Biological and social aspects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) related to oral health.

The expansion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the world has alarmed all health professionals. Especially in dentistry, there is a growing concern due to it's high virulence and routes of transmission through saliva aerosols. The virus keeps viable on air for at least 3 hours and on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces up to 72 hours. In this sense, dental offices, both in the public and private sectors, are high-risk settings of cross infection among patients, dentists and health professionals in the clinical environment (including hospital's intensive dental care facilities). This manuscript aims to compile current available evidence on prevention strategies for dental professionals. Besides, we briefly describe promising treatment strategies recognized until this moment. The purpose is to clarify dental practitioners about the virus history and microbiology, besides guiding on how to proceed during emergency consultations based on international documents. Dentists should consider that a substantial number of individuals (including children) who do not show any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may be infected and can disseminate the virus. Currently, there is no effective treatment and fast diagnosis is still a challenge. All elective dental treatments and non-essential procedures should be postponed, keeping only urgent and emergency visits to the dental office. The use of teledentistry (phone calls, text messages) is a very promising tool to keep contact with the patient without being at risk of infection.

Biological and social aspects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) related to oral health

The expansion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the world has alarmed all health professionals. Especially in dentistry, there is a growing concern due to it's high virulence and routes of transmission through saliva aerosols. The virus keeps viable on air for at least 3 hours and on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces up to 72 hours. In this sense, dental offices, both in the public and private sectors, are high-risk settings of cross infection among patients, dentists and health professionals in the clinical environment (including hospital's intensive dental care facilities). This manuscript aims to compile current available evidence on prevention strategies for dental professionals. Besides, we briefly describe promising treatment strategies recognized until this moment. The purpose is to clarify dental practitioners about the virus history and microbiology, besides guiding on how to proceed during emergency consultations based on international documents. Dentists should consider that a substantial number of individuals (including children) who do not show any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may be infected and can disseminate the virus. Currently, there is no effective treatment and fast diagnosis is still a challenge. All elective dental treatments and non-essential procedures should be postponed, keeping only urgent and emergency visits to the dental office. The use of teledentistry (phone calls, text messages) is a very promising tool to keep contact with the patient without being at risk of infection.

Biological and social aspects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) related to oral health

Abstract The expansion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the world has alarmed all health professionals. Especially in dentistry, there is a growing concern due to it's high virulence and routes of transmission through saliva aerosols. The virus keeps viable on air for at least 3 hours and on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces up to 72 hours. In this sense, dental offices, both in the public and private sectors, are high-risk settings of cross infection among patients, dentists and health professionals in the clinical environment (including hospital's intensive dental care facilities). This manuscript aims to compile current available evidence on prevention strategies for dental professionals. Besides, we briefly describe promising treatment strategies recognized until this moment. The purpose is to clarify dental practitioners about the virus history and microbiology, besides guiding on how to proceed during emergency consultations based on international documents. Dentists should consider that a substantial number of individuals (including children) who do not show any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may be infected and can disseminate the virus. Currently, there is no effective treatment and fast diagnosis is still a challenge. All elective dental treatments and non-essential procedures should be postponed, keeping only urgent and emergency visits to the dental office. The use of teledentistry (phone calls, text messages) is a very promising tool to keep contact with the patient without being at risk of infection.

Oral physiology and quality of life in cancer patients / Fisiología oral y calidad de vida en pacientes con cáncer

Introduction: Cancer treatment can affect the health of the teeth and support structures, which are essential to the chewing process, which may change the nutritional status of the patient. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of oral physiology changes on quality of life (QoL) of patients submitted to cancer treatment. Design: Initially 84 cancer patients were screened and only those presenting at least 15 natural teeth were selected for oral physiology and quality of life tests. The final sample comprised 30 patients. Twenty subjects were selected as controls paired by age and gender. Dental caries status, salivary flow, masticatory performance (MP), location of tumor, duration of chemo and radiotherapy and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-bref) questionnaire were assessed. Linear regression models were used to test the relationship between the WHOQOL-bref domains (physical, psychological, social relationship, environmental and overall QoL) and independent variables under study. Results and Discussion: Number of teeth, MP and salivary flow were lower in cancer patients, as well as for the scores obtained in Social Relationship, Environment and Overall QoL domains (p< 0.050). Breast cancer caused a negative impact on Psychological (p< 0.001) and Overall QoL scores (p=0.017). A similar negative effect was found for the duration of radiotherapy on Psychological (p=0.012) and Environmental (p=0.039) domains. On the other hand, the maintenance of teeth had a positive impact on Psychological (p=0.012) and Environmental (p=0.024) scores. Conclusion: Oral physiology changes may impact the QoL of oncological patients. The maintenance of teeth was of positive importance, especially for the psychological aspects (AU)

