Digital measurement of deciduous tooth dimensions in China: A cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: Crown dimensions data of deciduous teeth hold anthropological, forensic, and archaeological value. However, such information remains scarce for the Chinese population. This multi-center study aimed to collect a large sample of deciduous crown data from Chinese children using three-dimensional measurement methods and to analyze their dimensions. DESIGN: A total of 1592 children's deciduous dentition samples were included, and the sample size was distributed according to Northeast, North, East, Northwest, Southwest and South China. Digital dental models were reconstructed from plaster dental models. Independent sample t test, paired t test, principal component analysis (PCA), and factor analysis (FA) were used to analyze the tooth crown dimensions. RESULT: 18,318 deciduous teeth from 1592 children were included. Males exhibited slightly larger values than females. The range of sexual dimorphism percentages for each measurement was as follows: mesiodistal diameter (0.40-2.08), buccolingual diameter (0.13-2.24), and maxillogingival diameter (0.48-3.37). The FA results showed that the main trend of crown dimensions changes was the simultaneous increase or decrease in mesiodistal diameter, buccolingual diameter and maxillogingival diameter in three directions. CONCLUSION: This is the first large-scale survey of deciduous tooth crown dimensions in China, which supplements the data of deciduous tooth measurement and provides a reference for clinical application.

Facial soft-tissue thickness in children: A study of a CTBC Brazilian sample.

As an auxiliary method in the process of human identification, forensic facial approximation (FFA) is an important tool for identifying unknown human bodies whose remains do not present the necessary traceability to any antemortem data collection. Specific characteristics are necessary when addressing children aged between 6 and 10 years, who have little sexual differentiation and a mixed dentition. Due to the chronology of eruption of the permanent second molars in this population, it is not possible to measure facial soft-tissue thickness (FSTT) from specific landmarks such as supra and infra M2. The objective of this research was to report the method for measuring the average FSTT of 32 landmarks adapting the method for adults replacing the landmarks at the upper and lower second molars (Supra M2 and Infra M2) in children up to 10 years of age for a measurement using the deciduous second molars as reference. We found statistical differences for some points, considering the variables of age and sex, but with a maximum difference of 2 mm, which allows the use of a single FSTT table. The deciduous teeth can replace the reference of the thicknesses at the supra and infra M2 landmarks. In addition to the new FSTT data for children in Brazil, we concluded that the proposed adaptation to the deciduous M2 points can be applied to obtain soft-tissue data for 32 facial points.

Comparative evaluation of volumetric changes following rotary and hand files' canal preparation of primary maxillary canine: an in vitro nano-CT analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the volumetric changes of two recently introduced paediatric rotary file systems in comparison with conventional hand file systems in primary maxillary canines using an ultra-high-resolution nano-computed tomography. METHODS: This in vitro study was performed in extracted primary maxillary canines based on certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. Samples were prepared, and working length was determined after the pre-operative scan using a high-resolution nano-CT device (SkyScan 2214, Bruker, Kontich, Belgium). A single well-experienced paediatric dentist prepared the canals using three file systems: Kedo-S plus, Kedo-SG blue and hand K-files. All samples were subjected to post-operative scans performed similar to pre-operative scans. Image reconstruction was performed with NRecon software for 3D volumetric visualisation and analysis of the root canals. RESULTS: Kedo-SG blue file systems had the highest mean difference in the canal volume (4.05%). Hand K-files had the least difference at (3.71%) of canal volume. Kedo-S plus file system had a moderate mean canal volume difference (3.82%) which is closer to hand K-files. Intergroup comparison between the three groups showed that the mean difference in canal volume was statistically significant between all three file systems (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the current study, rotary file systems produced a significant enlargement of canals as compared to hand files. Kedo-SG blue created a uniform preparation of the canal cervico-apically. Kedo-S plus files were prepared more coronally with minimal preparation apically as close to the preparation of hand files. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: IHEC/SDC/PEDO-2103/22/651, Date of registration: 2022.

