Rising trend of dentist-prescribed antibiotics in Brazil: 2011-2021.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the trends in antibiotic prescribing by dental practitioners and to investigate the relationship between these trends and some factors of public oral health services in Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. METHODS: This was a time-series analysis of antibiotics prescribed by dental practitioners between January 2011 and December 2021. The outcome variables were number of defined daily doses (DDD) and DDD/1000 population/year in a sample of cities in MG. Covariates were public oral healthcare factors, such as coverage, estimates of dental procedures, and frequency of dental pain. Linear time-series regression models were used to examine trends and the influence of covariates on antibiotic prescribing. RESULTS: Overall, the number of prescriptions increased by 334.69% between 2011 and 2021, with amoxicillin being the most commonly prescribed drug (78.53%). The number of DDD for all antibiotics increased from 17,147.13 to 77,346.67 and the average DDD/1000 inhabitants/year was 126.66 (SD: 130.28). The linear time-series regression model showed that for each one-year increase, the average log DDD/1000 inhabitants increased by 0.35 (standard error = 0.07, p < 0.001). No covariates were found to be associated with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In Minas Gerais, Brazil, a significant upward trend was observed in the number of prescriptions and the number of DDD of antibiotics prescribed by dental practitioners. No influence of factors related to public oral healthcare services on the outcome was observed, thereby emphasizing the need for further research on factors influencing medication use in dental practice.

Analysis of the structure of Basic Health Units in Brazil to conduct telehealth actions: a comparison of two cross-sectional studies.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in distance health-related activities between professionals, managers, and patients of health services. This cross-sectional study compared the ICT infrastructure available in Brazilian Basic Health Units (BHU) for telehealth actions, along with evaluation cycles of the National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care (PMAQ-AB). METHODS: Data from the second and third cycles of the PMAQ-AB were used. A total of 22,021 BHUs were evaluated concerning the availability of computers, cameras, stereo boxes, microphones, printers, television, and internet available. The presence of each ICT equipment assigned a score to each BHU. The sum of these scores assigned a final score to the BHU and was used for comparison among different Brazilian regions. The data were analyzed descriptively and by Wilcoxon test (p ≤ 0.05) using SPSS v. 25. RESULTS: The increase in the median number of ICT equipment was statistically significant in the BHU in Brazil and the Brazilian regions (p < 0.001). The South, Southeast, and Midwest regions had the highest median scores in both cycles. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of ICT equipment for telehealth actions in BHU improved over the PMAQ-AB cycles, with differences in the ICT structure between Brazilian regions.

Oral Problems in Brazilian Individuals with Rare Genetic Diseases That Affect Skeletal Development.

The present study aimed to compare the prevalence of oral problems between individuals with rare genetic diseases that affect skeletal development and individuals without rare diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 210 individuals between two and fifty-four years of age: 105 with rare genetic diseases (27 with mucopolysaccharidosis [MPS] and 78 with osteogenesis imperfecta [OI]) and 105 without rare diseases. The rare genetic disease group was recruited from hospital units that provide care for patients with MPS and OI in five states of Brazil, and the other group was recruited from the same location. The participants were examined with regards to malocclusion, dental anomalies, dental caries, and gingivitis. A questionnaire was administered addressing individual, sociodemographic, and behavioral characteristics as well as dental history. A descriptive analysis was performed, followed by unadjusted and adjusted binary logistic regression analyses. The mean age was 14.1 ± 12.2 years. Individuals with a rare disease were 12.9-fold more likely to have some type of oral problem (95% CI: 3.7-44.7) compared to the group without rare diseases. The prevalence of oral problems was higher among Brazilians with MPS and OI compared to normotypical individuals.

Dental Profile of Brazilian Patients with Rare Skeletal Genetic Disorders: Clinical Features and Associated Factors.