Introducción: El tratamiento del cáncer puede afectar la salud de los dientes y estructuras de apoyo, que son esenciales para el proceso de masticación, que pueden cambiar el estado nutricional del paciente. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de los cambios fisiológicos orales sobre la calidad de vida (QoL) de los pacientes sometidos a tratamiento contra el cáncer. Métodos: Inicialmente 84 pacientes con cáncer fueron examinados y sólo los que presentan al menos 15 dientes naturales fueron seleccionados para la fisiología oral y la calidad de las pruebas de la vida. La muestra final quedó conformado por 30 pacientes. Veinte sujetos fueron seleccionados como controles emparejados por edad y sexo. Dental estado de la caries, el flujo salival, rendimiento masticatorio (MP), la ubicación del tumor, la duración de la quimioterapia y la radioterapia y lo cuestionario de La Organización Mundial de la Salud Calidad de Vida (WHOQOL-BREF) cuestionario fueron evaluados. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión lineal para probar la relación entre los dominios del WHOQOL-BREF (psicológicos relación física,, social, ambiental y de calidad de vida en general) y variables independientes bajo estudio. Resultados y Discusión: Número de dientes, MP y el flujo salival fueron menores en los pacientes de cáncer, así como para las puntuaciones obtenidas en la relación social, medio ambiente y dominios de calidad de vida general (p <0,050). El cáncer de mama causó un impacto negativo en la psicológica (p <0,001) y las puntuaciones de calidad de vida global (p = 0,017). Un efecto negativo similar se encontró para la duración de la radioterapia sobre psicológica (p = 0,012) y ambientales (p = 0,039) dominios. Por otra parte, el mantenimiento de dientes tuvo un impacto positivo en la psicológica (p = 0,012) y del Medio Ambiente (p = 0,024) resultados. Conclusión: los cambios orales fisiología pueden afectar la calidad de vida de los pacientes oncológicos. El mantenimiento de dientes fue de importancia positiva, sobre todo por los aspectos psicológicos (AU)

Influence of disinfectant solutions on test materials used for the determination of masticatory performance

Masticatory function can be evaluated objectively as the capacity of an individual to fragment solid food after a fixed number of chewing cycles, the so-called masticatory performance (MP). The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of four different test materials (Optosil, Optocal, Zetapuls, and Perfil) and five disinfection protocols by aspersion and immersion (no disinfection, 2% glutaraldehyde, 2% chlorhexidine, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, and 70% alcohol) on the MP, determined at three moments (24 hours, 15 and 60 days) after storing the fragmented blocks. MP was evaluated by calculating X50 through the sieving technique and the Rosim-Ramler equation. The weight and microbiologic count (colony forming units, CFUs) of chewed blocks were measured to identify any variations that would make MP determination unfeasible. Differences in MP were observed among the materials (p < 0.01). Perfil presented the highest X50 value (worst MP determination), followed by Zetaplus (both p < 0.05), Optosil, and Optocal (both p > 0.05). The time and disinfection type had no influence on MP (p > 0.05). The number of CFUs differed between the nondisinfected group and all other disinfection groups at all time points (p < 0.01). No other significant difference in CFU count between disinfection groups was observed. In conclusion, disinfection did not alter the reliability of the test materials for the MP calculation for up to 60 days.

Influence of disinfectant solutions on test materials used for the determination of masticatory performance.

