Preclinical study of a cost-effective photodynamic therapy protocol for treating oral candidoses.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment for oral candidoses. Its use as an alternative to antifungals prevents several adverse effects, including microbial resistance. However, most PDT protocols do not employ devices and consumables commonly available in dental practice, thus influencing treatment affordability. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a PDT method based on light curing units' blue LEDs combined to a plaque-disclosing composition (5% erythrosine) against C. albicans in culture and in a murine model of oral candidosis. Standard and resistant fungal strains were tested in vitro in planktonic and biofilm forms. PDT (pre-irradiation time periods: 30 and 60 s; irradiation time: 3 min) was compared to control conditions without light and/or erythrosine. Mice with induced oral candidosis (n = 40) randomly received PDT or similar control conditions with subsequent C. albicans count. These mice underwent histological analysis, as well as 12 healthy mice submitted to experimental treatments. PDT completely inactivated C. albicans planktonic cells and biofilm. Control conditions presented minor differences (ANOVA, p < 0.05), with mean values ranging from 5.2 to 6.8 log10 (UFC/mL). Infected mice presented no significant difference in C. albicans counts consequent to treatments (ANOVA, p = 0.721), although the PDT protocol was able to enhance the inflammatory infiltrate in healthy mice. It can be concluded that the tested PDT protocol can inactivate C. albicans but still needs further investigation in order to achieve efficacy and safety.

Influence of professional prophylaxis on reducing discoloration of different aesthetic restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: Color match is one of the most important characteristics of aesthetic restorative materials. Integrity of the restoration and color stability throughout its functional duration are of paramount importance to ensure treatment longevity. These features, however, are not consistent among the different dental restorative materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of professional prophylaxis on reducing wear discoloration of four aesthetic restorative materials after their immersion in coffee solution for 15 days. METHODS: Seventy-one disc-shaped specimens (17 mm in diameter and 1mm thick) were fabricated and divided into five groups according to each restorative material: direct composite resin (G1: Tetric Ceram(®)), three indirect composite resins (G2: Targis; G3: Resilab Master; G4: belleGlassTM HP) and one ceramic system (G5: control: IPS Empress(®) 2). The specimens were immersed in coffee staining solution for 15 days at 37° ± 1°C in a dark environment. Afterwards, they were subjected to professional prophylaxis using sodium bicarbonate jet. Evaluations were made by means of a reflectance spectrophotometer, at three time-intervals: baseline, immediately after staining (15 days), and after prophylaxis. Data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Significant difference was observed between G1/G3 and the other groups, between G2/G4 and the other groups, and between G5 and all the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that G1 and G3 showed the greatest color changes, followed by G2 and G4, while G5 showed the smallest changes. Professional prophylaxis seemed to minimize the wear discoloration, which might result in increasing aesthetic restoration longevity.

Evaluation of partially dentate patients' knowledge about caries and periodontal disease.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation evaluated the knowledge of dental caries and periodontal disease among removable partial denture (RPD) wearers. METHOD: A total of 127 partially dentate patients participated in this observational study. A structured questionnaire, which included eight questions referring to knowledge about aetiology and prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease, was developed in the local language (Portuguese) and used to collect the data of all the partial denture wearers. A descriptive analysis of data was performed by means of drafting tables. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that 68.5% of patients interviewed had previously received information about oral health care. With regard to bacterial plaque, it was observed that only 34.6% reported having knowledge of this. Whereas, in relation to caries, 76.4% of the interviewees replied that they knew the meaning of this. Nevertheless, 28.3% referred to caries as a whole in the teeth, 16.5% as bad teeth and 9.4% bacteria/creatures on the teeth. Only 17.3% of the partially edentulous patients evaluated were shown to know what disease of the gingiva was. CONCLUSION: By means of the methodology applied, it could be concluded that the patients who wore RPDs presented deficient knowledge with regard to the prevention, aetiology and development of dental caries and periodontal disease.

Photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms present on complete dentures. A clinical investigation. Photodynamic disinfection of complete dentures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the disinfection of complete dentures. Biofilm samples were collected from dentures of 60 denture users who were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 15 each): subjects whose maxillary dentures were sprayed with 50 and 100 mg/l of Photogem® suspension (groups P50S and P100S) and patients whose maxillary dentures were treated with 50 and 100 mg/l of Photogem® gel (groups P50G and P100G). Dentures with photosensitizers were left in the dark for 30 min (pre-irradiation time) and then irradiated with blue LED light at 37.5 J/cm(2) (26 min). Denture samples were taken with sterile cotton swab before (left side surfaces) and after (right side surfaces) PDT. All microbial material was diluted and plated on selective media for Candida spp., Staphylococcus mutans spp., streptococci and a non-selective media. After incubation (48 h/37°C), the number of colony-forming units (cfu/ml) was counted. Microorganisms grown on selective media were identified using biochemical methods before and after PDT. The data were submitted to McNemar and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α = 0.05). No growth after PDT was observed in 60, 53, 47, and 40% of dentures from P100G, P50G, P100S, and P50S groups, respectively. When evidence of microorganisms' growth was observed, PDT regimens eliminated over 90% of microorganisms on dentures. This clinical study showed that PDT was effective for disinfecting dentures.

Effectiveness of photodynamic therapy for the inactivation of Candida spp. on dentures: in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study evaluated the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the inactivation of different species of Candida on maxillary complete dentures. BACKGROUND DATA: The treatment of denture stomatitis requires the inactivation of Candida spp. on dentures. PDT has been reported as an effective method for Candida inactivation. METHODS: Reference strains of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis and C. krusei were tested. Thirty-four dentures were fabricated in a standardized procedure and subjected to ethylene oxide sterilization. The dentures were individually inoculated with one of the strains and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Dentures submitted to PDT (P+L+) were individually sprayed with 50 mg/L of Photogem(®) (PS) and, after 30 min, illuminated by LED light for 26 min (37.5 J/cm(2)). Additional dentures were treated only with PS (P+L-) or light (P-L+) or neither (P-L-). Samples of serial dilutions were spread on Sabouraud dextrose agar and incubated at 37°C for 48 h. The colonies were counted and the values of log (cfu/mL) were analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis and Dunn tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: For all species of Candida, PDT resulted in significant reduction (p<0.05) of cfu/mL values from dentures when compared with P-L- (reductions from 1.73 to 3.99 log(10)). Significant differences (p<0.05), but lower reductions, were also observed for P+L- and P-L+when compared with P-L- for some species of Candida. CONCLUSIONS: PDT was an effective method for reducing Candida spp. on dentures.

Denture stomatitis treated with photodynamic therapy: five cases.

OBJECTIVE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective method for Candida spp. inactivation in vitro and in vivo, but as yet, no clinical trial has been conducted. This report describes 5 cases of denture stomatitis (DS) treated with PDT. STUDY DESIGN: Five subjects with clinical and microbiologic diagnosis of DS were submitted to 6 sessions of PDT 3 times a week for 15 days. In each session, patients' dentures and palates were sprayed with 500 mg/L Photogem, and, after 30 minutes of incubation, irradiated by light-emitting diode light source at 455 nm (37.5 and 122 J/cm(2), respectively). Cultures of Candida spp. from dentures and palates and standard photographs of the palates were taken at baseline (day 0), at the end of the treatment (day 15), and at follow-up time intervals (days 30 and 60). RESULTS: Four patients showed clinical resolution of DS (no inflammation) after PDT sessions, and only 1 subject demonstrated reduction in palatal inflammation. Recurrence of DS was observed in 2 patients during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: PDT appears to be an alternative treatment for DS.

Candida spp. prevalence in well controlled type 2 diabetic patients with denture stomatitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of Candida spp. in diabetics and nondiabetics with and without denture stomatitis (DS). STUDY DESIGN: Mycologic samples were taken from the dentures of 90 healthy subjects (control group [CG]), 80 denture stomatitis nondiabetics (DSND), and 40 denture stomatitis diabetics (DSD; well controlled type 2) for identification of Candida spp. Results were analyzed by Fisher exact test, Bonferroni-corrected confidence interval, and χ(2) test (α = .05). RESULTS: Candida albicans was the predominant species isolated (81.9%; P < .016), with C. tropicalis and C. glabrata demonstrating similar prevalence (15.71% and 15.24%, respectively). The prevalence of C. albicans and C. tropicalis in the DS groups were significantly higher (P < .01) than in the CG. The prevalence of C. tropicalis significantly increased with the highest degree of inflammation (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of Candida spp. was similar between diabetic and nondiabetic patients with DS. Candida tropicalis may play a role in the progression of DS.