The aim of this study is to compare the dental profiles of Brazilian patients with rare genetic skeletal disorders and normotypical patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 210 individuals aged between 2 and 54 years old [105 with rare diseases (Mucopolysaccharidosis/MPS n = 27 and Osteogenesis Imperfecta/OI n = 78) and 105 without rare diseases] and their parents/caregivers. The parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire about individual aspects of their child and the dental profile was identified from questions related to dental history and the presence/absence of dental problems. The patients' oral cavity was also examined by three examiners for dental caries, malocclusion, gingivitis, and dental anomalies. The average age of individuals with a rare disease was 14.1 years (±12.2) and the median was 9.5 years. Participants who had already used the public health system (SUS) dental care services had a 2.24 times higher chance of belonging to the group with a rare disease (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.07-4.89). Patients with rare diseases are 14.86 times more likely to have difficulty receiving dental treatment (OR = 14.86; 95% CI: 5.96-27.03) and 10.38 times more likely to have one or more dental problems (OR = 10.38; 95% CI: 1.95-35.17). Individuals with rare disorders have a greater history of difficulty in accessing dental treatment, using the SUS, and were diagnosed with more dental problems compared to normotypical individuals.

Validating evidence for the knowledge, management and involvement of dentists in a dental approach to sickle-cell disease.

This study validated the content of an instrument designed to assess the knowledge, involvement (attitudes) and management (practice) of dentists relative to sickle-cell disease (KAPD-SCD). The instrument consisted of five domains composed of a total of thirteen items: I. Dentist's self-assessment relative to sickle-cell disease; II. Dentist's knowledge of the repercussions of sickle-cell disease on the stomatognathic system; III. Dentist's knowledge of the complications of sickle-cell disease in the stomatognathic system; IV. Dentist's knowledge concerning the dental management of sickle-cell disease patients; and V. Dentist's involvement in an approach to sickle-cell disease. Twelve experts assigned scores to each item of the instrument. The criteria were clarity, understanding and appropriateness, leaving open fields for comments. Descriptive and content analyses of the data were made. Each expert analyzed 39 assessment units. The percentages considered for agreement were high (>80%), medium (70%-80%), or low (<70%), and each item was maintained or revised according to the percentage observed. There was high consensus in 74% of the assessment units (the corresponding items were maintained), medium consensus in 24% of them (the corresponding items were revised), and disagreement in 2% of them, namely as regards the "appropriateness" of item 5 ("Are there oral complications in sickle-cell disease?"), which was revised. The final version of the instrument had 16 items for different applications such as in the clinical care program, teaching program, or research program, with different cut-off scores for each application. In conclusion, the level of agreement among experts showed evidence of the content validity of the instrument.

Can predictive factors determine the time to treatment initiation for oral and oropharyngeal cancer? A classification and regression tree analysis.

This ecological study aimed to identify the factors with the greatest power to discriminate the proportion of oral and oropharyngeal cancer (OOC) records with time to treatment initiation (TTI) within 30 days of diagnosis in Brazilian municipalities. A descriptive analysis was performed on the variables grouped into five dimensions related to patient characteristics, access to health services, support for cancer diagnosis, human resources, and socioeconomic characteristics of 3,218 Brazilian municipalities that registered at least one case of OOC in 2019. The Classification and Regression Trees (CART) technique was adopted to identify the explanatory variables with greater discriminatory power for the TTI response variable. There was a higher median percentage of records in the age group of 60 years or older. The median percentage of records with stage III and IV of the disease was 46.97%, and of records with chemotherapy, radiation, or both as the first treatment was 50%. The median percentage of people with private dental and health insurance was low. Up to 75% had no cancer diagnostic support services, and up to 50% of the municipalities had no specialist dentists. Most municipalities (49.4%) started treatment after more than 30 days. In the CART analysis, treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both explained the highest TTI in all municipalities, and it was the most relevant for predicting TTI. The final model also included anatomical sites in the oral cavity and oropharynx and the number of computed tomography services per 100,000. There is a need to expand the availability of oncology services and human resources specialized in diagnosing and treating OOC in Brazilian municipalities for a timely TTI of OOC.