Masticatory function can be evaluated objectively as the capacity of an individual to fragment solid food after a fixed number of chewing cycles, the so-called masticatory performance (MP). The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of four different test materials (Optosil, Optocal, Zetapuls, and Perfil) and five disinfection protocols by aspersion and immersion (no disinfection, 2% glutaraldehyde, 2% chlorhexidine, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, and 70% alcohol) on the MP, determined at three moments (24 hours, 15 and 60 days) after storing the fragmented blocks. MP was evaluated by calculating X50 through the sieving technique and the Rosim-Ramler equation. The weight and microbiologic count (colony forming units, CFUs) of chewed blocks were measured to identify any variations that would make MP determination unfeasible. Differences in MP were observed among the materials (p < 0.01). Perfil presented the highest X50 value (worst MP determination), followed by Zetaplus (both p < 0.05), Optosil, and Optocal (both p > 0.05). The time and disinfection type had no influence on MP (p > 0.05). The number of CFUs differed between the nondisinfected group and all other disinfection groups at all time points (p < 0.01). No other significant difference in CFU count between disinfection groups was observed. In conclusion, disinfection did not alter the reliability of the test materials for the MP calculation for up to 60 days.

Estudo longitudinal dos sinais e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular frente a tratamento conservador com placa estabilizadora em clínica de graduação / Longitudinal study of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction aftre conservative tretment with stabilizing splints by undergraduate students

Objetivo: Avaliar longitudinal a eficácia da terapia oclusal em pacientes com Disfunção Temporomandibular (DTM) atendidos em clínica de graduação de curso de Odontologia. Materiais e Métodos: Os indivíduos foram examinados clinicamente utilizando-se o índice internacional Research DiagnosticCriteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) na época de seu atendimento (T0) e reavaliados 6meses após o início do tratamento com placas estabilizadoras (T1). Dezesseis pacientes participaram das duasavaliações. Oitenta e oito por cento dos pacientes examinados eram do sexo feminino. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: 1) Dor: através de Escala VAS (dor no momento da avaliação, dor média nos últimos 6 meses e pior dor nos últimos 6 meses), 2) Amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares (abertura bucal, protrusão e lateralidade); 3) Sons articulares (clique, crepitação) e 4) Sensibilidade à palpação dos músculos mastigatórios e da articulação temporomandibular. Os dados foram comparados entre os dois momentos utilizando-se o teste “t” pareado ou Wilcoxon. Correlação de Pearson foi realizada entre as variáveis dor e amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares. O índice de significância foi ajustado em p<0,05. Resultados: Houve melhora significativa entre as duas sessões para as variáveis relacionadas à dor e amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares (p<0,05), exceto protrusão (p=0,438). Houve correlação negativa significativa somente entre a dor média e aamplitude da abertura bucal antes do tratamento (p<0,05). Após o tratamento, essa correlação não persistiu (p>0,05). Conclusões: As placas oclusais lisas planas mostraram melhora significativa para a dor e amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares, mostrando ser um tratamento eficiente a ser realizado em clínicas de graduação para pacientes com dor miofascial e deslocamento de disco.

Efeito do extrato do romã (Punica granatum) sobre bactérias cariogênicas: estudo in vitro e in vivo / Effect of pomegranate extract (Punica granatum) on cariogenic bacteria: in vitro and in vivo study