Laser de baixa intensidade no tratamento da hipersensibilidade dentinária: relato de caso / Low-level laser in the treatment of dentin sensitivity: case report

A hipersensibilidade dentinária é uma condição clínica odontológica que afeta grande parte da população. Na literatura pertinente ao assunto, há algumas pesquisas sobre agentes dessensibilizantes e a terapia com laser de baixa intensidade tem recebido grande destaque por ser de fácil utilização pelo cirurgião-dentista, confortável ao paciente, além de apresentar resultados satisfatórios. Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar um relato de caso no tratamento da hipersensibilidade dentinária de um paciente voluntário, utilizando um laser de baixa intensidade, Arseneto de Gálio e Alumínio (GaAlAs). O protocolo de tratamento por meio das aplicações de laser foi padronizado e executado da seguinte maneira: Protocolo 1- primeira aplicação do laser: duas sessões em um intervalo de sete dias entre as mesmas; Protocolo 2- segunda aplicação do laser (após 12 meses do Protocolo 1): duas sessões em um intervalo de sete dias entre as mesmas e Protocolo 3- terceira aplicação do laser (após 18 meses do Protocolo 1): apenas uma sessão foi realizada. Pelos resultados foi possível observar diminuição da sensibilidade dolorosa em 82,14% dos dentes após o Protocolo 1; 35,78% após o Protocolo 2 e 57,14% após o Protocolo 3, sendo que a porcentagem de dentes com ausência de sensibilidade inicial aumentou a partir do Protocolo 2. Foi observado, ainda, ausência de sensibilidade antes da aplicação do laser em 10,71% dos elementos dentais (Protocolo 1) e em39,28% dos remanescentes (Protocolos 2 e 3). Dessa forma, a laserterapia pode ser considerada um tratamento de fácil execução que possibilita efeito imediato.

Dentine hypersensitivity is a clinical condition that affects a large part of the population. There is some research on desensitizing agents in the literature, and low-intensity laser therapy has receivedmuch attention because dentists have found it easy to use, it provides comfort to patients, and satisfactory results. In this article a case report is related on the use of low-level laser therapy (GaAlAs)to treat a volunteer patient. The laser treatment protocol was standardized and applied as follows: Protocol 1 - the first laser application: two sessions with an interval of seven days between them;Protocol 2 - second laser application (after 12 months of Protocol 1): two sessions with an interval of seven days between them, and Protocol 3 - third laser application (after 18 months of Protocol 1): only one session was held. From the results, a reduction in pain was observed in 82.14% of the teeth after Protocol 1; 35.78% after Protocol 2 and 57.14% after Protocol 3, and the percentage of teeth with no initial sensitivity increased as from the second Protocol. Lack of sensitivity beforethe application of laser was also observed in 10.71% of the teeth (Protocol 1) and 39.28% of theremaining teeth (Protocols 2 and 3). Thus, laser can be considered a treatment that is easily implementedand is immediately effective.

Photodynamic inactivation of four Candida species induced by photogem®

This study evaluated the in vitro susceptibility of C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. tropicalis and C. krusei to photodynamic therapy (PDT) induced by Photogem® and light emitting diode (LED). Suspensions of each Candida strain were treated with three photosensitizer (PS) concentrations (10, 25 and 50 mg/L) and exposed to 18.0, 25.5 and 37.5 J/cm² LED light fluences (λ ~ 455 nm). Control suspensions were treated only with PS concentrations, only exposed to the LED light fluences or not exposed to LED light or PS. Sixteen experimental conditions were obtained and each condition was repeated three times. From each sample, serial dilutions were obtained and aliquots were plated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. After incubation of plates (37 ºC for 48 hours), colonies were counted (cfu/mL) and the data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and the Tukey test (α=0.05). Complete killing of C. albicans was observed after 18.0 J/cm² in association with 50 mg/L of PS. C. dubliniensis were inactivated after 18.0 J/cm² using 25 mg/L of PS. The inactivation of C. tropicalis was observed after photosensitization with 25 mg/L and subsequent illumination at 25.5 J/cm². For C. krusei, none of the associations between PS and light resulted in complete killing of this species. PDT proved to be effective for the inactivation of C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis. In addition, reduction in the viability of C. krusei was achieved with some of the PS and light associations.

