Dental pain report in children and genetic polymorphism (rs4818) in Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) gene: a cross- sectional study

Abstract Aim: Polymorphisms in the COMT gene can alter enzymatic functions, raising levels of endogenous catecholamines, which stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors related to pain. This study aimed to evaluate whether a polymorphism in the COMT gene (rs4818) is associated with dental pain in children. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 731 pairs of children and parents randomly selected from a population-based sample of eight-year-old children. Reports of dental pain was evaluated using a question directed at the parents and self-reported pain using the Faces Pain Scale - Revised. Dental caries experience was determined using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. For genetic analysis, DNA was obtained from oral mucosa epithelial cells of 352 children randomly selected from the initial sample. Results: Children with the CC genotype had higher odds of reporting moderate to intense pain than those with the GG genotype (OR=3.60; 95% CI=0.80-16.20; p=0.03). These same children had greater odds of parental reports of pain (OR=1.93; 95% CI=0.91-4.08; p=0.02). Moreover, lower schooling of parents/guardians and caries experience in the primary dentition were significantly associated with greater odds of a parental report of dental pain (OR=2.06; 95% CI=1.47-2.91; p<0.001; OR=6.26; 95% CI=4.46-8.78; p<0.001). Conclusions: The rs4818 polymorphism of the COMT gene is associated with dental pain. Children with the C allele are more likely to report higher levels of pain. Clinical Relevance: Even though the experience of pain is subjective and multifactorial, this study raises the hypothesis that there is a genetic predisposition to dental pain that should be considered in clinical practice.

Single Nucleotides Polymorphisms in COX2 Gene and their Association with Signs and Symptoms of Teething - A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) and local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething. Material and Methods: Forty-four pairs of mothers-babies/toddlers were included. Erupted primary teeth were evaluated during clinical examination. Local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething were obtained from mothers' reporting via anamnesis. Samples of buccal cells were retrieved for DNA genotyping using real-time PCR. The T-test, Chi-square test, logistic regression, and haplotype analyses were applied. Results: Almost all mothers (95.5%) reported at least one local or systemic sign and symptom of teething. The most common was increased salivation (79.5%), diarrhea (72.3 %), and fever (70.5 %). The mean number of signs and symptoms per child was higher in boys than girls (mean = 5.1; SD= 1.5; p=0.008). Sleep disturbance (p=0.03) and loss of appetite (p=0.05) were more reported in boys. The rs689466 and rs5275 were not associated with signs and symptoms of teething (p>0.05). Conclusion: The single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) were not associated with local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething.

Atendimento de pacientes com necessidades especiais em Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas brasileiros: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / Care provided to patients with special needs in Brazilian Dental Specialty Centers: an integrative review of the literature

Objetivo:Fazer uma revisão integrativa a respeito do atendimento de pacientes com necessidades especiais (PNE) em Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO) no Brasil. Métodos: Para as buscas nas bases eletrônicas PubMed, BBO e LILACS, e Google Scholar, foram utilizados em português, espanhol e inglês, os descritores e termos livres: "pessoas com deficiência", "pessoa com necessidade especial", "pessoa com incapacidade", odontologia, "atenção secundária à saúde", "atenção secundária", "centro de especialidades odontológicas", CEO, "disabled persons", handicapped, "people with disabilities", dentistry, "secondary care", "dental specialty center" ,"secondary care centers", "personas con discapacidad", "atención secundaria de salud" e "centro de especialidad dental". Não foi feita restrição quanto ao idioma, mas o período consultado foi de 2016 a 2021. Incialmente foram excluídas as duplicatas, em seguida os textos cujos títulos e resumos não estivessem de acordo com os critéios de inclusão. Uma vez eleitos os textos a serem incluídos após leitura na íntegra, foi feita a extração dos dados de interesse: autor (ano), tipo de estudo, caracterização da amostra, local, objetivo, resultados principais e conclusão. A análise da qualidade metodológica e do risco de viés dos estudos foi feita por meio da ferramenta Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies do Effective Public Health Practice Project. Resultados: De 383 estudos, cinco foram incluídos. As barreiras mencionadas que dificultam o acesso dos PNE aos CEO se referiram a questões socioeconômicas e demográficas, localização dos CEO, escassez de recursos financeiros, limitações para acessibilidade e qualificaçao profissional deficitária para a prestação dos atendimentos. A qualidade metodológica foi considerada fraca em todos os estudos, o que indica alto risco de viés. Conclusão: Mesmo com a evolução gradativa do atendimento dos PNE nos CEO, ainda há aprimoramentos necessários, tanto em relação à qualificação dos profissionais para que tenham conhecimento e manejo para realizar os atendimentos seguindo os protocolos necessários, quanto à melhoria do acesso para esses pacientes.

