Ankyloglossia and Breastfeeding Duration: A Multicenter Birth Cohort Study.

Background and Objective: The prevalence of ankyloglossia and its impact on breastfeeding practices may be overestimated, leading to surgical overtreatment in newborns. The study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of ankyloglossia in the first year of life and investigate the association with exclusive and total breastfeeding duration in different regions of Brazil. Materials and Methods: This multicenter prospective cohort study involved the recruitment of mother-infant pairs soon after childbirth in public hospitals in three state capitals in Brazil. Interviews were held with the mothers after birth, at 6 and 12 months to collect sociodemographic variables and data on exclusive and total breastfeeding duration. At 12 months of age, the children were submitted to a dental examination for classification of the lingual frenulum using the Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool. Data analysis involved Poisson regression with robust variance, with the calculation of unadjusted and adjusted relative risk (RR). Results: The final sample was composed of 293 children. The prevalence of defined and suspected ankyloglossia was 1% and 4.8%, respectively, totaling 5.8% (confidence interval [95% CI]: 3.1-8.5). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of exclusive and total breastfeeding at 1, 4, and 6 months between children with defined/suspected ankyloglossia and those without ankyloglossia. The multivariable analysis showed that the probability of the child achieving 6 months of breastfeeding did not differ between groups (RR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.79-1.23; p = 0.907). Conclusion: The prevalence of defined ankyloglossia was very low and defined/suspected ankyloglossia was not associated with exclusive or total breastfeeding duration. Clinical Trial Registration: Registered with clinicaltrials.gov (n° NCT03841123).

In vitro comparison of one-step, two-step, and three-step polishing systems on the surface roughness and gloss of different resin composites.

OBJECTIVES: This laboratory study evaluated the effect of three polishing systems on the surface roughness and gloss of resin composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty specimens (6 mm Ø × 8 mm) were fabricated from each of three resin composites: Z 350 XT (nanofill), Harmonize (nanohybrid), and Estelite Omega (supranonofill). All specimens were photopolymerized using a multi-peak LED curing unit (VALO-Standard mode), having a exitance irradiance of approximately 1000 mW/cm2 against a polyester strip (PS). 2 mm was then removed from the irradiated end (finished) using #320 abrasive paper (F). Specimens were then randomly polished (P) using a one-step (1S) (OneGloss), two-step (2S) (EVE Diacomp Twist Basic CA), or 3-step (3S) (Astropol P) system (n = 10). For PS, F, and P groups, surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a surface roughness tester, and surface gloss was measured with a glossmeter. For each specimen, the percent recovery to the PS value (%R) of surface roughness and surface gloss were calculated. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's test. Surface roughness and gloss values were submitted to Pearson's correlation test (α = 0.05). All statistical testing was performed using a pre-set alpha of 0.05. RESULTS: The interaction term [resin composite × polishing system] was significant for both surface roughness (p = 0.001) and gloss (p = 0.0001). For all resin composites, the 2S and 3S systems provided a higher %R of surface roughness and gloss compared to those of the 1S system. There was a negative correlation between surface roughness and gloss, but only a few combinations showed strong correlations. CONCLUSIONS: The 2S and 3S polishing systems provided surfaces having greater smoothness and gloss compared to the 1S system. The ability to recover surface roughness and gloss was dependent on type of resin composite filler classification. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The 3S and 2S polishing systems were more effective in achieving PS values than was the 1S system for all tested resin composites. However, individual polishing systems performed differently depending on type of resin composite.

Biodegradable Plates for Mandibular Fracture Fixation in Young Children.

Mandibular fractures are rare in children and normally result from high-impact trauma. Clinical protocols have evolved in recent years, especially after the introduction of rigid internal fixation methods and the development of novel resorbable materials. The purpose of this report is to present the case of a three-year-old toddler who fell from a bunk bed at home, resulting in a unilateral fracture of the mandibular parasymphysis and a joint fracture on the left side. The patient was treated under general anesthesia with rigid internal fixation with biodegradable plates and screws. Pediatric patients can benefit from resorbable materials, especially their faster mobilization and avoidance of secondary removal operations. Self-reinforced fixation devices are safe and efficient for the treatment of pediatric mandible fractures. However, further clinical investigations are needed to evaluate long-term reliability.

