Indicators for dental appointment scheduling in primary health care: a national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Integrated dental services within the Health System, particularly at primary health care, are crucial to reverse the current impact of oral diseases, which are among the most prevalent diseases worldwide. However, the use of dental services is determined by complex phenomena related to the individual, the environment and practices in which care is offered. Therefore, factors associated with dental appointments scheduling can affect positively or negatively the use of dental services. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the indicators for dental appointment scheduling in Primary Health Care (PHC). METHODS: The present is a cross-sectional analytical study that used data from the external assessment of the third cycle of the National Program for Improving Access and Quality in Primary Care (PMAQ-AB), carried out between 2017 and 2018, in Brazil. The final sample consisted of 85,231 patients and 22,475 Oral Health teams (OHTs). The outcome variable was the fact that the user sought for a dental appointment at the Primary Health Care Unit. A multilevel analysis was carried out to verify the association between individual variables (related to users) and contextual variables (related to the OHTs) in relation to the outcome. RESULTS: Only 58.1% of the users interviewed at these Primary Health Care Units seek the available dental care. The variables with the greatest effect on the outcome were the patient's age up to 42 years old (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.96-2.10), at individual level, and 'oral health teams that assisted no more than a single family health team (FHT)' (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.23-1.36) at contextual level. Other variables were also associated with the outcome, but with a smaller effect size. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, users' age and work process of OHT were indicators for dental appointment scheduling. Our results suggest that when OHT put the National Oral Health Policy guidelines into practice, by assisting only one FHT, the chance for PHC users seeking dental appointments is higher than OHTs that assist more than one FHT. Regarding age, patients aged up to 42 years are more likely to seek an appointment with a dentist.

Inclusion of oral health teams in primary health care promotes early diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancers: a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: Oral and oropharyngeal cancers are considered important public health problems worldwide. This study aims to analyze the association between late diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancers in Brazil and the contextual indicators of socioeconomic variables and coverage of Primary Health Care (PHC), and to assess the temporal trend of late diagnosis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, secondary data were evaluated with a time series analysis. All Brazilian cities that reported at least one case of oral and oropharyngeal cancers each year in the period between 2000 and 2013 were included; and the staging was analyzed by calculating the ratio risk for late diagnosis for each municipality. The association between staging and socioeconomic variables and offer of PHC was calculated using multiple linear regression. The time trend of the risk ratio for late-stage diagnosis was calculated using the Prais-Winsten method. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty Brazilian municipalities had at least one annual case of oral and oropharyngeal cancers notified to the INCA hospital system between 2000 and 2013. The adjusted model showed that the higher the Gini value (greater social inequality) and the lower the HDI value (less human development) was, the higher was the number of tumors diagnosed at a late stage, considering the size of the tumor. A greater risk for late diagnosis was identified, as early as at the stage of lymph node involvement, when there was a higher level of social inequality and lower level of coverage by Oral Health Teams (OHT) in PHC. The greater the social inequality, the greater was the risk of late diagnosis, as early as in the stage of metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that, during the evaluated period, there was an increase in the number of cases diagnosed at the most advanced stage. Furthermore, there was association between higher levels of social inequality and an increase in the proportion of late diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. In addition, the inclusion of Oral Health Teams in Primary Health Care promoted the early diagnosis of these types of cancers.

Examiner's experience and the outcome interpretation of ICDAS and Nyvad's system - a prospective in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, prospectively, the influence of examiner's experience in interpreting and applying the caries detection systems ICDAS (IC) and Nyvad (NY). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve second-year undergraduate dental students (UG) and 12 postgraduates (PG) MSc level analysed and codified 77 clinical dental caries photographs at three different moments: initially, without any training; after one week of receiving training through a theoretical class; and after two years. Reproducibility and correlation was evaluated; sensitivity, specificity and area under ROC curve (AUC) were dichotomized according to the presence of cavitation (IC) and in relation to disease activity (NY). RESULTS: IC presented good kappa values for the first two evaluations. Both criteria resulted in good Spearman's correlation after two years (IC = UG: 0.89; PG: 0.93/NY = UG: 0.81; PG: 0.82). Sensitivity, specificity and AUC were statistically higher in the third evaluation by UG for Nyvad. CONCLUSIONS: ICDAS criteria seem to be instinctively understood by students without clinical experience. Nyvad's concepts performed better after two years where the students deepened their theoretical knowledge and experienced clinical practice, collaborating with the identification of activity signs.

