INDIVIDUAL
RESPONSIBILITY: PERSONAL APPROACHES TO ORAL HEALTH
PROVIDER-BASED CARE
FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE HEALTH CARE PRACTICES
FINDINGS
REFERENCES
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Chapter 8
Personal and Provider Approaches to Oral Health
Oral health is not a given. It takes conscious and repeated efforts
on the part of the individual, caregivers, health care providers, and
the community. For the individual, daily hygiene routines and healthy
lifestyle behaviors provide a frontline defense in disease prevention
and health promotion. Equally important are periodic professional assessments
of the individual’s oral health status, which may include diagnostic,
preventive, and therapeutic services and counseling. Community activities
complement personal and provider approaches to oral health. As discussed
in the previous chapter, these include water fluoridation, dental sealant
applications for children, tobacco cessation campaigns, the use of mouthguards
in sports, and a variety of other school- and community-based oral health
promotion and disease prevention activities. The interaction of these
components is critical to oral health, as it is to overall health. In
particular, there is now a better understanding of the relationship
of individual health to the health of the community in which the individual
lives, and the importance of this relationship is one of the underlying
premises of Healthy People 2010. This chapter discusses actions individuals
can take to maintain their oral health and prevent disease, and reviews
emerging approaches taken by dentists and other health care providers
to promote oral health, assess risks, and prevent disease.
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INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY: PERSONAL APPROACHES
TO ORAL HEALTH
Sound personal hygiene practices and adherence to a healthy lifestyle
are the mainstays of personal approaches to oral health. Long before
the germ theory of disease, the need for tooth cleaning was recognized—if
only to rid the mouth of food debris, eliminate odor, and improve appearance.
Tools developed for this purpose have ranged from primitive tooth sticks
and picks, still used in parts of the world, to the water irrigators
and electronic toothbrushes available in industrialized societies. An
impressive array of oral care products greets the shopper in supermarkets
and pharmacies today. Beyond the dozens of toothbrush shapes and sizes,
there are flavored and textured dental flosses, floss holders, rubber
tips, toothpicks, small brushes for cleaning between teeth, scores of
dentifrices, and a range of fluoride-containing, antitartar, and antiseptic
mouthrinses.
Daily oral hygiene efforts contribute to the prevention of dental caries
and periodontal diseases. The biofilm on tooth and root surfaces (dental
plaque) can be disrupted to a large extent by the mechanical action
of brushing and flossing. Daily efforts are necessary, not only because
of food intake, but also because dental plaque is never completely removed.
It starts to build up even after the most assiduous cleaning (or prophylaxis)
in the dental office and even after the application of a potent antimicrobial
mouthrinse. The oral and dental tissues and structures thus require
more intensive daily care than do other body areas exposed to the environment.
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Daily Hygiene and Dental Caries Prevention
The use of a fluoride-containing dentifrice is critical for dental
caries prevention. Even more beneficial than the physical removal of
plaque in toothbrushing is the delivery of a small amount of fluoride
to the tooth surfaces. Investigators have conducted numerous clinical
trials on fluoride dentifrices using rigorous designs and including
randomized groups, double-blind designs, and placebo controls. All together,
these studies provide strong evidence that using a fluoride dentifrice
is effective (Clarkson et al. 1993, Lewis and Ismail 1995, Stookey et
al. 1993). Fluoride dentifrices account for more than 90 percent of
the market in the United States, Canada, and other developed countries
(Levy 1994).
A fluoride dentifrice is an effective means of reducing the prevalence
of dental caries for all persons. Although children’s teeth should be
cleaned daily from the time they erupt, parents and caregivers should
consult a dentist or other health care provider about the use of a fluoride
dentifrice for children under the age of 2. For children under 6, fluoride
dentifrices should be used in small amounts to minimize swallowing of
the product. Mild enamel fluorosis can result from excessive dentifrice
use, because children under 6 do not have adequate control of the swallowing
reflex or may intentionally swallow a flavored dentifrice. Experts recommend
that for children under 6, the parent or caregiver should supervise
toothbrushing, apply a pea-sized amount (0.25 gram) of dentifrice to
the toothbrush, and encourage the child to spit out the excess (Bawden
1992).
Because the topical benefits of fluoride have been shown to be highly
effective, and daily exposure to small amounts of fluoride can reduce
the risk of dental caries in all age groups, experts recommend that
all persons drink water with an optimal fluoride concentration in addition
to brushing daily with a fluoride dentifrice (Bawden 1992, CDC in press).
This combination provides a cost-effective and easy way to prevent dental
caries and is an excellent example of the individual-community partnership.
For persons at low risk of dental caries, these two exposures to fluoride
may be the only ones necessary. For persons at moderate or high risk
of dental caries, additional fluoride may be helpful and can come from
daily use of another fluoride product. These can include mouthrinses,
prescribed supplements, and professionally applied topical fluoride
products (CDC in press).
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Daily Hygiene and the Prevention of Periodontal
Diseases
Toothbrushing and flossing also play a critical role in the prevention
of periodontal diseases. Unlike dental caries prevention, prevention
and control of gingivitis and periodontitis are achieved directly through
the mechanical removal and disruption of dental plaque (Genco and Newman
1996). Some dentifrices also contain chemical therapeutics to control
the formation of tartar (calculus) (Mandel 1995) and to reduce plaque
formation and gingival inflammation (Hancock 1996). Both manual and
electric toothbrushing are effective at removing plaque and preventing
gingivitis (Walsh et al. 1989, Axelsson et al. 1991). Interproximal
(between the teeth) cleaning is also important in maintaining gingival
health (Lang et al. 1994). In one short-term evaluation of adults, the
addition of flossing to the daily regimen of brushing resulted in an
almost twofold reduction in gingival inflammation (Graves et al. 1989).
Because preventive measures in periodontics rely mainly on the removal
of bacterial plaque and calculus, methods typically include personal
oral hygiene measures combined with professional diagnostic and prophylactic
measures (i.e., regular exam and cleaning). Periodic professional care
for removal of plaque and calculus deposits has also been demonstrated
to improve the periodontal health of participants (Cutress et al. 1991,
Ronis et al. 1993).
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Healthy Lifestyles
There is more to the individual’s role in promoting oral health and
hygiene than brushing and flossing. Other behaviors that have an influence
on oral health include use of tobacco and/or alcohol products, diet,
oral habits such as bruxing and clenching the teeth, and use of helmets,
mouthguards, or other protective devices. Table
8.1 summarizes selected behaviors that have an effect on oral, dental,
and craniofacial health status. These are described more fully in Chapters
3, 7, and 10.
Individuals can obtain credible information regarding oral health
from various sources, including health care providers, professional
organizations, government agencies, and patient advocacy groups. Increasingly,
the World Wide Web is a source for health care information. For example,
the National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse offers information
on oral health, with an emphasis on special care patients and their
health care providers.
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Care Seeking
In addition to self-care, individuals also need to seek professional
health care—both dental and medical—on a regular basis and whenever
a problem manifests. The recall interval is based on the provider’s
assessment of the individual’s dental and medical history and lifestyle
behaviors, among other factors. In the case of children and dependent
adults, parents and caregivers are responsible for teaching and encouraging
healthy behaviors and seeking timely and appropriate care. As noted
at the outset, it is only through the combination of individual and
professional care, reinforced by community-based health promotion and
disease prevention programs, that optimal oral and general health can
be achieved. The remainder of this chapter focuses on the role of the
professional in oral health care.
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PROVIDER-BASED CARE
The range of conditions and diseases that affect the craniofacial complex
is extensive and can provide clinicians with important indications about
the patient’s general as well as oral health status. Management of the
oral health–general health interface calls for interdisciplinary and
coordinated care and an enhanced role for primary care providers. Dentists,
oncologists, dermatologists, infectious disease specialists, hematologists,
endocrinologists, plastic surgeons, and rheumatologists are just a few
of the specialists who may be involved in the diagnosis and management
of conditions affecting the craniofacial complex.
Dentists, their allied staff, and medical and nursing personnel are
in a unique position to incorporate new approaches for prevention,1
diagnostic, and treatment strategies in
their practices. Advances in oral science are providing the basis for
a shift in emphasis from the repair and restoration of damaged tissues
to earlier diagnoses, control of infections, and remineralization and
regeneration of lost tissues. The application of risk assessment strategies
and interventions tailored to individuals and groups is expanding with
the increased understanding of risk factors and the development of biomarkers
that signal host resistance, susceptibility, and the presence and progression
of disease.
The changing demographics of the U.S. population and a greater understanding
of the relationship between oral health and general health are presenting
new challenges. Making clinical decisions for patients requires integrating
a range of interacting biological, psychological, social, cultural,
and environmental factors. In order for disease to manifest, the etiologic
agent(s) must be present, the host must be susceptible, the environment
conducive, and sufficient time available for the factors to interact
(Figure 8.1). Early diagnosis and
prompt treatment require an understanding of the pathology and of the
diagnostic, prevention, and treatment modalities available. As genetic
information accumulates, clinical judgments will increasingly be informed
by knowledge of an individual’s genetic susceptibility or resistance
to particular diseases and disorders. The development of tailored treatment
plans will require incorporating all these factors together with input
from the patient’s health providers, taking into consideration the patient’s
interests and needs. The following sections provide an overview of emerging
approaches to clinical management and highlight selected diseases as
examples.
