Maternal Knowledge of Oral Health During Pregnancy and Childbirth.

OBJECTIVE: This cohort study was to investigate maternal knowledge of the oral health of woman and children during pregnancy and after childbirth, and the associated factors. METHODS: Groups of women participating in a public prenatal dental care programme in Brazil were assessed, in two different stages. In the first stage, pregnant women were assessed for their own oral health. In the second stage, after childbirth, women were assessed for the oral health of their child. The examiner assigned a maternal knowledge score to the questionnaires, considering the ideal alternatives within the context of oral health promotion as correct answers. Statistical analysis included the Kruskal-Wallis and multiple linear regression tests, considering a level of significance of P < 0.05. RESULTS: Ninety-eight women were included in the study, with a mean age 26.27 years (SD 6.51). In the regression analysis, the maternal knowledge score was associated with the presence of myths about oral health (P < 0.01), the children first dental appointment in the first year of life (P = 0.07), the presence of a non-nutritious sucking habit (P < 0.01), considering dental treatment to be important during pregnancy (P < 0.01), and having been instructed on oral health during pregnancy (P < 0.01) and after the children birth (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the women showed a regular score of knowledge about their oral health and that of their children, as they still believed in some myths about oral health and the risks of dental treatment during pregnancy. Women who received guidance on oral health in pregnancy and after birth showed higher knowledge of their oral health and that of their children, demonstrating the importance of carrying out health promotion actions during pregnancy and the first years of the child's life.

Effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on periodontally infected tooth sockets in rats.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in alveolar treatment of areas with induced periodontitis. Thirty male Wistar rats were subjected to ligature-induced periodontal disease (PD) in the first left inferior molars, while the right side molars did not receive ligatures. After 7 days of PD evolution, ligatures were removed from the left side, and the first left and right mandibular molars were extracted. Afterwards, animals were divided into groups according to the following treatments: control (C)--no treatment; mechanical debridement (MD)--mechanical debridement and irrigation with saline solution; and aPDT--mechanical debridement, irrigation with toluidine blue O (TBO), and 1 min of laser irradiation (GaAlAs, 660 nm, 30 mW, 32 J/cm(2), 60 s). Ligatures were removed and samples of the alveolar content after extraction and after each treatment were collected for microbial processing by real-time polymerase chain reaction with specific primers for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Treponema denticola. Data were submitted to statistical analysis by multiple comparison tests (McNemar test; p < 0.05). T. denticola was not found in the collected samples. A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis were found in ligature samples. Tooth socket samples without periodontitis induction presented lesser microbial charge than samples with induced periodontitis (p < 0.05). aPDT significantly reduced A. actinomycetemcomitans levels on the left side (p < 0.05). It was concluded that aPDT was an effective antimicrobial treatment for tooth sockets in areas affected by induced periodontitis.

Effects of LLLT in combination with bisphosphonate on bone healing in critical size defects: a histological and histometric study in rat calvaria.

The purpose of this study was to analyze histologically the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in combination with bisphosphonate on bone healing in surgically created critical size defects (CSD) in rat calvaria. One hundred Wistar female rats sham operated (sham) and ovariectomized (Ovx) were maintained untreated for 1 month to allow for the development of osteopenia in the Ovx animals. A CSD was made in the calvarium of each rat, and the animals were divided into five groups according to following treatments: (1) sham rats (control), (2) Ovx rats, (3) Ovx rats treated with LLLT, (4) Ovx rats treated with bisphosphonate, and (5) Ovx rats treated with bisphosphonate and LLLT. Groups 4 and 5 were irrigated with 1 ml of bisphosphonate, and groups 3 and 5 were submitted to LLLT (GaAlAs), 660 nm, 24 J, and 0.4285 W/cm(2) on the CSD. Ten animals of each treatment were killed at 30 and 60 days. Histomorphometric assessments, using image analysis software, and histological analyses were performed. No defect was completely regenerated with the bone. Histometrically, it can be observed that groups 3 (37.49 ± 1.94%, 43.11 ± 2.39%) and 5 (35.05 ± 1.57%, 41.07 ± 1.89%) showed a significant bone neoformation when compared to groups 1 (16.81 ± 1.57%, 27.54 ± 1.49%), 2 (11.68 ± 0.98%, 22.51 ± 1.05%), and 4 (14.62 ± 1.70%, 25.67 ± 1.41%) in all experimental periods (P < 0.05). It was possible to conclude that the LLLT associated or not with bisphosphonate treatment was effective for stimulating bone formation in CSD in the calvaria of rats submitted to ovariectomy.

