Influence of different presentations of denture adhesives on masticatory function of complete denture wearers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Denture adhesives improve the mastication of complete denture wearers. However, the impact of denture adhesives with different presentations on mastication remains unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to answer the focused question, "Do different presentations of denture adhesives affect the masticatory function of complete denture wearers?". MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Six databases and the non-peer-reviewed literature were searched up to July 2021. Only clinical studies (randomized clinical trials and nonrandomized clinical trials) comparing the use of different denture adhesive presentations (cream, powder, or strips) were included, without language or follow-up restrictions. The risk of bias was assessed by using the Cochrane tools (RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I). Masticatory performance, by using single and multiple sieves, masticatory performance with color-changing chewing gum (mixing ability), swallowing threshold (particle size and number of cycles), jaw kinematics, and occlusal force were considered. Meta-analyses were conducted to evaluate masticatory performance (single sieve) and occlusal force outcomes (α=.05), and the certainty of the evidence was determined with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) evaluations. RESULTS: Nine studies (6 randomized and 3 nonrandomized clinical trials) were included. The risk of bias was considered moderate. Meta-analyses showed no differences between cream and powder denture adhesives for masticatory performance (standard mean difference=0.02; 95% CI=-0.46 to 0.50, P=.93) or between cream and strip denture adhesives for occlusal force (mean difference=14.35; 95% CI=-11.14 to 39.84, P=.27). Similarly, in qualitative analysis, cream and powder denture adhesives' performances were similar regarding masticatory performance with color-changing chewing gum (mixing ability), occlusal force, swallowing threshold (particle size and number of cycles), and jaw kinematics (P>.05). However, for resorbed ridges, cream denture adhesive resulted in a higher masticatory performance than strip (P<.05). When comparing powder to strip denture adhesives, the occlusal force was higher in the powder group (P<.05). The certainty of evidence was very low for all evaluated outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Different presentations of denture adhesives seem to improve the masticatory function of complete denture wearers in a similar way. However, the qualitative analysis showed that, in patients with a resorbed ridge, a cream denture adhesive may be better than strips to improve mastication, although the certainty of evidence was very low.

Awake bruxism frequency and psychosocial factors in college preparatory students.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of reported masticatory muscles activity during wakefulness (i.e., awake bruxism [AB]), levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in college preparatory students. METHODS: Sixty-nine college preparatory students participated in the study. AB was evaluated by the Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC) and a smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA; [Bruxapp®]). Anxiety and depression were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, stress was evaluated by the Perceived Stress Scale, and OHRQoL was obtained by The Oral Health Impact Profile-14. Data were analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficient (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The average EMA-reported frequency of AB behaviors was 38.4%. Significant correlations were found between AB and the OBC, anxiety, depression, stress, and OHRQoL (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: College preparatory students demonstrated moderate frequency of AB, which was significantly correlated with psychosocial factors.

Oral health-related quality of life of older adults living in long-term care facilities and its association with dental prosthesis use and condition / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal de idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência: associação com o uso e condição da prótese

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association of oral health-related quality of life with prosthetic rehabilitation status and dental prosthesis condition in residents of Brazilian long-term care facilities. METHODS: The oral health-related quality of life of older adults (n = 194; mean [standard deviation] age = 78.93 [9.10]) was assessed by the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index and the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaires. Prosthetic rehabilitation status was recorded according to the absence of teeth and use of dental prostheses. Dental prosthesis condition was considered good or poor based on stability, retention, occlusion, vertical dimension, and defects. Poisson regression models were plotted to analyze the data (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Lower Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index scores were associated with edentulism with denture use only on one jaw (B = -0.05) and poor dental prosthesis stability (B = -0.04). Similarly, edentulous participants with denture only on one jaw (B = 0.59) and those wearing dental prostheses with poor stability (B = 0.36) are more likely to achieve higher Oral Health Impact Profile scores. Also, lower Oral Health Impact Profile scores were associated with denture defects (B = -0.34). CONCLUSION: In summary, the oral health-related quality of life of older adults living in long-term care facilities is negatively impacted by edentulism with denture only on one jaw and use of dental prostheses with poor stability. Therefore, long-term care facilities should provide oral health training to caregivers, include dental professionals in the staff, and articulate demands with oral health teams in the primary care system. (AU)

