Are low serum levels of Vitamin D associated with dental developmental defects in primary teeth? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify, qualify and synthesize all studies that assessed if low serum level of 25(OH)D (<50 nmol/L) is associated with dental developmental defects (DDD) in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational studies or clinical trials were included if measured 25(OH)D serum levels in pregnant women and/or in their children (up to 3 years old) and evaluated the occurrence of DDD in the primary dentition of offspring associated with the low 25(OH)D levels. Literature reviews, case reports, laboratory and/or animals' studies, conference abstracts, letters to the editor, book chapters and clinical protocols were excluded. Searches were carried out in 6 electronic databases and in the gray literature until March 2023, without restrictions. The study quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the certainty of the evidence by GRADE. Data were descriptively synthesized considering the association between DDD and 25(OH)D levels. RESULTS: Seven studies were included. Only developmental enamel defects (DED) were observed after examination of 6651 children. The incidence of DED ranged from 8.9% to 66%. Six studies found no association between low levels of 25(OH)D and DED. However, one reported correlation between hypomineralization of the primary second molar (HSMD) and low levels of 25(OH)D at birth. Methodological flaws were observed in all studies and the certainty of the evidence was very low. CONCLUSION: Although HSMD was the only DDD associated with low levels of 25(OH)D in children, the available evidence is still not conclusive. More robust studies are needed to endorse the biological plausibility of DDD in primary teeth due to low serum levels of 25(OH)D in pregnant women or in their children. FAPERJ financed this study, which was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022357511).

ARE PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING AND ARRESTING OCCLUSAL CARIES IN PRIMARY AND PERMANENT TEETH? AN OVERVIEW OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS.

OBJECTIVES: To compile the evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) about the use of sealants for preventing and arresting pit and fissure occlusal caries in primary and permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was performed in six databases and gray literature up to May 2023. Systematic reviews (SRs) that included randomized trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized clinical trials (n-RCTs) aiming to answer the PICO-based focused question "are pit and fissure sealants (I) more effective than other interventions, control or no treatment (C) in preventing and arresting occlusal caries (O) in primary and permanent teeth (P)?", were included. The methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2. The overlap between reviews was calculated (corrected covered, CCA). RESULTS: Among the 25 included SRs, 18 underwent meta-analysis. Eighteen SRs considered sealing enamel caries lesions, one considered sealing dentine caries, and six considered both. Seventeen SRs were devoted to preventive sealing (RCT only, n = 12; RCT and n-RCT, n = 5), while eight were devoted to prevention and arrest of dental caries (RCT only, n = 5; RCT and n-RCT, n = 3). Nine SRs showed positive results for the primary dentition, and the most frequent periods of follow-up were at least 6 (n = 5) and 12 months (n = 4). According to our meta-analysis, a significant association between resin-based sealants (RBS) and dental caries prevention was detected at 6 months (n = 1) and over longer follow-up periods (n = 4), and the DMFT and dmft indices decreased (n = 2). RBS was better than fluoride varnish at preventing dentine caries (n = 1). A lower caries incidence rate was observed in the resin-modified glass ionomer group at 6 months (n = 1). Overall, the sealants were superior (n = 11), similar (n = 21), or inferior (n = 1) to the other treatments. The AMSTAR-2 scores for studies on preventive sealing were critically low (n = 8), low (n = 6), moderate (n = 1) and high (n = 2) for studies on preventive sealing and critically low (n = 5), low (n = 2) and high (n = 1) for studies on the prevention and arrest of caries lesions. The overlap was low (CCA = 3%). CONCLUSION: This overview suggests that pit and fissure sealants are not inferior to other interventions in preventing and arresting dental caries lesions in primary and permanent teeth.

Cytocompatibility of filling pastes by primary teeth root simulating model.