Aim: To conduct an integrative review regarding the care provided to patients with special needs (PSN) in Dental Specialty Centers (DSCs) in Brazil. Methods: To perform searches in the PubMed, BBO and LILACS, and Google Scholar electronic databases, the following descriptors and free terms were used, in three languages of Portuguese, Spanish, and English: "pessoas com deficiência", "pessoa com necessidade especial", "pessoa com incapacidade", odontologia, "atenção secundária à saúde", "atenção secundária", "centro de especialidades odontológicas", CEO, "disabled persons", handicapped, "people with disabilities", dentistry, "secondary care", "dental specialty center" ,"secondary care centers", "personas con discapacidad", "atención secundaria de salud" e "centro de especialidad dental". No language restriction was made, but the period consulted was from 2016 to 2021. First, duplicates were excluded. After, texts whose titles and abstracts did not comply with the inclusion criteria were also excluded. Once the included texts had been chosen, and after reading them in full, the data of interest was extracted: author (year), type of study, sample characterization, location, objective, main results, and conclusion. The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies of the Effective Public Health Practice Project was used to analyze the methodological quality and risk of bias found in the studies. Results: Of the 383 studies, five were included. The barriers that make it difficult for PSNs to access DSCs are related to socioeconomic and demographic issues, the location of DSCs, the scarcity of financial resources, limitations in accessibility, and deficient professional qualification to provide proper care. Methodological quality was considered weak in all studies (100%), with a high risk of bias. Conclusion: Even with the gradual evolution of the care provided to PSNs in DSCs, improvements are still necessary, both in relation to the qualification of professionals so that they have the knowledge and handling necessary to perform the care following the necessary protocols, as well as the improvement of access for these patients.

Lack of association between delayed tooth emergence and single nucleotide polymorphisms in estrogen receptors

