Caregivers' Sense of Coherence and Untreated Dental Caries in Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To associate caregivers' sense of coherence (SOC) and untreated caries with oral health status in children covered by a dental public health system. Material and Methods: A convenience sample of caregivers/children in Angra dos Reis, Brazil, was surveyed. Caregivers' SOC was evaluated using the 13-question version questionnaire. For both caregivers/children, sociodemographic information was acquired and caries experience was evaluated by DMFT/dmft and PUFA/pufa index. Statistical associations between children's untreated carious teeth and interest variables from the caregivers were evaluated by binary logistic regression assessed by generalized linear modeling. Results: A total of 233 pairs of caregivers-children were included. Children's untreated permanent and primary carious teeth represented 34.8% and 62.2% of the caries experience, respectively and at least one PUFA/pufa scored tooth was detected in 22.7% of them. Caregivers' DMFT was 13.5±7.0, while 33.6% scored on PUFA. A total of 62.1% of them presented untreated carious lesions. Results from the univariate model, correlating children's untreated caries and caregivers' attributes showed a statistical significance for SOC values (p<0.015), untreated decayed teeth (p<0.035), self-perception of oral health (p<0.022) and oral impact on daily performance (p<0.010). The multivariate logistic first model kept the statistical significance only for the caregiver's untreated decayed teeth. Conclusion: Caregivers' SOC and untreated carious teeth could be used as indicators of dental treatment needs in their offspring.

Impact of Mobile Dental Clinics on the Quality of Life of Children

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the impact of mobile dental clinics on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQL) of children. Material and Methods: A longitudinal epidemiological study was conducted with participants from seven mobile dental clinics carried out between May 2019 and January 2020 by the NGO Missão Sorrisos. Parents and children who attended the program had their sociodemographic data collected. Both completed the Scale of Oral Health 5 (SOHO-5) self-reported questionnaire before treatment and again 30 days after treatment. Results: The improvement in the children's oral health after treatment at the mobile clinics is reflected in the pre-and post-treatment medians measured by the SOHO-5 total score from the children's own reports from the parents' reports. The procedures performed were effective in reducing pain and difficulties in eating, drinking, and sleeping. An improvement in the perception of the children's appearance and self-confidence was reported, both from the perspective of the parents/guardians and the children themselves. The chance of improvement in the perception of the children's oral health was greater for parents (OR=5.96; CI95%: 1.32-26.84) and children (OR=5.76; CI95%: 1.28-25.95) from families whose main caregiver was not professionally active at the time of the study. Conclusion: The mobile dental clinics had a positive impact on the OHRQL of children from the perspective of the participants of the study.

Self-perception of oral health among tertiary-care users: quanti-qualitative analysis with chronic kidney disease patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a global public health challenge. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between self-perception of oral health and clinical condition among patients with CKD. This isa quanti-qualitative survey conducted in a CKD specialized service. The sample consisted of 60 patients who underwent oral examinations to have their severity of caries (DMFT) and need for dental prosthesis checked. Age, sex, time on dialysis, marital status, skin color, education and pre-existing diseases were also analyzed. Among the kidney patients who agreed to undergo the clinical examinations and showed communication skills, some were selected, and three focus groups were created, with the participation of a moderator and six to 10 kidney patients in each group. Their speeches were processed in the IRAMUTEQ software and analyzed through the similarity analysis and word cloud techniques. As for profile, the patients were aged 60.23 ± 10.87 years old; were male (73.33%); were on dialysis for 41.90 ± 56.57 months; were married (61.67%); were white (76.67%); had incomplete primary education (41.66%); had arterial hypertension (76.67%); had a DMFT index of 22.55 ± 8.39; 43.33% needed an upper complete denture; and 30.00% needed a lower complete denture. The similarity analysis revealed many doubts and uncertainties about current health services, which can be proven by the words 'no' and 'treatment'. The quanti-qualitative analysis showed a high rate of dental loss and the need for complete dentures and suggests inequities in oral health care for chronic kidney disease patients, especially in tertiary care. There was a positive representation regarding oral health, but the lexicographical analyses of the textual corpusconfirmed the self-perception of lack of dental care.

Fluoride Concentration in Public Water Supply in a City in the Amazon Region

Abstract Objective: To analyze the fluoride concentration in the public water supply in Manaus, Brazil. Material and Methods: Water samples were collected in 50 mL polyethylene bottles, identified, and labeled. The collection was performed from September 2016 to August 2018. For the selection of collection points, all neighborhoods of the city of Manaus, divided into four health districts (North, South, East, and West), were mapped. From each district, 30 samples were collected, totaling 120 monthly samples. Water samples were analyzed using an ion analyzer, ORION 720-A, and a specific electrode, ORION 96-09. The ion analyzer and electrode were calibrated in standard solutions. The levels were classified in intervals based on technical consensus to guide the health surveillance agencies. Results: Of the 2,874 water samples, 50.3% were within the recommended range, and 49.7% were inadequate, with 31.6% considered above the parameters and 18.1% below. Among the districts, the North had the highest percentages of unsatisfactory samples, resulting in limited action to prevent tooth decay. During the 24 months of analysis, there were large oscillations in the values in all four districts of Manaus. Conclusion: Results reinforce the importance of heterocontrol for the city to guarantee the effectiveness of this public health measure.

