Effect of an aqueous 4% titanium tetrafluoride solution on preventing caries in orthodontic patients: a controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) is a fluoride compound that, when is applied over enamel, promotes a protection against demineralization through a titanium dioxide (TiO2) acid-resistant coat. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to verify the hypothesis that a single application of 4% TiF4 increases the resistance of enamel to dental demineralization in orthodontic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This controlled clinical trial followed CONSORT guidelines and investigated the prevention of enamel demineralization, fluoride retention, and the presence of a Ti layer after TiF4 application on banded teeth exposed to clinical cariogenic biofilm. Forty premolars were divided into a control group (CG; n = 20) and a test group (TG; n = 20). Teeth from both groups received prophylaxis and orthodontic bands with a cariogenic locus. In the TG, all teeth additionally underwent aqueous 4% TiF4 solution application after prophylaxis before being banded. After one month, teeth from both groups were extracted and prepared to assess the microhardness, fluoride retention, and evaluation of the Ti coating over the enamel surface. All data were analyzed with a paired Student's t-test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Enamel microhardness and fluoride uptake were higher in TG than in CG, while the Ti layer could be seen over TG teeth that received TiF4 application. CONCLUSION: Under clinical circumstances, the 4% aqueous TiF4 solution was effective in preventing enamel mineral loss through increasing the enamel resistance to dental demineralization, enhancing its microhardness and fluoride uptake, and forming a Ti coat.

Effect of an aqueous 4% titanium tetrafluoride solution on preventing caries in orthodontic patients: a controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Introduction: Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) is a fluoride compound that, when is applied over enamel, promotes a protection against demineralization through a titanium dioxide (TiO2) acid-resistant coat. Objectives: This study sought to verify the hypothesis that a single application of 4% TiF4 increases the resistance of enamel to dental demineralization in orthodontic patients. Materials and Methods: This controlled clinical trial followed CONSORT guidelines and investigated the prevention of enamel demineralization, fluoride retention, and the presence of a Ti layer after TiF4 application on banded teeth exposed to clinical cariogenic biofilm. Forty premolars were divided into a control group (CG; n = 20) and a test group (TG; n = 20). Teeth from both groups received prophylaxis and orthodontic bands with a cariogenic locus. In the TG, all teeth additionally underwent aqueous 4% TiF4 solution application after prophylaxis before being banded. After one month, teeth from both groups were extracted and prepared to assess the microhardness, fluoride retention, and evaluation of the Ti coating over the enamel surface. All data were analyzed with a paired Student's t-test (p<0.05). Results: Enamel microhardness and fluoride uptake were higher in TG than in CG, while the Ti layer could be seen over TG teeth that received TiF4 application. Conclusion: Under clinical circumstances, the 4% aqueous TiF4 solution was effective in preventing enamel mineral loss through increasing the enamel resistance to dental demineralization, enhancing its microhardness and fluoride uptake, and forming a Ti coat.

RESUMO Introdução: O tetrafluoreto de titânio (TiF4) é um composto fluoretado que, quando aplicado sobre o esmalte dentário, promove uma proteção contra desmineralização, por meio da formação de uma camada ácido-resistente de dióxido de titânio (TiO2). Objetivos: O presente estudo buscou verificar a hipótese de que uma única aplicação de TiF4 a 4% aumenta a resistência do esmalte dentário à desmineralização, em pacientes ortodônticos. Material e Métodos: Esse ensaio clínico controlado seguiu as diretrizes do CONSORT e investigou a prevenção da desmineralização do esmalte, retenção de flúor e a presença de uma camada de titânio após a aplicação do TiF4 em dentes bandados expostos ao biofilme cariogênico clínico. Quarenta pré-molares foram divididos em dois grupos: controle (GC; n = 20) e teste (GT; n = 20). Dentes de ambos os grupos receberam profilaxia e bandas ortodônticas com nicho cariogênico. No GT, todos os dentes também foram submetidos a aplicação de solução aquosa de TiF4 4 após profilaxia, antes de serem bandados. Após um mês, os dentes de ambos os grupos foram extraídos e preparados para avaliar a microdureza, retenção de flúor e avaliação da camada de titânio sobre a superfície do esmalte. Todos os dados foram analisados pelo teste t pareado (p<0,05). Resultados: A microdureza do esmalte e a absorção de flúor foram mais elevadas no GT do que no GC, enquanto uma camada de titânio pôde ser observada sobre os dentes do GT, que receberam aplicação TiF4. Conclusão: Em circunstâncias clínicas, a solução de TiF4 a 4% foi eficaz na prevenção da perda mineral do esmalte, por meio do aumento da resistência à desmineralização dentária, aumentando sua microdureza e absorção de flúor, e formando uma camada protetora de titânio.

