Caracterização de lesões de mancha branca naturais / Characterization of natural white spot lesions

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar e comparar o esmalte sadio humano e lesões de mancha branca (ICDAS 2) em diferentes aspectos. Dezessete espécimes foram caracterizados por meio fluorescência com o Diagnodent®, Fluorescência quantitativa induzida pela luz (QLF®), quanto aspectos ópticos pela Tomografia de Coerência Óptica (OCT), propriedades mecânicas com a Microdureza seccional e avaliação do conteúdo inorgânico e orgânico com a Espectroscopia Raman. A ANOVA e teste de Tukey, foram utilizados com 5% como nível de significância. O Diagnodent® identificou 75% das superfícies como hígidas, 7% cárie em esmalte, 10% lesão até junção esmalte-dentina e 7% cárie em dentina. Para o QLF®, a perda de conteúdo mineral Q (%mm2) foi de 15,37%mm2 e a diferença de fluorescência (F) foi de 11,68%. O aparelho OCT captou uma média de profundidade de lesões de 174,43 m, e um coeficiente de atenuação sem diferença significante (p>0,005). A microdureza demonstrou uma diferença significante (p<0,005) quando comparados os fatores: camada superficial e corpo do esmalte (hígido e lesão), porém não existe diferença significante (p>0,005), quando comparados esses dois sítios dentro do mesmo substrato. O espectro Raman demonstrou as 4 bandas vibracionais do fosfato (v1, v2, v3, v4) com maior intensidade no esmalte hígido, sendo o maior pico em 960,3 cm-1(v1). Em 1071 cm-1, a intensidade foi maior para o esmalte hígido, correspondendo a banda do fosfato (v3) e não o carbonato tipo B. O conteúdo orgânico foi visto em 1295 cm-1 e em 1450 cm-1, com maior intensidade nas lesões. A variabilidade de características dos substratos estudados interferiu diretamente na caracterização destes pelos métodos propostos.

Study on the role of nano antibacterial materials in orthodontics (a review) / Estudo sobre o papel dos materiais nanoantibacterianos na ortodontia

Nanoparticles (NPs) are insoluble particles with a diameter of fewer than 100 nanometers. Two main methods have been utilized in orthodontic therapy to avoid microbial adherence or enamel demineralization. Certain NPs are included in orthodontic adhesives or acrylic resins (fluorohydroxyapatite, fluorapatite, hydroxyapatite, SiO2, TiO2, silver, nanofillers), and NPs (i.e., a thin layer of nitrogen-doped TiO2 on the bracket surfaces) are coated on the surfaces of orthodontic equipment. Although using NPs in orthodontics may open up modern facilities, prior research looked at antibacterial or physical characteristics for a limited period of time, ranging from one day to several weeks, and the limits of in vitro studies must be understood. The long-term effectiveness of nanotechnology-based orthodontic materials has not yet been conclusively confirmed and needs further study, as well as potential safety concerns (toxic effects) associated with NP size.

Nanopartículas (NPs) são partículas insolúveis com diâmetro inferior a 100 nanômetros. Dois métodos principais têm sido utilizados na terapia ortodôntica para evitar a aderência microbiana ou a desmineralização do esmalte: NPs são incluídas em adesivos ortodônticos ou resinas acrílicas (fluoro-hidroxiapatita, fluorapatita, hidroxiapatita, SiO2, TiO2, prata, nanopreenchimentos) e NPs são revestidas nas superfícies de equipamentos ortodônticos, ou seja, uma camada fina de TiO2 dopado com nitrogênio nas superfícies do braquete. Embora o uso de NPs em ortodontia possa tornar acessível modernos recursos, pesquisas anteriores analisaram as características antibacterianas ou físicas por um período limitado de tempo, variando de 24 horas a várias semanas, por isso devem ser compreendidos os limites dos estudos in vitro. A eficácia de longo prazo de materiais ortodônticos com base em nanotecnologia ainda não foi confirmada de forma conclusiva, o que exige mais estudos, bem como potenciais preocupações de segurança (efeitos tóxicos) associadas ao tamanho da NP.