Qualidade da fluoretação da água: o modelo de regulação e o arranjo institucional em três países selecionados / Quality of water fluoridation: the regulatory model and institutional arrangement in three selected countries

A cárie dentária não tratada é uma das doenças mais prevalentes afetando os dentes permanentes de aproximadamente 2,3 bilhões de pessoas no mundo. Cerca de 370 milhões de pessoas (5% da população mundial) tem acesso à água fluoretada (usualmente entre 0,5 a 1,0 mgF/L), que é considerada a maneira mais eficiente de prevenção da cárie. No entanto, concentrações acima de 1,5 mg/L de fluoreto acarretam um risco crescente de fluorose dentária e níveis muito mais altos levam à fluorose esquelética. Por isso, mecanismos regulatórios devem ser implementados para assegurar o monitoramento e o nível de qualidade da água em relação ao parâmetro fluoreto com a finalidade de alcançar o máximo de prevenção da cárie com o mínimo de fluorose dentária. Investigar o desenho e o tipo de arranjo institucional adotado em cada contexto pode auxiliar a compreender os diferentes efeitos produzidos por esses mecanismos e identificar limitações e oportunidades de aprimoramento. O objetivo foi descrever e comparar o modelo de regulação e o arranjo institucional para assegurar a qualidade da água a fim de garantir a segurança e efetividade do ajuste da concentração do fluoreto em três países selecionados. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo por meio de pesquisa documental utilizando fontes oficiais do Brasil, Estados Unidos da América (EUA) e Inglaterra. Foram elaborados quadros síntese comparando-se as agências e organizações, as missões, as funções, os mecanismos regulatórios, os dispositivos normativos e os instrumentos de disseminação da informação adotados em cada um dos países selecionados. Embora em todos os países sejam adotados dispositivos normativos para o controle da qualidade da fluoretação da água, os modelos regulatórios, os arranjos institucionais e as formas de vigilância e divulgação eram distintos. O valor máximo permitido para fluoreto de ocorrência natural era 4,0 mgF/L nos EUA enquanto nos demais países era 1,5 mgF/L. Os procedimentos de controle operacional eram definidos centralmente nos três países, mas sua aplicação podia variar entre as unidades federativas dos EUA. Inglaterra e EUA preconizam a coleta de amostras na rede de abastecimento, enquanto o Brasil apenas na saída do tratamento. Do ponto de vista da vigilância, Inglaterra e EUA utilizam dados que dependem das empresas responsáveis pelo tratamento da água, enquanto o Brasil, embora ainda em processo de implementação, adota um sistema vigilância independente que utiliza dados coletados na rede de distribuição pela autoridade sanitária local. Um ponto em comum entre EUA e Brasil é a construção de um sistema de informação que, sob os princípios da vigilância em saúde, propicie a produção de informações e sua divulgação a fim de atender as exigências para assegurar um elevado nível de qualidade da fluoretação da água. Embora os dispositivos normativos e as medidas regulatórias possuam diferentes abordagens e graus de centralização/descentralização nos países pesquisados, observou-se que há importante espaço para troca de informações e intercâmbio de tecnologias a fim de elevar o desempenho dos serviços, a efetividade da vigilância da qualidade da água para que os benefícios máximos de redução dos índices de cárie dentária em nível populacional sejam atingidos.

Untreated tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting the permanent teeth of approximately 2.3 billion people worldwide. About 370 million people (5% of the world population) have access to fluoridated water (usually between 0.5 to 1.0 mgF/L), which is considered the most efficient way of preventing caries. However, concentrations above 1.5 mg/L of fluoride carry an increased risk of dental fluorosis, and much higher levels lead to skeletal fluorosis. Therefore, regulatory mechanisms must be implemented to ensure monitoring and the level of water quality in relation to the fluoride parameter in order to achieve maximum caries prevention with minimum dental fluorosis. Investigating the design and type of institutional arrangement adopted in each context can help to understand the different effects produced by these mechanisms and identify limitations and opportunities for improvement. The objective was to describe and compare the regulatory model and the institutional arrangement to ensure water quality in order to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of fluoride concentration adjustment in three selected countries. A descriptive study was carried out through documentary research using official sources from Brazil, the United States and England. Summary tables were prepared comparing agencies and organizations, missions, functions, regulatory mechanisms, regulatory provisions and information dissemination instruments adopted in each of the selected countries. Although regulatory provisions are adopted in all countries to control the quality of water fluoridation, the regulatory models, institutional arrangements and forms of surveillance and disclosure were different. The maximum allowable value for naturally occurring fluoride was 4.0 mgF/L in the US while in other countries it was 1.5 mgF/L. Operational control procedures were centrally defined in the three countries, but their application could vary across US states. England and the USA advocate the collection of samples in the supply network, while Brazil only at the end of the treatment. From a surveillance point of view, England and the USA use data that depend on the companies responsible for water treatment, while Brazil, although still in the process of implementation, adopts an independent surveillance system that uses data collected in the distribution network by the local health authority. A common point between the USA and Brazil is the construction of an information system that, under the principles of health surveillance, promotes the production of information and its dissemination in order to meet the requirements to ensure a high level of quality in the fluoridation of Water. Although normative provisions and regulatory measures have different approaches and degrees of centralization/decentralization in the countries surveyed, it was observed that there is important space for exchanging information and exchanging technologies in order to increase the performance of services, the effectiveness of surveillance of the water quality so that the maximum benefits of reducing dental caries rates at the population level are achieved.

Tabus e mitos da atenção odontológica na gestação: um estudo observacional de base hospitalar / Taboos and myths for the dental care during pregnancy: an observational study with a hospital basis

Objetivo: avaliar gestantes internadas no setor de obstetrícia do Hospital Escola da UFPel quanto à necessidade de receber atendimento odontológico de urgência, ao conhecimento a respeito do atendimento durante a gravidez e de como prevenir a doença cárie dentária em seus filhos. Método: este estudo observacional, de base hospitalar e transversal, foi conduzido a partir de instrumento contendo uma entrevista e uma avaliação bucal de 83 gestantes. Os dados foram coletados junto ao leito por dois residentes treinados e avaliados pelo Teste Exato de Fisher e por análise multivariada, com Regressão de Poisson e variância robusta. Resultados: a média de idade das gestantes foi de 28,7 anos, sendo que 31,3% relataram dor dentária, estando relacionada à atividade de cárie e à busca de atendimento odontológico nos últimos 6 meses. Das gestantes avaliadas, 66,2% apresentaram, pelo menos, um tabu ou mito, sendo que realizar tratamento endodôntico foi o mais prevalente. Realizar pré-natal reduziu a presença de tabus ou mitos. Apenas 7,2% das mulheres demonstraram ter conhecimento de como prevenir a doença cárie dentária no filho, sendo significativamente maior nas donas de casa e nas que receberam orientação prévia. Conclusão: o pré-natal favoreceu a redução da presença de tabus e mitos da odontologia na gestação. O cirurgião-dentista tem um papel importante na condução do pré-natal odontológico, para evitar e tratar as odontalgias na gestação e orientar sobre a saúde bucal dos filhos, efetivando a atenção odontológica nos mil dias da criança.(AU)

