Co-occurrence of periodontal lesions and dental wear in incisor and masticatory teeth in two sheep flocks in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis and tooth wear are multifactorial diseases with distinct etiopathogenesis that affect the health, feed efficiency and welfare of sheep. METHODS: This study evaluated the co-occurrence of tooth wear and periodontal lesions in 129 ewes from two Brazilian flocks, clinically classified the lesions and presence of dental calculus, and identified potential pathogens in the dental biofilm of 63 ewes by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Of the 129 ewes included in the study, 75 presented periodontal lesions, while all animals presented tooth wear and dental calculus. Of the animals with periodontal lesions, 16.2% had lesions in incisor teeth and 52.7% in masticatory teeth. Regarding excessive tooth wear, 38.6% had severe wear on the incisor teeth and 89.1% on the masticatory teeth. Ewes older than 36 months had a higher frequency of periodontal lesions in incisor teeth (p < 0.001) and a greater amount of dental calculus (p < 0.001), but there was no association between tooth wear and animal age. Fusobacterium nucleatum, Tannerella forsythia and Fusobacterium necrophorum predominated in periodontal lesions. LIMITATION: This study is limited by the small sample size and lack of diagnostic imaging to assess periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: The co-occurrence of periodontal lesions and excessive dental wear involving both the incisor and masticatory teeth suggests that although the two diseases have different aetiologies, they likely have common risk factors.

Periodontal status among 12-year-old schoolchildren: a population-based cross-sectional study in Quito, Ecuador

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and extent of bleeding on probing and calculus in 12-year-old schoolchildren of Quito, Ecuador, and evaluate the associated factors. We conducted an epidemiological survey with a representative sample of 1,100 12-year-old schoolchildren from public schools in the urban area of Quito, Ecuador. We assessed the periodontal health using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). The prevalence and extent of the periodontal condition was based on the presence of at least one site with bleeding on probing (BOP), and the presence of dental calculus was also evaluated. We used univariate and multiple multilevel Poisson regression analyses to verify the association between the independent variables and the number of sextants with BOP and calculus. The prevalence of BOP and calculus was 92% and 69.9%, respectively. The adjusted mean of the affected sextants was 4.3 and 2.2 for BOP and calculus, respectively. The mother's schooling and malocclusion were associated with the number of sextants with bleeding. The mother's schooling and dental caries experience were associated with calculus. Gingival bleeding and the presence of dental calculus are highly prevalent in 12-year-old schoolchildren from Quito. Gingival bleeding is associated with maternal education and malocclusion, and dental calculus is associated with maternal education and dental caries.

Biochemical and Microbiological Aspects of the Oral Cavity of Children and Young People with Neurological Impairment and Oropharyngeal Dysphagia.

The components and the salivary flow have a direct influence on the composition of the oral microbiota of children and young people with oropharyngeal dysphagia, and studies have already demonstrated the excessive accumulation of supragingival dental calculus in individuals with enteral nutrition. This study aimed to compare the oral hygiene, biochemical, and microbiological aspects of the oral cavity of children and young people with neurological impairment and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Forty children and young people with neurological impairment and oropharyngeal dysphagia were enrolled and divided into two groups: group I, encompassing 20 participants fed via gastrostomy; and group II, encompassing 20 participants fed via the oral route. Oral hygiene and salivary pH and flow were assessed, and a polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate the messenger RNA expressions of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. In groups I and II, the mean Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified scores were 4 and 2, respectively, showing a significant difference; the mean Calculus Index scores were 2 and 0, respectively, showing a significant difference; and the mean pH was 7.5 and 6.0, respectively, showing a significant difference. Bacterial analysis indicated no association between the two groups. It can be concluded that children and young people who use gastrostomy had a poorer oral hygiene, greater dental calculus deposition, and higher salivary pH. The saliva of patients in both groups contained Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola.

Microscopic Alterations of the Dental Pulp in Surgically Extracted Teeth of Dogs.

