Resumption of brazilian oral medicine health care during the second period of the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: This present study aims to compare the data from the Brazilian Unified Health System on the number of clinical consultations of Oral Medicine from the first 6 months (March-August 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil with the last 6 months (September-February 2020/2021) to update the data, verify the measures' effectiveness to return clinical activities in the following months. Methods: perform a literature review of recent articles that report the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Oral Medicine. Results: There was an increase in the number of Oral Medicine clinical consultations in the second half of the pandemic throughout Brazil (+64.2%), representing over 9,235 appointments in this period. Conclusion: measures for the return of health assistance and the practice of Telemedicine proved to be effective after the second period of the pandemic. Even so, strengthening security measures against the coronavirus is essential to ward off a new wave since the Omicron variant emerged in the country and, consequently, possible new lockdowns that might affect healthcare in Brazil

The continuous increase in the number of systemic lupus erythematosus cases in Brazil in the COVID-19 era.

This study aims to reevaluate and compare the data from the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) on the number of diagnoses of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the pre-pandemic period with those in the pandemic period, as well as to compare the first year (2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil with the last year (2021), to update the data, and to verify whether SLE disease control measures were effective in 2021. There was a consistent and significant increase in the incidence of SLE cases all over Brazil between the first and second pandemic years and between the pre-pandemic triennium and the second pandemic year. Therefore, it is inescapable to have larger clinical studies with different populations to better understand the relationship between these two conditions and find measures to improve the control of this disease.

Clinical outcomes of dental implants in head and neck cancer patients: An overview.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of dental implants (DIs) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiotherapy (RT), isolated chemotherapy, or bone modifying agents (BMAs). STUDY DESIGN: This study was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42018102772); conducted via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist; and based on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and gray literature searches. The selection of studies was performed in 2 phases by 2 independent reviewers. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by the Measurement Tool to Assess the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2. RESULTS: Twenty systematic reviews were included in the qualitative analysis. The majority scored as having high RoB (n = 11). Primary DIs placement in the mandible of patients with HNC subjected to RT doses <50 Gy was associated with better survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: The placements of DIs could be considered safe in patients with HNC in sites of alveolar bone that received RT (≤5000 Gy); however, no conclusions could be made in patients with cancer managed by chemotherapy or BMAs. Due to the heterogeneity of studies included, the recommendation for DIs placement in patients with cancer should be carefully considered. Future better controlled randomized clinical trials are required to provide enhanced clinical guidelines for best patient care.

Do Orofacial Clefts Impair Breastfeeding and Increase the Prevalence of Anemia?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to correlate the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia and breastfeeding with orofacial clefts in children. DESIGN: Data on the participant profile, presence and type of the cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), and records on anemia and breastfeeding were collected from patients' charts, and submitted to statistical analysis by χ2 test (p < .05; software SPSS 23.0). RESULTS: Two-hundred and ten files were divided according to: CL/P presence (cleft group; n = 132) or absence (control group; n = 78). Group CL/P was subdivided according to the type of cleft: CL/P-I (cleft lip; n = 35); CL/P-II (cleft lip and palate; n = 45); CL/P-III (cleft palate; n = 43); and CL/P-IV (rare orofacial clefts; n = 9). Group CL/P had significantly more records on anemia (p = .016) and fewer records on breastfeeding (P<.01) than controls. More records on anemia occurred in CL/P-II (p = .004) and CL/P-IV (p = .006) than the control group. The comparison among the orofacial cleft types regarding the anemia records showed no statistically significant differences (p = .123). Group CL/P-I had more records on breastfeeding than the other cleft types (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it is suggested that the breastfeeding process is more complex, and the history of anemia is more frequent, in children with cleft lip and palate or rare orofacial clefts than in children without clefts.

The continuous increase in the number of systemic lupus erythematosus cases in Brazil in the COVID-19 era

Abstract This study aims to reevaluate and compare the data from the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) on the number of diagnoses of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the pre-pandemic period with those in the pandemic period, as well as to compare the first year (2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil with the last year (2021), to update the data, and to verify whether SLE disease control measures were effective in 2021. There was a consistent and significant increase in the incidence of SLE cases all over Brazil between the first and second pandemic years and between the pre-pandemic triennium and the second pandemic year. Therefore, it is inescapable to have larger clinical studies with different populations to better understand the relationship between these two conditions and find measures to improve the control of this disease.

