Nutritional status, tooth wear and quality of life in Brazilian schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation among nutritional status, tooth wear and quality of life in Brazilian schoolchildren. DESIGN: The study followed a cross-sectional design. Nutritional status was measured via anthropometry using BMI and tooth wear was measured using the Dental Wear Index; both these assessments were carried out by a trained recorder according to standard criteria. A modified version of the Child Oral Impacts on Daily Performances was used to assess quality of life. SETTING: City of Bauru, in Brazil. SUBJECTS: A cluster sample of 396 schoolchildren (194 boys and 202 girls) aged 7-10 years. RESULTS: The anthropometric assessment showed similar situations for both sexes regarding underweight (31·40 % in boys and 30·20 % in girls) and overweight/obesity (33·96 % in boys and 33·17 % in girls). The underweight children showed a greater severity of tooth wear in the primary teeth (OR=0·72; CI 0·36, 1·42), although in the permanent dentition the obese children had a greater severity of tooth wear (OR=1·42; 95 % CI 0·31, 6·55). The tooth wear was correlated with age for both dentitions. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth wear in the primary and permanent dentition may be related to nutritional status. Tooth wear and obesity did not have a significant impact on the schoolchildren's perception of quality of life.

Periodontal status and pathogenic bacteria after gastric bypass: a cohort study.

AIM: The aim this study was to evaluate the influence of gastric bypass surgery (GBS) on periodontal disease and quantify the periodontopathogenic bacteria in patients undergoing this surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study was composed of 50 patients who underwent bariatric surgery and the data collection was performed in three periods pre-operative, 6 (6M) and 12 months (12 M) postoperative. The oral clinical examination to assess periodontal disease; gingival fluid sample collection for quantification of the periodontopathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Prevotella intermedia using q-PCR; body mass index (BMI) and for collection of the individual's health-related data from medical files. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and glucose levels after surgery. The mean probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) increased significantly in the postoperative period of 6 months (p = 0.001). In the same period, the amount of P. gingivalis increased (p = 0.028) and the other bacteria decreased slightly (p > 0.050). In the presence of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, T. denticola and P. intermedia, a poor periodontal condition was observed. CONCLUSION: The periodontal disease increased in severity and P. gingivalis increased after GBS. A systemic inflammation resolution due to bariatric surgery in obese subjects does not seem to affect the course of periodontal disease.

Association between dental caries activity, quality of life and obesity in Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: The impact of oral conditions on quality of life in overweight/obesity needs to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dental caries activity, quality of life and obesity in Brazilian adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted at public schools in Brazil, on a sample of 202 adolescents, 12 years of age. For anthropometric evaluation, the body mass index (BMI)-for-age was used. In oral examinations, the Decayed, Missing, Filled teeth (DMFT), significant caries (SiC) and dental caries activity (DCA) indices were used (κ > 0.94). The Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (Child-OIDP) index was applied. The sample was divided into two groups: O (overweight/obese; n = 101) and N (normal weight; n = 101). For data analysis, chi-square, odds ratio (OR), Wilcoxon and Pearson correlation tests were used (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The DMFT scores were 1.67 and 2.12 and the SiC scores were 3.85 and 4.26 for groups O and N, respectively. BMI-for-age was significantly related to DCA (OR = 0.579; P < 0.000) and to SiC (OR = 0.649; P = 0.024). There were differences between the groups in eating, cleaning mouth, emotional status, smiling, studying and the overall Child-OIDP (P < 0.05). Positive associations between the impacts on eating, cleaning mouth and smiling were found (P < 0.05). DMFT values showed significant correlation with the emotional status performance in group O and the DCA was positively correlated with performance at school in group O (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Obesity, dental caries and quality of life were not correlated. Adolescents with normal weight presented a low perception of the impact of oral conditions on quality of life; however, it seemed to affect psychological aspects in their daily performances. Providing adolescents with nutritional assistance may prevent obesity and dental caries, and improve their quality of life.

