Knowledge of Brazilian Dentists about Dentoalveolar Trauma Care and their Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess dentists' knowledge from Minas Gerais, Brazil, about dentoalveolar trauma (DT) and their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: An online questionnaire with 34 questions was applied to collect personal data, professional training, self-assessment of experience/knowledge about DT, experience in care provided during the social distancing, and knowledge/conduct. The specific responses were evaluated based on the guidelines of the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT). Descriptive analysis and Pearson's chi-square test were performed. The level of significance was set at p≤0.05. Results: Most professionals (97.7%) had received information on DT, and only 4.6% of the participants considered their knowledge poor or very poor. However, 92.7% felt the need for more information on the subject. Regarding experiences during the pandemic, 55.7% provided trauma care during that period. Forty percent of the consultations were performed in person, and 33.3% of the professionals noted an increase in cases during the pandemic; 56.6% reported that the frequency did not change. The overall mean number of correct answers about DT was 5.29±2.11, indicating an acceptable level of knowledge. The mean percentage of hits for the specific questions was 44.1%. Conclusion: Although the level of knowledge of the dentists evaluated was acceptable, some aspects were deficient, with the need for more information about the IADT guidelines.

Traumatic dental injuries in children: experience during the Covid-19 pandemic and parents' knowledge about their management.

The social isolation measures adopted during the critical phase of the COVID-19 pandemic led children to spend most of their time at home. Isolation may alter the pattern of traumatic dental injury occurrences, inasmuch as studies point out that most traumatic accidents occur at home. Considering this scenario and the influence of emergency management on the prognosis of the injury, the aim of this study was to evaluate the experience of traumatic dental injuries in children before and during the pandemic, and the knowledge of this topic by the children's guardians. This cross-sectional study was conducted with guardians of children aged 0 to 6 years, residing in Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. The guardians answered an online questionnaire addressing personal information, traumatic dental injury experience before and during the pandemic, and knowledge of this topic. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed using Pearson's chi-square test at a 5% significance level. The total sample consisted of 343 volunteers. A total of 95 and 92 injuries were reported before and during the pandemic, respectively; the home was the place of greatest occurrence. Most volunteers (88.1%) agreed that traumatic dental injuries are emergency situations, and were aware that the tooth/fragment had to be taken to the dentist after a fracture or avulsion (97.4%). This study revealed that the traumatic dental injury experience was similar before and during the pandemic, and that the volunteers had satisfactory knowledge, especially in recognizing the importance of immediate attention for a more favorable prognosis of these injuries.

Elementary school teachers' knowledge and attitudes toward emergency management of traumatic dental injuries.

The consequences of traumatic dental injuries can be even more serious when their emergency management procedures are inadequate. Since traumatic accidents frequently occur at school, it is crucial that teachers be knowledgeable enough to assist an injured child. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the elementary school teachers of a Brazilian city toward dental trauma in permanent teeth, and its emergency practices. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling methods was used. An online questionnaire was distributed through social media, consisting of three parts: demographic characteristics and professional information; previous experiences and attitudes toward dental trauma; teachers' knowledge of this subject. Descriptive and statistical analyses were carried out. Pearson chi-squared test (p < 0.05) was used. A total of 217 teachers participated in the study. The power of the sample was 95%. Half of the teachers had already witnessed a dental trauma incident involving students, and 70.5% never received any information on the subject. The teachers who were provided previous information were the ones who opted to search for the tooth fragment (p=0.036) in cases of crown fracture, and for the lost tooth (p = 0.025) in cases of avulsion. They were also the ones who chose to wash the tooth in running water (p = 0.018), and look for a dentist in the first 30 or 60 minutes after the trauma (p = 0.026). Most of the teachers assessed did not have adequate knowledge of dental trauma. Having previous information was associated with more assertive practices in trauma management.

