The Influence of Dietary Salt on the Osseointegration of Implants in Aging Rats

Introduction: The bone-implant interface has been studied extensively, but only few papers focused on the nutritional aspects that may affect bone quality, especially salt intake. Objective: To study the osseointegration of implants in salt-loaded rats with low mineral bone content. Methods: A total of 60 4-month-old male rats were divided in 2 groups ( n = 30), being these groups divided in 2 periods, (2 and 4 months). The control group received a normal diet, while the test group received a diet supplemented with 1% sodium chloride (NaCl). Implants were placed in the tibia of both groups. A total of 15 animals of each group were sacrificed at the 2 nd month of the experiment, while the remaining animals were sacrificed at the 4 th month. Results: No statistically significant difference was found in food intake between the groups on any experimental period, but a statistically significant difference was found in the liquid intake in the saline group in both periods. For all groups, osseointegration was observed in both groups. The mean percentage of osseointegration in the cortical bone, in the trabecular bone, and in the total osseointegrated surface between the control (46.38 ± 16.17%) and saline (49.13 ± 11.52%) groups at 2 months was not statistically different ( p = 0.61). The total osseointegration areas of the control (53.98 ± 12.06%) and saline (51.40 ± 13.01%) groups at the 4 th month of the study were not statistically ( p = 0.61). Conclusion: Ingestion of salt did not affect directly the osseointegration process during the period of the experiment. The results suggest that mineral losses may not affect the achievement of good osseointegration in aging rats. (AU)

The Influence of Dietary Salt on the Osseointegration of Implants in Aging Rats.

Introduction The bone-implant interface has been studied extensively, but only few papers focused on the nutritional aspects that may affect bone quality, especially salt intake. Objective To study the osseointegration of implants in salt-loaded rats with low mineral bone content. Methods A total of 60 4-month-old male rats were divided in 2 groups ( n = 30), being these groups divided in 2 periods, (2 and 4 months). The control group received a normal diet, while the test group received a diet supplemented with 1% sodium chloride (NaCl). Implants were placed in the tibia of both groups. A total of 15 animals of each group were sacrificed at the 2 nd month of the experiment, while the remaining animals were sacrificed at the 4 th month. Results No statistically significant difference was found in food intake between the groups on any experimental period, but a statistically significant difference was found in the liquid intake in the saline group in both periods. For all groups, osseointegration was observed in both groups. The mean percentage of osseointegration in the cortical bone, in the trabecular bone, and in the total osseointegrated surface between the control (46.38 ± 16.17%) and saline (49.13 ± 11.52%) groups at 2 months was not statistically different ( p = 0.61). The total osseointegration areas of the control (53.98 ± 12.06%) and saline (51.40 ± 13.01%) groups at the 4 th month of the study were not statistically ( p = 0.61). Conclusion Ingestion of salt did not affect directly the osseointegration process during the period of the experiment. The results suggest that mineral losses may not affect the achievement of good osseointegration in aging rats.

Association between Root Caries and Depressive Symptoms among Elders in Carlos Barbosa, RS, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between depressive symptoms and root caries among independent-living older persons. All community-dwelling older adults (not hospitalized and not bedridden) living in Carlos Barbosa, RS, Brazil, were invited to participate, and 785 completed the study protocol (standardized questionnaire assessing socio-demographic information and health behavior, Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS] - brief version, and oral examination [DMFT-Root index, Visible Plaque Index and stimulated salivary flow]). Out of them, 390 participants with at least one natural tooth were included in the present analysis. The outcome of interest was the ratio between the number of decayed roots and the number of roots at risk. The association between independent variables (depression and socioeconomic aspects) and the outcome was assessed using negative binomial regression models. RESULTS: The final, fully adjusted model revealed that age (ß=0.03, p=0.001), female sex (ß=-0.23, p=0.08), living in a rural area (ß=0.25, p=0.008), tooth brushing frequency (ß=0.43, p=0.025) and stimulated salivary flow (ß=-0.012, p<0.0001) were significantly associated with the presence of root caries. In addition, the interaction between male sex and the presence of depression symptoms (ß=-0.99, p=0.012) was also independently and significantly associated with root caries. The interaction between male sex and depression symptoms was associated with root caries, suggesting that psychological mechanisms may be involved indirectly in the development of root caries in older adults.