Abstract The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding estrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2, respectively) and delayed tooth emergence (DTE). This cross-sectional study was composed of biological unrelated children of both sexes, age ranging from 11 to 13 years old. DTE was defined when the successor primary tooth was still present in the oral cavity after its exfoliation time or the absence of the permanent tooth emergence into the oral cavity. Children were diagnosed with DTE when they had at least one delayed permanent tooth, according to age of exfoliation of each tooth proposed by The American Dental Association. Genomic DNA from saliva was used to evaluate the SNPs in ESR1 (rs9340799 and rs2234693) and ESR2 (rs1256049 and rs4986938) using Real-Time PCR. Chi-square or Fisher exact tests and Logistic Regression adjusted by age and gender were performed. SNP-SNP interaction was accessed by multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis also adjusted by gender and age. The established alpha of this study was 5%. Among 537 included children, 296 (55%) were in the "DTE" group and the 241 (45%) were in the "Control" group. Age and gender were not statistically different among the groups (p>0.05). Genotype distribution of the SNPs rs9340799, rs2234693, rs1256049 and rs4986938 were not associated with DTE (p> 0.05). The models elected by MDR were not statistically significant either. Conclusions: The studied SNPs in ESR1 and ESR2 were not associated with permanent DTE.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a associação entre polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNPs) em genes que codificam receptores de estrógeno (ESR1 e ESR2, respectivamente) e o retardo na emergência dentária (DTE). Este estudo transversal foi composto por crianças biológicas não relacionadas de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 11 e 13 anos. O DTE foi definido pela presença do dente decíduo na cavidade bucal após seu tempo e também, quando as crianças apresentaram pelo menos um dente permanente com atraso. O DNA genômico foi usado para avaliar os SNPs em ESR1 (rs9340799 e rs2234693) e ESR2 (rs1256049 e rs4986938) usando PCR em tempo real. Foram realizados testes Qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher e Regressão Logística ajustados por idade e sexo. A interação SNP-SNP foi acessada pela análise de redução de dimensionalidade multifatorial (MDR), também ajustada por sexo e idade. O alfa de 5% foi estabelecido. Entre 537 crianças incluídas, 296 (55%) estavam no grupo "DTE" e 241 (45%) estavam no grupo "Controle". A idade e o sexo não foram estatisticamente diferentes entre os grupos (p> 0,05). A distribuição de genótipos dos SNPs rs9340799, rs2234693, rs1256049 e rs4986938 não foi associada ao DTE (p> 0,05). Os modelos eleitos pelo MDR também não foram estatisticamente significativos. Conclusões: Os SNPs estudados na ESR1 e ESR2 não foram associados ao DTE na dentição permanente.

Perfil do usuário do Sistema Único de Saúde no município de Curitiba, Paraná, com necessidade de tratamento odontológico / Profile of Unified National Health System' users, requiring specialized dental treatment, in Curitiba, Paraná

Objetivo: Delinear o perfil de usuários que aguardam na lista de espera pelo atendimento odontológico especializado em Endodontia em dois Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO) do município de Curitiba, Paraná. Métodos. Neste estudo transversal foram coletados e classificados dados de 7072 usuários conforme gênero, idade, Distrito Sanitário (DS) em que o atendimento básico foi prestado e data de entrada na lista de espera. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes Qui-quadrado para independência, seguidos do teste de acompanhamento de resíduos ajustados de Marascuilo. Resultados: Dos usuários pesquisados que aguardavam, 63,0% eram mulheres. A faixa etária prevalente foi de 15 a 34 anos (p<0,05). Diferença estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada quanto aos atendimentos nos DS (p<0,05). O DS Matriz teve a menor frequência de inclusão na lista de espera em comparação com os demais; já os DS Bairro Novo (13,5%), Cidade Industrial de Curitiba (13,7%), Boa Vista (14,5%), Boqueirão (14,8%) e Pinheirinho (15,2%) apresentaram as maiores frequências. Por fim, em relação aos atendimentos na série temporal, diferença significativa entre os meses foi identificada (p<0,01). Conclusão: O perfil dos usuários encontrados na lista de espera para atendimento endodôntico em Curitiba, no período analisado, conta com maior prevalência de mulheres, de indivíduos entre 15 a 34 anos, distribuídos de maneira desigual dentre os DS e meses do ano, sendo este último dado resultante de ações da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde.

Objective: The aim of this study was to delineate the profile of users in the waiting list for specialized endodontic dental care in two Dental Specialty Centers (DSC) of the city of Curitiba, Paraná. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data from 7,072 users were collected and classified according to gender, age, Sanitary District (SD), and date of entry in the waiting list. Data were submitted to Chi-square tests for independence, followed by Marascuilo's adjusted residuals test. Results: Of the users on the waiting list surveyed, 63.0% were women. The prevalent age group was 15- to 34 years (p<0.05). Statistical difference was found regarding attendance at the SD (p<0.05). The SD Matriz had the lowest frequency of inclusion in the waiting list compared to the others; SD Bairro Novo (13.5%), Cidade Industrial de Curitiba (13.7%), Boa Vista (14.5%), Boqueirão (14.8%) and Pinheirinho (15.2%) presented the highest frequencies. Finally, regarding the time series attendances, a significant difference between the months was identified (p <0.01). Conclusion: The profile of users found in the waiting list for endodontic care in Curitiba, during the analyzed period, has a higher prevalence of women, between 15 and 34 years old, and unequally distributed among the SD and months of the year, the latter being the result of actions of the Municipal Health Office.