Evaluate the cytocompatibility of Calen®/ZO, Calcicur®, Vitapex®, Endoflas®, and zinc oxide/eugenol-based (ZOE) root canal pastes (RCP) to human primary osteoblasts (HPO) through a simplified model for primary teeth. The model employed pipette tips filled with 0.037 g of paste, exposed to 185 µL of culture medium for 24 h (n = 6). Release of components was analysed by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-NMR). HPO were exposed to conditioned media for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed by cell density and metabolic activity, and release of interleukin 6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) by immunological assay. Physicochemical properties and antimicrobial efficacy were also evaluated. 1H-NMR spectra analysis showed similarity between ZOE, Endoflas®, Calcicur®, and Vitapex® compared to Calen®/ZO and positive control, which showed distinct released components. Calen®/ZO and Calcicur® exhibited high alkaline pH in all periods and showed similar solubility. Calen®/ZO, ZOE, and Vitapex® showed similar flow rate. Calen®/ZO, Calcicur®, and Vitapex® did not exhibit antimicrobial efficacy. Calen®/ZO presented cytotoxicity (p < 0.05). Pastes did not increase IL-6 release compared to control. Apart from Vitapex®, all pastes significantly induced VEGF/bFGF release. Interactive effects among released products may affect biological response to filling pastes. Calcicur®, ZOE, Endoflas® and Calen®/ZO presented good to moderate cytocompatibility, with low impact on pro-inflammatory cytokine release and induction of growth factors of interest to tissue repair. This simplified model, specific for the evaluation of the cytocompatibility of RCPs on primary teeth, suggests how these pastes might contribute to bone repair in clinical situations of apical periodontitis in children.

Is there evidence for the use of lesion sterilization and tissue repair therapy in the endodontic treatment of primary teeth? A systematic review and meta-analyses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether lesion sterilization and tissue repair (LSTR) technique resulted in similar clinical and radiographic success outcomes as compared with pulpectomy in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized clinical trials comparing LSTR with pulpectomy by means of clinical and radiographic parameters were included. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane methodology and the certainty of evidence was determined by GRADE. RESULTS: Six articles were included. Conventional pulpectomy was favored with respect to radiographic success frequency in the systematic review. Four studies were included in meta-analyses. Based on the clinical results at 6 months (RR = 0.99, 95% CI, 0.94-1.04, p = 0.67; I2 = 0%), 12 months (RR = 0.97, 95% CI, 0.90-1.04, p = 0.34; I2 = 0%), and 18 months (RR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.77-1.04, p = 0.14; I2 = 0%) and radiographic findings at 6 months (RR = 0.91, 95% CI, 0.78-1.06, p = 0.23; I2 = 9%), 12 months (RR = 0.87, 95% CI, 0.65-1.18, p = 0.38; I2 = 64%), and 18 months (RR = 0.84, 95% CI, 0.69-1.02, p = 0.08; I2 = 0%), there was no difference observed regarding success between the two treatments. The quality of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. CONCLUSIONS: No difference between the LSTR and pulpectomy approaches could be confirmed by meta-analyses. The quality of evidence according to the GRADE scheme ranged from moderate to very low. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present meta-analyses could not demonstrate the superiority of one treatment over the other.

Root canal obturation materials and filling techniques for primary teeth: In vitro evaluation in polymer-based prototyped incisors.

BACKGROUND: Achieving a void-free root canal filling is a challenge in current clinical pulpectomy practice. AIM: To compare filling effectiveness and internal voids of root filling materials and obturation techniques in resin-prototyped primary incisors by micro-CT. DESIGN: Fifty prototypes were instrumented and randomly divided (n = 10) according to the filling materials (Vitapex® , ZOE, Calcicur® , Feapex, and Calen® -ZO) and obturation technique: lentulo or pressure syringe (n = 5). The specimens were micro-CT scanned (pixel size = 7.83 µm) and reconstructed, and the total volume of filled canal (%FC) and internal voids (%IV) of the bulk filling material was calculated. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to detect differences and interactions among groups. RESULTS: Calen® -ZO, Vitapex® , and ZOE showed similar %FC. Calcicur® showed lower %FC compared with Calen® -ZO, Vitapex® , and ZOE (P < .05) but similar to Feapex. No statistically significant differences in %FC between lentulo or pressure syringe were disclosed. Regarding %IV, Vitapex® , and Calen® -ZO performed better with syringe, although Calcicur® was better with lentulo. The number of voids in the obturation bulk was similar among materials, but always lower (P < .05) in syringe filled specimens. CONCLUSION: Vitapex® , Calen® -ZO, and ZOE outperformed Calcicur® and Feapex in %FC and if the syringe technique is used, %IV of the obturation bulk and presence of defects was lower.