Quality of life and socio-dental impact among underprivileged Brazilian adolescents.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of clinical variables, individual and contextual characteristics on the quality of life (QL) of underprivileged adolescents in a municipality in the interior of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Piracicaba, in 2012, with 1,172 adolescents aged 15-19 years, from 21 state schools and 34 Family Health Units. The dependent variables included the socio-dental impact (OIDP) and quality of life (WHOQOL-bref) indices. The dependent variables were classified as individual (DMFT index, CPI Index, age, sex, income, parents' educational level) and contextual (Social Exclusion Index) variable. The multilevel regression model was estimated by the PROC GLIMMIX ("Generalized Linear Models-Mixed") procedure, considering the individuals' variables as being Level 1 and the contextual variables as being Level 2, and the statistical significance was evaluated at level of significance of 5 %. RESULTS: Girls were found to have the worst QL (p < 0.000) and greatest OIDP (p = 0.000). There was an increase in OIDP (p < 0.001) and diminished QL (p < 0.052) with an increase in the periodontal index. This result is marginally significant since the significance probability is marginally greater than 0.05. In turn, there was an increase in QL (p = 0.000) and reduction in OIDP (p < 0.000) with an increase in the family income. Adolescents who resided in areas of greatest social exclusion (p = 0.031) and with greater OIDP (p < 0.000) presented the worst QL. CONCLUSION: Individual and contextual variables were related to the OIDP and QL in underprivileged Brazilian adolescents.

Home Care for the Elderly: An Integrated Approach to Perception, Quality of Life, and Cognition.

This study investigated the impact of home care, health status, and cognition. A qualitative and quantitative approach was employed through a cross-sectional study with a sample of 60 elderly individuals in need of home care in the municipality of Itatiba, São Paulo, Brazil. The analysis utilized the Discourse of the Collective Subject (DCS), EQ-5D, EQ VAS, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The sample consisted of 40.0% male and 60.0% female individuals. The majority (61.6%) received weekly visits, mainly from community health agents, who were responsible for the majority of the care (45%). Positive considerations were highlighted, with 36.6% emphasizing the contribution to treatment continuity. The EQ VAS assessment indicated a moderately good perception of health. The EQ-5D analysis revealed significant differences between genders in personal care (p = 0.04). There were significant differences between clinical characteristics and EQ-5D dimensions, such as neoplasia and reduced mobility (p = 0.04), and arthritis/osteoarthritis/rheumatism and a limitation in common activities (p = 0.01). The presence of anxiety/depression was significant in cases of neoplasia (p = 0.006), arthritis/osteoarthritis/rheumatism (p = 0.01), and stroke (p = 0.04). The logistic regression analysis showed associations between usual activities and arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism (p = 0.034), pain/malaise and arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism (p = 0.038), and anxiety/depression and stroke (p= 0.028). The average MMSE scores (17.52) suggested a mild cognitive impairment, with no statistical differences between genders. Based on these results, it can be concluded that home care can provide a comprehensive approach and continuous assistance, emphasizing the importance of personalized care based on perceived and clinical differences.

Age and Type of Delivery as Risk Indicators for Maternal Mortality.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed maternal mortality (MM) and related factors in a large-sized municipality in the Southeastern region of Brazil (Campinas, São Paulo) during the period 2000-2015. METHODS: This study consisted of two phases: 1. An analytical nested case-control phase that assessed the impact of individual and contextual variables on MM; and 2. an ecological phase designed to contextualize maternal deaths by means of spatial analysis. The case group consisted of all maternal deaths (n = 87) and the control group consisted of 348 women who gave birth during the same period. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, association, and multiple logistic regression (MLR) tests at p < 0.05 as well as spatial analysis. RESULTS: Maternal Mortality Ratio was 37 deaths per 100.000 live births. Deaths were dispersed throughout the urban territory and no formation of cluster was observed. MLR showed that pregnant women aged ≥ 35 years old (OR = 2.63) or those with cesarean delivery (OR = 2.51) were more prone to maternal death. CONCLUSION: Maternal deaths were distributed dispersedly among the different socioeconomic levels and more prone to occur among older women or those undergoing cesarean deliveries.