Photodynamic inactivation of four Candida species induced by photogem(®).

This study evaluated the in vitro susceptibility of C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. tropicalis and C. krusei to photodynamic therapy (PDT) induced by Photogem(®)and light emitted diode (LED). Suspensions of each Candida strain were treated with three photosensitizer (PS) concentrations (10, 25 and 50 mg/L) and exposed to 18, 25.5 and 37.5 J/cm(2) LED light fluences (λ ~ 455 nm). Control suspensions were treated only with PS concentrations, only exposed to the LED light fluences or not exposed to LED light or PS. Sixteen experimental conditions were obtained and each condition was repeated three times. From each sample, serial dilutions were obtained and aliquots were plated on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. After incubation of plates (37 °C for 48 hours), colonies were counted (cfu/mL) and the data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and the Tukey test (α=0.05). Complete killing of C. albicans was observed after 18 J/cm(2) in association with 50 mg/L of PS. C. dubliniensis were inactivated after 18 J/cm(2) using 25 mg/L of PS. The inactivation of C. tropicalis was observed after photosensitization with 25 mg/L and subsequent illumination at 25.5 J/cm(2). For C. krusei, none of the associations between PS and light resulted in complete killing of this species. PDT proved to be effective for the inactivation of C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis. In addition, reduction in the viability of C. krusei was achieved with some of the PS and light associations.

Aspectos epidemiológicos da saúde bucal de crianças em um município brasileiro / Epidemiological aspects of children’s oral health in a Brazilian city

As ciências da saúde adotam previamente ao planejamento dos programas preventivos, os instrumentos de análise do perfil populacional chamados de levantamentos epidemiológicos para obtenção de dados sobre a necessidade de cuidados e a possibilidade de tratamento dos eventos em saúde. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a condição dentária de crianças de 5 a 14 anos pertencentes a escolas da rede pública de ensino do município de Américo Brasiliense, SP, por meio da obtenção dos índices ceod e CPOD, porcentagem de crianças sem experiência de cárie e prevalência de fluorose dentária. Para esse levantamento epidemiológico participaram 1137 escolares. Os exames clínicos foram realizados por 4 cirurgiões-dentistas calibrados de acordo com os critérios de diagnóstico recomendados pela OMS em 1997. Para análise das informações obtidas foi elaborado um banco de dados no programa Excel e realizada estatística descritiva mediante a elaboração de tabela. Os resultados mostraram que 94% dos escolares de 5 anos não tinham experiência de cárie, no entanto, o índice ceod encontrado foi de 1,44. No que se refere à idade de 12 anos, o valor do CPOD foi 1,19. No que diz respeito à fluorose na faixa etária entre 05 e 14 anos, os resultados mostram menor prevalência aos 8 anos (0,00%) e maior prevalência aos 14 anos (6,19%). Dessa forma, concluiu-se que o município de Américo Brasiliense-SP tem desenvolvido programas educativo-preventivos nas escolas e unidades básicas de saúde com sucesso, haja vista os resultados satisfatórios do levantamento epidemiológico.

Effect of oral hygiene education and motivation on removable partial denture wearers: longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of two different preventive oral hygiene education and motivation programmes on the plaque and gingival index, as well as denture hygiene of patients provided with removable partial denture (RPD) during a 12-month follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 53 partially edentulous patients were recruited for this study. The presence or absence of plaque and gingival bleeding by gentle probing was scored on all tooth surfaces at the preliminary visit. The plaque and gingival indexes were measured using the Löe index. Following treatment, the patients were randomly divided into three groups. In Control Group I, subjects were instructed to continue their personal oral hygiene routine. In Group II, participants were given verbal instructions and a self-educational manual on oral hygiene without illustrations. In Group III, oral hygiene guidance was delivered using a combination of verbal instructions and a self-teaching manual. To evaluate the effect of the different modes of instruction, the presence or absence of plaque and gingival bleeding was scored on all tooth surfaces (day zero examination) and re-examined 7, 15 and 30 days, 3, 6 and 12 months following RPD placement. The state of denture hygiene was evaluated 7, 15 and 30 days and 3, 6 and 12 months following rehabilitation. Parametric statistics was applied to dental plaque and gingival indexes. For accumulation of plaque and calculus on the RPD, non-parametric statistic was applied. RESULTS: The frequency of plaque found during the preliminary visit was higher than that found in the other periods. With regard to gingival index, significant difference was found between the preliminary visit examination and other periods. There was a significant difference in the plaque accumulation on the denture surface between groups I and III. CONCLUSION: The different methods of oral hygiene instruction used in this study indicate that the type of education was not of significant importance.

