Banda ortodôntica como alternativa de tratamento conservador provisório para primeiros molares permanentes com hipomineralização molar incisivo (HMI): relato de caso / Orthodontic banding as an alternative provisional conservative treatment for permanent first molars with incisor molar hypomineralization (IMH): case report

Introdução: a Hipomineralização Molar Incisivo (HMI) é um defeito qualitativo de desenvolvimento de esmalte que pode ocasionar fraturas pós-eruptivas (FPE), lesões de cárie e sensibilidade. Objetivo: relatar o tratamento de HMI severa através da cimentação de bandas ortodônticas para preservação da estrutura dentária em primeiros molares permanentes inferiores com FPE. Relato do caso: criança do sexo feminino, 10 anos de idade, apresentou-se com queixa de hipersensibilidade e fratura dentária associada à restauração prévia. Clinicamente, observou-se presença de HMI severa, com FPE associada à lesão de cárie em dentina nas superfícies oclusal e vestibular do dente 36 e restauração insatisfatória com cimento de ionômero de vidro (CIV) na superfície vestibular do dente 46 que apresentava opacidades demarcadas branco-creme. Radiograficamente, observou-se ausência de comprometimento pulpar. Após manejo por meio de abordagens não-invasivas (controle de biofilme e dieta e aplicação de verniz fluoretado), o tratamento proposto foi a cimentação de banda ortodôntica com CIV modificado por resina (Riva Light Cure®, SDI) nos dentes 36 e 46 para maior longevidade das restaurações. O tratamento restaurador atraumático (TRA) foi realizado no dente 36 previamente à cimentação da banda ortodôntica. Resultados: após o tratamento, a criança não relatou dor ou desconforto e as restaurações mantiveram-se intactas. A mãe da criança foi orientada quanto à importância de acompanhamento periódico a cada 4 meses. Conclusão: a cimentação das bandas ortodônticas com CIV possibilitou o manejo conservador de molares permanentes com HMI severa, com manutenção de sua funcionalidade oclusal, saúde pulpar e gengival, proporcionando melhor qualidade de vida à paciente.

Introduction: molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative developmental enamel defect that can cause posteruptive enamel breakdown (PEB), caries lesions, and sensitivity. Objective: to report the treatment of a child with severe MIH through the cementation of orthodontic bands in lower first permanent molars with PEB to preserve tooth structure. Case report: female child, 10 years old, presenting hypersensitivity complaints and tooth fracture associated with previous restoration. Severe MIH was observed, with PEB associated with dentin caries on the occlusal and buccal surfaces of tooth #36 and unsatisfactory glass ionomer cement (GIC) restoration on the buccal surface of tooth #46 which had creamy-white marked opacities. There was no pulp involvement radiographically. After management through non-invasive approaches (biofilm and diet control and application of fluoride varnish), the proposed treatment was the cementation of an orthodontic band with resin-modified GIC (Riva Light Cure®, SDI) on teeth #36 and #46 to long-term lifespan restorations. Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) was performed on tooth #36 prior to the cementation of the orthodontic band. Results: after treatment, the child did not report pain or discomfort and the restorations remained intact. The child's mother was instructed about the importance of periodic follow-up visits every 4 months. Conclusion: the cementation of orthodontic bands with GIC allowed the conservative management of permanent molars with severe MIH, maintaining their functional occlusion, pulpal and gingival health, providing a better quality of life to the patient.

Dental care for patients with special needs at a private higher education institute / Atendimento odontológico a pacientes com necessidades especiais em uma instituição privada de ensino superior

Objetivo: Pacientes com necessidades especiais são aqueles indivíduos que necessitam de cuidados especiais por tempo indeterminado ou por toda a vida. O presente estudo tem como objetivo abordar o atendimento odontológico de pacientes com necessidades especiais em uma instituição privada de ensino superior da cidade de São Paulo. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, para análise de 210 prontuários odontológicos de pacientes com necessidades especiais atendidos no Departamento de Odontologia para Pacientes Especiais da Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul entre 2012 e 2018. Dados sobre sexo, idade, diagnóstico da condição debilitante, motivo da consulta, uso continuado de medicamentos, imagens radiográficas e tratamentos odontológicos prestados foram todos coletados e posteriormente submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e inferencial (teste do qui-quadrado) ao nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Quanto aos tipos de procedimentos odontológicos avaliados no presente estudo, dos 210 pacientes, 24% necessitaram de tratamentos curativos dentários em que a terapia periodontal foi o tipo mais prevalente, enquanto os tratamentos endodônticos tiveram a menor prevalência, representando apenas 4%. Houve alta prevalência de doenças crônicas sistêmicas, acometendo 56% dos casos, cuja faixa etária era superior a 40 anos. Conclusão: Check-ups odontológicos regulares devem ser priorizados em pacientes com necessidades especiais para evitar intervenções mais invasivas como em nosso grupo (AU)