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Risk Assessment
Given the greater understanding of disease etiology, epidemiology,
patient characteristics, and genetic information, it is becoming increasingly
possible to determine an individual’s risk of disease and tailor treatments
accordingly. Risk assessment for dentistry has been defined as “the
use of knowledge of factors that are associated with dental disease
to determine which patients are more or less likely to prevent or control
their dental disease” (Douglass 1998). The factors can include co-morbidities,
medications used, and patient characteristics such as sex, age, and
lifestyle behaviors, among others. By compiling such factors and sorting
them by risk category, patients can be classified into high- or low-risk
groups, enabling providers to make more comprehensive diagnoses and
identify patients who would benefit from more aggressive prevention
strategies. Such analyses conducted during the early stages of disease
can result in treatments that reverse or contain the disease process
(Douglass 1998). Knowledge of risk factors for oral and craniofacial
diseases and disorders allows other health care providers to screen
for these risk factors and contribute to improving oral health.
Risk assessment and disease prediction studies have focused primarily
on dental caries and periodontal diseases (Genco 1996, Page and Beck
1997, Pitts 1998, Powell 1998). In addition, risk factors for oral and
pharyngeal cancers have been explored (Johnson 1991). The evidence base
for risk assessment is developing from population-based studies. It
involves a research process in which a suspected risk factor is related
in a multivariate model to other factors and confounders (Beck 1990).
The resulting model is tested in a second group of subjects, and a targeted
intervention study is conducted to confirm the predictive validity of
the risk factor.
Although the application of research findings of risk assessment has
begun in some practices, the prediction of future disease at the individual
patient level has not yet been extensively studied. Douglass (1998)
has posed six clinically oriented questions that need to be addressed
if risk assessment is to be adopted into routine clinical practice:
1. Does the scientific theory or biologic logic of the risk factor
fit with our current body of knowledge about the disease in question?
2. Has the technical merit of identifying the risk factor (such as
imaging technologies and bacterial assays) been evaluated?
3. Has the efficacy of the risk factor in predicting disease been evaluated
in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive
values?2
4. Has the potential effect of the risk factor on the disease management
decision been explored? Can knowledge of the presence of a particular
risk factor or pattern of risk factors alter the treatment plan?
5. Has the influence of the risk factor on oral health outcomes been
assessed?
6. Has the cost-effectiveness of collecting risk factor data from each
patient been evaluated? Is the added expense justified either by increased
effectiveness or by avoiding other expenses?
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Diagnostic Tests
Whereas risk assessment aims to predict future disease and disease
progression, diagnostic tests evaluate a patient’s current status with
regard to a specific disease or disorder. They enable the provider to
formulate, in cooperation with the patient, a treatment plan. In relation
to dental caries and periodontal diseases, the diagnosis ideally should
not only detect the presence of disease, but also distinguish between
active and arrested disease.
Today, most diagnostic tests for oral conditions are based primarily
on anatomic clinical evidence. However, microbiological, pathological,
immunological, genetic, and tissue metabolite tests are increasingly
available and valuable. Table 8.2 cross-references
diseases with categories of diagnostic tests available. The following
sections describe elements of a general health assessment and highlight
risk assessment, diagnosis, and prevention of selected diseases and
conditions.
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Oral Health Assessment
An oral health assessment involves an evaluation of an individual’s
overall health status, including any risk factors and personal needs
that can affect health and treatment options. For the majority of craniofacial
conditions, this assessment and subsequent care are coordinated with
a range of health care providers, with the intent of enhancing the patient’s
overall health and well-being.
The information gathered for the assessment is derived from patient
information, extraoral and intraoral clinical examinations, and imaging
and other diagnostic tests as needed. The patient provides demographic
and lifestyle behavior information and a medical and dental history,
including current complaints, if any. Symptom analysis entails an additional
series of questions that explore symptom onset, characteristics, and
course. Figure 8.2 provide an example
of a medical history form used in dental practice.
The clinician will take into consideration the patient’s general appearance
and ability to function, as noted by characteristics of facial symmetry
or asymmetry and speech. In addition, the patient’s vital signs may
be assessed, and a thorough examination of the head, neck, temporomandibular
joints, and other structures will be conducted. The intraoral portion
of the examination involves an extensive assessment of the tissues:
the lips and labial mucosa, buccal mucosa and mucobuccal fold, the floor
of the mouth, tongue, hard and soft palate, oropharynx, muscles of mastication,
salivary glands and saliva, gingiva, periodontium, and teeth.
Depending on the needs of the patient, the initial physical examination
is usually augmented by supplementary data from radiographs and sometimes
by other diagnostic tests, including tissue biopsies and samples of
oral cells and fluids. Such samples can be used to type specific bacteria,
viruses, or fungi or to detect elevated levels of tissue metabolites
or immune system factors associated with disease. The number of such
tests is increasing and will be supplemented by genetic tests to indicate
an individual’s susceptibility to specific diseases.
Currently, the assessment of oral and craniofacial health and disease
involves intraoral radiographs as well as radiographic imaging, including
arthrography, motion-based tomography, and computed tomography (Jeffcoat
1992). Intraoral radiographs permit detection of lesions between teeth
and are the only widely available clinical test that can assess periodontal
bone support in situ (Jeffcoat et al. 1995). Radiographs are an essential
tool for treatment planning of complex prosthetic reconstructions as
well as a diagnostic method to assess periodontal progression. However,
the mere presence of bone loss on a radiograph does not imply progressive
osseous destruction, although it does increase the patient’s risk of
future bone loss (Armitage 1996, Genco 2000). Radiographs have high
specificity for disease progression, and low sensitivity. Because all
radiographic examinations expose the patient to some, albeit small,
level of ionizing radiation, current guidelines indicate that radiographs
should not be taken routinely (FDA 1987), but should be prescribed after
an initial assessment by the dentist.
Image processing techniques, such as digital radiography, enhance the
clinician’s ability to detect small intraoral osseous changes over time
and aid in the detection of small changes in skeletal tissues between
examinations. Direct digital radiography uses an intraoral detector
to capture a radiographic image of the diagnostic area of interest (Ellwood
et al. 1997, Matsuda et al. 1997). Several proposed methods for quantitative
estimation of lesion mass or volumetry using digital subtraction radiography
exist (Armitage 1996). A recent multicenter validation study has indicated
that simulated lesions as small as 1 mg in mass may be detected with
better than 90 percent sensitivity and specificity (Jeffcoat et al.
1996). These techniques are currently in use in clinical trials.
New diagnostic methods are also becoming available as adjuncts to existing
methods for caries diagnosis. Comparing data between bite-wing radiographs
of potential occlusal fissure lesions, Lussi et al. (1995) found that
electrical resistance measurement may provide a substantial improvement
in caries diagnosis.
Other imaging approaches are used to assess craniofacial anatomy, temporomandibular
joints, maxillary sinuses, and other associated tissues, and in the
assessment of the size and quality of bone to receive dental implants.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also receiving increased attention
for craniofacial applications, such as for the assessment of the temporomandibular
joints. Finally, light-based imaging of teeth and associated structures,
using a small intraoral camera, gives both the patient and the provider
a wide-screen view of the oral cavity, aiding in patient education.
In the course of conducting a general assessment, the clinician notes
disease-specific signs and symptoms. While examining the teeth, the
clinician may detect signs of relatively rare hereditary diseases such
as ectodermal dyplasias, or more common destructive habits such as bruxism,
where the enamel and at times the dentin may be abraded. Examinations
of the face and oral cavity may reveal the effects of intentional and
unintentional injuries. With the results of the general assessment in
hand, the clinician will classify the patient’s general and oral health
status and make treatment and/or referral recommendations.
A classification system adopted in 1962 by the American Society of
Anesthesiologists, used to categorize a patient’s risk on the basis
of physical status, also has been applied, along with the patient’s
general and oral health risk assessment, to determine the need for coordinated
multidisciplinary referral and whether care in a hospital is indicated
rather than in the dental office (Bricker et al. 1994) (Table
8.3).
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Changing Approaches to Selected Diseases and
Conditions
The science and technology base is providing new approaches to risk
assessment, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Highlights of selected
diseases and conditions follow.
Dental Caries
Dental caries is caused by a transmissible microbial infection that
affects tooth mineral. A number of factors play a role in the initiation
and progression of the disease, including bacterial biofilm, specifically
the presence of mutans streptococci and species of lactobacilli; the
frequency of simple sugars in the diet; the flow and composition of
saliva; the availability of fluoride; the structure of tooth mineral
in a given individual; and oral hygiene behaviors. Sound caries management
takes all these factors into account (Figure
8.3) (Burt and Ismail 1986). Today there is the prospect that clinicians
will be able to balance protective and pathologic factors and work with
the patient to control disease (Anderson et al. 1993, Edelstein 1994,
Featherstone 1996).
