O emprego da ozonioterapia na odontologia / The Use of Ozone Therapy in Dentistry

A ozonioterapia engloba o emprego do gás no setor saúde, advindo de suas características analgésicas, imunomoduladoras, antimicrobianas e imunoestimulantes, o que possibilita que ele atue no enfrentamento de inúmeras patologias. O uso do ozônio tem ocorrido nas áreas de Medicina e de Odontologia, advindo do fato de que esse gás é empregado sob concentrações baixas, o que caracteriza esse tipo de terapia como sendo um recurso seguro, que deve proceder por intermédio da aplicação efetuada por um profissional de saúde apto e capacitado para tal. O objetivo do presente artigo foi evidenciar como a ozonioterapia pode ser aplicada em âmbito odontológico. Em Odontologia, pode-se efetuar terapia com esse gás nas áreas de Periodontia, Dentística, Cirurgia e Endodontia. Sua aplicabilidade odontológica advém de suas propriedades antimicrobianas, curativas e imunometabólicas. A ozonioterapia corretamente aplicada e selecionada para uso odontológico pode possibilitar condições de obter-se um melhor desfecho no tratamento preconizado aos pacientes.

Ozone therapy encompasses the use of gas in the health sector, arising from its analgesic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial and immunostimulant characteristics, which allows it to act in the fight against numerous pathologies. The use of ozone has occurred in the areas of Medicine and Dentistry, arising from the fact that this gas is used at low concentrations, which characterizes this type of therapy as a safe resource, which must proceed through the application carried out by a qualified and qualified health professional. The objective of this article was to show how ozone therapy can be applied in the dental field. In Dentistry, therapy with this gas can be carried out in the areas of Periodontics, Dentistry, Surgery and Endodontics. Its dental applicability comes from its antimicrobial, curative and immunometabolic properties. Ozone therapy correctly applied and selected for dental use can enable conditions to obtain a better outcome in the treatment recommended for patients.

Reabilitação de dente com hipoplasia de turner: relato de caso / Rehabilitation of tooth with Turner's hypoplasia: Case report

Os defeitos de esmalte são alterações qualitativas ou quantitativas na estrutura dentária, que originam-se de fatores sistêmicos, locais ou genéticos. A hipoplasia de Turner é um defeito na espessura do esmalte localizado cuja etiologia decorre de um traumatismo ou infecção periapical presente no dente decíduo predecessor, afetando o desenvolvimento do dente permanente. O objetivo do presente estudo foi apresentar um caso clínico de paciente infantil com dente hipoplásico de Turner em pré-molar, que tornou-se não vital sem que houvesse lesão de cárie ou trauma adicional. Em razão das características clínicas e radiográficas do dente afetado, bem como do risco de cárie e do comportamento cooperador da paciente, optou-se pela reabilitação do elemento afetado por meio de tratamento endodôntico e de restauração semidireta em resina composta. Torna-se de fundamental importância o conhecimento da etiologia e a realização de um exame clínico e radiográfico minucioso visando ao diagnóstico precoce e à elaboração de um plano de tratamento adequado para todos os defeitos de desenvolvimento do esmalte, incluindo-se a hipoplasia de Turner, cujo tratamento dependerá da severidade da alteração, do comportamento do paciente e do risco de cárie. Sugere-se a realização de estudos que associem a microestrutura do esmalte hipoplásico com a ausência de vitalidade pulpar.

Enamel defects are qualitative or quantitative changes in the tooth structure originating from systemic, local, or genetic factors. Turner's hypoplasia is a defect in the thickness of the localized enamel whose etiology arises from trauma or periapical infection in the predecessor deciduous tooth, affecting the permanent tooth's development. The objective of the present study was to present a clinical case of a child patient with a hypoplastic Turner premolar tooth, which became non-vital without the occurrence of caries, or additional trauma. Due to the affected tooth's clinical and radiographic characteristics, the risk of cavities, and the patient's cooperative behavior, it was decided to rehabilitate the affected element through endodontic treatment and semidirect restoration in composite resin. It is of fundamental importance to know the etiology and carry out a thorough clinical and radiographic examination aiming at early diagnosis and the development of an adequate treatment plan for all enamel developmental defects, including Turner's hypoplasia, whose treatment will depend on the severity of the change, the patient's behavior and the risk of caries. Studies are suggested to be carried out that associate the microstructure of hypoplastic enamel with the absence of pulp vitality.