Primary Dentition Caries Patterns as Predictors of Permanent Dentition Caries: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The aims of this study were to estimate the risk of caries in the permanent teeth at 12 years of age and to describe the diagnostic accuracy of caries patterns in the primary dentition at age 4 years to predict caries at age 12 years. A prospective cohort study followed children from birth to age 12 years in the city of São Leopoldo, Brazil. Sociodemographic variables were collected at birth, and dental caries was measured at 4 and 12 years of age (n = 204). At 4 years, children were classified according to the presence of caries (cavitated and non-cavitated lesions), number of lesions, affected segment (anterior or posterior), and affected surface (occlusal, smooth, or proximal). Prediction of permanent dentition caries occurrence (DMFT ≥1) (primary outcome) involved Poisson regression with robust variance and standard diagnostic accuracy measures. The prevalences of caries at age 4 years (including non-cavitated lesions) and 12 years were 61.8% and 42.2%, respectively. All caries patterns in the primary dentition were associated with caries in the permanent dentition. In multivariable analysis, the strongest associations were carious lesions on the primary posterior teeth (RR 2.2; 95% CI 1.5-3.2) and occlusal surfaces (RR 2.1; 95% CI 1.4-3.0). Among patterns evaluated, the presence of any tooth with caries (cavitated or non-cavitated) had the highest sensitivity (73%), but any tooth with cavitated decay had the highest accuracy (67%). In conclusion, any dental caries experience in early childhood is strongly predictive of dental caries experience in early adolescence. Primary dentition carious lesions on the posterior teeth or occlusal surfaces and the presence of cavitated lesions were stronger predictors.

Publication Trends Studies Involving Disabled Persons with Dental Care Needs: A 20-Year Bibliometric Analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate scientific production on disabled persons with dental care needs over a 20-year period. Material and Methods: The search was conducted in the PubMed database using the MeSH terms "Disabled Persons" AND "Dentistry". Three researchers selected articles based on readings of the title, abstract and full text. The articles were categorized according to periodical, country, study design, subject and classification of comorbidities and associated disorders. Three hundred ninety-seven articles published in 140 periodicals were included. Results: The periodicals Special Care in Dentistry (54), Dental Clinics of North America (14) and British Dental Journal (14) accounted for 21% of the publications. The studies were conducted in 50 countries, with the United States accounting for 33%. More than half (52%) of the studies had a cross-sectional design. The main subject addressed was oral diagnosis and most of the comorbidities were generalized disabilities. Conclusion: Although a large number of the periodicals have contributed to knowledge building on disabled persons with dental care needs, the number of articles is small compared to other fields of dentistry. Moreover, important gaps in knowledge persist and projects with better methodological designs are needed to offer a more substantial contribution to clinical practice.

Pattern of caries lesions and oral health-related quality of life throughout early childhood: A birth cohort study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different patterns of dental caries on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) throughout early childhood. This birth cohort study followed 277 children from southern Brazil for 6 years. Demographic and socioeconomic variables were collected at birth. At age 3 years, children's dental caries experience was quantified by the decayed, missing, or filled teeth (dmft) index. At age 6 years, parents answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations between caries experience and later OHRQoL, presented as the ratio of ECOHIS scores between the groups. The prevalence of dental caries at 3 years of age was 37.5%. In children with caries, lesions only in anterior teeth, only in posterior teeth, and in both dental segments at age 3 were associated with age 6 ECOHIS scores that were 2.7, 7.8, and 6.2 times higher, respectively, than in children without dental caries experience. OHRQoL was worse among children with higher dmft scores. Dental caries lesions in posterior teeth by age 3 years was strongly predictive of adverse impacts on later OHRQoL, presumably as an indicator of continued disease experience in the intervening years.