Risk Assessment. Reviews of caries risk prediction models conclude
that clinical variables, especially past caries experience, are the
best predictors of new caries experience (Newbrun and Leverett 1990,
Powell 1998). Table 8.4 shows a timeline
summarizing the strongest predictors of caries incidence based on a
review of the modeling literature. At the time of initial tooth eruption,
the presence of mutans streptococci appears to be the primary predictor
of future caries. With continued tooth eruption, this variable disappears
as a primary predictor and is replaced by the status of the most recently
exposed or erupted tooth surface. For example, the presence of carious
lesions in the primary incisors has been found to be the best predictor
of caries in the later-erupting primary molars (Powell 1998).
Despite recent declines, dental caries is a prevalent disease, with
some age and population groups particularly vulnerable (see Chapter
4). A guide for the identification of vulnerable patients and the
treatment of caries as an infectious disease has been developed (ADA
1995). Figure 8.4, from that guide,
proposes questions to be considered at an initial examination. These
questions, together with information gathered at recall examinations,
allow classification of child and adult patients into high-, moderate-,
and low-risk disease categories (Table
8.5). This approach has been incorporated in a variety of caries
risk assessment forms adopted by some dental schools and managed care
programs (C.W. Douglass, personal communication, 1999). Studies are
needed to determine the validity and reliability of such approaches
for different patient populations and practice settings.
The use of tests to assess caries risk to determine the activity status
of preclinical disease is becoming more widespread. A range of diagnostic
aids for caries activity testing are available. Microbial tests can
detect the presence and quantify the levels of lactobacilli and mutans
streptococci. The development and use of these tests are based on studies
that have associated these microbes individually and together with different
types of carious lesion development. Measurements of plaque and salivary
pH have been used to evaluate the oral environment overall and to note
the changes in pH that occur after eating various foods. Salivary flow
and composition analyses add another dimension. Decreased flow has been
related to caries susceptibility, as have increases in viscosity. These
factors warrant further study to determine their sensitivity and specificity.
Diagnosis. Clinical signs, patient-derived history, and radiographic
images remain the primary means of dental caries diagnosis. Tooth surface
pitting and cavitation, white and/or brown spots, areas soft to tactile
probing, and radiolucencies are used to detect the effects of this disease.
The most common diagnostic approaches include visual inspection, the
use of an explorer (a probelike instrument) to determine the integrity
of the tooth surface, the use of a light source to detect difference
in reflectance across tooth structure (transillumination), and radiographs.
Table 8.6 compares the reported sensitivity
and specificity of selected methods. No single method stands out as
superior with regard to both sensitivity and specificity for all tooth
surfaces.
The most basic diagnostic methods—visual alone and visual examination
with an explorer—have limited sensitivity, but excellent specificity.
The visual examination may be combined with a radiographic series for
the initial assessment. Bite-wing radiographs are frequently used to
diagnose interproximal caries (between teeth) and for these surfaces
provide excellent sensitivity and specificity. Radiographic examination
allows examination of otherwise inaccessible areas. Specifically, the
depth of a lesion and its relationship to the pulp chamber can be evaluated
for interproximal lesions. However, radiographs are of little value
in detecting caries on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. For these
surfaces, a negative radiographic diagnosis does not imply lack of a
carious lesion in enamel.
Precavitated carious lesions and caries in restored teeth pose an additional
diagnostic challenge. A review of the literature on the clinical diagnosis
of precavitated carious lesions concluded that visual detection of these
lesions has low sensitivity and moderate specificity (Ismail 1997).
It is difficult with these lesions to determine whether there is no
caries or whether only the enamel or outer layer of dentin is involved.
Carious lesions forming around restorations are seen more frequently
at the approximal and cervical margins of these restorations (Mjör 1985).
Distinctive color changes around a restoration alone are not diagnostic
of active caries (Kidd 1990).
Currently, the progression of carious lesions is the most definitive
diagnostic parameter for disease activity. Progression can be determined
over specific time intervals only by professional assessment.
Prevention. The primary prevention of dental caries starts with
adequate prenatal and perinatal nutrition to ensure normal development
of the teeth and supporting structures. It continues with interventions
aimed at preventing transmission of cariogenic microbes from caregivers
to infants, and proceeds with specific strategies employed across the
life span. These approaches include the provision of sufficient fluoride,
the use of dental sealants, the adoption of healthy behaviors, including
avoiding unhealthy dietary practices and practicing appropriate oral
hygiene, and the timely use of care services. Although many factors
are brought to bear on the primary prevention of dental caries, the
combination of fluoride in its multiple forms and dental sealants is
the foundation (as described in Chapter 7).
Fluoride is available in a variety of products that can be used by
health professionals, individuals, and public programs. Topical solutions
and gels, mouthrinses, and dentifrices are available for daily, weekly,
or as-prescribed frequency. In addition, fluoride-containing prophylactic
pastes are available for professional application (see Chapter
7). Clinical judgment of risk factors determines the type and frequency
of interventions needed. Although there is general agreement on the
overall value of topical fluorides in reducing dental caries (ADA 1986,
1994, Moss 1976, Stookey et al. 1993), comparative clinical trials are
needed to determine which of the existing fluoride formulations (acidulated
phosphate fluoride, stannous fluoride, amino-fluoride, or sodium fluoride)
and which delivery system (gel, varnish, dentifrice, or solution) are
most efficacious.
A second line of defense is through control of the etiologic agent.
Chemotherapeutic agents (including the antimicrobial mouthrinse agent
chlorhexidine and fluoride) can be used to reduce plaque. Dietary measures
aimed at reducing the frequency and quantity of sugars and the substitution
of sugars by sugar-free sweeteners may effectively starve the bacteria.
The process of tooth demineralization and re-mineralization has received
significant attention over the past four decades (Geiger et al. 1992,
Koulourides et al. 1961, Larsen and Fejerskov 1987, Linton 1996, Silverstone
et al. 1981, White 1988), although the concept was documented in the
early 1900s (Head 1912) (see Chapter 3). Investigators
are studying the effectiveness of therapeutic agents for arresting carious
lesions and remineralizing enamel in populations at high risk for dental
caries. For example, a combined chlorhexidine-fluoride solution can
enhance remineralization of incipient lesions and arrest caries in patients
who suffer from radiation-induced caries (Katz 1982). The use of a twice-daily
rinse with 0.05 percent sodium fluoride to prevent demineralization
and induce remineralization in subjects with radiation-induced hyposalivation
has also been found to be effective (Meyerowitz et al. 1991). This study
also addressed the effects of chlorhexidine use alone, which has been
associated with tooth staining, alterations in taste, and potential
hypersensitivity reactions (Ohtoshi et al. 1986, Okano et al. 1989).
Schaeken et al. (1991) showed that the application of 40 percent by
weight chlorhexidine varnish every 3 months enhanced remineralization
of root caries more than fluoride varnish, although both treatments
were associated with fewer filled root surfaces than the control group
after 1 year. A chlorhexidine varnish has not yet been approved in the
United States, and large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical
trials are not yet available to test the effects of specific regimens
in relation to caries risk.
Studies also are evaluating interventions to prevent mutans streptococci
transmission. Findings from cross-sectional studies indicate that infants
are initially infected by their parents, specifically mothers, around
the time the teeth erupt (Berkowitz et al. 1975, Caufield et al. 1993,
Kohler and Bratthall 1978). A longitudinal study using DNA fingerprinting
demonstrated that mothers were the source of the bacteria in their infants
and the degree of matching to maternal strains was higher for female
infants than for males (Li and Caufield 1995). Based on a study of child-mother
pairs (with the child initially at 1 year of age), the application of
a 1.0 percent chlor-hexidine rinse alternated with a 0.2 percent sodium
fluoride gel to the mother’s teeth (3 times per day on 2 consecutive
days, twice per year for 3 years) delayed, and in some cases prevented,
the colonization of their children’s teeth by mutans streptococci (Tenovuo
et al. 1992). Timing of colonization has been shown to be correlated
with caries prevalence. In a longitudinal study that followed children
in 4-month intervals from 15 months to 4 years of age, children who
were infected earlier had a higher caries prevalence than those in whom
the infection was detected at later ages. Studies also have been aimed
at reducing the levels of cariogenic bacteria in the infants themselves.
Work continues on the development of a caries vaccine. One approach
focuses on the production and release of antibodies against cariogenic
bacteria antigens (Russell et al. 1995). Specific antigens have been
purified and synthesized. Another approach involves biological replacement
therapy, where nonpathogenic bacteria, instilled in the mouth, prevent
pathogenic bacteria from colonizing (Hillman et al. 2000). Yet another
approach employs passive immunization in which antibodies, produced
outside the body (in cultures, animals, eggs, or plants), are applied
to the teeth and oral tissues to protect against disease. A recent study
indicated that “plantibodies” painted on the teeth could prevent mutans
streptococci colonization for 120 days, the period of the experiment
(Ma et al. 1998).
