Enhancing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to dental caries in mothers and caregivers of children through a neuroeducational strategy.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to oral health among parents play a crucial role in shaping oral hygiene and preventing early childhood caries. This study was intended to determine the effect of a neuroeducational strategy in improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to early childhood caries among mothers or caregivers of children. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted, implementing an educational strategy involving 33 mothers or female caregivers of children who met specific selection criteria. The strategy consisted of three key elements derived from neuroeducation: (1) experiment, (2) surprise and play, and (3) learn. Based on the participants' attendance at the sessions, they were categorized into two groups: those who underwent in-person intervention (G1) and those who received a combined in-person and virtual intervention (G2). The impact of the strategy was evaluated by comparing the participants' knowledge and attitudes, as well as their children's plaque index, before and after the intervention (immediate and 6-month impact). RESULTS: The participants exhibited a favorable and statistically significant effect on the median number of correct answers related to knowledge (G1 immediate effect (IE): p = 0.03, 6-month effect (ME): p = 0.002; G2 IE p = 0.002, ME: p = 0.001), and in the children's plaque index (G1 IE: p = 0.003, ME: p = 0.003; G2 IE: p = 0.033, ME: p = 0.003). Furthermore, there was an increase in the number of participants with a high level of knowledge (G1 IE: 41.5%; ME: 75%; G2 IE: 45.5%, ME: 42.9%), and of children with a good level of oral hygiene (G1 IE: 50%; ME: 73.0%; G2 IE: 27.3%, ME: 84.6%). Finally, qualitative interviews revealed a lasting clarity in concepts and sustained knowledge and attitudes at the six-month mark. However, a slightly diminished understanding of the relationship between bacteria, sugar, and caries was observed in G2 group, and some loss of association in the G1 group, at six months. CONCLUSION: The implementation of this strategy resulted in significant and lasting impacts on knowledge, attitudes, and practices, especially in the G1 group. Nevertheless, there is a need for further reinforcement of the association between bacteria, sugar, and caries.

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus dentisani in dental biofilm of children with different caries status: a pilot study / Streptococcus dentisani e Streptococcus mutans no biofilme dental de crianças com diferentes estados de cárie: um estudo piloto

Objective:Streptococcus mutans is one of the etiological agents associated with caries due to its ability to metabolize carbohydrates and resist acidic environments. On the other hand, Streptococcus dentisani, shows characteristics associated with caries control due to its ability to inhibit growth of cariogenic bacteria. The aim of this work was to quantify the levels of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus dentisani from dental biofilm of children related to their caries situation. Material and Methods: After identification of morphologic characteristics of reference strains was performed, clinical isolates of biofilm compatible with these strains were selected and the Polymerase Chain Reaction technique was performed using species-specific primers. Biofilm samples from 25 children with caries and 21 without caries were collected to quantify the levels of S. mutans and S. dentisani. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the levels of S. mutans in the caries group and the levels increased as the severity of the carious lesion increased. By contrast, higher levels of S. dentisaniwere found in the caries-free group, although no statistically significant differences were found. In addition, the levels of S. dentisani decreased as the severity of the carious lesion increased. Conclusion: The increase in the frequency of S. dentisani in the caries-free group suggests the possibility of requiring minimum levels of this species in the dental biofilm to show an actual protective effect. It must also be considered that this effect might be related to intrinsic factors in children and the intraspecies genetic variability found in every individual. (AU)