Biomechanical effect of one session of low-level laser on the bone-titanium implant interface.

Low-level laser (LLL) has been used on peri-implant tissues for accelerating bone formation. However, the effect of one session of LLL in the strength of bone-implant interface during early healing process remains unclear. The present study aims to evaluate the removal torque of titanium implants irradiated with LLL during surgical preparation of implant bed, in comparison to non-irradiation. Sixty-four Wistar rats were used. Half of the animals were included in LLL group, while the other half remained as control. All animals had the tibia prepared with a 2 mm drill, and a titanium implant (2.2 × 4 mm) was inserted. Animals from LLL group were irradiated with laser (gallium aluminum arsenide), with a wavelength of 808 nm, a measured power output of 50 mW, to emit radiation in collimated beams (0.4 cm(2)), for 1 min and 23 s, and an energy density of 11 J/cm(2). Two applications (22 J/cm(2)) were performed immediately after bed preparation for implant installation. Flaps were sutured, and animals from both groups were sacrificed 7, 15, 30, and 45 days after implant installation, when load necessary for removing implant from bone was evaluated by using a torquimeter. In both groups, torque values tended to increase overtime; and at 30 and 45 days periods, values were statistically higher for LLL group in comparison to control (ANOVA test, p < 0.0001). Thus, it could be suggested that a single session of irradiation with LLL was beneficial to improve bone-implant interface strength, contributing to the osseointegration process.

Treatment of experimental periodontitis in rats using repeated adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.

The aim of this study was to histologically and histometrically evaluate the influence of repeated adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on bone loss (BL) in furcation areas in rats. Periodontitis was induced by placing a ligature around the mandibular molar in 75 rats. The animals were divided into five groups: the SS group was treated with saline solution (SS); the SRP group received scaling and root planing (SRP); the aPDT1 group received SRP as well as toluidine blue (TBO) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT; InGaAlP, 660 nm; 4.94 J/cm(2)/point) postoperatively at 0 h; the aPDT2 group received SRP as well as TBO and LLLT postoperatively at 0, 24, 28, and 72 h; and the aPDT3 group received SRP, TBO, and LLLT postoperatively at 0, 48, 96, and 144 h. The area of BL in the furcation region of the molar was histometrically analyzed. Data were analyzed statistically (P < 0.05). Animals treated with a single episode of aPDT showed less BL at days 7 and 30 than those who received only SRP treatment. No significant differences were found among the aPDT groups (P > 0.05). Repeated aPDT did not improve BL reduction when compared to a single episode of aPDT.

Systemic and local effects of doxycycline and low-intensity laser treatment on periodontitis in rats.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the systemic and local effects of doxycycline (DOX) and low-intensity laser (LIL) treatment as adjuvants to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of experimental periodontitis in rats. METHODS: The sample consisted of 180 male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar), of which 30 did not receive induction of periodontal disease (negative control [NC] group) and 150 received induction of periodontal disease in the lower first molar. After 7 days, the ligature was removed, and the animals were divided into the following groups: NT (no treatment), SRP (SRP), DOX (SRP and DOX irrigation), LIL (SRP and laser irradiation), and DOX+LIL (SRP, DOX, and LIL). The animals were euthanized at 7, 15, and 30 days; thereafter, biochemical, radiographic, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the intragroup analysis, lower concentrations of α-1-glycoprotein acid (α-1-Ga) and complement 3 (C3) were observed in the DOX+LIL group than in all other groups at all time points, as well as lower levels of complement 4 (C4) at 15 and 30 days (P<0.001). Less bone loss was observed in the DOX, LIL, and DOX+LIL groups than in the NC and SRP groups at all time points (P<0.001). There was a smaller number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells in the DOX+LIL group than in the other groups at all time points (P<0.001). Positive correlations were observed between the systemic levels of α-1-Ga, C3, and C4 and the number of TRAP-positive cells. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of DOX with LIL as SRP adjuvants was effective both systemically and locally for the treatment of experimental periodontitis in rats.