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito inibitório de extratos de plantas sobre cepas de Streptococcus mutans in vitro e avaliar in vivo o potencial inibitório de dentifrício incorporado com o extrato de maior potencial sobre estreptococos do grupo mutans e sobre o índice de biofilme. Materiais e Métodos: Em meio de cultura inoculado com S. mutans (ATCC25175), depositaram-se extratos etanólicosde 32 plantas. Posteriormente, avaliaram-se os halos de inibição. As capacidades inibitórias foram: Ocimumgratissimum (flor) com 08 mm; Moringa oleífera (folha) 10 mm; Copaífera langsdorffi (folha) 16 mm e Punicagranatum (pericarpo desidratado) com 18 mm. Uma vez que este último extrato apresentou o maior halo de inibição, foi utilizado na fase seguinte. O extrato de romã (Punica granatum) foi incorporado em dentifrício, nas concentrações de 1% e 3% após determinação da concentração inibitória mínima. Estes foram testados em 30 voluntários divididos em 3 grupos (um para cada extrato e um grupo controle). Os voluntários fizeram uso dos dentifrícios durante 08 dias. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada através da determinação do índice de biofilme e contagem de estreptococos do grupo mutans (UFC/ml). Resultados: Houve redução (p < 0,05) no índice de biofilme para o extrato a 3%, porém não houve diferença na contagem de microrganismos (p > 0,05). Conclusão: Conclui-se que a Punica granatum L. foi o extrato que apresentou maior atividade inibitória in vitro contra S. mutans. A formulação do dentifrício mostrou eficiência após oito dias de uso diminuindo significativamente o índice de biofilme, porém, não apresentou redução do número de estreptococos do grupo mutans.

Dental caries experience in relation to salivary findings and molecular identification of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in subjects with Down syndrome.

This study investigated the association between clinical and salivary or molecular parameters in Down syndrome subjects. Sixty individuals (1- to 48-year old) were clinically examined using DMFT/DMFS. Stimulated saliva was collected; salivary flow was calculated (mL/min), buffering capacity was measured using a standard pH tape. In addition, 25 µL of saliva was diluted using 10-fold-dilution method and then placed on Mitis-Salivarius-Bacitracin agar to count colony forming units (CFU/mL) of mutans streptococci. Polymerase chain reaction analysis identified species. Caries indexes were 0.65-13.5 (DMFT) and 0.65-26.0 (DMFS) according to groups. Ninety-four percent of subjects had low flow rate (0.7-1.0 mL/min) and 44% had low buffering capacity (pH < 4). Besides, 60% had more than 1 × 10(6) CFU/mL, 60% had S. mutans, and 41.4% had S. sobrinus. Caries indexes did not significantly correlate with flow rate, buffering capacity, CFU/mL by Pearson's correlation (p > 0.05), and showed no significant association with prevalence of species by Chi-square (p > 0.05). There is no association between clinical picture and salivary or molecular parameters in Down syndrome subjects.

Relationships of beta-blockers and anxiolytics intake and salivary secretion, masticatory performance and taste perception.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the influence of salivary flow on physiological parameters of the stomatognathic system in patients who take beta-blockers or anxiolytic medications. DESIGN: Sixty patients were divided into three groups based on the following criteria: Group 1, control (n=20; no use of medication); Group 2, use of antihypertensive beta-blockers (n=20); and Group 3, use of benzodiazepine anxiolytics (n=20). Salivary flow was assessed by determining stimulated and non-stimulated flow/minute. The quantification of the sense of taste was determined on a visual analogue scale (VAS) using solutions of 0.9% NaCl (salty), 50% sucrose (sweet), 20% unsweetened coffee (bitter) and 4.2% vinegar (sour). The DMFT index (number of decayed/missing/filled teeth) was determined by a calibrated examination, following the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO). Masticatory performance was assessed with an Optosil comminution test and Rosim-Ramler equation. RESULTS: The results did not reveal a significant correlation between salivary flow and masticatory performance (p>0.05). We observed significant decreased non-stimulated salivary flow for Group 2 (p=0.05) when compared to controls. However, taste perception was not influenced by salivary secretion amongst groups. Furthermore, we observed a significant negative correlation between non-stimulated salivary flow and DMFT in Group 1 (p=0.02; r=-0.52). CONCLUSIONS: Patients under beta-blockers therapy presented reduced non-stimulated salivary flow when compared to controls, without influencing the sense of taste or masticatory performance. The use of anxiolytics did not affect salivary flow and taste perception in the studied sample.