Objetivo : Streptococcus mutans é um dos agentes etiológicos associados à cárie devido à sua habilidade de metabolizar carboidratos e resistir a ambientes ácidos. Já o Streptococcus dentisani , apresenta características associadas ao controle da cárie devido à sua capacidade de inibir o crescimento de bactérias cariogênicas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar os níveis de Streptococcus mutans e Streptococcus dentisani no biofilme dental de crianças em relação à situação de cárie destas. Material e Métodos: Após a identificação das características morfológicas das cepas de referência, foram selecionados do biofilme isolados clínicos compatíveis com essas cepas e realizada a técnica de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase utilizando primers espécie-específicos. Amostras de biofilme de 25 crianças com cárie e 21 sem cárie foram coletadas para quantificar os níveis de S. mutans e S. dentisani. Resultados: Houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos níveis de S. mutans no grupo com cárie e os níveis aumentaram à medida que a gravidade da lesão cariosa aumentou. Por outro lado, foram encontrados níveis mais elevados de S. dentisani no grupo sem cáries, embora não tenham sido encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Além disso, os níveis de S. dentisani diminuíram à medida que a gravidade da lesão cariosa aumentava. Conclusão: O aumento da frequência de S. dentisani no grupo livre de cárie sugere a possibilidade de exigir níveis mínimos desta espécie no biofilme dental para mostrar um efeito protetor real. Deve-se considerar também que esse efeito pode estar relacionado a fatores intrínsecos nas crianças e à variabilidade genética intraespécie encontrada em cada indivíduo. (AU)

Does high sugar intake really alter the oral microbiota?: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Diet is one of the main factors influencing the diversity and interactions of the oral microbiota. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of sugar intake on the microbial diversity and bacteria that predominate under these conditions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guide, using the PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases and combinations of the words "microbiota," "microbiology," "bacteria," "sugars," "dysbiosis," "caries," "microbiome," "oral microbial," and "oral microbiota profile pattern." The selection criteria included year, language, type of publication, comparison of microbiota during low and high sugar intake, and bacterial identification by molecular sequencing of the 16S subunit of ribosomal RNA. RESULTS: Out of a total of 374 papers that came up after the initial search, 8 met the criteria for this review. The papers included research on populations comprising children, young adults, and adults, with most of the studies reporting selection criteria for the participants and using validated instruments to determine sugar intake. Apart from one study, all others reported for high sugar intake conditions a significant decrease in microbial diversity of the oral microbiome and the predominance of several bacterial genera or species, including Streptococcus, Scardovia, Veillonella, Rothia, Actinomyces, and Lactobacillus. CONCLUSIONS: Sugar-rich diets have a significantly unfavorable effect on the diversity and balance of oral microbiota; however, further studies are required to determine the exact role of sugar in microbial interactions.

Impact of a virtual learning environment on the conscious prescription of antibiotics among Colombian dentists.

Appropriate antibiotic prescription contributes to reducing bacterial resistance; therefore, it is critical to provide training regarding this challenge. The objective of this study was to develop a virtual learning environment for antibiotic prescription and to determine its impact on dentists' awareness, attitudes, and intention to practice. First, the learning content on multimedia resources was developed and distributed into three challenges that participants had to overcome. Then, a quasi-experimental study was performed in which the virtual learning environment was implemented on dentists from seven Colombian cities. The median of correct answers and the levels of awareness, attitudes, and intention to practice were compared before, immediately after, and 6-months post-intervention. Wilcoxon signed-rank and McNemar's tests were used to determine the differences. A total of 206 participants who finished the virtual learning environment activities exhibited a favorable and statistically significant impact on the median of correct answers of awareness (p < 0.001), attitudes (p < 0.001), and intention to practice (p = 0.042). A significant increase occurred in the number of participants with a high level of awareness (p < 0.001) and a non-significant increase in participants with high levels of attitudes (p = 0.230) and intention to practice (p = 0.286). At 6 months, the positive effect on the median of correct answers on awareness and intention to practice persisted (p < 0.001); however, this was not evident for attitudes (p = 0.105). Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the number of participants who showed low levels of awareness (p = 0.019) and a slight increase in those with high levels of the same component (p = 0.161). The use of a virtual learning environment designed for dentists contributed to a rapid improvement in awareness and intention to practice antibiotic prescription; however, their attitudes and information retention need reinforcement.

Prescribing antibiotics by dentists in Colombia: Toward a conscientious prescription.