Color and surface roughness alterations of bulk-fill resin composites submitted to simulated toothbrushing with whitening dentifrices

Aim: To evaluate the surface roughness and color stability of bulk-fill resin composites after simulated toothbrushing with whitening dentifrices. The radioactive/relative dentin abrasion (RDA) and radioactive/relative enamel abrasion (REA) of dentifrices were also assessed. Methods: Specimens (n=10) of Tetric N Ceram Bulk Fill (TNCB), Filtek One Bulk Fill (FOB) resin composites, and Z100(Control) were prepared using a cylindrical Teflon matrix. Surface roughness (Ra, µm) was assessed by a roughness meter and the color evaluations (ΔEab , ΔE00 , WID ) were performed using a digital spectrophotometer based on the CIELAB system. Three measurements were performed per sample, before and after simulated toothbrushing with 3D Oral-B White Perfection (3DW) and Black is White (BW) dentifrices. The abrasivity (REA and RDA values) of the used dentifrices was also determined by the Hefferren abrasivity test. Results: The Ra values increased significantly in all resin composites after 3DW and BW toothbrushing. The acceptable threshold color varied among resin composites, and TNCB and Z100 presented the highest ΔEab and ΔE00 for BW dentifrice. The 3DW dentifrice was significantly more abrasive than BW dentifrice on enamel and dentin. Conclusions: simulated toothbrushing with tested whitening dentifrices increased the surface roughness at acceptable levels. The Tetric N Ceram Bulk-fill and Z100 composite showed the highest color alteration in BW. 3D White Perfection dentifrice was more abrasive on dentin and enamel than Black is White.

Lesiones cervicales no cariosas: una revisión sistemática / Non carious cervical lesions: a systematic review

Introducción: las lesiones cervicales no cariosas (NCCL, por sus siglas en inglés) son un grupo de lesiones que afectan el área cervical del órgano dental causando hipersensibilidad dentinaria y defectos estéticos. Objetivo: analizar la literatura sobre las lesiones cervicales no cariosas, su etiología, consideraciones anatómicas, características morfológicas de la lesión y tratamientos no restaurativos. Material y métodos: se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos PubMed, utilizando las palabras clave: non-carious cervical lesions OR noncarious cervical lesions OR tooth wear OR tooth erosion OR dental abfraction OR abfraction, recopilando un total de 78 artículos. Resultados: es necesario determinar la etiología antes de seleccionar las estrategias de tratamiento para las lesiones cervicales no cariosas. Conocer los distintos tipos de tejidos que componen al órgano dentario facilita la comprensión de los factores que participan en el desarrollo de las lesiones cervicales no cariosas. Esto permite que el tratamiento se enfoque más en la causa del problema que en los síntomas. Con esto podemos modificar diversos factores de manera interceptiva, los tratamientos de terapia con láser y compuestos tópicos son una estrategia mínimamente invasiva. Conclusiones: la mejor manera de describir a las lesiones cervicales no cariosas sería como una enfermedad multifactorial. Se debe prestar especial atención en los métodos de diagnóstico, identificando cofactores que propicien el avance de la lesión, como son la fricción y la biocorrosión. Esta revisión brinda datos que asocian a los factores oclusales como una de las principales causas de una enfermedad que afecta a más de la mitad de la población adulta (AU)

Introduction: non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL) are a group of lesions that affect the cervical area of the dental organ causing dentin hypersensitivity and cosmetic defects. Objective: to know, through a systematic review, the current state of non-carious cervical lesions. Material and methods: a search was conducted in the PubMed database, using the keywords: non-carious cervical lesions OR noncarious cervical lesions OR tooth wear OR tooth erosion OR dental abfraction OR abfraction, compiling a total of 78 articles. Results: determining etiology is necessary before selecting treatment strategies for non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL). Know the different types of tissues that make up the dentary organ, facilitate the understanding of the factors involved in the development of noncarious al cervical lesions. This allows treatment to focus more on the cause of the problem than on symptoms. With this we can modify various factors in an interceptive way, laser therapy treatments and topical compounds, are a minimally invasive strategy. Conclusions: the best way to describe non-carious al cervical lesions would be as a multifactorial disease to which special attention should be paid to both diagnostic methods, identifying cofactors that promote the progression of injury, such as friction and biocorrosion. This review provides data that associates occlusal factors as one of the main causes of a disease that affects more than half of the adult population (AU)