Prevalence of nickel allergy and longitudinal evaluation of periodontal abnormalities in orthodontic allergic patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of nickel allergy in a sample of orthodontic patients and longitudinally compare the clinical periodontal status of these individuals with that of a group of nonallergic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The initial sample consisted of 96 patients selected randomly from a databank of patients who sought orthodontic care at a teaching institution. Following the selection and beginning of treatment, periodontal status was assessed over a 12-month period (one evaluation every 3 months-T(1), T(2,) T(3,) T(4)) using the Loe index. The evaluations were performed blindly by a single, calibrated examiner and were followed by prophylaxis and orientation regarding oral hygiene. The prevalence of nickel allergy was determined by the patch test 9 months after the beginning of treatment and occurred in 16 individuals (17.2%). Two groups were then established: the allergic group (AG, n = 16) and the age-paired nonallergic control group (NAG, n = 16). Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Friedman's analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests (P < or = .05). RESULTS: Significant differences were present between groups at the T(3) and T(4) evaluations for the LOE index (P = .045 and .009), with allergic individuals showing higher mean values than nonallergic individuals (hyperplasia, change in color, and bleeding). No significant differences were found in the intragroup evaluations between the four evaluations (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a cumulative effect from nickel throughout orthodontic treatment associated with clinically significant periodontal abnormalities in allergic individuals over time.

Indicadores químicos e biológicos da eficácia de esterilização por autoclave ou estufa / Chemical and biological indicators of the efficacy of sterilization by wet or dry heat

Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou a eficácia da esterilização de autoclaves e estufas em clínicas odontológicas usando indicadores químicos e biológicos. Metodologia: Foram analisados 51 aparelhos de autoclave ou estufa, utilizando-se indicadores químicos internos (fita ComplyTM, 3M), externos (fita adesiva 1222, 3M) e biológicos (Attest 1262, 3M) para autoclaves, e indicadores químicos internos (fita ComplyTM 00311, 3M) e externos (fita Indair 1226, 3M) para estufas. Os diferentes testes para determinar a eficiência das autoclaves ou estufas foram realizados todos ao mesmo tempo em cada aparelho, com os indicadores posicionados no centro dos equipamentos. Resultados: Um total de 37 dentistas (72,5%) fazia uso de autoclaves no consultório e 14 (27,4%) utilizavam estufas. Em autoclaves, os indicadores químicos externos demonstraram sucesso da esterilização em todos os aparelhos avaliados, sendo que os indicadores químicos internos apresentaram 94,5% de sucesso e os biológicos, 97,2%. Em estufas, houve sucesso de indicadores químicos externos em todos os aparelhos testados, sendo que os indicadores químicos internos obtiveram apenas 78,5% de eficiência. Conclusão: A esterilização em autoclaves e estufas é eficaz; contudo, diferentes indicadores devem ser utilizados simultaneamente para certificar o sucesso do processo de esterilização.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of sterilization by wet or dry heat in dental offices using chemical and biological indicators. Methods: Fifty-one sterilizers were analyzed using an internal (ComplyTM tape, 3M) and an external chemical indicator (adhesive tape 1222, 3M) and a biological indicator (Attest 1262, 3M) for wet heat, and an internal (ComplyTM 00311 tape, 3M) and an external chemical indicator (Indair 1226 tape, 3M) for dry heat. Different indicators (centrally positioned) were used at the same time in each device. Results: Thirty-seven (72.5%) dentists used wet heat sterilization systems in their dental offices and 14 (27.4%) used dry heat sterilizers. External chemical indicators for wet heat systems were successful, but internal chemical indicators and biological indicators had 94.5% and 97.2% of success, respectively. In addition, external chemical indicators were satisfactory concerning all dry heat devices, but internal chemical indicators had only 78.5% of efficiency. Conclusion: Wet heat and dry heat are reliable sterilization systems; notwithstanding, different indicators should be simultaneously used to certify that sterilization has been successfully carried out.