Evaluate pregnant women admitted to the Obstetrics department at UFPel School Hospital regarding the need to receive urgent dental care, knowledge about this care during pregnancy and how to prevent dental caries in Their child. Method: This observational, hospital-based and cross-sectional study was conducted using an instrument containing an interview and an assessment of the oral cavity of 83 pregnant women. The data were collected at the bedside by trained residents and evaluated by Fisher's exact test and multivariate analysis, using Poisson Regression with robust variance. Results: The average age of the pregnant women was 28.7 years, with 31.3% reporting dental pain, being related to dental caries and dental care-seeking in the last 6 months. Of the pregnant women evaluated, 66.2% had at least one taboo or myth, and endodontic treatment was more prevalent. Prenatal care reduced the presence of taboos or myths. Only 7.2% of women demonstrated knowledge of how to prevent dental caries disease in their child, being significantly higher in housewives and those who received prior guidance. Conclusion: Prenatal care favored the reduction of the presence of taboos and myths about dentistry during pregnancy. The dentist has an important role in the conduction of dental prenatal care, to prevent and treat toothache during pregnancy and to advise on the oral health of their child, providing dental care in the child's first thousand days.(AU)

Dental Findings of Kidney and Liver Transplantation Patients from a Brazilian Oral Health Care Service

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe dental findings of kidney and liver, pre and post-transplant patients of an oral health care service from a Brazilian Southeast state. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was developed with a sample of patients attending the oral health care program for transplantation of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Participants were divided into two groups according to the kind of transplantation-kidney or liver. Characteristics of the sample, sex (male/female), age (18-44; 45-54; 55-80), living region (Belo Horizonte, or outside), phase of transplantation (pre-Tx or post-Tx), and self-report of diabetes mellitus and hypertension were presented by frequencies. Dental caries experienced was measured by Decayed, Missing and Filled-Teeth (DMF-T) index. Results: 185 patients, kidney (46; 24.9%), and liver (139; 75.1%) were included. Mean DMFT was 18.3 (20.0). DMFT scores of males (18.7; 20.0), females (17.2; 18.0), pre-transplanted (18.3; 20.0), and post-transplanted (18.1; 20.0) were similar. The liver transplantation group (19.3; 20.0) showed higher caries experience comparing to kidney´s (15.2; 17.0). Conclusion: Dental caries experience was high in kidney and liver patients under transplantation therapy. This highlights the demand for treatment need in this population.

Dental caries prevalence, prospects, and challenges for Latin America and Caribbean countries: a summary and final recommendations from a Regional Consensus

Abstract Dental caries can be effectively managed and prevented from developing into cavitated lesions while preserving tooth structure at all levels. However, the strong correlation between caries and socioeconomic factors may compromise the efficacy of preventive strategies. The high prevalence of persistent inequalities in dental caries in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACC) is a matter of concern. The estimates of the burden of disease in some countries in this region are outdated or absent. This paper aims to summarize and present the final recommendations of a regional Consensus for Dental Caries Prevalence, Prospects, and Challenges for LACC. This consensus is based on four articles that were written by a team of Latin American experts, reviewed by dental associations, and presented and discussed in two consensus events. The following domains were explored: epidemiology, risk factors, prevention strategies, and management of dental caries with a focus on restorative procedures. Dental caries can manifest throughout the lifespan of an individual, making it a matter of concern for infants, children, adults, and older people alike. The prevalence rates of untreated caries in deciduous and permanent teeth are high in many parts of the world, including LACCs. Previous evidence suggests that the prevalence of dental caries in 12-year-olds is moderate to high in most Latin American countries. Moreover, the prevalence of treatment needs and dental caries in the adult and elderly population can also be regarded as high in this region. The risk/protective factors (e.g., sugar consumption, exposure to fluoride, and oral hygiene) probably operate similarly in all LACCs, although variations in the interplay of these factors in some countries and within the same country cannot be ruled out. Although salt and water fluoridation programs are implemented in many countries, there is a need for implementation of a surveillance policy. There is also room for improvement with regard to the introduction of minimal intervention techniques in practice and public health programs. Dental caries is a marker of social disadvantage, and oral health promotion programs and interventions aimed at reducing the burden of dental caries in LACCs must consider the complexity of the socioeconomic dynamics in this region. There is an urgent need to promote engagement of stakeholders, policymakers, medical personnel, universities, dental associations, community members, and industries to develop regional plans that enhance the oral health agenda for LACCs. A list of recommendations has been presented to underpin strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence and severity of dental caries and improving the quality of life of the impacted LACC population in the near future.

Worse Caries Experience Does Not Lead to Worse Overall Health

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze caries experience depending on periodontitis affection concomitant or not with cardiovascular risks or mental health issues with the hypothesis that worse accumulated caries experience is not necessarily the result of the presence of concomitant overall health issues. Material and Methods: All subjects of this cross-sectional study were participants of the Dental Registry and DNA Repository project. Variables age, ethnicity, sex, caries experience, periodontitis and mental disease statuses and blood pressure assessment, dental clinical data (DMFT, DMFS and periodontitis) were evaluated and collected from the clinical records. We used chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Student's t-tests to determine differences in frequencies of sex, age, ethnicity, and dental clinical data depending on caries experience, periodontitis, mental health status, and cardiovascular risks. The established alpha was 5%. Results: Of the total 1,437 subjects included in this study, 407 were individuals with high blood pressure and 1,030 were individuals without high blood pressure. Also, 558 were individuals with mental disease and 879 were individuals without mental disease. High blood pressure patients were mostly men (47.17%) and women were the majority when analyzing patients with mental illness (60.04%). Most of the patients in the different groups were white, with a mean age ranging from 15.4 to 88 years. Conclusion: We concluded that caries experience concomitant or not with periodontitis affection does not associate with high blood pressure and mental disease.