OBJETIVO: Este estudo transversal objetivou avaliar a associação da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal com o status de reabilitação protética e a condição da prótese em residentes de instituições de longa permanência no Brasil. METODOLOGIA: A qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal dos idosos (n = 194; média [desvio padrão] idade = 78,93 [9,10]) foi avaliada pelos questionários Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index e Oral Health Impact Profile. O status de reabilitação protética foi registrado de acordo com a ausência de dentes e uso de próteses dentárias. A condição da prótese foi considerada boa ou ruim com base na estabilidade, retenção, oclusão, dimensão vertical e defeitos. Modelos de regressão de Poisson foram plotados para analisar os dados (α = 0,05). RESULTADOS: Como resultado, menores escores no Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index foram associados ao edentulismo com o uso de dentadura em apenas uma arcada (B = -0,05) e ao uso de próteses com estabilidade ruim (B = -0,04). De forma similar, participantes edêntulos que usavam dentadura em apenas uma arcada (B = 0,59) e aqueles que portavam prótese com estabilidade ruim (B = 0,36) são mais propensos a ter maiores escores no Oral Health Impact Profile. Além disso, menores escores no Oral Health Impact Profile foram associados a defeitos na prótese (B = -0,34). CONCLUSÃO: Sumarizando, a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal de idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência é negativamente impactada pelo edentulismo com o uso de dentadura em apenas uma arcada e uso de prótese com estabilidade ruim. Assim, instituições de longa permanência devem promover capacitação em saúde bucal aos cuidadores, incluir dentistas no quadro de funcionários e articular com as equipes de saúde bucal da Atenção Primária à Saúde. (AU)

Academic perspectives and psychosocial aspects of final-year dental students during COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to evaluate the influence of the Universities lockdown measures on academic perspectives and psychosocial aspects of Brazilian finalyear dental students. Methods: 268 undergraduate students regularly enrolled in a Dentistry course at public universities were asked about anxiety, depression, stress sensitivity, and their academic perspectives by using an online survey. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to measure anxiety and depression, while the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) evaluated stress levels. The academic perspective was evaluated by five affirmatives regarding possible difficulties that will be faced when school reopens and after graduation. The possible association between fear of having COVID-19 with psychosocial outcomes and COVID-19 association with academic perspectives were analyzed by ANOVA and chisquare tests, respectively, considering a significance level of 5%. Results: Considering possible associations between the fear of having COVID-19 and psychosocial aspects, significant values were found for anxiety (P = 0.018) and stress sensitivity (P = 0.002). Regarding students' academic perspectives, COVID-19 had significant impact on less opportunity to perform procedures (P = 0.023), additional expenses with personal protective equipment (P = 0.007), and concerns of consulting elderly people (P = 0.012). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased psychological impairments and enlarged concerns with learning and biosecurity, which might impact academic perspectives. Thus, being aware of these apprehensions, university professors and staff can improve the clinical training of final-year dental students in an empathetic way

Effect of frozen storage on preservation of a silicone-based test food material

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of frozen storage on the physical properties of a silicone-based test food material, highly used to evaluate the masticatory performance in research settings. Methods: A total of 1,666 silicone cubes of Optosil Comfort® with 5.6-mm edges were shaped and stored at -18°C. The cubes were subsequently tested for flexural strength (maximum force, displacement, stress, and strain) before breaking (n = 136), changes in weight and size (n = 170), and masticatory performance (n = 1360) at eight timepoints: immediately after cube preparation (baseline, no freezing), and 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks, and 2, 4 and 6 months after frozen storage. The cubes were thawed 8 h before each assessment. Results: The maximum force, stress, maximum displacement, and deformation values for the cubes were not affected by freezing (P > 0.05). At all of the time points, the cubes exhibited similar weight (P = 0.366) and size (identical values). The masticatory performance for the cubes also showed no differences from baseline through 6 months (P = 0.061). Conclusion: Freezing Optosil Comfort® silicone cubes did not alter the physical and mechanical properties of the material, being suitable to optimize the assessment of masticatory parameters for research purposes

Long-Term Effects of a Single Application of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Temporomandibular Myofascial Pain Patients: A Controlled Clinical Trial.