OBJECTIVES: Inappropriate prescription of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the awareness, attitudes, and intention to practice of dentists prescribing antibiotics in Colombia in order to design a virtual learning environment on this subject. METHODS: In a descriptive study across seven cities, 700 dentists from different Colombian cities were requested to complete a validated questionnaire containing five sections: general information, awareness on antibiotic effectiveness and antibiotic resistance, attitudes regarding prescription decision, intention to practice concerning clinical cases, and complementary information. The level of awareness, attitudes, and intention to practice was determined and Chi-square test was used to determine the existence of significant differences among cities. RESULTS: The majority of dentists showed a medium level regarding the number of correct answers on awareness (62.4 percent) and attitudes (88.7 percent) and a high level on intention to practice (91.7 percent). Common errors within the awareness section included the meaning of the term "antibiotic resistance" (35 percent) and most dentists were not convinced that such resistance could be derived from prescription of antibiotics (51.2 percent). In the attitudes section, only 45 percent declared that they prescribe antibiotics based mainly on symptoms, and the intention to practice section showed a significant percentage of unnecessary prescription (51 percent for pacemaker users) or absence of prescription (53.9 percent for ventricular septal defect) in antibiotic prophylaxis for infectious endocarditis (IE). CONCLUSION: The dentists interviewed should be trained and made aware of antibiotic resistance, microbiological and clinical foundations, and current antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines.

The effect of commercial functional food with probiotics on microorganisms from early carious lesions.

Caries rates in school-age children are still high enough to be the cause of serious concern for health systems in different countries. The biotechnology strategies studied to decrease these rates include the consumption of probiotics-available via a variety of functional foods obtainable on the market-that are able to inhibit bacteria associated with this disease. In this vein, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of these foods on the growth of microorganisms in early carious lesions in children aged between 6 and 12. In the first phase, an agar well diffusion method was applied to selected foods, available in supermarkets, which contain probiotics that have already been shown to inhibit Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175), and to lower the pH in liquid culture media. In a second phase, these foods (n = 4) were examined in terms of their ability to inhibit the microorganisms in contact with early carious lesions in children and to reduce the pH of mixed cultures combined with the food. The results revealed that, of the foods tested, three inhibit the growth of microorganisms in carious lesions and, at the same time, lower the pH of the culture by more than 2.5 units. The food with the highest inhibitory capacity (14 mm, IQR 13-14) showed a similar effect among patients (P > 0.05), which together with the fact that its sugar concentration is less than 10%, makes it an ideal candidate for clinical study.

Development and validation of a questionnaire to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices in antibiotics prescription in dentistry / Diseño y validación de un cuestionario para determinar conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en la prescripción de antibióticos en odontología

Abstract Introduction: antibiotic prescription in dentistry is usually performed during the treatment of oral infections or as a prophylactic measure for patients at risk; however, studies in other countries report an inadequate prescription by dentists. The purpose of this study was to validate a questionnaire to identify the knowledge, attitudes, and practices around antibiotic prescription by dentists. Methods: the study was developed in five stages: 1. A survey was designed. 2. Content validity by an expert panel. 3. A pilot study. 4. Application of the questionnaire to determine its unidimensionality, reliability, and psychometric index. 5. The scales were standardized to present the results independently of the number of questions. Results: in stages 1 and 2, a survey was developed showing an appropriate level of agreement by an expert panel (with the following Kendalle's W values: sufficiency: 0.68; consistency: 0.69; relevance: 0.72; clarity: 0.81). Stage 3 showed that the questionnaire was too long. In stage 4, some items did not satisfy psychometric indicators such as internal consistency. Therefore, the instrument was adjusted to 36 items, improving the psychometric index [biserial correlation coefficient > 0.0, discrimination index > = 0, non-response index between 0-0.15, unidimensionality (p = 0.93)] and obtaining good internal consistency (KR = 0.81). In stage 5, the questionnaire was qualified with a percentile rank in three levels: low, medium, and high. Conclusions: the results from this study indicate an appropriate and validated survey, with adequate number of items and scale scores. All this despite the fact that antibiotic prescription by dentists is complex due other factors that determine this process.