Denture disinfection by microwave irradiation: a randomized clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of two exposure times of microwave irradiation on the disinfection of complete dentures. METHODS: Biofilm samples were collected from dentures of 30 patients, who were randomly divided into two experimental groups of 15 subjects each: Group 1-patients had their maxillary denture microwaved for 3 min (650W); Group 2-patients had their maxillary denture microwaved for 2 min (650W). Denture biofilm samples were taken with swabs, before (left side surfaces) and after (right side surfaces) microwave irradiation. All microbial material was plated on selective media for Candida spp., Staphylococcus spp., mutans streptococci and a non-selective media. After incubation (48 h/37 degrees C), the number of colony-forming units (cfu/mL) was counted. Microorganisms which grew on selective media were identified using biochemical methods. The data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Dunn's post-test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Microwave irradiation for 3 min (Group 1) resulted in sterilization of all dentures evaluated. After microwave irradiation for 2 min (Group 2), a significant decrease in Candida spp. (P=0.0062), Staphylococcus spp. (P=0.0178), mutans streptococci (P=0.0047) and non-identified species (P<0.0001) was achieved in comparison with the cfu/mL obtained before irradiation. The colonies grown after 2 min of microwave irradiation were identified as Candida albicans, non-aureus Staphylococci and Streptococcus mutans. CONCLUSION: Microwave irradiation for 3 min may be a potential treatment to prevent cross-contamination.

Microwave disinfection of complete dentures contaminated in vitro with selected bacteria.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of microwave irradiation for disinfection of simulated complete dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy dentures were fabricated in a standardized procedure, subjected to ethylene oxide sterilization, individually inoculated (10(7) cfu/mL) with Staphylococcus aureus (n = 20), Pseudomona aeruginosa (n = 20), and Bacillus subtilis (n = 30) and incubated for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. After that, 40 dentures were selected for microwaving. For each microorganism, 10 dentures were submitted to microwave irradiation at 650 W for 3 minutes. In addition, 10 dentures contaminated with B. subtilis were irradiated for 5 minutes. Thirty non-microwaved dentures (n = 10 for each bacteria) were used as positive controls. Replicate aliquots (25 microL) of suspensions were plated at dilutions of 10(-3) to 10(-6) on plates of selective media appropriate for each organism. After incubation (37 degrees C for 48 hours), colonies were counted (cfu/mL). TSB beakers with the microwaved dentures were incubated at 37 degrees C for a further 7 days to verify long-term disinfection. The data were statistically analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (alpha= 0.05). RESULTS: No evidence of growth was observed at 48 hours for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa on plates, and no turbidity was visible in the TSB beakers of these specimens after 7 days of incubation. Dentures contaminated with B. subtilis and irradiated for 3 minutes produced microbial growth on six plates and turbidity on all TSB beakers. Microwaving for 5 minutes resulted in survival of B. subtilis in two plates and two beakers. CONCLUSION: Microwave irradiation for 3 minutes at 650 W produced sterilization of complete dentures contaminated with S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Dentures contaminated with B. subtilis were disinfected by microwave irradiation after 3 and 5 minutes at 650 W.

Efetividade da irradiação por micro-ondas e da terapia fotodinâmica na inativação de micro-organismos presentes em próteses totais: estudo clínico / Effectiveness of microwave irradiation and photodynamic therapy on the inactivation of microorganisms present on complete dentures: a clinical study

