Frequency and variability of nonmetric dental crown traits of primary and permanent molars in a group of orthodontic patients.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to assess the frequency and variation of 13 nonmetric dental crown traits (NDCT) in permanent and primary molars in German orthodontic patients. METHODS: Dental records from orthodontic patients were screened and evaluated. First and second permanent and primary upper and lower molars (from left and right sides) were assessed. Teeth with cavitated dental caries, occlusal wear, restorations and obvious dental deformities were not evaluated. The NDCT for permanent molars were identified and scored according to the odontoscopic system developed by Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS). The NDCT for primary molars were identified and scored according to ASUDAS, Hanihara's method and Sciulli's method. The χ2 test was used to investigate side preference and sexual dimorphism at a significance level of p ≤ 0.050. RESULTS: A total of 163 orthodontic patients (82 males and 81 females) aged 8-14 years were included. A sexual dimorphism was observed for the hypocone in first upper permanent molar (p = 0.041). The protostylid was observed in lower permanent molars (range 2.1-10%). Males presented more hypoconulid than females (p = 0.019). Only females presented the distal trigonid crest in lower first permanent molars (p = 0.002). The most common groove pattern in primary molars was Y; male presented more Y grade than females in the lower second primary molar (p = 0.039). Asymmetry was observed in some traits, ranging from 0 to 100%. CONCLUSION: The present study showed the frequency of NDCT of molars in German orthodontic patients and demonstrated that some traits present sexual dimorphism.

Non-syndromic supernumerary teeth and association with a self-reported family history of cancer.

BACKGROUND: Supernumerary teeth are an alteration of dental developmental and result in the formation of teeth above the usual number. Epidemiologic studies suggested that patients with dentofacial anomalies and their family members may present an increased risk of developing cancer, including female breast cancer and gynecologic cancers. These observations indicate that genetic alterations that result in dental anomalies may be related to cancer development. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between supernumerary teeth and a family history of female breast cancer and gynecologic cancers. METHODS: The diagnosis of supernumerary teeth was based on clinical and radiographic examinations. For data collection, a questionnaire asking for information regarding ethnicity, age, gender, and self-reported family history of cancer up to the second generation was used. Statistical analysis was performed using the Χ2 test and Fisher's exact test with an established α of 5%. RESULTS: A total of 344 patients were included; 47 of them had one or more non-syndromic supernumerary teeth (not associated with any syndrome or cleft lip and palate) and 297 were control patients. Age, ethnicity, and gender distribution were not statistically different between the group with supernumerary teeth and the control group (p > 0.05). The supernumerary teeth were most commonly observed in the incisors area. Breast cancer (n = 17) was the most commonly self-reported type of cancer, followed by uterine cervical (n = 10), endometrial (n = 2), and ovarian (n = 1) cancers. Endometrial cancer was significantly associated with the diagnosis of supernumerary teeth (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that patients with supernumerary teeth possess a higher risk of having family members with endometrial cancer.

Impact of genetic variations in the WNT family members and RUNX2 on dental and skeletal maturation: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated if genetic variations in the WNT family members and RUNX2 are associated with craniofacial maturation, investigating dental and skeletal maturity in children and teenagers. METHODS: Radiographs from pre-orthodontic treatment of Brazilian patients (7 to 17 years-old) were used to assess dental (panoramic radiographs) and skeletal maturity (cephalometric radiographs). The chronological age (CA) was calculated based on the date of birth and the time the radiographs were performed. For the dental maturity analysis, the Demirjian (1973) method was used and a delta [dental age - chronological age (DA-CA)] was calculated. For the skeletal maturity analysis, the Baccetti et al. (2005) method was used and the patients were classified as "delayed skeletal maturation", "advanced skeletal maturation" or "normal skeletal maturation". DNA isolated from buccal cells was used for genotyping of two genetic variations in WNT family genes: rs708111 (G > A) in WNT3A and rs1533767 (G > A) in WNT11; and two genetic variations in RUNX2: rs1200425 (G > A) and rs59983488 (G > T). A statistical analysis was performed and values of p < 0.05 indicated a significant difference. RESULTS: There were no associations between dental maturity and genotypes (p > 0.05). In the skeletal maturity analysis, the allele A in the rs708111 (WNT3A) was statistically more frequent in patients with delayed skeletal maturation (Prevalence Ratio = 1.6; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.00 to 2.54; p-value = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: The rs708111 in the WNT3A gene impacts on skeletal maturation.