Resumen Introducción: los estudios en otros países reportan una prescripción inadecuada de antibióticos por parte de los odontólogos. El objetivo de este estudio es validar un cuestionario para medir los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de los odontólogos del Meta respecto a la prescripción de antibióticos. Métodos: el estudio consistió en 5 fases: 1. Diseño del instrumento con grupo focal. 2. Validez de contenido con un panel de expertos. 3. Prueba piloto con siete odontólogos. 4. Aplicación de la encuesta a 98 odontólogos, donde se determinó la confiabilidad, los índices psicométricos y la unidimensionalidad de las preguntas 5. Construcción de escalas para uniformizar los resultados. Resultados: en las fases 1 y 2, se diseñó un instrumento con un nivel adecuado de concordancia por parte de expertos (W de Kendalle en suficiencia: 0.68, concordancia: 0.69, relevancia: 0.72 y claridad: 0.81). En la fase 3 se detectó que la encuesta estaba muy extensa. En la fase 4, algunos ítems no cumplieron con indicadores psicométricos como la consistencia interna. Por tanto, se ajustó el instrumento a 36 ítems que cumplieron con todos los indicadores psicométricos [(correlación biserial > 0.0, índice de discriminación > = 0, índice de no respuesta entre 0-0.15 y unidimensionalidad (p = 0.93)] y con una consistencia interna global buena (KR = 0.81). En la fase 5, se establecieron los niveles de calificación. Conclusiones: el cuestionario desarrollado en este estudio es válido en términos de confiabilidad, índices psicométricos y unidimensionalidad. Así mismo, presentó adecuados índices de no respuesta y de confiabilidad, y una escala sencilla de calificación.

Analysis of enterococcus faecalis, staphylococcus aureus, and candida albicans in cast metal cores / Análisis de enterococcus faecalis, staphylococcus aureus y candida albicans en núcleos colados en metal base

ABSTRACT. Introduction: all dental treatments should strictly follow aseptic protocols in order to reduce failure, especially when performing endodontic procedures. Despite being a key recommendation in this type of interventions, this statement is generally ignored, as students and clinicians tend to neglect the sterilization of posts prior to their use. To raise awareness on this practice, the objective of this study was to demonstrate the presence of microorganisms that cause failure, such as Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, in non-sterile cores. Methods: during the first half of 2016, fabricated cast cores were collected in the dental clinics of Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia at Villavicencio. The cores were immersed in saline solution making dilutions to up to 10-4, and finally inserted in duplicate into differential mediums for the microorganisms under study. The candidate colonies were then quantified and selected for the microorganisms under study, performing identification and confirmation in a certified clinical laboratory. Results: the presence of E. faecalis was detected in one of the cores (3.2%) used in the clinic, quantified in 5x104 CFU/ml. The presence of S. aureus or C. albicans was not identified, but other microorganisms were found, such as Candida parapsilopsis (35.5%), Candida tropicalis (6.5%), Kokuria kristinae (16.1%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (12.9%) and Stenotrophomona maltophilia (3.2%). Conclusion: out of the microorganisms analyzed in this study, only E. faecalis was identified. However, other microorganisms associated with endodontic failure or other type of complications were identified.

