SummaryDiabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases which continue to increase in number and significance. It presents the third most prevalent condition among medically compromised patients referring for dental treatment. Diabetes mellitus has been defined as a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Hyperglycemia leads to widespread multisystem damage which has an effect on oral tissue. The present article summarizes current knowledge regarding the association between diabetes mellitus and oral and dental health.

Summary Premature loss of teeth in children may lead to both functional and esthetic problems. Missing teeth in both anterior and posterior regions may cause malfunctions in mastication and proper pronunciation. If the missing teeth are not replaced, further complications may occur, including adjacent tooth migration, loss of alveolar bone, and irregular occlusion. Considering the sensitive nature of children, loss of teeth may cause the development of insecurities and low self esteem problems. Due to dynamic nature of growth in children and adolescents, prosthetic appliances must not hinder development of orofacial system, and must meet adequate esthetic and functional standards. Dental prosthetic appliances in paediatrics must be planned with respect to the special conditions that led to tooth loss or damage. Multi-disciplinary approach is needed, under constant supervision of paediatric dentist and orthodontist, as well as regular checkups with clinical and radiographical examinations.

Introduction. Oral health is an important part of general health. Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes that students acquire during dental school can influence their behavior towards not just their own health, but also towards health in their immediate environment. The aim of the study was to assess the level of oral health among dental students of the second and fifth year at the University of East Sarajevo. Material and Methods. Sixty-six students from the Dental Department of the Faculty of Medicine, the University of East Sarajevo were assessed. The study was conducted in 2012. The parameters used to assess oral health were: DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) index and its components, index for the assessment of periodontal tissues (CPITN), and Green’s Vermillion oral hygiene debris index (DI). According to the methodology and criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) all patients were examined using standard dental diagnostic tools under artificial light on dental chair. Results. Average number of decayed teeth of the second year students was 9.93 while it was 11.44 in the fifth year students. The mean dental caries index was 38.23% and person caries index was 100%. The average value of the debris index was 0.42. Healthy periodontium had 18.2% of students, while in 34.8% of students shallow periodontal pockets were observed. Conclusion. Oral hygiene and periodontal health was satisfactory in dental students. However, high average values of decayed teeth indicated that for better results caries preventive services should be activated earlier, even in school or preschool period

Introduction. Urea is the final product of protein degradation secreted in saliva. It has low molecular weight and neutral molecule that can freely diffuse through bacterial wall, mature plaque and extracellular polysaccharides exerting a buffering effect. In the presence of urease, urea is broken down into one molecule of ammonia and two molecules of weak carbonic acid, causing alkalization of the substrate and pH increase. Hydrolysis of urea begins at pH 4-6. In mature plaque with low pH, urea hydrolysis is a compensatory mechanism that opposes pH decrease trying to keep an optimal acidbase balance. This mechanism explains the role of urea in controlling plaque, caries and gingivitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of urea on the quality and speed of epithelialisation of thermally wounded gingiva in rats. Material and Methods. The study included 36 Wistar albino rats, 3-4 months old, divided in three groups (12 in each group). According to the protocol thermal wounding of gingiva was performed in all animals. Wounded gingival epithelial tissue was treated with: 10% urea solution (experimental group), 3% hydrogen peroxide and saline (control groups). The extent and quality of epithelialisation was verified histologically after 3, 5, 8, 11 and 14 days. Results. There was a strong cellular infiltration and stromal edema with no significant morphological differences between groups in the samples analyzed after 3 days. The acceleration of epithelialisation in the experimental group observed in samples obtained after 5 days was evidenced by rapid mitotic division of epithelium and initial covering of defects in both directions. In samples obtained after 8 days, in the experimental group, epithelial defect was covered and in some areas cells were differentiated in vertical direction. After 11 days horizontal coverage of defects as well as accelerated cell differentiation in the vertical direction were noted. Restitutio ad integrum in the experimental group and significant delay in wound healing in the control groups was demonstrated in 14-day samples. Conclusion. Complete epithelialisation of gingiva occurred significantly faster in the group treated with 10% urea solution, than in the control groups treated with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and saline

Many of medicaments used historically in root canal treatment have been shown to be cytotoxic. Paraformaldehid agents (such as Toxavit and Depulpin) are used to devitalize inflamed pulp when local anesthesia is ineffective. The misuse of pulp devitalizing agents may cause damage to gingiva and alveolar bone. This case report demonstrates complications arising after application of paraformaldehyde containing paste, necrosis of the gingiva and alveolar cortical bone, which resulted in great loss of supporting bone. Surgical intervention was required wherein necrotic bone was removed and bone defect was filled with xenograft of bovine origin. After three months endodontic treatment was performed. After the treatment, the patient?s complaints were resolved. The use of paraformaldehyde-based agents during endodontic therapy requires special caution.