Traumatic dental injuries in children: experience during the Covid-19 pandemic and parents' knowledge about their management

Abstract The social isolation measures adopted during the critical phase of the COVID-19 pandemic led children to spend most of their time at home. Isolation may alter the pattern of traumatic dental injury occurrences, inasmuch as studies point out that most traumatic accidents occur at home. Considering this scenario and the influence of emergency management on the prognosis of the injury, the aim of this study was to evaluate the experience of traumatic dental injuries in children before and during the pandemic, and the knowledge of this topic by the children's guardians. This cross-sectional study was conducted with guardians of children aged 0 to 6 years, residing in Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. The guardians answered an online questionnaire addressing personal information, traumatic dental injury experience before and during the pandemic, and knowledge of this topic. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed using Pearson's chi-square test at a 5% significance level. The total sample consisted of 343 volunteers. A total of 95 and 92 injuries were reported before and during the pandemic, respectively; the home was the place of greatest occurrence. Most volunteers (88.1%) agreed that traumatic dental injuries are emergency situations, and were aware that the tooth/fragment had to be taken to the dentist after a fracture or avulsion (97.4%). This study revealed that the traumatic dental injury experience was similar before and during the pandemic, and that the volunteers had satisfactory knowledge, especially in recognizing the importance of immediate attention for a more favorable prognosis of these injuries.

Efeito da intervenção educativa sobre o nível de conhecimento de acadêmicos de medicina, participantes de uma equipe do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU), em relação a avulsão de dentes permanentes / Effect of educational intervention on the level of knowledge of participants in a mobile emergency care team (SAMU) in cases of avulsion of permanent teeth

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção educativa, sobre avulsão de dentes permanentes, no nível de conhecimento de participantes de uma equipe do SAMU. Métodos: Participaram acadêmicos de Medicina que compunham a equipe do SAMU de Juiz de Fora (MG). A intervenção educativa foi realizada por meio de uma palestra com duração de 15 minutos. Para coleta dos dados foi utilizado um questionário, contendo 13 perguntas sobre avulsão dentária, aplicado em três etapas: antes da palestra (T0), imediatamente após a palestra (T1) e quinze dias após a palestra (T2). Foi realizada análise descritiva e teste McNemar para análise estatística (p < 0,05). Resultados:A amostra foi composta por 36 indivíduos. Nenhum participante relatou ter prestado atendimento a um caso de avulsão dentária. Trinta e quatro acadêmicos informaram não ter recebido orientações anteriores sobre o que fazer diante desse episódio e 35 afirmaram que esse conhecimento é necessário para o médico do SAMU. Houve aumento na porcentagem de acertos após os acadêmicos assistirem a palestra educativa (T1), para sete questões avaliadas. As mesmas questões também apresentaram maior percentual de acertos quinze dias após a palestra educativa (T2). Não houve diferença na capacidade dos acadêmicos reimplantarem um dente avulsionado tanto imediatamente após a palestra educativa (T1), quanto quinze dias após as orientações (T2) (T0-T1: p = 0,999; T0-T2: p = 0,999). Conclusão:A palestra educativa influenciou de forma significativa à melhora do conhecimento sobre avulsão dentária dos acadêmicos de Medicina que fazem parte da equipe do SAMU-JF.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of an educational intervention concerning the avulsion of permanent teeth upon the level of knowledge of members of a SAMU (Ambulance) team. Methods:Medical students who were members of the SAMU team in Juiz de Fora (MG) participated in this study. The educational intervention on the theme was carried out by means of a 15-minute lecture. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire containing 13 objective questions on tooth avulsion, applied to the medical students in three stages: before the lecture (T0), immediately after the lecture (T1), and fifteen days after the lecture (T2). Descriptive analysis and the McNemar test were performed (p < 0.05). Results: The sample consisted of 36 individuals. All participants reported never having attended a dental avulsion case. Thirty-four students reported that they had not received previous guidance on what to do when faced with this type of episode, and 35 stated that information about dental avulsion is necessary for SAMU doctors. For seven of the evaluated questions, an increase was identified in the percentage of correct answers after the students attended the educational lecture (T1). The same questions also showed a higher percentage of correct answers fifteen days after the educational lecture (T2). No difference was found in the students' ability to reimplant an avulsed tooth either immediately after the educational lecture (T1) or fifteen days after receiving guidance on the subject (T2) (T0-T1: p = 0.999; T0-T2: p = 0.999). Conclusion: The educational lecture significantly influenced the improvement of knowledge about dental avulsion among medical students who are members of the SAMU-JF team.

