Is chewable toothbrush effective in terms of dental plaque reduction in children? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on whether a chewable toothbrush (CTB) is more effective than a manual toothbrush (MTB) in terms of full-mouth dental plaque reduction in non-orthodontic children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six databases were searched by two independent reviewers according to pre-specified eligibility criteria up to October 2022. No restrictions regarding language, date of publication and minimum follow-up period were imposed. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used for quality appraisal and GRADE for assessing the certainty of evidence. Random-effects pairwise meta-analysis compared the dental plaque change scores of CTB and MTB through mean differences (MDs) and associated confidence intervals (95% CI), and sensitivity analysis determined whether an individual study significantly affected the results. RESULTS: Seven eligible RCTs were retrieved, including data of 310 children aged 8-14 years. Five RCTs present some concerns and two have high RoB. No significant difference was detected between toothbrushes in terms of Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index reduction (MD = -0.04, 95% CI: -0.26-0.18), with overall very low certainty on evidence. The pooled estimate remains unchanged when any RCT is omitted. CONCLUSION: There is very low-certainty evidence of no significant difference on plaque removal between MTB and CTB in non-orthodontic children. Due to unexplained high heterogeneity and low methodological quality of RCTs, we cannot determine the extent to which our finding reflects a true effect or bias arising from limitations of primary studies.

Early Childhood Caries and sugar: relationships and suggestions for prevention / Cárie da primeira infância e açúcar: relações e sugestões para prevenção

ABSTRACT Objective: To show the relation between sugar intake in the infant diet and the presence of early childhood caries in a group of preschoolers. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients aged 0 to 6 years attended at the Clinic of Babies from 2010 to 2016, at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. The data analyzed were: patient identification, gender, age, sugar introduction (age and frequency), exclusive breastfeeding, use of a bottle containing sugar, brushing (with or without fluoride) and diagnosis of dental caries through the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Descriptive analysis showed the characteristics of the sample and comparison analyzes were performed using Fisher and T-Student tests, to verify the relation between individual variables and sugary intake. Results: The average age of the children was 29 months. Of the 86 medical records analyzed, 80.0% of the children ingested sugary foods, and its were part of the eating routine. Only 36 medical records contained information about early childhood caries, in which 86.2% of prevalence was found. There was no statistical difference between sugary diet and other variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest an intense relationship between sugar and early childhood caries. The high frequency of sugar intake is a risk factor for the onset of caries in early childhood, and its insertion in infant feeding may be delayed. Food and hygiene orientation is fundamental in the treatment process as well as family awareness.

RESUMO Objetivo: Mostrar a relação entre a ingestão do açúcar na dieta infantil e a presença da Cárie da Primeira Infância em um grupo de crianças pré-escolares. Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de prontuários de pacientes de 0 a 6 anos atendidos na Clínica de Bebês entre 2010 a 2016, da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Os dados analisados foram: identificação do paciente, sexo, idade, introdução do açúcar (idade e frequência), aleitamento materno exclusivo, uso de mamadeira contendo açúcar, escovação (com ou sem flúor) e diagnóstico de cárie dentária feito através do International Caries Detection and Assessment System. A análise descritiva mostrou as características da amostra e análises comparativas foram realizadas pelos testes de Fisher e T-Student, para verificar a relação entre variáveis individuais e a ingestão de açucares. Resultados: A média de idade das crianças foi de 29 meses. Dos 86 prontuários analisados, 80,0% das crianças ingeriam alimentos açucarados, sendo parte da rotina alimentar. Apenas 36 prontuários continham informações sobre a Cárie da Primeira Infância, nestes foi encontrada uma prevalência de 86,2% da amostra. Não houve diferença estatística entre dieta açucarada e demais variáveis (p > 0,05). Conclusão: Esses resultados sugerem uma intensa relação entre açúcar e Cárie da Primeira Infância. A alta frequência de ingestão de açúcar é um fator de risco para o surgimento da Cárie da Primeira Infância, podendo ser retardada a sua inserção na alimentação infantil. A orientação alimentar e de higienização é fundamental no processo do tratamento assim como a conscientização familiar.