Reciprocating instrumentation in a maxillary primary central incisor: A protocol tested in a 3D printed prototype.

BACKGROUND: Efficient endodontic instrumentation of primary teeth is a challenge for paediatric dentists. AIM: To evaluate biomechanical outcomes of endodontic instrumentation with a reciprocating system in a polymer-prototyped primary maxillary central incisor. DESIGN: The specimen was systematically instrumented and micro-CT scanned before and after each file. The amount of debris, percentage of non-instrumented areas, removed dentin volume, and lower dentin thickness at specific points along the root canal were analyzed. RESULTS: A 10% increase in removed dentin volume was observed when R40 was compared to R25 (14.5% vs 4.2%). When comparing R50 with R40, this increase was only 3.4% (17.9% vs 14.5%). In the root cervical third, there was substantial reduction in dentin thickness with R50 (48.8%), followed by R40 (39.5%) and R25 (18.6%). There was no difference between R25 and R40 in the removal of dentin at the apical third (15.8%), while R50 resulted in 39.8% reduction in dentin thickness. Percentage of non-instrumented areas were the same for all files. Accumulated debris with R40 and R50 was the same (0.19 mm³) while for R25 was 0.11 mm³. CONCLUSIONS: The Reciproc® system was effective for instrumentation of a prototyped primary maxillary central incisor. The most suitable file for apical preparation was R40.

Does Smear Layer Removal Influence Root Canal Therapy Outcome? A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether the smear layer (SL) removal procedure influences the outcome of root canal treatment. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a search on Pubmed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Lilacs and SIGLE. We included randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT), with clinical and radiographic outcomes, conducted on subjects who had undergone root canal therapy. The protocol differed only in the SL removal or maintenance procedure. We evaluated the papers for risk of bias according to the Cochrane assessment tool. RESULTS: A total of 1,983 articles were found, after removal of duplicates, 892 remained. We included two studies in this review. One study revealed a low risk of bias and a high success rate for the SL removal group compared to the non SL removal group (P = 0.04), while the other study had a high risk of bias and found no difference between the SL removal and non SL removal groups (P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: We concluded that the SL removal for root canal treatment of primary teeth with initial clinical signs and symptoms or pulpal necrotic status, could benefit the outcome, although further RCT should be performed to achieve evidence.

Is There a Relationship between Laser Therapy and Root Canal Cracks Formation? A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Crack formation has become an important issue for endodontists, as it can be decisive for the long-term prognosis of the endodontically treated tooth. Since the applicability of laser in endodontics has become frequent, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between laser therapy and the formation of cracks in the dentinal structure of the root canal. Materials and Methods: A search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library, as well as in the gray literature, on September 24, 2021. Studies that evaluated the formation of cracks in human root dentin due to different types of lasers were included. The risk of bias was assessed following the modified version of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist tool. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate (i) the total number of crack incidences; (ii) complete crack formation; (iii) incomplete crack formation; (iv) intra-dentinal crack formation between ultrasonic tips and laser use. The mean difference was calculated with a 95% confidence interval in a fixed-effect model, the heterogeneity was tested using the I2 index with level of significance of 5%. Results: Of the 22 studies included in this review, 15 have shown that lasers can form cracks in root dentin, including those that performed baseline assessment of samples. The meta-analysis confirmed no difference in crack formation between ultrasonic tips and laser devices. Conclusions: Laser therapy has been gaining prominence in endodontics and that irradiation can form and propagate cracks in the dentinal structure of the root canal assessed by in vitro studies. This is a critical concern for endodontists as it affects the strength and longevity of the tooth. Future research is encouraged to seek the standardization of good methodological practices and achieve establishing parameters to minimize harmful effects of laser on dentin.

