Predictors of Satisfaction with Dentures in a Cohort of Individuals Wearing Old Dentures: Functional Quality or Patient-Reported Measures?

PURPOSE: To examine the extent to which denture satisfaction can be determined by a measure of the denture's functional quality and by patient-reported measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used data obtained from 117 edentulous individuals with a mean age of 73.7 (SD = 5.6) years in southern Brazil. The edentulous individuals rated their levels of general satisfaction with their actual dentures, using a visual analog scale. Explanatory variables included the individual's information about ability to chew, ability to speak, esthetics, and sociodemographic factors. The dentures were evaluated using the validated 9-item Functional Assessment of Dentures instrument. Bivariate statistical analyses and Poisson regression models (prevalence ratio [PR]; 95% CI; p < 0.05) were used to test the association of explanatory variables with patients' general satisfaction with their complete dentures. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant association between patients' general satisfaction and stability of maxillary (rocking movement) (adjusted PR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.07-1.52) and mandibular dentures (occlusal displacement) (adjusted PR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.16-2.43), masticatory ability (adjusted PR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.08-2.19), and the age of the mandibular denture (adjusted PR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.10-1.97). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that measures of denture stability, masticatory ability, and age of dentures appeared to be determinants of patients' satisfaction with dentures.

Caregivers' attitudes regarding oral health in a long-term care institution in Brazil.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The number of elderly living in long-term care (LTC) institutions has been increasing in many countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the caregivers' attitudes and considerations regarding oral health and oral health practices in an LTC institution in Porto Alegre, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The population comprised the caregivers (n = 27) at an LTC in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Participants answered a questionnaire assessing the time of work at the LTC, number of elderly under their responsibility, their previous training to perform general and oral healthcare, availability of oral hygiene supplies and oral hygiene tasks they performed. RESULTS: A total of eighteen (75%) and 23 (95.8%) of the caregivers answered they performed teeth and denture brushing as part of their routine. When asked about performing hygiene of the mucosa with gauze, 21 (87.5%) participants stated that they did so. However, when asked if they would motivate the independent elderly to perform oral hygiene, only 10 (41.7%) of the caregivers responded positively. CONCLUSION: Caregivers' oral health practices are in accordance with good oral health methods and are not associated with difficulties in performing oral hygiene. However, the high number of elderly people in their care could possibly overwhelm caregivers' practices. Future qualitative assessment of these issues is needed.

Assessing changes in oral health-related quality of life and its factors in community-dwelling older Brazilians.

OBJECTIVE: To describe changes in oral health-related quality of life and to evaluate the associations of these changes in community-dwelling older people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this longitudinal study a representative sample of 872 older people, living in Brazil, was evaluated during 2004. The follow-up was carried out during 2008, with 587 older persons evaluated. A questionnaire assessing socio-demographic information, health history, oral health-impact profile and number of natural teeth was used. Changes in oral health-related quality of life were categorized as improvement or deterioration. Data analysis was performed using a hierarchical approach based in a conceptual framework. A hierarchal approach was carried out using Poisson regressions. RESULTS: Older persons living in rural areas, those who reported brushing once a day or less and older persons with fewer natural teeth had an increased chance of reporting deterioration in oral health-related quality of life. Women and participants who received a minimum wage of less than US $219.50 were more likely to report improvement in oral health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that changes in the oral health-related quality of life are influenced by many of the variables that were included in the conceptual framework.