Rising trend of dentist-prescribed antibiotics in Brazil: 2011-2021.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the trends in antibiotic prescribing by dental practitioners and to investigate the relationship between these trends and some factors of public oral health services in Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. METHODS: This was a time-series analysis of antibiotics prescribed by dental practitioners between January 2011 and December 2021. The outcome variables were number of defined daily doses (DDD) and DDD/1000 population/year in a sample of cities in MG. Covariates were public oral healthcare factors, such as coverage, estimates of dental procedures, and frequency of dental pain. Linear time-series regression models were used to examine trends and the influence of covariates on antibiotic prescribing. RESULTS: Overall, the number of prescriptions increased by 334.69% between 2011 and 2021, with amoxicillin being the most commonly prescribed drug (78.53%). The number of DDD for all antibiotics increased from 17,147.13 to 77,346.67 and the average DDD/1000 inhabitants/year was 126.66 (SD: 130.28). The linear time-series regression model showed that for each one-year increase, the average log DDD/1000 inhabitants increased by 0.35 (standard error = 0.07, p < 0.001). No covariates were found to be associated with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In Minas Gerais, Brazil, a significant upward trend was observed in the number of prescriptions and the number of DDD of antibiotics prescribed by dental practitioners. No influence of factors related to public oral healthcare services on the outcome was observed, thereby emphasizing the need for further research on factors influencing medication use in dental practice.

Level of support/commitment and behavior during mealtime and dental care negatively impact the dental caries prevalence in autistic individuals: cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether factors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would have impact on the dental-caries prevalence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All ASD-individuals receiving care in a specialized center with minimum of 4y old were recruited. Demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics, level of support/commitment (Childhood Autism Rating Scale), mealtime behavior (Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory) and medication use were answered by ASD-individual's parents. Behavior during dental care was evaluated from Frankl scale. Dental-caries prevalence was the primary outcome. Three examiners calibrated/trained collected the data. Chi-square test was used to compare the variables impact on the dental-caries prevalence. RESULTS: 61 ASD-individuals were potentially eligible, and the all parents/guardians consent to participate. Dental-caries prevalence was 42.9%, which was statistically associated with lower toothbrushing frequency, higher level of support/commitment, and worse behavior at meals and during in dental care. Dental-caries prevalence was approximately higher twice in ASD-individuals: (i) uncooperative with dental care when compared those cooperative (62% versus 32%, respectively); (ii) with severe level of support when compared to those with mild/moderate level (58% versus 28%, respectively); and (iii) with worse mealtime behavior when compared to those with better behavior (59% versus 28%, respectively). A medium statistical correlation was observed between support level and mealtime behavior (rS=0.39). The BAMBI component statistically associated with dental-caries prevalence was the food refusal (capture problem when a child rejects a presented food, crying, spitting out food). CONCLUSION: higher required level of support, worse mealtime behavior and uncooperative profile in dental care negatively affect the dental-caries prevalence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: our findings provide evidence of the need of specialized, preventive and individualized dental care among ASD-individuals.

Oral Problems in Brazilian Individuals with Rare Genetic Diseases That Affect Skeletal Development.

The present study aimed to compare the prevalence of oral problems between individuals with rare genetic diseases that affect skeletal development and individuals without rare diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 210 individuals between two and fifty-four years of age: 105 with rare genetic diseases (27 with mucopolysaccharidosis [MPS] and 78 with osteogenesis imperfecta [OI]) and 105 without rare diseases. The rare genetic disease group was recruited from hospital units that provide care for patients with MPS and OI in five states of Brazil, and the other group was recruited from the same location. The participants were examined with regards to malocclusion, dental anomalies, dental caries, and gingivitis. A questionnaire was administered addressing individual, sociodemographic, and behavioral characteristics as well as dental history. A descriptive analysis was performed, followed by unadjusted and adjusted binary logistic regression analyses. The mean age was 14.1 ± 12.2 years. Individuals with a rare disease were 12.9-fold more likely to have some type of oral problem (95% CI: 3.7-44.7) compared to the group without rare diseases. The prevalence of oral problems was higher among Brazilians with MPS and OI compared to normotypical individuals.

