Oral health status and quality of life of the parental caregivers of children with Down syndrome: A case-control study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the oral health status and quality of life (QOL) of the parental caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome (DS), and to evaluate whether there is an association between these variables. The sample of this cross-sectional study was composed by parental caregivers of children with DS (CCDS) and parental caregivers of children without DS (CNDSC). Oral examination was undertaken and a questionnaire was given to participants. QOL was evaluated by WHOQOL-Bref. CCDS presented a higher number of dental prosthesis users and higher gingival bleeding index compared to CNDSC. When oral health was associated with QOL, the use of dental prosthesis was associated with physical domain and the variables having chronic disease and family income were associated with the social domain for both caregivers. The results suggest that caregivers of children with DS have similar oral health and QOL compared to caregivers of children without DS. In both caregivers, oral health status is associated with QOL.

Dental caries in individuals with Down syndrome: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown a lower experience of caries in people with Down syndrome compared to individuals without Down syndrome, but this issue has not been critically evaluated. AIM: To conduct a systematic review of the international literature on dental caries experience in people with Down syndrome. DESIGN: Three online databases (PubMed, LILACS, and Cochrane) were used to identify relevant studies on caries experience in people with Down syndrome published until May 2015. PICO (Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison group, and Outcome) criteria were used to screen studies by title and abstract. An assessment of the methodological study quality was performed according to the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: The search resulted in 226 studies. Thirteen publications were included in the systematic review. Ten studies reported results of lower caries experience in individuals with Down syndrome in at least one age group studied. Three studies reported no differences in caries experience among the groups. All studies, however, included in this systematic review had limitations that increased the likelihood of bias in the study results. CONCLUSION: There is no scientific evidence to support the hypothesis that people with Down syndrome have a lower experience of caries than non-syndromic individuals.

Biochemical composition of the saliva and dental biofilm of children with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The biochemical composition of the saliva and biofilm of children with Down syndrome (DS) may be associated with the incidence of caries in this population. AIM: To evaluate the biochemical composition of the saliva and dental biofilm of children with DS in the city of Porto Alegre, RS. DESIGN: The sample comprised 144 children between 6 and 14 years of age, of whom 61 had DS and 83 did not. Stimulated saliva samples were collected from all participants, as were samples of 48-h biofilm. Fluoride (F), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (Pi ) concentrations in saliva and biofilm were determined by colorimetric method (Ca and Pi ) or selective electrode (F). The level of insoluble extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) in dental biofilm was measured using sulphuric acid method. RESULTS: Salivary concentration of F, Ca, and Pi did not differ between children with and without DS. The dental biofilm of children with DS, however, showed higher Pi and EPS levels than that of children without the syndrome (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that despite the salivary composition being similar between groups, the dental biofilm of children with DS has higher cariogenic potential than that of children without this condition.

Effect of sonic vibration of an ultrasonic toothbrush on the removal of Streptococcus mutans biofilm from enamel surface.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in vitro the effect of sonic vibration of an ultrasonic toothbrush in the removal of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm from human enamel. METHODS: S. mutans dental biofilm was formed in vitro on human enamel blocks coated by salivary pellicle. The blocks were incubated with a suspension of S. mutans at 37°C for 24 or 72 hours. The blocks were divided to one of three conditions according to the different toothbrush action modes: ultrasound plus sonic vibration (U+SV), ultrasound-only (U) and no ultrasound and no sonic vibration (control). Samples were exposed to each mode for 3 minutes with the toothbrush bristles placed 5 mm away from the enamel block surface. The samples were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantification of S. mutans was performed. RESULTS: U+SV showed lower bacterial counts compared to U and control on the 72 hour-biofilm (P < 0.05). The SEM analysis revealed that U+SV and U disrupted the S. mutans chains in the 24- and 72-hour biofilm.