Treatment of experimental periodontal disease with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in nicotine-modified rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunctive treatment to scaling and root planing (SRP) for induced periodontitis in nicotine-modified rats. MATERIAL & METHODS: A total of 240 rats were evenly divided into two groups: C - saline solution treatment; N - nicotine treatment. Periodontal disease was induced in both groups at the first mandibular molar. After 7 days, the ligature was removed. All animals were submitted to SRP and were divided according to the following treatments: SRP - irrigation with saline solution; Toluidine Blue-O (TBO) - irrigation with phenothiazinium dye (100 µg/ml); LLLT - laser irradiation (660 nm; 0.03 W; 4 J); and aPDT - TBO and laser irradiation. Ten animals in each group/treatment were euthanized at 7, 15 and 30 days. The histometric and immunohistochemical values were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Intragroup analysis demonstrated that in both groups the aPDT treatment resulted in lower bone loss (BL) when compared to SRP in all experimental periods. Intergroup analysis demonstrated that aPDT treatment resulted in lower BL in Group N than in Group C treated with SRP in all experimental periods. CONCLUSION: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy was an effective adjunctive treatment to SRP for induced periodontitis in nicotine-modified rats.

Recession defects associated with scraped roots treated with subepithelial connective tissue graft.

The objective of the current study was to assess histomorphometrically the healing process of recession defects associated with scraped roots treated with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). Six dogs were used. Bone dehiscence defects (6 × 8 mm) and root planing were carried out on maxillary canine teeth. Following a split-mouth model, according to the treatment, left canines (control) were covered with coronally positioned flap (CPF). Right canines were submitted to treatments with SCTG. After a 3-month postoperative period, the animals were killed, and the blocks processed for the histomorphometric assessment. Data assessment demonstrated that the CPF group showed parameters of a new connective tissue attachment, length of new cement (NC), length of new bone (mean ± SD: 0.95 ± 0.53, 2.44 ± 1.97, and 1.96 ± 2.29 mm, respectively), which were higher than those of SCTG group (mean ± SD: 0.71 ± 0.36, 2.21 ± 1.28, and 1.52 ± 1.31 mm, respectively), although not significantly (P > 0.05). The length of both epithelial tissue and connective tissue apposition in the SCTG group (mean ± SD: 1.70 ± 0.53 and 2.62 ± 1.52 mm, respectively) were higher than those of the CPF group (mean ± SD: 1.18 ± 0.49 and 2.03 ± 1.03 mm, respectively), although showing no significant differences (P > 0.05). Within the limits of the current study, it was possible to conclude that there were no significant differences between the groups according to the histologic parameters assessed.

Influence of Doxycycline and InGaAlP Diode Laser at 660 nm Wavelength in the Treatment of Periodontitis Induced in Rats: In Vivo Study.

This study evaluated the influence of Doxycycline (DOX) and Low-Intensity Laser (LIL) (InGaAlP diode laser) as scaling and root planing (SRP) adjuvants in the treatment of periodontitis induced in rats. The rats received periodontal disease induction, and after 7 days, the ligature was removed, and the animals were divided into groups/treatments: NT-receive no treatment; SRP-submitted only to SRP; DOX-submitted to SRP and DOX irrigation; LIL-submitted to SRP and LIL irradiation; and DOX + LIL-submitted to SRP treatments, DOX irrigation and LIL irradiation. The animals were sacrificed at 7, 15 and 30 days, and then, the analyses were performed. A lower concentration of Alpha-glycoprotein acid and Complement 3 was observed in the DOX + LIL group compared to all the other groups in all the periods, and for Complement 4 at 15 and 30 days (P < 0.01). A lower bone loss (BL) was observed in the DOX + LIL group compared to all the other groups in all the periods (P < 0.01). It can be concluded that LIL was effective in the reduction of proteins, and its association with DOX was effective in the reduction of proteins and BL, in the treatment of periodontal induction in rats.

Effect of photodynamic therapy on the healing of cutaneous third-degree-burn: histological study in rats.