Maxillary Labial Frenum in Preschool Children: Variations, Anomalies and Associated Factors.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of morphological and attachment variations of the maxillary labial frenum (MLF) and associated factors in preschool children. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,313 children aged between zero and five years of age attending public nurseries in the city of Canoas in southern Brazil. Data were collected through a questionnaire addressing demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral characteristics and a clinical examination of the MLF. Assessments of MLF morphology and attachment were based on the classification systems proposed by Sewerin and Mirko et al., respectively. RESULTS: The most prevalent patterns were simple MLF (63.8%) and gingival attachment (51.1%). Morphological abnormalities were found in 21.6% of the preschoolers and 25.4% exhibited abnormal frenal attachment. Abnormalities in MLF morphology were more prevalent among girls (p = 0.003) and a significant reduction was found with the increase in age (p < 0.001). Attachment abnormalities were significantly more prevalent among girls (p < 0.001), the white ethnic group (p = 0.005), and children who used a pacifier (p = 0.007) and also reduced significantly with the increase in age (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Demographic and behavioral characteristics were associated with MLF morphology and attachment. The reduction in the prevalence of the outcomes with the increase in age suggests that surgical interventions in the first years of life may constitute overtreatment.

Early-Life Patterns of Sugar Consumption and Dental Caries in the Permanent Teeth: A Birth Cohort Study.

Early-life family conditions may presage caries development in childhood. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between patterns of sugar consumption in early childhood and permanent dentition caries at age 6 years. A cohort enrolled women accessing prenatal care at public health clinics in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and dietary data were collected during pregnancy and 6-month, 12-month, and 3-year follow-ups. Calibrated dental examinations occurred at ages 3 and 6 years. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed in series to quantify associations between early-life variables and permanent dentition caries. At age 6 years, 7.9% of children (21/266) had ≥1 caries lesion on permanent teeth (first molars). In unadjusted models, gestational weight gain, sweet food introduction (age 6 months), household sugar purchases (age 3 years), and caries (age 3 years) were positively associated with permanent dentition caries (age 6 years). In multivariable models, each 1-kg increase in gestational weight gain (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.16) and each 1-item increase in sweet food consumption at age 6 months (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.59) remained statistically significantly associated with permanent molar caries. Findings from this cohort study suggest family and child factors that long predate the permanent dentition, including sugar-related behaviors, predict future dental status, and may inform prevention strategies.

Socioeconomic and intraoral polarization of untreated caries and tooth loss among male adolescents.

The aim of this study was to investigate the intraoral distribution of untreated caries and tooth loss and estimate the impact of different socioeconomic factors on the occurrence of these outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 652 18-year-old male adolescents from the city of Sapucaia do Sul, Brazil, who conscripted for military service. The participants answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic variables. Two trained and calibrated examiners performed the clinical examinations for the diagnosis of dental caries using the criteria of the World Health Organization. Tooth group and adolescent were the units of analysis for the primary outcomes of the study. Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was performed, with the calculation of crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of caries experience and untreated caries was 70.2% and 39.3%, respectively, and 9.4% of the adolescents had missing teeth. Sixty-seven percent of the untreated caries and 98.8% of missing teeth were in first molars. The probability of dental caries and tooth loss was significantly higher among adolescents with less schooling (PR = 2.56; 95%CI: 1.97-3.32 and PR = 3.28; 95%CI: 1.61-6.65, respectively) and those whose mothers had less schooling (PR = 1.31; 95%CI: 1.03-1.67 and PR = 2.30; 95%CI: 1.18-4.50, respectively). In conclusion, the occurrence of untreated dental caries and tooth loss was concentrated in the first molars of adolescents. Moreover, the prevalence of both conditions was higher among adolescents with low schooling and whose mothers had low schooling, reflecting the strong intraoral and socioeconomic polarization of these outcomes.

Exploring the risk factors for early-life sugar consumption: A birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Sugar consumption in early childhood is the primary cause of negative health outcomes, including early childhood caries. AIM: To investigate risk factors associated with early-life sugar consumption. DESIGN: Explanatory variables were collected at baseline of a birth cohort in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. At six months of age, data were collected on child feeding practices, including the number of foods and beverages containing sugar. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was performed. RESULTS: Virtually all children (98.3%) had consumed sugar by the age of 6 months. Multivariable analysis showed that the number of sweet items was significantly larger in children whose mothers were less than 20 years of age (MR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05-1.36), those from non-nuclear families (MR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04-1.20), those whose mothers had less than eight years of schooling (MR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.20-1.50) and those whose mothers smoked (MR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.13-1.35). Moreover, the number of sweet items was significantly lower among children who breastfed in the first hour of life (MR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76-0.95). CONCLUSION: Sugar consumption begins very early, especially in children with no access to breastfeeding in the first hours of life and those from younger, less educated, and smoking mothers.