RESUMEN. Introducción: el tratamiento odontológico debe considerar rigurosamente la cadena de asepsia para reducir el fracaso, incluso cuando se realizan procedimientos endodónticos. A pesar de ser una recomendación clave en este tipo de intervenciones, esta afirmación no tiene el suficiente alcance, debido a que algunos estudiantes y profesionales no consideran la esterilización de los núcleos antes de utilizarlos. Para generar conciencia en torno a esta práctica, el objetivo de este estudio consistió en demostrar la presencia de microorganismos desencadenantes del fracaso, como Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus y Candida albicans, en los núcleos sin esterilizar. Métodos: de las clínicas odontológicas de la Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, sede Villavicencio, se recolectaron núcleos colados fabricados durante el primer semestre de 2016. Los núcleos fueron colocados en solución salina y se realizaron diluciones hasta 10-4, para finalmente sembrarlas por duplicado en medios diferenciales para los microorganismos objeto de estudio. Posteriormente se cuantificaron y seleccionaron las colonias candidatas para los microorganismos estudiados y se realizó la identificación y confirmación en un laboratorio clínico certificado. Resultados: en uno de los núcleos utilizados en la clínica se detectó la presencia de E. faecalis (3,2%), cuantificado en 5x104 UFC/ml. No se identificó la presencia de S. aureus ni C. albicans, pero se encontraron otros microorganismos, como Candida parapsilopsis (35,5%), Candida tropicalis (6,5%), Kokuria kristinae (16,1%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (12,9%) y Stenotrophomona maltophilia (3,2%). Conclusión: de los microorganismos analizados en este estudio, solo se identificó la presencia de E. faecalis. Sin embargo, se identificaron otros microorganismos asociados al fracaso endodóntico o a otro tipo de complicaciones.

Estado bucodental de adultos mayores institucionalizados mediante un programa público en villavicencio, durante el primer semestre de 2014

Introducción. El proceso de envejecimiento implica cambios fisiológicos que, junto con otros factores, pueden derivar en enfermedades que incluyen las de cavidad oral. La caries, la enfermedad periodontal y las lesiones de la mucosa son las más frecuentes y su presencia condiciona en gran medida la calidad de vida del adulto mayor. Objetivo. Determinar el estado de salud bucodental de personas mayores institucionalizadas mediante un programa público de Villavicencio, en tres hogares geriátricos. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de adultos mayores donde se recolectó información personal (datos e historia clínica) y se aplicaron los índices (COP-D, Silness y Loe modificado, CPITN y GOHAI). Además, se recolectó información sobre manifestaciones en tejidos blandos y valoración del edentulismo. Resultados. El 48,5% de la población era totalmente edéndula y el 51,5% aún conservaban dientes, pero con un promedio de pérdida de 18 (± 7,2) dientes. De esta población, el 85,7% de los adultos mayores presentaron caries, el 74,1% presentó un factor de riesgo alto en el índice de placa bacteriana y gingival, el 33,3% presentaban enfermedad periodontal. Además, se detectó que el 19% de la población presentaba alguna lesión en la mucosa y que el 76,5% tenía una baja percepción de la calidad de vida relacionada con su salud bucal. Conclusión: mediante la utilización de diferentes índices e instrumentos de valoración, se logró conocer el estado bucodental de adultos mayores institucionalizados bajo un programa público. Los resultados indican la necesidad de implementar estrategias y tratamientos que contribuyan a mejorar la salud oral de esta población vulnerable.

Introduction. The aging process implies physiological changes, which, along with other factors may lead to diseases including those of the oral cavity. Caries, periodontal disease, and mucosal lesions are among the most frequent and their presence affects to a great extent the quality of life of older adults. Objective. To determine the oral health of older adults in three Social Protection Centers in Villavicencio. Method: A descriptive study of older adults in which Personal information (clinical data and history) was gathered and the following indices applied: COP-D, the Modified Silness and Loe, CPITN and GOHAI. It was also gathered information regarding manifestations on soft tissue and the assessment of edentulism. Results: 48.5% of the population was completely edentulous and 51.5% still had some teeth, but with an average tooth-loss rate of18 (± 7.2) teeth. Among this population, 85.7% had caries, 74.1% presented a high-risk factor on the Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI), and 33.3% presented periodontal disease. It was also detected that 19% of the population presented some form of mucosal lesion and that 76.5% had a low perception of their quality of life in relation to oral health. Conclusion. Through the use of different indices and assessment instruments, it was possible elucidate facts regarding the oral health of older adults institutionalized as part of a public program in Villavicencio. The results highlight the need to implement strategies and treatments that contribute to improving the oral health of this vulnerable population.