This study assessed the long-term effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) in subjective pain, pain sensibility, and muscle thickness in persistent myofascial temporomandibular-disorder pain (MFP-TMD) patients. Fourteen female subjects with persistent MFP received BoNT-A treatment with different doses (10U-25U for temporalis muscle and 30U-75U for masseter muscle). The treatment was injected bilaterally in the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles in a single session. Clinical measurements included: self-perceived pain (VAS), pain sensibility (PPT), and muscles thickness (ultrasonography). Follow-up occurred 1, 3, 6, and 72 months after treatment for VAS and PPT and 1, 3, and 72 months for ultrasonography. For statistical analysis, the Friedman test with the Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons as a post hoc test was used for non-parametric repeated measures comparisons among the evaluation times. A 5% probability level was considered significant in all tests. VAS values presented a significant decrease throughout the study (p < 0.05). Regarding PPT values, a significant increase was found when comparing baseline data with post-treatment follow-ups (p < 0.05), and even though a significant decrease was found in muscle thickness when baseline values were compared with the 1- and 3-months assessments, no differences were found when compared with the 72 months follow-up (p > 0.05). A single injection of BoNT-A presents long-term effects in reducing pain in persistent MFP-TMD patients, and a reversibility of adverse effects on masticatory-muscle thickness.

Prosthetic rehabilitation status, dental prosthesis functionality and masticatory function in nursing home residents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of masticatory function with prosthetic rehabilitation status and dental prosthesis functionality in nursing home residents. BACKGROUND: Prosthetic rehabilitation status and dental prosthesis functionality may adversely affect mastication of older people, and this relationship is underestimated in nursing home residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 179 nursing home residents who used dental prostheses [mean (SD) age: 78.9 (9.0) years]. Masticatory function data were determined by assessing (a) masticatory performance using two-colour chewing gum, and (b) swallowing thresholds by counting the number of peanut chewing cycles. Older adults were categorised as: (1) using dental prostheses in both jaws (n = 100) and (2) partially dentate using removable partial dental prostheses (RPDPs) or complete dentures (CDs) in only one jaw (n = 41), or (3) edentulous using CD in only one jaw (n = 38). Stability, retention, occlusion, vertical dimension and defects were considered in assessing dental prosthesis functionality. RESULTS: Greater variance of hue (VOH) of the chewing gum and lower swallowing thresholds (worse masticatory function) was associated with edentulous using CD in only one jaw. Older adults wearing dental prostheses with poor occlusion and vertical dimensions presented worse masticatory function. Dental prosthesis stability was associated with lower VOH values. Higher number of chewing cycles while eating peanuts was associated with non-broken dental prosthesis use. CONCLUSION: Edentulous participants using CD in only one jaw and non-functional dental prosthesis use negatively affect the masticatory function of nursing home residents.

Health-related quality of life of institutionalized older adults: Influence of physical, nutritional and self-perceived health status.

INTRODUCTION: Institutionalized older adults have higher risks of diseases and worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than noninstitutionalized. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of physical state, nutritional status and self-perceived general health and oral health on the quality of life of institutionalized older adults in two Brazilian cities. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in 17 homes for the aged of two Brazilian cities. Six trained researchers interviewed 344 older adults. The performance of activities of daily living (Katz scale) and frailty status (Fried scale) were applied to evaluate the physical state. The Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF®) and the body composition were used to screening the nutritional status. A hand dynamometer was used to measure the dominant hand grip strength. The 12-Item Short Form Survey for self-perceived health (SF-12) was used to determine the HRQoL. A Likert scale was used to assess the general and oral health self-perception. Multiple Poisson regression model was applied to analyze the data (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The mean (SD) score of the SF-12 was 60.89 (14.50) points. The factors associated with the highest SF-12 score were being able to walk, being nonfrail, being normal nourished, taking fewer medications, having greater dominant hand grip strength and higher self- perceived general health (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Better HRQoL in institutionalized older adults was associated with better physical state, nutritional status and self-perceived general health.