Individuals requiring orthognathic surgery have more depression and pain than controls

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate if individuals with dentofacial deformities (DFD) who require orthognathic surgery are affected more by depression and pain. A case-control study was performed with 195 individuals. In the DFD group, 145 individuals with Class II and III malocclusion requiring orthognathic surgery were selected. The control group was composed of 50 individuals with no DFD. All patients were diagnosed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Data were analyzed with a significance level of 0.05. The DFD group more often presented severe depression (p = 0.020) and chronic pain (p = 0.017). They also presented higher prevalence of Nonspecific Physical Symptoms Including Pain (P = 0.002) and Nonspecific Physical Symptoms Excluding Pain (p = 0.002). Concerning TMD symptoms, the DFD group had more myofascial (p = 0.002) and articular pain (p = 0.041). Therefore, the results of this study suggest that depression and pain are more common in individuals with DFD requiring orthognathic surgery compared with individuals without DFD.

Calcium and phosphorus levels in saliva are influenced by genetic polymorphisms in estrogen receptor alpha and microrna17

Abstract Homeostasis between salivary calcium and phosphorus is important for maintaining oral health. The aim of this study was to evaluate if polymorphisms in ESR1 (Estrogen Receptor Alpha), ESR2 (Estrogen Receptor Beta) and miRNA17 (microRNA17) are associated with calcium and phosphorus levels in saliva. Saliva from 276 12-year-old children were collected by masticatory stimulation and calcium and phosphorus levels were determined by Mass Spectrometry. Genomic DNA was extracted from remaining saliva and genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 (rs12154178, rs1884051, rs9340799 and rs2234693), in ESR2 (rs4986938 and rs1256049) and in miRNA17 (rs4284505) were genotyped using TaqMan chemistry and a real-time PCR equipment. Statistical differences in genotype and allele distributions between 'low' and 'high' calcium and phosphorus levels were determined using chi-square or Fisher´s exact tests. The analysis was also adjusted by sex (alpha of 5%). ESR1 rs9340799 had the less common genotype associated with higher calcium levels (p=0.03). The less common allele of ESR1 rs1884051 was associated with lower phosphorus levels (p=0.005) and there was an excess of heterozygotes for miRNA17 rs4284505 among individuals with lower calcium levels (p=0.002), both adjusted by sex. This study provides evidence that genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 and miRNA17 are involved in determining salivary calcium and phosphorus levels.

Resumo A homeostasia entre cálcio e fósforo salivares é importante para a manutenção da saúde bucal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se polimorfismos genéticos no receptor de estrógeno alfa (ESR1), receptor de estrógeno beta (ESR2) e no microRNA17 (microRNA17) estão associados com os níveis salivares de cálcio e fósforo. Saliva de 276 crianças com 12 anos de idade foi coletada com estímulo mastigatório e os níveis de cálcio e fósforo foram determinados por Espectrofotometria de Massa. O DNA genômico foi extraído da saliva remanescente e os polimorfismos genéticos em ESR1 (rs12154178, rs1884051, rs9340799 e rs2234693), em ESR2 (rs4986938 e rs1256049) e no miRNA17 (rs4284505) foram genotipados pela reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real utilizando sondas TaqMan. As diferenças estatísticas nas distribuições alélicas e genotípicas entre "baixo" e "alto" níveis de cálcio e fósforo foram determinadas usando os testes qui-quadrado e teste exato de Fisher. As análises foram ajustadas por sexo (alfa de 5%). O polimorfismo rs9340799 em ESR1 foi o genótipo menos comum associado com altos níveis de cálcio (p=0,03). O alelo menos comum em ESR1 rs1884051 foi associado com baixos níveis de fósforo (p=0,005) e houve um excesso de heterozigotos para miRNA17 rs4284505 entre os indivíduos com baixos níveis de cálcio salivar (p=0,002), ambos ajustados pelo sexo. Este estudo fornece evidências de que polimorfismos genéticos em ESR1 e miRNA17 estão envolvidos na determinação dos níveis de cálcio e fósforo salivares.