Gingival thickness and gingival width in children: a cross-sectional study utilizing ultrasonography.

PURPOSE: To measure the gingival phenotype-related features, gingival thickness (GT) and gingival width (GW), in healthy children and to investigate their association between them, with age, gender, tooth-type and arch. METHODS: The gingival sites of 1029 teeth were included from 64 children (36 males and 28 females), with primary and mixed dentition, attending the paediatric dental clinic of Aristotle University, Thessaloniki. GT and GW were measured ultrasonically and with a periodontal probe, respectively. Mixed effects linear regression models were used to evaluate the association of gingival thickness and gingival width with the under-investigation parameters. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate correlation between GT and GW. RESULTS: Significantly thicker gingiva is found in posterior teeth compared to anterior teeth, in permanent teeth versus primary teeth and in maxillary teeth in comparison to mandibular teeth (p value < 0.001). Regarding GW, significantly wider gingiva is noted in posterior regions (p value = 0.022) and the maxilla (p value < 0.001). Gender-wise and concerning age GT and GW are not significantly affected. A weak and positive correlation between GT and GW is noted (rho 0.30, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: GT and GW present significant associations with arch and tooth-type. Findings from this study fulfil the further understanding of GT and GW of paediatric patients that are investigated sparsely throughout the literature and demonstrate an accurate, painless and simple method to map the gingiva.

Randomized Clinical Study of the Use of MTA and Biodentine™ for Pulpotomy in Primary Teeth

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify, through clinical and radiographic evaluations, the in vivo response of the dentin-pulpal complex of human primary teeth after pulpotomy with MTA and Biodentine™ in a follow-up period of 3, 6, and 12 months. Material and Methods: Thirty teeth were divided into MTA pulpotomy (n = 15) and Biodentine™ pulpotomy (n = 15) from children between 5 and 9 years of age, a randomized clinical trial with simple random sampling. The materials were inserted into the cavity after opening and removing the coronary pulp tissue. The cavity base consisted of glass ionomer cement and light-cured composite resin restoration. Clinical and radiographic analyses were performed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical analysis by Fisher's exact test for dichotomous data at a 5% significance level was utilized. Results: Both materials caused color change after 12 months. However, MTA showed a higher percentage than Biodentine™ (p<0.0001). Pain was detected only with Biodentine™ at six months and mobility at 12 months (p=0.0013). Radiographically, after 12 months, periapical lesions, interradicular lesions, and internal resorption were evidenced in 13% of the cases for Biodentine™-treated teeth (p<0.0013). MTA induced pulp calcification in 13% of cases, unlike Biodentine™ (p<0.0013). Conclusion: BiodentineTM and MTA are suitable for clinical use in pulpotomy treatment, yet both materials lead to tooth discoloration.

Single Nucleotides Polymorphisms in COX2 Gene and their Association with Signs and Symptoms of Teething - A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) and local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething. Material and Methods: Forty-four pairs of mothers-babies/toddlers were included. Erupted primary teeth were evaluated during clinical examination. Local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething were obtained from mothers' reporting via anamnesis. Samples of buccal cells were retrieved for DNA genotyping using real-time PCR. The T-test, Chi-square test, logistic regression, and haplotype analyses were applied. Results: Almost all mothers (95.5%) reported at least one local or systemic sign and symptom of teething. The most common was increased salivation (79.5%), diarrhea (72.3 %), and fever (70.5 %). The mean number of signs and symptoms per child was higher in boys than girls (mean = 5.1; SD= 1.5; p=0.008). Sleep disturbance (p=0.03) and loss of appetite (p=0.05) were more reported in boys. The rs689466 and rs5275 were not associated with signs and symptoms of teething (p>0.05). Conclusion: The single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) were not associated with local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething.