Objective: Patients with special needs are those individuals who need special care for an undetermined period of time or for lifetime. The present study is aimed to address the dental care of special needs patients at a private higher education institute in the city of São Paulo. Material and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was performed for analysis of 210 dental records of special needs patients who were treated at the Dental Department for Special Patients of the Cruzeiro do Sul University between 2012 and 2018. Data on gender, age, diagnosis of the debilitating condition, reason of the consultation, continued use of medications, radiographic images and dental treatments provided were all collected before being submitted to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (chi-square test) at a significance level of 5%. Results: As for the types of dental procedures assessed in the present study, of the 210 patients, 24% needed dental curative treatments in which periodontal therapy was the most prevalent type, whereas endodontic treatments had the lowest prevalence, representing 4% only. There was a high prevalence of chronic systemic diseases, affecting 56% of the dental records, whose age group was above 40 years old. Conclusion: Regular dental check-ups should be prioritized in patients with special needs to avoid more invasive interventions as found in our group (AU)

Association of salivary parameters and erosive tooth wear in preschool children

Abstract The aims of this study were to 1) assess the association between erosive tooth wear (ETW) according to the BEWE (Basic Erosive Wear Examination) scoring system and salivary parameters and 2) compare salivary parameters according to ETW severity in the subgroup of children with ETW. This cross-sectional study included 52 preschool children aged 5 years paired by sex. A calibrated examiner assessed ETW using BEWE criteria, and stimulated saliva was collected to determine salivary flow, osmolality, pH, and buffering capacity. The children were divided into two groups: without ETW (n=26; BEWE score 0) and with ETW (n=26; BEWE scores 1 and 2). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the magnitude of the association between ETW and salivary parameters and estimates of odds ratios (OR). In the unadjusted analysis, the ETW group was more likely to have lower salivary flow (OR = 0.079; 95%CI = 0.013-0.469; p = 0.005) and lower osmolality (OR = 0.993; 95%CI = 0.985-1.000; p = 0.049). In the adjusted analysis, salivary flow remained significantly associated with ETW (OR = 0.087; 95%CI = 0.014-0.533; p = 0.008). Lower salivary osmolality values were observed in ETW, especially in preschool children with more severe ETW (BEWE score 2). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) determined a salivary osmolality cutoff point of < 201 for the presence of ETW. In conclusion, salivary flow rate was significantly associated with ETW prevalence. Lower values of salivary osmolality were observed in preschool children with distinct erosive lesions with significant loss of tooth structure (BEWE 2).

Shprintzen-goldberg craniosynostosis: craniofacial and oral characteristics, diagnosis, and clinical management of a very rare syndrome / Craniossinostose de shprintzen-goldberg: características craniofaciais e orais, diagnóstico e manejo clínico de uma síndrome muito rara

ABSTRACT Shprintzen-Goldberg craniosynostosis syndrome, characterized by craniosynostosis and marfanoid habitus, is a very rare entity described in 75 individuals worldwide. This study aimed to present a case report of a 6-year-old female Brazilian child with Shprintzen-Goldberg's craniosynostosis syndrome. We described the craniofacial and oral characteristics and its clinical management, comparing to the existing literature. The patient presented with intellectual disability, craniosynostosis, ocular proptosis, low-set anomalous ears, and other skeletal and connective tissue defects. Oral features included malocclusion, micrognathia, pseudo-cleft palate, dental caries, and inefficient biofilm control. The treatment started with guidance on cariogenic foods, oral hygiene, and an indication to discontinue bottle feeding. Subsequently, the carious lesions were restored with composite resins, and the patient was referred for orthopedic surgery, orthodontic treatment, speech therapy, and nutritional counseling. The patient was followed for 5 years. This case report emphasizes the importance of knowing the craniofacial and oral characteristics for the diagnosis and clinical management of a female child with a rare Shprintzen-Goldberg's craniosynostosis syndrome. The case also highlights the need for oral health care in individuals with intellectual disabilities.

