Chemical and physical features of biological fluids in treatment of hydatid disease / Propriedades físico-químicas dos fluidos biológicos no tratamento da doença hidática

The aim of this paper is to better understand the dynamics of crystallogenic and starting activity in biological fluids of patients throughout surgery and the late postoperative phase in alveococcosis. Samples of saliva from 22 individuals with alveococcosis were included in the research. Biological fluid samples were taken at the time of admission and before the patient was discharged. Following that, slides were made utilizing the teziocrystalloscopy method, which incorporates the investigation of the crystal forming activity of mixed saliva with its starting characteristics using a 0.9 percent sodium chloride solution as the foundation ingredient. Using our own set of criteria, we evaluated the outcomes of crystalloscopic and tezigraphic experiments. Specrophotometric examination of tezigraphic and crystalloscopic facies was done using a PowerWave XS microplate spectrophotometer at wavelengths of 400, 350, and 300 nm to augment the results from ocular morphometry of dried saliva micro slides. Surgical therapy results in a partial normalization of physical and chemical parameters, as well as the composition of the patient's biological fluids after the patient is discharged from the hospital.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi compreender melhor a dinâmica da atividade cristalogênica e inicial nos fluidos biológicos dos pacientes durante a cirurgia e na fase pós-operatória tardia da alveococose. Amostras de saliva de 22 indivíduos com alveococose foram incluídas na pesquisa. Amostras de fluidos biológicos foram coletadas no momento da admissão e antes da alta do paciente. Em seguida, foram confeccionadas lâminas utilizando a técnica de teziocristaloscopia, que combina a investigação da atividade formadora de cristais da saliva mista com suas características iniciais, utilizando uma solução de cloreto de sódio a 0,9% como ingrediente-base. Usando nosso próprio conjunto de critérios, avaliamos os resultados de experimentos cristaloscópicos e tezigráficos. O exame espectrofotométrico da fácies tezigráfica e cristaloscópica foi feito usando um espectrofotômetro de microplaca PowerWave XS nos comprimentos de onda de 400, 350 e 300 nm para aumentar os resultados da morfometria ocular de microplacas de saliva seca. A terapia cirúrgica resulta na normalização parcial dos parâmetros físicos e químicos, bem como da composição dos fluidos biológicos do paciente, após a alta hospitalar.

Estudio de parámetros salivales y su relación con caries temprana de la infancia en niños preescolares / Study of salivary parameters and their relationship with early childhood caries in preschool children

Objetivo: El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar y comparar algunos parámetros salivales en niños preescolares e investigar su relación con caries temprana de la infancia. Materiales y métodos: Un total de 77 niños preescolares de 36 a 71 meses de edad (38 con caries y 39 sin caries) fueron seleccionados para participar en este estudio. Muestras de saliva completa no estimulada fueron recolectadas de cada niño, para evaluar el pH salival, la capacidad buffer, la velocidad de flujo salival y las concentraciones de fluoruro y fosfato. Los datos obtenidos fueron tabulados y sometidos a análisis estadístico. Resultados: En la evaluación de los diferentes parámetros salivales, se encontró que en relación a las propiedades salivales, el pH en los niños con caries fue levemente menor que en los niños sin caries. La comparación de las diferentes características salivales entre niños con y sin caries temprana de la infancia, no mostró diferencias estadísticas significativas para todos los componentes salivales evaluados (p> 0.05). Conclusión: Los parámetros salivales analizados en este estudio, no tuvieron relación con el desarrollo de caries temprana de la infancia. Los resultados obtenidos no difieren de manera significativa entre los dos grupos de niños preescolares estudiados.

Objective: The present study aims to evaluate and compare some salivary parameters in preschool children and to investigate their relationship with early childhood caries. Materials and Methods: A total of 77 preschool children aged 36 to 71 months (38 with caries and 39 without caries) were selected to participate in this study. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from every child to evaluate the salivary pH, buffering capacity, salivary flow rate and fluoride and phosphate concentrations. The data obtained was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: the evaluation of the different salivary parameters showed that in relation to salivary properties, the pH in children with early childhood caries was slightly lower than in children without caries. Comparing the different salivary characteristics between children with and without early childhood caries, the results did not show significant statistical differences for all the salivary components evaluated (p> 0.05). Conclusion: The salivary parameters analyzed in this study were not related to the development of early childhood caries. The results obtained do not differ significantly between the two groups of preschool children studied.