Microscopic alterations in the dental pulp of dogs have not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to investigate microscopic alterations of the dental pulp in dogs' teeth. One hundred and ten surgically extracted teeth (20 incisors, 23 canines, 28 premolars, and 39 molars) from 74 dogs, of different ages, with a history of chronic periodontitis (66 dogs), periapical abscesses (2 dogs), pulpitis (2 dogs), oral cavity neoplasms (2 dogs), dens invaginatus (1 dog), and dental fractures (1 dog) were included. Eight-one maxillary and 29 mandibular teeth were included. Coronal, radicular, and coronal plus radicular calculus were present in 28.2%, 17.3%, and 54.5% of the teeth, respectively. In total 78 teeth (71%) had pulp alterations, including fibrosis (26%), calcification (14%), necrosis associated with the absence of odontoblasts (14%), presence of predentin and dentin inside the cavity (8%), odontoblastic hyperplasia (3%), pigmentation (3%), pulpitis (2%), and pulp stones (1%). Forty-nine (60.5%) of the maxillary teeth and all of the mandibular teeth had pulp alterations. The premolars were most affected, and the molars least affected, by pulp alterations. Pulp fibrosis, calcification, and necrosis were observed in teeth irrespective of the distribution of dental calculus.

Ação de dentifrícios antiplaca e anticálculosobre esmalte dentário bovino / The action of antiplaque and anticalculus dentifrices in bovine dental enamel

Introdução: os dentifrícios antiplaca e anticálculo contêm, em sua composição, agentes específicos para o controle e a redução do biofilme dentário, como o citrato de zinco, o óxido de zinco e o pirofosfato tetrassódico, dentre outros. Objetivo: avaliar in vitroa ação de dentifrícios antiplaca e anticálculo na variação da massa e da rugosidade superficial do esmalte bovino submetido à escovação simulada por 6 e 12 meses.Metodologia: 40 corpos de prova (CP) foram randomizados e divididos aleatoriamente em 4 grupos (n=10): grupo controle (GC- água) e 3 grupos teste (GT1 ­ Colgate-Total® 12 Clean Mint, GT2 ­ Colgate-Total® 12 Anti-Tártaro, GT3 ­ Prevent® Antiplaca). Os CP foram submetidos à escovação simulada por 6 e 12 mesese as avaliações da massa e da rugosidade foram realizadas após cada período de escovação. Resultados: a análise da variação da massa demonstrou que não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos e os tempos. A avaliação da rugosidade demonstrou que, após 12 meses de escovação, o GT1 apresentou aumento significativo da rugosidade, quando comparado aos grupos controle e testes, enquanto os grupos GT2 e GT3 apresentaram comportamento semelhante após um ano de escovação, promovendo o polimento superficial do esmalte bovino. Conclusão: a escovação com os dentifrícios antiplaca ou anticálculo não promoveu perda significativa da massa no esmalte bovino e promoveu seu polimento.

Introduction: Antiplaque and anticalculus dentifrices contain in their composition specific agents for the control and reduction of dental biofilm, such as zinc citrate, zinc oxide, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, among others. Objective: To evaluate in vitro the action of antiplaque and anticalculus dentifrices on the variation of mass and surface roughness of bovine enamel submitted to simulated brushing for 6 and 12 months. Metodology: 40 specimens (PB) were randomized and randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10): control group (GC ­ water) and 3 test groups (GT1 ­ Colgate-Total® 12 Clean Mint, GT2 ­ Colgate-Total® 12 Anti-Tartar, and GT3 ­ Prevent®Antiplaque). The PB were submitted to simulated brushing for 6 and 12 months and the mass and roughness evaluations were performed after each brushing period. Results: The analysis of mass variation showed that there was no significant difference between groups and times. The roughness evaluation showed that after 12 months of brushing, GT1 showed a significant increase in roughness when compared to the control and test groups, while the GT2 and GT3 groups showed similar behavior after one year of brushing, promoting the surface polishing of bovine enamel. Conclusion: Brushing with antiplaque or anticalculus dentifrices did not promote significant mass loss in bovine enamel and promoted its polishing.

Dental anthropological report: Exploring plant-based treatments through the analysis of dental calculus and sediment of dental caries in a woman from the Late Preceramic period, Peru.

Reconstructing plant-based healing treatments of past societies from a dental anthropological perspective is still challenging due to a wide range of plant species, many with both medicinal and nutritional properties, and limitations on plant-taxa identification. Starch grains and phytoliths retrieved in samples from dental calculus and sediment contained in the cavity of dental caries were examined to investigate the supply of a plant-based treatment in an individual buried in the Late Preceramic site of Huaca El Paraíso (2100-1500 BCE), whose osteological analysis reported the absence of any pathological condition at a bone tissue level. A variety of starch grains such as pumpkins, manioc, maize, and beans had an important role in the diet of the individual. The starch grains were embedded in their dental calculus, all of which, except for manioc, showed signs of cooking damage. Considering the context and characteristics of the crops, the nutritional properties of maize, pumpkins and beans are evident. However, parallel medicinal properties of manioc and maize could not be entirely denied. Phytoliths morphologically ascribed to the Asteraceae plant family, which suggest the consumption of medicinal plants of Andean vernacular use, were retrieved in the sediment of dental caries. Our results prove that the analysis of sediment obtained from dental caries is as valuable in tracing medicinal plant-based treatments as dental calculus in archaeological populations. There are still several limitations to approach this topic in dental anthropology, which are discussed in this report. The performance of both analyses -dental calculus and sediment of dental caries, is highly recommended.