Prolonged use of old dentures: A qualitative study with Brazilian older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To explore older adults' perceptions, motivations and reasons for using and not replacing old and worn complete dentures over prolonged periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Brazilian edentulous older adults who were wearing complete dentures which were at least 20 years old. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit participants from an existing waiting list of those referred to a hospital clinic for new dentures. The interviews were video-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-two individuals were assessed and nine were included in the study, aged from 61 to 77 years (mean = 65.4), with seven (77.8%) of them women. The reported time using their current dentures ranged from 22 to 45 years (mean = 28). Content analysis revealed three main themes: the perception of the current dentures' condition after prolonged use; reasons for the prolonged use and non-replacement; and unsuccessful attempts to replace the dentures. Overall, participants acknowledged the poor condition of their dentures and did recognise the need for replacement. Several factors had prompted them to delay or temporarily forego replacement, with financial constraints being the main barrier. Some reported failed attempts to replace the dentures in the past years or months; however, challenging adaptation to the new prostheses led to them reverting back to their old dentures as a fallback solution. CONCLUSION: Factors influencing prolonged denture use in older adults include a complex interplay of financial aspects, treatment awareness, access and personal factors. Dental professionals can play a pivotal role in promoting timely denture adjustment or replacement by addressing these factors through patient education and personalised care.

Conocimiento, actitud y práctica sobre salud oral en niños de 6 a 12 años de una escuela de Capiatá, Paraguay

Introducción: La salud bucal en niños es esencial para su desarrollo, habla, nutrición y autoestima. Además, previene problemas odontológicos graves en la edad adulta y evita costosos tratamientos futuros. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de conocimiento, actitud y práctica sobre salud oral en niños de 6 a 12 años de una escuela del área metropolitana de Asunción. Resultado: Participaron 202 niños, donde el 51,0% correspondió al sexo masculino, con edad media de 9 ± 4,24 años. El 55% de los niños presentó gingivitis. El 35,6% posee caries en dientes primarios mientras que el 48,9% presenta caries en dientes permanentes. El 98,02% de los participantes respondió correctamente la pregunta sobre alimentos perjudiciales para los dientes. Sobre la práctica de higiene bucal, en la mayoría de los niños la enseñanza de la técnica de cepillado estuvo a cargo de los padres, sin embargo, reportan que estos no siempre los controlan. Conclusión: Los niños tuvieron buen conocimiento, actitud positiva y prácticas adecuadas de higiene bucal, sin embargo, la mitad de ellos presentaba caries en dientes permanentes. Se sugiere que la falta de supervisión diaria por parte de los padres en la técnica de cepillado podría ser un factor contribuyente.

Introduction: Oral health is crucial for children's development, speech, nutrition, and self-esteem. Maintaining good oral health during childhood prevents serious dental issues in adulthood and reduces the need for costly treatments later on. Objective: To assess the knowledge level, attitudes, and practices regarding oral health among children aged 6 to 12 years at a school located in the metropolitan area of Asunción. Results: A total of 202 children participated in the study, of whom 51.0% were male, with a mean age of 9 years (SD = 4.24 years). Approximately 55% of the children had gingivitis. Primary teeth cavities were present in 35.6% of the participants, while 48.9% had cavities in their permanent teeth. Regarding dietary knowledge, 98.02% of the participants correctly identified foods harmful to dental health. Most children learned brushing techniques from their parents; however, consistent parental supervision was reportedly lacking. Conclusion: Despite demonstrating good knowledge and generally adequate oral hygiene practices, nearly half of the children had cavities in their permanent teeth. The data suggest that the lack of regular parental supervision of brushing techniques could be a significant contributing factor to dental caries.

Atuação do cirurgião-dentista na atenção primária à saúde: experiências a partir da residência multiprofissional / Performance of the dentist in primary health care: experiences from the multiprofissional residency program / El rol del cirujano dentista en laatención primaria de salud: experiencias del programade residencia multiprofesional