Protective stabilization in pediatric dentistry: A qualitative study on the perceptions of mothers, psychologists, and pediatric dentists.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding the feelings evoked, distress caused, and the best way to conduct protective stabilization for the management of young children is lacking. AIM: Describe the perceptions of mothers, psychologists, and pediatric dentists regarding the use of protective stabilization during the dental care of children up to three years of age attending a University Dental Clinic in southern Brazil. DESIGN: After watching a video of dental care involving the protective stabilization technique, individualized qualitative interviews were held with three groups [mothers (n = 5), psychologists (n = 7), and pediatric dentists (n = 4)] to investigate four categories of interest: importance of the technique, affective attitude, distress caused to the child, and participation of parents. After the transcription of the recorded comments, qualitative content analysis was performed. RESULTS: Protective stabilization generated emotional discomfort but was well accepted by all groups. All expressed the need to create a bond between the dentist and caregiver; and the active participation of the caregiver was considered fundamental. The mothers and psychologists rejected other options, such as passive restraint, general anesthesia, and sedation. CONCLUSION: The three groups admitted having negative feelings, recognized the importance of protective stabilization, and suggested conditions for its use.

Socioeconomic and intraoral polarization of untreated caries and tooth loss among male adolescents

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the intraoral distribution of untreated caries and tooth loss and estimate the impact of different socioeconomic factors on the occurrence of these outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 652 18-year-old male adolescents from the city of Sapucaia do Sul, Brazil, who conscripted for military service. The participants answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic variables. Two trained and calibrated examiners performed the clinical examinations for the diagnosis of dental caries using the criteria of the World Health Organization. Tooth group and adolescent were the units of analysis for the primary outcomes of the study. Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was performed, with the calculation of crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of caries experience and untreated caries was 70.2% and 39.3%, respectively, and 9.4% of the adolescents had missing teeth. Sixty-seven percent of the untreated caries and 98.8% of missing teeth were in first molars. The probability of dental caries and tooth loss was significantly higher among adolescents with less schooling (PR = 2.56; 95%CI: 1.97-3.32 and PR = 3.28; 95%CI: 1.61-6.65, respectively) and those whose mothers had less schooling (PR = 1.31; 95%CI: 1.03-1.67 and PR = 2.30; 95%CI: 1.18-4.50, respectively). In conclusion, the occurrence of untreated dental caries and tooth loss was concentrated in the first molars of adolescents. Moreover, the prevalence of both conditions was higher among adolescents with low schooling and whose mothers had low schooling, reflecting the strong intraoral and socioeconomic polarization of these outcomes.

Breastfeeding in the First Hours of Life Protects Against Pacifier Use: A Birth Cohort Study.

Objective: To investigate risk factors for pacifier use in the first year of life. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with children enrolled at birth in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, whose mothers underwent prenatal care at primary care units. Soon after the birth of the children, data were collected on anthropometrics, type of childbirth, and time until breastfeeding on the first day of life. At 6 and 12 months of age, data were collected on breastfeeding practices and whether the child had used a pacifier in the previous 6 months. Statistical analysis involved the use of Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: The incidence of pacifier use in the first year of life was 60% (317/532). The multivariable analysis showed that pacifier use in the first year of life was 33% higher when the mother was younger than 18 years of age (relative risk [RR] = 1.33; confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.01-1.76). Infants who breastfed in the first 30 minutes after birth had a 25% lower risk of pacifier use in the first year of life (RR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60-0.94), and those who breastfed between 30 minutes and 6 hours after birth had an 18% lower risk (RR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69-0.97) compared to those who took longer to begin breastfeeding or did not breastfeed. Conclusions for Practice: Breastfeeding soon after being born protected against pacifier use in the first year of life. This finding suggests pathways to improve child health, especially in the prenatal period and with an emphasis on pregnant adolescents.