Prevalence and description of dental disorders in skulls of free-living wild primates from Paraná State, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Non-human primates can present oral diseases. However, differences among the dentition of the various species make it difficult to understand their dental features and associated diseases. This research hypothesizes that the prevalence of dental disorders varies in the species studied according to distinct types of diet. METHODS: Forty-five syncraniums of the species Alouatta caraya, Alouatta guariba clamitans, Sapajus nigritus, Callithrix jacchus, and Callithrix penicillata were evaluated by visual inspection, magnifying glasses, and on cone-beam computed tomography. RESULTS: Disorders identified consisted of missing teeth before death, agenesis, dental calculus, dental wear, dental staining, dental fracture, exposure of pulp chamber, alveolar bone resorption, tooth discoloration, and persistence of deciduous teeth. Alouatta guariba clamitans presented the most disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that neotropical primates have a high prevalence of dental changes, even in free-living conditions, and that the differences observed among them may be associated with different diet patterns.

Effects of autoclaving on compressive strength of bovine bones and their use as chewing agents for dogs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of autoclave processing on compressive stress of spongy and cortical bones, and the effect of autoclaved bones as chewing agents to reduce dental calculus in adult dogs. Spongy and cortical bones were autoclaved (1 ATM, 30 min, and 120°C) and compressive strength was evaluated in autoclaved and raw bone specimens. Autoclaved bones were offered to ten Beagle dogs divided into two groups of 5 dogs each: Group 1 - received a portion of the autoclaved bovine cortical bone (ACB) and Group 2 - received a portion of the autoclaved bovine spongy bone (ASB). Prior to the experimental period (1-d) and every two days thereafter, oral photographs were taken on both sides of the dental arch to evaluate dental calculus reduction over time. The vestibular surface of the canines, premolars, and molars teeth was evaluated using integration software to measure the proportion between the area covered by calculus and the total teeth area. The effect of bone type, treatment (raw vs. autoclaved), and their interaction were evaluated using the PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (version 9.4). Linear equations were generated to estimate calculus reduction over time for ACB and ASB. Compressive strength was higher (P < 0.05) in cortical bones compared to spongy bones. However, the autoclaving procedure did not affect (P > 0.05) compressive strength, regardless of the bone type. The teeth area covered by calculus of dogs that were offered ACB reduced from 41% to 32% in 5 days, and at the end of 15 days a reduction of 62.2% was observed, resulting in a remaining of 15.5% of teeth area covered by calculus. In this group, the dental calculus area reduced by 57.7% after 5 days, and at the end of the trial, only 5.4% of teeth were still covered by calculus, which represents a reduction of 81%. The linear regression analysis revealed no significant difference between the slopes for the ACB and ASB equations (P > 0.05). No health complications such as tooth fracture, intestinal obstructions, and oral lesions were observed throughout the study. Our results demonstrated that the autoclave processing did not impair compressive strength of spongy and cortical bones. This corroborates with the results observed in vivo, which suggests that autoclaved bones are chewing agents for adult dogs with additional benefits of lower risk of bacterial contamination.

Comparação entre as técnicas de raspagem e alisamento radicular e desbridamento ultrassônico no protocolo de desinfecção de boca toda: relato de caso / Comparison between scaling and root planing and ultrasonic debridement techniques in the full mouth disinfection protocol: case report

O tratamento periodontal consiste na remoção do biofilme patogênico, através da raspagem e alisamento radicular. O desbridamento ultrassônico de boca toda promove uma instrumentação mais conservadora, porém eficiente da superfície radicular, em sessão única. Evitando a translocação bacteriana de uma região tratada para outra que já foi. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar uma comparação entre a eficácia da raspagem manual e a ultrassônica dentro do protocolo da FMD, através de um relato de caso clínico. Houve uma melhora nos parâmetros clínicos periodontais em todos os quadrantes, porém resultados superiores foram observados com o desbridamento com ultrassom e irrigação com clorexidina. A instrumentação com ultrassom associada a clorexidina no tratamento da periodontite estágio III grau C generalizada, reduz com eficácia o tempo de tratamento, otimizando o tempo do paciente e profissional(AU)