Influence of sociodemographic factors on users' perception of the quality of public oral health service: a cross-sectional study

Objective: study to assess the influence of sociodemographic factors on the individual perception of oral health and quality of oral health services in the municipality of Piraí, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Materials and Methods: this cross-sectional was conducted from August to October 2014 and included 118 users of the ESF (Estratégia de Saúde da Família) oral health service aged 18 years or over, without cognitive disability. The self-reported assessment of the quality of oral health services in the Family Health Units followed the QASSaB questionnaire, using a semi-structured interview technique. Results: sex, marital status, family income, education and self-perception of oral health were statistically associated with the dimensions of the QASSaB questionnaire. Dental equipment was considered modern by SUS users. Patients' perceptions of efficacy, effectiveness and acceptability were negative for quality of service, resources spent and postoperative complications. In addition, the possibility of choosing the day and/ or time of dental appointments, satisfaction with the appearance of treated teeth and perception of oral health varied significantly with schooling and Family income. In general, individuals with better socioeconomic indices had a positive self-perception of the SUS units and professionals evaluated, compared with lower income and lower education. Conclusion: the ESF oral health service facilities were positively evaluated, while the self-perception of oral health, effectiveness and acceptability of the oral health service require adjustments and investments. The self-perception of the efficacy and effectiveness of dental care by ESF users varied with the family income, and the education level also influenced the assessment of effectiveness.

Objetivo: avaliar a influência de fatores sociodemográficos na percepção individual de saúde bucal e na qualidade dos serviços de saúde bucal no município de Piraí, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Materiais e Métodos: este estudo transversal foi realizado de agosto a outubro de 2014 e incluiu 118 usuários do serviço de saúde bucal da ESF (Estratégia de Saúde da Família) com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos, sem deficiência cognitiva. A avaliação autorreferida da qualidade dos serviços de saúde bucal nas Unidades de Saúde da Família seguiu o questionário QASSaB, utilizando a técnica de entrevista semiestruturada. Resultados: gênero, estado civil, renda familiar, escolaridade e autopercepção de saúde bucal estiveram estatisticamente associados às dimensões do questionário QASSaB. Os equipamentos odontológicos foram considerados modernos pelos usuários do SUS. As percepções dos pacientes sobre eficácia, efetividade e aceitabilidade foram negativas para qualidade do serviço, recursos gastos e complicações pós-operatórias. Além disso, a possibilidade de escolha do dia e/ou horário das consultas odontológicas, satisfação com a aparência dos dentes tratados e percepção de saúde bucal variaram significativamente com escolaridade e renda familiar. Em geral, os indivíduos com melhores índices socioeconômicos apresentaram autopercepção positiva das unidades e profissionais do SUS avaliados, em comparação com menor renda e menor escolaridade. Conclusão: as unidades do serviço de saúde bucal da ESF foram avaliadas positivamente, enquanto a autopercepção de saúde bucal, efetividade e aceitabilidade do serviço de saúde bucal requerem ajustes e investimentos. A autopercepção da eficácia e efetividade do atendimento odontológico pelos usuários da ESF variou com a renda familiar, e a escolaridade também influenciou na avaliação da efetividade.

Sustainability in Orthodontics: what can we do to save our planet?

The sustainability of the natural resources of our planet is a topic for worldwide debate. Mankind, during its evolution as a species, has not been greatly concerned about conserving the environment in which we live. Nowadays we are reaping the fruits of this neglect. Climatic changes and storms are good examples of this. We, humans, must re-think our attitudes in order to leave the planet in a healthy state to be used by our descendants. But thinking of orthodontics, what can we do as orthodontists? From this perspective, the authors of the present study aimed, in a clear and objective manner, to present simple and sustainable ways to proceed during our activity as orthodontists, in order to minimize the effects on nature, caused by man.

Sustainability in Orthodontics: what can we do to save our planet?

ABSTRACT The sustainability of the natural resources of our planet is a topic for worldwide debate. Mankind, during its evolution as a species, has not been greatly concerned about conserving the environment in which we live. Nowadays we are reaping the fruits of this neglect. Climatic changes and storms are good examples of this. We, humans, must re-think our attitudes in order to leave the planet in a healthy state to be used by our descendants. But thinking of orthodontics, what can we do as orthodontists? From this perspective, the authors of the present study aimed, in a clear and objective manner, to present simple and sustainable ways to proceed during our activity as orthodontists, in order to minimize the effects on nature, caused by man.

RESUMO A sustentabilidade dos recursos naturais de nosso planeta é tema de debate em todo o mundo. O homem, durante a evolução como espécie, pouco se preocupou em conservar o meio ambiente em que vive. Nos dias de hoje, colhemos os frutos do descaso; mudanças climáticas e tempestades são bons exemplos disso. Nós, seres humanos, devemos repensar nossas atitudes, a fim de deixar o planeta propício para que nossos descendentes possam utilizá-lo. Mas, pensando-se na Ortodontia, o que nós ortodontistas podemos fazer? Nessa perspectiva, os autores do presente estudo se propuseram a apresentar, de forma clara e objetiva, formas simples e sustentáveis para serem utilizadas durante nossa atividade como ortodontistas, a fim de minimizar os efeitos causados pelo homem na natureza.

Saúde bucal dos pacientes do programa interdisciplinar de Geriatria e Gerontologia da UFF / Oral health status of Geriatric patients from a multidisciplinary program at UFF

O presente estudo verificou o estado de saúde bucal de 103 pacientes com idade superior a 60 anos do Programa Interdisciplinar de Geriatria e Gerontologia da UFF. Realizou-se o exame clínico intrabucal dos idosos, visando averiguar o índice CPO-D e utilizaçäo de próteses total e parcial