Association of taste receptor gene polymorphisms with dental caries

Abstract This study was performed to evaluate the interplay between dental caries, nutritional status, and genetic polymorphisms in TAS1R1 and TAS1R2 (taste receptor, type 1, member 1 and 2) in preschool children and pre-adolescents. We included 525 subjects (306 preschool children and 219 pre-adolescents). Parents/caregivers answered a self-administered questionnaire about their children's systemic health, characteristics, oral hygiene habits, and diet. Clinical examination was performed to evaluate dental caries and nutritional status. Saliva samples were collected for DNA extraction. The genotyping of rs17492553 ( TAS1R1 ), rs3935570, and rs4920566 ( TAS1R2 ) polymorphisms was performed using real-time PCR with Taqman Genotyping Master Mix and SNP assay. Both univariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses with robust variance were used for the data analysis. In preschool children, consumption of sweets between meals increased the prevalence of dental caries by 85% (PR c = 1.85; 95%CI 1.39-2.46; p < 0.001), whereas in pre-adolescents, this prevalence increased by 34% (PR a = 1.34; 95%CI 1.11-1.62; p = 0.002), regardless of genetic polymorphisms . Moreover, individuals carrying at least one allele C in rs17492553 presented 23% more prevalence of dental caries (PR a = 1.23; 95%CI 1.02-1.49 p = 0.030). Nutritional status was not associated with dental caries, neither with genetic polymorphisms . Consumption of sweets between meals increased the prevalence of dental caries. In pre-adolescents, rs17492553 genetic polymorphism in TAS1R1 was associated with dental caries.

Prevalence of oral diseases, socioeconomic indicators, and provision of dental services: exploring nexus

Introduction and objective: A number of studies have associated prevalence of oral diseases, socioeconomic factors, and dental services in Brazil, and this study aimed to review, in narrative mode, the causal nexus between them. Literature review: The high prevalence of dental problems such as caries and periodontal disease is still found worldwide, despite the significant reduction. The impacts resulting from tooth loss are not limited to the physical condition, but also to the social aspects. The association between oral diseases and microbiological and hygiene factors is recognized, but deficient as explanatory power. The discussion of correlated factors, associated with the development of relevant oral diseases and marking existing inequities, must be expanded. Conclusion: The factors studied showed an involvement, indicating that inequities in oral health are striking in the Brazilian population, with serious consequences. Efforts are needed to control and modify this context.

Analysis of Salivary Flow, pH, Buffer Capacity, and Creatinine in Individuals Undergoing Hemodialysis

Objective: To quantify salivary creatinine levels patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) before, during, and after hemodialysis sessions. Material and Methods: Sixty-eight individuals, aged between 4 and 25 years, were selected, and among these, 34 were diagnosed with ESRD and were undergoing hemodialysis (Group 1) and 34 were clinically healthy patients (Group 2). Saliva samples were collected before, during, and after hemodialysis sessions for Group 1 and compared with those of Group 2. Stimulated saliva flow rate (SSFR), buffer capacity (BC), pH, and salivary creatinine levels were determined. Shapiro-Wilk test, followed by the Friedman, Mann-Whitney and ANOVA tests were used to analyze the variables. Results: Mean SSFR values of Group 1 at the three stages of hemodialysis sessions did not differ from those of Group 2. Furthermore, BC and pH values were within their normal limits, and no difference was detected between the two groups. Mean salivary creatinine levels at baseline and during hemodialysis were significantly higher in Group 1 that in Group 2, but these values were not different between Groups at the end of hemodialysis. Conclusion: Salivary creatinine levels reduce significantly after hemodialysis sessions suggesting that saliva may be used to monitor the efficiency of hemodialysis or even indicate the moment at which it should start.