Comparison of Dental Caries and Oral Hygiene Status of Children in Suburban with those in Rural Population of Southwestern Nigeria

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare prevalence of dental caries, oral hygiene status and associated risk factors of children in suburban and rural communities in the Southwest region of Nigeria. Material and Methods: Secondary data was extracted from cross-sectional researches conducted in two study locations involving 8 to 12 year olds. Data retrieved included age, gender, family structure, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene and dental caries. Caries assessment was done using WHO Oral Health Survey methods. Oral hygiene data was collected using Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) by Greene and Vermillion. Statistical significance was established at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of dental caries in Group A and Group B study participants were 13.4% and 22.2% respectively. Children from rural community had significant higher caries prevalence (p=0.00) and poorer oral hygiene (P=0.00) compare with their counterparts in the suburban community. There was a significant association between oral hygiene, age and dental caries in suburban participants (p=0.02) while among the rural participants there was significant association between gender and dental caries (p=0.04). Children with poor oral hygiene have increased odds of having dental caries compared to children with good oral hygiene in the two study communities. Conclusion: Dental caries was more prevalent among the rural dwellers than the sub-urban dwellers. There is a need to make oral health care services/products available, accessible and affordable for the rural community.

Early Childhood Caries Experience of Children from Poor Families Living Below and Above Poverty Line

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the role of poverty and its related factors on early childhood caries (ECC) experience among deprived children. Material and Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study surveyed 418 children aged one to six years enrolled in Brazilian public preschools from an area of the country known for its high social deprivation. Intraoral examination of children evaluated dental caries experience (dmft). Parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire with sociodemographic indicators. Family income was dichotomized into below or above poverty line. Data analysis used Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test, and Multivariate Logistic Regression analysis (p<0.05). Results: Predisposing variables for an increased chance of ECC were: age group 3-4 years (OR: 4.89; 95% CI: 2.32-10.31), age group 5-6-years (OR: 5.60; 95% CI: 2.60-12.04), being part of families living below poverty line (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.04-3.38) and having mothers with less than nine years of schooling (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 2.77-7.14). Children from families living below poverty line presented higher dmft (2.9 +3.8; p=0.001) and untreated dental caries (d component) (2.7 +3.7; p=0.002). Conclusion: ECC in a poor population was influenced by indicators of social deprivation. The poorest of poor children from mothers with less years of schooling were at higher risk.

Cárie dentária aos 12 anos: determinantes sociais e a importância da fluoretação para a equidade em saúde / Dental caries at age 12: social determinants and importance of water fluoridation for health equity

A fluoretação das águas de abastecimento público é uma medida de saúde pública para prevenção de cárie cientificamente consagrada, mas conforme outros métodos de uso tópico do flúor se disseminaram, surgiram hipóteses questionando a necessidade de sua continuidade. O objetivo neste estudo foi analisar a prevalência de cárie em escolares de 12 anos da cidade de Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brasil, no ano de 2019, comparando-se grupos de jovens de "escolas centrais" e "escolas periféricas", bem como entre os nascidos e não nascidos no município, que fluoreta regularmente suas águas. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, analítico, transversal, e de caso-controle, realizado em jovens de 12 anos do município de Araçatuba, que desde 1972 fluoreta ininterruptamente suas águas. Os critérios de inclusão foram: pelo menos 20 dentes na cavidade bucal; idade de 12 anos; estarem regularmente matriculados em escolas públicas do município; ausência de condições físicas que impossibilitassem o exame. Foram excluídos os indivíduos com síndromes e má formações congênitas, deficiências psicológicas, traumas faciais, e cujos responsáveis não assinaram o termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. O estudo foi realizado por equipes compostas por examinadores, anotadores e monitores previamente treinados e calibrados, utilizando-se o índice CPOD para avaliação da cárie dentária. O processo de calibração foi realizado seguindo as etapas: apropriação dos fundamentos teóricos; compreensão dos critérios e códigos; aplicação dos critérios em situações reais; e cálculo dos erros intra e interexaminadores, coeficiente Kappa, cujo grau de concordância interexaminadores foi de 0,92. Os exames foram realizados nas próprias escolas, sob luz natural, em local bem iluminado e ventilado. A primeira etapa desta pesquisa consistiu em um estudo observacional, transversal, analítico, realizado com 454 adolescentes. Do total, 237 (52,20%) estudantes eram livres de experiência de cárie. O CPOD médio foi de 1,08±1,47, sendo encontrados os valores mínimos de 0 e máximo de 9. A média do índice CPOD foi significativamente maior (p-valor= 0,0424) nos estudantes do grupo "Escolas periféricas" (1,25±1,59) em comparação ao grupo "Escolas centrais" (0,96±1,38). Na segunda etapa desta pesquisa realizou-se um estudo de caso-controle com 164 adolescentes, divididos em 2 grupos: grupo controle com CPOD=0 (n=82); e grupo caso, com CPOD maior que 0 (n=82). O fato de não ter nascido e vivido sempre no município de Araçatuba foi considerado o fator de exposição para ocorrência da doença. A comparação entre os grupos caso e controle mostrou associação significante (p-valor= 0,0010) entre o fator de exposição e o CPOD maior que 0, com odds ratio de 3,0134 (IC 95%: 1,5944 - 5,6953). As médias do índice CPOD (nãoexpostos: 0,44±0,67; expostos: 1,31±1,32), do componente dentes cariados (nãoexpostos: 0,12±0,34; expostos: 0,49±0,89) e do componente dentes obturados (nãoexpostos: 0,40±0,73; expostos: 0,83±1,05) foram significativamente maiores (p< 0,05) nos indivíduos nascidos em outros municípios em comparação aos nascidos em Araçatuba. O CPOD médio dos jovens de 12 anos foi considerado muito baixo. Os jovens que frequentavam escolas periféricas apresentaram maior CPOD médio em relação aos das escolas centrais; houve associação entre nascer na localidade que fluoreta regularmente suas águas e menor experiência de cárie(AU)