Dentifrícios branqueadores contendo Blue covarine: revisão de literatura / Bleaching dentifrices containing "Blue covarine" literature review

Introdução: O efeito branqueador dos dentifrícios contendo Blue covarine é fundamentado no seu mecanismo de ação, caracterizado pela sua deposição na superfície dentária, alterando a percepção da cor. Objetivo: Revisar a literatura e buscar evidência científica sobre o efeito branqueador do Blue Covarine em tecidos mineralizados e materiais restauradores estéticos. Materiais e métodos: Para a revisão da literatura foram feitas buscas nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS, BBO, SciELO e MEDLINE para identificar estudos clínicos e laboratoriais que avaliassem a ação branqueadora do agente óptico Blue covarine. Como estratégia de busca foram utilizados os descritores "Blue covarine", "Blue covarine e pasta de dentes", "Blue covarine and toothpaste", "Blue covarine e dentifrícios", "Blue covarine and dentifrices", "Blue covarine e dentifrícios branqueadores", "Blue covarine and whitening dentifrices", "Blue covarine e dentifrícios clareadores", "Blue covarine and bleaching dentifrices", "Blue covarine e pasta de dentes branqueadoras", "Blue covarine and whitening toothpaste", "Blue covarine e pasta de dentes clareadoras", "Blue covarine and bleaching toothpaste". Resultados: Dois pesquisadores selecionaram e analisaram criticamente 31 artigos, sendo 2 revisões da literatura, 4 estudos clínicos e 25 estudos laboratoriais. Divergências quanto ao desenho de estudo, métodos, amostra, critérios clínicos e parâmetros laboratoriais foram observados, além de conflitos de interesse. Conclusão: O Blue Covarine presente nos dentifrícios branqueadores parece ser efetivo na promoção do branqueamento dentário apenas quando associado aos agentes abrasivos presentes nas formulações, evidenciando que ensaios clínicos e laboratoriais, com metodologias semelhantes, são necessários para se obter evidência científica conclusiva sobre o efeito deste agente branqueador.(AU)

Introduction: The whitening effect of dentifrices containing Blue Covarine is based on its mechanism of action, characterized by its deposition on the tooth surface, altering the perception of color. Objective: To review the literature and seek scientific evidence on the whitening effect of Blue Covarine on mineralized tissues and aesthetic restorative materials. Materials and methods: For the literature review, searches were carried out in the PubMed, LILACS, BBO, SciELO and MEDLINE databases, in order to identify clinical and laboratory studies that evaluated the whitening action of the optical agent Blue Covarine. As a search strategy, the descriptors "Blue Covarine", "Blue Covarine and toothpaste", "Blue Covarine and dentifrices", "Blue Covarine and whitening dentifrices", "Blue Covarine and bleaching dentifrices", "Blue Covarine and whitening toothpaste", "Blue Covarine and bleaching toothpaste". Results: Two researchers selected and critically analyzed 31 articles, including 2 literature reviews, 4 clinical studies and 25 laboratory studies. Differences in study design, methods, sample, clinical criteria and laboratory parameters were observed, in addition to conflicts of interest. Conclusion: Blue Covarine present in whitening dentifrices seems to be effective in promoting dental whitening only when associated with abrasive agents present in the formulations, showing that clinical and laboratory tests, with similar methodologies, are necessary to obtain conclusive scientific evidence on the effect of this bleaching agent.(AU)

Avaliação do potencial erosivo de bebidas ácidas / Evaluation of the erosive potential of acid drinks