Oral health status of patients with special needs from a rehabilitation association in Curitiba (PR, Brazil)

Introduction:Patients with special needs commonly show significant systemic and oral diseases. Objective:We carried out a survey on the oral health status from individuals with special needs of Associação Paranaense de Reabilitação (APR), in Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Material and methods: Clinical oral examination was performed and a specific questionnaire was applied to 87 individuals, aged from 5 to 14 years-old. Results: The mean age average was 9 yearsold, and 57.5% were males. The mean DMFT was 1.4, and 54% of the sample showed DMFT = zero. The oral health status from the studied sample was similar to that found in the same age group of the general population. Conclusion: We indicate that strategies for controlling oral health diseases tailored for this group must be stimulated, once the vulnerability is present.

Epidemiological study to determine factors associated with dental caries in schoolers

Introduction:Dental caries is a large problem affecting all population. In Brazil, caries prevalence has decreased over the last years, but it is still a public health issue requiring frequent evaluation and care by dentists. Objective: To evaluate the oral health conditions of schoolers aged 5-12 years relating them with socioeconomic and demographic determinants. Material and methods: The children were examined by a previously calibrated examiner to obtain DMF and dmf scores. The parents answered a questionnaire regarding to the socioeconomic condition. Prior to the examinations, the parents signed a free and clarified consent form and only their children were evaluated. The results were analyzed descriptively and by Chi-square test, at significance level of p<0.05. Results: : The sample (n=111) showed a mean age of 7+1.7 years (mean + standard deviation), composed of 58 boys and 58 girls. 66.6% of the sample exhibited dmf values = 0, while 102 schoolers had DMF values = 0. With regard to the parents' education level, 78.37% of the mothers had more than 9 years of education and 43.34% of the fathers had 9 to 11 years of study. Concerning to family income, 36.93% of the families presented mean income of 1-3 minimum wages (R$ 788.00 to R$ 2,364.00). No statistically significant differences (p≤0.05) were seen between caries rates vs. parents' education and caries rates vs. family income. Conclusion: 5-12 year schoolers showed low dmf and DMF values, suggesting that parents' education and income might have influenced on the results. Further studies are necessary to understand/assess the predisposing factors to dental caries development.

Oral rehabilitation in a patient with bipolar affective disorder: clinical case report

Objective: This study, through a literature review, aimed to present the key aspects found in Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD), as well as present a case report of a patient who received dental care in the Discipline of Dentistry for Patients with Special Needs of PUCPR. Case report:Female patient, 30 years of age, leukoderma, diagnosed by medical and psychological exams as suffering from BAD and slight mental retardation. The most evident characteristics inherent to the primary illness included swings in mood and affection as well as bipolar or manic depressions. The special school where she studied and worked referred her to receive dental care in the Discipline of Dentistry for Patients with Special Needs of PUCPR. Her main complaint was the lack of upper front teeth and the esthetic. The treatment plan included adequacy of oral environment through basic periodontal therapy and production of removable partial dentures. Conclusion: People with BAD requires extra care with regard to behavioral management.

Free gingival graft to increase gingival dimensions in Down syndrome patients: clinical case report

Introduction:Down Syndrome (DS) patients have increased susceptibility to the development of periodontal diseases by the occurrence of several factors, such as inadequate hygiene, mouth breathing, dental morphology, leukocyte reduction and increased inflammatory mediators. Objective:This study aimed to review the literature on the main aspects of DS and present a clinical case of a DS patient treated with basic periodontal therapy and free gingival graft surgery. Case report: DS patient, leucoderma, aged 26 years showed gingival recession and little amount of keratinized tissue in the area of teeth #31 and #41. After surgery, there was an increase in the keratinized tissue band. Conclusion: The free gingival graft surgery performed in DS patients was effective, as the increase of keratinized tissue band occurred.