Survival and Associated Risk Factors of Composite Restorations in Children with Early Childhood Caries: A Clinical Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical retrospective study was to assess survival and risk factors associated with failures of resin composite restorations placed in patients with early childhood caries. METHODS: Seventy-eight restorations in primary teeth from records of 24 high caries risk children were included in the study. The restorations' longevity up to 30 months of follow-up was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier survival test. Multivariate Cox regression analysis with shared frailty was used to evaluate the factors associated with failures (P<0.05). RESULTS: Mean survival time was 26 months (95 percent confidence interval = 24.5 to 26.7). The survival of the restorations reached 34.8 percent up to 30 months, with an overall annual failure rate of 20 percent. Restorations involving two or more surfaces had 2.50 times more risk of failure than restorations involving single surface (P=0.03). Restorations performed in vital teeth had a lower risk of failure than those performed in teeth that underwent pulp intervention (hazard ratio equals 0.25; 95 percent confidence interval =0.10 to 0.65; P=0.00). Patients with a plaque index more than 20 percent had 3.63 times more risk of failure in their restorations (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Clinical variables, such as the number of restored surfaces, pulp therapy, and poor biofilm control, may affect the survival of composite restorations performed in patients with early childhood caries.

An Alternative Method to Treat Ankyloglossia.

Ankyloglossia entails short lingual frenum, impairing satisfactory tongue movement and leading to problems related to deglutition, feeding and diction. This clinical report uses laser technology, rather than traditional surgical procedure with scalpel, to perform a lingual frenulotomy on a 9-year old child diagnosed with ankyloglossia, aiming to investigate more conservative and less traumatic dental procedures. Due to the many advantages of the laser device, such as bloodless surgical field, absence of sutures, minimal swelling and post-surgical pain, the high intensity diode laser is a viable alternative technique in soft tissue surgeries.

Association between Dental Caries and Socioeconomic Factors in Schoolchildren--A Multilevel Analysis.

This study aimed to assess the association between dental caries, socioeconomic individual and contextual factors in 12-years-old children. A representative sample of 1,134 children enrolled in public schools from Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, was obtained from a multistage random sampling. Four calibrated dentists examined participants at schools. Data about dental caries (DMF-T index) and dental plaque (present or absent) were assessed. Children's parents or guardians answered questions regarding their demographics and socioeconomic status. Context variables were also collected from official publications of the city. Data analyses were performed using multilevel logistic regression models. Caries prevalence in this sample (DMF-T≥1) was 49.9% (95%CI: 45.05% - 54.77%), and mean DMF-T was 1.15 (95%CI: 1.01-1.29) with 0.068 standard error. Children of the 3rd and 2nd tertile of income represented by the rich and intermediate categories, showed, respectively, a 50% (OR 0.50: CI95 % 0.35-0.71) and 39% (OR 0.61: CI95% 0.45-0.82) lower chance to present untreated caries compared with the poorest portion of the sample represented by the 1st tertile of income. Regarding the context covariates, children from lower income neighborhood presented a higher chance for having untreated dental caries compared with their counterpart (OR 1.70: CI95% 1.19 to 2.43). Inequalities in the distribution of dental caries continue affecting children from poorer socioeconomic profiles. There is need for planning public interventions for oral health promotion that take into account individual and contextual socioeconomic characteristics.

Association between Dental Caries and Socioeconomic Factors in Schoolchildren - A Multilevel Analysis