Association between number of teeth, edentulism and use of dentures with percentage body fat in south Brazilian community-dwelling older people.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if poor oral status was associated with percentage body fat in a representative sample of south Brazilian community-dwelling elderly. BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that elders with extensive tooth loss and edentulism present with compromised chewing function, which results in dietary changes. However, few studies have assessed whether poor oral status is associated with percentage body fat in community-dwelling elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of 471 south Brazilians =>60 years of age was evaluated. Measurements included a questionnaire to assess socio-demographic, behavioural, general, and oral health data. Percentage body fat was measured with a Tanita TBF 612 digital scale, which measures foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance; and oral status assessment, by means of oral examinations assessing the number of teeth and use of dental prostheses. Correlates of risk of inadequate percentage body fat were assessed by means of multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Edentulous participants were more likely to be underfat [OR: 3.11 (1.27-7.61)] or overfat/obese [OR: 1.82 (1.05-3.16)]. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that edentulous older people had higher odds for inadequate percentage body fat. The maintenance of teeth had a crucial role in increasing the chance of having an adequate body fat percentage in the study population.

Denture stomatitis and its risk indicators in south Brazilian older adults.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if socio-demographic, behaviour and health variables are risk indicators for denture-related stomatitis in community-dwelling older adults from Carlos Barbosa, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 872 subjects aged 60 years or more were evaluated. Data collection included dental examinations and questionnaires to assess socio-demographic, behaviour, general and oral health data. All questionnaires and examinations were carried out during 2004. Associations between the independent variables and the outcomes 'prevalence of denture stomatitis' or 'prevalence of granular stomatitis' were adjusted by means of multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: Participants with denture stomatitis were significantly more likely to be females, to display increased amounts of plaque, and significantly less likely to visit the dentist for treatment. Participants with granular stomatitis were significantly more likely to be females and participants with granular stomatitis were significantly more likely to be females, aged 70 years or more and current smokers. In addition, participants with granular stomatitis displayed increased amounts of plaque. CONCLUSION: The data presented here confirms the central role of denture biofilm accumulation in denture stomatitis. It also indicates that smoking may increase susceptibility to infection in its most severe form.

Oral health care in private and small long-term care facilities: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Elderly people who are institutionalised receive qualified care. Among the services supplied, oral health care has not always been a priority. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of oral health care provided to the elderly residents in long-term care facilities (LTC) in Porto Alegre/RS city. METHODS: Twelve private and small-size LTCs (less than 20 residents) participated in this study. All supervisors and 36 carers were interviewed. The data obtained were organised according to the offer of oral health under the following categories: responsibility for oral care, oral care routines, difficulties carrying out oral care routines. RESULTS: The procedures used most often in order of frequency were tooth brushing, prostheses cleaning, use of mouthwashes, soaking of prostheses and cleaning of the tongue. Among the difficulties mentioned were the high cost of dental assistance, the lack of co-operation both by family members and by the elderly themselves, the oral and general health status of the elderly and the limited time available for carers to carry out the tasks. Oral care is conducted empirically, and the responsibility is left to the carers. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the statements given reveals that oral care does not follow any kind of protocol or standardisation. The persistence of this situation could lead to unsatisfactory oral health care in private and small LTC facilities.

The Influence of Dietary Salt on the Osseointegration of Implants in Aging Rats.

Introduction The bone-implant interface has been studied extensively, but only few papers focused on the nutritional aspects that may affect bone quality, especially salt intake. Objective To study the osseointegration of implants in salt-loaded rats with low mineral bone content. Methods A total of 60 4-month-old male rats were divided in 2 groups ( n = 30), being these groups divided in 2 periods, (2 and 4 months). The control group received a normal diet, while the test group received a diet supplemented with 1% sodium chloride (NaCl). Implants were placed in the tibia of both groups. A total of 15 animals of each group were sacrificed at the 2 nd month of the experiment, while the remaining animals were sacrificed at the 4 th month. Results No statistically significant difference was found in food intake between the groups on any experimental period, but a statistically significant difference was found in the liquid intake in the saline group in both periods. For all groups, osseointegration was observed in both groups. The mean percentage of osseointegration in the cortical bone, in the trabecular bone, and in the total osseointegrated surface between the control (46.38 ± 16.17%) and saline (49.13 ± 11.52%) groups at 2 months was not statistically different ( p = 0.61). The total osseointegration areas of the control (53.98 ± 12.06%) and saline (51.40 ± 13.01%) groups at the 4 th month of the study were not statistically ( p = 0.61). Conclusion Ingestion of salt did not affect directly the osseointegration process during the period of the experiment. The results suggest that mineral losses may not affect the achievement of good osseointegration in aging rats.