Treatment. Prompt treatment of early carious lesions permits
the preservation of tooth structure through conservative approaches.
A 10-year study reported that caries did not progress under a dental
sealant placed over cavitated lesions where the lesions were no more
than halfway through the dentin (Mertz-Fairhurst et al. 1998).
Materials that can bond to enamel and to dentin continue to be refined
and improved. Glass ionomer cements have contributed to materials that
can bond to enamel and dentin, release fluoride, and increase remineralization
in adjacent teeth (Mount and Hume 1998, Qvist et al. 1997). These cements,
together with polymeric resin composites and hybrids of these two materials,
are now available for tooth restoration with other materials. Based
on the available materials and emerging techniques, such as air abrasion
and laser ablation (Featherstone et al. 1998, Kantorowitz et al. 1998),
restoration procedures are more conservative than ever before (Mount
and Hume 1997).
A proposed categorization of carious lesions for the purpose of conservative
management places lesions into three categories: lesions where no treatment
is advised, lesions where preventive care is advised, and lesions where
restorative treatment is advised (Pitts and Longbottom 1995). This approach,
using caries as an infectious disease paradigm, resulted in a marked
reduction of operative procedures in Danish schoolchildren (Thylstrup
et al. 1995) and has been proposed as a means to preserve tooth structure
and maximize appropriate care in the United States (Ismail 1997).
New imaging and laser technologies are emerging as tools for early
diagnosis and prompt treatment of dental caries. For example, quantitative
light-induced fluorescence is showing promise (de Josselin de Jong et
al. 1996) for dental caries diagnosis. Two different methods, the quantitative
infrared laser fluorescence method and electrical conductance measurements,
are currently commercially available. At present, these methods are
being used to augment conventional diagnostic tools but are not yet
part of routine practice. However, they could potentially be used for
close monitoring of the lesions and for patient motivation (Angmar-Månsson
et al. 1996). Laser treatments for soft tissue surgery have been used
in dentistry in recent years. Currently, in vitro studies are under
way for the application of lasers for hard tissues, specifically to
prevent dental caries by altering tooth mineral and inhibiting progression
of artificial caries-like lesions (Featherstone et al. 1998, Kantorowitz
et al. 1998).
Despite the best efforts of the individual and health care provider,
caries may progress. Advances in materials science over the last two
decades have fortunately led to major improvements in dental restorative
materials, resulting in a wide range of aesthetically pleasing, longer-lasting
restorations that can be placed with less trauma. Traditional materials
such as amalgam fillings and gold crowns are now augmented by aesthetic
materials, including bonded composite resins, porcelain fused to metal
crowns, and facings.
When teeth have been lost, the options for rehabilitation include a
range of prosthetic devices. Removable full and partial dentures and
fixed bridges provide aesthetic and serviceable restorations for many
patients. Still another option is the use of dental implants. These
are used not only in patients who have lost teeth due to caries and
periodontal diseases, but also to restore form and function in patients
treated for trauma, craniofacial cancers, hereditary tooth defects,
and other abnormalities.
The evidence base for the survival of the endosseous dental implants,
an implant that is placed directly into a tooth socket, is extensive
and has been recently reviewed (Cochran 1996, Fritz 1996). The predictability
of endosseous dental implants in fully and partially edentulous patients
has been clearly demonstrated in longitudinal studies (Albrektsson 1988,
Albrektsson et al. 1988, Buser et al. 1991, Spiekermann et al. 1995).
Many implant designs and surfaces have shown high success rates (often
exceeding 95 percent in good-quality bone and 85 percent in poorer-quality
bone, such as the posterior maxilla) (Buser et al. 1988, Cochran 1996,
Fritz 1996).
Rehabilitation of lost tooth structure or even the whole tooth itself
may be revolutionized in the next century, based on discoveries of the
natural repair and regeneration mechanisms the body uses. The new sciences
of biomimetics and tissue engineering combine engineering principles
and materials science with rapidly growing knowledge of the progenitor
cells and molecules that give rise to specific tissues such as skin,
bone, teeth, and cartilage. Already it is possible to generate new cartilage
and bone of a prescribed shape to replace tissue lost from injury or
disease (Reddi 1995). Eventually, it may be possible to use a patient’s
own oral cells and cell products to generate new tooth enamel, dentin,
and cementum for the natural repair of carious lesions.
Periodontal Diseases
Periodontal diseases are caused by microbial infections, and are plaque-related
complex diseases like dental caries, presenting as several clinical
variants (see Chapter 3). The mildest form is
gingivitis, characterized by inflammation of the gingiva with a marked
loss of gingival collagenous material (Page and Schroeder 1976, Schroeder
et al. 1973). In a more advanced disease, periodontitis, there is involvement
of the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. If untreated, periodontitis
may progress and result in abscesses, mobile teeth, and tooth loss.
Periodontitis also may be associated with certain systemic diseases
and conditions (see Chapter 5).
Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria in plaque are implicated as causative
agents in periodontitis. However, host immune system factors, specifically,
a chronic inflammatory response, are now considered to be the primary
determinants of disease progression and outcome (Page 1998). The disease
process is very similar across the different types of periodontal disease
and involves interactions between infectious agents and their virulence
factors and host defense mechanisms, operating within a context of environmental,
acquired, and genetic risk factors specific to a given individual. Figure
8.5 illustrates the pathogenesis of these diseases (Page and Beck
1997).
Risk Assessment. Sufficient knowledge of demographic and systemic
risk factors and indicators has been acquired to guide clinical decisions
in the management of periodontal diseases (Genco 1996, 2000, Page and
Beck 1997, Papapanou 1998). Table 8.7
provides an overview of the strength of the associations of local and
systemic factors with destructive periodontal diseases (Genco 1996,
2000). Table 8.8 presents the odds
ratios derived from studies that investigated the likelihood of developing
periodontal disease given a specific risk factor, indicator, or marker/predictor
(Jeffcoat et al. 1997, Page and Beck 1997). The presence of pathogenic
bacteria, poor oral hygiene, tobacco smoking, diabetes mellitus, and
preexisting periodontal disease are some of the factors that contribute
to the likelihood of disease presence, progression, and treatment outcomes.
A systematic identification of risk factors, indicators, and predictors
has been proposed as the first step in diagnosing and managing periodontal
diseases (Genco 1996, Page and Beck 1997, Papapanou 1998). Clinicians
can weigh the known risks for individual patients and devise treatment
plans appropriate to their risk category. These same factors and the
outcomes of treatment can also be used to assess prognosis upon completion
of therapy. Studies are under way to determine the feasibility and validity
of assessing a complex of risk factors to predict states of periodontal
health and disease (Genco 1996, 2000, Genco et al. 1999, Papapanou 1998).
Most recently, putative genetic markers for susceptibility for oral
disease have been studied. In particular, a specific genotype of the
polymorphic IL-1 gene cluster has been shown to be associated with severe
periodontitis in nonsmokers (Kornman et al. 1997). IL-1
is of interest because the proinflammatory cytokines are key regulators
of the host immune response to microbial infection and extracellular
matrix catabolism and bone resorption. Functionally, this polymorphism
is associated with high levels of IL-1 production, and high levels of
IL-1 have been associated with progressive periodontal breakdown (Cavanaugh
et al. 1998).
A consensus has been reached by a specialty organization that all patients
in general and specialty care should be screened for periodontal disease
(AAP 1996). The recommended approach is to apply the Periodontal Screening
and Recording examination (PSR). Related screening tests include the
Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) (Ainamo et al.
1982) and the Basic Periodontal Examination.
Diagnosis. The strengths and weaknesses of the range of tests
and methods used to diagnose periodontal diseases are presented in Table
8.9. Most diagnostic tests for periodontal diseases rely on a physical
examination to note any swelling, redness, gingival bleeding, or tooth
mobility. Periodontal probing, radiographs, and microbiologic and histological
examinations of biopsied tissue provide important additional information.
These tests indicate the presence, extent, and severity of gingival
and periodontal tissue destruction; they do not indicate the cause of
disease or whether it is quiescent or actively progressing.
Gingival inflammation may be assessed using a variety of methods, including
bleeding on probing and the use of indices such as the gingival index
(Löe and Silness 1963) to grade redness and bleeding. In adult periodontitis,
the absence of inflammation is associated with a lack of disease progression,
but the presence of inflammation does not indicate inevitable progression
to destruction (Armitage 1996, Halazonetis et al. 1989, Okamoto et al.
1988). Longitudinal studies have also been conducted in patients who
participate in maintenance programs. The absence of gingival bleeding,
especially at recall visits, has been shown to be a valid indicator
of gingival health in these patients (Lang et al. 1986).
Measurement of probing depths (also termed pocket depths) is an integral
part of the periodontal examination. Longitudinal studies have shown
that shallow probing depths and minimal loss of attachment are associated
with lack of disease progression. The mere presence of a pocket does
not herald progressive periodontitis at that site. Although teeth with
moderate to deep probing depths are at higher risk for additional destruction,
a single examination cannot determine the fate of the tooth with certainty
(Armitage 1996, Haffajee et al. 1983, Halazonetis et al. 1989, Okamoto
et al. 1988).