The fluoridation of public water supply is a public health measure for the prevention of scientifically established caries, but as other methods of topical use of fluoride have spread, hypotheses have arisen questioning the need for its continuity. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of caries in 12-year-old schoolchildren in the city of Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2019, comparing groups of young people from "central schools" and "peripheral schools", as well as between those born and unborn in the municipality, who regularly fluoride their waters. This is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional, and case-control study, carried out on 12-year-olds from the municipality of Araçatuba, who since 1972 have fluorinated their waters continuously. Inclusion criteria were: at least 20 teeth in the oral cavity; age of 12 years; being regularly enrolled in public schools in the municipality; absence of physical conditions that would make the exam impossible. Individuals with congenital syndromes and malformations, psychological disabilities, facial traumas, and whose parents did not sign the informed consent form were excluded. The study was carried out by teams composed of examiners, note takers and monitors previously trained and calibrated, using the DMFT index to assess dental caries. The calibration process was carried out in the following steps: appropriation of theoretical foundations; understanding of criteria and codes; application of the criteria in real situations; and calculation of intra- and inter-examiner errors, Kappa coefficient, whose degree of inter-examiner agreement was 0.92. The examinations were carried out in the schools themselves, under natural light, in a well-lit and ventilated place. The first stage of this research consisted of an observational, transversal, analytical study, carried out with 454 adolescents. Of the total, 237 (52.20%) students were free from caries experience. The average DMFT was 1.08 ± 1.47, with a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 9. The average DMFT index was significantly higher (p-value = 0.0424) in students in the "Peripheral schools" group. (1.25 ± 1.59) compared to the "Central Schools" group (0.96 ± 1.38). In the second stage of this research, a case-control study was carried out with 164 adolescents, divided into 2 groups: control group with DMFT = 0 (n = 82); and case group, with DMFT greater than 0 (n = 82). The fact that the student was not born and always lived in the city of Araçatuba was considered the exposure factor for the occurrence of the disease. The comparison between the case and control groups showed a significant association (p-value = 0.0010) between the exposure factor and the DMFT greater than 0, with an odds ratio of 3.0134 (95% CI: 1.5944 ­ 5.6953). The average of the DMFT index (control: 0.44 ± 0.67; case: 1.31 ± 1.32), of the decayed teeth component (control: 0.12 ± 0.34; case: 0.49 ± 0,89) and the filling teeth component (control: 0.40 ± 0.73; case: 0.83 ± 1.05) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the control group compared to the case group. The average DMFT for 12-year-olds was considered to be very low. Young people who attended peripheral schools had a higher average DMFT than those in central schools; there was an association between being born in the locality that regularly fluorides its waters and less experience of caries(AU)

Relationship Between Socio-Demographic Profile, Parity and Dental Caries Among a Group of Nursing Mothers in South East, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk indicators of caries among nursing mothers in a tertiary hospital. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 408 nursing mothers aged 15 to 52 years who brought their children for immunization in a tertiary hospital in Enugu, Nigeria. Data on socio-demographic profile, parity, dental visits were collected. The presence of dental caries was recorded using the World Health Organization criteria. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 11.0%, and the mean DMFT was 0.18. There was a statistically significant association between level of education (p<0.001), past dental visit (p<0.001) and the occurrence of dental caries. Caries was more prevalent in the mandibular teeth than the maxillary teeth. The left mandibular first and second permanent molars had the highest occurrence of dental caries. Missing (M) component of the DMFT index was highest and the care index was low. The significant predictors of caries among nursing mothers were fair oral hygiene and having below tertiary education. Conclusion: The prevalence of caries and the care index were both low in this study population. The significant predictors of dental caries were a tertiary level of education and poor oral hygiene. Incorporating oral health education during postnatal care can help reduce dental caries' occurrence and complications among nursing mothers in the study population.

Liberties, rights, public policies and water fluoridation / Liberdades, direitos, políticas públicas e a fluoretação da água

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To discuss the negative and positive concepts of liberty and postulate its interdependent and complementary relationship in the evaluation of public policy intersectoral actions, taking water fluoridation as a case. METHOD To describe scopes and limits regarding 1950s Isaiah Berlin's distinction, showing its validity in facing the harmful effects of an uncontrolled market economy and an autocratic political regime. RESULTS Both the rights that protect citizens against a powerful state and the rights that protect the state against powerful citizens were equally acknowledged as crucial. CONCLUSION We argued that, in a context in which negative and positive liberties are balanced, regulatory policies have double meaning. Thus, there should be a balance between the establishment of necessary rules for social protection and limits for them not to violate individuals' rights.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Discutir os conceitos negativo e positivo de liberdade e postular sua relação de interdependência e complementariedade na avaliação da política pública intersetorial, tomando como caso a fluoretação da água. MÉTODO Descrevem-se os alcances e limites relativos à distinção formulada por Isaiah Berlin nos anos 1950, demonstrando sua validade para enfrentar os efeitos nocivos decorrentes tanto de uma economia de mercado sem controle quanto de um regime político autocrático. RESULTADOS Reconhece-se que são igualmente cruciais tanto os direitos que protegem os cidadãos contra um Estado poderoso quanto os direitos que protegem o Estado contra os cidadãos poderosos. CONCLUSÃO Argumenta-se que, em um contexto de equilíbrio entre a liberdade negativa e positiva, a política regulatória tem duplo sentido, e deve buscar um balanço entre o estabelecimento de regras necessárias para a proteção do público e de limites além dos quais as regras não devem violar os direitos dos indivíduos.