OBJETIVO: Esse estudo avaliou a mortalidade materna (MM) e fatores relacionados em um município de grande porte da região sudeste do Brasil (Campinas, São Paulo) no período de 2000-2015. MéTODOS:: Esse estudo consistiu de duas fases: 1. Uma fase analítica de caso-controle que avaliou o impacto de variáveis individuais e contextuais na MM; 2. Uma fase ecológica delineada para contextualizar as mortes maternas por meio de análise espacial. O grupo caso consistiu de 87 mortes maternas e o grupo controle de 348 mulheres que tiveram bebês durante o mesmo período. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva, testes de associação e regressão logística múltipla (RLM) (p < 0,05) assim como análise espacial. RESULTADOS: A taxa de mortalidade materna foi de 37 mortes para cada 100.000 nascidos vivos. As mortes foram dispersas por todo o território urbano e não se observou formação de clusters. Na RLM observou-se que mulheres grávidas com idade ≥ 35 anos (OR = 2,63) ou aquelas que passaram por cesárea (OR = 2,51) foram mais propensas à morte materna. CONCLUSãO:: As mortes maternas foram distribuídas dispersamente entre os diferentes níveis socioeconômicos e mais propensas a ocorrer entre mulheres ≥ 35 anos de idade ou que passaram por cesárea.

Occlusal caries prevention in high and low risk schoolchildren. A clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the caries-preventive effect of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement used as occlusal sealant (Vitremer) compared with fluoride varnish (Duraphat) application on occlusal surfaces of permanent first molars (OSPFM) in 6-8 year-old schoolchildren (n=268) at high (HR) and low (LR) caries risk. METHODS: The children were followed-up for 24 months after being systematically allocated into six groups as follows: Control Groups HRC and LRC: children receiving oral health education (OHE) every 3 months; Groups HRV and LRV: children receiving OHE plus varnish application biannually; and Groups HRS and LRS: children receiving OHE plus a single sealant application . The baseline and follow-up examinations were performed by the same calibrated dentist under natural light, using CPI probes and mirrors, after toothbrushing and air-drying. The DMFS was used to record dental caries, in addition to the detection of initial lesions (IL). Data analysis was performed with two primary outcome measures: DMF and DMF+ IL on the OSPFM. RESULTS: After 24 months, only the HRS group showed statistically lower DMF and DMF+IL increments on OSPFM compared with HRC group. HRV group did not differ from HRC and HRS groups. For LR groups, no statistical difference (P> 0.05) was observed among the treatments.

Expectation of parental control and the maintenance of bottle-feeding in childhood.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate association between parental locus of control (belief of individuals about what or who has control of the events of their lives) and bottle feeding habits among children from 3 to 5 years of age. METHODOLOGY: Parental locus of control validated in Brazil, and semi-structured questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic, health, and oral habit behaviors was applied to mothers of 992 preschool children. Outcome variable "use of feeding bottle" was studied according to the time of its use (≤36 months and >36 months). Simple logistic regression models were adjusted and raw odds ratios were estimated for variables of distal blocks, which contemplated parental locus of control, socioeconomic characteristics of family, and maternal habits. In the intermediate block, the variables for conditions of the child's birth and place of health care attendance during the prenatal period and early childhood were included. In the proximal block, the time of breastfeeding and pacifier use were reported. Variables were analyzed from the distal to the proximal block, and the individual analyses that presented p≤0.20 remained in each model; included in the subsequent block were the variables with p≤0.10, because this was a study of prevention. RESULTS: Longer time of feeding bottle use was associated with the internal parental locus of control, mothers older than 31 years of age, white race, premature children, who used pacifiers and are treated in the private health system. CONCLUSIONS: Children who maintained the habit of feeding bottle use for a longer time were those whose mother presented an internal locus of control.

Caries risk assessment in dental practices by dentists from a Brazilian community.