Incidence and prognosis of crown discoloration in traumatized primary teeth: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Knowledge of factors influencing the occurrence of crown discoloration following traumatic dental injuries in primary teeth and understanding its possible consequences can help dentists to provide appropriate care. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate the incidence of crown discoloration following trauma in primary teeth. This study also estimated the risk of pulp necrosis with subsequent infection of the root canal system and pulp canal obliteration in discolored teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of children treated at the specialized trauma center of the Federal University of Pelotas during a period of 10 years were analyzed. Patient details including the type of injury, presence of crown discoloration, pulp necrosis, and pulp canal obliteration were collected. Photographs of teeth with crown discoloration were assessed to evaluate the color presented (yellow or dark). Chi-square tests and Poisson regression were used for data analyses (P < .05). RESULTS: A total of 355 children with 628 traumatized teeth were included in the study. The incidence of crown discoloration was 27.9%, and 20.5% of the teeth were affected. Discoloration was higher in children whose age at the time of trauma was 2-4 years (P = .020), and it was associated with the type of injury (P = .019). Discolored teeth had a twofold risk of pulp necrosis and subsequent infection of the root canal system (RR 1.98 95% CI 1.42-276; P < .001) and a higher risk of pulp canal obliteration (RR 8.47; 95% CI 4.95-14.51; P < .001) than did teeth without discoloration. Teeth with dark and yellow discoloration were significantly associated with pulp necrosis and pulp canal obliteration, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the importance of monitoring traumatized primary teeth with crown discoloration, particularly those appearing darker, owing to their higher risk of pulp necrosis and subsequent infection of the root canal system.

The effect of enamel fractures on oral health-related quality of life in adolescents.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Enamel fractures are the most common type of traumatic dental injury (TDI) in children and adolescents. Recognizing the impact of these fractures on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) could contribute to the establishment of treatment protocols. The aim of this study was to assess and quantify the impact of enamel fractures on overall OHRQoL and domain scores in adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 775 adolescents aged 11 to 14 years in the city of Santo Ângelo in southern Brazil. Sociodemographic variables were collected from parents/caregivers using a structured questionnaire. The adolescents answered the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14 ). Physical examinations were performed by an examiner who had undergone training and calibration exercises for the investigation of TDI (Andreasen criteria), dental caries (WHO criteria), and malocclusion (Dental Aesthetic Index). Data analysis involved Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: The prevalence of TDI was 11.9% and enamel fractures accounted for 79.3% of all injuries. In the multivariate analysis, adolescents with enamel fractures had 29% higher CPQ11-14 scores (worse OHRQoL) than those without TDI, even after adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical variables (mean ratio = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.09-1.53; P = .003). Enamel fractures exerted a negative impact on the functional limitation, emotional well-being, and social well-being domains. CONCLUSIONS: Enamel fractures exert a negative impact on the OHRQoL of adolescents, suggesting that subjective measures should be incorporated in the evaluation of patients with this traumatic injury.

New Post-COVID-19 Biosafety Protocols in Pediatric Dentistry

Abstract The most recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - COVID-19 - caused by coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) has high-virulence transmission and direct human contagiousness by proximity. Thus, the considerable occupational risk in pediatric dentistry is evident, given the nature and form of procedures performed in an outpatient setting. Thus, the aim of this paper was to identify and contextualize technical and scientific information available to date aimed at preventing and minimizing risks for patients, caregivers and professionals. The results indicate that protective measures are being developed considering procedures according to risks and benefits, and five points stand out: 1. Regulation of resumption of elective procedures, screening and scheduling patients; 2. Restructuring clinical environment and infection control; 3. Improvement of personal protective equipment and biosafety recommendations; 4. Maximization of the use of non-invasive techniques, use of high-powered dental suction, and absolute isolation of the operative field; and 5. Minimization of the use of air-water syringe, dental spittoon and high-speed handpiece. The measures to be taken require reflection for the restart of a "new clinical practice", especially aiming at behavioral and structural changes regarding operational biosafety.