As próteses removíveis estão em contato direto com os tecidos bucais, saliva e sangue e, ao serem removidas da cavidade bucal do paciente, podem estar contaminadas com micro-organismos patogênicos. Esses micro-organismos podem ser transmitidos aos técnicos de laboratório por contato direto ou pelos aerossóis produzidos durante o desgaste ou o polimento de próteses contaminadas. Neste caso, os micro-organismos podem ser disseminados pelo ambiente, desencadeando infecção cruzada. Assim, para prevenir a contaminação cruzada, todas as próteses devem ser desinfetadas ao serem enviadas ao laboratório e ao retornarem ao consultório. Com base nessas considerações, o presente estudo avaliou a efetividade clínica da irradiação por micro-ondas e da terapia fotodinâmica (PDT) para desinfecção de próteses totais superiores. Para os procedimentos de irradiação por micro-ondas, amostras de biofilme das próteses foram coletadas de 30 pacientes, os quais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos experimentais com 15 indivíduos cada: Grupo 1 - as próteses foram expostas às micro-ondas durante 3 minutos (650 W), Grupo 2 - as próteses foram expostas às micro-ondas durante 2 minutos (650 W). Para os tratamentos com PDT, amostras de biofilme das próteses foram coletadas de 60 pacientes, os quais foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos experimentais (n = 15 cada): Grupos I e II - as próteses foram borrifadas com 50 mg/L e 100 mg/L do Photogem® em suspensão, respectivamente; Grupos III e IV - as próteses foram tratadas com 50 mg/L e 100 mg/L de Photogem® em gel, respectivamente. Após 30 minutos de pré-irradiação, todas as 60 próteses foram expostas à luz de LED azul com potência de 37,5 J/cm2 (26 minutos). Amostras das próteses foram obtidas utilizando-se swab estéril antes (nas superfícies do lado esquerdo) e após (nas superfícies do lado direito)...

Prosthetic appliances that have been in contact with oral tissues, saliva and blood can be contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms when they are removed from the patient’s mouth. These microorganisms can be transmitted to laboratory staff through direct contact with the infected denture or from aerosols that will be formed when the surfaces are ground or polished. In this case, microorganisms with varying degrees of virulence can be spread and disseminated into the air, leading to cross-infection. In order to prevent microbial cross-contamination among denture patients, all dental prostheses must be disinfected on entering and again on leaving the laboratory. Therefore, this investigation evaluated the clinical effectiveness of microwave irradiation and photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the inactivation of microorganisms present on complete dentures. For microwave irradiation procedures, biofilm samples were collected from dentures of 30 patients, who were randomly divided into two experimental groups of 15 subjects each: Group 1 - patients had their maxillary denture microwaved for 3 minutes (650 W); Group 2 - patients had their maxillary denture microwaved for 2 minutes (650 W). For PDT treatments, biofilm samples were collected from dentures of 60 patients, who were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 15 each): Groups I and II - patients had their maxillary denture sprayed with 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L of Photogem® suspension, respectively; Groups III and IV - patients had their maxillary denture treated with 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L of Photogem® gel, respectively. After 30 minutes of pre-irradiation, all sixty dentures were exposure to blue LED light at 37.5 J/cm2 (26 minutes). Denture samples were taken with sterile cotton swabs, before (left side surfaces) and after (right side surfaces) microwave irradiation and PDT procedures. All microbial material was diluted...

A saúde bucal na terceira idade / Oral health status of the elderly

A odontologia tem se deparado com um aumento no tamanho e na idade da população idosa sendo, ainda, que uma grande parte desta população é completamente desdentada. O edentulismo pode afetar substancialmente a saúde bucal e geral do indivíduo bem como sua qualidade de vida. Sendo assim, a proposta deste artigo foi avaliar a relação entre o uso de próteses totais, as condições de saúde bucal e as condições de saúde geral de pessoas em fase de envelhecimento. Em indivíduos nesta fase, há uma prevalência de doenças crônicas, de disfunções psicossociais e físicas e grande utilização de fármacos, os últimos podendo causar inúmeros efeitos colaterais e prejudicar tanto a saúde da boca como a saúde sistêmica do idoso. Devido a essas considerações, é necessário que os cirurgiões dentistas avalie mas condições de saúde bucal de seus pacientes idosos sob o olhar do inter-relacionamento destas com as condições de saúde geral e qualidadede vida do indivíduo.

The dental profession is facing an increase in size and age of theolder population. In addition, there is a large number of older peoplewho is completely edentulous. Edentulism can substantially affectoral and general health as well as overall quality of life. The purposeof this article was to investigate in dental literature the relationshipsamong denture wearing, oral health status and general healthconditions in elderly people. Chronic disease, psychosocial andphysical dysfunction and complex pharmacotherapeutic regimensare prevalent in older people. The last ones may have many adverseeffects on the oral health and on the general health of the elderly.In this context dentists must evaluate the oral health status of theelderly and its relationship with the general health and the overallquality of life.