Data on dental practices related to caries risk assessment (CRA) are scarce among Brazilian dentists. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CRA use by dentists and factors associated with its use, as well as to quantify dentists' ratings of the importance of specific factors when treatment planning. Dentists registered at the Regional Council of Dentistry of São Paulo State - Araraquara region were sent two paper questionnaires that comprised: a) characteristics of dentists themselves, their practices, and their patients; and b) the translated version of the "Assessment of Caries Diagnosis and Caries Treatment" Questionnaire from the U.S. National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Participants were 206 dentists who currently practiced in Araraquara and treated dental caries. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were used for data analysis. Thirty-six percent of the dentists reported they perform CRA and, among them, 36% indicated they record the assessment on a special form that is kept in the patient chart. More years since dental school graduation (OR = 1.1, p = 0.002) and holding an advanced academic degree (OR=2.6, p=0.005) were associated with a higher likelihood of performing CRA, whereas exclusively using a private practice model (OR = 0.5, p = 0.016) was associated with a lower likelihood of performing CRA. The current oral hygiene and commitment to return for follow-up were the most important risk factors for treatment planning. In conclusion, CRA was not a routine procedure in daily practice among the majority of participating dentists. Specific demographic, practice and academic education characteristics were associated with performing CRA.

Occlusal tooth surface treatment plans and their possible effects on oral health care costs.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate decision making with regard to detection and treatment of carious lesions on occlusal tooth surfaces and to evaluate the possible costs related to the different treatment plans of a group of clinicians in private practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty extracted permanent teeth with no fillings or macroscopic carious cavitations were selected and radiographed, using a standard method similar to bitewing and then mounted in two models. A sample of 130 clinicians in private practice in Piracicaba, Brazil were asked to carry out combined visual-radiographic caries examination of the occlusal surfaces and to recommend possible treatment plans for each surface. Teeth were sectioned bucco-lingually and caries was assessed using a stereomicroscope and classified as either enamel or dentine lesions. The costs of treatments suggested by each examiner were calculated, using a fee scale reported by the Brazilian Federal Council of Dentistry. RESULTS: Most teeth (53.7%) that were found to be sound on histological examination were considered to have enamel lesions. In 85.7% of these cases, the clinicians recommended restorative treatments. There was about 14-fold difference among clinicians concerning the costs related to decision making. CONCLUSION: Not only did the clinicians overestimate the presence and depth of carious lesions, but they also tended to treat enamel lesions using invasive therapeutic procedures. Great disparities were observed with regard to treatment costs related to decision making. Assuming an in vivo situation, the clinicians may be performing overtreatments and consequently interfering in the quality of patients' oral health.

Exclusive breastfeeding intention among pregnant women and associated variables: a cross-sectional study in a Brazilian community / Intenção de amamentar entre gestantes e variáveis associadas: estudo transversal em uma comunidade brasileira

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) intention and associated variables among women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: The data were collected with a questionnaire for the pregnant women (n=653), from December/2018 to November/2019. They answered the Infant Feeding Intentions (IFI) scale, translated and adapted to Brazilian Portuguese, and a questionnaire on sociodemographic, biological, family, pregnancy, breastfeeding, health care, and habits variables. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed with a 5% significance level, following a multilevel hierarchical model that estimated the association between the dependent and independent variables. The outcome EBF intention measured by the IFI score was dichotomized by the median (<16 or =16). Results: Mean±standard deviation score for the IFI scale was 14.4±2.6 (score 0: very strong intention to not breastfeed at all; score 16: very strong EBF intention up to six months). The results from the regression analysis showed that pregnant women who had no intention to bottle feed (OR=4.33; 95%CI 2.79-6.72) or did not know (OR=1.85; 95%CI 1.21-2.82), those who planned the pregnancy (OR=1.52; 95%CI 1.09-2.12), those who believed they would have help to care for the baby (OR=3.60; 95%CI 1.51-8.56) or did not know (OR=3.97; 95%CI 1.26-12.51), and those who reported knowing the World Health Organization recommendations on breastfeeding (OR=1.73; 95%CI 1.13-2.64) were more likely to show a very strong EBF intention. Conclusions: Pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy presented a strong EBF intention. The higher EBF intention score was significantly associated with the structural, setting, and individual determinants.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a intenção materna de amamentar exclusivamente (IMA) e variáveis associadas entre as mulheres no terceiro trimestre de gravidez. Métodos: A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista e questionário semiestruturado e autoadministrado, entre dezembro/2018 e novembro/2019. As gestantes (n=653) responderam à escala Infant Feeding Intentions (IFI) testada, traduzida e adaptada para o português do Brasil e ao questionário contendo perguntas sobre variáveis sociodemográficas, biológicas e familiares, bem como relacionadas à gestação, ao aleitamento materno, à assistência à saúde e a hábitos. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas e de regressão logística múltipla hierarquizada, com nível de significância de 5%, para estimar a associação entre as variáveis independentes e o desfecho. A IMA, medida pela escala IFI, foi dicotomizada pela mediana (<16 ou =16). Resultados: A pontuação média±desvio padrão para a escala IFI foi de 14,4±2,6. Os resultados da análise de regressão mostraram que as gestantes que não tinham intenção de oferecer mamadeira (OR=4,33; IC95% 2,79-6,72) ou não sabiam (OR=1,85; IC95% 1,21-2,82), que planejaram a gestação (OR=1,52; IC95% 1,09-2,12), aquelas que acreditavam que teriam ajuda nos cuidados com o bebê (OR=3,60; IC95% 1,51-8,56) ou que não sabiam (OR=3,97; IC95% 1,26-12,51), bem como aquelas que relataram conhecer as recomendações da Organização Mundial de Saúde sobre amamentação (OR=1,73; IC95% 1.13-2.64) tinham mais chances de mostrar uma IMA muito forte. Conclusões: As gestantes no terceiro trimestre de gestação apresentaram forte IMA. A maior IMA esteve significativamente associada aos determinantes estruturais, contextuais e individuais.