Perfil salival en escolares de nueve años con caries dental del primer molar permanente / Salivary profile in school children of nine years old with dental caries of the first permanent molar

Fundamento: la destrucción o pérdida de los primeros molares permanentes por caries repercute de manera importante en el desarrollo y crecimiento maxilofacial. Es imprescindible el análisis pormenorizado de todos los factores concernientes al origen y resistencia a la caries dental, la saliva es uno de los menos estudiados. Objetivo: identificar el perfil salival en escolares de nueve años de edad, con caries dental del primer molar permanente. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal, se seleccionó una muestra no probabilística de 45 estudiantes de cuarto grado de la escuela Enrique José Varona, durante el período noviembre de 2019 a febrero de 2020. Se determinó flujo, pH y consistencia salival. Resultados: hubo supremacía en los niños estudiados que presentaron adecuado flujo salival y consistencia salival. El pH neutro fue el predominante. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos en el perfil salival conllevan a estimar el carácter multifactorial de la caries dental, sin subestimar la influencia de la saliva (AU)

Background: the destruction or loss of the first permanent molars due to caries has a significant impact on maxillofacial development and growth. A detailed analysis of all the factors concerning the origin and resistance to dental caries is essential; saliva is one of the least studied. Objective: to identify the salivary profile in nine-year-old schoolchildren with dental caries of the first permanent molar. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, a non probabilistic sample of 45 fourth-grade students was selected from the Enrique José Varona school, during the period November 2019 to February 2020. Flow, pH and salivary consistency were determined. Results: there was supremacy in the studied children who presented adequate salivary flow and salivary consistency. The neutral pH was the predominant one. Conclusions: the results obtained in the salivary profile lead to estimate the multifactorial character of dental caries, without underestimating the influence of saliva (AU)

Salivary parameters and oral health status amongst adolescents in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: In the last years an increased interest in the use of salivary parameters in connection with caries experience and caries prediction has been shown. In schoolchildren investigations are known, where the relationship between caries prevalence and salivary parameters has been assessed, but in the adolescent population studies are scarce. The aim of the study was evaluate of the association among salivary parameters, oral health status and caries experience in adolescents in Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 256 (DMFT≥5) and 165 (DMFT< 5) 12-to- 14-year-old adolescents. From all the adolescents, unstimulated mid-morning saliva samples were collected, after which the salivary flow rate was calculated, and the salivary pH and buffer capacity was measured. The caries was evaluated via the application of the DMFT score. Clinical variables such as oral hygiene and dental calculus were examined in the adolescent's oral cavity. The adolescents provided data on their personal characteristics by completing a questionnaire, while socioeconomic data were collected from their parents. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression model analyses were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries was 61.1% (DMFT≥5) in permanent dentition, with 72.7% of subjects presenting poor oral hygiene. The mean levels of salivary flow rate, pH, and buffer capacity was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in adolescents with caries score of DMFT≥5 than in those with caries score of DMFT < 5. Salivary flow and buffer capacity were higher in boys than in girls. The logistic regression model applied showed that adolescents with a salivary flow rate < 1 ml per min were more likely to present caries [OR = 1.58 (CI95% 1.04-2.40); p = 0.033] than adolescents with a flow rate ≥ 1 ml per-min, and that, for each unit of increased pH, the probability of presenting caries reduced by 76% [OR = 0.24 (CI95% 0.10-0.55); p = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Significant association was found in salivary flow rate, pH and buffer capacity in adolescents with caries (DMFT≥5). In addition to differences of these parameters by sex, the results suggest saliva parameters may act as indicators of caries in adolescents.

Tongue function and swallowing in individuals with temporomandibular disorders.