Oral manifestations arising from oral piercings: A systematic review and meta-analyses.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of oral manifestations arising from oral piercings. STUDY DESIGN: Literature was searched through January 2022 in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Virtual Health Library, OpenGrey, and Google Scholar to address the question, "Is there an association between oral piercings and oral alterations, complications, or lesions?" Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tools. Meta-analyses were performed, and certainty of evidence was assessed through Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Reporting followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: Fifty-four studies were included, with 15 achieving good methodological quality. Periodontal and tooth damage were the most reported, followed by soft tissue/mucosal injuries, speech disorders, chewing, soft plaque, and saliva. Pain was the most reported complication, followed by infection, swelling, bleeding, inflammation, allergy, and adornment aspiration. Meta-analyses revealed that 33% of participants with piercings had gingival recession (GR) (event rate [ER] = 0.329). In participants with piercings, ER values for nonspecified dental damage (NSDD), tooth chipping, wear/abrasion, and dental fracture (DF) were 27% (ER = 0.270), 22% (ER = 0.219), 34% (ER = 0.344), and 34% (ER = 0.338), respectively. Certainty of evidence was very low. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations, complications, and lesions were associated with oral piercings and adornments, of which GR, DF, and NSDD were the most prevalent.

Micro-CT evaluation of root canal preparation with rotary instrumentation on prototyped primary incisors.

This study aimed to evaluate the endodontic instrumentation outcomes with asymmetrical files compared to reciprocating and hand files (HFs) in 3D-printed prototypes of upper primary incisors using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). For this purpose, 50 prototypes were randomly divided (n = 10) according to the instrumentation technique as follows: HFs, a reciprocating file (WaveOne® Gold [WOG]), and three asymmetrical movement files: XP-Endo® Shaper (XPS), XP-Endo® Finisher (XPF), and XP Clean (XPC). The specimens were scanned and, after registration of the baseline and instrumented volumes, changes in the root canal volume (RCV), debris accumulation, removed root material volume (RRMV), non-instrumented areas, and the presence of cracks/perforations were quantified. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Student's t-test, while the effect size was calculated for statistically significant outcomes. All groups showed an increase in RCV after instrumentation (p < 0.05), but this was higher with HFs (p < 0.05). Accumulated debris was higher for WOG and XPS (p < 0.05), but WOG exhibited more in the medium and apical third areas. HFs showed the highest RRMV (p < 0.05), especially at the apical third. The non-instrumented areas were lower for HFs and XPC than for the other systems (p < 0.05). Cracks were present in a few WOG (n = 2) and HF specimens (n = 3) and in this group, one of the cracked specimens and two others showed perforations. The asymmetric systems resulted in conservative dentin removal and fewer cracks/perforations as compared to HFs and a reciprocation file in prototyped primary upper incisors. XPC showed the best compromise between RRMV and non-instrumented areas with a low accumulation of debris.

Is there a relationship between malocclusion and bullying? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Malocclusion is a highly prevalent public health problem, and several studies have shown its negative correlation with quality of life, self-esteem, and social perceptions. However, its association with bullying is still controversial. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between malocclusion and bullying in children and adolescents. SEARCH METHODS: The databases used for the electronic researches were PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs/BBO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Grey literature was reviewed through Open Grey literature with no language or date restrictions. Selection criteria, based on the PECO strategy, were considered eligible observational studies that included schoolchildren or adolescents (P) with malocclusion (E), compared to those with normal occlusion (C), in which the relationship between malocclusion and bullying was determined (O). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Risk of bias evaluation was made for the qualitative synthesis by the Fowkes and Fulton criteria. Data regarding the age of participants and types of malocclusion and of bullying were extracted among other reported data. The quality of the evidence analyzed was evaluated through the GRADE approach. RESULTS: From 2744 articles identified in databases, nine met the eligibility criteria and were included in present systematic review, of which two studies were judged with methodological soundness. The quality of the evidence was classified as very low due to very serious problems for "risk of bias" and "other considerations" and serious problems of "indirectness". The age of participants ranged from 9 to 34 years considering a cohort study, with a bullying recalling perspective. Malocclusion was both evaluated by researchers and self-reported by participants addressing dentofacial characteristics mostly related to the incisors relationship. All studies evaluated the verbal type of bullying, while 3 also considered physical type. Both types were reported as related to malocclusion, although the results showed that extreme maxillary overjet (> 4 mm, > 6 mm, > 9 mm), extreme deep overbite, and having space between anterior teeth or missing teeth were the types of malocclusion with the strongest relations to bullying. CONCLUSIONS: With very low certainty of evidence, the results of this systematic review suggest that conspicuous extreme malocclusion may be related to the occurrence of bullying among children and adolescents.