EZH2 immunoexpression in pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma and clinicopathological features.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the EZH2 protein and describe the clinical and microscopic characteristics of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and pleomorphic adenoma (PA). The study included 16 ACC cases and 12 PA. All ACC and PA cases were positive for EZH2 and the ACC samples showed significantly higher EZH2 expression. The clinical and microscopic covariates were described in relation to EZH2 staining in ACC samples. The highest mean values of EZH2 were observed in cases with local metastasis, recurrence, perineural invasion, and predominantly cribriform growth pattern without solid areas. EZH2 is a potential marker of malignancy.

Oral conditions of children with microcephaly associated with congenital Zika syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of the present study was to compare the oral conditions of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS)-associated microcephaly, non-CZS-associated microcephaly, and normotypical children, as well as to characterize their sociodemographic aspects and medical history. A paired cross-sectional study was carried out on 14 children with CZS-associated microcephaly and 24 age-matched controls, in Belo Horizonte, in southeastern Brazil. Children's oral conditions were assessed: dental caries experience (dmft/DMFT indices); developmental defects of enamel (DDE) index; dental anomalies; mucosal changes; lip sealing, and malocclusion (overjet, overbite, and/or posterior crossbite alterations). The quality of oral hygiene was analyzed by the simplified oral hygiene index. The children's mothers also answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic and medical history data. The variables were analyzed descriptively. Female participants were more prevalent (60.5%), and the mean age of the participants was 4.9 years (±1.4) (range: 2-8 years) and 92.1% of their exhibited some oral condition. All participants with CZS-associated microcephaly showed absence of lip sealing and had malocclusion (100.0%). When compared to the other groups, children with CZS had a higher percentage of dental anomalies (35.7%), mucosal changes (71.4%), and unsatisfactory oral hygiene (64.3%). In a sample composed mainly of female participants aged less than 5 years, the prevalence of oral conditions and unsatisfactory oral hygiene was higher in the group with CZS-associated microcephaly, followed by the group with non-CZS-associated microcephaly. Normotypical children had the highest percentage of dental caries experience.

The Role of Socioeconomic and Health Services Organizational Factors on Infection Control Structure Score, Brazil.

This study aimed to analyze possible associations between the Infection Control Structure Score (ICSS), health services, and social characteristics of the municipalities in Brazil. Secondary data from the third cycle 2017-2018 of the Brazilian National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ) was analyzed. Six independent variables - FIRJAN Index of Municipal Development, number of inhabitants, number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government, healthcare expenditure per capita, and number of Oral Health Teams modalities 1 and 2 - were included to assess their influence on ICSS, measured for each Brazilian town. Data analysis used the Classification and Regression Tree model performed with IBM SPSS 25. A total of 4,900 municipalities were included, and the mean ICSS was 0.905 (±0.092). A positive relationship was observed between healthcare expenditure per capita, municipal development, and the outcome. Conversely, towns with a higher number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government showed lower mean ICSS. The findings suggest that inequalities in the infection control structures exist within the country, and they were related to the health services and social characteristics of the municipalities.

The Role of Socioeconomic and Health Services Organizational Factors on Infection Control Structure Score, Brazil / O Papel dos Fatores Socioeconômicos e de Organização dos Serviços de Saúde sobre o Escore da Estrutura de Controle de Infecção, Brasil