Introdução:A inserção das equipes de saúde bucal na Estratégia Saúde da Família, embora tardia, representa um avanço significativo para a ampliação da cobertura e da qualidade dos serviços odontológicos no Brasil. No entanto, aindaexistem muitosdesafiosnas práticas do cirurgião-dentista na Estratégia Saúde da Família. A atuação majoritariamente clínica prejudica a realização deum trabalho humanístico, resolutivo, interdisciplinar e multiprofissional. Objetivo:Relatar a experiência de atuação de uma cirurgiã-dentista residente na Atenção Primária em Saúde no município de Santo Estêvão, Bahia, Brasil, durante o Programa de Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde da Família da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana. Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, do tipo relato de experiência, que visa descrever as atividades desenvolvidas durante o Programa de Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde da Família, da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, no município de Santo Estêvão, Bahia, Brasil, no período de março de 2022 a novembro de 2023. Resultados:As atividades descritas abrangem as diferentes possibilidades de trabalho do cirurgião-dentista na Atenção Primária, envolvendo ações assistenciais através das consultas individuais e levantamento epidemiológico, educação permanente e em saúde com atuação nos grupos operativos e capacitações com os profissionais da rede e as ações de planejamento e gestão, através do desenvolvimento de estratégias para fortalecer a rede de atenção à saúde. Conclusões:É preciso motivar os profissionais de saúde bucal a repensarem suas práticas, tendo como ponto de partida o investimento e o estímulo à educação permanente e continuada. A especialização em saúde da família permite que cirurgiões-dentistas que atuam ou têminteresse em trabalhar no serviço público desenvolvam habilidades e práticas voltadas para uma assistência integral e multiprofissional da saúde, contribuindo para a consolidação do Sistema Único de Saúde (AU).

Introduction:The oral health team inclusion in the Family Health Strategy represents a significant advance in expanding the coverage and quality of dental services in Brazil. However, there arestill many challenges in the dental surgeons practices in the Family Health Strategy. The ppredominantly clinical approach hinders the achievement of ahumanistic, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary. Objective:To report the experience of a dental surgeon resident in Primary Health Care in the city of Santo Estêvão, Bahia, Brazil, during the Multidisciplinary Residency Program in Family Health at the Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana. Methodology:This is a qualitative study, experience report type, which aims to describe the activities developed during the Multidisciplinary Residency Program in Family Health at the Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, in the city of Santo Estêvão, Bahia, Brazil, from March 2022 to November 2023. Results:The activities described cover the different work possibilities of dental surgeons in Primary Care, involving assistance actions through individual consultations and epidemiological surveys, ongoing health education with work in operative groups and training with network professionals, and planning and management actions through the development of strategies to strengthen the health care network. Conclusion:It is necessary to motivate oral health professionals to rethink their practices, with investment and encouragement for permanent and continuing education as a starting point. Specialization in family health allows dental surgeons who work or are interested in working in the public service to develop skills and practices aimed at comprehensive and multidisciplinary health care, contributing to the consolidation of the Unified Health System (AU).

Introducción: La inclusión de los equipos de salud dental en la Estrategia de Salud Familiar, aunque tardía, representa un avance significativo en la ampliación de la cobertura y la calidad de los servicios dentales en Brasil. Sin embargo, los cirujanos dentistas siguen enfrentándose a muchos retos em la Estrategia de Salud Familiar. El enfoque mayoritariamente clínico obstacualiza la realización de um enfoque humanista, resolutivo, interdisciplinario y multiprofesional.Objetivo:Reportar la experiencia de un cirujano dentista residente en Atención Primaria de Salud en el ayuntamiento de Santo Estêvão, Bahía, Brasil, durante el Programa de Residencia Multiprofesional en Salud Familiar de la Universidad Estadual de Feira de Santana.Metodología:Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, del tipoinforme de experiencia, que tiene como objetivo describir las actividades desarrolladas durante el Programa de Residencia Multiprofesional en Salud Familiar de la Universidad Estadual de Feira de Santana, en el ayuntamiento de Santo Estêvão, Bahía, Brasil, de marzo de 2022 a noviembre de 2023. Resultados:Las actividades descritas abarcan las diferentes posibilidades de trabajo del cirujano dentista en la Atención Primaria, implicando actividades asistenciales mediante consultas individuales y encuestas epidemiológicas, educación sanitaria continuada con actuación en los grupos operativos y capacitaciones con los profesionales de la red y actividades de planificación y gestión mediante el desarrollo de estrategias de fortalecimiento de la red de atención sanitaria.Conclusiones:Es necesario motivar a los profesionales de la salud dental a replantear sus prácticas, con la inversión y el fomento de la formación permanente y continua como punto de partida. La especialización en salud familiar permite a los cirujanos dentistas que trabajan o están interesados en trabajar en el servicio público desarrollar competencias y prácticas dirigidas a la atención sanitaria integral y multiprofesional, contribuyendo a la consolidación del Sistema Único de Salud (AU).

Telehealth in geriatric dentistry: A comparative analysis of concordance between virtual and in-person examinations for hospitalized older patients.