Number of teeth and mortality risk in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

BACKGROUND: Findings from several studies suggested an association between oral health and several health outcomes including cardiovascular disease, aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, poor quality of life, and mortality. Using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), we tested the hypothesis that number of teeth is indicative of mortality risk independent of other confounders. METHODS: Dentists conducted a standardized oral examination that included tooth count, tooth with coronal and cervical caries count, and gingival and periodontal index. Blood tests used in the analysis included fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and white blood cell counts. Physical activity, skin fold thickness, body mass index and chronic diseases were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 500 BLSA participants evaluated, 198 died an average of 130 (+/-75) months postdental evaluation, and 302 survivors were followed for a mean of 185 (+/-90) months. Based on multivariate Cox regression models, being edentulous or having than 20 teeth was independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the notion that number of teeth is a significant and independent risk indicator for early mortality. These findings suggest that the improvement of oral health may have a positive impact on general health and may delay mortality.

Association between oral health status and nutritional status in south Brazilian independent-living older people.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests that older people with partial tooth loss and edentulism change their diet and lack specific nutrients, but few studies have assessed whether poor oral status is associated with risk of malnutrition and malnutrition in independent-living older people. We evaluated if poor oral status was associated with risk of malnutrition and malnutrition in this population. METHODS: A random sample of 471 south Brazilians > or =60 y of age was evaluated. Measurements included a questionnaire to assess sociodemographic, behavioral, general, and oral health data; nutritional status assessment, according to the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA); and oral status assessment, by means of oral examinations assessing the number of teeth and use of dental prostheses. Correlates of risk of malnutrition/malnutrition according to the MNA were assessed by means of multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Participants who reported dissatisfaction with their gingival health and edentulous persons wearing only one denture were more likely to be at risk of malnutrition, according to the screening MNA. Dissatisfaction with gingival health was a risk indicator, whereas having one to eight natural teeth was protective against the risk of malnutrition/malnutrition according to the full MNA. CONCLUSION: In the present study, older people with a compromised oral status had higher odds for risk of malnutrition. The maintenance of a few teeth had a crucial role in increasing the chance of maintaining an adequate nutritional status in the studied population. In cases where edentulism was present, complete dental prosthetic use was associated with better nutritional status.

Association between Root Caries and Depressive Symptoms among Elders in Carlos Barbosa, RS, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between depressive symptoms and root caries among independent-living older persons. All community-dwelling older adults (not hospitalized and not bedridden) living in Carlos Barbosa, RS, Brazil, were invited to participate, and 785 completed the study protocol (standardized questionnaire assessing socio-demographic information and health behavior, Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS] - brief version, and oral examination [DMFT-Root index, Visible Plaque Index and stimulated salivary flow]). Out of them, 390 participants with at least one natural tooth were included in the present analysis. The outcome of interest was the ratio between the number of decayed roots and the number of roots at risk. The association between independent variables (depression and socioeconomic aspects) and the outcome was assessed using negative binomial regression models. RESULTS: The final, fully adjusted model revealed that age (ß=0.03, p=0.001), female sex (ß=-0.23, p=0.08), living in a rural area (ß=0.25, p=0.008), tooth brushing frequency (ß=0.43, p=0.025) and stimulated salivary flow (ß=-0.012, p<0.0001) were significantly associated with the presence of root caries. In addition, the interaction between male sex and the presence of depression symptoms (ß=-0.99, p=0.012) was also independently and significantly associated with root caries. The interaction between male sex and depression symptoms was associated with root caries, suggesting that psychological mechanisms may be involved indirectly in the development of root caries in older adults.

Cognitive status of edentate elders wearing complete denture: Does quality of denture matter?