Avaliação da produção científica de um programa de pós-graduação stricto sensu em Odontologiacomo ferramenta de gestão / Evaluation of the scientific production of a stricto sensu post-graduation program in Dentistry as a management tool

Na universidade, o ambiente de produção, disseminação e socialização do conhecimento se consolida pela realização da pesquisa e publicação de seus resultados. O presente estudo transversal objetivou identificar o perfil das dissertações, teses e publicações em periódicos do Programa de Pós-graduação Stricto Sensu em Odontologia da Universidade Luterana do Brasil (PPGOdonto/ULBRA). Realizou- se uma análise bibliométrica quantitativa e descritiva no período de 1997-2016. Os dados, coletados por meio de formulário específico, consistiram em ano de defesa, especialidade e delineamento do estudo. Realizou-se uma busca na Plataforma Lattes e base de dados PubMed a fim de verificar as publicações em periódicos decorrentes dos trabalhos defendidos; e as publicações foram classificadas de acordo com os critérios Qualis. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Foram identificadas 284 dissertações de mestrado e 50 teses de doutorado defendidas no referido período. As áreas de Endodontia, Dentística e Prótese Dentária foram as especialidades com o maior número de defesas. Do total de dissertações e teses analisadas, 62% geraram publicações científicas, sendo 41% em periódicos de estratos Qualis A1 e A2, especialmente nas áreas de Endodontia, Periodontia e Odontopediatria. Em relação à metodologia utilizada nos estudos, 43,7% utilizaram delineamento experimental in vitro, seguido de estudos transversais (23,4%) e de estudos em modelo animal (11,1%). A autoavaliação dos programas de pós-graduação com foco na postura crítica em relação ao que está produzindo tem permitido a reorientação de linhas de pesquisa e da dinâmica de geração de conhecimento e inovações (AU).

At a university, the production, dissemination and socialization of knowledge are consolidated through research and the publication of results. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to identify the characteristics of dissertations, theses of the Stricto Sensu postgraduate program in dentistry of the Lutheran University of Brazil and subsequent publication in journals. For such, a descriptive, quantitative, bibliometric analysis was performed of the period from 1997 to 2016. The data were collected using a specific form addressing year of defense, specialty and study design. Searches were performed in the Lattes Platform and PubMed database to verify publications in journals of the articles stemming from the work defended. The publications were classified using the Qualis criteria and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 284 master's dissertations and 50 theses were defended in the period analyzed. The specialties with the largest number of defenses were endodontics, restorative dentistry and dental prosthetics. Among the total number of dissertations and theses analyzed, 62% generated scientific publications and 41% were published in journals with Qualis A1 and A2 ratings, especially those in the fields of endodontics, periodontics and pediatric dentistry. Regarding the methods, the largest portion used an in vitro experimental design (43.7%), followed by the cross-sectional design (23.4%) and studies involving animal models (11.1%). The self- evaluation of postgraduate programs with a focus on a critical stance with regards to what is being produced enables the reorientation of lines of research as well as the dynamics of knowledge generation and innovation (AU).

Uso de chupeta em pré-escolares do sul do Brasil: prevalência e fatores associados / Pacifier use in preschoolers from southern Brazil: prevalence and associated factors

Objetivo: investigar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao uso de chupeta em pré-escolares. Sujeitos e método: estudo transversal foi realizado com 1.316 crianças de 0 até 5 anos de idade no município de Canoas, no Rio Grande do Sul. O instrumento de pesquisa foi um questionário semiestruturado respondido pelos responsáveis sobre características sociodemográficas (sexo, cor da pele, idade da criança e materna, escolaridade materna, estrutura e renda familiar) e comportamentais (uso da mamadeira e aleitamento materno). O desfecho foi presença/ausência de uso de chupeta. A análise estatística compreendeu regressão de Poisson com variância robusta bruta e ajustada. Resultados: a prevalência de uso de chupeta em algum momento da vida foi de 68,1%. A análise multivariável ajustada mostrou que crianças que usaram mamadeira tiveram três vezes maior prevalência do desfecho (RP: 3,21; IC95% 2,25-4,59; p<0,001) se comparadas àquelas que nunca usaram mamadeira. Além disso, a análise adicional encontrou que crianças mais novas ainda usam a chupeta quando comparadas às mais velhas. Conclusão: conclui-se que a prevalência do uso de chupeta é alta e está associada com hábitos de nutrição. Assim, entender a associação de aspectos biopsicossociais e sua rede de causalidade torna-se essencial para o estabelecimento de estratégias de promoção de saúde na primeira infância. (AU)