RESUMO A síndrome Shprintzen-Goldberg é uma entidade muito rara descrita em 75 pessoas, caracterizada por craniossinostose e habitus marfanóide. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar o relato de um caso clínico de uma criança brasileira de 6 anos com síndrome da craniossinostose de Shprintzen-Goldberg, apresentando as características craniofaciais e orais e seu manejo clínico, comparando com a literatura. O paciente apresentava deficiência intelectual, craniossinostose, proptose ocular, orelhas anômalas de implantação baixa e outros defeitos esqueléticos e do tecido conjuntivo. As características orais incluíram má oclusão, micrognatia, pseudo fenda palatina, atividade de cárie e controle ineficiente do biofilme. O tratamento foi iniciado com orientações sobre alimentos cariogênicos, higiene oral e indicação de suspensão do uso de mamadeira. Em seguida, as lesões cariosas foram restauradas com resina composta e o paciente encaminhado para cirurgia ortopédica, tratamento ortodôntico, fonoaudiologia e nutricionista. O paciente foi acompanhado periodicamente por 5 anos. Este relato de caso enfatiza a importância do conhecimento das características craniofaciais e orais para o diagnóstico e manejo clínico de uma criança do sexo feminino com síndrome de craniossinostose de Shprintzen-Goldberg rara, destacando a necessidade de cuidados com a saúde bucal em indivíduos com deficiência intelectual.

Correlation of salivary immunoglobulin A with Body Mass Index and fat percentage in overweight/obese children

Abstract Obesity is considered a risk factor for periodontal health due to the low- grade inflammation promoted by the increased adipose tissue. Objective: This study aimed to determine correlations and associations between gingival inflammation (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, and Gingival Index), salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA), and salivary parameters (salivary flow and osmolality) in normal-weight and overweight/obese children. Material and Methods: Ninety-one children, aged 6 to 12 years old (8.6±1.9 years), were divided into two groups according to their body mass index (BMI), circumferences, skinfold measurements and body fat percentage: normal- weight group (NWG; n =50) and overweight/obese group (OG; n =41). A calibrated examiner performed the clinical examination using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, Gingival Index, and salivary collection. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and association tests ( p <0.05). Results: OG presented statistically higher s-IgA values compared with NWG, especially among the obese children ( p <0.05). Significant positive correlations between s-IgA and salivary osmolality in OG ( p <0.05), and between s-IgA and BMI values ( p <0.05) and body fat percentage ( p <0.05) were observed among all the children. Effect size varied from moderate for s-IgA values ( d =0.57) to large for BMI ( d =2.60). Conclusion: Gingival inflammation and salivary parameters were similar for NWG and OG; however, s-IgA presented higher values in OG, with correlations between BMI and body fat percentage.

Inflammatory markers in the saliva of cerebral palsy individuals with gingivitis after periodontal treatment

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of periodontal treatment on the salivary cytokine levels and clinical parameters of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) with gingivitis. A non-randomized, clinical trial was conducted in individuals diagnosed with spastic CP. Thirty-eight individuals were enrolled in the study and were categorized according to gingival index scores between 0-1 or 2-3, assigned to groups G2 or G1, respectively. Periodontal treatment comprised oral hygiene instructions, conventional mechanical treatment and 0.12% chlorhexidine applied as an adjunct. Clinical parameters and saliva samples were collected at baseline and at the 15-day follow-up visit. Bleeding on probing and periodontal screening and recording were determined. Non-stimulated saliva samples were obtained, and the salivary flow rate, the osmolality and the levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-12p70 were evaluated by a cytometric bead array. The Wilcoxon test, the Mann-Whitney test, Spearman correlation analysis, Poisson regression analysis and an adjusted analysis were performed (α = 0.05). The groups differed significantly in periodontal clinical parameters at baseline and at follow-up. Salivary flow rate and osmolality were similar in both groups at both timepoints. However, TNF-α and IL-1β levels were higher in G1 than in G2 at baseline. Mechanical treatment resulted in improved clinical parameters for both groups. Furthermore, mechanical treatment resulted in a significant reduction in salivary IL-1β and IL-8 levels for both groups after treatment. Periodontal treatment performed in individuals with CP and gingivitis reduces the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8.

