A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Prenatal Oral Hygiene Education in Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis.

INTRODUCTION: Research shows there is a significant increase in gingival inflammation during pregnancy. This study was conducted to determine if an oral health intervention (OHI), including oral hygiene education delivered by nurse-led staff and an advanced over-the-counter (OTC) oral home care regimen, improved gingival inflammation in pregnant women with moderate-to-severe gingivitis compared with a standard oral hygiene control group. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-masked, parallel group clinical trial conducted in obstetrics clinics of 2 medical centers. A total of 750 pregnant women between 8 and 24 weeks of pregnancy with at least 20 natural teeth and moderate-to-severe gingivitis (>30 intraoral bleeding sites) were enrolled. Participants were randomized to either the OHI group, which included oral hygiene instructions supplemented with an educational video and advanced OTC antibacterial/mechanical oral hygiene products, or the control group receiving oral hygiene instructions and standard products. Both groups received oral hygiene instructions from nurse-led staff. Experienced, masked examiners measured whole mouth gingival index (GI) and periodontal probing depths (PDs) at baseline and months 1, 2, and 3. RESULTS: Participants enrolled in this study presented with moderate-to-severe gingivitis at baseline. Both the OHI and control groups exhibited significant reductions in GI (P < .001) and PD (P < .03) from baseline that persisted throughout the study period. The OHI group exhibited modest, yet statistically greater, reductions in GI (P ≤ .044) compared with the control at all time points. The reduction in PD directionally favored the OHI group, but between-group differences were small (<0.03 mm) and not statistically significant (P > .18). DISCUSSION: Significant gingivitis was prevalent among participants in this study and identifies an opportunity to improve gingival health during pregnancy by providing oral health education during the course of prenatal care when coupled with an advanced OTC oral hygiene regimen.

Tratamiento integral de una adolescente con dentinogénesis imperfecta tipo I / Comprehensive treatment of an adolescent with type I dentinogenesis imperfecta

La dentinogénesis imperfecta (DI) es un desorden hereditario de carácter autosómico dominante, que se origina durante la etapa de histodiferenciación en el desarrollo dental y altera la formación de la denti-na. Se considera una displasia dentinaria que puede afectar ambas denticiones con una incidencia de 1 en 6000 a 8000 nacimientos. El tratamiento del pa-ciente con DI es complejo y multidisciplinario, supone un desafío para el odontólogo, ya que por lo general están involucradas todas las piezas dentarias y afec-ta no solo la salud buco dental sino el aspecto emo-cional y psicológico de los pacientes. Objetivo: des-cribir el tratamiento integral y rehabilitador realiza-do en una paciente adolescente con diagnóstico de DI tipo I. Relato del caso: Paciente de sexo femenino de 14 años, que concurrió en demanda de atención a la Cátedra de Odontología Integral Niños de la FOU-BA derivada del Hospital "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" con diagnóstico de osteogénesis imperfecta tipo III (OI). Nunca recibió atención odontológica y el motivo de consulta fue la apariencia estética de sus piezas dentarias. Se realizó el examen clínico y radiográfico arrojando el diagnóstico de DI tipo I asociada a OI. Conclusión: El tratamiento rehabilitador de la DI tipo I en los pacientes en crecimiento y desarrollo debe estar dirigido a intervenir de manera integral y tem-prana para resolver la apariencia estética y funcio-nal, evitar las repercusiones sociales y emocionales y acompañar a los pacientes y sus familias (AU)

Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder that originates during the histodifferentiation stage of tooth development and alters dentin formation. It is considered a den-tin dysplasia that can affect both dentitions with an incidence of 1 in 6000 to 8000 births. The treatment of patients with DI is complex and multidisciplinary, it is a challenge for the dentist, since in general all the teeth are involved and it affects not only oral health but also the emotional and psychological aspect of the patients. Objective: To describe the comprehen-sive and rehabilitative treatment carried out in an adolescent patient with a diagnosis of DI type I. Case report: A 14-year-old female patient, who required dental attention at the Department of Pediatric Den-tistry of FOUBA and was referred from the Hospital "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" with a diagnosis of os-teogenesis imperfecta type III (OI). The patient never received dental care and the reason for consultation was esthetic appearance of her teeth. A clinical and radiographic examination was performed, resulting in a diagnosis of DI type I associated with OI. Conclu-sion: Rehabilitative treatment of DI in growing and developing patients will be aimed at early and com-prehensive intervention to resolve esthetic and func-tional appearance, avoid social and emotional reper-cussions and accompany patients and their families (AU)

Adjunct Antimicrobial Therapy and Periodontal Surgery to Treat Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis: A Case Report.