Abstract This study aimed to assess the association between dental caries, socioeconomic individual and contextual factors in 12-years-old children. A representative sample of 1,134 children enrolled in public schools from Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, was obtained from a multistage random sampling. Four calibrated dentists examined participants at schools. Data about dental caries (DMF-T index) and dental plaque (present or absent) were assessed. Children's parents or guardians answered questions regarding their demographics and socioeconomic status. Context variables were also collected from official publications of the city. Data analyses were performed using multilevel logistic regression models. Caries prevalence in this sample (DMF-T≥1) was 49.9% (95%CI: 45.05% - 54.77%), and mean DMF-T was 1.15 (95%CI: 1.01-1.29) with 0.068 standard error. Children of the 3rd and 2nd tertile of income represented by the rich and intermediate categories, showed, respectively, a 50% (OR 0.50: CI95 % 0.35-0.71) and 39% (OR 0.61: CI95% 0.45-0.82) lower chance to present untreated caries compared with the poorest portion of the sample represented by the 1st tertile of income. Regarding the context covariates, children from lower income neighborhood presented a higher chance for having untreated dental caries compared with their counterpart (OR 1.70: CI95% 1.19 to 2.43). Inequalities in the distribution of dental caries continue affecting children from poorer socioeconomic profiles. There is need for planning public interventions for oral health promotion that take into account individual and contextual socioeconomic characteristics.

Resumo Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a associação entre cárie dental e fatores socioeconômicos individuais e contextuais em crianças de 12 anos de idade. Uma amostra representativa de 1.134 crianças matriculadas em escolas públicas de Santa Maria, RS, foi obtida a partir de uma amostragem aleatória em duplo estágio. Quatro dentistas calibrados examinaram os participantes nas escolas. Foram avaliados dados sobre cárie dentária (índice CPO-D) e placa dentária (presente ou ausente). Os pais ou responsáveis pelos adolescentes responderam questionários sobre status socioeconômico e sociodemográficos. Variáveis contextuais também foram coletadas através de publicações oficiais do município. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se modelos multiníveis de regressão logística. A prevalência de cárie da amostra (CPO-D≥1) foi 49.9% (95%IC: 45.05% - 54.77), e a média de CPO-D foi de 1.15 (95%IC: 1.01-1.29) com 0.068 de erro padrão. As crianças do 3º e 2º tercil de renda representado pelas categorias ricas e intermediárias apresentaram respectivamente 50% (OR 0,50: IC95% 0,35-0,71) e 39% (OR 0,61: IC95% 0,45-0,82) menor chance de apresentarem cárie não tratada em comparação com a porção mais pobre da amostra representada pelo 1º tercil de renda. Em relação à variável contextual "renda média do bairro", crianças que viviam em bairros com menor renda apresentaram uma chance 70% (OR 1,70: IC95% 1,19-2,43) maior de ter cárie dentária não tratada, quando comparadas com aquelas que viviam em bairros de maior renda. Desigualdades na distribuição da cárie dentária continuam afetando as crianças dos perfis socioeconômicos mais pobres. Os resultados mostram a necessidade de planejamento de intervenções públicas que visem a promoção da saúde bucal que levem em conta as características socioeconômicas individuais e contextuais.

Impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life of preschool children / Impacto da maloclusão na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal em pré-escolares

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the relationship of dental malocclusion with COHRQoL considering socioeconomic backgrounds and clinical factors. METHODS: A survey was carried out in Santa Maria, Brazil, during the National Children's Vaccination Day. The sample comprised 478 children aged 12 to 59 months. Fifteen trained and calibrated examiners evaluated the presence of anterior malocclusion traits (AMT) - anterior open bite, overjet and sealing lip. COHRQoL was measured through overall scores of the Brazilian version of ECOHIS (Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale). The assessment of association used adjusted Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The unadjusted assessment observed age, untreated dental caries and anterior open bite as the main covariates of the overall ECOHIS score. After the adjustment, the presence of anterior open bite had a negative impact on COHRQoL. There was no association between overjet and sealing lip with COHRQoL. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, anterior open bite present a negative impact on COHRQoL. .

OBJETIVOS: Este estudo avaliou o impacto da maloclusão dentária na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal, considerando fatores socioeconômicos e condições clínicas. METODOS: Um estudo foi realizado em Santa Maria, Brasi, durante a Campanha Nacional de Multivacinação Infantil. A amostra compreendeu 478 crianças na faixa etária de 12 a 59 meses. Quinze examinadores treinados e calibrados avaliaram a presença de maloclusão na região anterior - mordida aberta anterior, overjet e selamento labial. na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal foi mensurada por meio de escores totais da versão em português do questionário ECOHIS (Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale). Para verificar as possíveis variáveis associadas foram aplicados modelos de regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: O modelo não ajustado revelou associação da idade, cárie dentária não tratada e e mordida aberta anterior aos escores totais do ECOHIS. Após o ajuste, verificou-se que mordida aberta anterior teve um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal. Não houve associação entre a presença de overjet e elamento labial à qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal. CONCLUSÃO: Pode-se concluir que que mordida aberta anterior teve um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal. .