Radiographs are used to obtain a visual image of the bony support around
a tooth or dental implant. They are an essential tool in planning complex
prosthetic reconstructions, as well as a necessary diagnostic aid in
assessing periodontal progression.
At least 15 different organisms have been associated with adult periodontitis.
The 3 species most strongly linked are Porphyromonas gingivalis,
Bacteroides forsythus, and Treponema denticola. Actinobacillus
actinomycetemcomitans is most strongly linked to early-onset periodontitis
(Haffajee and Socransky 1994). No single bacterial species has been
shown to satisfy Koch’s postulates (Moore 1987, Socransky and Haffajee
1992), leading some investigators to suspect that periodontitis is a
mixed infection (Ranney 1993). As a result, diagnostic tests for periodontal
diseases have included assessments of the presence and amount of several
putative microbes in the subgingival plaque.
Routine bacterial testing of patients with adult periodontitis is not
usually necessary and indeed is not supported by the preponderance of
the evidence (Armitage 1996, AAP 1996). In formulating treatment programs
for special patient populations and as a research tool, however, the
tests can be very helpful. Such patients include those refractory to
previous therapy, patients with rapidly progressive or early-onset periodontitis,
and certain medically compromised patients.
The traditional method for assessing the subgingival flora is by culturing
samples extracted from the site of infection. Culturing allows the clinician
to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of the organisms, but it is
technique-sensitive: scrupulous care is required when sampling the periodontal
pocket. This is especially true for microbes that are strict anaerobes,
because they are killed by even brief exposure to air. The requirement
that bacteria have time to grow also precludes chairside testing.
With the advent of molecular biology, bacterial species can be identified
by their DNA (Moncla et al. 1988, Savitt et al. 1988, 1990) or by unique
antigenic components (Zambon et al. 1986). Either method will detect
putative periodontopathic bacteria quickly and with a high degree of
sensitivity and specificity, usually above 90 percent. The tests do
not indicate whether there is actual disease, however. Nor do the tests
reveal anything about the antibiotic sensitivity of the detected bacteria.
Because DNA is very stable, the tests can be applied to nonliving plaque
samples, simplifying the collection process. Kits are available that
allow DNA testing to be performed in the dental office; otherwise the
samples are sent to a reference laboratory.
Other tests are available for the detection of groups of putative periodontopathic
bacteria (Loesche 1986). The BANA test detects a trypsin-like enzyme
that is present in P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and B. forsythus
(Loesche et al. 1990). Somewhat less accurate than the tests described
above, the BANA test is 92 percent sensitive and 70 percent specific
in detecting these groups of bacteria.
Once a periodontal infection is established, telltale metabolic changes
occur in the body as a result of inflammation, injury, or death of tissue.
A sample of fluid exudate from the gingiva (gingival crevicular fluid)
in an affected pocket can be analyzed for these changes. They include
elevated levels of prostaglandin E2 (Cavanaugh
et al. 1998, Offenbacher et al. 1986), interleukin 1 and interleukin
6 (Cavanaugh et al. 1998, Geivelis et al. 1993, Masada et al. 1990,
Tsai et al. 1995), tumor necrosis factor (Rossomando et al. 1990), -glucuronidase
(Lamster et al. 1994, 1995), aspartate aminotransferase (Chambers et
al. 1991, Persson and Page 1992), elastase (Armitage et al. 1994, Palcanis
et al. 1992), and collagenase (Lee et al. 1995). Most of these analyses
are based on inserting a filter paper strip into the isolated pocket
to collect the fluid and testing for the metabolite of interest. A positive
result usually indicates that inflammatory or destructive pathways have
been triggered, but provides no clues concerning the etiologic factor
or factors. Because of differences in experimental designs in the clinical
studies, it is difficult to compare the sensitivity and specificity
of each metabolite in detecting disease.
Prevention. Because periodontal diseases are plaque-associated
infections, prevention and management of the early signs of these diseases
depend on effective plaque control. This can be accomplished using both
mechanical and chemotherapeutic approaches (Table
8.10). The prophylaxis performed in the dental office on periodontally
healthy patients reduces plaque and removes stains and calculus. How
often patients should be recalled for such preventive procedures is
based on an assessment of risk factors such as the patient’s age, oral
hygiene, personal habits (e.g., smoking and diet), and a medical history
indicating a heightened risk of infection (such as noted with diabetes
or HIV infection) (Hancock 1996, Mealey 1996).
Chemical plaque control has become an important part of the clinician’s
armamentarium and may be prescribed for patient care at home (Table
8.10). Reviews of the literature by Hancock (1996) and Drisko (1996)
provide detailed supporting evidence. Significant reductions in gingival
inflammation have been demonstrated for chlorhexidine, triclosan co-polymer
when used in conjunction with a fixed combination of essential oils,
and stannous fluoride. The magnitude of gingival inflammation reduction
was greatest for chlorhexidine. The evidence supporting these effects
includes multiple randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials.
Treatment. Once periodontal disease is established, the resultant
bone and connective tissue loss may be quiescent or actively progressing.
The goal of treatment is to determine whether the disease is active
in order to prevent further tissue loss. This entails professional plaque
removal and careful instruction of the patient on scrupulous self-care.
The concept of management of a patient’s risk factors as part of treatment
is reasonably well documented for individuals who smoke and those who
are diabetic and may be important for other risk factors such as stress
(Genco et al. 1999) and low dietary calcium (Nishida et al. in press).
Several studies have shown that treatment of periodontal disease in
smokers is not as successful as in nonsmokers (Grossi et al. 1996).
Thus, the management of smoking as a risk factor will contribute to
the success of periodontal therapy. Furthermore, it appears that treatment
of diabetic patients with periodontal disease may require more intense
therapy since several studies have shown that antibiotic therapy is
successful not only in reducing periodontal disease, but also in reducing
glycated hemoglobin (Grossi and Genco 1998).
Professional plaque removal typically employs scaling and root planing,
in which hardened deposits of plaque and other debris are removed from
the periodontal pocket and the tooth root surface is smoothed over.
The effectiveness of scaling and root planing has been demonstrated
repeatedly in longitudinal, cohort, and randomized clinical trials and
was reviewed by Cobb (1996). Demonstrated benefits include decreased
gingival inflammation, decreased probing depth, and facilitation of
maintenance of clinical attachment level. The evidence indicates that
similar results may be obtained with ultrasonic and sonic instruments
as with manual instruments. Regardless of the methods used, meticulous
attention to detail is required to achieve optimal results (Cobb 1996).
Topical administration of antimicrobial agents contributes to the control
of gingival inflammation (Table 8.10).
Supragingival irrigation (e.g., applying a jet of water under pressure)
may be used as an adjunct to toothbrushing and has been shown to aid
in the reduction of gingival inflammation. However, no clear substantial
long-term benefits for the treatment of periodontitis have been shown
if irrigation is applied subgingivally.
Surgical therapy is employed to provide access to root surfaces and
bony defects for debridement and root planing. Surgery can facilitate
regeneration, augment the gingiva, and promote root coverage (Table
8.11). It is also necessary in placing dental implants.
Palcanis (1996) reviewed the evidence regarding surgical therapy. The
overall goal is to make plaque control easier for the patient, thereby
reducing disease progression. Many surgical techniques are available.
Extensive randomized clinical trials and longitudinal studies form the
basis of the evidence for the efficacy of these procedures (Kaldhal
et al. 1996, Knowles et al. 1979, Pihlstrom et al. 1983, Ramfjord et
al. 1987). All procedures decrease pocket depth, and, with the exception
of gingivectomy, all increase clinical attachment level. A caveat to
be noted, however, is that procedures designed to reduce probing depth
may increase gum recession, exposing the root and possibly compromising
aesthetics. Thus, selection of a particular surgical procedure must
always be based on the individual needs of the patient. Regardless of
the approach selected, maintenance is important to long-term success.
Systemic administration of antibiotics, including the tetracyclines,3
metronidazole, spiromycin, and clindamycin,
has been extensively studied and reviewed (Drisko 1996). The risk of
generating antibiotic resistance in bacteria precludes the use of systemic
agents in treating simple gingivitis (AAP 1996). Similarly, systemic
antibiotics should not be used for the routine first-line treatment
of common forms of adult periodontitis (AAP 1996, Drisko 1996). The
preponderance of evidence from well-controlled, randomized, blinded
clinical trials indicates that the agents do not offer sufficient benefit
to overcome risks of either drug sensitivity or the emergence of antibiotic-resistant
pathogens.
The situation is different in cases of aggressive forms of periodontitis,
such as early-onset, rapidly progressive, or refractory periodontitis,
which affect less than 10 percent of periodontitis patients. Randomized,
double-blind clinical trials, as well as longitudinal assessments, indicate
that the use of systemic antibiotics can slow disease progression in
these patients (AAP 1996, Drisko 1996).