Establishing Cephalometric Norms in Primary Dentition Using Comprehensive Craniofacial Growth Analysis - A Digital Cephalometric Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish cephalometric norms in primary dentition among males and females using novel customized Comprehensive Cephalometric Growth (CCG) Analysis. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 67 subjects with a mean age of 5.5 yrs. Digital lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained using Planmeca Pro One. The digital images were then transferred to Nemoceph software. Craniofacial Growth (CCG) Analysis was configured in the software with five sub-groups. This sub-grouping was done such that related components were grouped together and comprehensively; it would provide an assessment of every component of the craniofacial region that could be affected either by treatment maneuver or growth process. The same was used for the cephalometric analysis and to determine the cephalometric norms in the primary dentition. Results: Certain linear measurements were higher among males when compared to females. However, most measurements remained similar among males and females during this age group. The CCG analysis provided a comprehensive knowledge of the craniofacial parameters during the growth process. Conclusion: The cephalometric norms during primary dentition thus established using Comprehensive Craniofacial Growth analysis would provide the data for early diagnosis and treatment planning in interceptive orthodontic treatment procedures.

Morphological variation of the deciduous second molars in the Baka Pygmies.

The Baka Pygmies are known for their short stature resulting from a reduced growth rate during infancy. They are peculiar also for their teeth erupt earlier than in any other African population, and their posterior dentition is larger than in non-Pygmy populations. However, the Baka's dental morphology, like several other aspects of their biology, is still understudied. Here, we explore the variation of the Baka's deciduous upper and lower second molars (dm2s) in comparison to a geographically heterogeneous human sample by means of 3D geometric morphometrics and analysis of dental traits. Our results show that the different populations largely overlap based on the shape of their dm2s, especially the lower ones. Their distal region and the height of the dentinal crown differ the most, with the Baka showing the most extreme range of variation. Upper and lower dm2s covary to a great extent (RV = 0.82). The Baka's and South Americans' dm2s were confirmed among the largest in our sample. Despite the Baka's unique growth pattern, long-lasting isolation, and extreme dental variation, it is not possible to distinguish them from other populations based on their dm2s' morphology only.

Evidence of habitual behavior from non-alimentary dental wear on deciduous teeth from the Middle and Upper Paleolithic Cantabrian region, Northern Spain.

The use of 'teeth as tools' (non-masticatory or cultural-related dental wear) has largely been employed as a proxy for studying of past human behavior, mainly in permanent dentition from adult individuals. Here we present the analysis of the non-masticatory dental wear modifications on the deciduous dentition assigned to eight Neanderthal and anatomically modern human subadult individuals from Mousterian to Magdalenian technocultural contexts in the Cantabrian region (Northern Spain). Although preliminary, we tentatively suggest that these eight subadults present activity-related dental wear, including cultural striations, chipped enamel, toothpick grooves, and subvertical grooves. We also found evidence of habitual dental hygienic practices in the form of toothpicking on a deciduous premolar. Orientation of the cultural striations indicates similar handedness development as in modern children. Taken together, these dental wear patterns support the participation of young individuals in group activities, making them potential contributors to group welfare. This study potentially adds new evidence to the importance of the use of the mouth in paramasticatory activities or as a third hand throughout the Pleistocene, which can be confirmed with a more specific reference sample.

Advances in the identification of deciduous molar tooth germs.

In forensic anthropology, correct identification of human deciduous teeth is of paramount importance for age-at-death estimation and relies on detailed anatomical descriptions. Yet literature is scarce on indications: details on the morphology of molar tooth germs of fetuses and newborns, developing from multiple mineralized centers that will eventually coalesce, are scant. This paper presents new anatomical elements for practitioners to identify human molar tooth germs at early developmental stages. 126 deciduous molars from 22 modern skeletons of fetuses and newborns (with a known age-at-death ranging between 0 days and 2 months and 21 days postnatal), without reported or observed dental pathological signs, were selected from the Collezione Antropologica LABANOF (CAL) documented skeletal collection. Gross anatomical descriptions of the morphology and configuration of the centers were provided, considering the number of mineralized centers, the shape and the outline of the occlusal plane at different stages. Three different developmental stages were observed in the maxillary first and second molar and the mandibular first molar, whereas in the mandibular second molar four stages were observed. For each stage, we provide additional detailed morphological descriptions, sketches outlining the shape of the tooth germ, and a picture of the tooth; also, indications for siding the teeth are presented. This information can be used by forensic anthropologists and odontologists for a proper identification when tooth germs are not found in anatomical connection within the dental sockets. Further analyses that encompass more age groups on a larger sample would allow to map the entire crown development of deciduous molars.