Here we report a case of generalized aggressive periodontitis treated with periodontal therapy including adjunct antimicrobial therapy and periodontal surgery. The patient was a 22-year-old woman who presented with the chief complaint of gingival recession. Baseline examination revealed generalized plaque deposition and gingival inflammation. Thirty-nine percent of the sites had a probing depth (PD) of 4-6 mm and 2% a PD of ≥7 mm; 63% exhibited bleeding on probing (BOP). Radiographic examination revealed vertical bone loss in the molars and horizontal bone loss in other teeth. Microbiological examination of subgingival plaque revealed the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Tannerella forsythia. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed as a measure of patient-reported outcome. Based on a clinical diagnosis of generalized aggressive periodontitis, initial periodontal therapy and adjunct antimicrobial therapy were implemented. After reducing inflammation and subgingival bacteria, open flap debridement was performed for teeth with a PD of ≥4 mm. Reevaluation showed no sites with a PD of ≥5 mm, a minimal level of BOP, and a marked reduction in the level of the targeted periodontal pathogens. The patient's oral health-related quality of life was slightly worsened during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). Implementation of adjunct antimicrobial therapy targeting periodontal pathogens and subsequent periodontal surgery resulted in improvement in periodontal and microbiological parameters. This improvement has been adequately maintained over a 2-year period. However, additional care is necessary to further improve the patient's oral health-related quality of life during SPT.

Fluoride varnish or fluoride mouth rinse? A comparative study of two school-based programs.

OBJECTIVE: In many Danish communities, school-based fluoride programs are offered to children with high caries risk in adjunct to tooth brushing. The purpose of this field trial was to compare the caries-preventive effectiveness of two different fluoride programs in 6-12 year olds. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Clinical controlled trial. CLINICAL SETTING: The 2-year study was conducted in Public Dental Clinics in a multicultural low-socioeconomic suburban area of Odense, Denmark with an elevated prevalence of caries compared to the city average. PARTICIPANTS: 1,018 children (aged 6-12 years) from 9 different schools were enrolled after informed consent and their class unit was randomly allocated to one of two fluoride programs. INTERVENTIONS: One group received a semi-annual fluoride varnish applications (FV) and the other group continued with an existing program with fluoride mouth rinses once per week (FMR). All children received oral hygiene instructions and comprehensive dental care at the local Public Dental Clinics throughout the study period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Increment of caries lesions in permanent teeth at both cavitated and initial caries levels. RESULTS: The groups were balanced at baseline. After two years, 961 children (94.4%) were reexamined. The FV group showed a mean DMFS increment of 0.36 compared to 0.41 in the FMR group. The corresponding values for initial caries lesions were 0.83 and 0.91 respectively. CONCLUSION: There were no statistically significant differences in caries development over two years among children participating in a school-based fluoride varnish or mouth rinse program.

A Population Health Management Approach to Oral Health.

Clinical outcomes have been shown to be better, and total costs lower, when patients with chronic illness such as diabetes are managed using a population health strategy in a primary care setting that includes structured coordination of care with specialty services. This "population health management approach" offers a promising new vision for addressing oral disease as a chronic illness through a collaborative partnership between primary care teams and dental professionals.

Effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of a single annual professional intervention for the prevention of childhood dental caries in a remote rural Indigenous community.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to reduce the high prevalence of tooth decay in children in a remote, rural Indigenous community in Australia, by application of a single annual dental preventive intervention. The study seeks to (1) assess the effectiveness of an annual oral health preventive intervention in slowing the incidence of dental caries in children in this community, (2) identify the mediating role of known risk factors for dental caries and (3) assess the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of the intervention. METHODS/DESIGN: The intervention is novel in that most dental preventive interventions require regular re-application, which is not possible in resource constrained communities. While tooth decay is preventable, self-care and healthy habits are lacking in these communities, placing more emphasis on health services to deliver an effective dental preventive intervention. Importantly, the study will assess cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness for broader implementation across similar communities in Australia and internationally. DISCUSSION: There is an urgent need to reduce the burden of dental decay in these communities, by implementing effective, cost-effective, feasible and sustainable dental prevention programs. Expected outcomes of this study include improved oral and general health of children within the community; an understanding of the costs associated with the intervention provided, and its comparison with the costs of allowing new lesions to develop, with associated treatment costs. Findings should be generalisable to similar communities around the world. The research is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), registration number ACTRN12615000693527; date of registration: 3rd July 2015.

