The Halimeter — Measure Bad Breath Scientifically

A Halimeter is an instrument for measurement of the level of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in the mouth.

Halimeter was introduced in the early 1990s as an adjunct method for determining halitosis (bad breath, oral malodor) levels, alongside human assessment of odor levels (the latter is considered the gold standard).
The instrument measures parts per billion levels of hydrogen sulfide and, to a lesser extent, methyl mercaptan, two gases which were previously shown to be associated with bad breath using gas chromatograph by Dr. Joseph Tonzetich in the late 1960s.

The Halimeter is manufactured by Interscan Corp. in California, and based on their earlier model 1170 portable sulfide monitor.
This was the model used in the two original studies. These studies, conducted for the first time by Dr. Mel Rosenberg, showed a significant correlation between monitor levels and oral malodor scores.
The small size, simplicity of use, and price (relative to gas chromatograph) of the Halimeter made it popular among dentists seeking to diagnose and treat bad breath, as well as scientific researchers.
Much of the published research on bad breath over the past dozen years has employed this instrument.
The electrochemical sensor is sensitive to alcohol vapors, and requires recalibration over time.
The Halimeter has been the only VSC monitor for the diagnosis of halitosis for years, but now that its patent has expired, it faces competition from other sulfur monitors recently introduced into the marketplace.

Video on Self Adjusting File

For more details
check
http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20090130638


Thanks to Dr. Shahid Shaikh for sharing this wonderful information with us

microdontia/ hypodontia (Small sized teeth)

Microdontia is a condition in which teeth appear smaller than normal.
In the generalized form, all teeth are involved.
In the localized form, only a few teeth are involved.
The most common teeth affected are the upper lateral incisors and third molars.
The affected teeth may be of normal or abnormal morphology.

dEvoLopMeNTAl DistURBanCES of TEEth

Developmental disturbances means an abnormality where the pathology starts in the embryonic stage of human life, before the formation of the dentition.


Developmental disturbances in teeth are of 5 types based on the feature of the tooth they affect:

* Size of Teeth
* Shape of Teeth
* Number of Teeth
* Structure of Teeth
* Growth (Eruption) of Teeth


Size Of Teeth:

1. Microdontia
2. Macrodontia

Shape Of Teeth:

1. Germination
2. Fusion
3. Concrescence
4. Di laceration
5. Talon cusp
6. Dens in Dente
7. Dens Evaginatus
8. Taurodontism
9. Supernumerary Roots

Number Of Teeth:

1. Anodontia
2. Supernumerary Teeth
3. Pre-Decidious Teeth
4. Post-Permanent Teeth

Structure Of Teeth:

1. Amelogenesis Imperfecta
2. Environmental Enamel Hypoplasia
3. Dentinogenesis Imperfecta

4. Dentin Dysplasia
5. Regional Odontodysplasia
6. Dentin Hypocalcification

Growth (or) Eruption Of Teeth:

1. Premature Eruption
2. Delayed Eruption
3. Eruption Sequestrum
4. Multiple Unerupted Teeth
5. Embedded and Impacted Teeth
6. Ankyolosed and Decidious Teeth.

Talon Cusp

A talon cusp, also known as an "eagle's talon", is an extra cusp on an anterior tooth. The term refers to the same condition as dens evaginatus, but the talon cusp is the manifestation of dens evaginatus on anterior teeth. The incidence has been found to range from less than 1% to 6% of the population.[1] Of all cases, 55% occur on the permanent maxillary lateral incisor, and 33% occur on the permanent maxillary central incisor. They are found rarely in primary teeth.