RESUMEN
Fixed appliance (FA) therapy predisposes patients to white spot lesions (WSLs). The F-ACP complex (amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles enriched with carbonate and fluorine and coated with citrate) has been effective for in vitro enamel remineralization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the F-ACP complex in remineralizing WSLs after FA therapy. One hundred and six adolescents (aged 12-20 years) were randomized into study and control groups after FA therapy. Patients in the study group were advised to use dental mousse containing F-ACP applied within Essix retainers for six months. The presence of WSLs was recorded at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2) according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Visual Plaque Index (VPI) and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) were recorded. Among 106 study participants, 91 (52 and 39 in study and control groups, respectively) completed the study. The results showed that the ICDAS score was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the study group than in the control group between T0 and T2. The application of mousse containing the F-ACP complex inside Essix retainers for six months is effective in remineralizing white spot lesions in patients after FA therapy without side effects.
RESUMEN
One of the most promising areas of research in palaeomicrobiology is the study of the human microbiome. In particular, ancient dental calculus helps to reconstruct a substantial share of oral microbiome composition by mapping together human evolution with its state of health/oral disease. This review aims to trace microbial characteristics in ancient dental calculus to describe the evolution of the human host-oral microbiome relationship in oral health or disease in children and adults. Following the PRISMA-Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, the main scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, Cochrane Library) have been drawn upon. Eligibility criteria were established, and all the data collected on a purpose-oriented collection form were analysed descriptively. From the initial 340 records, only 19 studies were deemed comprehensive enough for the purpose of this review. The knowledge of the composition of ancient oral microbiomes has broadened over the past few years thanks to increasingly well-performing decontamination protocols and additional analytical avenues. Above all, metagenomic sequencing, also implemented by state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools, allows for the determination of the qualitative-quantitative composition of microbial species associated with health status and caries/periodontal disease. Some microbial species, especially periodontal pathogens, do not appear to have changed in history, while others that support caries disease or oral health could be connected to human evolution through lifestyle and environmental contributing factors.
RESUMEN
Dental caries is still a major public health issue and influences the overall health of children. The risk factors for caries include biological, socio-behavioral, and environmental factors. Our aim is to assess the association between dental caries and the life habits of children and their parents. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Rome (Italy) among primary school children aged 5 to 11. Parents completed the anamnestic questionnaire, and a dental clinical examination was performed on 333 children. Caries prevalence was 38.7% overall, 47% in males and 31.9% in females. The association between bottle night-time feeding and caries was statistically significant (43.2%; p = 0.013). Usage of a honeyed pacifier was also significantly associated with the presence of caries (72.7%; p = 0.027). Finally, higher caries prevalence was found among male children (47% vs. 31.9%; p = 0.005). The present study shows that the percentage of caries is still high in the paediatric population, and caries prevalence is associated with life habits. Our results highlight the importance of oral health education programs at primary school that involve teachers and parents to contribute to improving lifestyles.
RESUMEN
Patients with special needs (SNPs) include individuals who are disabled due to physical limitations, medical complications, developmental problems, and cognitive impairments. SNPs may be at an increased risk of oral diseases throughout their lifetime. These patients have difficulties in accessing traditional dental studios or clinics. Moreover, orodental problems may cause local and generalized infections, leading to worrisome complications when not properly treated. In this paper, we describe the preliminary experience of treating dental problems in a series of nine hospitalized patients with special needs. This innovative protocol at the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (Rome, Italy) provides an introduction to a portable dental unit in order to perform oral care for hospitalized patients at the bedside. A multidisciplinary team composed of pediatric dentists, dental hygienists, nursing staff, and the patient's case manager was involved in the operative protocol. The SNPs described were affected by congenital heart or oncohematological diseases and neurodisabilities, and they were all hospitalized for different reasons: Open heart surgery, chemotherapy, organ transplantation, and rehabilitation. The oral evaluation was mandatory for ruling out or treating problems that could cause complications. Dental extractions, caries and fracture fillings, sealing, and oral hygiene procedures were performed at the bedside of the patients in the reference unit of their pediatric hospital. The results of this protocol confirm the feasibility of dental procedures at patients' bedside with portable dental units, encourage implementation of their use, and may represent an actionable model for oral care management in hospitalized SNPs.