Periodontal treatment consists of removing the pathogenic biofilm, by scaling and root planing. Ultrasonic debridement of the entire mouth promotes more conservative, yet efficient instrumentation of the root surface, in a single session. Avoiding bacterial translocation from one treated region to another that has already been. The objective of the present study was to make a comparison between the effectiveness of manual and ultrasonic scraping within the FMD protocol, through a clinical case report. There was an improvement in periodontal clinical parameters in all quadrants, but superior results were observed with debridement with ultrasound and irrigation with chlorhexidine. Instrumentation with ultrasound associated with chlorhexidine in the treatment of generalized stage III grade C periodontitis, effectively reduces treatment time, optimizing patient and professional time(AU)

Functional diversity of microbial ecologies estimated from ancient human coprolites and dental calculus.

Human microbiome studies are increasingly incorporating macroecological approaches, such as community assembly, network analysis and functional redundancy to more fully characterize the microbiome. Such analyses have not been applied to ancient human microbiomes, preventing insights into human microbiome evolution. We address this issue by analysing published ancient microbiome datasets: coprolites from Rio Zape (n = 7; 700 CE Mexico) and historic dental calculus (n = 44; 1770-1855 CE, UK), as well as two novel dental calculus datasets: Maya (n = 7; 170 BCE-885 CE, Belize) and Nuragic Sardinians (n = 11; 1400-850 BCE, Italy). Periodontitis-associated bacteria (Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Eubacterium saphenum) were identified as keystone taxa in the dental calculus datasets. Coprolite keystone taxa included known short-chain fatty acid producers (Eubacterium biforme, Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens) and potentially disease-associated bacteria (Escherichia, Brachyspira). Overlap in ecological profiles between ancient and modern microbiomes was indicated by similarity in functional response diversity profiles between contemporary hunter-gatherers and ancient coprolites, as well as parallels between ancient Maya, historic UK, and modern Spanish dental calculus; however, the ancient Nuragic dental calculus shows a distinct ecological structure. We detected key ecological signatures from ancient microbiome data, paving the way to expand understanding of human microbiome evolution. This article is part of the theme issue 'Insights into health and disease from ancient biomolecules'.

Estudo retrospectivo das doenças da cavidade oral de cães em um serviço de odontologia veterinária / Main demographic and nosological characteristics of diseases of the oral cavity of dogs treated at a veterinary dentistry service

Afecções da cavidade oral como o Cálculo Dentário (CD) e a Doença Periodontal (DP) são frequentes na clínica de cães e têm grande impacto na saúde e qualidade de vida dos pacientes acometidos. No entanto, a adoção de medidas preventivas ainda é difícil, uma vez que a epidemiologia das doenças da cavidade oral ainda é pouco compreendida no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar aspectos epidemiológicos dos distúrbios da cavidade oral de 198 cães atendidos no período compreendido entre 2013 e 2019, em um serviço de odontologia veterinária, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. As raças mais prevalentes foram cães sem raça definida, seguidos do Yorkshire, não havendo distinção significativa entre o gênero. Quanto a idade, observou-se uma predominância de animais de meia idade a idosos, com faixa etária acima dos 7 anos. Dentre as afecções mais prevalentes, o destaque se deve ao cálculo dentário e a doença periodontal seguidos de gengivite e halitose. Quanto aos hábitos dos tutores, notou-se baixa realização de escovação rotineira, e um alto percentual no fornecimento de petiscos. Avaliando-se os resultados e os relacionando aos hábitos alimentares dos pacientes, conclui-se que a alimentação com ração canina industrializada teve maior impacto e associação a CD do que a alimentação natural.

Diseases of the oral cavity, such as Dental Calculus (DC) and Periodontal Disease (PD), are frequent in the dog clinic and have a great impact on the health and quality of life of affected patients. However, the adoption of preventive measures is still difficult, since the epidemiology of diseases of the oral cavity is still poorly understood in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate demographic and nosological aspects – such as feeding and brushing habits – of disorders of the oral cavity of 198 dogs treated in the period between 2013 and 2019, in a veterinary dentistry service, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The most prevalent breeds were mixed breed dogs, followed by Yorkshire Terries, with no significant distinction between the gender. As for age, there was a predominance of animals from middle age to the elderly, with ages above seven years old. Among the most prevalent conditions, the highlight is due to dental calculus and periodontal disease followed by gingivitis and halitosis. Regarding the tutors’ habits, there was a low level of routine brushing, and a high percentage in the supply of snacks. Evaluating the results and relating them to the eating habits of the patients, the hypothesis that comercial dog food feeding may somehow contribute to dental calculus evolution, urging studies with bigger samples for a deeper investigation.