Toothache, Associated Factors, and Its Impact on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in Preschool Children

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of toothache, associated factors and impact of this condition on the Child Oral Health Related Quality of Life (COHRQoL) in preschoolers. The study was carried out in Santa Maria, Brazil, during the National Children's Vaccination Day, and 534 children aged 0 to 5 years were included. Clinical variables included dental caries and dental trauma. A questionnaire was responded by the parents and provided information about several socioeconomic indicators, dental service use and toothache. Toothache was collected by the question: "Has your child ever had a toothache - Yes or no?". Data on COHRQoL were assessed using the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Multivariable Logistic regression models were performed to assess the association between the predictor variables and outcomes. The prevalence of toothache was 10.11% (95% CI: 7.55% - 12.68%). Older children had a higher chance of presenting dental pain (OR 2.72; 95% CI: 1.01 - 7.56), as well as children with caries experience (OR 3.43; 95% CI: 1.81 - 6.52). Moreover, children who had not visited the dental service in the last 6 months were less likely to present toothache (OR 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28 - 0.95). The presence of dental pain negatively affects the COHRQoL; those with toothache presented a higher chance of having higher impact on the total scores of ECOHIS (OR 4.18; 95% CI: 1.76 - 9.95) than those without toothache. Similar observation was found for the child section of the questionnaire (OR 5.54; 95% CI: 2.15 - 14.24). Toothache negatively affects COHRQoL and is associated with caries experience, age and use of dental service.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência de dor dentaria, os fatores associados e seu impacto na qualidade de vida relacionada a saúde bucal de crianças pré-escolares. Esse estudo foi realizado em Santa Maria, Brasil, durante o dia nacional de vacinação infantil, e 534 crianças de 0 a 5 anos foram incluídas. As variáveis clinicas incluídas foram carie dental e traumatismo dentário. Um questionário foi respondido pelos pais, fornecendo informações sobre as condições socioeconômicas, uso de serviços odontológicos e dor dentaria. Dor de dente foi coletada através da pergunta: "Seu filho já teve dor de dente - Sim ou Não?". Os dados sobre qualidade de vida relacionada a saúde bucal foram obtidos através da versão brasileira do questionário "Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale" (ECOHIS). Modelos multivariáveis de regressão logística foram utilizados para avaliar a associação entre as variáveis preditoras e os desfechos. A prevalência de dor dentaria foi 10,11% (95% IC: 7,55% - 12,68%). Crianças mais velhas apresentaram uma maior chance de ter tido dor dentaria (OR 2,72; 95% IC: 1,01 - 7,56), assim como crianças com experiência de carie (OR 3,43; 95% IC: 1,81 - 6,52). Além disso, as crianças que não tinham visitado o dentista nos últimos 6 meses foram menos propensas a apresentar dor dentária (OR 0,51; 95% IC: 0,28 - 0,95). A presença de dor dentária afeta negativamente a qualidade de vida relacionada a saúde bucal das crianças; aquelas que tiveram dor de dente apresentaram uma maior chance de ter piores impactos nos escores totais do ECOHIS (OR 4,18; 95% IC: 1,76 - 9,95) quando comparadas àquelas que não tiveram dor dentária. O mesmo se pode observar para a seção do questionário correspondente aos impactos na criança (OR 5,54; 95% IC: 2,15 - 14,24. Dor dentaria afeta negativamente a qualidade de vida relacionada a saúde bucal e esta associada com experiência de carie, idade e uso de serviços odontológicos.

Self-perceived oral health influences tooth brushing in preschool children.