Elementary school teachers' knowledge and attitudes toward emergency management of traumatic dental injuries

Abstract The consequences of traumatic dental injuries can be even more serious when their emergency management procedures are inadequate. Since traumatic accidents frequently occur at school, it is crucial that teachers be knowledgeable enough to assist an injured child. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of the elementary school teachers of a Brazilian city toward dental trauma in permanent teeth, and its emergency practices. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling methods was used. An online questionnaire was distributed through social media, consisting of three parts: demographic characteristics and professional information; previous experiences and attitudes toward dental trauma; teachers' knowledge of this subject. Descriptive and statistical analyses were carried out. Pearson chi-squared test (p < 0.05) was used. A total of 217 teachers participated in the study. The power of the sample was 95%. Half of the teachers had already witnessed a dental trauma incident involving students, and 70.5% never received any information on the subject. The teachers who were provided previous information were the ones who opted to search for the tooth fragment (p=0.036) in cases of crown fracture, and for the lost tooth (p = 0.025) in cases of avulsion. They were also the ones who chose to wash the tooth in running water (p = 0.018), and look for a dentist in the first 30 or 60 minutes after the trauma (p = 0.026). Most of the teachers assessed did not have adequate knowledge of dental trauma. Having previous information was associated with more assertive practices in trauma management.

Avulsão de dentes permanentes e seu manejo: conhecimento de estudantesde Odontologia, Medicina e Enfermagem / Avulsion of permanent teeth and their management: knowledge of students of Dentistry, Medicine and Nursing students

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento de estudantesdos cursos da área da saúde (Odontologia, Medicina e Enfermagem) de uma instituição pública de ensino superior sobre avulsão de dentes permanentes, bem como sobre as condutas de urgência a serem tomadas frente à lesão. Foram coletadas informações, por meio de um questionário estruturado autoaplicável, sobre dados pessoais, experiências anteriores, conhecimento sobre avulsão dentária e sobre as principais condutas a serem tomadas frente a este tipo de traumatismo. Foi realizada análise descritiva e análise estatística, utilizando o teste de Qui-quadrado de Pearson. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p<0,05). A amostra, selecionada por conveniência, foi composta por 390 acadêmicos daUniversidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, sendo 154 do curso de Odontologia, 93 de Enfermagem e 143 de Medicina. Menos da metade dos entrevistados relataram ter recebidoanteriormentealguma informação sobre traumatismos dentoalveolares, sendo que a maioria que recebeu informação era do curso de Odontologia (p<0,01). A maioria também não teve nenhuma experiência anterior com esse tipo de traumatismo, sem diferença entre os cursos (p≥0,05). O estudo revelou que há falta de conhecimento sobre o manejo da avulsão de dentes permanentes pelos estudantesavaliados, principalmente os dos cursos de Medicina e Enfermagem. Desta forma, existegrande necessidade dodesenvolvimento de programas de educação, informação e treinamento, que enfatizem o tratamento emergencial para avulsão dentária, dirigidos aos alunos desses cursos (AU).

The aimof the present study was to evaluate the knowledge of undergraduate students ofhealth care courses (dentistry, medicine and nursing) from a public higher education institution about theavulsion of permanent teeth, as well as on emergency procedures to be taken in the occurrenceof this type of injury. Information was collected through self-administered structured questionnairecontainingpersonal data, previous experiences, knowledge about dental avulsion and about the main proceduresto be taken in the occurrenceof this type of trauma. Descriptive and statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's chi-square test. The significance level adopted was 5% (p <0.05). The sample, selected for convenience, was composed of 390 students from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 154 of them dentistrystudents,93 nursing studentsand 143 medicinestudents. Less than half of interviewees reported having previously received anyinformation about dentoalveolar trauma, and the majority who received some information were dentistrystudents (p <0.01). The majority also had no previous experience with this type of trauma, with no difference between courses (p≥0.05). The study revealed that there is lack of knowledge about the management of avulsion of permanent teeth by evaluatedstudents, especially those enrolled in medicine and nursing courses. Thus, there is great need for the development of education, information and training programs emphasizingthe emergency treatment for dental avulsion aimed at students of these courses (AU).