Increased dental fluctuating asymmetry is associated with active skeletal lesions, but not mortality hazards in the precontact Southwest United States.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines whether individuals with higher dental fluctuating asymmetry (DFA) are frailer than those with lower DFA, by examining whether increased DFA is associated with skeletal lesion formation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 150 individuals with permanent teeth and 64 individuals with deciduous teeth. All individuals are Ancestral Puebloans from archaeological sites in modern-day New Mexico. We estimate DFA in three ways: (a) deciduous DFA only, (b) permanent DFA only, and (c) a composite of permanent and deciduous DFA. We analyzed DFA alongside lesion status for cribra orbitalia (CO) and porotic hyperostosis (PH), as well as the presence/absence of enamel hypoplasia (EH). All stress indicators were further analyzed for their impact on mortality hazards. RESULTS: We find that individuals with active CO and PH lesions have increased DFA, while those with healed lesions have lower DFA. We found no relationship between EH and DFA. Further, DFA alone does not predict individual mortality but CO does. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with increased DFA are frailer and therefore, less capable of buffering themselves against perturbations to their health than those with lower DFA. All results indicate that individuals in this study with lower DFA were more successful in buffering themselves against random environmental impacts during childhood. While DFA alone does not predict mortality hazard, its relationship to lesion status (lower DFA in individuals with healed lesions) indicates that it would be a valuable addition to studies of health and stress.

Influence of Depression and Use of Alcohol and / or Tobacco by Parents in the Oral Health of Children with Disabilities

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the influence of parental depression and substance use in the oral health care of children with disabilities. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 151 children with disabilities and their parents/caregivers. To detect the presence of depression and alcohol or tobacco use, the parents/caregivers answered three questionnaires: two versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Then, the children with disabilities underwent oral examination to evaluate biofilm control, gingival condition and the dental carie index (decayed, missing, and filled teeth - dmft ̸ DMFT). Results: There was a statistically significant association between tobacco use and dental caries in deciduous teeth (p=0.046). The children of smokers had six times greater need for dental treatment than that of non-smokers (OR= 6.36; CI= 1.3-30.5). There was no statistically significant association between the oral health of the children with disabilities and parental alcohol consumption and depression (p>0.05). Children with medical condition had a higher need for dental treatment than children with intellectual disability (p=0.003). Conclusion: Parental smoking habits increase dental caries in the deciduous teeth of children with disabilities, but parental depression and alcohol use do not influence the oral health of children with disabilities. Children with medical condition have more treatment needs than children with intellectual disability.

Taxonomic differences in deciduous lower first molar crown outlines of Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis.

Recent studies have demonstrated that the outline shapes of deciduous upper and lower second molars and the deciduous upper first molar are useful for diagnosing hominin taxa-especially Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens. Building on these studies, we use geometric morphometric methods to assess the taxonomic significance of the crown outline of the lower first deciduous molar (dm1). We test whether the crown shape of the dm1 distinguishes H. neanderthalensis from H. sapiens and explore whether dm1 crown shape can be used to accurately assign individuals to taxa. Our fossil sample includes 3 early H. sapiens, 7 Upper Paleolithic H. sapiens, and 13 H. neanderthalensis individuals. Our recent human sample includes 103 individuals from Africa, Australia, Europe, South America, and South Asia. Our results indicate that H. neanderthalensis dm1s cluster fairly tightly and separate well from those of Upper Paleolithic H. sapiens. However, we also found that the range of shapes in the recent human sample completely overlaps the ranges of all fossil samples. Consequently, results of the quadratic discriminant analysis based on the first 8 principal components (PCs) representing more than 90% of the variation were mixed. Lower dm1s were correctly classified in 87.3% of the individuals; the combined H. sapiens sample had greater success (90.2%) in assigning individuals than did the H. neanderthalensis sample (61.5%). When the analysis was run removing the highly variable recent human sample, accuracy increased to 84.6% for H. neanderthalensis, and 57.1% of Upper Paleolithic H. sapiens were classified correctly by using the first 4 PCs (70.3%). We conclude that caution is warranted when assigning isolated dm1 crowns to taxa; while an assignment to H. neanderthalensis has a high probability of being correct, assignment to Upper Paleolithic H. sapiens is less certain.

