In vitro determination of the chromatic effect of a silver nanoparticles solution linked to the gantrez S-97 copolymer on tooth enamel.

Silver nanoparticles (NNPs), alone or in combination with the bioadhesive Gantrez S-97, have demonstrated their efficacy against Streptococcus mutans; however, it is not known if this combination changes the color of teeth. The aim of this work was to measure the color changes occurring after the use of a Gantrez-NNP combination on enamel tooth blocks. Two study groups were randomly formed: enamel blocks brushed with (a) the Gantrez-NNP combination and (b) conventional toothpaste, for 1 minute once daily for 4 weeks, then rinsed with distilled water and placed in thymol solution. Color changes in the enamel blocks were measured using a Minolta colorimeter CR300. Analysis of mixed models was performed with R 2.10.1 at a 95% confidence level, using the nonlinear mixed effects (NLME) package. The results showed that there were no color changes over time, only a high luminosity equal in both groups. Our study showed that the use of the Gantrez-NNP combination is safe with respect to dental esthetics in the control of S. mutans.

Oral manifestations in pediatric patients receiving chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral manifestations in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy, and to evaluate the significance of independent risk factors (oral health, gender, age, time and type of treatment, and phase of chemotherapy). A cross-sectional study was made in 49 children with ALL between 2 and 14 years of age. To describe oral manifestations, a clinical diagnosis was made and the following criteria were applied: the OHI-S index to describe oral health and the IMPA index to describe periodontal conditions and to differentiate gingivitis from periodontitis. The prevalence of oral manifestations was: gingivitis, 91.84%; caries, 81.63%; mucositis, 38.77%; periodontitis, 16.32%; cheilitis, 18.36%; recurrent herpes, 12.24%; and primary herpetic gingivostomatitis, 2.04%. Other oral manifestations were: dry lips, mucosal pallor, mucosal petechiae, ecchymoses, and induced ulcers. The prevalence of oral candidiasis was 6.12%. It was observed that high risk ALL and poor oral hygiene were important risk factors for the development of candidiasis and gingivitis. The type of leukemia, gender and phase of chemotherapy were apparently associated with the presence of candidiasis, gingivitis, and periodontitis, and they could be considered risk factors for the development of oral manifestations.

Clinical efficacy of 5% sodium hypochlorite for removal of stains caused by dental fluorosis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of 5% sodium hypochlorite solution for removal of stains caused by dental fluorosis in young patients. A clinical trial involved 33 patients with diffuse opacities on the enamel surfaces of maxillary incisors due to effects of dental fluorosis. The protocol of treatment 3 steps: (1) cleaning and enamel etching with 37% phosphoric acid in order to eliminate the layer that covers the fluorotic enamel surface and allow better penetration of the bleaching agent, (2) application of 5% sodium hypochlorite to remove stains caused by organic material, and (3) filling the opened micro-cavities with a light-cured, composite surface sealant to prevent restaining. The whiteness of the enamel lesions before and after treatment were expressed in L*, a*, and b* color space measurements using a Minolta Chroma Meter CR300. Analysis of parameters of [symbol:see text]E (L*, a*, b*) showed that changes were observed in the L* (brightness) and a* (redness), which paralleled the [symbol: see text]E differences. There was no significant difference in the b* (yellow) parameter. The technique described in this study appears to have advantages over other methods for improving the appearance of fluorotic lesions. It is simple, low cost, non invasive so the enamel keeps its structure, relatively rapid, and safe; it requires no special materials, and it can be used with safety on young permanent teeth.

Comparison of three conscious sedation regimens for pediatric dental patients.

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical success of three conscious sedation regimens for pediatric dental patients. A clinical trial was performed wherein dental treatment was administered to pediatric patients ASA I and II under conscious sedation.. Fifty-four children were divided into three groups of 18 patients each, randomly assigned Group A received hydroxyzine (2 mg/kg 2 h before treatment and a subsequent dose of 1 mg/kg 20 min before treatment) orally; group B received 0.50 mg/kg midazolam mixed with 1.5 mg/kg hydroxyzine 20 min before treatment orally; group C received chloral hydrate, 50 mg/kg mixed with 1.5 mg/kg hydroxyzine 20 min before treatment orally. The Ohio State Behavioral Rating Scale (OSBRS) showed statistically significant differences between groups B and C with respect to group A. The regimens of midazolam or chloral hydrate mixed with hydroxyzine represent excellent choices for conscious sedation regimens for pediatric dental patients.

Enamel hypoplasia in children with renal disease in a fluoridated area.

The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of enamel hypoplasia in children with renal disease and healthy children, all of whom live in a fluoridated area. A cross-sectional study was made in 42 children divided into 2 groups. To describe enamel changes, 3 diagnostic criteria were applied: TSIF Index to describe dental fluorosis, Jackson-Al-Alousi Index to describe enamel hypoplasia, and Russell criteria to differentiate mild forms of dental fluorosis and enamel hypoplasia. The frequency of enamel hypoplasia in patients with renal disease was 38.09%. This frequency is smaller than that seen in other studies. There was no difference in the frequency of dental fluorosis between patients with renal disease and patients without renal disease. However the patients with renal disease presented more severe dental fluorosis than children without renal disease.