This study assessed the influence of socioeconomic and clinical factors, as well as parent's perception of child's oral health on the toothbrushing frequency of 0-5-year-old children. The study was carried out in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, during the National Children's Vaccination Day, and 478 children aged 0-5 years were included. Data were collected by clinical examinations and a structured questionnaire, conducted by 15 calibrated examiners and 30 supports. A questionnaire was filled out by the parents with information about several socioeconomic indicators, perception of child's oral health and frequency of tooth brushing. The main outcome was collected by the question: "How many times a day do you brush your child's teeth?". Multivariable Poisson regression model taking into account the cluster sample was performed to assess the association between the predictors and outcome. Children whose parents related worse perception of child's oral health showed less tooth brushing frequency (PR 1.23; 1.06 - 1.43). Young children brush their teeth less than the older ones (PR 0.90; 0.84 - 0.96); and lack of visit to a dentist was predictor for less tooth brushing frequency (PR 1.29; 1.05 - 1.59). Parent's perception of child oral health influence children's healthy behaviors, supporting the evidence that psychosocial factors are strong predictors of children's oral health.

Self-Perceived Oral Health Influences Tooth Brushing in Preschool Children

This study assessed the influence of socioeconomic and clinical factors, as well as parent's perception of child's oral health on the toothbrushing frequency of 0-5-year-old children. The study was carried out in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, during the National Children's Vaccination Day, and 478 children aged 0 - 5 years were included. Data were collected by clinical examinations and a structured questionnaire, conducted by 15 calibrated examiners and 30 supports. A questionnaire was filled out by the parents with information about several socioeconomic indicators, perception of child's oral health and frequency of tooth brushing. The main outcome was collected by the question: "How many times a day do you brush your child's teeth?". Multivariable Poisson regression model taking into account the cluster sample was performed to assess the association between the predictors and outcome. Children whose parents related worse perception of child's oral health showed less tooth brushing frequency (PR 1.23; 1.06 - 1.43). Young children brush their teeth less than the older ones (PR 0.90; 0.84 - 0.96); and lack of visit to a dentist was predictor for less tooth brushing frequency (PR 1.29; 1.05 - 1.59). Parent's perception of child oral health influence children's healthy behaviors, supporting the evidence that psychosocial factors are strong predictors of children's oral health.

O estudo avaliou a influência de fatores socioeconômicos, clínicos e a percepção dos pais quanto à saúde de seus filhos na frequência de escovação de pré-escolares de 0 a 5 anos de Santa Maria-RS, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado em Santa Maria, Brasil, durante o Dia Nacional de Vacinação das Crianças e 478 crianças de 0 - 5 anos foram incluídas. Os dados foram coletados por meio de exames clínicos e por um questionário estruturado, realizados por 15 examinadores calibrados e 30 auxiliares. Os responsáveis forneceram informações sobre diversos indicadores socioeconômicos, auto-percepção de saúde bucal e frequência de escovação dentária. O principal desfecho foi coletado pela pergunta "Quantas vezes por dia você escova os dentes de seu filho?". Os dados foram analisados utilizando modelo de regressão de Poisson, considerando pesos relativos à amostragem complexa. Pais que relataram pior percepção de saúde bucal dos seus filhos em relação às outras crianças apresentavam uma menor frequência de escovação (RP 0,23; IC: 1,06 - 1,43). Crianças mais novas escovavam menos os dentes que as de idade mais elevada (RP 0,90; IC: 0,84 - 0,96) e a não-procura pelo dentista foi preditor para menor frequência de escovação (RP 1,29; IC: 1,05 - 1,59). A percepção dos pais influencia hábitos saudáveis da criança, suportando a evidência de que aspectos psicossociais são fortes preditores de saúde bucal na infância.

The influence of prebrushing mouthwashes on plaque removal in children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the influence of prebrushing mouthwashes on dental plaque removal in children. METHODS: This study had a double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover, 25-day experimental design, including 38 12- to 14-year-olds. Four solutions were used as prebrushing mouthwashes (Colgate Plax Magic, Listerine Cool Blue Agent, water and dye, and water) by each participant with seven days' washout. The plaque index was evaluated before and after tooth-brushing during the experimental period. RESULTS: Intergroup comparisons showed no significant differences in plaque reduction among evaluated solutions (Friedman test, P>.78). Significantly more plaque was present before vs. after tooth-brushing (Wilcoxon rank test, P<.001), independent of the surface (buccal or lingual/palatal). CONCLUSION: Use of prebrushing mouthwashes by children does not influence plaque removal by tooth-brushing.