A late Neanderthal tooth from northeastern Italy.

The site of Riparo Broion (Vicenza, northeastern Italy) preserves a stratigraphic sequence documenting the Middle-to-Upper Paleolithic transition, in particular the final Mousterian and the Uluzzian cultures. In 2018, a human tooth was retrieved from a late Mousterian level, representing the first human remain ever found from this rock shelter (Riparo Broion 1). Here, we provide the morphological description and taxonomic assessment of Riparo Broion 1 with the support of classic and virtual morphology, 2D and 3D analysis of the topography of enamel thickness, and DNA analysis. The tooth is an exfoliated right upper deciduous canine, and its general morphology and enamel thickness distribution support attribution to a Neanderthal child. Correspondingly, the mitochondrial DNA sequence from Riparo Broion 1 falls within the known genetic variation of Late Pleistocene Neanderthals, in accordance with newly obtained radiocarbon dates that point to approximately 48 ka cal BP as the most likely minimum age for this specimen. The present work describes novel and direct evidence of the late Neanderthal occupation in northern Italy that preceded the marked cultural and technological shift documented by the Uluzzian layers in the archaeological sequence at Riparo Broion. Here, we provide a new full morphological, morphometric, and taxonomic analysis of Riparo Broion 1, in addition to generating the wider reference sample of Neanderthal and modern human upper deciduous canines. This research contributes to increasing the sample of fossil remains from Italy, as well as the number of currently available upper deciduous canines, which are presently poorly documented in the scientific literature.

Enamel thickness variation in the deciduous dentition of extant large-bodied hominoids.

OBJECTIVES: Enamel thickness features prominently in hominoid evolutionary studies. To date, however, studies of enamel thickness in humans, great apes, and their fossil relatives have focused on the permanent molar row. Comparatively little research effort has been devoted to tissue proportions within deciduous teeth. Here we attempt to fill this gap by documenting enamel thickness variation in the deciduous dentition of extant large-bodied hominoids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used microcomputed tomography to image dental tissues in 80 maxillary and 78 mandibular deciduous premolars of Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes, Gorilla, and Pongo. Two-dimensional virtual sections were created from the image volumes to quantify average (AET) and relative (RET) enamel thickness, as well as its distribution across the crown. RESULTS: Our results reveal no significant differences in enamel thickness among the great apes. Unlike the pattern present in permanent molars, Pongo does not stand out as having relatively thicker-enameled deciduous premolars than P. troglodytes and Gorilla. Humans, on the other hand, possess significantly thicker deciduous premolar enamel in comparison to great apes. Following expectations from masticatory biomechanics, we also find that the "functional" side (protocone, protoconid) of deciduous premolars generally possesses thicker enamel than the "nonfunctional" side. DISCUSSION: Our study lends empirical support to anecdotal observations that patterns of AET and RET observed for permanent molars of large-bodied apes do not apply to deciduous premolars. By documenting enamel thickness variation in hominoid deciduous teeth, this study provides the comparative context to interpret rates and patterns of wear of deciduous teeth and their utility in life history reconstructions.

Developmental origins and homologies of the hyracoid dentition.