Caries Risk Assessment by CAMBRA in Children Attending a Basic Health Unit

Objective: To determine the caries risk by Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) for children with mixed dentition attending a Basic Health Unit (BHU), identifying the main dental caries disease indicators, risk factors and protective factors. Material and Methods: The sample consisted of 89 children of both genders aged 8-12 years. Clinical and bitewing radiographic examinations were performed by a calibrated examiner, as well as the filling of the adapted CAMBRA form. Dental caries disease indicators, risk factors and protective factors of all subjects were determined. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis for all CAMBRA variables were applied (p<0.05). Results: Caries risk was considered high in 38.2% of patients, moderate in 32.6% and low in 29.6%. The most frequent disease indicator was white spot lesion on smooth surfaces (73.0%), the most common risk factor was visible biofilm (78.7%) and protective factor was fluoridated water (100.0%). Children with "moderate risk" and "high risk" had risk of visible cavities or radiographic penetration of the dentin (OR=14.689; OR=574.363, respectively) compared to patients with "low risk". Conclusion: Caries risk determined as "high" and "moderate" were classifications most observed among children attending BHU. White spot lesions on smooth surfaces were the most frequent dental caries disease indicators and visible plaque on tooth surface and community water fluoridation were the most significant risk factors and protective factors, respectively.

Efeito da Isotretinoína na Xerostomia, pH e Fluxo Salivar / The Effect of Isotretinoin on Xerostomia, pH and Flow Salivary

A isotretinoína é um derivado sintético da vitamina A empregada no tratamento da acne. As reações adversas na cavidade bucal são poucorelatadas na literatura. Esta pesquisa consiste em um estudo transversal que teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da isotretinoína no grau de xerostomia, pH e fluxo salivar. Após aprovação pelo CEP do Hospital Infantil Nossa Senhora da Glória - SESA, e consentimento e/ou assentimento dos participantes, foi aplicado um questionário, o Xerostomia Inventory Dutch version, para avaliar o grau de xerostomia e coletada a saliva total para análise do fluxo e pH. A amostra foi constituída por 87 indivíduos, divididos em quatro grupos: G1 ? controle, indivíduos não acneicos saudáveis (n=16); G2? indivíduos acneicos que nunca fizeram uso de isotretinoína (n=16); G3? indivíduos acneicos em uso de isotretinoína (n=45); G4? indivíduos acneicos que haviam concluído o tratamento com isotretinoína (n=10). Os indivíduos deste último grupo haviam concluído o tratamento em um intervalo de 30 a 60 dias. Com base nos dados obtidos foram calculados média, mediana,desvio padrão e aplicado o teste estatístico de Kruskal Wallis. Os resultados dos parâmetros estudados para os grupos G1, G2, G3 e G4 foram, respectivamente: grau de xerostomia ? 16,44±3,16, 17,62±2,68,21,55±3,45, 18,00±2,71 (p<0,0001); fluxo salivar ? 1,08±0,40, 0,89±0,37,0,90±0,58 e 1,22±0,55 mL/min (p=0,139); pH da saliva ? 7,05±0,37, 7,05±0,32, 6,89±0,24, 6,91±0,24 (p=0,104). Concluiu-se que o fluxo salivar foi menor nos indivíduos acneicos que não usam e os que usam a isotretinoína (G2 e G3) em relação aos grupos G1 e G4, porém esta diferença não foi estatisticamente significante. A xerostomia nos indivíduos acneicos que usam a isotretinoína (G3) foi maior em relação aos grupos G1, G2 e G4 e esta diferença foi estatisticamente significante.