Prader-Willi Syndrome: clinical case report

Introduction: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a neurobehavioral genetic disease whose cause is failure on chromosome 15. It is considered the primary genetic cause of obesity, since it is characterized by hyperphagia. Although the scientific literature will produce articles on Prader-Willi syndrome, few reported oral conditions of these patients. Objective: This study aimed to describe the oral health status of a patient diagnosed with PWS. Case report: A boy aged 10 years-old, leucoderma, attended the Discipline of Dentistry for Special Care Patients, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR), with all the inherent PWS characteristics such as hyperphagia and obesity. Clinical, radiographic and laboratory tests were performed to verify the oral health conditions which showed the presence of biofilm accumulation, gingivitis and a high DMFT index. It was necessary to adequate oral environment through extractions, restorations, and prophylactic therapy. Conclusion: Considering the information obtained, it was concluded that the motivation to maintain oral health should be constant for this patient and involve family, since hyperphagia, which is a determinant for obesity, decisively contributes to the evolution of oral diseases.

In vitro analysis of ph and titratable acidity of yoghurts and milk beverages

Objective:To analyze pH, titratable acidity and carbohydrate and calcium amounts in yoghurts and milk beverages. Materials and Methods:twelve types of yoghurts and eight milk beverages were analyzed. The beverages’ pH was measured and samples were divided into two groups: Group 1: samples with pH<4.0; Group 2 samples with pH>4.0. The acidity of each drink was determined by titration. Calcium and carbohydrate rates were obtained from label information. pH, acidity, calcium and carbohydrates were compared in two groups of beverages (G1: pH<4.0; G2: pH>4.0) and analyzed according to the distribution pattern according to Shapiro-Wilk ́s test, whereas homogeneity of variances was performed by Levene's test at 0.05 significance level. Results:Overall analysis of the variables classified the beverages in 4 groups: A, B, C and D. Samples in group A had the best results: high pH, low acidity, high calcium amounts and few carbohydrates. On the other hand, samples in group D had low pH, high acidity, low calcium amounts and high carbohydrate rates. Conclusion:The three samples under analysis, two yoghurts and one milk beverage, join factors that may lead to the development of dental erosion

Analysis of salivary pH, flow rate, buffering capacity, concentrations of calcium, urea and total proteins in 2-8 years-old children with Down's syndrome

Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. It is the most common chromosomal abnormality found in humans. Despite the motor difficulties and biofilm accumulation, individuals with DS have low caries prevalence. In this context it is assumed that saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral health. Objective: To evaluate the following salivary components: pH, buffering capacity and salivary flow volume in children with DS aging 2-8 years-old in the city of Curitiba (PR). Material and methods: Saliva samples were collected from 20 children with DS. The following parameters were evaluated: buffering capacity, flow rate, pH, and concentrations of calcium, urea and total proteins. Results: There was a normal distribution among the variables and the values observed were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in salivary flow, pH, buffering capacity, urea, calcium and total proteins in the subjects studied.

Análise sialométrica em indivíduos portadores da síndrome de Down / Sialometric assessment of individuals with Down

A síndrome de Down (SD) é a alteração cromossômica mais comum no ser humano e caracteriza-se pelo aparecimento de um cromossomo extra, localizado no par 21. Objetivo: Nesta pesquisa estudou-se a velocidade de fluxo, o pH e a capacidade de tamponamento salivar em pacientes portadores da síndrome de Down. Materiais e Métodos: Foram selecionados 60 indivíduos não aparentados, pareados em idade e sexo, residentes em Curitiba, Paraná, sendo 30 indivíduos diagnosticados com SD (grupo experimental) e 30 indivíduos normorreativos (grupo controle). Para as avaliações bioquímicas salivares coletaram-se as amostras pelo método Spitting preconizado por Navazesh (1992) e posteriormente realizaram-se as análises. O fluxo salivar foi calculado através da fórmula de Banderas-Tarabay (1997). O pH salivar foi mensurado com o auxílio de um medidor digital e a capacidade tampão com o kit Caritest® – SL. Resultados: O valor médio do fluxo salivar foi estatisticamente menor para os indivíduos portadores da SD e os valores médios de pH e capacidade tampão salivar não diferiram entre os grupos. Conclusão: Indivíduos com SD apresentaram alterações uantitativas e não qualitativas do fluido salivar...