Association Between Dental Caries Experience and Socioeconomic Determinants on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Children and their Families

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the association between dental caries experience, severe dental caries experience and socioeconomic determinants on oral health-related quality of life among children and their families. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study whose sample was composed of children aged 4-12 years, who sought dental care in a dentistry school clinic, and their parents/caregivers. Dental caries experience and severe dental caries experience were assessed according to the DMF-T/dmf-t indexes. Parents/caregivers answered the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ), the Family Impact Scale (FIS) and a questionnaire on socioeconomic and demographic conditions. Data analysis included the chi-square test and Poisson regression (PR). Results: The sample was composed of 105 children and their parents/caregivers. Severe dental caries experience in children was determinant for negative perception of children's OHRQoL by parents/caregivers (PR = 1.22; CI = 1.05-1.41). Negative impact on OHRQoL perceived by family members was determined by severe dental caries experience in children (PR = 1.22; CI = 1.05-1.42) and family income <5 minimum wage (PR = 1.32; CI = 1.08-1.61). Conclusion: Severe dental caries experience was associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL perceived by children and their families. Low family income was associated with a negative impact on the OHRQoL perceived by children and their families.

Qualitative and quantitative molecular analysis of bacteria in root canals of primary teeth with pulp necrosis.

Information about bacterial diversity, such as the number of each species in the root canals of primary teeth, contributes to improving our effective management of infections of endodontic origin in primary teeth. This study made a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the bacteria in the root canals of primary teeth with necrotic pulp, using the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique. Thirty-one primary teeth with pulp necrosis from 31 children were evaluated using the FISH technique, to detect the presence and density of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Campylobacter rectus, Enterococcus faecalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Streptococcus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola. Descriptive measures explained the data related to density, and Student's t-test assessed the differences among the densities of each bacterium, according to signs and symptoms. The bacterial density was paired and correlated. All bacteria tested were detected and identified in all the samples. The average number of bacterial individuals from each species ranged from 1.9 x 108 cells/mL (S. mutans) to 3.1 x 108 cells/mL (F. nucleatum) (p > 0.05). The sum of the mean counts of each bacterium represented almost 80% of the entire microbial community. Patients with pain had significantly more T. denticola, and those with edema showed a greater density of Streptococcus and P. nigrescens (p < 0.05). This study revealed that all 12 bacteria evaluated were found in all primary teeth with pulp necrosis. There was no predominance among the species studied; all species had a similar number of individuals.

The Novel Coronavirus: An Alert for Pacifiers' Disinfection

Objective: To evaluate the best strategy for pacifier disinfection methods. Material and Methods: The literature search was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to find all relevant articles published over the past 20 years, based on PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers extracted data independently by using a standardized form. The following factors were recorded: country of study, type of study, pacifier material, sample number, microorganisms analyzed, decontamination methods used, method accessibility and results found. Results: A total of 121 articles were obtained from all databases. The selected documents underwent a final screening, resulting in 8 articles. The method of disinfection analyzed by the literature were: 3.5% neutral detergent, apple cider vinegar 70% spray, boiling water during 15 minutes, sodium hypochlorite 2.5, hydrogen peroxide 70% spray, chlorhexidine 0.12%, Brushtox®, sterile water and microwave. Conclusion: Because of the broad methods for pacifier disinfection and different levels of accessibility to disinfectant agents, the pacifier consensus for decontamination remains unclear. Although the disinfection methods are diverse, the methods suggested to its disinfection were identified and described in this article.

Qualitative and quantitative molecular analysis of bacteria in root canals of primary teeth with pulp necrosis

Abstract Information about bacterial diversity, such as the number of each species in the root canals of primary teeth, contributes to improving our effective management of infections of endodontic origin in primary teeth. This study made a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the bacteria in the root canals of primary teeth with necrotic pulp, using the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique. Thirty-one primary teeth with pulp necrosis from 31 children were evaluated using the FISH technique, to detect the presence and density of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Campylobacter rectus, Enterococcus faecalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Streptococcus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola. Descriptive measures explained the data related to density, and Student's t-test assessed the differences among the densities of each bacterium, according to signs and symptoms. The bacterial density was paired and correlated. All bacteria tested were detected and identified in all the samples. The average number of bacterial individuals from each species ranged from 1.9 x 108 cells/mL (S. mutans) to 3.1 x 108 cells/mL (F. nucleatum) (p > 0.05). The sum of the mean counts of each bacterium represented almost 80% of the entire microbial community. Patients with pain had significantly more T. denticola, and those with edema showed a greater density of Streptococcus and P. nigrescens (p < 0.05). This study revealed that all 12 bacteria evaluated were found in all primary teeth with pulp necrosis. There was no predominance among the species studied; all species had a similar number of individuals.