Principais características demográficas e nosológicas das doenças da cavidade oral de cães atendidos em um serviço de odontologia veterinária / Main demographic and nosological characteristics of diseases of the oral cavity of dogs treated at a veterinary dentistry service

Afecções da cavidade oral como o cálculo dentário (CD) e a doença periodontal (DP) são frequentes na clínica de cães e têm grande impacto na saúde e qualidade de vida dos pacientes acometidos. No entanto, a adoção de medidas preventivas ainda é difícil, uma vez que a frequência das doenças da cavidade oral em cães ainda é pouco compreendida no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar características demográficas e nosológicas, como os hábitos alimentares e de manejo de escovação, dos distúrbios da cavidade oral de 198 cães atendidos no período compreendido entre 2013 e 2019, em um serviço de odontologia veterinária, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. A maioria dos cães atendidos não tinha raça definida. Entre os de raça pura, Yorkshire Terrie foi a mais prevalente, não havendo distinção significativa entre o gênero, em todos os casos. Quanto à idade, observou-se uma predominância de animais de meia idade a idosos, com faixa etária acima dos sete anos. Dentre as afecções mais prevalentes, o destaque se deve ao cálculo dentário e à doença periodontal, seguidos por gengivite e halitose. Quanto aos hábitos dos tutores, notou-se baixa adesão à realização de escovação rotineira, e um alto percentual no fornecimento de petiscos. Avaliando-se os resultados e relacionando-os aos hábitos alimentares dos pacientes, surge a hipótese de que a alimentação à base de ração comercial, de alguma forma possa contribuir para evolução do cálculo dentário, necessitando estudos com maior amostragem para elucidação.

Diseases of the oral cavity, such as Dental Calculus (DC) and Periodontal Disease (PD), are frequent in the dog clinic and have a great impact on the health and quality of life of affected patients. However, the adoption of preventive measures is still difficult, since the epidemiology of diseases of the oral cavity is still poorly understood in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate demographic and nosological aspects ­ such as feeding and brushing habits ­ of disorders of the oral cavity of 198 dogs treated in the period between 2013 and 2019, in a veterinary dentistry service, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The most prevalent breeds were mixed breed dogs, followed by Yorkshire Terries, with no significant distinction between the gender. As for age, there was a predominance of animals from middle age to the elderly, with ages above seven years old. Among the most prevalent conditions, the highlight is due to dental calculus and periodontal disease followed by gingivitis and halitosis. Regarding the tutors' habits, there was a low level of routine brushing, and a high percentage in the supply of snacks. Evaluating the results and relating them to the eating habits of the patients, the hypothesis that comercial dog food feeding may somehow contribute to dental calculus evolution, urging studies with bigger samples for a deeper investigation.

Estudo retrospectivo das doenças da cavidade oral de cães em um serviço de odontologia veterinária / Main demographic and nosological characteristics of diseases of the oral cavity of dogs treated at a veterinary dentistry service

Afecções da cavidade oral como o Cálculo Dentário (CD) e a Doença Periodontal (DP) são frequentes na clínica de cães e têm grande impacto na saúde e qualidade de vida dos pacientes acometidos. No entanto, a adoção de medidas preventivas ainda é difícil, uma vez que a epidemiologia das doenças da cavidade oral ainda é pouco compreendida no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar aspectos epidemiológicos dos distúrbios da cavidade oral de 198 cães atendidos no período compreendido entre 2013 e 2019, em um serviço de odontologia veterinária, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. As raças mais prevalentes foram cães sem raça definida, seguidos do Yorkshire, não havendo distinção significativa entre o gênero. Quanto a idade, observou-se uma predominância de animais de meia idade a idosos, com faixa etária acima dos 7 anos. Dentre as afecções mais prevalentes, o destaque se deve ao cálculo dentário e a doença periodontal seguidos de gengivite e halitose. Quanto aos hábitos dos tutores, notou-se baixa realização de escovação rotineira, e um alto percentual no fornecimento de petiscos. Avaliando-se os resultados e os relacionando aos hábitos alimentares dos pacientes, conclui-se que a alimentação com ração canina industrializada teve maior impacto e associação a CD do que a alimentação natural.