Association between Root Caries and Depressive Symptoms among Elders in Carlos Barbosa, RS, Brazil

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between depressive symptoms and root caries among independent-living older persons. All community-dwelling older adults (not hospitalized and not bedridden) living in Carlos Barbosa, RS, Brazil, were invited to participate, and 785 completed the study protocol (standardized questionnaire assessing socio-demographic information and health behavior, Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS] - brief version, and oral examination [DMFT-Root index, Visible Plaque Index and stimulated salivary flow]). Out of them, 390 participants with at least one natural tooth were included in the present analysis. The outcome of interest was the ratio between the number of decayed roots and the number of roots at risk. The association between independent variables (depression and socioeconomic aspects) and the outcome was assessed using negative binomial regression models. Results: The final, fully adjusted model revealed that age (β=0.03, p=0.001), female sex (β=-0.23, p=0.08), living in a rural area (β=0.25, p=0.008), tooth brushing frequency (β=0.43, p=0.025) and stimulated salivary flow (β=-0.012, p<0.0001) were significantly associated with the presence of root caries. In addition, the interaction between male sex and the presence of depression symptoms (β=-0.99, p=0.012) was also independently and significantly associated with root caries. The interaction between male sex and depression symptoms was associated with root caries, suggesting that psychological mechanisms may be involved indirectly in the development of root caries in older adults.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre sintomas depressivos e cáries radiculares entre idosos independentes. Todos os idosos moradores da comunidade (não hospitalizados e não acamados) residentes em Carlos Barbosa, RS, foram convidados a participar, e 785 completaram o protocolo do estudo (questionário padronizado de avaliação sociodemográfica e comportamento de saúde, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica [GDS ] - versão resumida e exame oral [Índice de CPOD-Raiz, índice de placa visível e fluxo salivar estimulado]). Destes, 390 participantes com pelo menos um dente natural foram incluídos na presente análise. O desfecho foi a razão entre o número de raízes em decomposição e o número de raízes em risco. A associação entre variáveis independentes (depressão e aspectos socioeconômicos) e o desfecho foram avaliados utilizando modelos de regressão binomial negativa. O modelo final totalmente ajustado revelou que a idade (b=0,03, p=0,001), sexo feminino (b=-0,23, p=0,08), vivendo em área rural (b=0,25, p=0,008), frequência de escovação (b=0,43, p=0,025) e o fluxo salivar estimulado (b=-0,012, p<0,0001) foram significativamente associados à presença de cárie radicular. Além disso, a interação entre sexo masculino e a presença de sintomas de depressão (b=-0,99, p=0,012) também foi independente e significativamente associada com cáries radiculares. A interação entre sexo masculino e sintomas de depressão foi associada com cárie radicular, sugerindo que mecanismos psicológicos podem estar envolvidos indiretamente no desenvolvimento de cáries radiculares em adultos mais velhos.

Predictors of Satisfaction with Dentures in a Cohort of Individuals Wearing Old Dentures: Functional Quality or Patient-Reported Measures?

PURPOSE: To examine the extent to which denture satisfaction can be determined by a measure of the denture's functional quality and by patient-reported measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used data obtained from 117 edentulous individuals with a mean age of 73.7 (SD = 5.6) years in southern Brazil. The edentulous individuals rated their levels of general satisfaction with their actual dentures, using a visual analog scale. Explanatory variables included the individual's information about ability to chew, ability to speak, esthetics, and sociodemographic factors. The dentures were evaluated using the validated 9-item Functional Assessment of Dentures instrument. Bivariate statistical analyses and Poisson regression models (prevalence ratio [PR]; 95% CI; p < 0.05) were used to test the association of explanatory variables with patients' general satisfaction with their complete dentures. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant association between patients' general satisfaction and stability of maxillary (rocking movement) (adjusted PR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.07-1.52) and mandibular dentures (occlusal displacement) (adjusted PR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.16-2.43), masticatory ability (adjusted PR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.08-2.19), and the age of the mandibular denture (adjusted PR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.10-1.97). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that measures of denture stability, masticatory ability, and age of dentures appeared to be determinants of patients' satisfaction with dentures.