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that an individual's level of mastication may play a role in their cognitive status. This suggests that in edentate individuals wearing complete denture, non-optimal mastication via inadequate denture could be related to cognitive status. OBJECTIVES: To examine the impact of quality of denture on cognitive status of a sample of elderly edentate Brazilian individuals wearing complete denture. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of data collected from 117 edentate elders (mean age 73.7 ± 5.6 years) wearing complete denture, in southern Brazil. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Brazilian version of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Clinical examination was conducted to evaluate the quality of dentures by use of the FAD (functional assessment of dentures) instrument. Masticatory ability was assessed by self-reported questions. RESULTS: The mean MMSE score for the total sample was 23.1 (SD=4.4) and was associated with age (p=0.001), education (p<0.0001), depressive symptoms (p=0.003), as well as the masticatory ability (p=0.001) and functional quality of dentures (p<0.0001). Unsatisfactory masticatory ability was more frequent in edentate individuals with lower FAD score (p<0.0001) and led to a lower MMSE total score. Unsatisfactory masticatory ability was associated with MMSE scores (p=0.002) after adjustment. CONCLUSION: The study results support the potential role of optimal functional quality of dentures in maintaining cognitive activity in elders. This association may be explained via mastication pathway. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The potential beneficial effect of functional dentures on cognitive status via mastication could encourage preventive strategies to decrease substantial risk of morbidity in elders.

The Influence of Dietary Salt on the Osseointegration of Implants in Aging Rats

Introduction: The bone-implant interface has been studied extensively, but only few papers focused on the nutritional aspects that may affect bone quality, especially salt intake. Objective: To study the osseointegration of implants in salt-loaded rats with low mineral bone content. Methods: A total of 60 4-month-old male rats were divided in 2 groups ( n = 30), being these groups divided in 2 periods, (2 and 4 months). The control group received a normal diet, while the test group received a diet supplemented with 1% sodium chloride (NaCl). Implants were placed in the tibia of both groups. A total of 15 animals of each group were sacrificed at the 2 nd month of the experiment, while the remaining animals were sacrificed at the 4 th month. Results: No statistically significant difference was found in food intake between the groups on any experimental period, but a statistically significant difference was found in the liquid intake in the saline group in both periods. For all groups, osseointegration was observed in both groups. The mean percentage of osseointegration in the cortical bone, in the trabecular bone, and in the total osseointegrated surface between the control (46.38 ± 16.17%) and saline (49.13 ± 11.52%) groups at 2 months was not statistically different ( p = 0.61). The total osseointegration areas of the control (53.98 ± 12.06%) and saline (51.40 ± 13.01%) groups at the 4 th month of the study were not statistically ( p = 0.61). Conclusion: Ingestion of salt did not affect directly the osseointegration process during the period of the experiment. The results suggest that mineral losses may not affect the achievement of good osseointegration in aging rats. (AU)

The prevalence of elder abuse in the Porto Alegre metropolitan area.

Abuse of the elderly is a form of violence to come to the public's attention. Dental professionals are in an ideal position to identify physical abuse. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of elderly abuse and analyze the database of injury reports that can be identified by dental teams. A documentary analysis study developed by the Elderly Protection Police Station of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, was carried out. The information used came from 2,304 complaints filed at the aforementioned institution between the years of 2004 and 2006. The records of abuse are categorized as injury, neglect, mistreatment, theft, financial abuse, threat, disturbing the peace, atypical fact, and others. The injuries that could be identified by the dental team were classified according to the injury's location in the area of the head, face, mouth and neck. Descriptive analysis was performed, and chi-square tests were used to evaluate the distributions of the types of elder abuse in relation to sex and age. The most frequent of the different types of abuse was theft, with a prevalence of 17.8%, followed by disturbing the peace at 11.8%. Disturbing the peace, threat, and bodily injury were significantly associated with women. Elder abuse among women and men declines with age. The prevalence of head injury was 25% of the total injuries, most often in females, and in those aged < 70 years. Based on these results, it is necessary that the dental team observe the elderly person's appearance for suspicious physical signs.