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality in humans and is characterizedby the appearance of an extra chromosome, located at par 21. Objective: In this research we studiedthe flow rate, pH and buffering capacity of saliva in patients with Down syndrome. Materials and methods:60 unrelated individuals were selected matched by age and sex, living in Curitiba, Paraná, with 30 patientsdiagnosed with DS (experimental group) and 30 normoreactive individuals (control group). For biochemicalassessment, salivary samples were collected by Spitting method, recommended by Navazesh (1992) and thenthe analyses were carried out. Salivary flow was calculated using the formula of Banderas-Tarabay (1997).Salivary pH was measured with the aid of a digital meter and buffering capacity with the Caritest® – SL kit.Results: The mean salivary flow was statistically lower for patients with SD and the average values of pH andsalivary buffer capacity did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Individuals with SD showed no quantitativeand qualitative changes in salivary fluid...

Calcium, amylase, glucose, total protein concentrations, flow rate, pH and buffering capacity of saliva in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate qualitative and quantitative changes in the saliva of individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. METHODS: Salivary samples were collected from 50 individuals divided in two groups: Experimental Group - patients with fixed orthodontic appliances (n=25); and Control Group - subjects with no orthodontic appliances (n=25). Salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, amylase activity, concentrations of total proteins, calcium and glucose were measured in all salivary samples. RESULTS: There was a reduction in salivary pH and buffering capacity and an increase in the concentration of calcium ions in the experimental group (p<0.05); there was also an increase in glucose, amylase and protein concentrations in the saliva of the Experimental Group, but the differences were insignificant. There was insignificant correlation between calcium ion concentration and salivary flow or between buffering capacity and salivary flow. CONCLUSION: The saliva of individuals with fixed orthodontic appliances had lower pH, buffering capacity and calcium concentration than that of individuals without any type of orthodontic appliance. These oral changes are enough to cause tooth demineralization. Patients with orthodontic appliances should adopt additional oral hygiene procedures.

Utilization of a biochemical kit for detection of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the saliva of periodontal disease individuals

Introduction: Periodontal disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory process that occurs in response to infection from bacteria in dental plaque. PD affects and destroys the periodontal tissues causing teeth loss. It is also associated to systemic diseases. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver and released into the blood during the acute phase of inflammation. Therefore, CRP is very used as a marker for inflammation process. Studies on the presence of CRP in the saliva of the subjects with PD do not exist. Objective: The aim of this study was to test a biochemical kit for CRP detection in blood plasma to monitor CRP in saliva of PD subjects. Material and methods: Saliva was collected from 40 individuals, both sexes, from 20-45 years-old, divided into two groups: Test Group - PD subjects (TG; n = 20) and Control Group (CG n = 20), without PD. The following salivary parameters were analysed: buffer capacity (BC), salivary flow (SF), pH, urea, total proteins, and CRP. Results: pH, SF and BC values were considered normal in both groups. The urea concentration was higher in TG (27.4 mg/dl ± 10.03) than CG (22.9 mg/dl ± 8.3). However, the concentration of total proteins was higher in CG (201.2 ± 100 mg/dl) than TG (155.0 ± 95 mg/dl). CRP was detected in 11 PD subjects and in eight subjects without PD. Conclusion: There were no significant differences between the two groups in relation to SF, pH and BC. However, in PD subjects' saliva, urea values increased and total proteins decreased. The biochemical kit detected CRP in subjects' saliva of both groups.