The aim of this study was to conduct a histological assessment of the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the repairing of third-degree-burn wounds made on the backs of rats with a heated scalpel. Ninety-six rats were divided into groups: G1, control (n = 24), cold scalpel; G2, burned, heated scalpel (n = 24); G3, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (n = 24), on burns; and G4, photodynamic therapy (PDT) (n = 24), toluidine-O blue (100 microg/ml) and LLLT treatment on burns. The laser (685 nm) was applied in continuous mode, 50 mW, 4.5 J/cm(2), contact mode at nine points (9 s/point). Eight animals in each group were killed at 3 days, 7 days or 14 days after surgery, and tissue specimens containing the whole wounded area were removed and processed for histological analysis; the results were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated significant differences between G2 and G3, and between G2 and G4, at both 3 days and 7 days, with regard to acute inflammation scores; G1 and G2 showed significant differences when compared with G4 at 3 days, with regard to neo-angiogenesis scores; G1 and G2 were statistically different from G3 and G4 at both 3 days and 7 days, with regard to re-epithelization scores; G2 showed statistically significant differences when compared with G3 and G4 with regard to collagen fiber scores at 7 days. LLLT and PDT acted as a biostimulating coadjuvant agent, balancing the undesirable effect of the burn on the wound healing process, acting mainly in the early healing stages, hastening inflammation and increasing collagen deposition.

Comparison between laser therapy and non-surgical therapy for periodontitis in rats treated with dexamethasone.

The aim of this study was to compare low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as adjuvant treatment for induced periodontitis with scaling and root planing (SRP) in dexamethasone-treated rats. One-hundred twenty rats were divided into groups: D group (n = 60), treated with dexamethasone; ND group (n = 60) treated with saline solution. In both groups, periodontal disease was induced by ligature at the left first mandibular molar. After 7 days, the ligature was removed and all animals were subjected to SRP and were divided according to the following treatments: SRP, irrigation with saline solution (SS); SRP + LLLT, SS and laser irradiation (660 nm; 24 J; 0.428 W/cm(2)). Ten animals in each treatment were killed after 7 days, 15 days and 30 days. The radiographic and histometric values were statistically analyzed. In all groups radiographic and histometric analysis showed less bone loss (P < 0.05) in animals treated with SRP + LLLT in all experimental periods. SRP + LLLT was an effective adjuvant conventional treatment for periodontitis in rats treated with dexamethasone.

Treatment of experimental periodontal disease by a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 with scaling and root planing (SRP).

Lumiracoxib is a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) approved for the relief of symptoms of chronic inflammatory conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this specific inhibitor of COX-2 as adjunctive treatment on induced periodontitis in rats. Periodontal disease was induced at the first mandibular molar of 60 rats. After 7 days, the ligature was removed and all animals were submitted to scaling and root planing (SRP) along with local irrigation with saline solution and were divided into 2 groups: SRP (n = 30)-received subcutaneous injections of 1 mg/kg of body weight/day of saline solution for 3 days and; SRP + L (n = 30)-received subcutaneous injections of 1 mg/kg of body weight/day of Lumiracoxib for 3 days. Ten animals in each group were killed at 7, 15, and 30 days. The histological description was performed and the histometric values were statistically analyzed. In Group SRP + L, the histometric analysis (0.58 ± 0.08, 0.64 ± 0.06, and 0.56 ± 0.10 mm(2)) showed less bone loss (p < 0.05) than Group SRP (1.52 ± 0.08, 1.55 ± 0.09, and 1.49 ± 0.24 mm(2)) at 7, 15, and 30 days, respectively. Within the limits of this study it can be concluded that subcutaneous application of specific inhibitor of COX-2 was a beneficial adjunctive treatment for periodontal diseases induced in rats.

Evaluations of hydroxyapatite and bioactive glass in the repair of critical size bone defects in rat calvaria.

To overcome the morbidity of autogenous graft removal and limitations of allogeneic and xenogeneic grafts, a great interest exists in the development of biomaterials of synthetic origin. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological behavior of a novel bioactive glass (60% SiO2- 36% CaO-4% P2O5) as bone substitute in critical calvaria defects of rats, in comparison to hydroxyapatite. METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats were divided in three groups, according to the treatment: Control Group (C) - blood clot; Hydroxyapatite (HA) - particulate hydroxyapatite (≤0,5 mm); and Bioactive Glass (BG) - particulate bioactive glass (0.04-1 mm). RESULTS: From the intergroup analysis, it was observed that Group C presented a greater newly formed bone area (NBA) when compared to Groups HA and BG. In addition, Group HA showed higher NBA when compared to Group BG at 30 and 60 days (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry revealed that groups HA and BG presented high and moderate osteocalcin immunolabeling respectively. Group HA displayed a greater number of TRAP-positive cells compared to Groups C and BG at 30 and 60 days (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: From these results, we can conclude that the resorption rate of hydroxyapatite is higher than the novel bioactive glass, which maintained significant higher volume until the last experimental period. Both of the tested biomaterials acted as osteoconductors during bone repair, and their physical characteristics importantly influenced this process.