Validity of self-reported history of endodontic treatment in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

INTRODUCTION: Self-reported history of endodontic treatment (SRHET) has been used as a simplified method to estimate the history of endodontic disease and treatment. This study aimed to quantify the validity of SRHET, as reported in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), as a method to identify individuals who experienced endodontic treatment (ET) and to identify individuals who present with apical periodontitis (AP). METHODS: SRHET was collected through the BLSA questionnaire in 247 participants. Data on ET and AP were determined from panoramic radiographs. The total number of ET, AP, and missing teeth were recorded for each individual. The validity of SRHET was determined based on ET and AP separately. Accuracy, efficiency, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (+PV and -PV), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (+LR and -LR) were calculated according to standard methods. RESULTS: After exclusions, 229 participants were available for ET analysis and 129 for AP analysis. The SRHET validity values were sensitivity (ET = 0.915, AP = 0.782), specificity (ET = 0.891, AP = 0.689), +PV (ET = 0.824, AP = 0.353), -PV (ET = 0.949, AP = 0.936), +LR (ET = 8.394, AP = 2.514), and -LR (ET = 0.095, AP = 0.316). CONCLUSIONS: SRHET was found to be a highly accurate method to predict ET but a weak predictor of the presence of AP among participants in the BLSA.

Association between self-reported oral health, tooth loss and atherosclerotic burden.

Previous studies have suggested that oral diseases may influence the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that poor self-reported oral health (SROH) and tooth loss are positively associated with coronary atherosclerotic burden (CAB). 382 consecutive subjects undergoing coronary angiography were included. Socio-demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and oral health status were collected using a standardized questionnaire, including data on SROH and use of dental prosthesis. Number of teeth and anthropometric measures were collected through clinical examinations. CAB at coronary angiography was quantified using the Friesinger score (FS). Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated with Poisson regression analyses. Mean age was 60.3 ± 10.8 years, with 63.2% males. In the bivariate analysis, there was a significant association (p < 0.05) between CAB and age (> 60y) (PR = 1.01, 95%CI = 1.02-1.16), male gender (PR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.03-1.19), smoking (PR = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.01- 1.16), hypertension (PR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.03-1.22), diabetes (PR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.05-1.21), poor SROH (PR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.02-1.46) and tooth loss (< 20 teeth present) (PR = 1.10, 95%CI = 1.02-1.19). The use of dental prosthesis was not associated with CAB. The multivariate models, adjusted for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia showed that poor SROH (p = 0.03) and tooth loss (p = 0.02) were independently associated with CAB, confirming the study hypothesis.

Association between Root Caries and Depressive Symptoms among Elders in Carlos Barbosa, RS, Brazil