Factors associated with oral health-related quality of life of institutionalized elders

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between two Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) questionnaires (the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI)) and to investigate the factors associated with the OHRQoL of institutionalized elderly individuals. A cross-sectional multicenter study was performed with 344 institutionalized elderly individuals residing in two Brazilian cities. Six trained researchers interviewed the elderly individuals. Sociodemographic data were collected from medical records. Dental caries experience and the use of and need for dentures were recorded through oral examination performed by two trained examiners. A Likert scale (1-5 points) was used to assess general health and self-perceived oral health. The number of chewing cycles needed to chew a portion of peanuts was used to assess the swallowing threshold. The OHIP-14 and GOHAI were used to evaluate OHRQoL, and statistically significant correlations were assessed using Spearman's correlation test (p < 0.05). Poisson regression (p < 0.05) was used to investigate the association of OHRQoL with independent variables. Scores on the OHIP-14 (7.57 ± 8.63) and GOHAI (32.46 ± 3.85) were strongly and inversely correlated (r2 = -0.671, p < 0.001), although these measures were associated with different factors. A higher OHIP-14 total score (worse OHRQoL) was associated with female gender, a greater number of healthy teeth, worse self-perceived general health and oral health, and a lower swallowing threshold (p < 0.05). A higher GOHAI total score (better OHRQoL) was associated with a greater number of filled teeth, better self-perceived oral health and a greater swallowing threshold (p < 0.05). In conclusion, worse OHRQoL among institutionalized elderly individuals is associated with worse self-perceived oral health and a greater swallowing threshold.

Factors associated with oral health-related quality of life of institutionalized elders.

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between two Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) questionnaires (the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI)) and to investigate the factors associated with the OHRQoL of institutionalized elderly individuals. A cross-sectional multicenter study was performed with 344 institutionalized elderly individuals residing in two Brazilian cities. Six trained researchers interviewed the elderly individuals. Sociodemographic data were collected from medical records. Dental caries experience and the use of and need for dentures were recorded through oral examination performed by two trained examiners. A Likert scale (1-5 points) was used to assess general health and self-perceived oral health. The number of chewing cycles needed to chew a portion of peanuts was used to assess the swallowing threshold. The OHIP-14 and GOHAI were used to evaluate OHRQoL, and statistically significant correlations were assessed using Spearman's correlation test (p < 0.05). Poisson regression (p < 0.05) was used to investigate the association of OHRQoL with independent variables. Scores on the OHIP-14 (7.57 ± 8.63) and GOHAI (32.46 ± 3.85) were strongly and inversely correlated (r2 = -0.671, p < 0.001), although these measures were associated with different factors. A higher OHIP-14 total score (worse OHRQoL) was associated with female gender, a greater number of healthy teeth, worse self-perceived general health and oral health, and a lower swallowing threshold (p < 0.05). A higher GOHAI total score (better OHRQoL) was associated with a greater number of filled teeth, better self-perceived oral health and a greater swallowing threshold (p < 0.05). In conclusion, worse OHRQoL among institutionalized elderly individuals is associated with worse self-perceived oral health and a greater swallowing threshold.

Masticatory function in nursing home residents: Correlation with the nutritional status and oral health-related quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Masticatory function of institutionalised elders and its relationship with nutrition and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) are unknown. OBJECTIVES: This multicentre cross-sectional study evaluated the influence of the presence of teeth and dentures on masticatory function (masticatory performance and swallowing threshold) in institutionalised elders. Correlation of masticatory function with nutrition and OHRQoL was also verified. METHODS: Older adults (n = 344; mean age (SD) = 77.70 (9.10)), selected from nursing homes in two Brazilian cities, were classified as edentulous with or without complete dentures (CDs), and partially dentate with or without prosthesis. Masticatory performance was assessed using a two-colour chewing gum. Swallowing threshold was set by the number of chewing cycles performed until swallowing 3.7 g of peanuts. Nutrition was screened by Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Short Form and body composition. OHRQoL was evaluated through Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's correlation were used (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Edentulous elders without CDs had lower masticatory performance than those with CDs and partially dentate with or without prosthesis (P < .05). Swallowing threshold of edentulous elders with CDs and partially dentate with prosthesis was greater than edentulous elders without CDs and partially dentate without prosthesis (P < .05). Masticatory function was not correlated with nutrition. Masticatory performance was correlated (P < .05) with GOHAI (r2  = -.154) and swallowing threshold with GOHAI (r2  = .162) and OHIP-14 (r2  = -.146). CONCLUSION: The absence of teeth and dentures negatively affected the masticatory function. Although the masticatory function was not correlated with institutionalised elders' nutrition, their OHRQoL was negatively impacted.