Introdução. O processo de envelhecimento envolve mudanças fisiológicas que, juntamente com outros fatores, pode levar a doenças que afetam a cavidade oral. Cárie, doença periodontal e lesões das mucosas são as mais frequentes, e a sua presença, em grande parte, determina a qualidade de vida das pessoas idosas. Objetivo. Determinar o estado de saúde bucal de idosos institucionalizados através de um programa governamental de Villavicencio em três lares geriátricos. Metodologia. Estudo descritivo de adultos idosos, onde foi recolhida a informação pessoal (dados e história médica) e os índices (COP-D, Si-lness e Löe modificado, CPITN e GOHAI) foram aplicados. Além disso, informações sobre as manifestações em tecidos moles e avaliação do edentulismo foram coletadas. Resultados. 48,5% da população apresentava edentulismo total e 51,5% ainda tinha dentes, mas com uma perda média de 18 (± 7,2) dentes. Desta população, 85,7% dos idosos teve cárie, 74,1% apresentaram um fator de risco elevado da taxa de placa bacteriana e gengival, 33,3% tinham doença periodontal. Além disso, verificouse que 19% da população tinha uma lesão na mucosa e 76,5% tinham uma baixa percepção de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde oral. Conclusão. Por meio de diferentes índices e ferramentas de avaliação, foi possível conhecer o estado bucal de idosos institucionalizados no âmbito de um programa governamental. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de implementação de estratégias e tratamentos para ajudar a melhorar a saúde bucal desta população vulnerável.

Probiotics and their relationship with caries control: a topic review / Probióticos y su relación con el control de caries: revisión de tema

ABSTRACT The development of studies related to the human oral microbiome, as well as the applied sciences and techniques to investigate it, have helped reconsidering our understanding of tooth decay as an endogenous infection caused by a conglomerate of microorganisms. In addition to identifying the great diversity of microorganisms involved in carious processes, similar studies in healthy oral cavity have also been conducted, as well as analysis of the interactions between microorganisms and the host. The results are paving the way to implementing biotechnology strategies to interrupt the onset and progression of the disease, and in this sense probiotics are a promising tool. Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that once in contact with the oral cavity modify the microbial interaction favoring homeostasis. A literature review was conducted using various databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar), focusing on probiotics as a strategy for caries control, based on their function in the oral cavity; this includes some of the studies conducted so far as well as the description of features of the bacterial strains most commonly studied and the ones recently isolated. The article concludes by explaining the ideal features that bacterial strains should have to be efficient as probiotics in the oral cavity.

RESUMEN. El desarrollo de estudios relacionados con el microbioma oral humano, así como las ciencias y técnicas aplicadas para investigarlo, han permitido replantear el entendimiento de la caries como una infección endógena causada por un consorcio de microorganismos. Además de identificar la gran diversidad de microorganismos implicados en los procesos cariosos, también se han realizado estudios similares en cavidad oral sana, y análisis de las interacciones entre los microorganismos y el hospedador. Los resultados están abriendo paso a la viabilidad de implementar estrategias biotecnológicas que buscan interrumpir el inicio y la progresión de la enfermedad, y en este sentido los probióticos son una herramienta prometedora. Los probióticos son microorganismos benéficos que al entrar en contacto con la cavidad oral modifican la interacción microbiana a favor de una homeostasis. Utilizando diferentes bases de datos (PubMed, ScienceDirect y Google Académico) se realizó la revisión de literatura sobre los probióticos como una estrategia para el control de la caries, mediante el fundamento de su función en cavidad oral, así como algunos de los estudios realizados hasta el momento y la descripción de las características de las cepas bacterianas más estudiadas y las aisladas recientemente. El artículo concluye con la sustentación de las características ideales que deberían tener las cepas bacterianas para que sean eficientes como probióticos de cavidad oral.