Understanding the origins of morphological specializations in mammals is a key goal in evolutionary biology. It can be accomplished by studying dental homology, which is at the core of most evolutionary and developmental studies. Here, we focused on the evolution and development of the specialized dentition of hyraxes for which dental homologies have long been debated, and could have implications on early placental evolution. Specifically, we analysed dental mineralization sequences of the three living genera of hyraxes and 17 fossil species using X-ray computed microtomography. Our results point out the labile position of vestigial upper teeth on jaw bones in extant species, associated with the frequently unusual premolar shape of deciduous canines over 50 Ma of hyracoid evolution. We proposed two evolutionary and developmental hypotheses to explain these original hyracoid dental characteristics. (a) The presence of a vestigial teeth on the maxilla in front of a complex deciduous canine could be interpreted as extra-teeth reminiscent of early placental evolution or sirenians, an order phylogenetically close to hyracoids and showing five premolars. (b) These vestigial teeth could also correspond to third incisors with a position unusually shifted on the maxilla, which could be explained by the dual developmental origin of these most posterior incisors and their degenerated condition. This integrative study allows discussion on the current evolutionary and developmental paradigms associated with the mammalian dentition. It also highlights the importance of nonmodel species to understand dental homologies.

Effects of maternal, gestational, and perinatal variables on neonatal line width observed in a modern UK birth cohort.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to explore potential relationships between neonatal line (NNL) width and early life history variables such as maternal health, gestation, the birth process, and perinatal health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histological thin sections of deciduous canines were studied from 71 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). The width of the NNL was measured in three locations on the tooth crown using spatial mapping techniques (ArcGIS) from digital images from an Olympus VS-120 microscope. Life history variables were collected prospectively through a combination of clinical observations and questionnaires. RESULTS: Infants born late term or post term had narrower neonatal lines than those born prematurely or at full term. Infants born in Autumn (September to November) had narrower NNLs than those born at other times of year. NNLs in infants born to mothers with hypertension were wider than those without. Infants resuscitated at birth or born to obese mothers had narrower NNLs than those that were not. There was no association between NNL width and either the type or duration of delivery. DISCUSSION: The NNL in enamel is an irregular accentuated line, but the factors underlying its formation and width remain unclear. In contrast to some previous studies, we found no association between wider NNLs and long or difficult births. Instead, we found that the width of the neonatal line NNL varied in relation to parameters that reflected the prenatal environment and length of gestation.

Patterns of heritability across the human diphyodont dental complex: Crown morphology of Australian twins and families.

OBJECTIVES: This study generates a series of narrow-sense heritability estimates for crown morphology of the deciduous and permanent dentition with two overarching aims. The first is to test the hypothesis that deciduous teeth provide a more faithful reflection of genetic information than their permanent successors. The second is to use quantitative genetic methods to evaluate assumptions underlying common data collection and analysis practices in biodistance research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental morphology data were collected from longitudinal dental casts representing Australian twins and families using Arizona State Dental Anthropology System standards. Polygenic models and estimates of narrow-sense heritability were generated using SOLAR v.8.1.1. Each model considered age, sex, and age/sex interaction as covariates. RESULTS: Heritability estimates significantly differed from zero for the majority of morphological crown characters. Most estimates fell within the 0.4-0.8 range typically observed for crown morphology. Mean heritability was stable across the dental complex, but for paired homologues, permanent traits often yielded higher estimates than their deciduous counterparts. Results indicate directional asymmetry in environmental influence for crown morphology and inform biodistance "best practices" related to data collection and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, results for this sample support the use of crown morphology as a proxy for genetic variation in evolutionary research. This includes the deciduous dentition, which justifies the expansion of efforts to incorporate subadults into reconstructions of past microevolutionary processes. Results do not indicate that deciduous phenotypes more closely approximate underlying genotype, at least for deciduous/permanent homologues.

Comparative dental anatomy in newborn primates: Cusp mineralization.