Treatment of experimental periodontal disease by photodynamic therapy in immunosuppressed rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunctive treatment of induced periodontitis with scaling and root planing (SRP) in dexamethasone-inhibited rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The animals were divided into two groups: ND (n=90), saline solution treatment; D (n=90), dexamethasone treatment. In the ND and D Groups, periodontal disease was ligature-induced at the first mandibular molar. After 7 days, the ligature was removed and all animals received SRP and were divided according to the following treatments: SRP, saline solution; Toluidine Blue-O (TBO), phenothiazinium dye; and PDT, TBO and laser irradiation. Ten animals in each treatment were killed at 7, 15 and 30 days. The radiographic and histometric values were statistically analysed. RESULTS: In the ND and D Groups, radiographic analysis showed less bone loss in animals treated by PDT in all the experimental periods than SRP and TBO at 15 days (p<0.05). After a histometric analysis was carried out in the ND and D groups, the animals treated by PDT showed less bone loss in all periods than SRP and TBO after 15 days (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The PDT was an effective adjunctive treatment of induced periodontitis compared with SRP in dexamethasone-inhibited rats.

Knowing Dental Students' Discourses on Situational Planning in Integrated Clinic: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Objective: Dentistry from the Universidade Federal de Alfenas who were enrolled in the seventh period and who took the Integrated Clinic I Discipline (ICID) in the emergency remote learning model (ERLM). Material and Methods: This is a qualitative and descriptive study. The information was collected through questionnaires applied by the Professors during the ICID. Subsequently, the professor evaluated the treatment developed in virtual form by each student regarding its logical sequence and the most appropriate treatment for each case. The results of the answers were transcribed and submitted to lexicographical textual, Descending Hierarchical Classification, and Similitude analysis in the Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires (IRAMUTEQ) program. Results: The students described the online situational treatment planning in five essential steps: adequacy of the oral environment, restorative need, prosthetic need, rehabilitation by prosthesis on the implant, and corrective orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: It was observed that the students who enrolled in ICID presented well-integrated planning during ERLM, despite the COVID-19 pandemic hindering these students' contact between theoretical teaching and the integrated practices in dentistry offered by the educational institution.

Fatores associados à autoavaliação de saúde bucal por adultos em hemodiálise / Factors associated with self-rated oral health in adults with hemodialysis

Resumo Introdução Pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica podem apresentar prejuízos em sua saúde bucal em decorrência da própria doença, do tratamento e das alterações de estilo de vida associadas. Objetivo Avaliar os fatores associados à autoavaliação de saúde bucal ruim entre adultos com insuficiência renal crônica submetidos à hemodiálise. Método Estudo transversal com 243 adultos submetidos à hemodiálise em um hospital do sul de Minas Gerais nos anos de 2013 e 2014. O desfecho foi avaliado pelo autorrelato da condição bucal dicotomizada em boa (ótima/boa) e ruim (regular/ruim/péssima). As variáveis independentes incluíram condições sociodemográficas, saúde geral, saúde bucal e uso de serviços odontológicos, a partir de informações coletadas por meio de questionário. A associação entre o desfecho e as variáveis independentes foi testada por meio de modelos logísticos múltiplos com inclusão hierarquizada de variáveis. Resultados A prevalência de autoavaliação de saúde bucal ruim foi de 35,4%. Os mais jovens (p = 0,015), os que se submetem à hemodiálise há menos tempo (p = 0,016), têm halitose (p <0,001), necessitam de tratamento odontológico (p <0,001) e tiveram a última consulta odontológica por motivo diferente de dor (p = 0,027) expressaram maiores chances de autoavaliação de saúde bucal ruim, independentemente de condições sociodemográficas e de saúde. Conclusão Condições sociodemográficas, tempo em hemodiálise, agravos à saúde bucal e uso de serviços odontológicos influenciaram a autoavaliação da saúde bucal dos adultos submetidos à hemodiálise.