Avaliação de um método educativo em saúde bucal aplicado em escolares de ensino público / Evaluation of an educational method of oral health in students from public schools

As ações preventivas podem ser realizadas por meio da educação e motivação do paciente no cuidado com sua higiene bucal. Este estudo avaliou um método educativo-preventivo e de motivação aplicado a crianças do 5º ano do ensino fundamental da rede pública. Participaram da pesquisa 33 escolares, de 9 a 11 anos de idade, selecionados por conveniência, em um estabelecimento de ensino localizado na cidade de Ribeirão Preto. A atividade educativa-preventiva e de motivação aplicada foi desenvolvida em sala de aula, por meio da apresentação de seminários elaborados pelos próprios alunos. A avaliação da metodologia foi realizada por meio da aplicação de um questionário sobre conhecimentos e hábitos de saúde bucal, no início e após a aplicação do método, e pela elaboração de uma redação. Todos os dados obtidos foram tabulados e a análise estatística foi realizada de forma descritiva. A comparação dos resultados obtidos após a primeira e a segunda aplicação do questionário revelou aumento no conhecimento dos escolares em relação a todos os temas abordados. O efeito educativo do método aplicado pode ser confirmado pela alta frequência dos elementos de impacto encontrados nas redações. Em 84,8% das redações foi observada a presença da palavra higiene bucal e em 66,6% as palavras cárie e dentista. O método educativo-preventivo provocou aumento no conhecimento em saúde bucal dos escolares. Durante a idade escolar as crianças estão susceptíveis ao aprendizado e aquisição de novos hábitos e crenças com relação a sua própria saúde.

Flexural strength and hardness of reline and denture base acrylic resins after different exposure times of microwave disinfection.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of microwave disinfection on the flexural strength and Vickers hardness of 4 autopolymerized resins (Kooliner [K], Tokuso Rebase Fast [T], Ufi Gel Hard [U], and New Truliner [N]) and 1 denture base resin (Lucitone 550 [L]). METHOD AND MATERIALS: For each material, 48 specimens (64 x 10 x 3.3 mm) were made and divided into 6 equal groups (n = 8). In the control group, specimens were untreated. Before testing, specimens were immersed in 200 mL of distilled water and submitted to disinfection for 1 of the following irradiation times: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 minutes. The irradiation procedure was performed twice. The flexural strength was determined using a testing machine MTS-810 and measurements of Vickers hardness were made on Micromet 2100. The values were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (P = .05). RESULTS: The K material showed a significant increase (P = .0010) in flexural strength following 5 minutes of disinfection compared to control specimens. The flexural strength mean values of materials T, U, and N were not significantly affected (P > .05) by disinfection. Compared to the control group, the K material showed a significant increase in hardness (P < .001) following disinfection for 3, 4, and 5 minutes. For material U, disinfection for 4 and 5 minutes produced specimens with significantly increased hardness values (P < .001) compared to the control group. For material N, disinfection for 5 minutes resulted in significantly higher hardness values (P < .001) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the irradiation time, the flexural strength and hardness of the materials evaluated were not detrimentally affected by microwave disinfection.

Próteses implantossuportadas parafusadas x cimentadas: qual a melhor escolha? / Screw-retained and cement-retained implant protheses: which is the best choice?

A escolha dos componentes e dos sistemas de conexões entre os implantes e as restaurações protéticas devem ser consideradas como parâmetro para o sucesso do tratamento em longo prazo. Dessa forma, este artigo apresenta uma comparação das próteses implantos suportadas parafusadas e cimentadas, enfatizando suas vantagens, desvantagens e limitações. São descritos fatores chaves para a escolha entre próteses fixadas por parafusos ou próteses cimentadas: reversibilidade, passividade, retenção, oclusão, estética e custo.

The choice of the restorative components and the connection system between the implants and the restorations must be considered aparamount factor for long-term success. Thus, this article presentsa comparison of screw-retained and cement-retained implant prostheses. The emphasis is advantages, disadvantages and limitations of both fixation methods. Important factors to make the choice between them are described: retrievability, passivity of the framework, retention, occlusion, esthetics and cost.