Extrato da casca de Punica granatum potencializa o efeito anti cárie de um enxaguatório bucal contendo trimetafosfato de sódio e flúor / Punica granatum peel extract enhances the anti caries effect of mouthwash containing sodium trimetaphosphate and fluoride

A cárie dentária está entre as principais e mais comuns doenças bucais. É causada por ácidos produzidos pelo biofilme microbiano que levam à desmineralização do esmalte. A prevenção e controle dessa doença crônica consistem na desorganização periódica do biofilme e na promoção da remineralização dentária. Para resolver esse problema, associamos o extrato de casca de Punica granatum (romã) (PPE) ao trimetafosfato de sódio (TMP) e fluoreto (F) em formulações para uso como enxaguatório bucal, e avaliamos sua eficácia na redução do processo de desmineralização do esmalte dental, bem como seu potencial anti biofilme contra importantes patógenos orais presentes na cárie dentária (Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 e Candida albicans ATCC 10231). Blocos de esmalte bovino (4 mm × 4 mm) selecionados por dureza superficial inicial (SHi) foram alocados aleatoriamente de acordo com grupos de tratamentos de formulação (n = 12 / grupo): ETF1 (3,0% PPE + 0,2% TMP + 100ppmF), TF1 (0,2% TMP + 100ppmF), ETF2 (3,0% PPE + 0,3% TMP + 225ppmF), TF2 (0,3% TMP + 225ppmF), F1 (100 ppmF), F2 (225 ppmF) e P (formulação sem E / T / F - placebo). Os blocos foram tratados 2x / dia com cada formulação e submetidos a cinco ciclos de pH (soluções desmineralizantes / remineralizantes) a 37° C. A seguir, determinaram-se a dureza superficial final (SHf), a dureza integrada da subsuperfície de perda (ΔKHN) padronizada e as concentrações de fluoreto de esmalte (F) de cálcio (Ca) e fósforo (P). A porcentagem de perda de dureza superficial (% SH) foi calculada (% SH = [(SHf - SHi) / SHi)] x 100), e as formulações que promoveram menores porcentagens de desmineralização do esmalte (% SH) e suas contrapartes foram selecionadas para os ensaios anti biofilme, bem como a formulação contendo apenas PPE (E). Para isso, ETF2 e TF2 (% SH = -34,5% e -53,1%, respectivamente), e a formulação E foram usadas para tratar por 1 ou 10 minutos biofilmes duplos de C. albicans e S. mutans crescidos por 24 horas em discos de hidroxiapatita (HA). A desmineralização da superfície do esmalte foi menor nas amostras tratadas com a formulação ETF2, resultando em uma diminuição de 46% na% SH em comparação com a F2. Novamente, a capacidade de reduzir o corpo da lesão (ΔKHN) foi maior (~ 26%) com ETF2 em relação a F2, e F2 proporcionou a maior concentração de F, Ca e P na superfície do esmalte. Entre as formulações de enxaguatório bucal ETF2, TF2 e E, as maiores taxas de redução de células viáveis foram exibidas tratando o biofilme com ETF2 por 10 minutos, independentemente do microrganismo testado. Em conclusão, a adição de PPE (3%) em enxaguatórios bucais contendo TMP (0,3) e F (225ppm) promoveu uma diminuição considerável no mineral sem perda de esmalte dental, além de reduzir consideravelmente o biofilme cariogênico formado por S. mutans e C albicans. Assim, cria uma perspectiva promissora para o desenvolvimento de um produto comercial dental sem álcool com os benefícios de milênios reconhecidos à saúde do Punica granatum(AU)

Dental caries is among the main and most common oral diseases. It is caused by acids produced by microbial biofilm that lead to enamel demineralization. The prevention and control of this chronic disease consist of periodic disorganization of the biofilm and the promotion of dental remineralization. To address this problem, we associate Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel extract (PPE) with sodium trimemtaphosphate (TMP), and fluoride (F) in formulations for being used as mouthwash, and evaluate its efficacy on reducing dental enamel demineralization process as well as its antibiofilm potential against important oral pathogens present in dental caries (Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231). Bovine enamel blocks (4 mm × 4 mm) selected by initial surface hardness (SHi) were randomly allocated according to groups of formulation treatments (n= 12/group): ETF1 (3.0%PPE+0.2%TMP+100ppmF), TF1 (0.2%TMP+100ppmF), ETF2 (3.0%PPE+0.3%TMP+225ppmF), TF2 (0.3%TMP+225ppmF), F1 (100 ppmF), F2 (225 ppmF), and P (formulation without E/T/F - placebo). The blocks were treated 2×/day with each formulation and submitted to five pH cycles (demineralizing/remineralizing solutions) at 37°C. Next, final surface hardness (SHf), integrated loss subsurface hardness (ΔKHN), and enamel fluoride (F) calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were determined. The percentage of surface hardness loss (%SH) was calculated (%SH = [(SHf - SHi)/SHi)] x 100), and the formulations which promoted lower percentages of enamel demineralization (%SH) and its counterparts were selected to the antibiofim assays, as well as formulation containing only PPE (E). For that, ETF2 and TF2 (%SH= -34.5% and -53.1% respectively), and formulation E were used to treat for 1 or 10 minutes dual biofilms of C. albicans and S. mutans grown for 24 hours on hydroxyapatite discs (HA). Demineralization of the enamel surface was lower in samples treated with formulation ETF2, resulting in a 46% decrease in %SH in comparison with F2. Again, the capacity to reduce the lesion body (ΔKHN) was higher (~ 26%) with ETF2 in relation to F2, and F2 provided the highest concentration of F, Ca and P in enamel surface. Amongst the mouthwash formulations ETF2, TF2 and E, the highest rates of viable cells reduction were exhibited by treating biofilm with ETF2 for 10 minutes regardless of the microorganism tested. In conclusion, the addition of PPE (3%) in mouthwashes containing TMP (0.3) and F (225ppm) promoted a considerably decrease in the mineral loss of dental enamel besides considerable reducing cariogenic biofilm formed by S. mutans and C. albicans. It thus creates a promising prospect for the development of an alcohol free dental commercial product with the millennial recognized health benefits of Punica granatum(AU)

Decurso histórico das políticas de fluoretação como estratégia de enfrentamento à cárie dentária no Poder Legislativo brasileiro, de 1963 a 2019 / History of fluoridation policies as a strategy by the Brazilian Legislative Branch to fight dental caries, 1963 to 2019 / Recorrido histórico de las políticas de fluoración como estrategia de combate a la caries dental en el Poder Legislativo brasileño, de 1963 a 2019