Midias sociais para atração de pacientes em clínicas odontológicas privadas durante pandemia de Covid 19 / Social media for attracting patients in private dental clinics during the Covid 19 pandemic

Verificar a rotina dos cirurgiões-dentistas (CD) e a utilização das mídias sociais, como meio de divulgação profissional e de atração de pacientes em clínicas odontológicas privadas, durante a pandemia de Covid-19. Este estudo transversal qualitativo inclui questionários respondidos por CD atuantes em clínicas privadas na região sudeste do Brasil. Um questionário virtual, elaborado através da plataforma Google Forms, abordou informações sobre o perfil dos profissionais e os aspectos dos métodos publicitários e mídias sociais utilizados para o alcance de pacientes durante o período de pandemia de Covid-19. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados e submetidos à análise estatística descritiva (%). No total, 102 CD participaram do estudo, sendo que 96 questionários seguiram os critérios de inclusão para a análise dos dados. A divulgação social como meio de exposição profissional foi uma ação realizada por 75 (78,13%) CD da amostra. Considerando esses profissionais, 74 (98,67%) utilizam redes sociais e domínios virtuais para tal finalidade, sendo que 71 (95,95%) CD usufruem do Instagram. Grande parte dos participantes (71,62%) relatou não possuir assessoria de marketing especializada para fazer publicações de conteúdo profissional nas redes sociais, embora a maioria publique este tipo de conteúdo mais de uma vez por semana (58,11%). Uma grande parcela dos participantes do estudo (67,71%) notou que a pandemia de Covid-19 procovou diminuição na quantidade de pacientes nas clínicas odontológicas. A inclusão de outros equipamentos de proteção individual foi a conduta mais seguida pelos CD (56,25%) para evitar a transmissão da doença neste período. Conclui-se que os CD participantes acreditam que a pandemia de Covid-19 promoveu um impacto negativo na atração de pacientes em clínicas odontológicas privadas na região sudeste brasileira, ainda que a maioria destes profissionais tenham incluído outros equipamentos de proteção individual como medida de segurança e utilizem frequentemente redes sociais para divulgação de conteúdo profissional, tendo o Instagram como a principal mídia social. No entanto, a assessoria de marketing especializada em publicações de conteúdo profissional nas redes sociais ainda é um recurso pouco utilizado no meio odontológico(AU)

To verify the routine of Dental Surgeons (DS) and the use of social media as a means of professional dissemination and patient attraction in private dental clinics during the Covid-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional qualitative study included questionnaires answered by Dental Surgeons working in private clinics in the southeastern region of Brazil. A virtual questionnaire, which was developed through the Google Forms platform, addressed information about the profile of professionals and aspects of advertising methods and social media used to reach patients during the Covid-19 pandemic period. The data were tabulated and submitted to descriptive statistical analysis (%). A total of 102 Dental Surgeons participated in the study, with 96 questionnaires meeting the inclusion criteria for data analysis. Social disclosure as a means of professional exposure was an action performed by 75 (78.13%) Dental Surgeons of the survey. Considering these professionals, 74 (98.67%) use social networks and virtual domains for this purpose and 71 (95.95%) Dental Surgeons use Instagram. A large portion of the participants (71.62%) reported not having a specialized marketing consultancy to make professional contente publications on social media, although most publish this type of content more than once a week (58.11%). A large portion of study participants (67.71%) noted that the Covid-19 pandemic caused a decrease in the amount of patients in the dental clinics. The inclusion of other personal protective equipment was the conduct most followed by the Dental Surgeons (56.25%) to avoid the transmission of the disease in this period. It can be concluded that the participating Dental Surgeons believe that the Covid-19 pandemic promoted a negative impact on attracting patients in private dental clinics in the southeastern region of Brazil, in spite of most of these professionals have included other personal protective equipment as safety measure and frequently use social networks for dissemination of professional content, with Instagram as main social media. However, a marketing consultancy specialized in publishing professional content on social networks is still a resource which is little used in the dental environment(AU)