BACKGROUND: The tongue participates in the oral phase of swallowing by pushing the food bolus toward the oropharynx. This relationship between tongue function and swallowing is little addressed addressed in individuals with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association of functional tongue conditions on swallowing in individuals with TMD. METHODOLOGY: After approval by the Institutional Review Board, the study was conducted on 30 individuals of both sexes, aged 18 to 28 years, with TMD, and not treated for the disorder. Tongue function was assessed as to the mobility, pressure, and oral motor control. Swallowing was analyzed by clinical assessment during ingestion of solid (wafer biscuit) and liquid (water). Data regarding mobility and swallowing were collected using the orofacial myofunctional evaluation protocol. Tongue pressure was measured by the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, during elevation, protrusion, swallowing, and resistance test. The oral motor control was assessed by the oral diadochokinesis (DDK) test by rapid and repeated emissions of syllables "ta" and "ka". Data were statistically analyzed by the Spearman correlation coefficient, at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Relationships were found between tongue function and swallowing for the following aspects: mobility (r=0.741), pressure in protrusion (r=-0.366), swallowing of saliva (r=-0.499), mean DDK rate in emissions "ta" (r=-0.424) and "ka" (r=-0.446), and mean DDK period in emissions "ta" (r=0.424) and "ka" (r=0.446). Thus, the greater the change in tongue mobility, the lower the tongue pressure in protrusion and swallowing of saliva, the lower the emissions per second, the longer the mean time between vocalizations, and the worse the swallowing of individuals with TMD. CONCLUSION: The functional conditions of the tongue regarding mobility, pressure, and oral DDK were associated with swallowing in individuals with TMD.

Tongue function and swallowing in individuals with temporomandibular disorders

Abstract The tongue participates in the oral phase of swallowing by pushing the food bolus toward the oropharynx. This relationship between tongue function and swallowing is little addressed addressed in individuals with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Objective: To analyze the association of functional tongue conditions on swallowing in individuals with TMD. Methodology: After approval by the Institutional Review Board, the study was conducted on 30 individuals of both sexes, aged 18 to 28 years, with TMD, and not treated for the disorder. Tongue function was assessed as to the mobility, pressure, and oral motor control. Swallowing was analyzed by clinical assessment during ingestion of solid (wafer biscuit) and liquid (water). Data regarding mobility and swallowing were collected using the orofacial myofunctional evaluation protocol. Tongue pressure was measured by the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, during elevation, protrusion, swallowing, and resistance test. The oral motor control was assessed by the oral diadochokinesis (DDK) test by rapid and repeated emissions of syllables "ta" and "ka". Data were statistically analyzed by the Spearman correlation coefficient, at a significance level of 5%. Results: Relationships were found between tongue function and swallowing for the following aspects: mobility (r=0.741), pressure in protrusion (r=-0.366), swallowing of saliva (r=-0.499), mean DDK rate in emissions "ta" (r=-0.424) and "ka" (r=-0.446), and mean DDK period in emissions "ta" (r=0.424) and "ka" (r=0.446). Thus, the greater the change in tongue mobility, the lower the tongue pressure in protrusion and swallowing of saliva, the lower the emissions per second, the longer the mean time between vocalizations, and the worse the swallowing of individuals with TMD. Conclusion: The functional conditions of the tongue regarding mobility, pressure, and oral DDK were associated with swallowing in individuals with TMD.

Influence of Surfactants and Fluoride against Enamel Erosion.

This study investigated the effect of surfactants associated with sodium fluoride (NaF) on enamel erosion prevention, using an erosion-remineralization in vitro model. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), polysorbate 20 (P20), and cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) were tested, at concentrations of 1.0 and 1.5%, and associated or not with NaF (275 ppm). The control groups were distilled water and the NaF solution. Bovine enamel samples (n = 12) were prepared and submitted to a 5-day cycling model: acid challenge (0.3% citric acid, pH 2.6, 4×/day), human saliva (2 h, 4×/day), and the treatment solutions (2 min, 2×/day). The protective potential of the agents against initial erosion was assessed by microhardness and the surface loss by profilometry. Enamel surface wettability was determined by goniometry, protein adsorption was measured by spectroscopy (FTIR), and the KOH-soluble fluoride was quantified. Goniometry showed that SLS and CAPB increased enamel wettability. No differences were found among the surfactants regarding protein adsorption. Microhardness showed that SLS reduced NaF protection. P20 (1 and 1.5%) and CAPB 1.5% presented a protective effect, but lower than the NaF solution. Profilometry showed that CAPB protected enamel, but no agent associated with NaF promoted a higher protection than the NaF solution alone. KOH-soluble fluoride analysis showed that all surfactants reduced the fluoride adsorption on the enamel surface. Therefore, the surfactants tested (except for P20) changed the enamel surface energy. The SLS decreased the protective potential of NaF on initial erosion, but no tested agent interfered with the protective effect of NaF on enamel erosive wear.

Fluoride Penetration and Clearance Are Higher in Exopolysaccharide-Containing Bacterial Pellets.

Extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) could increase the penetration of fluoride through dental biofilm, reducing its cariogenicity. We measured the concentration of fluoride in EPS-containing (EPS+) or not-containing (EPS-) Streptococcus mutans bacterial pellets resembling test biofilms, before and up to 60 min after a 0.05% NaF rinse in situ. Fluoride penetration and clearance were higher in EPS+ bacterial pellets. The data suggest that EPS enhances fluoride penetration, but also accelerates fluoride clearance from dental biofilms.

Early childhood caries, salivary and microbiological aspects among 3- to 4-year-old children in Cali, Colombia.

AIM: To investigate the presence of early childhood caries (ECC) in relation to plaque index, colony-forming units of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus spp., pH and salivary buffer capacity in day-care pre-schooler's aged 3-4 years old in Cali, Colombia, 2016. METHODS: Caries prevalence was determined in 124 children using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System and plaque index. In addition, a non-stimulated saliva sample was obtained to determine its pH, and buffer capacity. RESULTS: 55.65% of the children had ECC. The mean decayed-missing-filled teeth index was 2.94 ± 4.26. The absence or presence of ECC, compared to the median plaque index showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). There was not an association between ECC and S. mutans, Lactobacillus spp. colonies, pH and buffer capacity of saliva. CONCLUSIONS: This study reported association between ECC and the increasing amount of bacterial plaque. Other important biological risk factors were not associated with ECC. Regular tooth cleaning can be the most important public health measure to control ECC in day-care children.

Dental, periodontal and salivary conditions in diabetic children associated with metabolic control variables and nutritional plan adherence.

AIM: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that has manifestations other than alterations in endocrine regulation or in metabolic pathways. Several diseases of the oral cavity have been associated with diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2 in young people according to their evolution. Scarce information exists regarding the role of diabetes and its association with the oral health status in paediatric diabetic patients. The aims of the study were to assess the quality of saliva, saliva acidogenicity, dental caries experience, fluorosis and periodontal status in diabetic patients and to evaluate their relationship with metabolic control variables and nutritional plan adherence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 60 paediatric patients with both types of diabetes mellitus. Saliva testing included stimulated flow, pH (using pH indicator strips), buffer capacity and Snyder's Test. DMFT/dmft and dental caries experience were determined on the basis of ICDAS II codes. The periodontal status was assessed by PI and GI and fluorosis by FI. Nutritional plan adherence was established from the subscale "Dietary Control" of the Diabetes Self-Management Profile questionnaire. Medical Data was retrieved from the clinical registers in the Diabetic Clinic. RESULTS: We describe the main characteristics of the oral cavity related variables of our population that might guide the clinical practice in similar settings; we found a dmft/DMFT of 1.71 ± 1.74 and 0.64 ± 1.03, PI of 1.91 ± 0.75, GI of 0.50 ± 0.56 and a fluorosis prevalence of 61%. We identified several correlated variables, which indicate strong associations between the nutritional habits of the patients and co-occurrence of oral cavity physiopathological alterations. Several correlations were found between acidogenic activity of the saliva (Snyder Test) and the percentage of adherence to the nutritional plan and to the dmft index. Furthermore, a significant correlation between the buffering capacity of the saliva and the glycemic control of the participants was found. Neither an association nor a difference among means was found between treatment regime and the plaque index. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study concluded that there was a significant relationship between diabetes mellitus and an increased prevalence of oral cavity related diseases in the paediatric population. These are also associated with a poor adherence to the nutritional plan.

Starch Combined with Sucrose Provokes Greater Root Dentine Demineralization than Sucrose Alone.

Since there is no consensus about whether starch increases the cariogenic potential of sucrose, we used a validated 3-species biofilm model to evaluate if starch combined with sucrose provokes higher root dentine demineralization than sucrose alone. Biofilms (n = 18) composed by Streptococcus mutans (the most cariogenic bacteria), Actinomces naeslundii (which has amylolytic activity), and Streptococcus gordonii (which binds salivary amylase) were formed on root dentine slabs under exposure 8 ×/day to one of the following treatments: 0.9% NaCl, 1% starch, 10% sucrose, or a combination of 1% starch and 10% sucrose. Before each treatment, biofilms were pretreated with human whole saliva for 1 min. The pH of the culture medium was measured daily as an indicator of biofilm acidogenicity. After 96 h of growth, the biofilms were collected, and the biomass, bacteria viability, and polysaccharides were analyzed. Dentine demineralization was assessed by surface hardness loss (% SHL). Biofilm bioarchitecture was analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Treatment with a starch and sucrose combination provoked higher (p = 0.01) dentine demineralization than sucrose alone (% SHL = 53.2 ± 7.0 vs. 43.2 ± 8.7). This was supported by lower pH values (p = 0.007) of the culture medium after daily exposure to the starch and sucrose combination compared with sucrose (4.89 ± 0.29 vs. 5.19 ± 0.32). Microbiological and biochemical findings did not differ between biofilms treated with the combination of starch and sucrose and sucrose alone (p > 0.05). Our findings give support to the hypothesis that a starch and sucrose combination is more cariogenic for root dentine than sucrose alone.