AIMS: This study aims to assess the concordance between in-person clinical and virtual oral examinations among hospitalized older adults. METHODS: A single examiner performed an in-person clinical examination, recorded systemic health history and oral health indices, clinically documented the Bedside Oral Exam (BOE), and captured photographs for subsequent analysis during a virtual examination. Following a 90-day washout period, a virtual examination was repeated by the same examiner and by a second examiner. Descriptive analysis and a Kappa test were used to compare proportions and evaluate the agreement between results. RESULTS: Intra-examiners presented high percentage of agreement in all domains of BOE (80%-86%), with an exception for gingiva (78%). Kappa's intra-examiners presented moderate scores in saliva, mucous membrane, gingiva and teeth/dentures domains and a strong score in the tongue domain (0.839). Inter examiners presented moderate agreement in lips and gingiva, saliva, mucous membrane, and teeth/dentures domains. Inter examiners Kappa scores were weak for lips (0.395) and gingiva (0.498) domains; moderate for saliva (0.703), mucous membrane (0.769) and teeth/dentures (0.714) domains and strong for the tongue domain (0.872). CONCLUSION: In this study, a moderate level of agreement was observed between clinical and virtual oral examinations among older hospitalized patients. These findings are encouraging and warrant further investigation about how teledentistry can be used to enhance oral health access to this vulnerable population.

Mandibular fracture in medication-associated osteonecrosis following infliximab therapy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Medication-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is characterized by the presence of exposed bone or an intraoral or extraoral fistula in the maxillofacial region in patients with a history of treatment with anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic drugs, such as monoclonal antibodies, and without a history of radiotherapy or metastatic diseases in the area. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to report a case of a pathological mandibular fracture in an area of MRONJ in a patient diagnosed with Crohn's disease treated with infliximab. CASE REPORT: A 53-year-old male patient, an active smoker for 35 years, diagnosed with Crohn's disease, undergoing intravenous administration of infliximab 300 mg for 1 year and 3 months, with no previous history of anti-angiogenic or anti-resorptive medication, presenting with an extraoral fistula in the submandibular region for 4 months, with painful symptoms, diagnosed as MRONJ. He was initially treated conservatively, using antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), antibiotic therapy, and the PENTO protocol. However, the patient evolved with a pathological fracture in the mandibular parasymphysis, requiring surgical reconstruction. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Pathological fracture of the mandible is a complication of MRONJ that compromises the patient's quality of life. The management of patients with MRONJ is complex and challenging.

Pediatric dentistry systematic reviews using the GRADE approach: methodological study.

BACKGROUND: To assess the reporting of the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach in systematic reviews of interventions in pediatric dentistry. METHODS: The inclusion criteria were systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSIs) in pediatric dentistry that reported the certainty of the evidence through the GRADE approach. Paired independent reviewers screened the studies, extracted data, and appraised the methodological quality using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) tool. The certainty of the evidence was extracted for each outcome. A descriptive analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Around 28% of pediatric dentistry reviews of interventions used the GRADE approach (n = 24). Twenty reviews reported 112 evidence outcomes from RCTs and 13 from NRSIs using GRADE evidence profile tables. The methodological quality was high (16.7%), moderate (12.5%), low (37.5%), and critically low (33.3%), fulfilling the majority of the AMSTAR 2 criteria. The certainty of the evidence for outcomes generated from RCTs and NRSIs was very low (40.2% and 84.6%), low (33.1% and 7.7%), moderate (17.8% and 7.7%), and high (9.8% and 0.0%). The main reasons to downgrade the certainty were due to (for RCTs and NRSIs, respectively): risk of bias (68.8% and 84.6%), imprecision (67.8% and 100.0%), inconsistency (18.8% and 23.1%), indirectness (17.8% and 0.0%), and publication bias (7.1% and 0.0%). CONCLUSION: The proportion of systematic reviews assessing the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach was considered small, considering the total initial number of published pediatric dentistry reviews of intervention. The certainty of the evidence was mainly very low and low, and the main problems for downgrading the certainty of evidence were due to risk of bias and imprecision. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database #CRD42022365443.