Isotretinoin is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A, used in the treatment of acne. The adverse reactions in the oral cavity are scarcely reported in the literature. This research consists of a cross-sectional study in healthy and aims to evaluate the influence of isotretinoin in the degree of xerostomia, salivary flow and pH. After approval by the IRB at Children?s Hospital Nossa Senhora da Glória-SESA, individuals have signed the informed consent form, and the search was performed by applying a questionnaire, Xerostomia Inventory Dutch version (XID), to assess the degree of xerostomia and collecting overall saliva for flow analysis and pH. The sample consisted of 87 subjects, divided into four groups: G1 Control ? no acneicos, healthy individuals (n = 16); G2 acneicos individuals who have never made use of isotretinoin (n = 16); G3 acneicos individuals using isotretinoin (n = 45); G4 acneicos individuals who had completed treatment with isotretinoin (n = 10). Individuals of this latter group had completed treatment in a range of 30 to 60 days. From the obtained values were calculated the average,standard deviation and applied a statistical test of Kruskal Wallis. The results of the parameters studied for G1, G2, G3 and G4 were: degree of xerostomia- 16.44±3.16, 17.62±2.68, 21.55±3.45, 18.00±2.71 (p<0.0001); salivary flow ? 1.08±0.40, 0.89±0.37, 0.90±0.58, and 1.22±0.55mL/min (p=0.139); saliva pH ? 7.05 ± 0.37, 7.05 ± 0.32, 6.89 ± 0.24, 6.91 ± 0.24 (p=0.104). It was found that the salivary flow was higher in acneicos individuals who do not use and those who use isotretinoin (G2 and G3) in relation to the groups G1 and G4, but this difference was not statistically significant. Xerostomia in acneicos individuals who use isotretinoin (G3) was higher compared to the G1, G2 and G4 and this difference was statistically significant.

Does the classification of cerebral palsy influence caries experience in children and adolescents?

To evaluate the influence of the classification of cerebral palsy CP on the caries experience in children and adolescents, and determine the types of teeth most affected by dental caries. METHODS: A total of 181 individuals with CP, aged 8.30±4.10 years were examined for dental caries diagnosis in primary, mixed and permanent dentitions. The sample consisted of 96 quadriplegic individuals, 56 diplegic, 18 hemiplegic and 11 with choreoathetosis. The groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests. Univariate logistic regression models were used to identify whether age was a predictor of caries risk α=5%. RESULTS: The sample was homogeneous as regards sex and age, among patients with quadriplegia, diplegia, hemiplegia and choreoathetosis. Out of the total sample, 51.4% of the individuals were caries free. The overall mean for the dmft and DMFT indices were 1.70±3.30 and 0.70±1.60, respectively. The mean caries experience in primary, mixed and permanent dentitions did not vary significantly according to the CP classification p>0.05. Child´s age was a predictor for dental caries experience p<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: The CP classification did not influence on caries experience, and the teeth most affected by dental caries were the primary and first permanent molars...

Frenectomia labial em paciente com síndrome de Cornelia de Lange / Labial frenectomy in patient with Cornelia de Lange syndrome

Síndrome de Cornelia de Lange é uma anormalidade de desenvolvimento multisistêmica caracterizada por retardo cognitivo e de crescimento; dismorfia craniofacial, malformações dos membros superiores; disfunção geniturinária e oftalmológica, hirsutismo e anomalias cardíacas e gastroesofágicas. Cílios longos e sobrancelhas arqueadas com sinófiris, filtro longo com lábio superior fino. Ponte nasal deprimida com narinas antevertidas também ocorre com frequência. Problemas dentários são frequentes e incluem: palato ogival, micrognatia, atraso na erupção, erosão dental, doença gengival e periodontal. Com base nessas observações, o presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever a frenectomia labial em um paciente com síndrome de Cornelia de Lange, de 19 anos de idade, gênero masculino, bem como as recomendações para o manejo clínico e controle do biofilme dental

Cornelia de Lange syndrome is an abnormality multisystem developmental characterized by cognitive and growth retardation; craniofacial dysmorphia, malformations of the upper extremities, genitourinary and ophthalmologic dysfunction, hirsutism, cardiac and gastroesophageal abnomalies. Long eyelashes, arched eyebrows with synophrys, long philtrum with thin upperlip. Depressed nasal bridge with anteverted nares also frequently occur. Dental problems are common and include: high palate, micrognathia, delayed eruption, dental erosion, gingival and periodontal disease. Based on these observations, the present study aims to describe the labial frenectomy in a patient with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, 19 years old, male gender, as well as recommendations for the clinical management and control of dental biofilm