An epidemiological scoring system for tooth wear and dental erosive wear.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and severity of tooth wear and dental erosion is rising in children and there is no consensus about an index to be employed. AIM: To assess the reliability of an epidemiological scoring system dental wear index (DWI) to measure tooth wear and dental erosive wear. DESIGN: An epidemiological cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate and compare tooth wear and dental erosion using the dental wear index and erosion wear index (EWI). The study was conducted with randomised samples of 2,371 children aged between 4 years and 12 years selected from the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Records were used for calculating tooth wear and dental erosion; the incisal edge and canine cusp were excluded. RESULTS: As the schoolchildren's ages increased the severity of primary tooth wear increased in canines (P = 0.0001, OR = 0.34) and molars (P = 0.0001, OR = 2.47) and erosion wear increased in incisal/occlusal (P = 0.0001, OR = 5.18) and molars (P = 0.0001, OR = 2.47). There was an increased prevalence of wear in the permanent teeth of older schoolchildren, particularly on the incisal/occlusal surfaces (P = 0.0001, OR = 7.03). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of tooth wear and dental erosion increased as age increased in children. The epidemiological scoring system Dental Wear Index is able to measure both tooth wear and dental erosive wear. This index should be used to monitor the progression of non-carious lesions and to evaluate the levels of disease in the population.

Evaluation of an Experimental Gel Containing Euclea natalensis: An In Vitro Study.

Objective. To evaluate the effect of an experimental gel containing Euclea natalensis extract on dentin permeability. Methods. Thirty-six dentin discs, 1-mm-thick. The discs were prepared from the coronal dentin of extracted human third molars that were divided into 3 groups (n = 10). The dentin discs in each group were treated with the groups following experimental materials: (FG): 1.23% fluoride gel, pH 4.1; (EG): Euclea natalensis extract gel, pH 4.1; (CG): control gel, pH 4.1. The gels were applied to the occlusal slide of the dentin under the following conditions: after 37% phosphoric acid and before 6% citric acid. The hydraulic conductance (HC) of each condition was determined four times using a fluid flow apparatus (Flodec). The data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). Results. The greatest mean reduction in HC was produced in group EG dentin discs (61.2%; P < 0.05). Even after acid challenge with 6% citric acid the great reduction occurred in group EG (66.0%; P < 0.05) than other groups (CG-77.1%, FG-90.8%). Conclusion. E. natalensis gel not only reduced dentin permeability, but also resisted posttreatment citric acid challenge without changing its permeability. Further research has to confirm this promising result in the clinical situation.

Dental caries in adolescents from public schools in Maputo, Mozambique.

AIM: To assess dental caries prevalence in adolescents at urban and sub-urban areas of Maputo-City, Mozambique and to identify its relationship with dental fluorosis, dental plaque, nutritional status, frequency of sugar consumption and the concentration of fluoride in public water supply. METHODS: Subjects (n=601) were randomly selected from five urban schools and five sub-urban schools. Clinical examinations were performed under standardised conditions by a trained examiner using DMFT index, SiC index, fluorosis index, PHP, BMI, a sugar consumption questionnaire and water supply analysis. The bivariate analysis and Pearson correlation was used (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean (DMFT) was 0.9 (+/- 1.65 SD). Children in urban schools showed less dental caries (0.8 +/- 1.49 SD) than children in sub-urban schools (1.1 +/- 1.80 SD, p = 0.03). Only 8.15% had very mild to moderate fluorosis but most presented poor oral hygiene. Cases of malnutrition were found in more sub-urban schools (n=109; 36.22%) than in urban schools (n=66; 22.00%) (p = 0.03). The frequency of sugar consumption was higher among urban children compared to suburban schools (p < 0.00). The level of fluoride in water consumption in urban schools was 0.4 ppmF, above the level of fluoride in sub-urban schools, 0.2 ppmF. CONCLUSION: Dental caries should not be considered a major oral health problem in Maputo at the moment. However the data suggest the implementation of a population strategy to reduce dental caries rates, in children of both urban and sub-urban areas, in Maputo.

Periodontal Status in Morbidly Obese Patients With and Without Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Risk: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) risk with periodontal disease and anthropometric measures in Class III obese patients. METHODS: Anthropometric measurements were taken from 108 patients of both sexes, aged 30 to 60 years. The Berlin questionnaire (Bq) and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) were applied to determine the risk for OSAS. Full-mouth periodontal status was determined by probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival bleeding index, and the presence of calculus. Unpaired Student t, χ(2), Fisher exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied to analyze the differences between high and low risk for OSAS groups. RESULTS: Overall, 81.5% of the patients showed high risk for OSAS, 46.3% had excessive daytime sleepiness, 41.5% were positive for both the Bq and ESS, and 97.2% had periodontal disease (periodontitis = 85.2% and gingivitis = 60.2%). Patients with periodontal disease showed high risk for OSAS (82.9%) and ESS (45.7%). However, there was no influence of periodontal disease on OSAS risk. Periodontitis was not associated with the ESS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54 to 6.26) or Bq (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.10 to 7.84), nor was gingivitis associated with the ESS (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.48 to 3.25) or Bq (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.03 to 1.84). Waist circumference (P = 0.03), neck circumference (NC, P <0.001), and the percentage of predicted NC (PPNC, P <0.001) were significantly larger in the patients at high risk for OSAS than in those at low risk for OSAS. Daytime sleepiness was also associated with NC (P = 0.02) and PPNC (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: There was no association between periodontal disease and OSAS risk in Class III obese patients, but OSAS risk was associated with both NC and PPNC.