The Novel Coronavirus: An Alert for Pacifiers' Disinfection

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the best strategy for pacifier disinfection methods. Material and Methods: The literature search was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to find all relevant articles published over the past 20 years, based on PRISMA guidelines. Two reviewers extracted data independently by using a standardized form. The following factors were recorded: country of study, type of study, pacifier material, sample number, microorganisms analyzed, decontamination methods used, method accessibility and results found. Results: A total of 121 articles were obtained from all databases. The selected documents underwent a final screening, resulting in 8 articles. The method of disinfection analyzed by the literature were: 3.5% neutral detergent, apple cider vinegar 70% spray, boiling water during 15 minutes, sodium hypochlorite 2.5, hydrogen peroxide 70% spray, chlorhexidine 0.12%, Brushtox®, sterile water and microwave. Conclusion: Because of the broad methods for pacifier disinfection and different levels of accessibility to disinfectant agents, the pacifier consensus for decontamination remains unclear. Although the disinfection methods are diverse, the methods suggested to its disinfection were identified and described in this article.

Bruxismo infantil e sua associação com fatores psicológicos ­ revisão sistemática da literatura / Bruxism in children and its association with psychological factors - a systematic review of literature

O bruxismo compreende uma atividade parafuncional caracterizado pelo ato de ranger ou apertar os dentes de forma voluntária e/ou involuntariamente, ocorrendo durante o período diurno e/ou noturno, podendo acarretar vários prejuízos ao sistema estomatognático. Diversos são os fatores etiológicos que podem estar associados a esta desordem, como fatores locais, sistêmicos, hereditários, psicossociais e comportamentais. Pesquisadores têm sugerido que fatores comportamentais, como estresse, ansiedade e traços de personalidade se sobressaem a fatores locais. Portanto, o objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura a fim de avaliar se há relação entre bruxismo e fatores psicológicos em crianças. Foram realizados levantamentos nas bases de dados: PubMed, BVS Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e SciELO no período de fevereiro de 2007 a setembro de 2017. Os descritores utilizados foram "bruxism", "children", "stress", "anxiety", "pshychological factors". Sendo assim, 97 publicações foram identificadas na busca inicial. Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, a amostra final foi composta por sete estudos. Houve evidência significativa de uma associação entre estresse, ansiedade e fatores psicológicos com o bruxismo infantil. Porém, ainda existe uma enorme necessidade de estudos bem delineados e com metodologias padronizadas a fim de verificar a associação entre o bruxismo e fatores psicológicos.

Bruxism comprises a parafunctional activity characterized by the act of grinding or clenching the teeth voluntarily and/or involuntarily, occurring during the day and / or night, and may cause several damages to the stomatognathic system. Several etiological factors may be associated with this disorder, such as local, systemic, hereditary, psychosocial and behavioral factors. Researchers have suggested that behavioral factors such as stress, anxiety, and personality traits stand out from local factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature in order to evaluate if there is a relation between bruxism and psychological factors in children. Data were collected in the databases: PubMed, BVS Virtual Health Library and SciELO from February 2007 to September 2017. The descriptors used were "bruxism", "children", "stress", "anxiety" and "pshychological factors". Thus, 97 publications were identified in the initial search. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final sample consisted of seven studies. There was significant evidence of an association between stress, anxiety, and psychological factors with infant bruxism. However, there is still a great need for well-designed studies with standardized methodologies in order to verify the association between bruxism and psychological factors.

Longitudinal study on clinical and microbial analysis of periodontal status in pregnancy.

This study was aimed to provide a longitudinal overview of the subgingival bacterial microbiome using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique, in women in the second trimester of pregnancy (between 14 and 24 weeks), and 48 h and 8 weeks postpartum. Of 31 women evaluated during pregnancy, 24 returned for the 48-h and 18 for their 8-week exams postpartum. Probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and presence of calculus were recorded. Subgingival plaque samples were collected, and FISH was used to identify the numbers of eight periodontal pathogens. Friedman test was used to compare differences between follow-up examinations, followed by a multiple comparison test for a post hoc pairwise comparison. Clinically, a significantly greater number of teeth with PD = 4-5 mm were found during pregnancy than on postpartum examinations. Microbial analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in cell count over the study period for Prevotella nigrescens. P. intermedia, Campylobacter rectus, and Porphyromonas gingivalis also decrease, although not significantly, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans increased. No significant changes were found for Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola, or Tannerella forsythia. Our data demonstrate a change in the subgingival microbiota during pregnancy, at least for P. nigrescens.