Outpatient and inpatient dental care for patients with disabilities in Brazil's public healthcare system: A population-based approach from 2014 to 2023.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate outpatient and inpatient dental care for patients with disabilities from 2014 to 2023. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A time series analysis was carried out with data from Brazil's public healthcare system, considering the outpatient productivity of Special Needs Dentistry specialists and hospitalizations (inpatient admissions) of patients with disabilities for dental procedures, both normalized to every 100,000 inhabitants (incidence). The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: In the last 10 years, 22,420,859 procedures were carried out and 89,380 hospitalizations were approved. Trend analysis showed no significant temporal variation in the incidence of both variables. Regarding the procedures, the majority were low-complexity (82.1%, p < .001) and clinical (71.2%, p < .001). Periodontal (19.9%) and restorative (19.5%) procedures were the most frequent. Considering the hospitalizations, almost (R$) 40 million was allocated, and the majority were classified as elective (71.9%, p = .002) and of short duration (less than a day). CONCLUSION: Dental care for patients with disabilities presented patterns related to the types of procedures, complexity and circumstance, in addition to not showing significant temporal variation over the last 10 years.

The EORTC QLQ43 and FACT H&N questionnaires of quality of life at 1 and 5 years after treatment and dental care in head and neck cancer patients: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in head and neck cancer patients at 1 and 5 years after successful treatment of their tumors, and to explore the usefulness of 2 instruments for assessing the need of dental care services. METHODS: This cross-sectional pilot study included 20 adult patients with head and neck cancer who completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT H&N) Symptom Index and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-H&N43) after 1 and 5 years of treatment. RESULTS: Mean (standard deviation, SD) scores of the FACT H&N Symptom Index were higher (better HRQoL) at 5 years than at 1 year (24.1 [4.4] vs. 21.1 [6.4]; p = 0.236). Only three of the ten items of FACT H&N (swallow, pain in mouth/throat or neck, and solid foods) evaluated oral health. In the EORTC QLQ-H&N43 questionnaire, scores were lower at 5 years (better HRQoL) in almost all multi- and single-item symptoms. This questionnaire includes four multi-item scales (pain in the mouth, social eating, swallowing, and problems with teeth) measuring dental and orthodontic needs. CONCLUSION: HRQoL in patients with head and neck cancer improved with the length of follow-up. The EORTC QLQ-H&N43 has more items addressing oral health compared to the FACT H&N Symptom Index and may be more adequate to assess the need of dental therapy in clinical practice.

O trabalho das equipes de saúde bucal na pandemia da covid-19 segundo gestores de saúde / The work of oral health teams in the COVID-19 pandemic according to health managers

RESUMO Este estudo objetivou caracterizar o trabalho dos profissionais das equipes de saúde bucal da rede pública na pandemia da covid-19 do ponto de vista dos gestores. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo-qualitativo, com 163 gestores municipais de saúde da Bahia, que responderam a um questionário virtual, de junho a outubro de 2020. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados quantitativos utilizando o Statistical Package for the Social Science, e Análise Temática das respostas subjetivas, com auxílio do IRaMuTeQ. Um escopo de atuação das equipes de saúde bucal, que atuam em todos os níveis de atenção à saúde, foi reconhecido como mais abrangente que o tradicional nesse período. A pandemia deu ênfase às fragilidades crônicas nas condições de trabalho dos cirurgiões-dentistas, técnicos e auxiliares de saúde bucal da rede pública, como a insuficiência de instrumentais odontológicos e de insumos, a precária manutenção dos equipamentos odontológicos, a fragilidade dos vínculos empregatícios e a estrutura física inadequada nas unidades de saúde, comprometendo a biossegurança. Assim, abre-se uma oportunidade para identificar e implementar mudanças necessárias não apenas no contexto de crise sanitária, mas também no período pós-pandemia.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize the work of professionals from oral health teams in the public service, in the COVID-19 pandemic, from the point of view of managers. This is a cross-sectional, quantitative-qualitative study, with 163 municipal health managers in Bahia, who answered a virtual questionnaire, from June to October 2020. The descriptive analysis of the quantitative data was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science, and Thematic Analysis was applied to the subjective responses, using IRaMuTeQ. The scope of action of oral health teams, which operate at all levels of health care, was recognized as broader than the traditional in this period. The pandemic emphasized the chronic problems in the working conditions of dentists, technicians, and oral health assistants in the public service, such as the lack of dental instruments and supplies, the precarious maintenance of dental equipment, the fragility of employment relationships, and the inadequate physical structure in the health units, compromising biosecurity. Thus, there is an opportunity to identify and implement necessary changes not only in the context of a health crisis, but in the post-pandemic period.