Prevalência e eficácia dos tratamentos endodônticos realizados no Centro Universitário de Lavras, MG: uma análise etiológica e radiográfica / Prevalence and efficacy of endodontic treatment at the Lavras University Center/ MG: an etiological and radiographic evaluation

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um levantamento epidemiológico dos tratamentos endodônticos, bem como analisar a sua eficácia em dentes com lesões periapicais, por meio da análise radiográfica. Foi feito levantamentodos pacientes tratados endodonticamente nas clínicas odontológicas do Centro Universitário deLavras, MG, no período de 2001 a 2004, constituindo uma amostra de 340 indivíduos. Na análise de seus prontuários foram coletados os seguintes dados: gênero, etiologia da alteração pulpar, dentes acometidos, diagnóstico, tipo de dor e tratamento. Numa segunda etapa, dos 340 pacientes foram realizadas as proservações radiográficas de 47 dentes com o diagnóstico de necrose pulpar com lesão periapical, em diferentes períodos detempo. Os resultados demonstraram maior prevalência de lesões no gênero feminino (69,4 por cento), sendo a etiologia da alteração pulpar derivada, na maior parte dos casos, de cárie (52,8 por cento no gênero feminino e 55,8 por cento no gênero masculino). Os dentes mais acometidos foram o molar superior para o gênero feminino (25,4 por cento)e molar e incisivo superiores para o gênero masculino (24 por cento). Em relação ao total de dentes estudados, ocorreu necrose pulpar com lesão em 28,9 por cento das mulheres e 36,5 por cento dos homens. Na maioria dos casos havia ausência de dor (61,4 por cento no gênero feminino e 67,3 por cento nogênero masculino). Ocorreu necropulpectomia II em 42,8 por cento das mulheres e 50 por cento dos homens. Quanto à eficácia dos tratamentos, houve maior prevalência de regressão parcial da lesão no intervalo entre 6 e 12 meses (50 por cento) e maior prevalência de regressão total da lesão

Influência da sacarose, lactose e glicose + frutose no potencial cariogênico de S. mutans: estudo in situ e in vitro / Influence of sucrose, lactose and glucose + fructose on the cariogenic potential of S. mutans: an in situ and in vitro study

Objetivo: Este estudo determinou o efeito in situ de sacarose, lactose e glicose+frutose na colonização do esmalte por S. mutans e seu potencial cariogênico in vitro. Metodologia: Doze voluntários participaram da etapa in situ, tipo duplo-cego, cruzada, em quatro etapas de 48 horas. Dispositivos palatinos contendo três blocos de esmalte bovino receberam uma gota de substrato 4 vezes/dia. O biofilme formado foi inoculado em meio de cultura Mitis-Salivarius-Bacitracina (MSB) para determinação do número de colônias (UFC). No experimento in vitro, os açúcares e S. mutans foram adicionados ao meio Brain-Heart-Infusion; o pH foi aferido após 6, 12, 24, 48 horas; o peso úmido do biofilme foi determinado e inoculado em MSB. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na colonização pelos microorganismos no modelo in situ. No estudo in vitro, os meios contendo sacarose e lactose apresentaram maior número de colônias e de peso úmido de biofilme que glicose+frutose (P<0,05). O pH reduzido do meio foi mantido por maior período de tempo na presença de sacarose (48h/pH=4,4). Conclusão: Embora não tenha havido diferença de colonização por S. mutans frente à sacarose e lactose neste delineamento in situ, o estudo in vitro mostrou potencial cariogênico distinto das soluções testadas.

Purpose: This study evaluated the in situ effect of sucrose, lactose, and glucose+fructose on dental enamel colonization by S. mutans and its in vitro cariogenic potential. Methods: Twelve volunteers participated in a crossover double-blind in situ study, comprising four 48-hour stages. Acrylic resin appliances with three bovine enamel blocks received a drop of experimental solution 4 times/day. The biofilm formed was inoculated in Mitis-Salivarius-Bacitracin (MSB) culture to determine the number of colonies (CFU). In the in vitro experiment, the solutions and S. mutans were added to the Brain-Heart-Infusion medium; the pH was measured after 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours; the biofilm-wet weight was determined and inoculated in MSB. Results: There was no in situ effect of any solution on S. mutans colonization. The in vitro results showed that sucrose and lactose yielded larger number of colonies and biofilm wet-weight than glucose+fructose solution (P<0.05); sucrose samples sustained reduced pH values for a longer period of time (48 hours/pH=4.4). Conclusion: Although there was no difference of S. mutans colonization under sucrose and lactose challenge in situ, the study vitro showed different cariogenic potential of the tested solutions.