Toothache, associated factors, and its impact on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in preschool children.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of toothache, associated factors and impact of this condition on the Child Oral Health Related Quality of Life (COHRQoL) in preschoolers. The study was carried out in Santa Maria, Brazil, during the National Children's Vaccination Day, and 534 children aged 0 to 5 years were included. Clinical variables included dental caries and dental trauma. A questionnaire was responded by the parents and provided information about several socioeconomic indicators, dental service use and toothache. Toothache was collected by the question: "Has your child ever had a toothache - Yes or no?". Data on COHRQoL were assessed using the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). Multivariable Logistic regression models were performed to assess the association between the predictor variables and outcomes. The prevalence of toothache was 10.11% (95% CI: 7.55% - 12.68%). Older children had a higher chance of presenting dental pain (OR 2.72; 95% CI: 1.01 - 7.56), as well as children with caries experience (OR 3.43; 95% CI: 1.81 - 6.52). Moreover, children who had not visited the dental service in the last 6 months were less likely to present toothache (OR 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28 - 0.95). The presence of dental pain negatively affects the COHRQoL; those with toothache presented a higher chance of having higher impact on the total scores of ECOHIS (OR 4.18; 95% CI: 1.76 - 9.95) than those without toothache. Similar observation was found for the child section of the questionnaire (OR 5.54; 95% CI: 2.15 - 14.24). Toothache negatively affects COHRQoL and is associated with caries experience, age and use of dental service.

The Influence of Prebrushing Mouthwashes on Plaque Removal in Children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the influence of prebrushing mouthwashes on dental plaque removal in children. METHODS: This study had a double-blind, randomized, controlled, crossover, 25-day experimental design, including 38 12- to 14-year-olds. Four solutions were used as prebrushing mouthwashes (Colgate Plax Magic, Listerine Cool Blue Agent, water and dye, and water) by each participant with seven days' washout. The plaque index was evaluated before and after tooth-brushing during the experimental period. RESULTS: Intergroup comparisons showed no significant differences in plaque reduction among evaluated solutions (Friedman test, P>.78). Significantly more plaque was present before vs. after tooth-brushing (Wilcoxon rank test, P<.001), independent of the surface (buccal or lingual/palatal). CONCLUSION: Use of prebrushing mouthwashes by children does not influence plaque removal by tooth-brushing.

Influência da forma de inserção da pasta Guedes-Pinto no preenchimento de canais de molares decíduos / Influence af the way af insertian af Guedes-Pinta paste filling in canais af deciduaus malars

Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a influência da forma de inserção da pasta iodoformada Guedes-Pinto no preenchimento de canais artificiais de molares decíduos. Dezoito espécimes de resina acrílica foram confeccionados a partir da moldagem dos canais de um segundo molar decíduo inferior, o qual foi submetido a preparo endodôntico prévio. Os canais artificiais foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos (n=6) de acordo com a técnica de inserção da pasta Gue¬des-Pinto: G 1 - lima endodôntica, G2 - lima endodôntica associada à. broca lentulo, G3 - seringa Centrix@. Um operador experiente realizou as obturações em sequência aleatória de seis espécimes por sessão. Em cada sessão a pasta Guedes-Pinto era manipulada imediatamente antes do uso pela mistura de partes iguais de iodofórmio, paramonoclorofenol canforado e rifamicinajpredin¬solona (Rifocor~). Após a obturação, os espécimes foram radiografados nos sentidos vestíbulo¬lingual, disto-mesial e mésio-distal e as imagens obtidas avaliadas por examinador independente e cego que considerou a obturação satisfatória, questionável ou insatisfatória, de acordo com o grau de preenchimento dos canais. Considerando a unidade experimental do dente, os espécimes do grupo 3 obtiveram melhores escores que os demais grupos. Assim, o uso da seringa Centrix@ foi melhor (pO,05).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the way of insertion of iodoform fillingpaste (Guedes-Pinto) in artificial canais of primary molars. Eighteen acrylic resin specimens were obtained from the canal mould of a previously endodontic prepared second primary molar. The artificial canais were randomly divided into three groups (n=6) according to the technique of insertion of Guedes-Pinto: Gl - endodontic file, G2 - endodontic file + lentulo drill, G3 - Centrix@ syringe. An experienced operator carried out the fillings in a random way of 6-canals per session. In each session, Guedes-Pinto was manipulated (equal parts of iodoform, camphorated paramo¬nochlorophenol and rifamycinfprednisolone (Rifocort@) and used immediately. After filling the canais were radiographed from buccal, distal and mesial. The images were analyzed by an indepen¬dent and blind examiner who considered the filling satisfactory, questionable ar unsatisfactory. Considering the experimental unit tooth, specimen in group 3 had better scores than the other groups. Thus, use the Centrix@ syringe performed better compared to the endodontic file with or without lentulo. When the comparison was ma de between file and file with lentulo there was no significant difference.