Abstract This study aimed to analyze possible associations between the Infection Control Structure Score (ICSS), health services, and social characteristics of the municipalities in Brazil. Secondary data from the third cycle 2017-2018 of the Brazilian National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ) was analyzed. Six independent variables - FIRJAN Index of Municipal Development, number of inhabitants, number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government, healthcare expenditure per capita, and number of Oral Health Teams modalities 1 and 2 - were included to assess their influence on ICSS, measured for each Brazilian town. Data analysis used the Classification and Regression Tree model performed with IBM SPSS 25. A total of 4,900 municipalities were included, and the mean ICSS was 0.905 (±0.092). A positive relationship was observed between healthcare expenditure per capita, municipal development, and the outcome. Conversely, towns with a higher number of family health teams receiving a financial incentive from the federal government showed lower mean ICSS. The findings suggest that inequalities in the infection control structures exist within the country, and they were related to the health services and social characteristics of the municipalities.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar as possíveis associações entre o Escore da Estrutura de Controle de Infecção (EECI), os serviços de saúde e características sociais dos municípios brasileiros. Foram analisados dados secundários do terceiro ciclo 2017-2018 do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ). Seis variáveis independentes - Índice FIRJAN de Desenvolvimento Municipal, número de habitantes, número de Equipes de Saúde da Família que recebiam incentivo financeiro do governo federal, gasto com saúde per capita e número de Equipes de Saúde Bucal modalidades 1 e 2 - foram incluídas para avaliar a influência sobre o EECI, medido para cada município brasileiro. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizado o modelo de Árvore de Classificação e Regressão no IBM SPSS 25. Foram incluídos 4.900 municípios, e o EECI médio foi de 0,905 (±0,092). Observou-se uma associação positiva entre o gasto com saúde per capita, o desenvolvimento municipal e o desfecho. Por outro lado, municípios com maior número de Equipes de Saúde da Família com incentivo financeiro do governo federal apresentaram menor média do EECI. Os achados sugerem que existem desigualdades nas estruturas de controle de infecções no país, relacionadas aos serviços de saúde e às características sociais dos municípios.

EZH2 immunoexpression in pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma and clinicopathological features

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the EZH2 protein and describe the clinical and microscopic characteristics of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and pleomorphic adenoma (PA). The study included 16 ACC cases and 12 PA. All ACC and PA cases were positive for EZH2 and the ACC samples showed significantly higher EZH2 expression. The clinical and microscopic covariates were described in relation to EZH2 staining in ACC samples. The highest mean values of EZH2 were observed in cases with local metastasis, recurrence, perineural invasion, and predominantly cribriform growth pattern without solid areas. EZH2 is a potential marker of malignancy.

Oral conditions of children with microcephaly associated with congenital Zika syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Abstract The aim of the present study was to compare the oral conditions of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS)-associated microcephaly, non-CZS-associated microcephaly, and normotypical children, as well as to characterize their sociodemographic aspects and medical history. A paired cross-sectional study was carried out on 14 children with CZS-associated microcephaly and 24 age-matched controls, in Belo Horizonte, in southeastern Brazil. Children's oral conditions were assessed: dental caries experience (dmft/DMFT indices); developmental defects of enamel (DDE) index; dental anomalies; mucosal changes; lip sealing, and malocclusion (overjet, overbite, and/or posterior crossbite alterations). The quality of oral hygiene was analyzed by the simplified oral hygiene index. The children's mothers also answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic and medical history data. The variables were analyzed descriptively. Female participants were more prevalent (60.5%), and the mean age of the participants was 4.9 years (±1.4) (range: 2-8 years) and 92.1% of their exhibited some oral condition. All participants with CZS-associated microcephaly showed absence of lip sealing and had malocclusion (100.0%). When compared to the other groups, children with CZS had a higher percentage of dental anomalies (35.7%), mucosal changes (71.4%), and unsatisfactory oral hygiene (64.3%). In a sample composed mainly of female participants aged less than 5 years, the prevalence of oral conditions and unsatisfactory oral hygiene was higher in the group with CZS-associated microcephaly, followed by the group with non-CZS-associated microcephaly. Normotypical children had the highest percentage of dental caries experience.