Iodoform Vs Calcium Hydroxide/Zinc Oxide based pastes: 12-month findings of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study evaluated clinical and radiographic twelve-month outcomes of root canal treatments (CT) with smear layer removal, performed in primary teeth, using two different root canal filling materials. Pulpectomy was performed on 27 primary teeth with necrosis or irreversible pulpitis, caused by dental caries or trauma, in 23 children (2-7 years old). A single trained operator performed the CT in a single visit in cases without periapical or interradicular radiolucency (PIR) or in multiple visits in cases with PIR. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and randomly allocated into two groups: Group 1 (G1) - iodoform paste (iodoform + camphorated parachlorophenol + ointment comprising prednisolone acetate 5.0 mg and rifamycin 1.5 mg); Group 2 (G2) - Calen®/ZO paste. Treated teeth were restored with composite resin immediately after the root canal filling. The outcomes were evaluated clinically and radiographically according to specific criteria. Two blinded and standardized evaluators assessed the radiographic outcomes. We used descriptive analyses due to the small sample size. CTs were performed due to caries lesions in 70.4% of the cases and due to trauma in 29.6%. Only one tooth of G1 was unsuccessful; hence, pulpectomy performance in both groups was not influenced by the filling material, nor by any other analyzed variable. The level of the root canal filling was better in the Calen®/ZO group. The clinical and radiographic twelve-month outcomes indicated successful treatment, independently of the root filling material used.

Salivary Metabolites in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the salivary metabolites profile of Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) types I, II, IV, and VI patients. Material and Methods: The participants were asked to refrain from eating and drinking for one hour before sampling, performed between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. Samples were centrifuged at 10.000 × g for 60 min at 4°C, and the supernatants (500µl) were stored at −80°C until NMR analysis. The salivary proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectra were acquired in a 500 MHz spectrometer, and TOCSY experiments were used to confirm and assign metabolites. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: Differences in salivary metabolites were found among MPS types and the control, such as lactate, propionate, alanine, and N-acetyl sugar. Understanding these metabolite changes may contribute to precision medicine and early detection of mucopolysaccharidosis and its monitoring. Conclusion: The composition of low molecular weight salivary metabolites of mucopolysaccharidosis subjects may present specific features compared to healthy controls.

Three-dimensional dental and craniofacial manifestations in patients with late diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis type II: report of 2 cases.

The objective of this study was to report the clinical evaluation results and 3-dimensional (3-D) dental and craniofacial characteristics observed in 2 male patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II. The patients were evaluated clinically (soft tissue evaluation, evaluation of occlusion, periodontal and dental examinations) and by using craniofacial computed tomography, with evaluation of 3-D images in ITK-Snap v. 2.2 (Penn Image Computing and Science Laboratory, Philadelphia, PA; http://www.itksnap.org/) and 3-D Slicer (http://www.slicer.org/) software. Mandibular 3-D volumetric label maps were built from computed tomography scans of both patients and compared through superimposition on a healthy patient's mandibular images. Clinically, the patients presented the following oral manifestations: macroglossia, total open bite and generalized diastemas, and absence of caries. Patient 1 showed dental calculus and bleeding at the gingival margin. Patient 2 showed bleeding at the gingival margin, a permanent maxillary left central incisor missing as a result of trauma, and impacted permanent mandibular left and right second molars. 3-D images showed wide arches, prominent antegonial notches, a narrow mandibular body in the region of the antegonial notches, bilateral severe condylar hypoplasia, and enlarged coronoid processes. 3-D imaging and superimpositions revealed oral and skeletal displacements, contributing to the identification of changes in the course of mucopolysaccharidosis type II in patients with a late diagnosis.