Effect of raloxifene on alveolar bone resorption after mucoperiosteal fl ap surgery in mice / Efeito do raloxifeno sobre reabsorção óssea alveolar após cirurgia de retalho mucoperiosteal em camundongos

Background: Mucoperiosteal fl ap surgeries (MFS) are carried out to provide access to the alveolar bone and root surfaces in several clinical situations. Nevertheless, they lead to a variable degree of alveolar bone resorption. Raloxifene is an agonist in bone, and acts inhibiting bone loss. Objective: To evaluate the effect of raloxifene in preventing alveolar bone resorption after MFS using an experimental model of mouse mandibles. Methods: MFS was performed on the buccal aspect of the left side of the mandible (BL) in 20 male CF1 Musdomesticus mice divided into two groups with the same number of animals: the experimental group was treated once daily with raloxifene injections (3 mg/kg), and the placebo group was treated with daily injections of the vehicle. The buccal aspects of right hemimandibles were used as controls (BR). Mandibles were removed, defl eshed and stained with toluidine blue in a stereomicroscope. Digital images were obtained and the alveolar bone loss was measured (mm²) using an image analysis software. Results: The BL area exhibited signifi cantly more bone loss (Student t test; p < 0.01) when compared to the BR area, in both groups. No statistically signifi cant difference was observed between the experimental and the placebo groups. Conclusion: In this study, raloxifene did not inhibit alveolar bone resorption following MFS in male mice.

Introdução: Cirurgias de retalho mucoperiosteal (CRM) são realizadas para permitir acesso ao osso alveolar e à superfície radicular em várias situações clínicas. No entanto, elas levam a um grau variável de reabsorção óssea alveolar. O raloxifeno tem ação agonista em tecido ósseo e atua inibindo perda óssea. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do raloxifeno na prevenção de reabsorção óssea alveolar após CRM usando o modelo experimental de mandíbulas de camundongos. Métodos: Foram realizadas CRMs na face vestibular, lado esquerdo, das mandíbulas (VE) de 20 camundongos CF1 Musdomesticus machos, divididos em dois grupos com mesmo número de animais: o grupo experimental foi tratado uma vez ao dia com injeções de raloxifeno (3 mg/kg), e o grupo placebo foi tratado uma vez ao dia com injeções do veículo. A face vestibular do lado direito da hemimandíbula foi usada como controle (BD). As mandíbulas foram removidas, dissecadas e coradas com azul de toluidina sob um estereomicroscópio. Imagens digitais foram obtidas e a perda óssea alveolar foi medida (mm²) usando um software de análise de imagens. Resultados: A área VE exibiu perda óssea signifi cativamente maior (teste t de Student; p < 0,01) quando comparada com a área BD, em ambos os grupos. Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente signifi cativa entre os grupos experimental e placebo. Conclusão: Neste estudo, o raloxifeno não inibiu a reabsorção óssea alveolar após CRM em camundongos machos.

Cognitive status of edentate elders wearing complete denture: Does quality of denture matter?

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that an individual's level of mastication may play a role in their cognitive status. This suggests that in edentate individuals wearing complete denture, non-optimal mastication via inadequate denture could be related to cognitive status. OBJECTIVES: To examine the impact of quality of denture on cognitive status of a sample of elderly edentate Brazilian individuals wearing complete denture. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of data collected from 117 edentate elders (mean age 73.7 ± 5.6 years) wearing complete denture, in southern Brazil. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Brazilian version of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Clinical examination was conducted to evaluate the quality of dentures by use of the FAD (functional assessment of dentures) instrument. Masticatory ability was assessed by self-reported questions. RESULTS: The mean MMSE score for the total sample was 23.1 (SD=4.4) and was associated with age (p=0.001), education (p<0.0001), depressive symptoms (p=0.003), as well as the masticatory ability (p=0.001) and functional quality of dentures (p<0.0001). Unsatisfactory masticatory ability was more frequent in edentate individuals with lower FAD score (p<0.0001) and led to a lower MMSE total score. Unsatisfactory masticatory ability was associated with MMSE scores (p=0.002) after adjustment. CONCLUSION: The study results support the potential role of optimal functional quality of dentures in maintaining cognitive activity in elders. This association may be explained via mastication pathway. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The potential beneficial effect of functional dentures on cognitive status via mastication could encourage preventive strategies to decrease substantial risk of morbidity in elders.