Longitudinal study on clinical and microbial analysis of periodontal status in pregnancy

Abstract This study was aimed to provide a longitudinal overview of the subgingival bacterial microbiome using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique, in women in the second trimester of pregnancy (between 14 and 24 weeks), and 48 h and 8 weeks postpartum. Of 31 women evaluated during pregnancy, 24 returned for the 48-h and 18 for their 8-week exams postpartum. Probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and presence of calculus were recorded. Subgingival plaque samples were collected, and FISH was used to identify the numbers of eight periodontal pathogens. Friedman test was used to compare differences between follow-up examinations, followed by a multiple comparison test for a post hoc pairwise comparison. Clinically, a significantly greater number of teeth with PD = 4-5 mm were found during pregnancy than on postpartum examinations. Microbial analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in cell count over the study period for Prevotella nigrescens. P. intermedia, Campylobacter rectus, and Porphyromonas gingivalis also decrease, although not significantly, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans increased. No significant changes were found for Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola, or Tannerella forsythia. Our data demonstrate a change in the subgingival microbiota during pregnancy, at least for P. nigrescens.

Clinical Effectiveness of Two Commercial Fluoride Varnish Formulations on the Control of White Spot Lesion in Primary Teeth: A Pilot Study

To evaluate the in vivo clinical effectiveness of two commercial fluoride varnish formulations.Material and Methods:The sample consisted of seven children aged 2-5 years for a total of 24 active white spot lesions (WSL) in primary teeth. Children were randomly divided into two groups in accordance with the varnish used: G1 -Duraphat® -DR (n = 14 WSL); and G2 -Duofluorid XII® -DF (n = 10 WSL). Children were submitted to treatment with varnishes applied once a week for four consecutive weeks. Maximum mesiodistal and incisogengival dimensions were measured with a periodontal probe at the beginning of treatment and on the fifth week of treatment. The average between the two dimensions represented the value of the WSL dimension. The comparison of the mean final values of WSL dimensions between groups of fluoride varnishes tested was analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results:After five weeks, most WSL were ranked as inactive (G1 = 71.4% and G2 = 40%). No significant difference between G1 and G2 in relation to lesion activity was observed (p = 0.124). There was a significant decrease of 24% between initial (3.12 mm ± 1.49 mm) and final WSL dimension (2.35 mm ± 1.06 mm) (p = 0.012) in G1. In G2, there was a significant reduction of 40% in lesion dimension with initial value of 5.7 mm (± 3.82 mm) and final value of 3.4 mm (± 3.35 mm) (p = 0.013). Regarding the reduction in the WSL dimension, no significant difference between groups was observed (p = 0.931). Conclusion:Both fluoride varnish formulations tested had similar effect on the control of active white spot lesions in primary teeth...

Detection and enumeration of periodontopathogenic bacteria in subgingival biofilm of pregnant women

The aim of this study was to use the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique to test the hypothesis of qualitative and quantitative differences of 8 periodontopathogens between pregnant and non-pregnant women. This cross-sectional study included 20 pregnant women in their second trimester of pregnancy and 20 non-pregnant women. Probing depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and presence of calculus were recorded. Subgingival plaque samples were collected and the FISH technique identified the presence and numbers of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, Campylobacter rectus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens. The Mann-Whitney U-test was applied to compare the data between the two groups. The mean age, ethnicity, marital status, education, and economic level in both groups were similar. The clinical parameters showed no significant differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women. The numbers of subgingival periodontopathogens were not found to be significantly different between groups, despite the higher mean counts of P. intermedia in pregnant women. Colonization patterns of the different bacteria most commonly associated with periodontal disease were not different in the subgingival plaque of pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Detection and enumeration of periodontopathogenic bacteria in subgingival biofilm of pregnant women.