Oral conditions of children with microcephaly associated with congenital Zika syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of the present study was to compare the oral conditions of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS)-associated microcephaly, non-CZS-associated microcephaly, and normotypical children, as well as to characterize their sociodemographic aspects and medical history. A paired cross-sectional study was carried out on 14 children with CZS-associated microcephaly and 24 age-matched controls, in Belo Horizonte, in southeastern Brazil. Children's oral conditions were assessed: dental caries experience (dmft/DMFT indices); developmental defects of enamel (DDE) index; dental anomalies; mucosal changes; lip sealing, and malocclusion (overjet, overbite, and/or posterior crossbite alterations). The quality of oral hygiene was analyzed by the simplified oral hygiene index. The children's mothers also answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic and medical history data. The variables were analyzed descriptively. Female participants were more prevalent (60.5%), and the mean age of the participants was 4.9 years (±1.4) (range: 2-8 years) and 92.1% of their exhibited some oral condition. All participants with CZS-associated microcephaly showed absence of lip sealing and had malocclusion (100.0%). When compared to the other groups, children with CZS had a higher percentage of dental anomalies (35.7%), mucosal changes (71.4%), and unsatisfactory oral hygiene (64.3%). In a sample composed mainly of female participants aged less than 5 years, the prevalence of oral conditions and unsatisfactory oral hygiene was higher in the group with CZS-associated microcephaly, followed by the group with non-CZS-associated microcephaly. Normotypical children had the highest percentage of dental caries experience.

The interference of digital radiographic image acquisition and processing protocols in the diagnosis of incipient enamel carious lesions.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the diagnosis of proximal carious lesions through different parameters of execution and visualization of the images. Material and Methods: Proximal carious lesions were artificially induced in human teeth three different times (10, 20, and 30 hours) by in vitro demineralization. The teeth were radiographed with the Dürr digital system using three exposure times (0.10, 0.16, and 0.20s) and three different resolutions in the scanning of the phosphor plates (20-, 25- and 40-line pairs). After acquiring the images, they were submitted to VistaScan Fine, Caries 1, and Caries 2 software filters. Three radiologists analyzed the images in JPEG format. Results: The Pearson's chi-square test showed an association between longer demineralization time and the presence of injury according to the professional's classification. There was no statistically significant association among the other parameters, exposure time, resolution, and use of filters and the presence of a lesion. All parameters showed a greater sensitivity than specificity. The exposure time of 0.2s showed better accuracy, the resolutions 25 and 40lp showed equal results and better than 20lp and the Fine filter obtained better values than the Caries 1 and 2 filters. Conclusions: Despite the variation of parameters, exposure time, resolution, and use of filters, there were no statistically significant differences. For better diagnostic accuracy, it is recommended to use 0.2s of exposure time and a Fine filter, and scan the phosphor plates with 25lp. Key words:Orbital fracture, Etiology, Orbital trauma, Road traffic accidents, Trauma.

Disinfectant effectiveness of chlorhexidine gel compared to sodium hypochlorite: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

This study aimed to compare the disinfectant ability of chlorhexidine (CHX) gel and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Systematic searches were conducted from inception until December 8th, 2022 (MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Grey Literature databases). Only randomized clinical trials were included. The revised Cochrane risk of bias tools for randomized trials were used to assess the quality of studies. Meta-analyses were performed. The overall quality of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. Six studies were included. Five had a low risk of bias and 1 had some concerns. Three studies assessed bacterial reduction. Two were included in the meta-analysis for bacterial reduction (mean difference, 75.03 [confidence interval, CI, -271.15, 421.22], p = 0.67; I2 = 74%); and 3 in the meta-analysis for cultivable bacteria after chemomechanical preparation (odds ratio, 1.03 [CI, 0.20, 5.31], P = 0.98; I2 = 49%). Five studies assessed endotoxin reduction. Three were included in a meta-analysis (mean difference, 20.59 [CI, -36.41, 77.59], p = 0.48; I2 = 74%). There seems to be no difference in the disinfectant ability of CHX gel and NaOCl, but further research is necessary.

Analysis of pH, calcium ion release, and energy dispersive spectroscopy of a bioceramic root canal dressing.

This study compared the pH and calcium ion release of calcium silicate- (Bio-C Temp) and calcium hydroxide-based (Ultracal XS) medications. Intracanal remnants of both medications were also evaluated using SEM-EDS after the removal protocol. Thirty-five bovine teeth were prepared. Fifteen were filled with Bio-C Temp and 15 with Ultracal XS. Five remained without intracanal medication (control group). Five samples from each experimental time (i.e.. 24, 72, and 168 hours) were used to measure pH and calcium ions release using a digital pH meter and microplate reader, respectively. Afterward, the peaks of the chemical elements composing both medications were analyzed in SEM-EDS. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test analyzed the pH and calcium ion release data. Student's t-test compared the medications in each experimental time. SEM-EDS described the percentage of chemical elements in the samples. Bio-C Temp and Ultracal XS showed a significant pH increase from 24 to 168 hours (p<0.05). Ultracal XS showed a higher pH value at 24 hours than Bio-C Temp (p<0.05) but were similar at 72 and 168h (p > 0.05). Calcium ion release did not depend on the experimental period (p > 0.05). Bio-C Temp showed lower calcium ions release than Ultracal XS at 24 hours (p<0.05). SEM-EDS analyses showed the remains of both medications, but the concentration of Si, Al, and W ions was present only in the calcium silicate-based medication. Bio-C Temp presented alkaline pH and a satisfactory calcium ion release over the time. The remaining of both medications were present after the protocols for paste removal.