Food intake selection influenced by opposing functional natural teeth or removable denture: observational study

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between types of dentition in occlusion and the perceived ability to eat a range of common foods in elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 363 individuals (117 men, 246 women; mean age = 73.4 ± 5.8 years) Self-reported information on questionnaires were linked to oral examination to establish types of dentition in occlusion assessing their influence on the needs to alter the food selection and on the difficulty to chew key foods. RESULTS: The individuals were classified as having their occlusion performed by completed removable prostheses (D/D) (51.2%), mixed dentition (D/N-N/D) (32.8%) or with natural teeth (N/N) (16%). Individuals with natural teeth N/N or mixed dentition (N/D-D/N) had less necessity to change their food intake, relative to individuals with their occlusion performed by complete removal denture (D/D) (p<0.05). Most of the individuals that had to modify their food intake avoided hard-to-chew food (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The reduced masticatory ability may lead to changes in dietary selection with risk of an impaired nutritional status especially in elderly complete denture wearers.

Caregivers' attitudes regarding oral health in a long-term care institution in Brazil.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The number of elderly living in long-term care (LTC) institutions has been increasing in many countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the caregivers' attitudes and considerations regarding oral health and oral health practices in an LTC institution in Porto Alegre, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The population comprised the caregivers (n = 27) at an LTC in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Participants answered a questionnaire assessing the time of work at the LTC, number of elderly under their responsibility, their previous training to perform general and oral healthcare, availability of oral hygiene supplies and oral hygiene tasks they performed. RESULTS: A total of eighteen (75%) and 23 (95.8%) of the caregivers answered they performed teeth and denture brushing as part of their routine. When asked about performing hygiene of the mucosa with gauze, 21 (87.5%) participants stated that they did so. However, when asked if they would motivate the independent elderly to perform oral hygiene, only 10 (41.7%) of the caregivers responded positively. CONCLUSION: Caregivers' oral health practices are in accordance with good oral health methods and are not associated with difficulties in performing oral hygiene. However, the high number of elderly people in their care could possibly overwhelm caregivers' practices. Future qualitative assessment of these issues is needed.

The prevalence of elder abuse in the Porto Alegre metropolitan area

Abuse of the elderly is a form of violence to come to the public's attention. Dental professionals are in an ideal position to identify physical abuse. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of elderly abuse and analyze the database of injury reports that can be identified by dental teams. A documentary analysis study developed by the Elderly Protection Police Station of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, was carried out. The information used came from 2,304 complaints filed at the aforementioned institution between the years of 2004 and 2006. The records of abuse are categorized as injury, neglect, mistreatment, theft, financial abuse, threat, disturbing the peace, atypical fact, and others. The injuries that could be identified by the dental team were classified according to the injury's location in the area of the head, face, mouth and neck. Descriptive analysis was performed, and chi-square tests were used to evaluate the distributions of the types of elder abuse in relation to sex and age. The most frequent of the different types of abuse was theft, with a prevalence of 17.8%, followed by disturbing the peace at 11.8%. Disturbing the peace, threat, and bodily injury were significantly associated with women. Elder abuse among women and men declines with age. The prevalence of head injury was 25% of the total injuries, most often in females, and in those aged < 70 years. Based on these results, it is necessary that the dental team observe the elderly person's appearance for suspicious physical signs.

The prevalence of elder abuse in the Porto Alegre metropolitan area.

Abuse of the elderly is a form of violence to come to the public's attention. Dental professionals are in an ideal position to identify physical abuse. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of elderly abuse and analyze the database of injury reports that can be identified by dental teams. A documentary analysis study developed by the Elderly Protection Police Station of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, was carried out. The information used came from 2,304 complaints filed at the aforementioned institution between the years of 2004 and 2006. The records of abuse are categorized as injury, neglect, mistreatment, theft, financial abuse, threat, disturbing the peace, atypical fact, and others. The injuries that could be identified by the dental team were classified according to the injury's location in the area of the head, face, mouth and neck. Descriptive analysis was performed, and chi-square tests were used to evaluate the distributions of the types of elder abuse in relation to sex and age. The most frequent of the different types of abuse was theft, with a prevalence of 17.8%, followed by disturbing the peace at 11.8%. Disturbing the peace, threat, and bodily injury were significantly associated with women. Elder abuse among women and men declines with age. The prevalence of head injury was 25% of the total injuries, most often in females, and in those aged < 70 years. Based on these results, it is necessary that the dental team observe the elderly person's appearance for suspicious physical signs.

Assessing changes in oral health-related quality of life and its factors in community-dwelling older Brazilians.

