IntroductionParafunctions (harmful habits) play a crucial role in the formation of temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction syndrome with disc displacement. Disorder symptoms in temporo-mandibular joints manifest themselves in the eye and ear but are usually not associated with the dysfunction of temporo-mandibular joints and that might lead to errors in diagnosis. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of missing teeth and parafunctions on the occurrence of ear and eye symptoms in patients treated in the Department of Prosthodontics of the Medical University of Lublin.Material and methodsThe patient group consisted of 753 women and 253 men aged 10 to 82 years who had been treated in the Department of Prosthodontics, Medical University of Lublin in the years 2003-2008 due to various symptoms associated with temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction.ResultsEye (24.84%, n = 785) and ear (33.38%, n = 785) syndromes occur on average more often in patients with parafunctions than without them (15.98%, n = 219 and 23.29%, n = 219). However, only parafunctions involving tooth contact should be taken into consideration when diagnosing eye and ear syndromes. The data presented here show that the number of missing teeth does not have a significant influence on the frequency of occurrence of parafunctions. Parafunctions have become a very important factor in the diagnosis of diseases and pathological symptoms of eye and ear as the rate at which they occur is growing.ConclusionsThe kind of parafunction is very important. Only those involving tooth contact should be taken into consideration when diagnosing eye and ear syndromes.

Masticatory muscle pain (MMP) is the most prevalent source of pain related to temporomandibular disorders. Some authors suggest that MMP may be related to the presence of myofascial trigger points (TrPs). Aim. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immediate effect of masseter (MM) trigger point compressions technique on masticatory muscle activity and pressure pain thresholds (PPT). Material and methods. The participants were 15 healthy adults (10 women and 5 men; mean age 23.1±3.6). All participants included into the study had unilateral latent trigger points (TrPs) in the masseter muscle. Compression technique (CoT) of the latent TrPs in the masseter muscle was performed by pressing with index finger using constant, calibrated pressure of 2 kg/cm2 on the TrPs for 90 seconds. The electrical activity of the examined muscles and pressure pain thresholds for masseter muscles were recorded prior and after CoT. Results. Mean surface electrical activity of the MM muscle with TrPs and both sides of digastric muscle (DA) during resting mandibular position after CoT was significantly lower than before CoT (mean differences: MM 1=-0.783, p=0.001; DA 1=-0.312, p=0.01; DA 2=-0.229, p=0.025). Mean PPT of the MM muscles with TrPs after CoT was significantly higher comparing to baseline (1.819 vs.1.529 kg, respectively; p=0.001). Conclusions. CoT of the TrPs in masseter muscle reduces masticatory muscles resting activity. The use of CoT applied to the TrPs in masseter muscle increases pain pressure threshold. CoT may be effective in the management of MMP. (Ginszt M, Berger M, Gawda P, Bożyk A, Gawda J, Szkutnik J, Suwała M, Majcher P, Kapelan M. The immediate effect of masseter trigger points compression on masticatory muscle activity. Orthod Forum 2017; 13: 79-88).

Introduction. The joint hypermobility syndrome is a connective tissue disorder affecting the entire organism. The symptoms include laxity of joint-stabilizing capsules and ligaments, excessive joint mobility and other accompanying symptoms. Some symptoms manifest in the oral cavity, which is of importance to dentists.Aim. The authors attempted to determine the prevalence of joint hypermobility syndrome in the population studied. Material and methods. The questionnaire study was conducted amongst students of the Faculty of Medicine with Dentistry Division, Medical University of Lublin. The study population consisted of 321 individuals, including 283 Polish students and 37 students of south-eastern nationalities (Saudi Arabia, Taiwan).Results and conclusions. The prevalence of constitutional hypermobility amongst dental students is comparable to that reported in literature. Constitutional hypermobility is more common in students of south-eastern nationalities than in Polish students.

Hygiene plays an important role in patients who use removable dentures. The proper way of cleaning and storage also provides better health of oral cavity tissues as well as for the remaining teeth. The research involved 162 patients, 133 women and 29 men, aged 60-90, with different levels of education, the majority with secondary education. All patients were using removable dentures. 85.8% declared earlier use of dentures, and a half of the patients had used dentures for no more than 7.5 years. A considerable percentage (33.95%) used dentures for the whole day. Storing in a container with fluid was used by 25.93% of the respondents. Over 70% used toothpaste to clean their dentures and about 14% immersed them in special preparations, e.g. CoregaTabs, while over 8% used soap. Among patients who cleaned their dentures, the majority cleaned them once a week (75%) and the minority -twice a week (25%). The greatest percentage of patients cleaned their dentures with a toothbrush and toothpaste, which is not recommended due to occurring microabrasions. It is recommended that patients should be educated regarding prosthesis hygiene and regular follow-ups.

Introduction.Caries of deciduous teeth in the population of Polish children is a significant health, social and organizational problem.Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the dentition of 3-and 4-year-old children in the Mazowieckie Province.Material and methods. The study comprised 393 kindergarten children aged 3 and 4 years in the Mazowieckie Province, 202 girls and 191 boys, including 159 children aged 3 years and 243 children aged 4 years. In all subjects the state of dentition was assessed. The prevalence of caries was calculated as the percentage of people affected by this disease, and the intensity of dental caries was determined using the dmft index. The results were compared with those that Polish researchers obtained in the 3 -and 4-year-olds after 2000.Results. In the studied group of 3-and 4-year-olds the prevalence of caries was 62.85%, among girls -61.88% and among boys -63.87%. For all subjects the average scores for dmft index were 3.22 and its components dt -2.72 (decayed teeth), mt -0.1 (missing teeth), ft -0.4 (filled teeth).Conclusions. The prevalence and intensity of dental caries in 3-and 4-year-old children attending kindergartens in the Mazowieckie Province is high and close to the national average. It is advisable to increase the preventive and curative measures in this age group of children on dental caries.