Erosion and abrasion-inhibiting in situ effect of the Euclea natalensis plant of African regions.

This study evaluated the effect of Euclea natalensis gel on the reduction of erosive wear with or without abrasion, in enamel and dentin. During two five-day experimental crossover phases, volunteers (n = 10) wore palatal devices containing human enamel and dentin blocks (E = 8 and D = 8). The gel was applied in a thin layer in the experimental group, and was not applied in the control group. In the intraoral phase, volunteers used the palatal appliance for 12 h before the gel treatment, and were instructed to start the erosive challenges 6 h after the gel application. Erosion was performed with Coca-Cola® (for 5 min) 4 times/day. The appliance was then put back into the mouth and was brushed after 30 minutes. After intraoral exposure, the appliances were removed and the specimens were analyzed using profilometry (mean ± SD, µm). The Euclea natalensis gel caused less wear in enamel in the experimental group (EROS = 12.86 ± 1.75 µm; EROS + ABRAS = 12.13 ± 2.12 µm) than in the control group (EROS = 14.12 ± 7.66 µm; EROS + ABRAS = 16.29 ± 10.72 µm); however, the groups did not differ from each other significantly. A statistically significant value was found for erosion and eros + abrasion in dentin (p = 0.001). Euclea natalensis may play a role in the prevention of dentin loss under mild erosive and abrasive conditions. A clinical trial is required to confirm these promising results in a clinical situation.

Assessment of Oral Conditions and Quality of Life in Morbid Obese and Normal Weight Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to identify the impact of oral disease on the quality of life of morbid obese and normal weight individuals. Cohort was composed of 100 morbid-obese and 50 normal-weight subjects. Dental caries, community periodontal index, gingival bleeding on probing (BOP), calculus, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, dental wear, stimulated salivary flow, and salivary pH were used to evaluate oral diseases. Socioeconomic and the oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP) questionnaires showed the quality of life in both groups. Unpaired Student, Fisher's Exact, Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney, and Multiple Regression tests were used (p<0.05). Obese showed lower socio-economic level than control group, but no differences were found considering OIDP. No significant differences were observed between groups considering the number of absent teeth, bruxism, difficult mastication, calculus, initial caries lesion, and caries. However, saliva flow was low, and the salivary pH was changed in the obese group. Enamel wear was lower and dentine wear was higher in obese. More BOP, insertion loss, and periodontal pocket, especially the deeper ones, were found in obese subjects. The regression model showed gender, smoking, salivary pH, socio-economic level, periodontal pocket, and periodontal insertion loss significantly associated to obesity. However, both OIDP and BOP did not show significant contribution to the model. The quality of life of morbid obese was more negatively influenced by oral disease and socio-economic factors than in normal weight subjects.

Bioethics criteria in Dentistry research of humans / Critérios bioéticos em pesquisas em seres humanos em Odontologia

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to identify and relate the work that adopted bioethical principles applied to research on humans in the area of dentistry published in scientific journals. Methods: The selection of work was done using the Virtual Health Library (VHL), including the following databases: Literature Latino-American and Caribbean Health Sciences, Scientific Electronic Library Online and International Literature on Health Sciences. It was evaluated in the last ten years, researches using the descriptors: Bioethics, Research, Human, Dental, Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence, and Justice. Results: Two hundred and seventy eight studies found, however only 12 were selected by following the criteria adopted in this study. Conclusion: Among the four principles of bioethics addressed in this study, the principle of autonomy was the most discussed in literature, followed the principle of justice. Further studies should be conducted in order to carry the development of bioethics in research with human made in dentistry.