Antibacterial efficacy of epigallocatechin -3 - gallate against streptococcus mutans: a systematic review / Eficacia antibacteriana de la epigalocatequina-3-galato contra el Streptococcus mutans: Revisión sistemática

Background: Green tea, obtained from the Camellia sinensis, is one of the most popular drinks worldwide and has recently been in the focus of scientific research due to its beneficial effects on general health. Several studies suggest that, among the polyphenols found on green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most bioactive compound and is responsible for its antibacterial activity. Purpose: To conduct a qualitative systematic review of literature evaluating the antibacterial efficacy of EGCG against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Methods: Relevant published studies included in the Pubmed (1966- June 2015), Scopus (1960- June 2015), Web of Science (1900- June 2015), and Google Scholar databases were identified. Publications of in vitro studies, which studied EGCG antibacterial efficacy against S. mutans, were extracted and pooled in a table. The evaluation included inhibition zone measures, reduction of the number of microorganisms, and biofilm formation. Results: Twelve studies were selected to compose this systematic review. Eleven of them showed that EGCG has antibacterial efficacy against S. mutans. Conclusions : In vitro evidence available confirms the antibacterial activity of EGCG against S. mutans.

Antecedentes: El té verde, obtenido de la Camellia sinensis, es una de las bebidas más populares en el mundo y ha estado recientemente en el foco de atención de la investigación científica por sus efectos benéficos en la salud general. Varios estudios sugieren que, entre los polifenoles encontrados en el té verde, la epigalocatequina-3-galato (EGCG) es el compuesto más bioactivo y es el responsable de su actividad antimicrobiana. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática cualitativa de la literatura donde se evalúe la actividad antibacteriana de la EGCG contra el Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Métodos: Se identificaron estudios relevantes incluidos en las bases de datos bibliográficas Pubmed (1966-junio del 2015), Scopus (1960-junio del 2015), Web of Science (1900- junio del 2015) y Google Académico. Los datos de estudios in vitro que investigaron la eficacia antibacterial de la EGCG contra el S. mutans se seleccionaron y organizaron en una tabla. La evaluación de los estudios incluyó los criterios: medidas de las zonas de inhibición, reducción del número de microorganismos y formación de biopelícula. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 12 estudios para la revisión sistemática. Once de ellos comprobaron la eficacia antibacteriana de la EGCG contra el S. mutans. Conclusiones: La evidencia in vitro disponible confirma que la EGCG tiene un efecto antibacteriano contra el S. mutans.

Assessing the proposed association between tooth agenesis and taurodontism in 975 paediatric subjects.

BACKGROUND: An association between tooth agenesis and taurodontism has been suggested. The identification of subpopulations with specific associated dental anomalies (subphenotype) would allow testing of the specific hypothesis that certain genetic factors contribute to the specific subphenotype. AIM: This work aims to assess a large cohort to verify if the association between tooth agenesis and taurodontism is present. DESIGN: Panoramic radiographs of 1002 patients were examined and 975 were used in this study. The presence of tooth agenesis and taurodontism was assessed in the study population. RESULTS: The frequency of tooth agenesis was 4.6% and the frequency of taurodontism was 1.6%. There were, however, no observations of concomitant tooth agenesis and taurodontism. CONCLUSIONS: Our data do not support the hypothesis that isolated tooth agenesis is associated with isolated taurodontism.