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os processos legislativos sobre políticas de fluoretação no Brasil, de 1963 a 2019. Utilizou-se o referencial teórico de Pierre Bourdieu. Foi realizada uma pesquisa documental sobre os processos legislativos que abordam o tema da fluoretação no Brasil como medida de saúde pública e as discussões que ocorreram no Congresso Nacional. As fontes de pesquisa para a construção do artigo foram os sítios eletrônicos oficiais da Câmara dos Deputados e do Senado Federal, para consultar os atos legislativos relacionados à fluoretação no Brasil. De 1963 a 2001 e em 2017, foi constatada uma disputa entre os métodos de fluoretação das águas de abastecimento, água mineral e fluoretação do sal. Entretanto, permeava a compreensão da importância e benefícios acerca da utilização do flúor sistêmico. De 2003 a 2013, os projetos contestavam a utilização do flúor sistêmico, propondo sua utilização apenas em meio tópico. Nos anos 1960, 1970 e em 2017, os atos legislativos apresentavam mais aproximação ao campo científico e foram propostos por parlamentares da oposição. Diferentemente do tema da fluoretação das águas, dos 6 atos legislativos favoráveis à fluoretação do sal, apenas um era proveniente de um profissional da saúde e apenas dois de legisladores do eixo Sudeste. Houve maior participação de projetos de legisladores do Centro-oeste e do Nordeste. Aqueles com formação na saúde apresentaram tomadas de posição em defesa de algum método de fluoretação sistêmica. Esta análise possibilita interpretar o processo histórico de construção em resposta ao problema constituído e suas distintas estratégias de enfrentamento.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze legislative proceedings on fluoridation policies in Brazil from 1963 to 2019. The theoretical reference was Pierre Bourdieu. A document search was performed on legislative proceedings that address the theme of fluoridation in Brazil as a public health measure and the discussions in the National Congress. The sources for the article were the official websites of the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) and the Senate to consult the legislative acts related to fluoridation in Brazil. The study showed that from 1963 to 2001 and in 2017 there was a dispute between fluoridation methods for the water supply, mineral water, and table salt fluoridation. However, there was a crosscutting understanding of the importance and benefits of systemic fluoride use. From 2003 to 2013, the bills challenged the use of systemic fluoride, proposing its use only in topical applications. In the 1960s, 1970, and 2017, the legislative bills showed a closer approach to the scientific field and were submitted by opposition members of Congress. Unlike the issue of water fluoridation, of the 6 legislative bills in favor of salt fluoridation, only one was drafted by a health professional da health, and only two by legislators from the Southeast region. There were more bills by legislators from the Central and Northeast. Those with training in health exhibited positions in defense of some method of systemic fluoridation. The analysis allowed interpreting the historical process of developing the response to the caries problem and the different strategies employed in this process.

Resumen: El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los procesos legislativos sobre políticas de fluoración en Brasil, de 1963 a 2019. Se utilizó el marco referencial teórico de Pierre Bourdieu. Se realizó una investigación documental sobre los procesos legislativos que abordan el tema de la fluoración en Brasil, como medida de salud pública, y las discusiones que se produjeron en el Congreso Nacional. Las fuentes de investigación para la construcción del artículo fueron los sitios electrónicos oficiales de la Cámara de los Diputados y del Senado Federal para consultar las acciones legislativas relacionadas con la fluoración en Brasil. De 1963 a 2001 y en 2017 se constató una disputa entre los métodos de fluoración de las aguas de abastecimiento, agua mineral y fluoración de la sal. Mientras tanto, permeaba la comprensión de la importancia y beneficios a cerca de la utilización del flúor sistémico. De 2003 a 2013, los proyectos contestaban la utilización del flúor sistémico, proponiendo su utilización solamente como medio tópico. En los años 1960, 1970 y en 2017 las acciones legislativas presentaban más aproximación al campo científico y fueron propuestos por parlamentarios de la oposición. A diferencia del tema de la fluoración de las aguas, de las 6 acciones legislativas favorables a la fluoración de la sal, solamente una provenía de un profesional de la salud, y solamente dos de legisladores del eje sudeste. Hubo una mayor participación en proyectos de legisladores del Centro-oeste y del Nordeste. Aquellos con formación en salud presentaron toma de posición en defensa de algún método de fluoración sistémica. Este análisis posibilita interpretar el proceso histórico de construcción, en respuesta al problema planteado, y sus distintas estrategias de combate al mismo.

The Role of Mother's Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices in Dental Caries on Vulnerably Preschool Children

Abstract Objective: To analyze the association between Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and mother´s knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included a random sample of 163 preschool children aged 3-4 old in southern Brazil. The severity of dental caries and ECC was assessed by ICDAS criteria, while mothers completed the semi-structured questionnaire (KAP-ECC). Maternal behavior characteristics and answered questions about socioeconomic and demographic variables. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association of exploratory variables with ECC. For this approach, we calculated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% IC). Results: Dental examinations revealed that 91.4% of children presented ECC (ICDAS = 3, 4, 5 or 6). Among those children, 31.9% presented cavities (ICDAS ≥ 3). Family income was significantly associated with the presence of ECC (OR 2.17; 95% CI: 1.41-3.36). Regarding KAP-ECC, mothers have knowledge related to ECC etiology, reported dental hygiene attitudes and practices that can prevent ECC but reported less healthy attitudes and practices regarding child's diet, specifically with respect to bottle and breastfeeding habits (OR 0.52; 95% CI: 0.33-0.81). Conclusion: ECC was more frequent in children from low-income families and whose mothers reported the belief that milk with chocolate does not contribute to caries and that disagreed that it is normal that a 2-year-old baby wakes up during the night to suckle. That is, good knowledge toward health habits may impact on lower occurrence of ECC; however, this condition also depends on the socioeconomic level.