Objective: to investigate the prevalence and the factors associated with pacifier use by preschoolers. Subjects and method: cross-sectional study performed with 1316 children from zero to five years of age, in the city of Canoas, RS, Brazil. The research instrument was a semi- -structured questionnaire answered by the responsible persons on sociodemographic (sex, skin color, child and maternal age, maternal level of education, and family structure and income) and behavioral (bottle-feeding and breastfeeding) characteristics. The outcome was the presence/absence of pacifier use. The statistical analysis included Poisson regression with crude and adjusted robust variance. Results: the prevalence of pacifier use at some point in life was 68.1%. The adjusted multivariate analysis showed that bottle-fed children presented a threefold higher prevalence of the outcome (PR: 3.21, 95%CI 2.25-4.59, p<0.001) compared to those who had never used the bottle. Moreover, an additional analysis found that younger children still use the pacifier compared to older ones. Conclusion: it is concluded that the prevalence of pacifier use is high and it is associated with nutrition habits. Thus, understanding the association of biopsychosocial aspects and their causality network becomes essential for establishing health promotion strategies in early childhood. (AU)

Family Health Strategy associated with increased dental visitation among preschool children in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Early-life dental service utilization could improve child dental health. AIM: Identify contextual, socioeconomic, and child characteristics associated with dental visitation by age 3 years. DESIGN: Within a Brazilian birth cohort (N = 435), multivariable regression models were fitted to identify independent predictors of having made a dental visit at age 3 years. Contextual variables considered included health center type (Traditional vs. Family Health Strategy, which perform home visits) and composition of oral health teams at the heath center where mothers accessed prenatal care. RESULTS: Dental visitation was positively associated with Family Health Strategy health centers (36% vs. 23%) and with higher maternal education and family social class. Visitation was lowest among families served by a health center without a dentist, but number of dentists and oral health team composition were not associated with visitation among facilities with ≥1 dentists. Dental visitation was not statistically significantly associated with caries experience but was higher if parents reported worse oral health-related quality of life. The vast majority of dental decay remained untreated. CONCLUSIONS: Dental visits were underutilized, and socioeconomic inequalities were evident. Dental visitation was more common when mothers received prenatal care at Family Health Strategy health centers, suggesting a possible oral health benefit.

Bibliometric Analysis of the Scientific Production of the Pesquisa Brasileira em Odontopediatria e Clinica Integrada: 2007-2017

Objective: To analyze the bibliometric profile of articles published in the Pesquisa Brasileira em Odontopediatria e Clinica Integrada (PBOCI). Material and Methods: In this documental study, two trained examiners independently assessed the abstracts of all articles published between 2007 and 2017. Articles were categorized according to the study design, dental specialty and institutional affiliation of the main author. The full article was read whenever the abstract did not allow its classification. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the absolute and relative frequencies. Results: In total, 670 articles were identified, with predominance of publications in the areas of Pediatric Dentistry (33.3%), Community Health (18.7%) and Restorative Dentistry (12.2%). The most used designs were cross-sectional (58.3%), especially in the areas of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Health; and laboratory studies (25.7%), mainly in the areas of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics. The Brazilian universities that most published in the Journal were the Federal University of Paraíba (9.7%), followed by the State University of São Paulo (6.4%) and University of São Paulo (6%), characterizing predominance of the Southeastern and Northeastern regions. The publications of authors with international affiliation represented 9.1%. The distribution among nations reveals studies from countries such as India (34.5%), Nigeria (14.8%), Bosnia (11.5%) and Iran (8.2%). Conclusion: PBOCI has provided Brazilian and foreign researchers the opportunity to disseminate studies in all areas of Dentistry, but studies in the fields of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Health are predominant. The most frequent designs were cross-sectional and laboratorial, and in relation to foreign participation, there is predominance of research from countries such as India, Nigeria and Bosnia.