Associação entre a duração do aleitamento materno e sua influência sobre o desenvolvimento de hábitos orais deletérios / Association between duration of breast feeding and its influence upon the development of harmful oral habits

Introdução e objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a presença de hábitos bucais deletérios e relacioná-la com a duração de aleitamento materno. Material e métodos: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo,utilizando-se dados secundários contidos em 143 prontuáriosde crianças entre 0 e 59 meses, assistidas em clínica pública de Odontopediatria. Nos prontuários, constavam perguntas sobre a presença de hábitos bucais e sua frequência, bem como o período de duração do aleitamento materno. Os dados foram analisados pelo emprego do teste do qui-quadrado, com nível de significância de5%. Resultados: Verificou-se a presença de sucção de chupeta em 94crianças (76,4%), respiração bucal em 28 (22,7%), bruxismo em 18(14,7%) e sucção digital em 15 (12,2%). Dos 143 prontuários analisados,em 94 (65,7%) a duração relatada do aleitamento materno foi inferior a seis meses. Houve associação estatisticamente significante entre tempo de aleitamento materno e presença de hábito bucal deletério.Conclusão: O tempo insuficiente de aleitamento no peito está associado à presença de hábitos bucais deletérios.

Introduction and objective: This study aimed to identify harmful oral habits and relate them to the duration of breast feeding. Material and methods: This was a retrospective study, using data from 143 dentalcharts of 0-59 months-old children of a public pediatric dental clinic.The charts contained information about presence of harmful oral habits and its frequency, as well as the duration of breast feeding. Data were analyzed through chi-square test with significance level of 5%. Results:It was observed that 94 children (76.4%) used pacifiers, 28 (22.7%)presented oral breathing, 18 (14.7%) had bruxism and 15 (12.2%) bittheir nails. Data from 143 dental charts indicated that 94 children(65.7%) were breastfed for less than 6 months. There was a statistical significant association between duration of breast feeding and harmful oral habits. Conclusion: The insufficient duration of breast feeding is associated with the presence of harmful oral habits.

Clinical effectiveness of toothbrushes and toothbrushing methods of plaque removal on partially erupted occlusal surfaces.

PURPOSE: The aim of this crossover study was to compare the efficacy of conventional and end-tufted toothbrushes and two methods of plaque removal on partially erupted occlusal surfaces in schoolchildren. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven subjects, aged 5-7 years, with at least one partially erupted lower permanent first molar, were randomly divided into three groups. Occlusal plaque (baseline) was scored using a disclosing solution applied to the occlusal surface of an erupting molar. Subjects were instructed to use a conventional toothbrush with horizontal scrubbing (conventional group); a conventional toothbrush with transverse technique (modified group); or an end-tufted toothbrush (end-tufted group). Subjects returned after a one-week washout period and brushed with the alternate toothbrush or technique. Final plaque condition was evaluated again using the same scoring as at baseline. Occlusal plaque reduction (baseline to final) percentiles were compared using paired t-test. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found among transverse and end-tufted techniques (modified and end-tufted groups respectively) (p > 0.05). The conventional group was less effective on occlusal plaque removal in erupting first molars than the other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The conventional toothbrushing technique was not satisfactory compared with other tested techniques on occlusal plaque removal. Moreover, the use of a conventional toothbrush with a modified technique was very effective on erupting first permanent molars without any additional costly device.

