Evaluation of antimicrobial potential and surface morphology in thin films of titanium nitride and calcium phosphate on orthodontic brackets.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this research was to experimentally evaluate the surface morphology and adhesion capacity of Streptococcus mutans (U159) on brackets with thin films of titanium nitride (TN) and of titanium nitride doped with calcium phosphate (TNCP). METHODS: Twenty-four metallic brackets were equally allocated to 3 groups (n = 8), according to the type of covering (no covering, TNCP, and TN). The coatings were deposited by cathodic cage (TNCP and TN groups) and were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry. The biofilm formation of S. mutans on the surface of brackets was determined by crystal violet assay and subsequent optical density quantification. RESULTS: There was homogeneity on the surface morphology of the tie wing area in all groups, whereas the TNCP group has presented particles in the slot. After 24 hours, a biofilm of S. mutans was formed in all the observed groups. The optical density obtained in all 3 groups was similar (no covering, 0.347 ± 0.042; TNCP, 0.238 ± 0.055; TN, 0.226 ± 0.057), with no statistically relevant difference (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: The thin film of TNCP has altered the surface of the bracket's slot, whereas the coatings of TN and TNCP have not altered the superficial morphology of the tie wings. The presence of coatings have not influenced the formation of the S. mutans biofilm on the surface of metallic brackets.

Guidelines proposal for clinical recognition of mouth breathing children.

INTRODUCTION: Mouth breathing (MB) is an etiological factor for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) during childhood. The habit of breathing through the mouth may be perpetuated even after airway clearance. Both habit and obstruction may cause facial muscle imbalance and craniofacial changes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to propose and test guidelines for clinical recognition of MB and some predisposing factors for SDB in children. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 110 orthodontists regarding their procedures for clinical evaluation of MB and their knowledge about SDB during childhood. Thereafter, based on their answers, guidelines were developed and tested in 687 children aged between 6 and 12 years old and attending elementary schools. RESULTS: There was no standardization for clinical recognition of MB among orthodontists. The most common procedures performed were inefficient to recognize differences between MB by habit or obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines proposed herein facilitate clinical recognition of MB, help clinicians to differentiate between habit and obstruction, suggest the most appropriate treatment for each case, and avoid maintenance of mouth breathing patterns during adulthood.

Guidelines proposal for clinical recognition of mouth breathing children

INTRODUCTION: Mouth breathing (MB) is an etiological factor for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) during childhood. The habit of breathing through the mouth may be perpetuated even after airway clearance. Both habit and obstruction may cause facial muscle imbalance and craniofacial changes.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to propose and test guidelines for clinical recognition of MB and some predisposing factors for SDB in children.METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 110 orthodontists regarding their procedures for clinical evaluation of MB and their knowledge about SDB during childhood. Thereafter, based on their answers, guidelines were developed and tested in 687 children aged between 6 and 12 years old and attending elementary schools.RESULTS: There was no standardization for clinical recognition of MB among orthodontists. The most common procedures performed were inefficient to recognize differences between MB by habit or obstruction.CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines proposed herein facilitate clinical recognition of MB, help clinicians to differentiate between habit and obstruction, suggest the most appropriate treatment for each case, and avoid maintenance of mouth breathing patterns during adulthood.

INTRODUÇÃO: a respiração bucal (RB) é um fator etiológico para os distúrbios respiratórios do sono (DRS) na infância. O hábito de respirar pela boca pode ser perpetuado mesmo depois da desobstrução das vias aéreas. Tanto o hábito quanto a obstrução podem causar desequilíbrios da musculatura facial e alterações craniofaciais. O objetivo deste trabalho é propor e testar uma diretriz para o reconhecimento clínico da RB e de alguns fatores predisponentes aos DRS em crianças.MÉTODOS: entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas com 110 ortodontistas, com relação aos seus procedimentos para avaliação clínica da RB e aos seus conhecimentos sobre DRS na infância. A partir daí, com base nas respostas obtidas, uma diretriz foi desenvolvida e testada em 687 crianças, com 6 a 12 anos, oriundas de escolas de ensino fundamental.RESULTADOS: não existe padronização para o reconhecimento clínico da RB pelos ortodontistas. Os procedimentos mais comumente realizados foram ineficientes para reconhecer a diferença entre a RB por hábito e a por obstrução.CONCLUSÕES: a diretriz proposta facilita o reconhecimento clínico da RB, diferencia entre RB por hábito e por obstrução, sugere o tratamento mais adequado para cada caso, e evita a manutenção do padrão de respiração bucal na idade adulta.

Autopercepção e condições de saúde bucal nos pacientes assistidos pelo Ambulatório de Reumatologia do Hucam/Ufes, Vitória - ES / Self perception and oral health conditions of patients in treatment at Hucam/Ufes Rheumatology Center, Vitória - ES

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a condição de saúde bucal na população assistida pelo ambulatório de Reumatologia do Hospital Universitário Cassiano Antônio de Moraes da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (Hucam/Ufes), em Vitória - ES, por meio da análise da autopercepção em saúde bucal e exame clínico. A amostra de oitenta pacientes (18 do gênero masculino e 62 do feminino) foi obtida por conveniência entre os pacientes com consulta previamente agendada no ambulatório e que não faziam parte de qualquer programa de assistência odontológica. A avaliação da saúde bucal foi realizada por meio do índice de dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados (CPOD), pelos critérios da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Após o exame clínico, foi aplicado um questionário para análise da autopercepção em saúde bucal. A artrite reumatoide foi a doença reumática predominante na amostra (50%). A faixa etária de 15 a 19 anos apresentou índice CPOD quase três vezes maior que a média regional (5,94%). Apesar da precária condição de saúde bucal, 58,75%da amostra têm autopercepção positiva, o que indica uma fraca associação entre a autopercepção e as reais condições de saúde bucal na população estudada. São necessárias políticas públicas educativas para aperfeiçoar a autopercepção e o autocuidado em relação à saúde bucal desses indivíduos. Propõe-se ainda a inserção do cirurgião-dentista na equipe multidisciplinar de atenção aos pacientes reumáticos.