Relationship between malocclusion and behavioral, demographic and socioeconomic variables: a cross-sectional study of 5-year-olds.

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the prevalence and the severity of malocclusion have increased over the years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between malocclusions, such as open bite and crossbite, and behavioral, demographic and socioeconomic variables in a sample of 5-year-old children attending preschools. METHODS: The random sample consisted of 728 preschool children attending 22 public (n = 428) and 18 private (n = 300) preschools. A calibrated examiner performed the epidemiological examination outdoors, under natural light, using dental mirror and CPI probe. Information on socioeconomic status and the presence of deleterious oral habits was collected by a questionnaire sent to parents. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The deleterious oral habits were observed in 83.1% of the children and were significantly associated with social class. Pacifier use (OR = 21.71), thumb sucking (OR = 4.72); atypical swallowing (OR = 7.35) and mouth breathing (OR = 4.65) were risk indicators for open bite. Pacifier use (OR = 1.59), lip interposition (OR = 1.78), mouth breathing (OR = 1.96) and gender (OR = 1.88) were risk indicators for crossbite. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental factors, such as the presence of deleterious oral habits as well as social class, play an important role in identifying children with open and/or crossbite.

Evidence-practice gap in treatment decisions about defective composite and amalgam restorations among Brazilian dentists

Better understanding of dentists' decision-making about defective restorations is needed to close the evidence-practice gap (EPG). This study aimed to quantify the EPG about defective restorations and identify dentist factors associated with this EPG. Methods: 216 dentists from São Paulo State, Brazil, completed a questionnaire about three clinical case scenarios involving defective composite restorations with cementum-dentin margins (case 1) and enamel margins (case 2), and an amalgam (case 3) restoration. Dentists were asked what treatment, if any, they would recommend, including preventive treatment, polishing, re-surfacing, or repairing the restoration, or replacing the entire restoration. Replacing the entire restoration in any of these three scenarios was classified as inconsistent with the evidence, comprising an EPG. Bivariate analyses using Chi-square, ANOVA, or multiple comparison tests were performed (p<.05). Results: for defective composite restorations, 49% and 55% of dentists chose to replace the entire restoration for cases 1 and 2, respectively. Twenty-nine percent of dentists chose to replace the entire amalgam restoration. Dentists were significantly more likely to choose to replace the defective amalgam restoration than the composite restoration with a defect at the cementum-dentin margins or the enamel margins (both at p < .001). Female dentists were more likely to choose a conservative treatment than male dentists for cases 1 (p=.034) and 2 (p=.009). Dentists with a higher percentage of patients interested in individualized caries prevention were also more conservative in case 1 (p=.045). Conclusion: a substantial EPG regarding treatment decisions for defective restorations exists, especially for composite restorations. This study adds to the international evidence that an EPG exists in this clinical area and that global strategies need to be developed to close the gap

Age and Type of Delivery as Risk Indicators for Maternal Mortality / Idade e tipo de parto como indicadores de risco para mortalidade materna