Factors associated with the overlap of frailty and nutrition in institutionalized older adults: A multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: This multicenter cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the overlap of frailty and nutrition in older adults residing in nursing homes. METHOD: Older adults (n = 344, mean age ±â€¯SD = 77.7 ±â€¯9.1) were selected from 17 nursing homes, 10 in Piracicaba and seven in João Pessoa, Brazil. The modified Fried's questionnaire and the Mini Nutrition Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) were used for screening frailty phenotypes and nutritional status, respectively. These variables overlapped into (1) frail and malnourished; (2) nonfrail and malnourished or frail and nourished; and (3) nonfrail and nourished. The independent variables were sex, age, mobility, number of medications, dependence for activities of daily living (ADL), maximal grip strength, muscle mass, body fat and body mass index (BMI). Spearman's correlation and Poisson regression were used to analyze the data (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The Spearman's test demonstrated a moderate correlation (r2=-0.441) between frailty (mean ±â€¯SD = 2.8 ±â€¯1.7) and nutritional status (mean ±â€¯SD = 10.5 ±â€¯2.9). Regarding the overlap of frailty and nutrition, 139 participants (40.5 %) were frail and malnourished, 121 (35.3 %) were nonfrail and malnourished or frail and nourished, and 83 (24.2 %) were nonfrail and nourished. The Poisson regression showed association of the coexistence of frailty and malnutrition with age (PR = 1.009, 95 % CI = 1.003-1.016), number of medications (PR = 1.016, 95 % CI = 1.006-1.027), dependence for ADL (PR = 1.061, 95 % CI = 1.016-1.108), maximal grip strength (PR = 0.992, 95 % CI = 0.986-0.998) and BMI (PR = 0.997, 95 % CI = 0.996-0.998). CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that frailty and malnutrition were prevalent in institutionalized older adults and associated with advanced age, greater use of medicines, dependence for ADL, lower maximal grip strength and lower BMI.

Chewing ability and oral health-related quality of life in frail elders after new complete dentures insertion: A paired controlled clinical trial.

AIMS: To compare the effect of new complete dentures (CDs) on self-perceived masticatory ability (MA) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in frail and nonfrail elders. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty completely edentulous elders were assigned to two groups: frail and nonfrail (n = 10/each). MA was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. OHRQoL was assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-Edent). Variables were evaluated with volunteers wearing their old and unsatisfactory CDs. Then, a new set of CDs was manufactured and all outcomes were reassessed 2 months after the insertion. Data were analyzed by repeated measures' analyses of variance and Tukey tests. MA for lettuce and peanuts was improved (P < .05) for the frail group after new CD insertion. Psychological discomfort and handicap OHIP-Edent domain improved (P < .05) for both groups after prosthetic treatment. Before treatment, controls reported greater psychological discomfort than the frail group. Meanwhile, the handicap domain score of frail patients improved to a level similar to that of the nonfrail group after treatment. Regardless of frailty, elders showed better MA scores for most food types after treatment and decreased OHIP-Edent domain values. CONCLUSION: Self-reported MA and OHRQoL of frail elderly people were greatly improved after new CD use.

Mastication and oral sensory function in frail edentulous elderly: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the maximum bite force (MBF), masticatory performance and oral sensory function (OSF) of frail edentulous elderly. The correlation of MBF with maximum grip strength (MGS) was also assessed. METHODS: Twenty edentulous elderly [10 with and 10 without the frailty phenotype (FP)] were selected to participate in this case-control study. The FP was diagnosed using the criteria of Fried et al., which consider weight loss, exhaustion, physical activity level, weakness and slowness to the evaluation. All volunteers received new complete dentures (CDs) to standardise the occlusal status, and after 2 months of use with no complaint, all variables were assessed. MBF was measured by pressure sensors positioned bilaterally on the first artificial molars. Masticatory performance was assessed using the sieving method and was expressed as the median particle size (X50 ) of Optocal after 40 masticatory cycles. OSF was evaluated using the oral stereognosis test, and MGS was measured using a dynamometer. Groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance. The Pearson coefficient of correlation between MBF and MGS was calculated. RESULTS: Frail elderly people showed reduced MBF (P = 0.0431) and larger X50 values (P = 0.0053) than did non-frail elders, while OSF did not differ between the groups. MBF had a moderate positive correlation with MGS (r = 0.690, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Frail elderly had reduced MBF and impaired mastication. On the other hand, OSF does not seem to be affected by frailty. MBF was moderately correlated with MGS.