La saliva en pacientes edéntulos completos / Saliva in totally edentulous patients

La saliva es un fluido biológico importante en la fisiología de la cavidad bucal. El propósito de estarevisión fue considerar las relaciones entre el edentulismo completo y el perfil fisiológico de la saliva. El flujo salival, el pH y la capacidad tampón tienen relación con el número de dientes perdidos, presencia de prótesis dentales y métodos de determinación del flujo (saliva no estimulada o estimulada). Las fracciones de proteínas en muestras de saliva total muestran diferencias entre individuos dentados y pacientes edéntulos. Este conocimiento permitirá a los clínicos, comprender mejor el impacto del edentulismo sobre las propiedades de la saliva y planificar el tratamiento en consecuencia.

Saliva is an important biological fluid in oralphysiology. The purpose of this review wasto consider relationships among complete edentulism and saliva physiological profile. Salivaryflow rate, pH and buffer capacity has a relationwith the number of missing teeth, presence ofdental prostheses and methods of determining flow rate (unstimulated or stimulated saliva). Protein fractions in whole salivary samplesshow differences between dentate individuals and edentulous patients. This knowledge willenable clinicians to better understand the impactof edentulism on salivary properties and plan treatment accordingly.

5-Fluorouracil induces inflammation and oxidative stress in the major salivary glands affecting salivary flow and saliva composition.

This study aimed to elucidate the effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the histological aspects of the major salivary glands, salivary flow and saliva composition using an established oral mucositis model in hamsters. Oral mucositis was induced by two intraperitoneal administrations of 5-FU in two consecutive days (60 and 40mg/kg), followed by cheek pouch mucosa scratch, on day 4. The Pilocarpine-stimulated salivary flow was measured 4 and 10days after the first 5-FU injection. Salivary glands were harvested for histopathological analysis, measurement of inflammatory cells, quantification of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1ß), investigation of cell death and cell proliferation. Oxidative stress and oxidative defense system were also investigated in the salivary gland tissues using MDA (malondialdehyde), nitrite, non-protein sulfhydryl groups (NP-SH), SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase). In addition, the CAT and lysozyme activities and the IgA and SOD levels were evaluated in the saliva samples. 5-FU significantly reduced the pilocarpine-stimulated salivary flow rate on the 4th experimental day, associated with an increase in the SOD levels in saliva. Recovery of the salivary flow and SOD were observed on day 10, when an increase in the saliva lysozyme levels was detected. In addition, 5-FU promoted vacuolization in parotid (P) and periductal edema in submandibular (SM) gland, combined with an increase in the inflammatory cells influx, mostly observed on the 4th day in SM gland and on 4th and 10th days in P. Oxidative stress was found mostly on day 10 in SM, SL and P glands, associated with release of proinflammatory cytokines, observed in SM and SL glands, but not in P. 5-FU induces an inflammatory response in the major salivary glands, most observed ten days after its first injection, which may contribute to the major salivary glands hypofunction, leading to alterations in the salivary flow rate and composition.

Influence of salivary parameters in the caries development in orthodontic patients-an observational clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown during the orthodontic treatment, the prevalence of active caries lesions (ACL) in 30 to 70% of patients. AIM: To evaluate the effect of orthodontic treatment on salivary properties considering caries development. DESIGN: Twenty two individuals (11-22 years) were assessed regarding caries, oral hygiene, sugar exposure, salivary flow rate (SFR), buffering capacity, pH, carbonic anhydrase VI (CA VI) and amylase activity, at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months after the orthodontic appliances placement. Caries index was determined by Nyvad criteria. CA VI and amylase activities were performed by zymography and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: Buffering capacity decreased after 3 months (P < 0.0001) and showed positive correlation with pH at baseline and after 1 month in individuals who did not develop active caries lesions. Amylase activity decreased after 1 and 6 months (P = 0.0003) and presented positive correlation with CA VI in patients who developed ACL. SFR increased after 1 month (P = 0.0283) and showed positive correlation with CA VI activity after 3 months in individuals who did not develop ACL. Salivary pH showed negative correlation with CA VI after 1 month in patients who did not develop ACL. ACL were firstly diagnosed after 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that saliva of individuals under orthodontic treatment is subjected to changes in properties that have implications on the onset of ACL.