To circumvent the problems of systemic therapy, investigators have
applied antimicrobial agents directly into the pocket. Antimicrobials
incorporated into either resorbable and nonresorbable interpocket delivery
systems have been studied in randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical
trials and are now FDA approved and on the market (Goodson et al. 1991,
Jeffcoat et al. 1998). When used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing,
gains in clinical attachment level and decreases in probing depth and
gingival bleeding were demonstrated. Because these delivery systems
are relatively new, there is a paucity of evidence addressing their
long-term effectiveness.
For patients who have lost significant bone and/or connective tissue,
there are a number of regeneration procedures to facilitate the growth
of new periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone over previously
diseased root surfaces. The evidence base for bone-grafting techniques
using either natural or synthetic bone materials has been reviewed by
Garrett (1996). Natural bone grafts may use autografts, in which bone
is transferred from one site to another in the same patient; allografts,
which use bone grafts from a human donor; and xenografts, which use
tissues from other species. Limited case report evidence shows that
extraoral autogenous bone, such as hip grafts, has high potential for
bone growth (Garrett 1996). Extraoral sites require a second surgical
site, and in some cases fresh grafts may be associated with root resorption.
Case report evidence indicates bone fill exceeding 50 percent of the
osseous defect may be achieved (Garrett 1996). Controlled studies comparing
grafted to nongrafted sites report significant improvements in clinical
attachment levels and bone gain, but the magnitude of gain is less than
that indicated in case reports.
Freeze-dried demineralized bone represents one of the most frequently
used and well-studied bone graft materials in periodontics. Freeze-dried
demineralized bone is an allograft material, harvested, prepared, and
demineralized prior to grafting. The demineralization step is important
because it retains the activity of bone morphogenetic proteins—compounds
in the graft material found to be essential for new bone formation (Urist
1965, Urist and Iwata 1973). Case reports and controlled clinical trials
have demonstrated the bone-forming potential of such material, with
some variability in the amount of bone fill achieved (Garrett 1996).
Because allografts are derived from donor tissues, proper collection,
handling, and storage are essential to ensure viability and prevent
contamination with viruses or other pathogens (Mellonig 1995).
Alloplasts represent a class of synthetic resorbable or non-resorbable
graft materials. When evaluated in controlled clinical trials, they
demonstrated improvements in probing depth and attachment level (Garrett
1996). Histology, however, indicates that, in general, synthetic grafts
act primarily as space fillers, with little, if any, regeneration.
Beginning in the 1980s a number of investigators explored a procedure
called guided tissue regeneration. The idea was to employ either
a resorbable or non-resorbable membrane at the diseased site that would
selectively allow passage of cells able to regenerate periodontal attachment
apparatus and bone, while prohibiting migration of non-regenerative
cells such as fibroblasts. The evidence for the efficacy of guided tissue
regeneration ranged from randomized controlled clinical trials to case
reports (Garrett 1996). Although less evidence is available for resorbable
membranes than for non-resorbable membranes, significant improvements
in clinical attachment levels have been shown compared to debridement
alone. Most favorable results are reported for bone loss between the
roots of mandibular tooth defects (Class II furcations). Less favorable
results were reported in maxillary molar and Class III (through and
through) furcation defects (Garrett 1996).
Oral and Pharyngeal Cancers
Oral and pharyngeal cancers, like other neoplastic diseases, are caused
by mutations in cell regulatory genes. The mutations contribute to carcinogenesis
by promoting uncontrolled cell growth, suppressing the function of tumor
suppressor genes, promoting the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
to nourish the growing tumor, or facilitating metastasis. A model depicting
the genetic progression for oral and pharyngeal cancers has been proposed
(Califano et al. 1996).
Potentially malignant lesions can present in a variety of ways and
can include erythroplakia or leukoplakia (red or white flat lesions,
respectively), ulceration, failure of a wound to heal, lymphadenopathy,
induration, dysphagia, and tissue growth. Erythroplakia lesions are
considered to have a higher rate of malignancy than leukoplakia (Silverman
1990). Candida albicans infection of a leukoplakia lesion appears
to increase the risk of malignant transformation (Field et al. 1989,
Scully 1995). In addition, infections with strains of human papillomavirus
(HPV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) have been implicated in the etiology
of oral cancers. Other potentially predisposing factors include chronic
iron deficiency anemia, erosive lichen planus, oral submucous fibrosis,
and actinic keratosis.
Risk Assessment. Risk assessment for oral and pharyngeal cancers
(Table 8.12a) includes an evaluation
of the patient’s exposure to tobacco and alcohol and an examination
to identify suspicious lesions and conditions thought to predispose
to cancer. All tobacco products (see Chapters 3
and 10) have been associated with oral and
pharyngeal cancers. The risk of oral cancer is increased 6 to 28 times
in current smokers. Alcohol is also a risk factor for oral cancer, and
combined with tobacco use accounts for 75 to 90 percent of oral cancer
in the United States (Blot et al. 1988, Vokes et al. 1993). A dose-response
relationship has been demonstrated for cigar smokers, and the overall
risk of cancer is 7 to 10 times higher among users than for those who
never smoked (NCI 1998). In addition, individuals who have had oral
cancer are at increased risk for a second primary cancer, and this risk
is higher than that for other cancers (Boice et al. 1985, Winn and Blot
1985).
Other factors, such as infection with HPV or HSV, as noted earlier,
and use of high-alcohol-content mouthwashes, also have been associated
with oral cancers (Flaitz and Hicks 1998, Sugerman and Shillitoe 1997,
Winn et al. 1991). Lip cancer is associated with exposure to the sun
(Pogoda and Preston-Martin 1996).
Biomarkers—measurable alterations in molecules derived from human tissues
or fluids—are being developed to identify those at risk for oral cancer
and to identify which patients may benefit from specific treatments
(Lippman et al. 1993, Patterson et al. 1996, Sidransky 1997). These
markers may also be able to predict oral cancer recurrence or the occurrence
of new primaries (Shin et al. 1996).
Diagnosis. At present, the diagnosis of oral and pharyngeal
cancers involves a systematic extra- and intraoral physical examination
to identify lesions and conditions that may be precancerous or indicate
a predisposition to cancer (USDHHS 1998). Biopsies are essential to
confirm the clinical observations. The sensitivity and specificity of
a brush biopsy have been established in a multisite clinical trial (Sciubba
1999). Imaging technology may also be employed to determine the extent
of the lesion. Although the sensitivity and specificity of the physical
examination have not been established in clinical studies, it is clear
that persons with localized oral and pharyngeal cancers have a better
prognosis than persons whose cancers were detected with regional or
distant spread (Ries et al. 1999). A thorough examination for oral and
pharyngeal cancers is recommended by the American Cancer Society annually
for individuals over 40 and for individuals who are exposed to known
risks (Murphy et al. 1995).
Prevention. Primary prevention of oral and pharyngeal cancers
involves avoiding known carcinogenic agents (Blot et al. 1988, Vokes
et al. 1993), primarily tobacco in any form and excessive use of alcohol.
In addition, the use of lip balms with ultraviolet radiation blockers
is recommended (see Table 8.12b).
A high dietary intake of fruits and vegetables may reduce oral and pharyngeal
cancer risk by as much as 30 to 50 percent (McLaughlin et al. 1988).
Dentists, physicians, and nurse practitioners among others are in a
critical position to counsel patients on tobacco and alcohol use, pointing
out that tobacco cessation lowers the risk for oral and pharyngeal cancers
(Blot et al. 1988). Physicians, dentists, and other health care professionals
have been shown to be effective in increasing tobacco cessation rates
(Cohen et al. 1989, Ockene et al. 1991, Stevens et al. 1995, Wilson
et al. 1988). A prime reference for use in national and international
antismoking efforts is the Clinical Practice Guideline on Smoking
Cessation (Number 180) developed by the Agency for Health Care Policy
and Research (Fiore 1997).
Treatment. Diagnosis of cancer at an early stage can be followed
by prompt and conservative treatment of the affected tissues. Some early
lesions may be successfully treated with excisional biopsy; more advanced
cases will require additional surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy
(Shah and Lydiatt 1995, Vokes and Athanasiadis 1996). Preservation of
function and appearance is emphasized. Advanced cancers require follow-up
reconstruction and rehabilitation to improve function and aesthetics.
Birth Defects
There are hundreds of genetic diseases and syndromes as well as congenital
anomalies that affect the craniofacial, oral, and dental tissues. However,
some craniofacial anomalies may be spontaneous and manifest only at
the time of birth. Chapter 3 describes a number
of these disorders. Rapidly advancing knowledge of the genetics of development
and of mutations associated with specific birth defects is aiding in
the development of screening tests for genetic disorders and identifying
high-risk individuals and families.