First cases of oligodontia as a manifestation of the Zika virus congenital syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize the oral alterations in patients with the congenital syndrome caused by Zika virus infection (CZS). STUDY DESIGN: Ten children with CZS from the Association of Mothers of Microcephaly, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais State, Brazil were included. Data collection consisted of an interview with the parents, intraoral examination, and panoramic radiography. RESULTS: Oligodontia was found in 2 children. The first child, a 3-year-old boy, had 12 dental absences (2 primary maxillary lateral incisors, 2 primary mandibular lateral incisors, 2 primary maxillary canines, 1 primary mandibular canine, 1 primary maxillary first molar, 2 primary mandibular second molars, and 2 primary maxillary second molars), and the second child, a 5-year-old boy, showed 15 missing teeth (4 primary central incisors, 1 primary maxillary lateral incisor right, 2 primary mandibular lateral incisors, 2 primary maxillary canines, 1 primary mandibular canine, 1 primary mandibular first molar, and 4 primary second molars). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first report of oligodontia in Brazilian patients with CZS. Further studies with CZS patients are needed to better understand the occurrence and the association between Zika virus and oligodontia.

Agenesias dentárias atípicas: relato de caso clínico / Atypical dental agenesis: clinical case report

A agenesia dentaria é uma anomalia de desenvolvimento caracterizada pela determinação congênita de menor numero de dentes, podendo estar associada a síndromes genéticas ou ocorrer isoladamente. Embora seja considerada uma das anomalias mais frequentes quando envolve terceiros molares, segundo pré-molares e incisivos laterais, sua ocorrência em dentes estáveis, tais como o canino e o primeiro molar permanente é rara. Desta forma, este relato apresentará o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 8 anos idade, que iniciou tratamento de rotina na Clínica de Odontopediatria da UNIFENAS. Na anamnese não foi relatada pela responsável a ocorrência de alterações sistêmicas, nem queixa ou histórico odontológico relevante. No exame clínico odontológico, notou-se o não irrompimento do primeiro molar permanente superior direito (16). Diante dos exames de imagem, foi confirmada a agenesia do dente 16 e também do canino permanente superior direito (13). A agenesia, sobretudo de dentes estáveis e relevantes no arco dentário, pode comprometer o desenvolvimento adequado da oclusão, mastigação, fonação e estética. Desta maneira, é importante o diagnóstico precoce desta ocorrência com o objetivo de favorecer a elaboração de um adequado plano de tratamento e, minimizar as sequelas destas agenesias atípicas(AU)

Dental agenesis is a developmental anomaly characterized by the congenital determination of fewer teeth, may be associated with genetic syndromes or occur in an isolated form. Although it is considered one of the most frequent anomalies when it involves third molars, second lateral premolars and incisors, the occurrence in stable teeth, such as the permanent canine and the permanent first molar is rare. This report will present the case of an 8-year-old female patient who started routine treatment at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of UNIFENAS. In the anamnesis, the responsible person did not report the occurrence of systemic alterations, or a relevant dental complaint or history. On dental clinical examination, it was noticed the non-rupture of the permament maxillar right first molar (16). In view of the imaging tests, the agenesis of tooth 16 and also of the permanent maxillary right canine (13) was confirmed. Agenesis, especially of stable and relevant teeth in the dental arch, may compromise the proper development of occlusion, chewing, phonation and aesthetics. Thus, it is of paramount importance to early diagnosis of this occurrence in order to favor the development of an appropriate treatment plan in order to minimize the sequelae of these atypical agenesis(AU)

Atraso de escolaridade e dificuldade de socialização de pacientes com fissura labiopalatina não sindrômica / Scholar delay and socialization dificulty of patients with non syndromic cleft lip and palate

Dentre as principais consequências da fissura labial e/ou palatina não sindrômica (FL/ PNS) estão dificuldades com fonação e autoestima, a primeira uma questão funcional e a segunda um problema social derivado não raro de contextos de bullying que, dentre outros, podem levar o indivíduo à evasão escolar. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o atraso de escolaridade e a dificuldade de socialização de pacientes com FL/PNS quando comparados a uma população não afetada da mesma faixa etária de 7 a 20 anos, atendidos na Universidade José do Rosário Vellano ­UNIFENAS, campus de Alfenas. Os sujeitos foram agrupados em duas categorias de indivíduos, o grupo caso composto por indivíduos com FL/PNS em tratamento no Centro Pró-Sorriso da UNIFENAS; e o grupo controle composto por indivíduos sem FL/PNS em tratamento nas clínicas de Odontopediatria e Integrada da UNIFENAS. Os resultados demonstraram que a proporção de pacientes com FL/PNS atrasados na escola foi de quase 5 vezes maior que o número de pacientes sem fissuras (p<0,01). Constatou-se que a presença da FL/PNS pode ser o ponto de partida para outros contribuintes, com interferências psicológicas e/ou sociais, interferindo negativamente no processo de socialização (bullying) do paciente (p=0,0018). Portanto devem ser tratadas com abordagem multidisciplinar, incluindo diversos profissionais, dentre eles pedagogos, psicólogos e odontólogos(AU)

