of osteopontin. Two forms of osteopontin appeared at 61 and 68 kDa on 10% polyacrylamide gel and the proteins were digested with thrombin, a highly specific protease. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that osteopontin was localized in dental calculus adherent to tooth roots. These findings indicate that osteopontin is, in fact, present in human dental calculus and may be involved in calculus formation as the stone matrix.

Dental Calculus↗

Phytolith analysis on dental calculus, enamel surface, and burial soil: information about diet and paleoenvironment.

Silica phytoliths (microscopic remains originating in plant tissues) have been identified on the enamel surface and dental calculus of a sample of teeth selected from well preserved skeletons from a Late Roman necropolis in Tarragona (Spain). Phytoliths were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their siliceous nature was confirmed by X-ray microanalysis. The phytoliths were compared to those of soil samples from both the areas of the tombs corresponding to the abdomen and the periphery of the skeletons, and were classified taxonomically by comparison with a large collection of silica particles from modern plants in the Mediterranean area. Most of the phytoliths identified on the enamel and the dental calculus belong to the family of Poaceae, while the phytoliths from the abdominal area belong to Poaceae, Leguminosae, Cyperaceae, and Chenopodiaceae. Results are concordant with archaeological, ecological, and historical data from the same site, and with the human Mediterranean diet. If done properly, the study of phytoliths can provide direct information about the vegetable diet of past human populations, and could be applied to the study of human fossils.

Adult↗