Abstract Objective: This study assessed maternal mortality (MM) and related factors in a large-sized municipality in the Southeastern region of Brazil (Campinas, São Paulo) during the period 2000-2015. Methods: This study consisted of two phases: 1. An analytical nested case-control phase that assessed the impact of individual and contextual variables on MM; and 2. an ecological phase designed to contextualize maternal deaths by means of spatial analysis. The case group consisted of all maternal deaths (n = 87) and the control group consisted of 348 women who gave birth during the same period. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, association, and multiple logistic regression (MLR) tests at p < 0.05 as well as spatial analysis. Results: Maternal Mortality Ratio was 37 deaths per 100.000 live births. Deaths were dispersed throughout the urban territory and no formation of cluster was observed. MLR showed that pregnant women aged > 35 years old (OR = 2.63) or those with cesarean delivery (OR = 2.51) were more prone to maternal death. Conclusion: Maternal deaths were distributed dispersedly among the different socioeconomic levels and more prone to occur among older women or those undergoing cesarean deliveries.

Resumo Objetivo: Esse estudo avaliou a mortalidade materna (MM) e fatores relacionados em um município de grande porte da região sudeste do Brasil (Campinas, São Paulo) no período de 2000-2015. Métodos: Esse estudo consistiu de duas fases: 1. Uma fase analítica de caso-controle que avaliou o impacto de variáveis individuais e contextuais na MM; 2. Uma fase ecológica delineada para contextualizar as mortes maternas por meio de análise espacial. O grupo caso consistiu de 87 mortes maternas e o grupo controle de 348 mulheres que tiveram bebês durante o mesmo período. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva, testes de associação e regressão logística múltipla (RLM) (p < 0,05) assim como análise espacial. Resultados: A taxa de mortalidade materna foi de 37 mortes para cada 100.000 nascidos vivos. As mortes foram dispersas por todo o território urbano e não se observou formação de clusters. Na RLM observou-se que mulheres grávidas com idade > 35 anos (OR = 2,63) ou aquelas que passaram por cesárea (OR = 2,51) foram mais propensas à morte materna. Conclusão: As mortes maternas foram distribuídas dispersamente entre os diferentes níveis socioeconômicos e mais propensas a ocorrer entre mulheres > 35 anos de idade ou que passaram por cesárea.

Association between Pacifier Use, Bottle-Feeding, and Pre-Postnatal Variables: A Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence and analyze the variables associated with the use of pacifiers and/or bottles by infants up to 6 months of age. Material and Methods: Data on sociodemographic characteristics, intention to offer pacifier and bottle-feeding, pregnancy and breastfeeding (BF) variables were collected at baseline by interviews and a self-administered questionnaire among pregnant women in the 3rd trimester. After delivery, mother-baby binomials were followed by phone calls at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months of the baby's life (n=467) to gather information on the type of delivery, baby's gender, BF in the first hour of the newborn's life, baby's weight, mother's return to work, and oral habits. Association analyses were performed using logistic regression models with a 5% significance level with the pacifier/bottle-feeding use as the outcome. Results: Most mothers (52.5%) reported their babies used bottle-feeding, 48.2% used pacifiers and 33.4% used both of them throughout the 6 months. Intention to offer pacifier and bottle-feeding was reported by 45.0% and 54.8% of the mothers at the 3rd trimester of the pregnancy, respectively. Not living in one's own residence (OR=1.53; 95%CI: 1.05-2.24) and having the prenatal intention of offering a pacifier (OR=2.50; 95%CI: 1.63-3.83) to the baby were significantly associated with pacifier use. Variables significantly associated with bottle-feeding were mother's return to work (OR=2.48; 95%CI: 1.54-3.97), baby's lower birth weight (OR=1.58; IC95%: 1.07-2.33), and prenatal intention to offer bottle-feeding (OR=2.51; 95%CI 1.56-4.04). Conclusion: About half of the babies used pacifiers or were bottle-fed, which were associated with the mother's prenatal intention to offer them to their babies and socioeconomic factors.