The aim of this study was to use the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique to test the hypothesis of qualitative and quantitative differences of 8 periodontopathogens between pregnant and non-pregnant women. This cross-sectional study included 20 pregnant women in their second trimester of pregnancy and 20 non-pregnant women. Probing depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and presence of calculus were recorded. Subgingival plaque samples were collected and the FISH technique identified the presence and numbers of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, Campylobacter rectus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens. The Mann-Whitney U-test was applied to compare the data between the two groups. The mean age, ethnicity, marital status, education, and economic level in both groups were similar. The clinical parameters showed no significant differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women. The numbers of subgingival periodontopathogens were not found to be significantly different between groups, despite the higher mean counts of P. intermedia in pregnant women. Colonization patterns of the different bacteria most commonly associated with periodontal disease were not different in the subgingival plaque of pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Use of chlorhexidine gel (0.2%) to control gingivitis and candida species colonization in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate chlorhexidine to control gingivitis and Candida species (spp.) in children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and their acceptance of the therapy. METHODS: Twenty-six HIV+ children were selected, and oral exam-established biofilm, gingival indexes, and stimulated saliva were collected for Candida ssp. identification. The children brushed their teeth for 21 days with chlorhexidine gel (0.2%). Salivary samples, biofilm, and gingival indexes were collected after 21-days and again 35 days after ceasing gel use. The children answered a questionnaire about the therapy. RESULTS: All children tested positive for Candida and gingivitis. After 21 days, Candida counts and gingivitis decreased in 25 and 26 children, respectively. Mean reduction was approximately 68% for Candida spp. and 74% for gingivitis. Thirty-five days after discontinuing gel use, gingivitis and Candida spp. increased in 13 and 16 patients, respectively. Considering the Candida spp., the heavy growth was lower in the first re-evaluation. Candida albicans was the most frequent species. Approximately 85% did not experience inconvenience with the gel, and approximately 48% thought it was good for tooth-brushing. CONCLUSION: Chlorhexidine therapy may be an option to treat and pre- vent gingivitis and reduce yeast counts in children infected with HIV.

A experiência de um programa de atenção à saúde bucal no atendimento às gestantes / Experience of an oral health attention program in attendance of pregnant women

O Projeto Só-Riso - Atenção Materno-Infantil é um projeto de extensão no qual alunos da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, MG, realizam tratamento de gestantes visando a preservação da sanidade gestacional e promoção de saúde ao binômio mãe-filho. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar a experiência da instituição no atendimento às gestantes. Foi coletado do prontuário dados sociodemográficos, distúrbios sistêmicos, condição de saúde bucal, tratamentos executados e encaminhamentos necessários. Utilizou-se análise descritiva da frequência absoluta e relativa. Foram atendidas 78 gestantes, com média de idade de 27,9 anos. Infecção geniturinária foi o distúrbio sistêmico mais comum (11/78). Todas as gestantes receberam orientação sobre saúde geral e bucal e foram submetidas à profilaxia antes do exame clínico. Selamento provisório de lesões cavitadas (66/78) e raspagem periodontal (60/78) representaram a maioria dos procedimentos executados. A alta prevalência de cárie dentária e doença periodontal encontrada demonstra a necessidade de atenção a esta população. Demonstrou-se que é possível o tratamento e a desmistificação do atendimento à gestante, principalmente em nível de atenção básica.

“Só-Riso – Atenção Materno-Infantil” is a extension project where students of the Dental School of Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil, accomplish treatment of pregnant women in order to achieve preservation of the gestational sanity and health promotion of mother and child. The purpose of this study was to relate the experience of this institution in the assistance of these women. It was registered from the records information about socio-demographic data, systemic disturbances, condition of oral health, preventive and curative procedures performed and directions to other levels of attention. Descriptive analysis, which registered absolute and relative frequency were used. Seventy eight pregnant women, mean age 27.9 years, were assisted. Urinary tract infections were the most common (11/78) systemic disturbance. All women received guidance on general and oral health and were submitted to dental prophylaxis before oral examination. Temporary cavity sealing (66/78) and periodontal scaling (60/78) represented most of procedures carried out. The high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease has shown the need of continuing attention. It was also demonstrated that it is possible the treatment and demystification of pregnant women’s assistance, mainly at basic assistance.