Eficacia de un programa de salud bucal para cuidadores de personas con discapacidad / Effectiveness of an oral health program for caregivers of people with disabilities

Objetivo. Evaluar la eficacia del programa de salud bucal para los cuidadores de las personas con discapacidad. Métodos: Estudio cuasi experimental de intervención directa, longitudinal, con control antes y después, con un muestreo no probabilístico. Se diseñó, aplicó y evaluó un programa educativo de salud bucal a los cuidadores de personas con discapacidad, mediante una encuesta diseñada al efecto, antes y después de su implementación, en 111 cuidadores, así como la evaluación del Índice de Higiene Bucal de sus familiares con discapacidad, en el periodo de octubre a diciembre de 2020. La información fue procesada utilizando las herramientas de Excel y el programa SPSS versión 25. Los datos numéricos fueron resumidos en tablas descriptivas y los datos categóricos en tablas de frecuencia. Resultados: Antes de la intervención 9,9 % de las personas con discapacidad asistían cada seis meses al dentista, lo cual se incrementó a 76,5 %. Antes del programa 102 personas solo usaban cepillos y pasta dentales para la limpieza bucal, después 109 continuaron usando los mismos productos, sin embargo, se incrementó en un 6 % el uso del hilo dental. El Índice de Higiene bucal se mantuvo como regular, aunque disminuyó de 2.30 a 1.68. Conclusiones: La aplicación del programa cambió positivamente la situación de la salud bucal de los discapacitados ya que los cuidadores demostraron la adquisición de los nuevos conocimientos para una adecuada higiene de la cavidad bucal, la constancia en la aplicación del proceso y la necesidad de asistir a la atención odontológica por hábito y no por necesidad puntual.

Objective: Determine the level of knowledge of caregivers of people with disabilities about oral health before and after applying a program of educational workshops on the subject. Methods: It was a quasi-experimental study of direct intervention, longitudinal, with control before and after, with non-probabilistic sampling. An educational oral health program for caregivers of people with disabilities was developed, applied, and evaluated through a survey before and after its implementation, in 111 caregivers, as well as the evaluation of the Oral Hygiene Index of their relatives with disabilities, in the period from October to December 2020. Results: Before the intervention, 9.9% of people with disabilities attended the dentist every six months, which increased to 76.5%. Before the program, 102 people only used toothbrushes and toothpaste for oral cleaning, after 109 continued using the same products, however, the use of dental floss increased by 7 people. The Oral Hygiene Index remained regular, although it decreased from 2.30 to 1.68. Conclusion: The application of the oral health program had a favorable impact on caregivers, improving the knowledge regarding oral hygiene of their relatives with disabilities, improving the Oral Hygiene Index.

Is there an association between head and neck cancer diagnosis and self-reported dental fear? A dual-center cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Mental distress is highly reported in cancer patients, resulting in anxiety and depression most of the time. Both conditions, in turn, are recognized to be related to dental fear in adults; however, there are no studies on patients suffering from head and neck cancer. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether newly diagnosed patients with head and neck cancer are more prone to self-reported dental fear. Material and Methods: This dual-center cross-sectional study was conducted with 25 healthy outpatients and 25 patients with a recent diagnosis of head and neck cancer, all requiring dental care. The patients were informed at the first appointment about their dental therapy planning and the Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Dental Fear Survey (DFS) questionnaire was then applied after appropriate instructions. Results: The DFS total scores did not differ statistically between the groups (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0,120) but the Cancer Group presented a slightly higher mean score (32.2 ± 10.0) than the Control Group (30.0 ± 14.2). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, newly diagnosed patients with head and neck cancer and healthy individuals seem to experience similar self-reported dental fear.

Territorial Disparities in Dental Care for Disabled Persons and Oral Health-Related Indicators: A Population-Level Approach in Brazil's Public Healthcare System from 2014 to 2023.

This study evaluated territorial disparities in dental care for disabled persons in Brazil's public healthcare system from 2014 to 2023. The person-year incidence of outpatient dental procedures carried out by special care dentistry specialists and hospitalizations for dental procedures for disabled persons were compared across different regions and against the national estimate. In addition, productivity was correlated with oral health-related indicators. The significance level was set at 5%. The northern region exhibited the highest outpatient productivity, while the southern region showed lower productivity compared to the national estimate (both p-value < 0.05). This pattern was reversed in inpatient productivity (both p-value < 0.05), with the northeastern and central-western regions also below average (both p-value < 0.05). There were no significant correlations between the indicators and inpatient productivity, but outpatient productivity was positively correlated with the proportions of inhabitants who self-rated their general and oral health as "poor" or "very poor", who have never visited a dentist, and who visited a dentist for tooth extraction (all p-values < 0.05). Territorial disparities in dental care for disabled persons were observed within Brazil's public healthcare system, and they were correlated with unfavorable oral health-related indicators at the population level.