Dental trauma and oral health-related quality of life among 7th-grade students of public elementary schools

Dental trauma is a public health problem because of its high prevalence rates and treatment costs and for affecting mainly younger individuals. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the variables associated with dental trauma and its influence on oral health-related quality of life among 7th-grade students of public elementary schools. Methods: The data was collected with semi-structured and self-administered questionnaires and an intraoral clinical examination (n = 204). The variables collected regarded dental trauma, lip coverage, overjet, oral health-related quality of life (Child Perceptions Questionnaire - CPQ11-14 ISF: 8), and sociodemographic profile. Association tests and the Mann-Whitney test were performed at a 5% significance level. Results: Dental trauma occurred in 12.3% of students, 94.6% had adequate lip coverage, and the mean overjet was 2.7 mm (±2.0). Sex was the only variable with a statistically significant association with dental trauma (p = 0.021). There was no statistically significant difference in the CPQ11-14 ISF: 8 score between students with and without dental trauma (p = 0.136). Conclusions: Dental trauma was significantly associated with sex and did not impact the oral health-related quality of life of the students

Evidence-practice gap in treatment recommendations for proximal caries among Brazilian dentists / Lacuna entre a evidência e a prática nas recomendações de tratamento para cárie proximal entre dentistas brasileiros

ABSTRACT Little is known about how Brazilian dentists' treatment decisions for proximal carious lesions are compared to current evidence-based recommendations, so better understanding is needed to close any potential evidence-practice gap. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to quantify the evidence-practice gap about proximal carious lesions treatment and identify dentist factors associated with this evidence-practice gap. Methods: Brazilian dentists (n=214) from Araraquara, São Paulo State, "completed a questionnaire about their dentist and practice characteristics and a translated version of the "Assessment of Caries Diagnosis and Caries Treatment" from the U.S. National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Five radiographic images of proximal carious lesions in low-risk and high-risk patient scenarios were used. Associations between treatment recommendations and lesion, dentist, and practice characteristics were tested for statistical significance (p<0.05). Results: Lesions confined to the enamel would be restored by 35% and 71% of dentists in the low-risk and high-risk patient scenarios, respectively, suggesting a substantial evidence-practice gap given that surgical intervention of enamel lesions is not consistent with current evidence. The lesion depth threshold to recommend a permanent restoration differed between the low-risk and high-risk patient scenarios (p<0.001). Specific dentist/practice characteristics (dentist gender, graduate of a public dental school, postgraduate training, use of caries risk assessment) were significantly associated with the evidence-practice gap, but the magnitude of these differences was not major Conclusion: A substantial evidence-practice gap in treatment of proximal carious lesions was found for the sample overall, even when clinical scenarios presented low-risk patients. Global strategies are needed to close this substantial evidence-practice gap.

RESUMO Pouco se sabe se as decisões de tratamento dos dentistas brasileiros para lesões cariosas proximais são comparadas às recomendações atuais baseadas em evidências, portanto, é necessário um melhor entendimento para fechar qualquer potencial lacuna entre a evidência e a prática. Purpose: Este estudo transversal teve como objetivo quantificar a lacuna entre a evidência e a prática na decisão de tratamento das lesões cariosas proximais e identificar os fatores associados a essa lacuna entre a evidência e a prática. Methods: Cirurgiões-dentistas brasileiros (n=214) de Araraquara, Estado de São Paulo, preencheram um questionário sobre suas características odontológicas e clínicas e uma versão traduzida do "Assessment of Caries Diagnosis and Caries Treatment" da U.S. National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Cinco imagens radiográficas de lesões cariosas proximais em cenários de pacientes de baixo risco e alto risco foram usadas. Associações entre recomendações de tratamento e lesão, dentista e características da prática foram testadas (p<0,05). Results: As lesões confinadas ao esmalte seriam restauradas por 35% e 71% dos dentistas nos cenários de pacientes de baixo risco e alto risco, respectivamente, sugerindo uma lacuna entre a evidência e a prática substancial, dado que a intervenção cirúrgica das lesões do esmalte não é consistente com as evidências atuais. O limiar de profundidade da lesão para recomendar uma restauração permanente diferiu entre os cenários de pacientes de baixo risco e alto risco (p<0,001). Características específicas do dentista/prática (sexo do dentista, graduado em uma faculdade pública, pós-graduação, uso da avaliação de risco de cárie) foram significativamente associadas à lacuna entre a evidência e a prática, mas a magnitude dessas diferenças não foi importante. Conclusions: uma lacuna entre a evidência e a prática substancial na decisão de tratamento de lesões cariosas proximais foi encontrada para a amostra como um todo, mesmo quando os cenários clínicos apresentavam pacientes de baixo risco. Estratégias globais são necessárias para fechar essa lacuna entre a evidência e a prática.