A complete diagnosis of the craniofacial disorder may involve a multidisciplinary
team of experts in imaging, genetics, and other areas. Similarly, long-term
management of the disorder, often extending to adulthood, generally
calls for a team of specialists, including physicians and dentists,
surgeons, nurses, rehabilitation experts, speech pathologists, psychologists,
and social workers. Quality of life considerations, including social
and psychological effects of birth defects such as cleft lip and palate,
are taken into account (see Chapters 3 and 6).
Prevention. Primary prevention involves minimizing exposure
to known teratogens, and genetic counseling as appropriate. The importance
of educating parents or potential parents on behavioral risk factors,
especially tobacco and alcohol use, the teratogenic potential of certain
prescription drugs, and the need for adequate nutrition in the perinatal
period is emphasized. In a study by Tolarova and Harris (1995), supplementation
of the diet by multivitamins and folic acid during the periconceptional
period (i.e., before, during, and after conception) markedly diminished
the occurrence of cleft lip and palate in a high-risk group. Unfortunately,
only about 29 percent of women of childbearing age consume recommended
amounts of these essential nutrients (Werler et al. 1999). The evidence
associating moderate to severe periodontal disease in pregnant women
with low-weight preterm births warrants attention to the importance
of maintaining optimal oral health in pregnancy. The oral care clinician
can contribute to birth defect prevention not only by treating oral
disease, but also by providing educational messages to patients to promote
the birth of healthy, full-term babies.
Treatment. A number of birth defects may not be apparent at
birth because they are not manifested until later in development. One
example is the ectodermal dysplasias (EDs), disorders characterized
by abnormalities of skin, hair, sweat glands, and teeth. Dentists are
essential in the management of care for children with these disorders,
who must be repeatedly fitted with dentures throughout childhood. More
recently, clinical studies have demonstrated that fitting ectodermal
dysplasia patients as young as 12 years old with dental implants not
only is effective, but also provides greater functional utility and
satisfaction (Guckes et al. 1998, Kearns et al. 1999). As with other
complex craniofacial anomalies, management by a multidisciplinary team
is the best approach, with experts able to advise on the various oral,
skin, and sweat gland complications.
Mutations have recently been identified for several forms of ED, including
the anhydrotic form (absence of sweat glands). Ultimately, the development
of genetic diagnostic tests can confirm the diagnosis in the child and
permit counseling of parents.
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Chronic Craniofacial Pain and Sensorimotor Conditions
A variety of problems involving pain and other sensorimotor abnormalities
affect the craniofacial complex. These conditions can include burning
mouth syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, various facial palsies, postherpetic
neuralgia affecting branches of the trigeminal nerve, temporomandibular
disorders, fibromyalgia, and disorders of taste or olfaction. Some of
these are infectious in origin (e.g., postherpetic neuralgia and some
taste disorders); some are traumatic (e.g., some cases of temporomandibular
disorder); and for others, the cause or causes are unknown (see Chapter
3). Patients with facial palsies and trigeminal neuralgia are generally
referred to neurologists for treatment. Disorders of taste and smell
also require neurological consultation as well as brain imaging because
they can be symptomatic of brain tumors.
Pain relief may also improve function and can be combined with adjunctive
measures such as the use of hot or cold compresses and behavioral treatments
such as relaxation and imaging therapy to reduce muscle tension. The
variety of pain medications has greatly increased in recent years. They
include aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tricyclic
antidepressants, new antiepileptic drugs, the selective serotonin re-uptake
inhibitors, and the more potent opiate family of drugs.
If the pain problem has recently developed, providers take steps to
prevent the pain from becoming chronic. This will entail a general health
assessment to determine whether there are co-morbidities, including
other pain problems, as well as patient questionnaires to provide information
on how the pain problem is affecting overall health and well-being.
The data collected will record the extent to which the problem interferes
with work, social interaction, and sleep, whether the patient is experiencing
mood changes and symptoms of depression, and what coping skills are
manifest. Such patient profiles allow for more selective treatment tailored
to the needs of the individual patient.
Patients in whom pain has become chronic and intractable may be referred
to an established pain clinic for multidisciplinary treatment and may
also be alerted to patient organizations where individuals with similar
pain problems can find information and support.
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Temporomandibular Disorders
Among the common types of craniofacial pain likely to be seen by oral
care providers are temporomandibular disorders, characterized by symptoms
of pain and dysfunction in and around the temporomandibular joints or
the masticatory muscles.
Temporomandibular disorders may occur as a result of injury, arthritis,
or fibromyalgia or for unknown reasons. Approaches used to obtain a
differential diagnosis of these conditions can range from a physical
examination that may include palpation and measuring the mouth opening,
to the use of complex imaging and instrumentation, including procedures
such as arthroscopy (Table 8.13) (Clark
et al. 1993, NIH 1996, Rao 1995, Rao et al. 1990).
Diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders is based on the physical examination
and a complete medical and dental history, including information about
hearing, speech, and swallowing problems, as well as pain and dysfunction.
This information can be complemented by data from imaging and other
diagnostic tests (Clark et al. 1993, NIH 1996). Evaluation encompasses
examination of oral-facial tissues, musculature, and neurological function.
Particular attention is paid to measures of the range of motion, mouth
opening, existence of any parafunctional conditions (e.g., clenching,
grinding), and the presence of joint or muscle tenderness and cutaneous
hyperalgesia. Features of the reliability studies on the examination
methods have been reviewed (Clark et al. 1993, Mohl et al. 1990). Psychosocial
assessments using validated instruments can determine the extent to
which pain and dysfunction diminish the patient’s quality of life (Dworkin
1994) and can suggest appropriate treatments (NIH 1996, Travell and
Simons 1983, Zarb 1994).
The evidence base for the efficacy of treatment modalities is severely
limited and has resulted in a wide range of diagnostics and therapies.
Treatments range from conservative and reversible approaches to joint
surgical procedures. At present the evidence is insufficient to warrant
prophylactic intervention for management of these disorders (NIH 1996).
Currently available epidemiological evidence suggests that temporomandibular
disorders can frequently resolve over time and that conservative, reversible
approaches are the treatments of choice. Ideally, the practitioner and
the patient should work together to develop a treatment plan that is
evidence-based and patient-centered, taking into consideration all etiologic
factors, the level of pain and dysfunction the patient is experiencing,
and their impact on the patient’s quality of life (see Chapter
3).
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Mucosal and Autoimmune Diseases
Microbial infections and autoimmune disorders contribute to a range
of mucosal and gingival conditions. The physical examination may be
sufficient to identify the lesions associated with herpes virus infections
(cold sores), papillomaviruses (oral warts), or fungal infection (commonly,
infection by Candida albicans), with definitive diagnosis confirmed
by cytology, biopsy, culture, or in situ hybridization. The patient’s
history and immune status can supply additional information indicating
risk factors, including the presence of systemic diseases. Selected
major mucosal diseases and associated clinical findings are described
in Chapters 3 and 5.
Tissue biopsy is critical for the diagnosis of many mucosal diseases.
In addition, oral sites may be convenient biopsy sites for autoimmune
diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, which have both a systemic and
an oral-facial component. Although the evidence base in terms of randomized,
double-blind, controlled clinical trials for the treatment of oral manifestations
of mucocutaneous disorders is limited, treatment options generally depend
on the severity and extent of the disease. Because many of the available
drugs may have significant side effects, evaluation of the risk-benefit
ratio for the patient is always of great importance. Coordination of
care with other health care providers is warranted.
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FACTORS AFFECTING FUTURE HEALTH CARE PRACTICES
The last decades of the twentieth century were witness to major improvements
in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases—a trend
that will continue to accelerate the paradigm shift in the management
of oral diseases from repair of damaged tissues to the control of infections.
In addition, modification of risk factor exposures will result in improvements
in health and in the management of disease. A closer look into factors
that will affect the future of oral health care requires an overview
of the current state of guidelines for oral care and the status of evidence-based
practice. The approaches used to determine the evidence for practice
and the development of guidelines for care are an emerging field of
activity. Education in the health professions is already emphasizing
the importance of relying on randomized, controlled clinical trials,
the gold standard for judging the merits of proposed interventions,
wherever possible.
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Evidence-based Practice
During the 1990s, “evidence-based medicine” emerged as both popular
phraseology and practice philosophy. The origins of evidence-based medicine
go back to mid-nineteenth-century Paris and earlier, yet the approach
is still a relatively young discipline that is now rapidly evolving
(Sackett et al. 1996). Evidence-based medicine has been defined as the
integration of “individual clinical expertise with the best available
external clinical evidence from systematic research” and with patients’
choices (Sackett et al. 1996). The skills required include defining
a clinical problem, critically appraising the relevant literature, and
deciding whether and how to integrate this information into practice
(Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group 1992). Evidence-based medicine
is neither a “cookbook” nor an ivory tower approach (Sackett et al.
1996).
The philosophy is being adopted across a range of disciplines, leading
to the terms “evidence-based dentistry” and “evidence-based nursing,”
among others. The practice of evidence-based dentistry “incorporates
the judicious use of the best evidence available from systematic reviews,
when possible, with knowledge of patients’ preferences and clinicians’
experiences to make recommendations for the provision of the right care,
for the right patient, and at the right time” (Ismail et al. 1999).