Synthesis of films based on chitosan and protic ionic liquids to be used as wound dressing on the oral mucosa.

Oral mucosal ulcerations expose connective tissue to different pathogens and this can progress to systemic infection. This study aimed to synthesize environmentally-friendly films with chitosan and protic ionic liquids, possessing mucoadhesive properties, activity against opportunistic microorganisms, enhanced malleability and mechanical resistance to be used as a wound dressing on the oral mucosa. Therefore, films with chitosan and 10, 35, and 50 % (wt/wt) of 2-hydroxy diethylammonium lactate, salicylate, and maleate protic ionic liquids were synthesized. Thickness measurements and mechanical properties analysis were performed. In addition, oral mucoadhesion, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity properties were investigated. Results showed that the addition of 35wt% and 50wt% of all kinds of protic ionic liquids tested presented significant improvements in film thickness and mechanical properties. Films based on chitosan and the protic ionic liquid 2-hydroxy diethylammonium salicylate at percentages of 35 and 50wt% exhibited superior mucoadhesive properties, antimicrobial activity on opportunistic microorganisms and an improvement in their flexibility after immersion in synthetic saliva. Cytotoxicity results suggest that all kinds of chitosan/protic ionic liquids films tested are safe for intra-oral use. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that these materials could be good candidates for efficient and environmentally-friendly wound dressing films on the oral mucosa.

Does the ultrasonic activation of calcium silicate-based sealers affect their physicochemical properties?

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of ultrasonic activation (UA) on the physicochemical properties of hydraulic calcium silicate-based sealers. Nine experimental conditions were created based on the hydraulic calcium silicate-based sealers (Bio-C Sealer, Sealer Plus BC and Bio Root RCS) and the ultrasonic activation (no activation [NA], 10 seconds, and 20 seconds). Then the experimental groups were BC-NA, BC-10, BC-20, SPBC-NA, SPBC-10, SPBC-20, BR-NA, BR-10, and BR-20. Activation was performed with an ultrasonic insert 20/.01. The mold for the physicochemical analysis was filled and evaluated according to the ANSI/ADA specification nº. 57: initial and final setting time, flow, radiopacity and solubility. Tests were also performed to evaluate pH and calcium ion release with experimental periods of 1, 24, 72, and 168 hours with a pH meter and colorimetric spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey tests. The significance level was set at 5%. The time of UA progressively delayed the initial setting time for all hydraulic calcium silicate-based sealers (p < 0.05). Twenty seconds of UA increased the mean flow values of Sealer Plus BC and Bio-C Sealer compared to NA (p < 0.05). UA did not influence the radiopacity and solubility of the tested sealers (p > 0.05). UA for 20 seconds enhanced the pH levels and the calcium ion release of Sealer Plus BC and Bio-C Sealer at 168h (p < 0.05). UA for twenty seconds interferes with some physicochemical properties of hydraulic calcium silicate-based sealers.

Caregiving of children with Down syndrome: impact on quality of life, stress, mental and oral health.

AIM: Parental caregivers of children with Down Syndrome (DS) have a greater burden of daily activities that may affect their health. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate the impact of caregiving of children with Down syndrome on parenting quality of life, stress, mental and oral health. METHODS: Fifty-four parental caregivers of children with DS and 51 parents of children without physical or mental disabilities participated of this study. All participants were clinically examined to evaluate the presence of dental caries, gingival conditions and answered a sociodemographic questionnaire. Depression, anxiety, quality of life and coping strategies were assessed using specific instruments. Hair cortisol level was assessed as biological marker of chronic stress. RESULTS: Psychological and quality of life parameters were similar between the groups of caregivers (p > .05). Caregivers of children with DS were older (48.6 vs. 41.5, p < .001), had longer caregiving period (> 10 vs < 10 years, p = .003), presented higher gingival bleeding index (6.1 vs. 4.7, p = .014) and higher cortisol levels (55.9 vs. 38.4, p = .07) as compared with parents of children without disabilities. Sociodemographic data has no influence on cortisol levels (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the caregiving of children with DS has an impact on parenting oral health and stress.