Dental caries in 12-year-old schoolchildren and its relationship with socioeconomic and behavioural variables.

PURPOSE: This study attempts to describe the caries experience in 12-year-old schoolchildren in Piracicaba, Brazil, and to verify the relationship between the disease and socioeconomic factors, and behavioural variables related to oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The random sample consisted of 939 individuals from public and private schools in Piracicaba, São Paulo State, Brazil, in 2005. A calibrated dentist performed the examination in an outdoor setting, under natural light, using CPI probes and mirrors, following WHO recommendations. A questionnaire was sent to the parents to collect information on socioeconomic level and behavioural variables related to dental health. The mean number of decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth and surfaces (DMFT/DMFS), the Care Index and the SiC (Significant Caries Index) were determined. Multiple logistic regression analyses using the stepwise procedure were performed in order to identify the risk indicators for the DMFT and for the polarisation group. RESULTS: The DMFT and the SiC Index were 1.32 (SD = 1.92) and 3.52 (SD = 1.86), respectively, and the Care Index was 75.0%. The regression models showed that females and children with either low family income or low education level of the fathers were prone to have caries or take part in the polarisation group. CONCLUSION: The 12-year-old individuals from Piracicaba presented a low prevalence of caries. Nevertheless, those high caries-level individuals showed moderate caries experience. The socioeconomic and the behavioural variables related to dental health were risk indicators of caries in permanent dentition not only for the entire sample, but also for the polarisation group.

Assessment of dental caries predictors in a seven-year longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify, in a group of 6-8-year-old schoolchildren, risk factors for dental caries increment in permanent dentition. METHODS: Two hundred and six children from three different schools in Piracicaba, Brazil, were examined at baseline and after 7 years by the same two calibrated dentists. Data on dental caries (dmfs, DMFS, presence of initial lesions), fluorosis, oral hygiene and presence of sealant were collected at the clinical examination that was performed in an outdoor setting, under natural light, using a dental mirror and probe following the WHO recommendations. Information on socioeconomic level, fluoride usage, dental service utilization, dietary and oral hygiene habits was also obtained at baseline in a semi-structured questionnaire sent to the parents. The dependent variable was the 7-year DMFS increment. A univariate analysis was performed to test the association of independent variables in caries increment. Then a logistic regression model was used to estimate the adjusted Odds Ratio for caries increment. RESULTS: Clinical (dmfs, DMFS) and non-clinical variables (daily toothbrushing, use of preventive topical methods, parents' educational level) were entered in the multiple logistic regression analysis. The prediction model included the clinical and socioeconomic variables, DMFS, dmfs and mother's educational level. The best caries predictor was the dmfs variable. CONCLUSION: Caries experience and mother's educational level were predictors of caries increment in permanent dentition.

Trends in caries experience and fluorosis prevalence in 11- to 12-year-old Brazilian children between 1991 and 2004.

UNLABELLED: Investigating dental caries and fluorosis prevalence over time is an important measure for monitoring trends in oral health. PURPOSE: This work aimed to describe the prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis of 11- to 12-year-old schoolchildren from Iracemapolis, Brazil, in 2004 (n=236) and to compare the current prevalence rates with those from previous surveys carried out in 1991 (n=200), 1995 (n=160), 1997 (n=314) and 2001 (n=244). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The schoolchildren of both genders from all public schools were examined by two calibrated dentists (Kappa > 0.81), using dental probes and buccal mirrors under natural light in an outdoor setting. Dental caries and fluorosis were measured using the DMFT and Thylstrup-Fejerskov (T-F) indexes, respectively. The variation of DMFT index over time was assessed by analysis of regression and the fluorosis prevalence (T-F>1) was compared over time by the Chi-square test at 5% significance level. RESULTS: In 2004, the mean value for DMFT was 1.2; 50% of the children were caries-free, and 15.7% presented dental fluorosis (T-F>1). A significant caries reduction (82.1%) and a significant increase (685%) of fluorosis prevalence have been observed from 1991 to 2004 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results suggest a continuous decrease of dental caries experience and an increase of dental fluorosis prevalence in 11-to 12-year-old schoolchildren from this Brazilian town as well as indicate that further epidemiological surveys should be carried out in order to monitor these trends.