Abstract Background Patients with chronic renal failure may have their oral health impaired as a result of the disease itself, its treatment, and its associated lifestyle alterations. Objective To assess the factors associated with poor self-rated oral health among adults with chronic renal failure treated by hemodialysis. Method This is a cross-sectional study with 243 adults undergoing hemodialysis in a hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil in 2013-2014. The outcome was assessed by the self-report of oral health categorized into good (excellent/good) and bad (fair/bad / very bad). The independent variables included sociodemographic conditions, general health, oral health, and the use of dental services were collected through a structured questionnaire. The association between the outcome and the independent variables was tested using multiple logistic models with hierarchical inclusion of variables. Results The prevalence of poor self-rated oral health was 35.4%. The youngest (p = 0.015), those who have undergone hemodialysis in the shortest time (p = 0.016), have halitosis (p <0.001), need dental treatment (p <0.001), and had their last dental appointment not for pain (p = 0.027) expressed higher odds of poor self-rated oral health, independently of sociodemographic and health conditions. Conclusion Sociodemographic conditions, time on hemodialysis, oral impairments, and use of dental services affected the oral health self-assessment among adults undergoing hemodialysis.

Oral Health and related inequalities among visual impairment people in a Brazil municipality / Saúde bucal e desigualdades relacionadas entre pessoas com deficiência visual em um município brasileiro

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the oral health and related factors among people with visual impairment in a municipality in southeastern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive household study was carried out on a representative sample of people with visual impairments in a medium-sized city in Brazil. A clinical-dental examination was performed (evaluating tooth loss, caries, periodontal health, dental plaque use and need of prosthesis) and a semistructured questionnaire was applied, investigating the socioeconomic conditions (sex, age, marital status, skin color and income) and the use of dental services (reason, time since, and type of service used [private/public] in last dental visit). Descriptive and bivariate analysis were performed to asses the factors related to oral health. Results: The mean age of participants was 65 years (±15.05), with the majority women (70.9%). 53.1% of the interviewees were edentulous, but 58.2% had a good perception of oral health. The blind ones use less public services (p=0.038) and with a lower frequency (p=0.014) than subjects with low vision. Those with less schooling had higher tooth loss and lower periodontal problems (p <0.05). There was a reduction of dental plaque six months after the educational action (30.7%; p=0.01), especially among the low vision participants (p=0.01). Conclusion: Severe tooth loss and unsatisfactory hygiene contrast with self-perception of oral health. Visual acuity and schooling were related to access and oral health. Actions for promotion and equity are necessary to overcome the inequalities encountered.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a saúde bucal e fatores relacionados entre deficientes visuais em município do sudeste brasileiro. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo domiciliar, transversal e descritivo em uma amostra representativa de pessoas com deficiência visual em uma cidade de médio porte do Brasil. Realizou-se o exame clínico bucal (avaliando perda dentária, cárie, saúde periodontal, placa dentária, uso e necessidade de prótese) e aplicou-se um questionário semiestruturado, investigando as condições socioeconômicas (sexo, idade, estado civil, cor da pele e renda) e o uso de serviços odontológicos (motivo, tempo decorrido e tipo de serviço utilizado [privado/público] na última consulta odontológica). Foram realizadas análises descritivas e bivariadas para avaliar os fatores associados à saúde bucal. Resultados: A idade média dos participantes foi de 65 anos (±15,05), com maioria de mulheres (70,9%). 53,1% dos entrevistados eram edêntulos, porém, 58,2% apresentaram percepção de saúde bucal boa. Os cegos usam menos os serviços públicos (p=0,038) e em menor frequência (p=0,014) que os sujeitos com baixa visão. Os menos escolarizados apresentam maiores perdas dentárias e menores problemas periodontais (p<0,05). Houve redução de placa dentária seis meses após ação educativa (30,7%; p=0,01), sobretudo entre os sujeitos com baixa visão (p=0,01). Conclusão: Elevada perda dentária e higienização insatisfatória contrastaram com autopercepção dos agravos bucais. Acuidade visual e escolaridade relacionaram-se ao acesso e saúde bucal. Ações de promoção e equidade são necessários para superar desigualdades encontradas.