Cellular, humoral, and histopathologic analysis in rats implanted with orthodontic nickel brackets.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the immune response related to nickel and nickel-free orthodontic appliances using cellular (total and differential leukocytes) and humoral (IgA) quantification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five Wister rats were randomly distributed into three groups (A, B, and C). In the A group, the animals were subdivided into three subgroups (A1: control, without brackets; A2: nickel-free brackets; and A3: nickel brackets) with seven animals in each group; the animals were sacrificed after 14 days. Groups B and C received only nickel brackets and were kept for 14 days. After this period, the implants were removed and the rats were sacrificed. In group B, the animals were sacrificed 2 days after the appliance removal (16 days in total); and in group C, the animals were sacrificed 7 days after the brackets removal (21 days in total). Total and differential leukocyte number, IgA quantification and histopathologic analysis were done. Histopathologic analysis of subcutaneous tissue related to the orthodontic brackets was done as well. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the number of leukocytes for the nickel-implanted animals and the nickel-free and control groups after 14 days of implantation (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference among groups A1, A2, and A3 for the differential number of leukocytes and for the IgA quantification, except for the number of monocytes, which was three times higher in the nickel group (A3). The histopathologic findings did not show differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Nickel did not promote significant adverse biological effects.

Caries prevalence, level of mutans streptococci, salivary flow rate, and buffering capacity in subjects with Down syndrome

The aim of this study was to correlate caries experience and physiological and microbiological profiles. The study group comprised 60 individuals with Down syndrome, both genders, aged from one to 48 years. The prevalence of caries was analyzed by DMFT/DMFS and dmft/dmfs indexes. Physiological factors such as flow rate, and buffer capacity and microbiological factor such as mutans streptococci counts were observed. The average DMFT and DMFS were,respectively, 4.53 and 6.85, whereas the mean dmft and dmfs values were 1.55 and 2.55, respectively. Ninety-four percent of 18 individuals that saliva was possible to collected presented low flow rate and only 6% of them had normal flow rate; 44% percent had low buffer capacity, 39% had limited buffer capacity and 16% had normal buffer capacity. Sixty percent of individuals had high values of CFU/mL (>1.000.000 S. mutans); while 40% presented low values of microorganisms (<100.000 S. mutans). Data of clinical, physiological and microbiological characterization were statistically analyzed throughPearson's correlation and Chi-square test. A p-value dö 0.05 was considered significant. DMFT/DMTS and dmft/dmfs indexes increased with age. Pearson's correlation showed significant values to DMFT/DMFS x age (r= 0.80 and r= 0.82; p< 0.01). Flow rate and buffering capacity were low. Individuals had high mutans streptococci counts (CFU/mL). DMFT/DMFS did not present significant correlation with flow rate, buffering capacity and mutans streptococcicounts and no association with gender. The prevalence of dental caries increased with age at individuals with Down syndrome. As caries is amultifactor disease, other factors, which were not evaluated in the present study, such as diet, host and oral hygiene might be influencing the development of dental caries in these individuals.

In vitro bacterial plaque suppression and recolonization by S. mutans and S. sobrinus

O estudo in vitro das interações entre S. mutans e S. sobrinus pode ser importante na determinação do papel desses microrganismos na formação de biofilmes nas estruturas dentais e seu potencial em induzir lesões cariosas. O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi estudar a supressão da formação da placa dental e sua recolonização por S. mutans rifampicina-resistentes e S. sobrinus estreptomicina-resistentes in vitro. Para avaliar as relações de competitividade entre essas espécies, cepas que foram previamente padronizadas foram incubadas em meio de cultura contendo diferentes carboidratos fermentáveis. Em intervalos de tempo determinados, amostras de S. mutans e S. sobrinus foram coletadas a partir de culturas mistas, diluídas e semeadas em placas com meio BHI-ágar contendo rifampicina ou estreptomicina para determinação do número de células viáveis de cada espécie por contagem de unidades formadoras de colônia. Para a avaliação da colonização bacteriana e recolonização da placa bacteriana in vitro, três experimentos foram realizados: I - co-cultivo de S. mutans e S. sobrinus; II - inoculação de S. mutans em placa bacteriana pré-formada por S. sobrinus; e III - placa bacteriana pré-formada por S. mutans dispersada e plaqueada em meio BHI-ágar contendo estreptomicina ou rifampicina para determinação do número de células viáveis para cada espécie. Os resultados indicaram uma predominância de S. mutans em relação ao S. sobrinus, demonstrando a capacidade do S. mutans em inibir a formação de placa por S. sobrinus e recolonizar a superfície dentária.