OBJECTIVE: To describe changes in oral health-related quality of life and to evaluate the associations of these changes in community-dwelling older people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this longitudinal study a representative sample of 872 older people, living in Brazil, was evaluated during 2004. The follow-up was carried out during 2008, with 587 older persons evaluated. A questionnaire assessing socio-demographic information, health history, oral health-impact profile and number of natural teeth was used. Changes in oral health-related quality of life were categorized as improvement or deterioration. Data analysis was performed using a hierarchical approach based in a conceptual framework. A hierarchal approach was carried out using Poisson regressions. RESULTS: Older persons living in rural areas, those who reported brushing once a day or less and older persons with fewer natural teeth had an increased chance of reporting deterioration in oral health-related quality of life. Women and participants who received a minimum wage of less than US $219.50 were more likely to report improvement in oral health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that changes in the oral health-related quality of life are influenced by many of the variables that were included in the conceptual framework.

Association between self-reported oral health, tooth loss and atherosclerotic burden

Previous studies have suggested that oral diseases may influence the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that poor self-reported oral health (SROH) and tooth loss are positively associated with coronary atherosclerotic burden (CAB). 382 consecutive subjects undergoing coronary angiography were included. Socio-demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and oral health status were collected using a standardized questionnaire, including data on SROH and use of dental prosthesis. Number of teeth and anthropometric measures were collected through clinical examinations. CAB at coronary angiography was quantified using the Friesinger score (FS). Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated with Poisson regression analyses. Mean age was 60.3 ± 10.8 years, with 63.2% males. In the bivariate analysis, there was a significant association (p < 0.05) between CAB and age (> 60y) (PR = 1.01, 95%CI = 1.02-1.16), male gender (PR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.03-1.19), smoking (PR = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.01- 1.16), hypertension (PR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.03-1.22), diabetes (PR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.05-1.21), poor SROH (PR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.02-1.46) and tooth loss (< 20teeth present) (PR = 1.10, 95%CI = 1.02-1.19). The use of dental prosthesis was not associated with CAB. The multivariate models, adjusted for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia showed that poor SROH (p = 0.03) and tooth loss (p = 0.02) were independently associated with CAB, confirming the study hypothesis.

Impact of landmark identification and standard measurement error on cephalometric analysis using a mathematical simulation model / Impacto da identificação do ponto anatômico e do erro padrão de mensuração na análise cefalométrica utilizando um modelo de simulação matemática

Objective: To assess, using a mathematical simulation model, the participation of each coordinate involved in the formation of cephalometric angles and to determine the extent to which errors in the identification of cephalometric landmarks can, individually and collectively, influence the measurement of these angles. Material and Methods: The reference values and standard errors of 13 landmarks obtained from the analysis of 30 cephalograms were used. For each landmark, 1000 observations were simulated using the Monte Carlo method. On the basis of linear regression models, equations designed to estimate measurement errors due to landmark identification errors were obtained and analysed. Results: The coordinates most involved in the formation of the angles SNA, SNB, ANB, FMA, PPL, DFC, and AEF were Ny, Ny, Ax, Goy, Poy, Poy, and Ptmx, respectively, and the standard measurement errors for these angles were 1.2, 0.9, 0.8, 1.6, 1.5, 1.5, and 1.4, respectively. Conclusion: The standard measurement error of the angle depends on the geometric impact coefficient and the standard error of the coordinates involved in the formation of the angles, and the geometric impact coefficient varies according to the angle analysed.

Objetivos: Avaliar, empregando um modelo matemático de simulação, a participação de cada coordenada envolvida na formação de ângulos cefalométricos, assim como determinar a extensão da influência dos erros na identificação dos pontos cefalométricos, individual e coletivamente, na mensuração destes ângulos. Materiais e métodos: Foram utilizados os valores de referência e os erros padrão de 13 pontos anatômicos obtidos a partir da análise de 30 cefalogramas. Para cada ponto anatômico, foram simuladas 1000 observações utilizando o método de Monte Carlo. Com base em modelos de regressão linear, foram obtidas e analisadas equações destinadas a estimar os erros de medição devido a erros na identificação dos pontos cefalométricos. Resultados: As coordenadas mais envolvidas na formação dos ângulos SNA, SNB, ANB, FMA, PPL, DFC, e AEF foram Ny, Ny, Ax, Goy, Poy, Poy, e Ptmx, respectivamente, e os erros padrão de mensuração destes ângulos foram 1,2; 0,9; 0,8; 1,6; 1,5; 1,5 e 1,4, respectivamente. Conclusões: O erro padrão de mensuração de cada ângulo cefalométrico depende do coeficiente de impacto geométrico e do erro padrão das coordenadas dos pontos anatômicos envolvidos na formação dos mesmos, sendo que o coeficiente de impacto geométrico varia de acordo com o ângulo analisado.