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between depressive symptoms and root caries among independent-living older persons. All community-dwelling older adults (not hospitalized and not bedridden) living in Carlos Barbosa, RS, Brazil, were invited to participate, and 785 completed the study protocol (standardized questionnaire assessing socio-demographic information and health behavior, Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS] - brief version, and oral examination [DMFT-Root index, Visible Plaque Index and stimulated salivary flow]). Out of them, 390 participants with at least one natural tooth were included in the present analysis. The outcome of interest was the ratio between the number of decayed roots and the number of roots at risk. The association between independent variables (depression and socioeconomic aspects) and the outcome was assessed using negative binomial regression models. Results: The final, fully adjusted model revealed that age (β=0.03, p=0.001), female sex (β=-0.23, p=0.08), living in a rural area (β=0.25, p=0.008), tooth brushing frequency (β=0.43, p=0.025) and stimulated salivary flow (β=-0.012, p<0.0001) were significantly associated with the presence of root caries. In addition, the interaction between male sex and the presence of depression symptoms (β=-0.99, p=0.012) was also independently and significantly associated with root caries. The interaction between male sex and depression symptoms was associated with root caries, suggesting that psychological mechanisms may be involved indirectly in the development of root caries in older adults.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre sintomas depressivos e cáries radiculares entre idosos independentes. Todos os idosos moradores da comunidade (não hospitalizados e não acamados) residentes em Carlos Barbosa, RS, foram convidados a participar, e 785 completaram o protocolo do estudo (questionário padronizado de avaliação sociodemográfica e comportamento de saúde, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica [GDS ] - versão resumida e exame oral [Índice de CPOD-Raiz, índice de placa visível e fluxo salivar estimulado]). Destes, 390 participantes com pelo menos um dente natural foram incluídos na presente análise. O desfecho foi a razão entre o número de raízes em decomposição e o número de raízes em risco. A associação entre variáveis independentes (depressão e aspectos socioeconômicos) e o desfecho foram avaliados utilizando modelos de regressão binomial negativa. O modelo final totalmente ajustado revelou que a idade (b=0,03, p=0,001), sexo feminino (b=-0,23, p=0,08), vivendo em área rural (b=0,25, p=0,008), frequência de escovação (b=0,43, p=0,025) e o fluxo salivar estimulado (b=-0,012, p<0,0001) foram significativamente associados à presença de cárie radicular. Além disso, a interação entre sexo masculino e a presença de sintomas de depressão (b=-0,99, p=0,012) também foi independente e significativamente associada com cáries radiculares. A interação entre sexo masculino e sintomas de depressão foi associada com cárie radicular, sugerindo que mecanismos psicológicos podem estar envolvidos indiretamente no desenvolvimento de cáries radiculares em adultos mais velhos.

Effect of raloxifene on alveolar bone resorption after mucoperiosteal fl ap surgery in mice / Efeito do raloxifeno sobre reabsorção óssea alveolar após cirurgia de retalho mucoperiosteal em camundongos

Background: Mucoperiosteal fl ap surgeries (MFS) are carried out to provide access to the alveolar bone and root surfaces in several clinical situations. Nevertheless, they lead to a variable degree of alveolar bone resorption. Raloxifene is an agonist in bone, and acts inhibiting bone loss. Objective: To evaluate the effect of raloxifene in preventing alveolar bone resorption after MFS using an experimental model of mouse mandibles. Methods: MFS was performed on the buccal aspect of the left side of the mandible (BL) in 20 male CF1 Musdomesticus mice divided into two groups with the same number of animals: the experimental group was treated once daily with raloxifene injections (3 mg/kg), and the placebo group was treated with daily injections of the vehicle. The buccal aspects of right hemimandibles were used as controls (BR). Mandibles were removed, defl eshed and stained with toluidine blue in a stereomicroscope. Digital images were obtained and the alveolar bone loss was measured (mm²) using an image analysis software. Results: The BL area exhibited signifi cantly more bone loss (Student t test; p < 0.01) when compared to the BR area, in both groups. No statistically signifi cant difference was observed between the experimental and the placebo groups. Conclusion: In this study, raloxifene did not inhibit alveolar bone resorption following MFS in male mice.

Introdução: Cirurgias de retalho mucoperiosteal (CRM) são realizadas para permitir acesso ao osso alveolar e à superfície radicular em várias situações clínicas. No entanto, elas levam a um grau variável de reabsorção óssea alveolar. O raloxifeno tem ação agonista em tecido ósseo e atua inibindo perda óssea. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do raloxifeno na prevenção de reabsorção óssea alveolar após CRM usando o modelo experimental de mandíbulas de camundongos. Métodos: Foram realizadas CRMs na face vestibular, lado esquerdo, das mandíbulas (VE) de 20 camundongos CF1 Musdomesticus machos, divididos em dois grupos com mesmo número de animais: o grupo experimental foi tratado uma vez ao dia com injeções de raloxifeno (3 mg/kg), e o grupo placebo foi tratado uma vez ao dia com injeções do veículo. A face vestibular do lado direito da hemimandíbula foi usada como controle (BD). As mandíbulas foram removidas, dissecadas e coradas com azul de toluidina sob um estereomicroscópio. Imagens digitais foram obtidas e a perda óssea alveolar foi medida (mm²) usando um software de análise de imagens. Resultados: A área VE exibiu perda óssea signifi cativamente maior (teste t de Student; p < 0,01) quando comparada com a área BD, em ambos os grupos. Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente signifi cativa entre os grupos experimental e placebo. Conclusão: Neste estudo, o raloxifeno não inibiu a reabsorção óssea alveolar após CRM em camundongos machos.