Protective Effect of Phosphates and Fluoride on the Dissolution of Hydroxyapatite and Their Interactions with Saliva.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of phosphates and fluoride, alone or in combination, and the influence of salivary pellicle on hydroxyapatite (HA) dissolution. The baseline dissolution rate of HA discs was measured using a pH-stat system (0.3% citric acid, pH 3.2). In the first series of experiments, HA discs (n = 8/group) were treated with: a placebo solution (PLA, deionised water); sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP), sodium tripolyphosphate (TRI) and sodium pyrophosphate (PYRO) at 1 or 8%; 500 ppm F; 1,100 ppm F; 1,100 ppm F/1% TMP; 1,100 ppm F/8% TMP; 1,100 ppm F/1% TRI; 1,100 ppm F/8% TRI. In the second phase, HA discs were immersed in pooled human saliva (37°C/2 h) and treated with PLA, 1,100 ppm F/1% TMP, 1,100 ppm F/8% TMP, 1,100 ppm F/1% TRI, and 1,100 ppm F/8% TRI. After treatments, final dissolution rates were measured from 3 consecutive 30-min assays. Statistical analyses were performed using 2-way ANOVA followed by the Fisher test (α = 0.05). The type and concentration of phosphate tested significantly influenced HA dissolution; 8% TRI showed the highest reduction (36.9%) among all treatment solutions. Fluoride alone (1,100 ppm F) significantly reduced HA dissolution by 20.7%. When fluoride and phosphates were associated, 1,100 ppm F/1% TMP, 1,100 ppm F/8% TMP, and 1,100 ppm F/8% TRI showed the highest percentage reductions of dissolution (40.3-46.1%). Salivary pellicle led to a greater and more sustained protective effect of the treatment solutions compared to their counterparts without salivary coating. It was concluded that the association of phosphate and fluoride enhanced their protective effect against HA dissolution when compared with these compounds alone, especially in the presence of salivary pellicle.

The Effect of Mucin in Artificial Saliva on Erosive Rehardening and Demineralization.

The effect of mucin in artificial saliva on rehardening (RE-experiment) and inhibition (DE-experiment) of erosion was evaluated. The treatment groups were: artificial saliva with mucin, artificial saliva without mucin, human saliva, and water. For the RE-experiment, after immersion of enamel blocks in citric acid (4 min), hardness was measured and blocks were subjected to treatment for 2 h. For the DE-experiment, sound blocks were subjected to treatment for 2 h and immersed in citric acid (4 min). Percentages of hardness recovery (RE) and loss (DE) were analyzed (ANOVA/Tukey's test). The salivas promoted similar rehardening, but only the saliva with mucin was similar to human saliva with regard to enamel protection against erosion.

In situ effect of enamel salivary exposure time and type of intraoral appliance before an erosive challenge.

OBJECTIVES: This study tested the effect of enamel salivary exposure time prior to an acid challenge (30 min, 1, 2, or 12 h) and type of intraoral appliance (palatal or mandibular) on initial erosion. METHODS: After initial surface hardness evaluation, enamel blocks (n = 340) were randomly divided into groups and volunteers (n = 20). The control group was not exposed to saliva previously to the erosive challenge. The volunteers wore palatal and mandibular appliances simultaneously. After salivary exposure, the blocks were subjected to acid exposure by immersion in hydrochloric acid (0.01 M, pH 2.3) for 30 s. Then, the enamel surface hardness was evaluated. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: No difference was observed on percent surface hardness change (% SHC) in the enamel blocks between the types of intraoral appliances. Exposure to saliva for 30 min and 1 h promoted similar enamel resistance to the erosive attack, which was similar to the control group for both appliances. Blocks exposed to saliva for 2 h showed less hardness loss when compared to 30 min. Keeping the blocks in saliva during 12-h overnight resulted in similar percentage of enamel hardness loss compared to 2 h. CONCLUSIONS: A 2-hour in situ exposure to saliva is adequate to promote partial protection against initial erosive lesions, independently of the type of intraoral appliance used. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This finding will help researchers in the development of erosion studies, which will provide information for dentists to offer a better treatment for erosion.