Structural Organization of Dental Biofilm Formed in situ in the Presence of Sucrose Associated to Maltodextrin.

Maltodextrins, derived from corn starch, have been added to industrialized food combined with sucrose. However it is not clear the diffusion properties of the dental biofilm matrix and the tridimensional structure of multispecies biofilms formed in the presence of these carbohydrates. Therefore, the aim of study was to investigate by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) the structural organization of the multispecies dental biofilm formed in situ under exposure to sucrose associated to maltodextrin. Adult volunteers wore an intraoral palatal appliance containing bovine enamel blocks. They were instructed to remove the appliance 8 times per day and drop the following solutions on the enamel blocks: deionized distilled water (DDW), maltodextrin, sucrose + maltodextrin or sucrose. Biofilms formed were stained and the percentage of extracellular polysaccharide (%EPS) and thickness were determined by CLSM. Biofilm formed in the presence of sucrose and sucrose + maltodextrin presented similar %EPS and higher than DDW and maltodextrin. Regarding to the biofilm thickness, sucrose and sucrose + maltodextrin treatments were thicker than DDW and maltodextrin and similar between them. The structural organization of the multispecies dental biofilm formed in situ in the presence of sucrose does not change when this carbohydrate is associated to maltodextrin.

Genotypic diversity and acidogenicity of Streptococcus mutans in Down syndrome children.

AIMS: To evaluate the genotypic diversity and acidogenicity of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and the potential association of these factors with dental caries experience in children with DS compared to non-DS children (controls). METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventeen children (age 6-12 years) with high salivary S. mutans counts (> 2.5 × 105 CFU/mL) were selected and divided into two groups: DS and non-DS. Five children in each group were caries-free, while the remainder had elevated caries experience. S. mutans isolates were obtained from each participant. The genotypic profile of the isolates was analyzed with the AP-PCR methodology. The acidogenicity of a representative strain from each genotype of S. mutans was also evaluated. DS children had 16 different S. mutans genotypes, while the control group had 21. Twelve genotypes were present in both groups and one of them was associated with caries-free status (P < .05). Although the acidogenicity of the genotypes found in DS children was significantly lower (P < .05) compared to controls, this fact was not associated with caries experience in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: DS children have a lower S. mutans genotypic diversity and genotypes with lower acidogenicity than those of non-DS children. However these findings were not associated with their caries experience.

Oral conditions of children with microcephaly associated with congenital Zika syndrome: a cross-sectional study

Abstract The aim of the present study was to compare the oral conditions of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS)-associated microcephaly, non-CZS-associated microcephaly, and normotypical children, as well as to characterize their sociodemographic aspects and medical history. A paired cross-sectional study was carried out on 14 children with CZS-associated microcephaly and 24 age-matched controls, in Belo Horizonte, in southeastern Brazil. Children's oral conditions were assessed: dental caries experience (dmft/DMFT indices); developmental defects of enamel (DDE) index; dental anomalies; mucosal changes; lip sealing, and malocclusion (overjet, overbite, and/or posterior crossbite alterations). The quality of oral hygiene was analyzed by the simplified oral hygiene index. The children's mothers also answered a questionnaire about sociodemographic and medical history data. The variables were analyzed descriptively. Female participants were more prevalent (60.5%), and the mean age of the participants was 4.9 years (±1.4) (range: 2-8 years) and 92.1% of their exhibited some oral condition. All participants with CZS-associated microcephaly showed absence of lip sealing and had malocclusion (100.0%). When compared to the other groups, children with CZS had a higher percentage of dental anomalies (35.7%), mucosal changes (71.4%), and unsatisfactory oral hygiene (64.3%). In a sample composed mainly of female participants aged less than 5 years, the prevalence of oral conditions and unsatisfactory oral hygiene was higher in the group with CZS-associated microcephaly, followed by the group with non-CZS-associated microcephaly. Normotypical children had the highest percentage of dental caries experience.