Previous descriptive work on deciduous dentition of primates has focused disproportionately on great apes and humans. To address this bias in the literature, we studied 131 subadult nonhominoid specimens (including 110 newborns) describing deciduous tooth morphology and assessing maximum hydroxyapatite density (MHD). All specimens were CT scanned at 70 kVp and reconstructed at 20.5-39 µm voxels. Grayscale intensity from scans was converted to hydroxyapatite (HA) density (mg HA/cm3 ) using a linear conversion of grayscale values to calibration standards of known HA density (R2 = .99). Using Amira software, mineralized dental tissues were captured by segmenting the tooth cusps first and then capturing the remainder of the teeth at descending thresholds of gray levels. We assessed the relationship of MHD of selected teeth to cranial length using Pearson correlation coefficients. In monkeys, anterior teeth are more mineralized than postcanine teeth. In tarsiers and most lemurs and lorises, postcanine teeth are the most highly mineralized. This suggests that monkeys have a more prolonged process of dental mineralization that begins with incisors and canines, while mineralization of postcanine teeth is delayed. This may in part be a result of relatively late weaning in most anthropoid primates. Results also reveal that in lemurs and lorises, MHD of the mandibular first permanent molar (M1 ) negatively correlates with cranial length. In contrast, the MHD of M1 positively correlates with cranial length in monkeys. This supports the hypothesis that natural selection acts independently on dental growth as opposed to mineralization and indicates clear phylogenetic differences among primates.

Eficácia da pasta CTZ no tratamento endodôntico de dentes decíduos em crianças com deficiência: estudo clínico prospectivo / Efficacy of CTZ paste in endodontic treatment of primary teeth in children with disabilities: prospective clinical study

É imprescindível a atenção odontológica em pacientes com deficiência, e as boas condições de saúde da cavidade bucal, estão relacionadas com a qualidade de vida e o não agravamento de suas doenças sistêmicas. Estes pacientes têm o risco aumentado em desenvolver patologias bucais, como cárie dental e doenças periodontais, que se não tratadas podem evoluir para um processo infeccioso. Deste modo o objetivo do presente estudo é o tratamento de dentes decíduos com comprometimento pulpar destes pacientes, utilizando uma técnica endodôntica simplificada e pouco invasiva; esta alternativa é o uso da pasta antibiótica CTZ (cloranfenicol, tetraciclina e óxido de zinco e eugenol). Para tanto, foram selecionados 6 pacientes do NEAPE (Núcleo de Estudo e Atendimento a Pacientes Especiais), com idade média de 5 anos. Como metodologia realizou-se a pulpotomia de 13 dentes com pulpite irreversível ou necrose pulpar. Neste estudo foi avaliado o desempenho clínico e radiográfico pós tratamento destes elementos dentais em 14, 90 e 180 dias. Os resultados observados foram positivos para a manutenção do dente decíduo até sua esfoliação fisiológica. Diante disso, a pesquisa demonstrou que com uso da pasta CTZ é possível trazer benefícios para os pacientes não colaborativos, evitando extrações dentárias frente a um comprometimento pulpar(AU)

Dental care for patients with disabilities is essential, and their good oral health conditions are related to quality of life and the non-worsening of systemic diseases. These patients have increased risk of developing oral pathologies, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases, which, if left untreated, can develop into infectious processes. Thus, the present study aims at the treatment of primary teeth with pulp involvement in these patients through a simplified and little invasive endodontic technique, which is the use of the antibiotic CTZ paste (chloramphenicol, tetracycline and zinc oxide and eugenol). To this end, 6 NEAPE (Center for Study and Care for Special Need Patients) patients were selected, with average age of 5 years. As methodology, pulpotomy of 13 teeth with irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis was performed. In this study, the clinical and radiographic performance after treatment of these dental elements was evaluated at 14, 90 and 180 days. The observed results were positive for the maintenance of primary teeth until its physiological exfoliation. Therefore, the research showed that with the use of the CTZ paste, it is possible to bring benefits to non-collaborative patients, avoiding tooth extractions of pulp involvement(AU)