Tooth enamel properties and morphology after microabrasion: an in situ study.

AIM: This study evaluated the effect of saliva on enamel after microabrasion with different microabrasive compounds under in situ conditions. METHODS: Enamel/dentin blocks (16 mm2 ) from bovine incisors were divided into nine groups (n = 19): one control group (no treatment), four groups treated with microabrasion using 35% phosphoric acid (H3 PO4 ) + pumice, and the last four groups treated with microabrasion using 6.6% hydrochloric acid (HCl) + silica. The treated groups were subdivided according to the in situ regimen: without salivary exposure, 1 h, 24 h, or 7 days of saliva exposure. Surface microhardness (SMH) and cross-sectional microhardness (CSMH) were tested. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate enamel morphology. Microhardness data were tested by analysis of variance, and Tukey's and Dunnett's tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The SMH analysis revealed that all the microabrasion-treated groups presented significantly-reduced SMH values when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Treatment with HCl + silica was more prone to the effect of saliva than H3 PO4 + pumice, even for CSMH analysis, once the superficial layers reached the same microhardness of that of the control group (P > 0.05). These results were confirmed by SEM, which demonstrated the mineral recovery effect over time. CONCLUSION: Saliva was effective in promoting the rehardening of enamel after microabrasion, mainly for the surfaces treated with HCl + silica.

Combined Acupuncture and Auriculotherapy in Burning Mouth Syndrome Treatment: A Preliminary Single-Arm Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain disorder that is difficult to diagnose and refractory to treatment; it is more prevalent in pre- and postmenopausal women. Acupuncture and auriculotherapy have been suggested as options for the treatment of pain because they promote analgesia and allow for the reduction of symptoms with lower doses of drugs; this leads to greater patient compliance with treatment and has a positive effect on quality of life. Clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of BMS are scarce in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of combined acupuncture and auriculotherapy on pain management and quality of life in patients with BMS. METHODS: Sixty patients with BMS were subjected to a thorough differential diagnosis. Of these, 12 met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate. Eight patients completed treatment with acupuncture and auriculotherapy using a previously established protocol. The outcome variables were analyzed before and after treatment: pain/burning (visual analog scale; VAS), salivary flow (unstimulated sialometry), and quality of life (Short-Form Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP-14]). Two-year follow-up was carried out by assessing VAS and OHIP-14. RESULTS: The intensity of pain/burning decreased significantly after the first treatment sessions, as shown by low values on the VAS (0-2) and a subjective indicator of quality of life (mean = 5.37 ± 3.50). There was no relationship between salivary flow and the intensity of pain/burning. At 2-year follow-up, no statistically significant difference was observed for VAS, but improvement on OHIP-14 was seen. CONCLUSIONS: Combined acupuncture/auriculotherapy was effective in reducing the intensity of burning and improving quality of life. There was no relationship between salivary flow and the intensity of burning mouth. Patients' status improved after acupuncture and auriculotherapy at 2-year follow-up.

Patients with dental calculus have increased saliva and gingival crevicular fluid fetuin-A levels but no association with fetuin-A polymorphisms.

Fetuin-A is a potent inhibitor of calcium-phosphate precipitation and of the calcification process, therefore it can also be related with dental calculus. Thus, we aimed to investigate a possible relationship between fetuin-A gene polymorphism and the presence of dental calculus. A possible relationship between serum, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of fetuin-A was also investigated. Fetuin-A c.742C > T and c.766C > G polymorphisms were investigated in 103 patients with or without dental calculus. Additionally, serum, saliva and GCF fetuin-A levels of patients were compared according to dental calculus presence. A significant difference was not observed in the distribution of the fetuin-A c.742C > T and c.766C > G polymorphisms between patients with or without dental calculus. Saliva and GCF fetuin-A concentrations of patients with dental calculus were statistically higher than those without dental calculus (P=0.001, P=0.036 respectively). According to our results, fetuin-A c.742C > T and c.766C > G polymorphisms were not associated with presence of dental calculus. However, higher GCF and saliva fetuin-A levels were detected in patients with dental calculus than in patients without dental calculus, which may result from an adaptive mechanism to inhibit mineral precipitation and eventually calculus formation.