Association between self-reported oral health, tooth loss and atherosclerotic burden.

Previous studies have suggested that oral diseases may influence the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that poor self-reported oral health (SROH) and tooth loss are positively associated with coronary atherosclerotic burden (CAB). 382 consecutive subjects undergoing coronary angiography were included. Socio-demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and oral health status were collected using a standardized questionnaire, including data on SROH and use of dental prosthesis. Number of teeth and anthropometric measures were collected through clinical examinations. CAB at coronary angiography was quantified using the Friesinger score (FS). Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated with Poisson regression analyses. Mean age was 60.3 ± 10.8 years, with 63.2% males. In the bivariate analysis, there was a significant association (p < 0.05) between CAB and age (> 60y) (PR = 1.01, 95%CI = 1.02-1.16), male gender (PR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.03-1.19), smoking (PR = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.01- 1.16), hypertension (PR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.03-1.22), diabetes (PR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.05-1.21), poor SROH (PR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.02-1.46) and tooth loss (< 20 teeth present) (PR = 1.10, 95%CI = 1.02-1.19). The use of dental prosthesis was not associated with CAB. The multivariate models, adjusted for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia showed that poor SROH (p = 0.03) and tooth loss (p = 0.02) were independently associated with CAB, confirming the study hypothesis.

Validity of self-reported history of endodontic treatment in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

INTRODUCTION: Self-reported history of endodontic treatment (SRHET) has been used as a simplified method to estimate the history of endodontic disease and treatment. This study aimed to quantify the validity of SRHET, as reported in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), as a method to identify individuals who experienced endodontic treatment (ET) and to identify individuals who present with apical periodontitis (AP). METHODS: SRHET was collected through the BLSA questionnaire in 247 participants. Data on ET and AP were determined from panoramic radiographs. The total number of ET, AP, and missing teeth were recorded for each individual. The validity of SRHET was determined based on ET and AP separately. Accuracy, efficiency, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (+PV and -PV), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (+LR and -LR) were calculated according to standard methods. RESULTS: After exclusions, 229 participants were available for ET analysis and 129 for AP analysis. The SRHET validity values were sensitivity (ET = 0.915, AP = 0.782), specificity (ET = 0.891, AP = 0.689), +PV (ET = 0.824, AP = 0.353), -PV (ET = 0.949, AP = 0.936), +LR (ET = 8.394, AP = 2.514), and -LR (ET = 0.095, AP = 0.316). CONCLUSIONS: SRHET was found to be a highly accurate method to predict ET but a weak predictor of the presence of AP among participants in the BLSA.

Association between number of teeth, edentulism and use of dentures with percentage body fat in south Brazilian community-dwelling older people.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if poor oral status was associated with percentage body fat in a representative sample of south Brazilian community-dwelling elderly. BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that elders with extensive tooth loss and edentulism present with compromised chewing function, which results in dietary changes. However, few studies have assessed whether poor oral status is associated with percentage body fat in community-dwelling elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of 471 south Brazilians =>60 years of age was evaluated. Measurements included a questionnaire to assess socio-demographic, behavioural, general, and oral health data. Percentage body fat was measured with a Tanita TBF 612 digital scale, which measures foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance; and oral status assessment, by means of oral examinations assessing the number of teeth and use of dental prostheses. Correlates of risk of inadequate percentage body fat were assessed by means of multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Edentulous participants were more likely to be underfat [OR: 3.11 (1.27-7.61)] or overfat/obese [OR: 1.82 (1.05-3.16)]. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that edentulous older people had higher odds for inadequate percentage body fat. The maintenance of teeth had a crucial role in increasing the chance of having an adequate body fat percentage in the study population.