Dental Profile of Brazilian Patients with Rare Skeletal Genetic Disorders: Clinical Features and Associated Factors.

The aim of this study is to compare the dental profiles of Brazilian patients with rare genetic skeletal disorders and normotypical patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 210 individuals aged between 2 and 54 years old [105 with rare diseases (Mucopolysaccharidosis/MPS n = 27 and Osteogenesis Imperfecta/OI n = 78) and 105 without rare diseases] and their parents/caregivers. The parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire about individual aspects of their child and the dental profile was identified from questions related to dental history and the presence/absence of dental problems. The patients' oral cavity was also examined by three examiners for dental caries, malocclusion, gingivitis, and dental anomalies. The average age of individuals with a rare disease was 14.1 years (±12.2) and the median was 9.5 years. Participants who had already used the public health system (SUS) dental care services had a 2.24 times higher chance of belonging to the group with a rare disease (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.07-4.89). Patients with rare diseases are 14.86 times more likely to have difficulty receiving dental treatment (OR = 14.86; 95% CI: 5.96-27.03) and 10.38 times more likely to have one or more dental problems (OR = 10.38; 95% CI: 1.95-35.17). Individuals with rare disorders have a greater history of difficulty in accessing dental treatment, using the SUS, and were diagnosed with more dental problems compared to normotypical individuals.

Artificial Intelligence through Wireless Sensors Applied in Restorative Dentistry: A Systematic Review.

The integration of wireless sensors with artificial intelligence could represent a transformative approach in restorative dentistry, offering a sophisticated means to enhance diagnostic precision, treatment planning, and patient outcomes. This systematic review was conducted to pinpoint and assess the efficacy of wireless sensors in restorative dentistry. The search methodology followed the guidelines outlined by PRISMA and involved the utilization of prominent scientific databases. Following the final phase of evaluating eligibility, the systematic review included six papers. Five experiments were conducted in vitro, while one was a randomized clinical trial. The investigations focused on wireless sensors for cavity diagnosis, toothbrush forces, facial mask applications, and physiological parameter detection from dental implants. All wireless sensors demonstrated efficacy in achieving the objectives established by each study and showed the validity, accuracy, and reproducibility of this device. The investigations examined in this systematic review illustrate the potential of wireless sensors in restorative dentistry, especially in the areas of caries detection, dental implant systems, face masks, and power brushes. These technologies hold promise for enhancing patient outcomes and alleviating the workload of dental practitioners.

Factors associated with dental interns and professors perception of the management of disabled patients: A cross-sectional study under multivariable analysis.

Background: Patients with disabilities experience oral health inequalities, including increased disease prevalence and unmet healthcare needs. The aim of this study was to assess factors associated to the perceived management of patients with physical disabilities among dental interns and professors at a university located in the capital city and a branch in a province in Peru. Methods: This cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study included 100 dental interns and 75 Peruvian dental professors and was conducted from January to April 2022. A validated perception scale was used to evaluate the management of disabled patients. For the statistical analysis, the study employed Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, along with a Poisson regression model that used robust variance. The adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) was utilized to evaluate perception while taking into account factors such as gender, age, marital status, origin, professional experience, previous treatment of a patient with physical disability, and previous cohabitation with a disabled patient. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: The 86 % of dental interns and 88 % of dental professors had a poor perception of managing disabled patients, with no significant association between them (p = 0.698). Male and female dental interns displayed significant differences in perception (p = 0.004), while no other variables showed significant differences (p < 0.05). Conversely, dental professors displayed significant differences in all variables analyzed (p < 0.05). In dental interns, gender was found to be the only influential variable, with females having a 41 % higher likelihood of perceiving disabled patient management poorly compared to males (APR = 1.41; 95 % CI: 1.04-1.91) (p = 0.028). However, gender was not found to be a significant factor for dental professors (p = 0.449). Conclusion: The majority of dental interns and professors had a poor perception of managing disabled patients, with no significant differences observed between them. Moreover, gender significantly influenced the perception of managing patients with physical disabilities among dental interns specifically. On the other hand, neither age, marital status, origin, professional experience, previous treatment of a patient with physical disability, nor previous cohabitation with a disabled patient were found to be associated factors among dental interns and professors.