Diseases of the oral cavity, such as Dental Calculus (DC) and Periodontal Disease (PD), are frequent in the dog clinic and have a great impact on the health and quality of life of affected patients. However, the adoption of preventive measures is still difficult, since the epidemiology of diseases of the oral cavity is still poorly understood in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate demographic and nosological aspects such as feeding and brushing habits of disorders of the oral cavity of 198 dogs treated in the period between 2013 and 2019, in a veterinary dentistry service, in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The most prevalent breeds were mixed breed dogs, followed by Yorkshire Terries, with no significant distinction between the gender. As for age, there was a predominance of animals from middle age to the elderly, with ages above seven years old. Among the most prevalent conditions, the highlight is due to dental calculus and periodontal disease followed by gingivitis and halitosis. Regarding the tutors habits, there was a low level of routine brushing, and a high percentage in the supply of snacks. Evaluating the results and relating them to the eating habits of the patients, the hypothesis that comercial dog food feeding may somehow contribute to dental calculus evolution, urging studies with bigger samples for a deeper investigation.(AU)

Periodontal conditions in adolescents and young Brazilians and associated factors: Cross-sectional study with data from the Brazilian oral health survey, 2010.

BACKGROUND: Diseases of the gingival tissues are considered a global public health problem concern. These diseases show great differences in their distribution and prevalence in the different localities investigated. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of the periodontal conditions of gingival bleeding and dental calculus in Brazilian adolescents and young people, as well as to verify the associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional population-based study that used secondary data from the National Oral Health Survey (SB Brazil 2010) performed by the Ministry of Health. This study assessed 7328 adolescents aged 12 years and 5445 young people aged 15-19 years. The characteristics of the periodontal conditions were obtained by the community periodontal index, which provided the outcome variables of gingival bleeding and dental calculus. The predictor variables were demographic, socioeconomic, and oral clinical data. RESULTS: The results showed a high prevalence of gingival bleeding (32%) and dental calculus (33.1%) in the individuals assessed. In addition, as observed after adjusting to the Poisson regression model, the variables of 12 years of age, no tooth loss, fewer household residents, >6 years of education, and no need for dental treatment were considered protective factors for gingival bleeding and dental calculus. CONCLUSIONS: The variables of nonwhite skin color, certain regions of the country, and low monthly household income were considered risk factors for the outcomes. Boys presented a higher prevalence of dental calculus than girls.

Occurrence and predictors of gingivitis and supragingival calculus in a population of Brazilian adults

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of gingivitis and calculus and their predictors in a population of adults in Brazil. A representative sample of 758 adults from 35 to 59 years of age from Porto Alegre city was examined. A structured questionnaire was applied. The Gingival Bleeding Index and the presence of calculus were measured at 4 sites/tooth. Multivariable logistic models were fitted to determine the predictors for gingival bleeding at >20% of sites. Overall, 96.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]=95.1-98.0) of individuals had ≥ 1 bleeding site. The mean percentages of sites with gingivitis and calculus were 26.1% and 44.6%, respectively. The odds of gingivitis decreased by ∼45% for individuals ≥40 years old compared to younger adults. Individuals that never performed interproximal cleaning and non-whites had an approximately two times higher chance of gingivitis. Smokers had lower chances of gingivitis than never-smokers (odds ratio=0.40; 95% CI=0.24-0.68). Higher numbers of missing teeth were associated with higher chances of gingivitis. The percentage of calculus was significantly associated with skin color, education, proximal cleaning, smoking exposure, dental visits, and tooth loss. It can be concluded that the occurrence of gingivitis and calculus was high in this Brazilian population, and it was associated with age, skin color, education, self-reported proximal cleaning, smoking, dental care, and tooth loss.

Cleaning protocol of archaeological dental calculus: A methodological proposal for vegetable microremains analysis.

OBJECTIVES: One of the major drawbacks involves the contamination produced during the sampling of dental calculus samples due to their manipulation with non-sterilized latex gloves containing maize starch. These gloves have been commonly used for the sampling, cleaning and conservation of archaeological materials. The objective of the present work is to propose a protocol for the cleaning of dental calculus samples that have been contaminated, allowing the removal of such material from the calculus surface. The application of this protocol guarantees the exogenous elements elimination without causing the loss of the archaeological material, since as it is a nondestructive and/or invasive cleaning method, it remains contained within the dental calculus which protects and guarantees its preservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven fragments of dental calculus were recovered from several archaeological sites in the province of Córdoba, Argentina, dated by AMS between 4058 and 387 14C years BP. A sample comprising 22 fragments larger than 2 mm, which represent 38.59% of the total, were subjected to four cleaning stages through distilled and centrifugal water. As a control test, 10 fragments of human dental tartar were taken, known to have not been previously handled with powdered latex gloves. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results show significant differences between the four cleaning stages, representing an important reduction of modern starch grains adhered to the surface of archaeological samples of human dental calculus.