RESUMO Objetivo: O estudo objetivou identificar e relacionar trabalhos que adotaram os princípios bioéticos aplicados às pesquisas em seres humanos na área de odontologia publicados em revistas científicas. Métodos: A seleção de trabalhos foi realizada por meio da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), incluindo as seguintes bases de dados: LILACS (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) e MEDLINE (Literatura Internacional em Ciências da Saúde). Foram verificados os últimos dez anos, com os descritores: Bioética, Pesquisa, Seres Humanos, Odontologia, Autonomia, Beneficência, Não Maleficência, Justiça. Resultados: Dentre os 278 trabalhos encontrados, apenas 12 foram seleccionados, por obedecerem aos critérios adotados no estudo. Conclusão: Dentre os quatro princípios da bioética abordados no presente estudo, o princípio da autonomia foi o mais abordado na literatura, seguido do princípio da justiça. Outros estudos devem ser conduzidos para que se acompanhe a evolução da Bioética em pesquisas com seres humanos realizadas em Odontologia.

Mandibular metastasis of adenocarcinoma from prostate cancer: case report according to epidemiology and current therapeutical trends of the advanced prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer represents the most frequent non-cutaneous neoplasia in males. This type of neoplasia can develop peculiar patterns of evolution, presenting, in many cases, precocious relapses and metastasis. Bone metastasis in the mouth is extremely rare, and represents 1% of all malignant mouth neoplasias. The aim of the present study is to report a clinical case of bone metastasis in the mandibular region associated with a tumoral prostate adenocarcinoma, as well as to discuss connected aspects about diagnosis, prognosis and integrated treatment of this condition.

Gastroesophageal reflux, dental erosion, and halitosis in epidemiological surveys: a systematic review.

In published studies, it has been suggested that dental wear is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This systematic review was carried out to evaluate the association of GERD, dental erosion, and halitosis and to compare the indices adopted in epidemiological surveys. The Medline database (until October, 2011) was searched systematically to identify studies evaluating the prevalence of oral alterations, such as dental erosion and halitosis, in patients with GERD symptoms. Two reviewers analyzed all reports and the selected studies were evaluated according to the quality of evidence, using the validated Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Full-text copies of a total of 32 publications were obtained in duplicate. Sixteen publications were identified among the citations in the Bibliographic lists of studies that fulfilled the exclusion/inclusion criteria and quality of evidence. The relationship between dental erosion and GERD patients was significant in only seven studies. According to three studies, halitosis could be one of several extraesophageal symptoms or manifestations in GERD patients. In one study, it was found that the mucosa of GERD patients was significantly more acidic in comparison with that of the control group. This systematic review showed that there is a relationship between GERD and oral diseases (dental erosion and halitosis). The epidemiological surveys used different indices to analyze GERD and dental erosion. Further research could investigate the best method for assessing the two diseases.

Evaluation of oral health status and salivary flow rate in obese patients after bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases and tooth wear in bariatric patients, and relate the oral health conditions to saliva flow. METHODS: Fifty-two patients who had undergone bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) and 50 severely obese patients indicated for bariatric surgery were submitted to clinical examinations with regard to dental caries (DMFT index), periodontal condition (CPI index), dental wear (DWI index - Dental wear index) and saliva flow. The data were statistically analyzed by the Student's-t, Mann-Whitney, Spearman Correlation and Chi-square (χ(2)) tests at 5% significance level. RESULTS: The DMFT index was 16.11±5.19 in the surgical group and 16.06±6.29 in the control group (P>.05). The mean CPI was 3.05±0.84 for the operated group and 2.66±1.25 for the obese patients with no significant difference between them (P>.05). There was statistically significant difference between the groups for the presence of periodontal pockets (P=.021). All the patients presented some degree of tooth wear, however, with no significant difference between the two groups (P=.82). The mean saliva flow values of the surgical group and control group were 0.64±0.46 mL/min and 0.66±0.49 mL/min, respectively. There was no significant difference in saliva flow and all oral conditions analyzed (P>.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of oral diseases was similar in severely obese patients who were candidates for bariatric surgery and in patients who had been submitted to bariatric surgery. Nevertheless, there was higher prevalence of periodontal pockets in the operated group.

Oral manifestations in HIV+ children in Mozambique.

The scope of this study was to identify the prevalence of oral manifestations in HIV+/AIDS patients at the DIA Pediatric Hospital of Maputo. All 90 patients were included in the research. Data on dental caries (dmft/DMFT index), soft tissues and saliva flow were analyzed. Information on diet and hygienic habits was obtained in a semi-structured questionnaire. The t- student and chi-square tests were used for statistical assessment. The most frequent oral lesion was candidiasis (5.5%) and upon further oral examination the prevalence of parotid enlargement was 23.0%. The mean dmft 2.6 (SD 3.6) was considerably higher in relation to DMFT of 0.6 (SD 1.6), and the differences between them were statistically significant (P<0.05). The occurrence of mucosal lesions was higher in children who did not take antiretroviral therapy (ART) (p = 0.026). The use of ART is associated with reduced prevalence of oral lesions in HIV+ patients; however, rampant caries were highest in this group. Primary dentition of HIV+ patients should be considered high risk for caries.