Validating evidence for the knowledge, management and involvement of dentists in a dental approach to sickle-cell disease

Abstract This study validated the content of an instrument designed to assess the knowledge, involvement (attitudes) and management (practice) of dentists relative to sickle-cell disease (KAPD-SCD). The instrument consisted of five domains composed of a total of thirteen items: I. Dentist's self-assessment relative to sickle-cell disease; II. Dentist's knowledge of the repercussions of sickle-cell disease on the stomatognathic system; III. Dentist's knowledge of the complications of sickle-cell disease in the stomatognathic system; IV. Dentist's knowledge concerning the dental management of sickle-cell disease patients; and V. Dentist's involvement in an approach to sickle-cell disease. Twelve experts assigned scores to each item of the instrument. The criteria were clarity, understanding and appropriateness, leaving open fields for comments. Descriptive and content analyses of the data were made. Each expert analyzed 39 assessment units. The percentages considered for agreement were high (>80%), medium (70%-80%), or low (<70%), and each item was maintained or revised according to the percentage observed. There was high consensus in 74% of the assessment units (the corresponding items were maintained), medium consensus in 24% of them (the corresponding items were revised), and disagreement in 2% of them, namely as regards the "appropriateness" of item 5 ("Are there oral complications in sickle-cell disease?"), which was revised. The final version of the instrument had 16 items for different applications such as in the clinical care program, teaching program, or research program, with different cut-off scores for each application. In conclusion, the level of agreement among experts showed evidence of the content validity of the instrument.

A Comparative Analysis of Three Online Drug-Drug Interaction Checkers: A Short Communication

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the agreement among three different online drug-drug interaction (DDI) checkers for the detection of psychotropic drug interactions among dental patients in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Material and Methods: Between January and December 2017, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Minas Gerais with data on pharmaceutical claims of psychotropic drugs prescribed by dental practitioners. Data from the Pharmaceutical Management System provided the drug dispensing history of the patients, allowing the identification of those on concomitant medication use. The occurrence of DDI was determined by entering the name of the drugs taken by each patient into Merative Micromedex®, Medscape®, and DrugBank. The degree of agreement among the three DDI online checkers was analyzed using the Fleiss' kappa test. Results: Overall, 797 dental patients were found to be taking some psychotropic medication with other drugs simultaneously. The number of patients with DDI varied according to Micromedex® (n= 366), Medscape® (n= 473), and DrugBank (n= 736). The agreement between the DDI checkers was poor (Fleiss' kappa: 0.165; p<0.001). Conclusion: The online DDI checkers assessed in this study showed variations in their ability to detect interactions and poor agreement among them.

Dental Pain Medication Prescriptions in Minas Gerais, Brazil (2011-2021): A Time-Series Analysis.

To describe trends of dentist-prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics, from January 2011 to December 2021, as well as to examine the relationship between these trends and characteristics of public oral health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil. In this time-series analysis, all drugs were classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. Drugs categorized as NSAIDs (M01A), and other analgesics and antipyretics (N02B) were included for analysis. The outcome was the number of Defined Daily Doses (DDDs)/1000 inhabitants/year for NSAIDs and analgesics in each town. Covariates referred to characteristics of public oral health services, such as coverage, estimates of dental procedures, and frequency of toothache. Linear time-series regression models were used to determine the influence of covariates on the outcome. Overall, there were 58,482 prescriptions of NSAIDs recorded in thirty-eight towns, while 47,499 prescriptions of analgesics in forty-three towns. For each year, there was a 0.38 (p < 0.001), and 0.28 (p < 0.001) increase in the average log of DDD/1000 inhabitants/year for NSAIDs and analgesics, respectively. A positive association was detected between toothache (p < 0.001) and the prescription of NSAIDs. Over the eleven years, there was a general rising trend in the prescriptions. Toothache was the only characteristic of public oral health services associated with the prescription rates of NSAIDs, implying that as the frequency of toothaches increase, so do the prescriptions of NSAIDs in the studied towns.

Influence of sociodemographic factors and Family Health Strategy coverage on oral health promotion procedures: an analysis of Brazilian municipalities in 2019.