Among the main consequences of Non Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate (NSCLP) are the difficulties with phonation and self estime, the first being a functional issue na the later being social that is derived from, not rarely, bullying contexts, that among other things, may lead na individual to school evasion. The objective of this study was to avaluate the levels of scholarity of patients with NSCLP when compared to a non affected population of the same age in individuals from 7 to 20 years old, attended the Pediatric and Integrated Pediatric Clinic of UNIFENAS, Alfenas campus. The subjects were grouped into two categories of individuals, the case group was composed of individuals with FL/PNS with treatment at the ProSmile center at UNIFENAS. The control group was composed of individuals without FL/PNS in treatment at the clinics of pediatric and integrated denistry at UNIFENAS. The results demonstrated the number of patients with FL/PNS that presented scholar delay were almost 5 times the number of patients that didn't present FL/PNS (p<0,01). The presence of NFL/PNS may be the starting point for other contributors with psychological and/or social interferences, interfering negatively with the socialization process (bullying) of the patient (p=0,0018). They should be treated with a multidisciplinary manner, including multiple professionals, among them pedagogues, psychologist and dentist(AU)

Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 on the diagnoses of Hansen's disease in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has limited the access of patients with Hansen's disease (HD) to care due to changes in routine health services. METHODS: To ascertain this, we compared the number of HD cases diagnosed before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: The decrease in HD cases in Brazil reached 18,223 (-48.4%), corresponding to an average reduction of 1,518 cases per month during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Therefore, effective measures should be implemented to minimize the damage and the consequent negative health impact of COVID-19 on the care of HD patients.

Could the photobiomodulation therapy induce angiogenic growth factors expression from dental pulp cells?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different photobiomodulation (PBM) radiant exposures on the viability, proliferation, and gene expression of pulp fibroblasts from human primary teeth (HPF) involved in the pulp tissue repair. HPF were irradiated with Laser InGaAlP (Twin Flex Evolution, MMOptics®) at 660-nm wavelength (red); single time, continuous mode, 0.04-cm2 laser tip area, and 0.225-cm laser tip diameter, keeping the distance of 1 mm between the laser beam and the cell culture. The doses used were between 1.2 and 6.2 J/cm2 and were evaluated at the 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after PBM. MTT and crystal violet assays evaluated the cell viability and proliferation. RT-PCR verified VEGF and FGF-2 mRNA expression. A blinded examiner analyzed the data through two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p < 0.05). The groups with higher powers (10 mW, 15 mW, 20 mW, and 25 mW), shortest application periods (10 s), and radiant exposures between 2.5 and 6.2 J/cm2 exhibited statistically higher viability than that of the groups with small power (5 mW), longer application period (50 s), and radiant exposure of 6.2 J/cm2 (p < 0.05). VEGF and FGF-2 mRNA expression were observed at the three evaluated periods (6 h, 12 h, and 24 h) and the highest expression was in the shortest period (p < 0.05). All radiant exposures maintained HPF viable. The period of 6 h after irradiation showed statistically greater gene expression for both growth factors than other periods. VEGF mRNA had no differences among the dosimetries studied. The best radiant exposures for FGF-2 gene expression were 2.5 J/cm2 and 3.7 J/cm2.

Cancer diagnosis in Brazil in the COVID-19 era.

The comprehensive care and treatment for cancer patients in Brazil, regulated by the National Cancer Prevention and Control Policy, is provided by Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (SUS) in certified health institution. Due the COVID-19 pandemic, several restrictive measures have been implemented by the State federation's governments, and cancer diagnosis reference centers were also impacted by these measures. Thus, this study aimed to compare SUS-oriented cancer diagnosis in Brazil before and during the pandemic so far. The average number of cancer diagnoses has dropped considerably in all Brazilian Regions since the pandemic period started. The number of new cancer cases has plunged in all regions, ranged from -24.3% in the North to -42.7% in Northeast region. The overall Brazilian average deficit reached 35.5%, corresponding to about 15,000 undiagnosed cases of cancer monthly. The pandemic period has dramatically reduced the diagnosis of new cases of cancer in Brazil, since consultations in public health services were compromised by restrictive measures. Therefore, effective measures must be urgently put in action in order to minimize the damage, and consequently, the negative health impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the care of cancer patients.

Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 on the diagnoses of Hansen's disease in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has limited the access of patients with Hansen's disease (HD) to care due to changes in routine health services. METHODS: To ascertain this, we compared the number of HD cases diagnosed before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: The decrease in HD cases in Brazil reached 18,223 (-48.4%), corresponding to an average reduction of 1,518 cases per month during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Therefore, effective measures should be implemented to minimize the damage and the consequent negative health impact of COVID-19 on the care of HD patients.

Effect of single and multiple doses of low-level laser therapy on viability and proliferation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED).

The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro whether the low-level laser (LLL) delivering fractionated total energy (multiple irradiation) or single irradiation stimulates regeneration-associated events (viability and proliferation) in stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Cells received LLL irradiation (InGaAlP-660 nm), according to the following experimental groups: G1 (single irradiation 2.5 J/cm2, 10 mW, 10 s, 0.10 J), G2 (single irradiation 5.0 J/cm2, 10 mW, 20 s, 0.20 J), G3 (single irradiation 7.5 J/cm2, 10 mW, 30 s, 0.30 J), G4 (two irradiations 2.5 J/cm2, 10 mW, 10 s; total energy 0.20 J), G5 (three irradiations 2.5 J/cm2, 10 mW, 10 s; total energy 0.30 J), and G6 (non-irradiated). Cell viability was assessed by MTT and trypan blue exclusion (TBE) methods, while cell proliferation was evaluated by crystal violet (CV) and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays after 24, 48, and 72 h after the first irradiation. By MTT, there was no difference between groups at 24 and 72 h. At 48 h, the groups subjected to multiple irradiation (G4 and G5) presented higher cell viability rates. The average percentages of viable cells for all groups by TBE method were 91.04%, 96.63%, and 97.48% at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. By CV, there was no significant difference between groups at 24 and 48 h; at 72 h, G2, G3, and G4 presented higher cell proliferation. By SRB, G1 and G4 presented lower proliferation rates in all the periods. When the groups presenting the same total energy were compared, G2 (0.20 J) presented lower cell viability rates and higher cell proliferation rates in comparison with G4; G3 (0.30 J) presented similar results to those of G5, with higher cell viability and proliferation. The application of laser delivering fractionated total energy (two or three applications of 2.5 J/cm2) induced higher cell viability at 48 h, while the single irradiation with 2.5 J/cm2 did not stimulate metabolic activity in such period and the proliferation over time. The 5.0 and 7.5 J/cm2 single doses and the three applications of 2.5 J/cm2 maintained cell viability and stimulated proliferation of SHED at 72 h.

Laser treatment contributes to maintain membrane integrity in stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (shed) under nutritional deficit.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of laser irradiation on the membrane integrity and viability of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) that were kept in serum starvation. Nutritional deficit was used to mimic the cellular stress conditions of SHED isolation for regenerative dental approaches, where laser therapy could be beneficial. SHED were cultured under serum starvation (MEMα + 1%FBS) for 1 or 24 h pre-irradiation (protocols A and B, respectively). Then, cells received low-level laser therapy (LLLT; 660 nm) at 2.5 J/cm2 (0.10 W; groups I and V), 5.0 J/cm2 (0.20 W; groups II and VI), 7.5 J/cm2 (0.30 W; groups III and VII), or remained non-irradiated (groups IV and VIII). During irradiation, cells were maintained in 1% FBS (groups I-IV) or 10% FBS (normal culture conditions; groups V-VIII). Membrane integrity was evaluated by quantifying lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release (immediately after irradiation), and cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay (24, 48, and 72 h post-irradiation). Serum starvation did not alter LDH release by non-irradiated SHED, while LDH release decreased significantly in groups irradiated in 1% FBS (I and III), but not in groups irradiated in 10% FBS (V-VII), regardless the pre-irradiation conditions (protocols A/B). Cell viability was significantly higher 24 h after irradiation, in most protocol A groups. In contrast, cell viability remained mostly unaltered in protocol B groups. LLLT contributed to maintain membrane integrity in SHED subjected to nutritional deficit before and during irradiation with 0.10 or 0.30 W. Short serum starvation before irradiation improved SHED viability at 24 h post-irradiation.