Neutralidade científica: aspectos éticos na obtenção de resultados / Neutralidad científica: aspectos éticos en la obtención de resultados / Neutrality of science: ethical issues in obtaining results

Resumo A neutralidade em relação à comunidade científica e publicação de resultados são essenciais, visto que toda teoria aplicada nas diversas áreas do conhecimento é gerada por pesquisas científicas. A manipulação ou falsificação de resultados é uma das práticas mais condenáveis, pois dissemina dados falsos ou incorretos. Este estudo avaliou se a produção científica e a obtenção de resultados estiveram pautadas na ética e no princípio da neutralidade, por meio de uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Os resultados demonstraram que 100% dos trabalhos selecionados afirmam existir má conduta científica, e que a mesma tem aumentando significantemente em todo o mundo; sendo difícil sua identificação. Os motivos mais comuns para a falsificação de dados foram à busca do reconhecimento e a competição no meio acadêmico. Portanto, uma conduta responsável e ética de sociedades e comitês científicos, e editores de periódicos, torna-se imprescindível na credibilidade dos resultados encontrados nas pesquisas científicas.

Resumen La neutralidad en relación con la comunidad científica y publicación de resultados es esencial, en vista de que toda teoría aplicada en las diversas áreas del conocimiento es generada por investigaciones científicas. La manipulación o falsificación de resultados es una de las prácticas más condenables, ya que difunde datos falsos o incorrectos. Este estudio evaluó si la producción científica y la obtención de resultados estuvieron pautadas en la ética y en el principio de neutralidad, a través de una revisión integradora de la literatura. Los resultados demostraron que en el 100 % de los trabajos seleccionados existe mala conducta científica, y que esta ha aumentado significativamente en todo el mundo, siendo difícil su identificación. Los motivos más comunes para la falsificación de datos fueron la búsqueda de reconocimiento y la competencia en el medio académico. Por lo tanto, una conducta responsable y ética de sociedades y comités científicos, y editores de periódicos se torna imprescindible en la credibilidad de los resultados encontrados en las investigaciones científicas.

Abstract Neutrality about the scientific community and publication of results are essential since all applied theory in different fields of knowledge is generated by scientific research. The manipulation or falsification of results is one of the most reprehensible practices, as it disseminates false or incorrect data. This study evaluated whether scientific production and the achievement of results were based on ethics and the principle of neutrality, through an integrative literature review. The results showed that 100% of the analyzed studies had scientific misconduct and that it has significantly increased worldwide getting difficult to identify. The most common reasons for data falsification were the quest for recognition and competition in the academic community. Therefore, a responsible conduct and ethical of societies, scientific committees, and journal editors become essential in the credibility of the results found in scientific research.

Condição bucal de trabalhadores de fábricas de baterias e uso de serviços odontológicos / Oral health status and use of dental services in battery factory workers

Contexto: A Odontologia do Trabalho é responsável por estudar, interpretar e solucionar os diferentes problemas bucais dos trabalhadores, contribuindo para sua qualidade de vida e maior produtividade. Objetivos: Avaliar as condições bucais de trabalhadores em duas fábricas de baterias e o uso de serviços odontológicos em Bauru, São Paulo. Métodos: A amostra foi constituída por 134 indivíduos que responderam a um questionário sobre o uso de serviços. Os exames foram realizados utilizando-se o Índice CPOD para a cárie dentária, Índice Periodontal Comunitário (IPC) e Perda de Inserção Periodontal (PIP) para a doença periodontal, e o Índice de Desgaste Dentário (IDD) (Kappa>0,94). A análise foi descritiva, por meio de frequências absolutas e relativas. Resultados: Com relação ao uso de serviços, 55,22% relataram consulta odontológica há menos de 1 ano, 76,87% buscaram atendimento particular/convênio e 33,58% como consulta de rotina. Apenas 12,60% dos trabalhadores apresentaram-se livres de cárie, sendo observado CPOD médio de 8,49. Houve presença de cálculo em 56,70%, bolsas rasas em 17,90% e bolsas profundas em 1,50% dos trabalhadores. A perda de inserção periodontal foi observada em 26,52%. Todos os trabalhadores apresentaram desgaste dentário, sendo esse mais prevalente em dentina. Conclusão: Os serviços odontológicos oferecidos pelas empresas pesquisadas propiciaram uma condição bucal satisfatória aos trabalhadores.