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate associations between sociodemographic factors and municipal Family Health Strategy (FHS) coverage and oral health promotion (OHP) procedures in Brazil. Material and Methods: Data were obtained using public information systems and by direct request to the Ministry of Health. Clinical and collective OHP procedures performed in 2019 were analyzed, and sociodemographic covariates were associated with FHS coverage (population covered by FHS teams [FHST] and oral health teams [OHT]). Negative binomial regression models associated outcomes with covariates and estimated the prevalence ratio (PR) and confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: A total of 4,913 municipalities were included. Municipalities with low-income inequality (PR=1.04, 95%CI 1.01 to 1.08), high illiteracy rate (RP=1.06, 95%CI 1.00 to 1.13), and population size of 10,001 to 50,000 inhabitants (PR=1.07, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.12) and 50,001 to 100,000 (PR=1.21, 95%CI 1.12 to 1.30) showed a higher frequency of clinical procedures. In contrast, a low frequency of clinical procedures was associated with reduced vulnerability to poverty (PR=0.83, 95%CI 0.78 to 0.89) and low OHT coverage (PR=0.39, 95%CI 0.33 to 0.45). Regarding collective procedures, the final model showed associations between low frequency and reduced income inequality (PR=0.91, 95%CI 0.87 to 0.95), low per capita income (PR=0.84, 95%CI 0.81 to 0.88), and low (PR=0.53, 95%CI 0.35 to 0.80) and medium Human Development Index (PR=0.79, 95%CI 0.71 to 87). Conclusions: Clinical and collective OHP procedures were associated with sociodemographic conditions and OHT coverage in the FHS. Key words:Health Promotion, Oral Health, Social Determinants of Health, Universal Health Coverage.

E-learning as a strategy in dentistry in the context of COVID-19: a path to follow?

The current study aims to assess the effectiveness of e-learning in compliance with the new biosafety recommendations in dentistry in the context of COVID-19 applied to the clinical staff of a dental school in Brazil. A quasi-experimental epidemiological study was carried out by means of a structured, pre-tested online questionnaire, applied before and after an educational intervention, using an e-learning format. After data collection, statistical tests were performed. A total of 549 members of the clinical staff participated in the study in the two collection phases, with a return rate of 26.9%. After the e-learning stage, a reduction was found in the reported use of disposable gloves, protective goggles, and surgical masks. The course had no impact on the staff's knowledge concerning the proper sequence for donning PPE and showed 100% effectiveness regarding proper PPE doffing sequence. Knowledge about avoiding procedures that generate aerosols in the clinical setting was improved. Despite the low rate of return, it can be concluded that online intervention alone was ineffective in significantly improving learning about the new clinical biosafety guidelines. Therefore, the use of hybrid teaching and repetitive training is highly recommended.

Avaliação de um material educativo sobre higiene bucal e transtorno do espectro autista sob a ótica dos critérios do BR-CDC-CCI / Evaluation of an educational material on oral hygiene and autism spectrum disorder from the perspective of the BR-CDC-CCI criteria

Objetivo: avaliar a clareza e a qualidade das informações de um material educativo sobre higiene bucal voltado para pacientes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) sob a ótica de critérios preconizados da versão brasileira do Índice de Comunicação Clara em Saúde (BR-CDC-CCI). Materiais e Métodos: foi realizada uma busca no sítio de busca Google (www.google.com) no dia 4 de março de 2023, utilizando os unitermos "cartilha", "higiene bucal" e "pessoa com deficiência". O critério de inclusão envolveu material educativo direcionado a cuidadores de pessoas com TEA desenvolvido por instituição brasileira. Foram excluídos materiais educativos direcionados para profissionais de saúde ou educação, bem como materiais não disponibilizados online. A primeira página de busca revelou um material educativo em saúde bucal para cuidadores de pessoas com TEA, disponibilizado online. O BR-CDC-CCI foi utilizado de forma independente, por duas cirurgiãs-dentistas, para se avaliar o material a partir dos critérios de "Mensagem principal e chamada para ação", "Linguagem", "Design da informação", "Estado da ciência (conhecimento científico), "Recomendações de comportamento", "Números" e "Riscos". Os escores obtidos pelo consenso das avaliadoras para o material, em uma escala de zero a vinte, foram alcançados em uma reunião. Resultados: o material apresentou 100% de conformidade com os critérios exigidos pelo instrumento como mensagem principal destacada, linguagem simples, design atraente, recomendações comportamentais, evidência científica atual, riscos e abordagem adequada da numeracia, demonstrando clareza e qualidade das informações. Conclusão: o material educativo intitulado "Higiene Bucal Para Pessoas Com TEA", apresentou excelente qualidade de acordo com os critérios utilizados. O mesmo cumpre seu objetivo de ajudar pais e profissionais nos cuidados à higiene bucal das pessoas com TEA.