Medicamentos utilizados por pacientes odontopediátricos e seu potencial cariogênico / Medicines used by pediatric dentistry patients and its cariogenic potential

O uso de medicamentos faz parte do quotidiano de muitas crianças que sofrem com problemas crônicos ou doenças agudas recorrentes. A grande maioria das drogas desenvolvidas para Pediatria têm em sua composição algum tipo de açúcar para o "mascaramento" do seu sabor; o que, embora torne o medicamento mais aceitável pelas crianças, pode acarretar efeitos danosos à sua saúde dental. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar o percentual de crianças das Clínicas de Odontopediatria da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) sob uso de medicação sistêmica e avaliar seu potencial cariogênico. Os instrumentos de pesquisa foram um questionário aplicado aos pais (n=100), inspeção das bulas para verificação dos edulcorantes presentes na fórmula, com potencial de causar xerostomia e da posologia usual dos medicamentos, assim como verificação do pH endógeno por meio de pHmetro Quimis, modelo Q400-A. Dezesseis por cento das crianças estavam fazendo uso de alguma medicação no momento da pesquisa. Das 84% restantes, 43% utilizavam medicações com frequência ou haviam utilizado no último ano. Foi verificado que a maior parte das madicações analisadas continha sacarose em sua composição e o pH endógeno de todos os medicamentos foi ácido, sendo inferior ao pH crítico para desmineralização do esmalte em 75% deles. O único medicamento encontrado com potencial de causar xerostomia foi o Claritin. Médicos e dentistas devem conhecer o potencial cariogênico dos medicamentos, prescrever medicamentos livre de sacarose, encorajar os pais a utilizarem a medicação prescrita e orientar à escovação com dentifrício após sua administração.

Human enamel veneer restoration: an alternative technique to restore anterior primary teeth.

Restoration of severely decayed primary teeth is a clinical challenge in Pediatric Dentistry. Among the restorative treatment options, the use of prefabricated crowns and resin composite restorations, either by means of direct or indirect techniques is mentioned in the literature. The purpose of this article is to describe the rehabilitation of primary anterior teeth in a 5-year-old patient. Dental treatment consisted on an anterior space maintainer prosthesis made with natural primary teeth, plus human dental enamel veneer (facet) restorations. The advantages of this technique are better esthetics and the natural enamel has physiologic wear and offers superficial smoothness and cervical adaptation compatible with those of the surrounding teeth.

Estruturação do banco de dentes humanos decíduos da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria/RS/Brasil / Structuralization of the human primary teeth bank of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria

A criação de bancos de dentes nas instituições brasileira de ensino odontológico é o melhor meio para eliminar o comércio ilegal de dentes, diminuir o risco de infecções cruzadas, em razão do manuseio indiscriminado de dentes extraídos, e conscientizar os indivíduos sobre a importância dos dentes como órgãos (FERREIRA et al., 2003); IMAPARATO, 2003). O Banco de Dentes Humanos Decíduos da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (BDH-D/UFSM) é uma instituição sem fins lucrativos, cujo propósito é organizar e facilitar a doação de dentes decíduos, formalizando suas origens e destinos, criando condições ideais para a utilização desses órgãos de acordo com a Lei de Tranplante Brasileira (lei n.9.434 de 4/2/1997) e com o Conselho Nacional de Saúde (resolução n.196 de 10/10/1996) (BRASIL, 1996; BRASIL, 1997). Assim, este artigo tem como objetivo abordar a estruturação do BDH-D/UFSM, esclarecendo as normas e os protocolos para o seu funcionamento, explicitando aspectos importantes, como arrecadação de dentes, a separação, a limpeza, o armazenamento e a cessão ou o empréstimo de orgãos dentais