Effectiveness of an oral health educational program on community-dwelling older people with xerostomia.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the changes in oral health and function through an oral health educational program for the independent older people with xerostomia. METHODS: Community-dwelling older people with xerostomia aged over 65 years who participated in a preliminary comprehensive health survey in 2011 were recruited for the educational program. A total of 47 participants were randomly assigned into two groups, the intervention group (n = 26) and the control group (n = 21). The intervention group attended a 90-min oral health education program every 2 weeks for 3 months. The program consisted of oral hygiene instruction, facial and tongue muscle exercise, and salivary gland massage. The control group was provided only general information about oral health. The assessments of oral function, such as oral diadochokinesis of articulation, swallowing, taste threshold and salivary flow rate, were carried out before and after 3 months with or without intervention. RESULTS: A total of 38 participants (21 of intervention group and 17 of control group) completed the study protocol. In the intervention group, resting salivation significantly improved after the program. The second and third cumulated Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test times significantly improved in the intervention group. The threshold for bitterness significantly lowered in the intervention group, whereas the sour threshold significantly heightened in the control group after 3 months (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that the educational program targeting oral function improvement is effective among the independent older population.

Five-year follow-up of children receiving comprehensive dental care under general anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Dental general anesthesia (DGA) is part of public dental care in Finland, but the intention is to return the patient to routine dental care. The aims of this study were to describe the details of treatments under DGA given to generally healthy children and to explore the outcome of their dental care during a 5-year follow-up, with special focus on preventive care. In particular, we examined the return of the patients to routine dental care, of which, to our knowledge, little is known. METHODS: Our prospective 5-year follow-up of generally healthy children (aged 0-13 years) treated under DGA by the Helsinki Public Dental Service in 2004 was based on official dental and general anesthesia documents. The statistical analyses employed chi-square tests, t-tests, Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), Fisher's transformation to test r ≠ 0, and logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: The most common reason for DGA was uncooperation (82%), followed by dental fear (56%). Filling therapy predominated in the treatments given under anesthesia, and the mean number of treatments per patients was 9.5 (SD = 4.2). Throughout the follow-up, 54% of the patients continued to have co-operation problems and 53% expressed dental fear; 11% of the patients received repeat DGA. The mean follow-up time was 48 (median 52) months. The postoperative review visit was actualized within 1.5 (SD = 0.8) months and the first visit to the home dental clinic of the patients in 12.0 (SD = 11.8) months for the 0-5-year-olds and in 7.2 (SD = 5.9) months for the 6-13-year-olds (p < 0.001). The mean time elapsed to the first need for treatment was 18.5 (SD = 14.1) months. During the follow-up, the mean number of treatments per patient was 5.3 (SD = 4.9); almost all patients (97%) received preventive treatment at one of two visits, but the control of dental fear remained rare. CONCLUSIONS: To return to routine dental care after DGA, most of the generally healthy children in our study still needed special attention due to their uncooperation and dental fear, thus calling for a renewal of practices to treat these patients.

Ricinus communis treatment of denture stomatitis in institutionalised elderly.

This study compared the effectiveness of Ricinus communis (RC) with Nystatin (NYS) and Miconazole (MIC) in the treatment of institutionalised elderly with denture stomatitis (DS). They (n = 30) were randomly distributed into three groups: MIC, NYS or RC. Clinical and mycological evaluations were performed prior to the use of the antifungal (baseline) and repeated after 15 and 30 days of treatment. The sample was clinically examined for oral mucosal conditions. Standard photographs were taken of the palate, and the oral candidiasis was classified (Newton's criteria). Mycological investigation was performed by swabbing the palatal mucosa, and Candida spp. were quantified by counting the number of colony-forming units (cfu mL⁻¹). The clinical and mycological data were analysed, respectively by Wilcoxon and Student's t-test (α = 0.05). Significant improvement in the clinical appearance of DS in the MIC and RC groups was observed between the 1st and 3rd collections (MIC - P = 0.018; RC - P = 0.011) as well as between the 2nd and 3rd collections (MIC - P = 0.018; RC - P = 0.011). Neither groups showed a statistically significant reduction in cfu mL⁻¹ at any time. Although none of the treatments decreased the cfu mL⁻¹, it was concluded that Ricinus communis can improve the clinical condition of denture stomatitis in institutionalised elderly patients, showing similar results to Miconazole.