Context: The Occupational Dentistry is responsible for studying, interpreting and solving the various oral problems of workers, contributing to their quality of life and greater productivity. Objectives: To evaluate the oral conditions of workers in two battery factors and the use of dental services in Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: The sample consisted of 134 individuals who responded to a questionnaire on the use of services. The tests were conducted using DMFT index for dental caries, Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and Periodontal Attachment Loss (PAL) for periodontal disease, and the Dental Wear Index (DWI) (Kappa>0.94). A descriptive analysis was done by means of absolute and relative frequencies. Results: Regarding the use of services, 55.22% reported dental visit in less than 1 year, 76.87% sought private care and 33.58% used as a routine consultation. Only 12.60% of the workers were free of caries, with mean DMFT of 8.49. There was calculus in 56.70%, shallow pockets in 17.90% and deep pockets in 1.50% of the workers. The periodontal attachment loss was observed in 26.52%. All workers had tooth wear, which was more prevalent in dentin. Conclusion: The dental services offered by the surveyed companies provided a satisfactory oral health to the workers.

[Terms of informed consent for users of dental clinics in Brazil: legal and ethical issues]. / Termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido aos usuários de clínicas odontológicas brasileiras: aspectos éticos e legais.

The consent of patient before the beginning of any procedure has to be a respected condition, without any exception. It is necessary the patients to be aware of their health status, their specific needs, the intention of each treatment, the alternatives plans (including no treatment), to know their prognostic, risks, consequences, limitations, and to be aware of their responsibilities and those of your dentist, resulting in the success of the treatment. The Informed Consent (TCLE) aims to fortify and to clarify the position of the patient, being established the rights and duties of both parts - patient and professional. The integral knowledge of the treatment will minimize the anxiety of the patient and treatment complications, and promote greater quality of dental services and improve the satisfaction of both dentist and patient. However, there are few articles in Brazil about this, but there are some ethics problems involving dental clinics regarding this document of information for the patient. Therefore, the aim of this work is to carry through a critical revision on the subject demonstrating the importance of the TCLE in the Brazilian dental clinics.

Erosion and abrasion-inhibiting in situ effect of the Euclea natalensis plant of African regions

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of Euclea natalensis gel on the reduction of erosive wear with or without abrasion, in enamel and dentin. During two five-day experimental crossover phases, volunteers (n = 10) wore palatal devices containing human enamel and dentin blocks (E = 8 and D = 8). The gel was applied in a thin layer in the experimental group, and was not applied in the control group. In the intraoral phase, volunteers used the palatal appliance for 12 h before the gel treatment, and were instructed to start the erosive challenges 6 h after the gel application. Erosion was performed with Coca-Cola® (for 5 min) 4 times/day. The appliance was then put back into the mouth and was brushed after 30 minutes. After intraoral exposure, the appliances were removed and the specimens were analyzed using profilometry (mean ± SD, μm). The Euclea natalensis gel caused less wear in enamel in the experimental group (EROS = 12.86 ± 1.75 µm; EROS + ABRAS = 12.13 ± 2.12 µm) than in the control group (EROS = 14.12 ± 7.66 µm; EROS + ABRAS = 16.29 ± 10.72 µm); however, the groups did not differ from each other significantly. A statistically significant value was found for erosion and eros + abrasion in dentin (p = 0.001). Euclea natalensis may play a role in the prevention of dentin loss under mild erosive and abrasive conditions. A clinical trial is required to confirm these promising results in a clinical situation.

[Manipulation of the human genome: ethics and law]. / Manipulação do genoma humano: ética e direito.

The molecular biology has provided the basic tool for geneticists deepening in the molecular mechanisms that influence different diseases. It should be noted the scientific and moral responsibility of the researchers, because the scientists should imagine the moral consequences of the commercial application of genetic tests, since this fact involves not only the individual and their families, but the entire population. Besides being also necessary to make a reflection on how this information from the human genome will be used, for good or bad. The objective of this review was to bring the light of knowledge, data on characteristics of the ethical application of molecular biology, linking it with the rights of human beings. After studying literature, it might be observed that the Human Genome Project has generated several possibilities, such as the identification of genes associated with diseases with synergistic properties, but sometimes modifying behavior to genetically intervene in humans, bringing benefits or social harm. The big challenge is to decide what humanity wants on this giant leap.