Effect of different 1% chlorhexidine varnish regimens on mutans streptococci levels in saliva and dental biofilm.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in a randomized controlled study the effect of different 1% chlorhexidine (CHX) varnish regimens on levels of mutans streptococci (MS) in saliva and dental biofilm. METHODS: Subjects with MS < or = 10(5) CFU/ml saliva, 11-16 years old, were allocated into four groups: Group A (n = 14): one 1% CHX varnish application; Group B (n = 14): 1% CHX varnish was applied once daily on 3 consecutive days; Group C (n = 15): 1% CHX varnish was applied three times with an interval of 4 days between each application; and Group D (n = 12): placebo varnish was applied once daily on 3 consecutive days. Saliva and dental biofilm samples were collected at baseline and 1, 4, and 8 weeks after the final varnish application. RESULTS: After 1 week, a slight reduction in salivary levels of MS in Groups A, B, and C (-0.70, -0.90, and -0.41 log10 CFU/ml saliva, respectively) was observed, significant only in Groups A and B (P < 0.05). No difference in salivary levels of MS was observed between the experimental groups in the different experimental periods. After 1 week in the dental biofilm a significant increase in total bacterial counts was observed in all experimental groups while a significant decrease in the levels of MS was observed only in Group A.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties of New Calcium Silicate-Based Sealer.

This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties of a calcium silicate-based sealer (Sealer Plus BC; MK Life, Porto Alegre, Brazil) compared with an epoxy-resin sealer (AH Plus; Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany). Initial and final setting time was assessed based on ISO 6876:2012 and ASTM C266:03. Calcium ion release and pH were evaluated by filling polyethylene tubes with sealers and then immersing them in 10 mL of deionized water. Following experimental periods of 1, 24, 72 and 168 hours, the samples were measured regarding pH and calcium ion release with a pH meter and a colorimetric spectrophotometer, respectively. The flow was examined based on ISO 6876:2012. Rings of 10 mm in diameter with 1 mm thickness were prepared to analyze the radiopacity (ISO 6876:2012 and ADA n.57) and solubility (ISO 6876:2012). The data were analyzed by variance analysis, Student-T and Tukey tests (p<0.05). The calcium ion release and pH values were significantly higher for the Sealer Plus BC compared with the AH Plus (p<0.05). Lower setting time, flow and radiopacity were observed for the bioceramic sealer than for AH Plus (p<0.05). Sealer Plus BC exhibited higher solubility compared with AH Plus (p<0.05). Sealer Plus BC showed physicochemical properties as setting time, pH, calcium release, flow, and radiopacity following the required standards, but higher solubility than the minimum values required by ISO 6876:2012.

Analysis of pH, calcium ion release, and energy dispersive spectroscopy of a bioceramic root canal dressing

Abstract This study compared the pH and calcium ion release of calcium silicate- (Bio-C Temp) and calcium hydroxide-based (Ultracal XS) medications. Intracanal remnants of both medications were also evaluated using SEM-EDS after the removal protocol. Thirty-five bovine teeth were prepared. Fifteen were filled with Bio-C Temp and 15 with Ultracal XS. Five remained without intracanal medication (control group). Five samples from each experimental time (i.e.. 24, 72, and 168 hours) were used to measure pH and calcium ions release using a digital pH meter and microplate reader, respectively. Afterward, the peaks of the chemical elements composing both medications were analyzed in SEM-EDS. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test analyzed the pH and calcium ion release data. Student's t-test compared the medications in each experimental time. SEM-EDS described the percentage of chemical elements in the samples. Bio-C Temp and Ultracal XS showed a significant pH increase from 24 to 168 hours (p<0.05). Ultracal XS showed a higher pH value at 24 hours than Bio-C Temp (p<0.05) but were similar at 72 and 168h (p > 0.05). Calcium ion release did not depend on the experimental period (p > 0.05). Bio-C Temp showed lower calcium ions release than Ultracal XS at 24 hours (p<0.05). SEM-EDS analyses showed the remains of both medications, but the concentration of Si, Al, and W ions was present only in the calcium silicate-based medication. Bio-C Temp presented alkaline pH and a satisfactory calcium ion release over the time. The remaining of both medications were present after the protocols for paste removal.