Profile of the dental surgeon related to the recommendation of individual preventive strategies

Aiming to evaluate the acquisition of scientific evidence by Dental Surgeons (DSs) and verify whether they applied it clinically, a questionnaire was sent to 223 DSs in Lavras (Minas Gerais, Brazil), containing 9 objective questions relative to confidence to recommend individual preventive strategies in Dentistry. The response rate to the questionnaires was 54.26% (n = 121). After performing logistic regression analysis (Wald Test, á = 0.05), it was found that male DSs graduated from state universities, even though they did not read text books, were more confident of prescribing and applying fluoride gel, while the DSs graduated up to 10 years and who attended in private dental office, were more confident of indicating and applying sealants. Chlorexidine was better recommended and applied by DSs postgraduated. The male DSs indicated and made better use of the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART). The DSs graduated from state universities and who had not discussed technical matters with their colleagues over the last 12 months were shown to be more confident of monitoring white stain lesions with a view to the non-progression of dental caries. Thus, it was concluded that only a segment of the DSs evaluated are adequately applying the knowledge based on scientific evidence.

Candida spp.biotypes in the oral cavity of school children from different socioeconomic categories in Piracicaba - SP, Brazil / Biotipos de candida spp.na cavidade oral de escolares de diferentes categorias socioeconômicas de Piracicaba - SP, Brasil

Duzentos e trinta e nove crianças brasileiras foram estudadas, distribuídas em cinco categorias socioeconômicas distintas (A a E). As amostras de saliva foram analisadas avaliando-se o fluxo salivar, pH, capacidade tampäo e parâmetros microbianos. Os resultados mostraram Candida em 47,3 por cento da amostra total. A espécie mais encontrada foi C. albicans em todas as categorias socioeconômicas seguidas por C. tropicalis, C. krusei e C. parapsilosis. A saliva e os parâmetros de investigaçäo clínicos como a proporçäo de secreçäo, capacidade tampäo e CFU/ml de Candida näo mostraram nenhuma correlaçäo estatística entre estes parâmetros. A freqüência de Candida näo diferiu substancialmente entre os grupos; no entanto elas foram mais acentuadas entre as categorias B e C. Entre todas as espécies, C. albicans foi a mais prevalente. Somente 5 por cento das amostras mostraram mais de uma espécie e revelaram a presença de C. albicans associada com C. tropicalis, C. Parapsilosis ou C. krusei. Foi possível detectar uma correlaçäo significante entre os índices de cárie e as categorias socioeconômicas. As categorias A e E mostraram índices de cárie aumentados; no entanto, a amostra da populaçäo foi considerada de risco de cárie baixo. Näo havia nenhuma correlaçäo positiva entre Candida e risco de cárie

Influência da aparatologia ortodôntica na colonizaçäo microbiana das superfícies dentárias / Influence of orthodontic apparatology in the microorganisms colonization on the teeth's surface

A inserçao dos aparelhos ortodônticos é a mais importante mudança ambiental após a erupçäo dental que pode acarretar alteraçöes qualitativas e quantitativas no estado de equilíbrio da microbiota bucal, propiciando assim, um aumento de microrganismos tanto na saliva como na placa dental. Tendo em vista a importância da aparatologia ortodôntica no processo de colonizaçäo microbiana das superfícies dentárias, apresente pesquisa teve o propósito de: quantificar colônias de estreptococos grupo mutans, lactobacilos e candida presentes na placa bacteriana de pacientes portadores de aparatologia ortodôntica e determinar a interferência do tratamento ortodôntico na colonizaçäo das superfícies dentárias