Treatment of experimental periodontal disease by laser therapy in simvastatin-modified rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjuvant treatment for scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of induced periodontitis in simvastatin-modified rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 180 rats were evenly divided into two groups: Veh - receiving oral administration of polyethylene glycol (vehicle); S - receiving oral administration of Simvastatin. Periodontal disease was induced in both groups at the first mandibular molar. After seven days, the ligature was removed and the animals were divided into subgroups according to the following local treatments: NT - no treatment; SRP - scaling and root planing and irrigation with saline solution; and LLLT ¬- SRP and laser irradiation (660 nm; 0.03 W; 4 J). Ten animals in each subgroup/local treatment were euthanized at 7, 15 and 30 days. Samples of gingival tissue were processed to analyze the tissue oxidative damage and radiographic analysis. Levels of oxidative stress were analyzed by the expressions of Tripeptideglutathione (TG), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Carbonylated Proteins (CP). RESULTS: The animals in S group had higher levels of TG and lower levels of MDA and CP compared with Veh group (p<0.05). Radiographically, in the intragroup analysis Veh and S, LLLT showed lower bone loss (BL) compared with NT and SRP, in all experimental periods (p<0.01). In addition, a lower BL was observed for the animals of Veh group treated with LLLT compared with treatment SRP in the S group, in all experimental periods. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, we can conclude that LLLT was effective as adjuvant treatment for SRP protecting against the occurrence of oxidative tissue damages as well as for reducing alveolar bone loss in experimentally induced periodontitis simvastatin-modified rats.

Local application of statins in the treatment of experimental periodontal disease in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the local effects of statins as adjuvants for treatment by scaling and root planing (SRP) of periodontal disease induced in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety rats were used in the present experiment. Periodontal disease was induced in all animals using a cotton thread placed in the left first mandibular molar. After 7 days of induction, the bandage was removed and the animals were divided into three groups: 1) NT group (n=30), no treatment; 2) SRP group (n=30): SRP and irrigation with control gel; 3) S group (n=30) - SRP and irrigation with Simvastatin. Ten animals from each group were euthanized at 7, 15 and 30 days after treatment. Gingival biopsy specimens were processed to analyze the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8). The mandibles were removed and submitted to radiographic and laboratory processing for histometric analysis. RESULTS: The S group showed a significantly lower expression of MMP-8 compared to NT and SRP groups in all experimental periods. In the radiographic and histometric analyses between the groups, S group showed a significantly lower bone loss (BL) compared to NT and SRP groups in all experimental periods. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that locally applied statin was effective as an adjuvant treatment for SRP in rats with induced periodontal disease.

Adjuvant Therapy With Sodium Alendronate for the Treatment of Experimental Periodontitis in Rats.

BACKGROUND: This study assesses the effects of topical sodium alendronate (SA) as an adjuvant to the mechanical treatment of ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. METHODS: Ninety animals were subjected to the induction of periodontitis via the installation of a ligature around the mandibular left first molar. After 7 days, the ligature was removed, and the animals were distributed into the following groups: 1) NT group (n = 30), no treatment; 2) SRP group (n = 30), scaling and root planing (SRP) and local irrigation with physiologic saline solution; and 3) SRP/SA group (n = 30), SRP and local irrigation with SA (10(-5) M). Ten animals from each group were euthanized at 7, 15, and 30 days after treatment. Histologic and histometric analyses were performed in the furcation region. The percentage of bone in the furcation (PBF) was measured. Immunohistochemical analyses for detecting the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and activated caspase-3 were performed at the furcation region. RESULTS: Compared with the other groups, the SRP/SA group showed less local inflammation and better tissue reparation during the entire experiment. There was more PBF in the SRP/SA group than in the other groups at days 7 and 15. Stronger OPG immunolabeling and weaker RANKL immunolabeling were observed in the SRP/SA group at 15 and 30 days. There were fewer TRAP-positive cells in the SRP/SA group than in the NT group at all of the time points. There was no difference in the number of activated caspase-3-positive osteocytes among groups and time points. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that topical use of SA as an adjuvant to SRP is effective in the treatment of experimental periodontitis.