Morphological changes in the mandible of male mice associated with aging and biomechanical stimulus.

Degenerative changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) associated with aging can affect mandibular shape and reduce growth potential when stimulated by functional appliance therapy. This study was designed to evaluate the morphological changes in the mandibles of male mice associated with aging and biomechanical stimulus. Every 3 days over the course of 1 month, the lower incisors were trimmed by 1 mm to induce mandibular advancement (MA) when the animal was feeding. The left mandibles of the 23 experimental and 27 control animals were subsequently dissected, and digital images were obtained to analyze nine linear/angular measurements. Because mandibular morphology depends on the maintenance of condylar cartilage, the surfaces of the condylar cartilage and the ascending ramus of the mandible were also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The linear measurements of the mandible showed changes according to age in the control group and a growth response in the mandibular condyle in 7- and 15-month-old mice after MA. Moreover, SEM analysis revealed depressions in the anterior region of the condylar cartilage and inclined vascular grooves in the ascending ramus in the 7- and 15-month-old experimental mice. Although the growth potential is reduced in mice after 6 months of age, the results showed that continuous growth of the mandible occurs after maturation, except in the condyle, and that biomechanical stimulus of the TMJ of male mice leads to condylar growth. These results suggest that mature and old individuals can favorably respond to maxillary functional orthopedic therapy.

Food intake selection influenced by opposing functional natural teeth or removable denture: observational study

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between types of dentition in occlusion and the perceived ability to eat a range of common foods in elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 363 individuals (117 men, 246 women; mean age = 73.4 ± 5.8 years) Self-reported information on questionnaires were linked to oral examination to establish types of dentition in occlusion assessing their influence on the needs to alter the food selection and on the difficulty to chew key foods. RESULTS: The individuals were classified as having their occlusion performed by completed removable prostheses (D/D) (51.2%), mixed dentition (D/N-N/D) (32.8%) or with natural teeth (N/N) (16%). Individuals with natural teeth N/N or mixed dentition (N/D-D/N) had less necessity to change their food intake, relative to individuals with their occlusion performed by complete removal denture (D/D) (p<0.05). Most of the individuals that had to modify their food intake avoided hard-to-chew food (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The reduced masticatory ability may lead to changes in dietary selection with risk of an impaired nutritional status especially in elderly complete denture wearers.

Association of chronic stress, depression symptoms and cortisol with low saliva flow in a sample of south-Brazilians aged 50 years and older.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the relationship between depression symptoms, chronic stress or physiological measures of stress such as cortisol levels and saliva secretion. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of low saliva flow with chronic stress, depression symptoms and cortisol in a population aged 50 years and older. METHODS: Participants (n = 227) were recruited from community clubhouses and among dementia caregivers. Stress was assessed using the Lipp's Stress Symptoms Inventory and salivary cortisol measurements. In addition, taking care of a relative with dementia was included as a proxy variable for chronic stress. Depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Saliva flow rate was assessed by measuring unstimulated and chewing-stimulated saliva flow. Further saliva samples were collected (morning, noon, night) for cortisol analysis by means of radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Gender, being a dementia caregiver, self-reported diabetes and prescriptive medication intake were independently associated with a low stimulated saliva flow. Prescriptive medication intake was also associated with a low unstimulated saliva flow. CONCLUSION: Caregiving, a proxy of chronic stress, was associated with low stimulated saliva flow, indicating that stress may have a potential role in salivary gland hypofunction.