Oral health promotion in patients with morbid obesity after gastroplasty: a randomized clinical trial / Promoção de saúde bucal em pacientes com obesidade mórbida após gastroplastia: ensaio clínico randomizado

ABSTRACT Background: The bariatric surgery may have negative repercussions on oral conditions. Aim: To evaluate the impact of oral health educational/preventive program developed with patients submitted to gastroplasties. Method: The sample consisted of 109 patients randomly allocated to two groups: intervention group (IG), where they participated in the oral health promotion program that include multiple educational-preventive approaches; control group (CG), where they received usual care from the bariatric clinic staff, without participation in the program. The oral conditions investigated in the pre-operative and postoperative periods of one month (1M) and six months (6M) were: dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth wear, dental plaque and salivary flow. Results: After bariatric surgery, patients in IG presented: fewer changes in enamel (6M: p=0.004), dentin (6M: p=0.005) and gingival bleeding (6M: p<0.0001), reduction in plaque index (1M, 6M: p<0.0001) and increased salivary flow (6M: p=0.039), when compared with CG. Incipient tooth wear was recorded in both groups (6M: p=0.713). Conclusion: There was a positive impact of the implemented program in the prevention of the main oral health problems in patients who underwent gastroplasties, contributing to their quality of life.

RESUMO Racional: A cirurgia bariátrica pode repercutir negativamente nas condições bucais. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto de um programa educativo/preventivo em saúde bucal desenvolvido em pacientes submetidos à gastroplastia. Método: A amostra foi constituída por 109 pacientes aleatoriamente alocados em dois grupos: grupo de intervenção (GI), onde participaram do programa de promoção de saúde bucal com abordagens educativo-preventivas; grupo controle (GC), onde receberam cuidado da equipe da clínica, sem participação no programa. As condições bucais investigadas nos períodos pré e pós-operatório de um mês (1M) e seis meses (6M) foram: cárie dentária, doença periodontal, desgaste dentário, placa dentária e fluxo salivar. Resultados: Após a gastroplastia, pacientes do GI apresentaram: menor alteração em esmalte (6M: p=0,004), dentina (6M: p=0,005) e sangramento gengival (6M: p<0,0001); redução no índice de placa (1M, 6M: p<0,0001) e aumento do fluxo salivar (6M: p=0,039), quando comparados aos do GC. Desgaste dentário incipiente foi registrado em ambos os grupos (6M: p=0,713). Conclusão: Houve impacto positivo do programa implementado na prevenção dos principais problemas de saúde bucal em pacientes submetidos à gastroplastia, contribuindo para sua qualidade de vida.

Efficacy of a public promotion program on children's oral health / Eficácia de um programa público de promoção de saúde bucal em crianças

Abstract Objective: To assess the efficacy of the Baby's Mouth early dental care prevention and promotion program in preventing oral diseases (caries, gingivitis, or malocclusions) in children attended since 2010. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and cohort study that assessed 252 children between 36 and 60 months of age in both sexes. The children were divided into three groups: G1: effective participants of the program from birth; G2: children who have stopped participating for more than 24 months, and G3: children who have never attended a prevention program. The evaluation was carried out in two stages: first, an interview with the mothers and, afterwards, a clinical children examination to assess the presence of caries, gingivitis, and malocclusion. The chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis between groups (p < 0.05). Results: The diseases assessed were: caries (G1: 5.9%, G2: 54.7%, G3: 70%), gingivitis (G1: 8.3%, G2: 17.9%, G3: 40.5%), and malocclusion (G1: 22.6%; G2: 28.6%; G3: 50%). For gingivitis, there was no significant difference when comparing G1 and G2 (p = 0.107), but it was significant between G1 and G3 (p < 0.001). Regarding malocclusion, a statistically significant relationship was observed (p = 0.004) among all groups. Conclusion: The prevention and promotion program in public oral health was effective in preventing caries disease, gingivitis, and malocclusion in children under 5 years of age.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do programa de prevenção e promoção de cuidados dentários precoce da boca do bebê, a fim de prevenir doenças bucais (cáries, gengivite ou má oclusões) em crianças atendidas desde 2010. Métodos: Estudo transversal e de coorte com avaliação de 252 crianças entre 36 e 60 meses de idade de ambos os sexos. As crianças foram divididas em dois grupos: G1: participantes efetivos do programa a partir do nascimento; G2: crianças que pararam de participar por mais de 24 meses do programa; e G3: crianças que nunca participaram de um programa de prevenção. A avaliação foi feita em dois estágios: entrevista com as mães e, depois, um exame clínico nas crianças para analisar cáries, gengivite e oclusão. Foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado para análise estatística entre os grupos (p < 0,05). Resultados: As doenças analisadas foram: cáries (G1: 5,9%, G2: 54,7%, G3: 70%), gengivite (G1: 8,3%, G2: 17,9%, G3: 40,5%) e má oclusão (G1: 22,6%; G2: 28,6%; G3: 50%). Para gengivite, não houve diferença significativa ao comparar G1 e G2 (p = 0,107), porém a diferença foi extremamente significativa entre G1 e G3 (p < 0,001). Nas oclusões, houve uma relação estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,004) entre todos os grupos. Conclusão: O programa de prevenção e promoção de saúde bucal pública foi efetivo na prevenção de cáries, gengivite e má oclusão em crianças com menos de cinco anos de idade.

Association Between Presence of Enamel Defects, Dental Caries and Socioeconomic Conditions on Brazilian Children

Objective: To verify the relationship between developmental enamel defects (DED) in permanent incisors and socioeconomic conditions and dental caries in children within the life course context. Material and Methods: A total of 350 children aged 9-11 years from 13 public schools in the city of Bauru, Brazil were examined. Clinical exams were performed to observe the presence of caries and developmental enamel defects using the DMFT and DED indexes, respectively. In addition, information about family income and parental schooling was collected. Statistical analysis used the Spearman Correlation Coefficient and the Chi-square test to verify the association between DED, socioeconomic conditions and dental caries. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: Association between presence of dental caries and DED (p=0.04), delimited opacity (p=0.02) and opacity (p=0.01) was observed. Inverse correlation for the decayed component with maternal schooling and family income was also verified. Regarding the types of development enamel defect (DED), correlation between delimited opacity, opacity and DED with the DMFT index was observed. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated association between enamel defects and caries, as well as correlation between income and parental schooling and dental caries.