The reliance on evidence using systematic reviews of the literature
has led to initiatives in the United States, Canada, and Europe to enhance
the conduct and use of systematic reviews. The Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality (AHRQ) created 12 evidence-based practice centers
in 1997 to conduct systematic reviews and develop evidence reports.
The Cochrane Collaboration and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination
at the University of York are examples of prominent activities in the
United Kingdom to support systematic reviews. The Cochrane Oral Health
Review Group, one of 50 specialty review groups within the Cochrane
Collaboration, has a number of systematic reviews completed or under
way of interest to oral health practitioners (see Table
8.14) (Tavender 1999). In Canada, considerable contributions to
the field have been made by McMaster University and the Canadian Coordinating
Office for Health Technology Assessment.
In the United States, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial
Research joined efforts with AHRQ in 1999 to designate one of AHRQ’s
Evidence-based Practice Centers to conduct reviews on oral, dental,
and craniofacial diseases and disorders. The work of this center should
significantly strengthen the scientific base of knowledge related to
the diagnosis and management of oral, dental, and craniofacial conditions.
Examples of topics that will be reviewed include the management of dental
caries, and dental care of medically compromised patients, including
patients with HIV disease.
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Clinical Practice Guidelines
The development of clinical practice guidelines is one of the intended
outcomes of evidence-based reviews. The classic definition for clinical
practice guidelines describes them as “systematically developed statements
to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate health
care for specific clinical circumstances” (Field and Lohr 1992). A 1995
review of the status of clinical practice guidelines in dentistry (Shugars
and Bader 1995) found that a limited number of guidelines were available
and that few extant guidelines met all of the des-irable attributes
for guidelines identified by the Institute of Medicine (Field and Lohr
1992). Most notably, a majority of guidelines were based on consensus
among selected professionals, with little evidence of support from the
scientific literature. Since 1995, the number of dental practice guidelines
has grown slowly but steadily. Table 8.15
lists selected sets of guidelines that, taken together, represent an
estimated 50 percent of all current published dental guidelines intended
for national distribution. When 36 national dental organizations representing
clinical aspects of dentistry and dental practice were surveyed in early
1999, 12 of 22 responding organizations indicated that they had developed
guidelines (J.D. Bader, personal communication, 1999), 8 of which are
listed in the table. Some of these guidelines have not been widely distributed,
are not published in the scientific literature, nor are available on
the sponsoring organization’s Web site. Not shown are guidelines developed
by care delivery organizations for use in their clinical practices.
These are generally not available for public or external professional
scrutiny.
The table provides information on two important characteristics of
clinical practice guidelines: the extent to which they are evidence-based
and their level of specificity, which will determine their clinical
applicability. Clinical applicability is a key feature of practice guidelines,
and it is heightened as the amount of specific information in a guideline
is increased to identify patient and condition characteristics to which
the guideline applies. As the “evidence-based” concept gains popularity,
there is a growing expectation that clinical practice guidelines will
reflect systematic evaluation of the relevant literature and will present
an evaluation of the strength of the evidence for each recommendation
(Ismail et al. 1999). Such information, which ensures the content validity
of the guidelines, not only helps practitioners and patients understand
exactly what is and is not known about the effectiveness of proposed
treatments, but also identifies research needed to evaluate current
practice. A less comprehensive but still useful approach to identifying
the scientific support for clinical interventions is the traditional
approach of citing specific studies and reviews when discussing specific
treatments. Practice guidelines without explicit linkages to the literature,
such as those supported only by selected citations not linked to specific
statements and those without any citations, can still be useful, but
users have less assurance that the content is valid.
As the expectations for the content and use of clinical practice guidelines
mature, “perhaps the main task of guideline development [will be] to
summarize the strength of the evidence for the effectiveness of a given
clinical practice in relation to risks and costs” (Fletcher and Fletcher
1998). Thus, practice guidelines will need to be revised considerably
to incorporate the literature on treatment outcomes as they become available.
Currently, information on both the effectiveness of specific dental
treatments and the range of outcomes examined is extremely limited (Bader
and Shugars 1995). For example, none of the guidelines in the table
address patient preference or patient utility issues. Dental organizations
have the opportunity to address these information gaps as practice guidelines
are developed. Professional dental organizations are the most likely
developers, but other organizations can also be vigorous participants.
Finally, organizations developing guidelines should also develop a plan
for their dissemination, evaluation, and revision. The existence of
guidelines does not ensure that appropriate treatment decisions will
be made. Passive distribution of clinical practice guidelines is generally
ineffective in altering practice, whereas more active, multifaceted
interventions can achieve some measure of desired change (Bero et al.
1998).
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Science and Technology Contributions
During the past several decades, there have been major improvements
in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases. Enhanced
disease prevention and health promotion will require the participation
of all health professions, especially in addressing common risk factors
such as tobacco, alcohol, and inappropriate dietary practices. The field
of diagnostic tests for oral diseases should continue to expand, enabling
clinicians to analyze the risk of disease and disease progression for
individual patients. Full assessment of the strengths and weaknesses
of new diagnostic tests and evaluation of when they are best used will
be key to proper interpretation of the results, permitting tailored
referrals and treatments. Treatment options for individual patients
are increasing, including the regeneration of lost bone and connective
tissue. Restorative materials are continuously improving, resulting
in safe, effective, and aesthetic restorations. The growing field of
biomimetics should continue to revolutionize oral health and oral health
care. Development of biocompatible restorative and implant materials
will continue, as well as development of new biologically engineered
substitutes for lost bone, connective tissue, and diseased articular
disks, to name several possibilities. Harnessing other basic science
knowledge will enable the development of new therapies such as genetically
engineered growth factors. Improved understanding of the genetic risk
factors, limitation of exposures to teratogens, and attention to diet
may markedly diminish the occurrence of congenital anomalies such as
cleft lip and palate.
Science is continuing to reveal the intricacies and complexities of
disease etiology and pathogenesis. In turn, the classification and diagnosis
of diseases and conditions will improve and lead to tailored treatment
options. The recent efforts to understand and define early childhood
caries are an example of this evolutionary process (Ismail et al. 1999).
This example further demonstrates that disease definitions are important
for population-based research (Drury et al. 1999, Kaste et al. 1999).
One area critical to the ability of dentists to adopt new treatment
modalities or diagnostic techniques is the development of diagnostic
codes. In contrast to medicine, these diagnostic codes currently have
no impact on reimbursement. However, the development and introduction
of such codes are essential for the conduct of needed outcomes research,
and their widespread use is necessary for practice-based research. Such
codes permit the documentation of preexisting conditions, monitoring
of disease progression, and provision of surveillance data in public
health programs. A pilot study in a Canadian public health program has
proposed and implemented a set of diagnostic codes (Leake et al. 1999).
The American Dental Association has undertaken the development of a
comprehensive set of diagnostic codes, expected to be released in the
near future.
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Broadening the Base for the Provision of
Oral Health Care
Further biologic, scientific, and technological advances and changes
in the organization of health care delivery will continue to alter future
professional and individual health care practices (see Chapters
9 and 11). The increased knowledge of risk
factors, the importance of monitoring disease progression and treatment
effects, and the ability to diagnose conditions and intervene earlier
will necessitate increased involvement of all health professionals in
oral health care and may reflect changes in care provision and referral
patterns. Management of conditions such as oral and pharyngeal cancers,
cleft lip/palate, and chronic pain requires multidisciplinary teams.
The promotion of oral health and the prevention of oral disease are
at a turning point. A systematic approach to integrate the scientific
findings into evidence-based assessments will provide clearer guidance
to all health care professions and the public. To capitalize on the
rapidly emerging science base, the active participation of a full range
of health care providers and individuals and the community is needed.
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FINDINGS
- Achieving and maintaining oral health require individual action,
complemented by professional care as well as community-based activities.
- Individuals can take actions, for themselves and for persons under
their care, to prevent disease and maintain health. Primary prevention
of many oral, dental, and craniofacial diseases and conditions is
possible with appropriate diet, nutrition, oral hygiene, and health-promoting
behaviors, including the appropriate use of professional services.
Individuals should use a fluoride dentrifice daily to help prevent
dental caries and should brush and floss daily to prevent gingivitis.
- All primary care providers can contribute to improved oral and
craniofacial health. Interdisciplinary care is needed to manage the
oral health–general health interface. Dentists, as primary care providers,
are uniquely positioned to play an expanded role in the detection,
early recognition, and management of a wide range of complex oral
and general diseases and conditions.
- Nonsurgical interventions are available to reverse disease progression
and to manage oral diseases as infections.
- New knowledge and the development of molecular and genetically
based tests will facilitate risk assessment and management and improve
the ability of health care providers to customize treatment.
- Health care providers can successfully deliver tobacco cessation
and other health promotion programs in their offices, contributing
to both overall health and oral health.
- Biocompatible rehabilitative materials and biologically engineered
tissues are being developed and will greatly enhance the treatment
options available to providers and their patients.
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