Multiproxy evidence for leaf-browsing and closed habitats in extinct proboscideans (Mammalia, Proboscidea) from Central Chile.

Proboscideans are so-called ecosystem engineers and are considered key players in hypotheses about Late Pleistocene megafaunal extinctions. However, knowledge about the autoecology and chronology of the proboscideans in South America is still open to debate and raises controversial views. Here, we used a range of multiproxy approaches and new radiocarbon datings to study the autoecology of Chilean gomphotheres, the only group of proboscideans to reach South America during the Great American Biotic Interchange (∼3.1 to 2.7 million years before present). As part of this study, we analyzed stable isotopes, dental microwear, and dental calculus microfossils on gomphothere molars from 30 Late Pleistocene sites (31° to 42°S). These proxies provided different scales of temporal resolution, which were then combined to assess the dietary and habitat patterns of these proboscideans. The multiproxy study suggests that most foraging took place in relatively closed environments. In Central Chile, there is a positive correlation between lower δ13C values and an increasing consumption of arboreal/scrub elements. Analyses of dental microwear and calculus microfossils have verified these leaf-browsing feeding habits. From a comparative perspective, the dietary pattern of South American gomphotheres appears to be constrained more by resource availability than by the potential dietary range of the individual taxa. This multiproxy study is aimed at increasing knowledge of the life history of gomphotheres and thus follows an issue considered one of the greatest challenges for paleontology in South America, recently pointed out by the need to thoroughly understand the role of ecological engineers before making predictions about the consequences of ecosystem defaunation.

Prevalence, Severity, and Risk Factors of Gingival Inflammation in Caribbean Adults: A Multi-City, Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence, severity, and associated risk factors of gingival inflammation in a group of adults from Kingston, Jamaica; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. METHODS: In this representative cross-sectional study, participants completed medical and oral health questionnaires and received an oral clinical examination by trained and calibrated examiners. Clinical assessments included: gingival health (modified Löe-Silness index), visible plaque and presence of calculus. Findings were summarized as mean overall and interproximal gingival indices (GI; IGI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), gingival inflammation prevalence (GI>=0.5) and severity (mild, moderate, severe), mean and interproximal visible plaque indices (VPI; IVPI), and calculus index. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between risk factors and gingival bleeding on probing (BOP) at >= 40% sites;. odds ratios were estimated. RESULTS: All 1,847 participants presented gingival inflammation; most (81.9%) had moderate inflammation. Mean GI, VPI, IVPI, and calculus indices were 1.49, 0.94, 0.96, and 0.66, respectively; most participants presented a VPI >= 30%. BOP >= 40% of sites was significantly associated with education (ORmiddle/technical vs. university education=1.61; p =0.001 and ORnone/basic vs. university= 2.86; p<0.001), calculus index (OR: 10.35), VPI >= 30% (OR: 7.85; p<0.001 for both), and being a resident of Kingston or Santo Domingo (vs. San Juan, OR: 4. 74 and OR: 7.09, respectively), after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, dental visit frequency, diabetes, and hypertension. CONCLUSION: Gingival inflammation was highly prevalent. Most participants presented moderate gingival inflammation. Educational attainment, dental calculus, and VPI >= 30% were strongly associated with gingival inflammation.