Association of sleep bruxism with oral health-related quality of life and sleep quality.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and sleep quality of subjects with and without sleep bruxism (SB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants of both genders were assigned as bruxers (n = 30, age 21-45 years) and non-bruxers (n = 30, age 24-40 years). SB was clinically diagnosed and confirmed with an electromyography/electrocardiograph portable device (Bruxoff). The OHRQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The sleep quality was determined using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaires. OHIP-14, PSQI, and ESS data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, considering a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Bruxers had worse OHRQoL (mean = 16.43) than controls (mean = 4.1), with an effect size (ES) of 1.58. Moreover, SB volunteers showed the highest PSQI scores (mean = 7.07; ES = 0.82) and excessive daytime sleepiness (mean = 10.33; ES = 0.65), compared to non-bruxers (means = 4.7 and 7.8, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: SB may be associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL and sleep quality. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Determining that SB may have a marked role in OHRQoL and sleep quality is important for dental professionals establish proper multifactorial management, and understand patient-related psychosocial aspects.

Masticatory function and oral stereognosis in bruxers.

Objective: To compare the mastication and oral sensory function of individuals with and without sleep bruxism. Methods: The sample comprised 60 volunteers, of which 30 were bruxers (mean age = 30.5 ± 6.0) and 30 non-bruxers (mean age = 28.6 ± 3.3). Sleep bruxism was clinically diagnosed and confirmed using the Bruxoff® device. Mastication was evaluated according to swallowing threshold and masticatory efficiency. Swallowing threshold was determined from the median particle size of Optosil®, obtained after an individualized number of masticatory cycles, which was first determined by chewing peanuts; masticatory efficiency was estimated by the sieving method. Oral stereognosis test was used to determine the oral sensory function. Variables were compared using one-way ANOVA (p < .05). Results: The median particle size, masticatory efficiency, and oral sensory function did not differ significantly between bruxers and non-bruxers (p > .05). Conclusion: Dentate adults present similar mastication and oral sensory function, despite the presence of sleep bruxism.

Mandibular single-implant overdenture as an alternative for full arch rehabilitations: a literature review

Oral rehabilitation with mandibular single-implant overdentures (SIO) has been characterized as a solution to improve retention and stability of conventional complete dentures (CD). Among the benefits of this therapy, it can be mentioned minimally invasive surgery, simple prosthetic technique, better retention, and significantly reduced costs. However, the application of this protocol in daily clinic is still not widespread. Aim: Thus, this study aimed to perform a literature review to address the clinical characteristics of this rehabilitation, when compared to two-implant mandibular overdentures and CD. Methods: For this, a search was conducted in the PubMed database, considering articles published in English language, without date limitation. Results: It was found 243 manuscripts, of which 20 were compatible with the aim of this study after title/abstract reading. The selected papers focused on masticatory muscles function, satisfaction levels and self-reported quality of life, as well as surgical and prosthetic outcomes, such as maintenance, repair and implant failure rates. All evaluated manuscripts showed similar masticatory function and patient's satisfaction with SIO and two-implant overdenture, while results for a SIO were greater when compared to rehabilitations with CD. In addition, SIO have proven to do not damage the implant, being implant loss close to zero. However, the prosthesis fracture adjacent to the implant was a recurrent clinical outcome, which requires further studies to solve this impairment. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that SIO represents an alternative treatment for frail elders or low-income patients, leading to higher masticatory function, as well as improved quality of life

Cervical posture analysis in dental students and its correlation with temporomandibular disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and craniocervical posture in the sagittal plane measured from lateral radiographs of the head. METHODS: The sample was comprised of 80 randomly selected students of dentistry at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (RDC/TMD) was used to evaluate the signs and symptoms of TMD. Lateral radiographs of each individual were used to measure the position of the hyoid bone, the craniocervical angle, and the occiput-atlas distance. A chi-square test was used to evaluate the relationships between craniocervical posture measures and TMD. RESULTS: No relationship was found between TMD and the craniocervical posture measured by the positioning of the hyoid bone, head rotation, and the extension/flexion of the head (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded, therefore, that no relationship exists between cervical posture in the sagittal plane and TMD.