A novel treatment of gingival recession using a botanical topical gingival patch and mouthrinse.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Current treatment of gingival recession (GR) is limited to surgical procedures. We describe a case series of 18 patients with GR who were treated with a botanical patch and rinse following standard conservative therapy. CASE SERIES DESCRIPTION: A total of 22 sites with GR > 1 mm were studied. Following scaling and root planing (SRP) and oral hygiene instruction, patients received two courses of patch treatment (3 days each) and botanical rinse administered twice daily throughout the treatment period. Outcome measures (GR, gingival index (GI) and gingival thickness (GT) were taken at baseline; at 1 to 2 weeks; 2 to 4 weeks; and at 6 to 8 weeks. Miller classifcation and plaque index (PI) were measured at baseline and at 6 to 8 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, mean GR decreased from 4.18 ± 1.74 mm to 3.31 ± 1.51 mm (20.8%); Miller grade from 1.86 ± 0.56 to 1.06 ± 0.43; GI scores from 1.45 ± 0.63 to 0.17 ± 0.38 (88.3%); and PI scores from 1.33 ± 0.59 to 0.78 ± 0.94. GT increased from 0.74 mm ± 0.40 to 1.21 ± 0.39 (63.5%). No adverse effects were reported with either the patch or rinse treatments. CONCLUSION: We observed a decrease in GR and GI scores in 18 patients (22 sites) treated with the study patch and rinse, with increased GT. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A combined botanical patch-rinse treatment may be effective as adjuvant treatment to standard conservative care for GR. Further research is needed to verify these fndings.

Train the trainer? A randomized controlled trial of a multi-tiered oral health education programme in community-based residential services for adults with intellectual disability.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of a multi-tiered oral health education programme on care staff caring for people with intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: Postal questionnaires were sent to all care staff of a community-based residential care service for adults, randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. A specifically developed training programme was delivered to residential staff nominees, who then trained all staff within the intervention group. The control group received no training. Post-test questionnaires were sent to both groups. Paired-samples t-test was used to compare oral health-related knowledge (K) and behaviour, attitude and self-efficacy (BAS) scores. RESULTS: Of the initial 219 respondents, 154 (response rate between 40% and 35.8%, with attrition rate of 29.7% from baseline to repeat) returned completed questionnaires at post-test (M=8.5 months, range=6.5-11 months). Control and intervention groups were comparable for general training, employment and demographic variables. In the intervention group, mean Knowledge Index score rose from K=7.2 to K=7.9 (P<0.001) and mean BAS scale score rose from BAS=4.7 to BAS=5.4 (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant increase in mean scores from test (K=7.0, BAS=4.7) to post-test (K=7.2, BAS=4.9) for the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Mean scores regarding knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and reported behaviour increased significantly at 8.5 months in staff where training was provided. The results indicate that a multi-tiered training programme improved knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and reported behaviour amongst staff caring for people with ID.

Effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy and strict plaque control on preterm/low birth weight: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out to assess the effect of comprehensive nonsurgical periodontal treatment and strict plaque control performed during pregnancy on the reduction of preterm and/or low birth weight rates (PTLBW). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three hundred and three women were randomly allocated to receive periodontal treatment either during pregnancy (n = 147, test group) or after delivery (n = 156, control group). During pregnancy, the control group received only one session of supragingival scaling and oral hygiene instruction. In contrast, the test group received comprehensive periodontal treatment including multiple sessions of scaling and root planing, oral hygiene instructions, and frequent maintenance visits. RESULTS: At baseline, periodontal inflammation was observed in approximately 50% of sites and attachment loss affected <15% of sites. Compared to controls, women in the test group had significant reductions in the percentage of sites with plaque (48.5% vs. 10.3%, p < 0.001), gingival bleeding (23.3% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001), calculus (21.3% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.001), bleeding on probing (38.1% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001) and probing depth ≥3 mm (19.97% vs. −2.45%, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the groups in the occurrence of PT (11.7% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.57), LBW (5.6 % vs. 4.1%, p = 0.59), and PTLBW (4.15% vs. 2.60%, p = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive periodontal treatment and strict plaque control significantly improved periodontal health; however, no reduction of PTLBW rates was observed. Thus, remaining periodontal inflammation posttreatment cannot explain the lack of effect of periodontal treatment on PTLBW. Clinical relevance This study demonstrated that periodontal diseases may be successfully treated during pregnancy. Our results do not support a potential beneficial effect of periodontal treatment on PTLBW.