Oral and craniofacial manifestations in a Hunter syndrome patient with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A case report.

We described herein the oral and craniofacial features of a 7-year-old boy, diagnosed in utero with mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II), who was treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at 70 days of age. The main oral clinical findings were the following: macroglossia, posterior cross-bite, crowding, pointed cuspid teeth, delayed tooth eruption, retained primary teeth, and enamel hypoplasia. The image examination showed: retention eruption, posterior primary teeth with short roots, absence of some permanent teeth, and stretching of the stylohyoid processes bilaterally. This patient showed the importance of early diagnosis and HSCT therapy in attenuating the clinical and radiographic oral and craniofacial manifestations of the MPS II patient.

In Vitro and In Vivo Biocompatibility Of ReOss® in Powder and Putty Configurations.

This study evaluated comparatively two configurations (powder and putty) of a composite biomaterial based on PLGA (Poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/nanoescale hydroxyapatite (ReOss®, Intra-Lock International) through microscopic morphology, in vitro cytotoxicity, biocompatibility and in vivo response as a bone substitute. SEM and EDS characterized the biomaterials before/after grafting. Cytocompatibility was assessed with murine pre-osteoblasts. Osteoconductivity and biocompatibility were evaluated in White New Zealand rabbits. Both configurations were implanted in the calvaria of eighteen animals in non-critical size defects, with blood clot as the control group. After 30, 60 and 90 days, the animals were euthanized and the fragments containing the biomaterials and controls were harvested. Bone blocks were embedded in paraffin (n=15) aiming at histological and histomorphometric analysis, and in resin (n=3) aiming at SEM and EDS. Before implantation, the putty configuration showed both a porous and a fibrous morphological phase. Powder revealed porous particles with variable granulometry. EDS showed calcium, carbon, and oxygen in putty configuration, while powder also showed phosphorus. After implantation EDS revealed calcium, carbon, and oxygen in both configurations. The materials were considered cytotoxic by the XTT test. Histological analysis showed new bone formation and no inflammatory reaction at implant sites. However, the histomorphometric analysis indicated that the amount of newly formed bone was not statistically different between experimental groups. Although both materials presented in vitro cytotoxicity, they were biocompatible and osteoconductive. The configuration of ReOss® affected morphological characteristics and the in vitro cytocompatibility but did not impact on the in vivo biological response, as measured by the present model.

Relationship between Malocclusion, Bullying, and Quality of Life in Students from Low Social Development Area: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the relationship between malocclusion and bullying and its impact on the well-being and quality of life of students from low social development areas. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 243 schoolchildren between 10 and 17 years. Malocclusion was analyzed using Dental Aesthetic Index. Bullying and self-perception of the impact of one's oral condition on quality of life and interpersonal relationships were assessed by questions from National Survey of Schoolchildren's Health and Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ11-14). Data were analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient and Mann-Whitney tests, considering groups: 10-11, 12-14 and 15-17 years. Results: No correlation was observed between malocclusion and bullying. However, in the 12-14 group, poor correlations were found between malocclusion and the CPQ11-14 (0.226) and between malocclusion and being shy/embarrassed due to oral aspects (0.298). Positive correlations were observed between bullying and the impact on the quality of life in the 10-11 (0.420) and 12-14 (0.425) groups. In the older group, a positive correlation (0.724) was observed between the concern about what others think of their oral health and the impact on their quality of life. Conclusion: There was no evidence of a relationship between malocclusion and bullying. However, the oral conditions negatively affected the interpersonal relationships and the student's quality of life.

