A microscopia eletrônica de varredura pode ser usada para medir quantitativamente a rugosidade da dentina? / Can Scanning Electron Microscopy be used to quantitatively measure dentine roughness?

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if SEM used with imaging software could be used to quantitatively determine the extent of dentine roughness due to tooth-brushing. Material and methods: Flat, polished dentine surfaces were subjected to 25,000 cycles of simulated tooth-brushing at 2 strokes per second with a load of 200 g. At the end of the brushing cycle, dentine surfaces were first assessed using profilometry and then subjected to SEM analysis. Ra (average roughness) readings were obtained for profilometric assessment. Using imaging software, the horizontal distance between adjacent characteristic grooves noted on micrographs was measured, ensuring that the middle of each crest of the associated groove was used as the reference point, the Crest-to-Crest distance (C-C distance). These two parameters were examined statistically for correlation. Results: When Spearman Rank tests were utilized the correlation between average Ra and crest to crest measurements was 0.709 (p <0.01). The Bland Altman plot, however, showed poor agreement between the two test parameters. Conclusion: Further work is needed to validate the use of this methodology in the quantitative assessment of tooth surface loss due to abrasion (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se o MEV usado com software de imagem poderia ser usado para determinar quantitativamente a extensão da rugosidade da dentina devido à escovação dentária. Material e Métodos: Superfícies dentinárias planas e polidas foram submetidas a 25.000 ciclos de escovação dentária simulada a 2 movimentos por segundo com uma carga de 200g. No final do ciclo de escovação, as superfícies dentinárias foram primeiro avaliadas por perfilometria e depois submetidas à análise MEV. Leituras de Ra (rugosidade média) foram obtidas para avaliação perfilométrica. Utilizando um software de imagem, foi medida a distância horizontal entre sulcos característicos adjacentes observados nas micrografias, garantindo que o meio de cada crista do sulco associado fosse usado como ponto de referência, a distância crista a crista (distância CC). Esses dois parâmetros foram examinados estatisticamente para correlação. Resultados: Quando foram utilizados os testes de Spearman Rank, a correlação entre a média de Ra e as medidas de crista a crista foi de 0,709 (p<0,01). O gráfico de Bland Altman, no entanto, mostrou fraca concordância entre os dois parâmetros de teste. Conclusão: Mais trabalhos são necessários para validar o uso desta metodologia na avaliação quantitativa da perda da superfície dentária devido à abrasão(AU)

A Preliminary Investigation into the Dietary and Oral Practices Associated with Fractured Teeth and Prostheses in a Trinidadian Population.

OBJECTIVES: This preliminary study seeks to determine the relationship between fractured teeth, restorations, prostheses, and specific dietary practices. METHODOLOGY: Anonymous questionnaires were randomly distributed to a convenience sample of Trinidadian adults at various locations around the country, after gaining consent. Data were analyzed using the software; Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for significant associations between various types of food and broken teeth or prosthesis using odds ratios. RESULTS: Three hundred questionnaires were completed. Seventy-five percent of the patients preferred crunchy or hard foods and 51% of the respondents liked crushing bones, mostly chicken bones. It was observed that respondents with a dietary preference for fried whole chana, split chana, crab, and sugarcane were significantly associated with broken dentures. Respondents eating whole chana also had a significant association with broken teeth and broken dentures. Associations were found between some dietary preferences, ethnicities, and age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Significant associations between age, ethnicity, sex, and certain dietary practices and habits were found. There also appears to be a significant relationship between patients with fractured teeth, restorations, and prostheses with certain dietary preferences.

A Preliminary Investigation into the Dietary and Oral Practices Associated with Fractured Teeth and Prostheses in a Trinidadian Population

Objectives: This preliminary study seeks to determine the relationship between fractured teeth, restorations, prostheses, and specific dietary practices. Methodology: Anonymous questionnaires were randomly distributed to a convenience sample of Trinidadian adults at various locations around the country, after gaining consent. Data were analyzed using the software; Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for significant associations between various types of food and broken teeth or prosthesis using odds ratios. Results: Three hundred questionnaires were completed. Seventy­five percent of the patients preferred crunchy or hard foods and 51% of the respondents liked crushing bones, mostly chicken bones. It was observed that respondents with a dietary preference for fried whole chana, split chana, crab, and sugarcane were significantly associated with broken dentures. Respondents eating whole chana also had a significant association with broken teeth and broken dentures. Associations were found between some dietary preferences, ethnicities, and age groups. Conclusions: Significant associations between age, ethnicity, sex, and certain dietary practices and habits were found. There also appears to be a significant relationship between patients with fractured teeth, restorations, and prostheses with certain dietary preferences.