Periodontal disease in pregnancy: review of the evidence and prevention strategies.

This article reviews the current research on periodontal disease and treatment and its potential impact on maternal and newborn outcomes and provides recommendations for care management and prevention. These guidelines will be helpful for nurse professionals who are in a unique position to counsel pregnant women to improve the oral health of expectant mothers.

Hiperplasia gingival idiopática: diagnóstico y tratamiento de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura (AU) / Idiopathic gingival hyperplasia: diagnosis and treatment of a clinical case and review of the literature

El término hiperplasia se refiere al aumento de tamaño de los tejidos en un órgano, producido por el aumento del número de sus componentes celulares. En este trabajo se presenta un caso clínico de Hiperplasia Gingival Idiopática en un paciente del sexo femenino, de 13 años de edad. El tratamiento consistió en la motivación, enseñanza de higiene bucal y terapia quirúrgica para la eliminación del tejido gingival excesivo. El estudio histopatológico confirmó el diagnóstico presuntivo. Basado en lo expuesto se analizan los diversosagrandamientos gingivales habiendo realizado una revisión del tema, según diversos autores.

Programa de higiene oral para niños y jóvenes con discapacidad congnitiva, psicomotora y del lenguaje / Oral hygiene program for children and young persons with cognitive, psychomotor and language disabilities

Objetivo: diseñar, implementar y evaluar un programa de higiene oral para niños y jóvenes con discapacidad cognitiva, psicomotora y de lenguaje. Materiales y métodos: este estudio es cuasi-experimental y su objetivo es mejorar la higiene bucal mediante la implementación de un programa que utiiza las estrategias de musicoterapia (Minueto y Rondó del divertimento en Re efecto Mozart) y tableros de comunicación, en una población de 41 niños y jóvenes etre 3 y 28 años con discapacidad cognitiva, psicomotora y del lenguaje, de la Corporación Seres Integrales Serin. Se hizo una revisión de las deficiencias de cada uno de los niños, se diseñó el programa, capacitación a padres y terapeutas, acondicionamiento de la planta física y acercamiento a la comunidad. Se realizó toma del índice inicial, actividades alusivas a la higiene bucal, toma de índice intermedio, refuerzo de actividades y posteriormente toma de índice final. Resultados: después de la implementación del nivel 0 de estimulación con niños con discapacidad, disminuyó el 33 por ciento del índice de higiene bucal; el nivel 1 disminuyó el 49 por ciento del índice de higiene oral; el nivel 2 disminuyó en un 56 por ciento; el nivel 3 disminuyó el 59 por ciento del índice de higiene oral, el nivel 4 disminuyó el 68 por ciento del índice de higiene oral y el nivel 5 disminuyó en un 70 por ciento del índice de higiene oral. Conclusión: programa de higiene oral donde se utilizaron estrategias tales como la musicoterapia y tableros de comunicación. La capacitación a padres y tutores favoreció la disminución del índice de higiene oral en niños y jóvenes con discapacidad cognitiva psicomotora y del lenguaje.

Plan de salud periodontal, basado en higiene y clorhexidina, para gingivitis en adultos con síndrome de Down / Periodontal health plan, based upon hygiene and chlorhexidine, for adult gingivitis in Down syndrome patients

Objetivo: el objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la efectividad de un programa de salud periodontal en base a técnicas de higiene y clorhexidina, para el tratamiento de gingivitis en adultos con Síndrome de Down, institucionalizados en Viña del Mar. Diseño del estudio: analítico cuasi experimental, del tipo ensayo clínico controlado. Material y método: se seleccionaron cuatro instituciones, de las cuales fueron escogidas dos como grupo experimental y dos como grupo control, obteniéndose una muestra de 43 sujetos. Se realizaron instrucciones de higiene bucal a los apoderados, personal de instituciones y sujetos síndrome de Down del grupo experimental. Los índices de biofilm de O´Leary y sangrado de Ainamo y Bay, fueron medidos pre y post-intervención, y luego comparados. Además, los índices se relacionaron entre sí y se asociaron con el tipo de institución, ingreso mensual promedio familiar y nivel de educación de los apoderados. Metodología estadística: los resultados fueron analizados mediante los test Student (t), Chi cuadrado, ANOVA y correlación de Pearson(r), considerándose estadísticamente significativo un p<0,05. Resultados: el programa de salud periodontal fue efectivo para el tratamiento de la gingivitis en adultos síndrome de Down. Los índices de biofilm de O´Leary y de sangrado gingival de Ainamo y Bay disminuyeron significativamente (p=0,0001), observándose una correlación positiva entre ambos índices. Conclusión: el programa de salud periodontal, basado en técnicas de higiene y uso de clorhexidina, fue efectivo para el tratamiento de la gingivitis en adultos síndrome de Down.