Cytotoxicity of novel fluoride solutions and their influence on mineral loss from enamel exposed to a Streptococcus mutans biofilm.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity and in vitro influence of new fluoridated nanocomplexes on dental demineralization. DESIGN: The nanocomplexes hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin with 1% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) and γ-cyclodextrin with TiF4 were compared to a positive control (TiF4), a blank control (without treatment) and negative controls (hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin, deionized water), following 12- and 72-hour complexation periods. The cytotoxicity was assessed using the neutral red dye uptake assay at T1-15 min, T2-30 min and T3-24 h. A minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) was performed. Enamel blocks were exposed to an S. mutans biofilm, and the percentage of surface microhardness loss was obtained. Biocompatibility and microhardness data were analysed using ANOVA/Tukey tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: At T1, the cell viability results of the nanocomplexes were similar to that of the blank control. At T2 and T3, the 72 h nanocomplexes demonstrated cell viability results similar to that of the blank, while the 12 h solutions showed results different from that of the blank (p < 0.05). All fluoridated nanocompounds inhibited S. mutans (MBC = 0.25%), while the MBC of TiF4 alone was 0.13%. All fluoridated compounds presented a percentage of surface microhardness loss lower than that of deionized water (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The new fluoridated nanocomplexes did not induce critical cytotoxic effects during the experimental periods, whilst they did show bactericidal potential against S. mutans and inhibited enamel mineral loss.

Salivary protein polymorphisms and risk of dental caries: a systematic review.

Dental caries is an oral pathology associated with both lifestyle and genetic factors. The caries process can be influenced by salivary composition, which includes ions and proteins. Studies have described associations between salivary protein polymorphisms and dental caries experience, while others have shown no association with salivary proteins genetic variability. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of salivary protein polymorphisms on the risk of dental caries by means of a systematic review of the current literature. An electronic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Virtual Health Library. The following search terms were used: "dental caries susceptibility," "dental caries," "polymorphism, genetics," "saliva," "proteins," and "peptides." Related MeSH headings and free terms were included. The inclusion criteria comprised clinical investigations of subjects with and without caries. After application of these eligibility criteria, the selected articles were qualified by assessing their methodological quality. Initially, 338 articles were identified from the electronic databases after exclusion of duplicates. Exclusion criteria eliminated 322 articles, and 16 remained for evaluation. Eleven articles found a consistent association between salivary protein polymorphisms and risk of dental caries, for proteins related to antimicrobial activity (beta defensin 1 and lysozyme-like protein), pH control (carbonic anhydrase VI), and bacterial colonization/adhesion (lactotransferrin, mucin, and proline-rich protein Db). This systematic review demonstrated an association between genetic polymorphisms and risk of dental caries for most of the salivary proteins.

Empreender para inovar: oportunidades para atuação na ciência / Entrepreneurship to innovate: opportunities for action in science

Empreender para inovar abre novas possibilidades de aplicação dos conhecimentos adquiridos na academia para o desenvolvimento econômico e social no país. Para isso, é importante que todos os atores do ecossistema relacionados com a Tríplice Hélice da Inovação se integrem para a criação de um ambiente de inovação com mecanismos que auxiliem e acelerem o desenvolvimento sustentável do Brasil. O presente comentário pretende divulgar políticas e iniciativas relevantes dos setores públicos e privados para sua interlocução com vistas a fomentar o empreendedorismo e a inovação; bem como contribuir para a ampliação do conhecimento acerca das oportunidades para a atuação de cientistas nesse contexto.

Entrepreneurship to innovate opens new possibilities for applying knowledge acquired in academia for economic and social development in the country. For this, it is important that all actors in the ecosystem related to the Triple Helix of Innovation integrate to create an innovation environment with mechanisms that help and accelerate the sustainable development of Brazil. This commentary intends to disseminate relevant policies and initiatives from the public and private sectors for their dialogue with a view to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation; as well as contributing to the expansion of knowledge about the opportunities for the work of scientists in this context.