Denture stomatitis and its risk indicators in south Brazilian older adults.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if socio-demographic, behaviour and health variables are risk indicators for denture-related stomatitis in community-dwelling older adults from Carlos Barbosa, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 872 subjects aged 60 years or more were evaluated. Data collection included dental examinations and questionnaires to assess socio-demographic, behaviour, general and oral health data. All questionnaires and examinations were carried out during 2004. Associations between the independent variables and the outcomes 'prevalence of denture stomatitis' or 'prevalence of granular stomatitis' were adjusted by means of multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: Participants with denture stomatitis were significantly more likely to be females, to display increased amounts of plaque, and significantly less likely to visit the dentist for treatment. Participants with granular stomatitis were significantly more likely to be females and participants with granular stomatitis were significantly more likely to be females, aged 70 years or more and current smokers. In addition, participants with granular stomatitis displayed increased amounts of plaque. CONCLUSION: The data presented here confirms the central role of denture biofilm accumulation in denture stomatitis. It also indicates that smoking may increase susceptibility to infection in its most severe form.

Avaliação da condição de saúde bucal e da qualidade de vida de pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço atendidos em um Hospital Público de Porto Alegre / Oral health and quality of life assessment of patients with head and neck cancer treated at a free clinic in Porto Alegre

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a Qualidade de Vida (QV) em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço, relacionado-a às condições de saúde bucal. Foram pesquisados: variáveis socioeconômicas, hábitos e aspectos associados ao tumor, além de variáveis relacionadas à saúde bucal - índice de cárie composto por número de dentes cariados, perdidos e restaurados (CPOD), uso e necessidades protéticas, xerostomia e consulta ao dentista nos últimos seis meses, mucosite e mutilação. Foi utilizado o questionário de QV para câncer, QLQ-C30_Portuguese Brazilian, versão 3.0 e o questionário para pacientes com Câncer de cabeça e pescoço, EORTC QLQ - H&N35_Portuguese Brazilian. A QV, no primeiro momento do estudo, foi considerada mediana, o nível funcional moderado e de baixa sintomatologia. Não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre o número de dentes perdidos e cariados com a QV. O grupo de pacientes que necessitava de próteses relatou desempenho funcional e função social menores. O grupo de pacientes com xerostomia demonstrou menor QV, menor nível funcional e maior sintomatologia. A QV dos pacientes no acompanhamento foi semelhante à primeira parte do estudo, porém houve aumento dos sintomas e diminuição do nível funcional. O CPOD aumentou e o uso de próteses decresceu, enquanto a necessidade das mesmas aumentou. Não foi possível verificar a associação entre a QV e a Mucosite, pois poucos pacientes foram afetados por essa condição. A mutilação foi correlacionada negativamente com o desempenho funcional, náusea e vômito, e perda de apetite. Apenas a avaliação clínica das variáveis de saúde bucal foi insuficiente para predizer a correlação entre a condição de saúde bucal e a QV, porém é essencial a atuação de uma equipe multidisciplinar de cuidado oncológico, na qual o cirurgião-dentista deve estar inserido de modo a minimizar os danos à saúde bucal desses pacientes, auxiliando na construção de uma melhor QV.

Assistência à saúde bucal em residências geriátricas de Granada, Espanha e Santa Catarina, Brasil / Oral health assistance in nursing homes of Granada, Spain and Santa Catarina, Brazil

Objetivo: Descrever a assistência à saúde bucal nas residências geriátricas da Província de Granada, Espanha, e Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil, e comparar os dados obtidos. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo exploratório, transversal. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário fechado, enviado pelo correio, para todas as residências geriátricas cadastradas em Granada (99) e Santa Catarina (78), em 2005. Resultados: O perfil das residências (29 em SC e 30 em Granada) foi semelhante, com predominância de instituições privadas. Não houve diferenças estatísticas significativas quanto aos residentes, exceto quanto ao número de instituições acima da mediana combinada para quantidade de mulheres e idosos totalmente dependentes, superiores em Granada. Embora as residências granadinas apresentassem maior número de profissionais da saúde, não houve diferenças quanto à insuficiente assistência à saúde bucal aos idosos, considerados: registro das condições de saúde bucal, circunstâncias em que essas condições são (re)avaliadas e realização sistemática de higiene bucal. Em face de um problema de saúde bucal apresentado pelo idoso, a família é comunicada, com maior frequência, nas residências granadinas. Conclusões: A assistência à saúde bucal n??o é prática sistemática nas instituições investigadas, em ambas as regiões, que transferem à família ou aos serviços locais de saúde o encaminhamento quando surgem problemas. Os procedimentos de higiene mais apontados foram escovação de dentes e próteses, porém práticas ineficazes são citadas. Foi frequente a alegação de falta de cooperação dos idosos para justificar a ausência de uma higiene bucal sistemática, revelando transferência de responsabilidades das instituições e cuidadores para o idoso.