Prevalence of gingivitis and calculus in 12-year-old Puerto Ricans: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Gingivitis is a common oral health problem. Untreated gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, a common cause of tooth loss. The prevalence of gingivitis and calculus among Puerto Rican children is unknown. Understanding this prevalence can support early public health preventative strategies. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of gingivitis and calculus among 12-year-old Puerto Ricans by health region and to explore differences in distribution by school type (proxy for socio-economic status) and gender. METHODS: A probability-based sample of 113 schools was selected proportional to enrollment size and stratified by health region, school type, and gender. Two trained examiners evaluated the presence of gingivitis and both supragingival and subgingival dental calculus. Gingivitis was defined as the presence of gingival bleeding upon gentle probing (BOP) in at least one site, and the extent of the problem was classified according to the percentage of teeth whose gingiva presented BOP (limited: 25-49% of the teeth tested; extensive: >50% of teeth tested). Logistic and linear regression models, adjusted for health regions, were used to compare gingivitis and calculus prevalence and extent between genders and school types. RESULTS: Gingivitis was found in 80.41% of the 1586 children evaluated. Urban-public schoolchildren had a slightly higher prevalence (83.24%) compared to private (79.15%, p = 0.16); those in rural-public (77.59%) and private schools had similar prevalence (p = 0.15). Extensive gingivitis was present in 60.81% of all children. The mean percentage of sites presenting BOP (BOP%) was 17.79%. Rural and urban public schoolchildren presented significantly higher BOP% compared to children from private schools (p = 0.0005, p = 0.002, respectively). Dental calculus was detected in 61.59% of the sample, boys presenting significantly higher (p = 0.005) total and supragingival calculus. Rural-public schoolchildren had a significantly higher prevalence of subgingival calculus compared to private schoolchildren (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Gingivitis prevalence is higher among 12-year-old Puerto Ricans compared to data reported for U.S. adolescents. Public schoolchildren presented significantly higher BOP% sites compared to private schoolchildren. Boys presented a significantly higher total and supragingival calculus prevalence than girls. Oral health disparities related to gender and school type were identified by this study. Studies exploring the reasons for these disparities are recommended.

Efficacy of a Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri extract to control bacterial biofilms and dental calculus in dogs / Eficácia do extrato de Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri no controle do biofilme bacteriano e cálculo dentário em cães

An aqueous leaf extract of the medicinal species Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri (here denominated KGB) has been found to be effective as an antimicrobial agent against canine oral cavity bacteria in in vitro assays. In this study, we investigated the effect of topic oral administration of KGB on the development of dental biofilm in Beagle dogs. The experiments were performed with an experimental group (0.2% of KGB extract), a negative control group (0.9% of saline solution) and a positive control group (0.12% chlorhexidine). Each treatment was sprayed into the oral cavity daily for 28 days. Thirty Beagle dogs with similar characteristics and kept under the same management and diet were used. The measurement of dental plaque and calculus was performed using a computerized analytical method. The phenolic profile of KGB extract was analyzed by HPLC-DAD. KGB extract at 0.2% showed efficacy in controlling the formation of plaque compared to the negative control group, and dental calculus in relation to the negative and positive control groups. A significant difference was observed among these three groups. Peaks attributed to flavonoids and phenolic acids were identified in the HPLC-DAD chromatogram of the KGB extract. The presence of these substances could be related to the activity observed. Our findings demonstrate that treatment with KGB is effective in controlling periodontal disease in dogs, providing new insights into the medicinal properties of this plant. KGB extract has a potential use as a supplemental agent in pharmaceutical products for the prevention of periodontal disease.(AU)

Um extrato aquoso de folhas da espécie medicinal Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri (aqui denominado como KGB) foi efetivo como um agente antimicrobiano contra as bactérias da cavidade oral de cães em testes in vitro. Neste estudo, investigou-se o efeito da administração oral tópica de KGB sobre o desenvolvimento do biofilme dental em cães da raça Beagle. Os experimentos foram realizados com um grupo experimental (0,2% de extrato de KGB), um grupo controle negativo (0,9% de solução salina) e um grupo controle positivo (0,12% de gluconato de clorexidina). Cada tratamento foi aplicado no interior da cavidade oral diariamente durante 28 dias. Foram utilizados trinta cães da raça Beagle com características semelhantes e mantidos sob o mesmo manejo e dieta. A medição da placa bacteriana e cálculo dentários foi realizada utilizando-se um método de análise computadorizada. O perfil fenólico do extrato de KGB foi analisado por HPLC-DAD. O extrato de KGB a 0,2% mostrou eficácia no controle da formação de placa bacteriana em comparação com o grupo controle negativo, e de cálculo dentário em relação aos grupos controle negativo e positivo. Uma diferença significativa foi observada entre esses três grupos. Picos atribuídos a flavonoides e ácidos fenólicos foram identificados no cromatograma de HPLC-DAD do extrato de KGB. A presença de tais substâncias pode estar relacionada com a atividade observada. Os resultados demonstram que o tratamento com KGB é eficaz no controle da doença periodontal em cães, fornecendo novas perspectivas sobre as propriedades medicinais desta planta. O extrato de KGB tem uma utilização potencial como um agente suplementar em produtos farmacêuticos para a prevenção da doença periodontal.(AU)