Oral hydration in children with cerebral palsy

AIM: To investigate whether oral motor performance is determinant for the hydration status and the effect of a supplemental oral fluid supply on salivary osmolality. METHODS: The sample consisted of 99 children with cerebral palsy aged 6 to 13 years old. In this study, children participated in 2-day evaluations: 1st day - baseline: saliva collection, caries experience and oral motor performance evaluations; and 2nd day: saliva collection after supplemental fluid supply. Prior to each evaluation, the participants were trained for saliva collection. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected using cotton roll at baseline, with the amount of fluid usually offered by caregivers, and 48 h after baseline, with as much as twice the normal daily fluid intake previously offered. Salivary osmolality was measured using a freezing point depression osmometer. Caries experience index for decayed, missed and filled teeth (DMFT) was evaluated. According to the Oral Motor Assessment Scale, the children were classified into subfunctional or functional groups. Chi-square, Student's t test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used. RESULTS: The subfunctional group presented a higher percentage of quadriplegic children (p<0.001), with significantly higher values for caries experience (p<0.001) and salivary osmolality (p<0.001), which did not diminish when supplemental fluid supply was offered, compared with the functional group (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of oral motor performance plays an important role in the hydration status of children with cerebral palsy and those with worse oral motor performance may be at higher risk of oral diseases...

Efeito do gênero (masculino e feminino) sobre a cárie dentária e parâmetros salivares de crianças / Effect of gender on dental caries and salivary parameters of children

Objetivo: avaliar o índice de cárie dentária e parâmetros salivares comparando meninos e meninas.Métodos: a saliva total estimulada mecanicamente com parafilm foi coletada de 46 crianças saudáveis, com quatro a seis anos de idade, sendo 24 meninos e 22 meninas. As crianças foram divididas em subgrupos de acordo com o gênero (meninos e meninas) e presença de cárie dentária (cavidades de cárie, CC; livres de cárie, CF). A cárie dentária foi avaliada usando os critérios da OMS e Kappa=0,87. O grupo CC foi definido pela presença de no mínimo três superfícies com necessidade de restauração e o grupo CF pela ausência de dentes com lesões de cárie clinicamente detectáveis (ceo-s=o). Os parâmetros salivares avaliados foram o fluxo salivar, a concentração de proteína total e a atividade enzimática da peroxidase. Os resultados foram comparados por teste t de Student e Análise de Variância e teste de Tukey para contraste de média (p≤0,05). Resultados: crianças com cárie dentária apresentaram redução de 33% do fluxo salivar comparadas com crianças sem cárie dentária (p≤0,05). Entre as crianças com cárie dentária, as meninas apresentaram maior índice de cárie dentária comparadas com os meninos (98%, p≤0.05). As meninas apresentaram diferenças salivares mais pronunciadas comparados aos meninos, com maior concentração de proteína total e menor fluxo salivar e atividade da peroxidase (p≤0,05). Conclusão: o estudo sugere que o gênero pode influenciar o desenvolvimento de cárie dentária e parâmetros salivares de crianças...

Objective: To evaluate the dental caries index and salivary parametersin boys and girls. Method: Whole stimulated saliva by chewing Parafilm® was collected from 46 healthy children (24 boys and 22 girls) aged 4 to 6 years. The children were assigned to subgroups according to gender (boys andgirls) and dental caries (CC û caries cavities; CF û caries free). Dentalcaries was evaluated using the WHO criteria and kappa=0.87. The CC group was defined by the presence of at least three surfaces requiring restoration while the CF group was characterized by the absence of clinically detectable caries (ceo-s=0). The following salivary parameters were evaluated: salivary flow, total protein concentration andperoxidase enzymatic activity. The results were compared by theStudentÆs t-test, ANOVA and TukeyÆs multiple-comparison test (p≤0.05).Results: Children with dental caries presented a 33% reduction of salivary flow compared to the caries-free children (p≤0.05). Among the children with dental caries, the girls had a greater caries index than the boys (98%, p≤0.05). The girls presented more accentuated salivary parameters than boys, with greater total protein concentration, lower salivary flow and lower peroxidase activity (p≤0.05).Conclusion: This study suggests that gender might influence the development of dental caries and the salivary parameters in children...