Resumo Este estudo comparou o pH e a liberação de íons cálcio de medicações intracanais a à base de silicato de cálcio (Bio-C Temp) e à base de hidróxido de cálcio (Ultracal XS). Remanescentes de ambas as medicações também foram avaliados usando microscopia eletrônica de varredura e espectroscopia de dispersão de energia após o protocolo de remoção. Trinta e cinco dentes bovinos foram preparados. Quinze dentes foram preenchidos com Bio-C Temp e 15 com Ultracal XS. Cinco permaneceram sem medicação intracanal (grupo controle). Cinco amostras de cada tempo experimental (ou seja, 24, 72 e 168 horas) foram usadas para medir o pH e a liberação de íons de cálcio usando um medidor de pH digital e um leitor de microplacas, respectivamente. Em seguida, os picos dos elementos químicos que compõem os dois medicamentos foram analisados ​​em microscopia eletrônica de varredura e por espectroscopia de dispersão de energia. Os testes One-way ANOVA e post hoc de Tukey analisaram os dados de pH e liberação de íons cálcio. O teste t de Student comparou as medicações em cada tempo experimental. A microscopia eletrônica de varredura e a espectroscopia de dispersão de energia descreveu a porcentagem de elementos químicos nas amostras. O Bio-C Temp e o Ultracal XS mostraram um aumento significativo de pH de 24 a 168 horas (p<0,05). O Ultracal XS apresentou um valor de pH mais alto em 24 horas do que o Bio-C Temp (p<0,05), mas foi semelhante em 72 e 168h (p > 0,05). A liberação de íons cálcio não dependeu do período experimental (p> 0,05). O Bio-C Temp apresentou menor liberação de íons de cálcio do que Ultracal XS em 24 horas (p<0,05). As análises de microscopia eletrônica de varredura e espectroscopia de dispersão de energia mostraram remanescentes de ambas as medicações, mas a concentração de íons Si, Al e W estavam presentes apenas na medicação à base de silicato de cálcio. O Bio-C Temp apresentou pH alcalino e maior liberação de íons cálcio. Remanescentes de ambas as medicações estiveram presentes após os protocolos de remoção da pasta.

ARE CALCIUM SILICATE SEALERS LESS CYTOTOXIC AND GENOTOXIC THAN EPOXY RESIN SEALERS? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF IN VITRO STUDIES

Aims: This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether calcium silicate-based sealers are less cytotoxicity and genotoxicity than epoxy resin-based sealers. Materials and Methods: Systematic searches were conducted for studies published up to September 27th, 2022, without restriction for language or year of publication, in the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Grey Literature Report. Only in vitrostudies that evaluated the cytotoxicity or genotoxicity of calcium silicate and epoxy resin-based sealers were included. The quality assessment was performed. Results: After duplicate removal and eligibility criteria assessment, a total of thirty-four studies were included. Twenty-eight studies had a low risk of bias, and six studies had amoderate risk of bias. In general, calcium silicate-based sealers had a lower cytotoxic and genotoxic potential than epoxy-resin based sealers.Conclusions: Based on the findings from in vitrostudies, calcium silicate-based sealers are less cytotoxic andgenotoxic than epoxy resin-based sealers

The effect of different formulations of chlorhexidine in reducing levels of mutans streptococci in the oral cavity: A systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: The current study undertakes a systematic review of the literature in order to assess how long different formulations (solutions, gels and varnishes) of chlorhexidine (CHX) reduce the level of mutans streptococci (MS) in the oral cavity. SOURCES: A search of the PUBMED and LILACS databases was conducted through October 2005. STUDY SELECTION: Clinical studies evaluating the effects of CHX solutions, gels, or varnishes on MS levels were targeted (n=52). CONCLUSIONS: The studies varied greatly in quantity of mouthwash solution used in rinsing, length of rinsing, and treatment frequency and period. CHX mouthwash solution had short-term effect on salivary MS. Most of studies evaluating CHX gel and varnish used a concentration of 1%. The 1% CHX gel showed a significant reduction through intensive treatment (3-4 daily applications over 2 days) or through daily application for 10 and 14 days. It cannot be asserted that 1% CHX varnish provides better results when applied intensively as compared to applications conducted at intervals of 1 or more months. Treatment using 1% CHX varnish displays large variations in the level and length of decreased MS levels. Despite variability in results, 40% CHX varnish has a greater effect on the period of decreased MS levels than does 1% CHX varnish. Studies did not show a statistically significant difference between the gel and the varnish. The effects of CHX treatment must be monitored, given sharp individual variability in response to this treatment.