Piercing: una moda con riesgos para la salud / Piercing: a fashion putting health at risk

El uso de piercings se ha incrementado notablemente en el mundo Su práctica y creciente popularidad representa actualmente un auténtico fenómeno social(1). Los portadores corren series riesgos de salud, por la falta de medidas de higiene en los cuidados posteriores y la falta de capacitación de los colocadores. Esto favorece la aparición de algunas infecciones poco habituales y cuando se colocan en labios, lengua, frenillos, carrillos o úvula provocan frecuentemente lesiones en la cavidad bucal. El propósito de este trabajo fue evaluar las condiciones clínicas y radiográficas de piezas dentarias, mucosas y patologías óseas en 5 adolescentes que utilizan piercing bucal, atendidos en la Cátedra de Odontología Integral Niños de la FOUBA durante el año 2005. En el examen clínico y radiográfico de los pacientes se observó movilidad dentaria, pérdida ósea, fractura dentaria, infección con supuración ene l sitio del piercing, diastema y lesiones periodontales. Conclusiones: el personal de slaud debe orientar sobre el uso de piercing y ayudar a prevenir patologías asociadas, informando a los portadores sobre vacunación previa y cuidados posteriores a la instalación (AU)

Piercing: una moda con riesgos para la salud / Piercing: a fashion putting health at risk

El uso de piercings se ha incrementado notablemente en el mundo Su práctica y creciente popularidad representa actualmente un auténtico fenómeno social(1). Los portadores corren series riesgos de salud, por la falta de medidas de higiene en los cuidados posteriores y la falta de capacitación de los colocadores. Esto favorece la aparición de algunas infecciones poco habituales y cuando se colocan en labios, lengua, frenillos, carrillos o úvula provocan frecuentemente lesiones en la cavidad bucal. El propósito de este trabajo fue evaluar las condiciones clínicas y radiográficas de piezas dentarias, mucosas y patologías óseas en 5 adolescentes que utilizan piercing bucal, atendidos en la Cátedra de Odontología Integral Niños de la FOUBA durante el año 2005. En el examen clínico y radiográfico de los pacientes se observó movilidad dentaria, pérdida ósea, fractura dentaria, infección con supuración ene l sitio del piercing, diastema y lesiones periodontales. Conclusiones: el personal de slaud debe orientar sobre el uso de piercing y ayudar a prevenir patologías asociadas, informando a los portadores sobre vacunación previa y cuidados posteriores a la instalación (AU)

Comparison of the effectiveness of the conservative treatment of the periodontal pockets with or without the use of laser biostimulation.

The use of laser therapy as the agent reinforcing conventional treatment of the periodontal diseases becomes more and more common. In the physiotherapy of the periodontal diseases the biostimulating, laser is eagerly used because of its action which accelerates the healing of wounds and also because of its antioedematous, anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. The aim of work was the evaluation of the influence of laser biostimulation on the change of the periodontological pockets depth after the routine conservative periodontological treatment with additional use of laser biostimulation and without it for two groups of pockets: above and below 5 mm. In six patients having periodontitis 613 sites were submitted to the statistic analysis (290 treated conservatively only, including 251 with the depth 2-5 mm and 39 above 5 mm as well as 323 with the use of laser therapy including 297 shallow pockets and 26 deep ones). The initial values of API, SBI, PPD and their changes in the course of the treatment were registered. During each control appointment the patients subjectively estimated periodontal pain occurrence. In both studied groups statistically essential decrease of the evaluated parameters was obtained. Reinforcing the conventional treatment with laser biostimulation shortens its duration and leads to the elimination of pain faster than with the use of conservative treatment only. The changes of the PPD index among the successive examinations were statistically essentially higher in the therapy with the use of laser, especially in relation to deep pockets.