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An investigation into the effects of radiation on extracted human teeth indicated alterations in crystallinity or calcium-phosphorus ratios.Radiation-induced caries is a common sequela of radiation therapy to the head and neck region. Clinical evidence suggests tlat this is a result of alterations in the quality and qLuantity of saliva resulting from cellular destruction in the salivary glands.1,2The pattern and( rampant onset of radiation-induced caries suggest the possibility of the involvement of other causative factors. WvVieman et al reported that they found no alterations in the solubility or chemistry of tooth structure after radiation.3The present study was done to determine if any changes in crystallinity or calciumphosphorus ratios could be demonstrated in extracted human teeth subjected to radiation. A review of the literatuLre produced no evidence of similar studies using these methods of investigation. Materials and MethodsFour freslhly extracted premolar teeth from the same individual were collected for study. Two of the teeth were used as controls. The other two teeth received a single exposure of 12,000 rads using cobalt-60.One each of the control and test teeth was sectioned and prepared for analysis of calcium-phosphorus ratios with use of the electron probe. Figure 1 shows the six different probe paths used in the analysis. Calciumphosphorus counts were taken at 100-micrometer (Mm) intervals at a probe diameter of 10 [m.Enamel biopsy specimens were obtained

Physical and/or mental handicaps are known to directly or indirectly compromise hygiene habits including oral hygiene. It is recommended that handicapped patients, their parents or care workers require from an early stage dental health education and active involvement in preventive programmes. This study surveyed the oral hygiene of paraplegic patients in a specialised centre to determine their oral hygiene needs. Most patients had moderate to poor oral hygiene and gingivitis was prevalent and severe. Plaque and gingivitis was increased in quadriplegic compared to hemiplegic patients. The data indicate that as part of rehabilitation of paraplegic patients there is a need for oral hygiene programmes to be established.

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