Objective: to evaluate the clarity and quality of information in one educational material on oral hygiene aimed at patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to the criteria recommended by the Brazilian version of the Clear Communication in Health Index (BR-CDC-CCI). Materials and Methods: a electronic search was carried out on the Google search site (www.google.com) on March 4th, 2023, using the keywords "cartilha", "higiene bucal" and "pessoa com deficiência". The inclusion criterion involved educational material directed to caregivers of people with ASD developed by a Brazilian institution. Educational materials directed to health or education professionals were excluded, as well as materials not available online. The first search page revealed one oral health educational material for caregivers of people with ASD, available online. The BR-CDC-CCI was used independently by two dentists to assess the material using the criteria of "Main message and call to action", "Language", "Information design", "State of the science (scientific knowledge)", "Behavior recommendations", "Numbers", and "Risks". The scores obtained by the consensus of the evaluators for the material, on a scale of zero to twenty, were reached in a meeting. Results: the material showed 100% compliance with the criteria required by the instrument as highlighted main message, simple language, attractive design, behavioral recommendations, current scientific evidence, risks and appropriate approach to numeracy, demonstrating clarity and quality of information. Conclusion: the educational material entitled "Oral Hygiene for People with Autism" proved to be excellent material and could fulfill its goal of helping parents and professionals in the oral hygiene of people with ASD.

Describing the Oral Health of Warfarin Users. A Short Report

Aim: To describe the burden of oral diseases and of self-reported periodontal disease of patients under Oral Anticoagulation Therapy (OAT) with warfarin. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Validated questionnaires assessed self-reported periodontal disease and demographic variables. After calibration (Kappa > 0.80), an examiner evaluated dental caries and the need for dental prostheses. Statistical analysis involved proportions and measures of central tendency. Results: The sample consisted of 158 individuals, with a mean age of 58.8 years (SD = 12.1), of which 62.7% of the participants were women. The average DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index was 22.9 (SD = 7.6), with the missing component being the highest (Mean = 16.23). The use of maxillary prosthesis (53.2%) was higher than mandibular (32.3%). The need for mandibular prosthesis reached 66.5%. The percentage of participants that referred gum disease, tooth migration, and tooth mobility was 29.6%, 37.4%, and 30.4%, respectively. Conclusions: The burden of oral diseases among individuals undergoing OAT is worrisome.

Objetivo: Describir la carga de enfermedades bucales y la enfermedad periodontal autorreportada de pacientes en tratamiento con anticoagulación oral con warfarina. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal. Los cuestionarios validados evaluaron la enfermedad periodontal autoinformada y las variables demográficas. Después de la calibración (Kappa> 0.80), un examinador evaluó la caries dental y la necesidad de prótesis dentales. El análisis estadístico involucró proporciones y medidas de tendencia central. Resultados: La muestra estuvo formada por 158 individuos, con una edad media de 58.8 años (DE = 12.1), de los cuales el 62.7% de los participantes eran mujeres. El índice CPOD promedio fue de 22.9 (DE = 7.6), siendo el componente perdido el que más contribuyó al índice (Media = 16.23). El uso de prótesis maxilar (53.2%) fue mayor que el de prótesis mandibular (32.3%). La necesidad de prótesis mandibular alcanzó el 66.5%. El porcentaje de participantes que informaron enfermedad de las encías, migración de los dientes y movilidad de los dientes fue del 29.6%, 37.4% y 30.4%, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Las enfermedades bucales y la necesidad de rehabilitación oral entre los individuos sometidos a anticoagulación oral con warfarina fue motivo de preocupación.