Objetivo: o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, in vitro, o potencial erosivo para o esmalte dentário de bebidas ácidas, comumente ingeridas pela população e encontradas com frequência no comércio da grande Florianópolis, SC, Brasil. Método: a mensuração do potencial erosivo das bebidas foi realizada através da detecção do potencial hidrogeniônico (pH) e acidez titulável (AT). A amostra foi composta por refrigerantes à base de cola, Coca-Cola® e Pepsi®; isotônicos Gatorade®-morango e maracujá e Powerade®-mix de frutas; Chás industrializados Natural Tea®-limão e Chá Matte Leão®-natural; energéticos Red Bull® e Monster Energy®; sucos naturais de Laranja Pera e de Limão Taiti; água saborizada H2OH!®-sabor limão; e água mineral, para o grupo controle. O pH foi aferido com pHmetro digital (Sensoglass SP1800) e para a AT foi utilizado o método padronizado pelo Instituto Adolfo Lutz, todos os ensaios foram realizados em triplicata. Para a análise estatística descritiva, foram empregados teste t e a ANOVA. Resultados: os menores valores de pH foram encontrados para a bebida Coca-Cola® e suco de limão com 2,3. Para AT, as amostras que apresentaram os maiores valores foram os sucos naturais, com 35,1 para o suco de limão e 13,5 para o suco de laranja. Todas as bebidas analisadas possuem potencial erosivo ao esmalte dental, por apresentarem valores de pH menores que 5,5. Quanto as mensurações de AT, os sucos naturais apresentaram os maiores valores. Conclusão: todas as bebidas do estudo foram consideradas iminentemente erosivas à estrutura dental.(AU)

Objetivo: o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, in vitro, o potencial erosivo para o esmalte dentário de bebidas ácidas, comumente ingeridas pela população e encontradas com frequência no comércio da grande Florianópolis, SC, Brasil. Método: a mensuração do potencial erosivo das bebidas foi realizada através da detecção do potencial hidrogeniônico (pH) e acidez titulável (AT). A amostra foi composta por refrigerantes à base de cola, Coca-Cola® e Pepsi®; isotônicos Gatorade®-morango e maracujá e Powerade®-mix de frutas; Chás industrializados Natural Tea®-limão e Chá Matte Leão®-natural; energéticos Red Bull® e Monster Energy®; sucos naturais de Laranja Pera e de Limão Taiti; água saborizada H2OH!®-sabor limão; e água mineral, para o grupo controle. O pH foi aferido com pHmetro digital (Sensoglass SP1800) e para a AT foi utilizado o método padronizado pelo Instituto Adolfo Lutz, todos os ensaios foram realizados em triplicata. Para a análise estatística descritiva, foram empregados teste t e a ANOVA. Resultados: os menores valores de pH foram encontrados para a bebida Coca-Cola® e suco de limão com 2,3. Para AT, as amostras que apresentaram os maiores valores foram os sucos naturais, com 35,1 para o suco de limão e 13,5 para o suco de laranja. Todas as bebidas analisadas possuem potencial erosivo ao esmalte dental, por apresentarem valores de pH menores que 5,5. Quanto as mensurações de AT, os sucos naturais apresentaram os maiores valores. Conclusão: todas as bebidas do estudo foram consideradas iminentemente erosivas à estrutura dental.(AU)

Epigenetic regulation mechanism: roles in enamel formation and developmental defects of enamel / 中华口腔医学杂志

Enamel formation is a series of complex physiological processes, which are regulated by critical genes spatially and temporally. These processes involve multiple developmental stages covering ages and are prone to suffer signal interference or gene mutations, ultimately leading to developmental defects of enamel (DDE). Epigenetic modifications have important regulatory roles in gene expression during enarnel development. New technologies including high-throughput sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), and DNA methylation chip are emerging in recent years, making it possible to establish genome-wide epigenetic modification profiles during developmental processes. The regulatory role of epigenetic modification with spatio-temporal pattern, such as DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNA, has significantly expanded our understanding of the regulatory network of enamel formation, providing a new theoretical basis of clinical management and intervention strategy for DDE. The present review briefly describes the enamel formation process of human beings' teeth as well as rodent incisors and summarizes the dynamic characteristics of epigenetic modification during enamel formation. The functions of epigenetic modification in enamel formation and DDE are also emphatically discussed.

Effects of prenatal nicotine exposure on enamel formation of offspring mice / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the effects of nicotine on the morphology, structure of offspring's dental germ, enamel organ and other dental tissues and the further potential epigenetic mechanisms by establishing prenatal nicotine exposure mouse model. Methods: Ten C57BL/6 pregnant mice were randomly divided into control group (physiological saline subcutaneous injection) and prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) group (nicotine subcutaneous injection) by using a random number table. Postnatal day 0 (P0), postnatal day 14 (P14) and postnatal day 25 (P25) offspring mice were collected for subsequent experiments. The offspring mice were divided into offspring control group and offspring PNE group according to the maternal group respectively. Weights of P0 and P25 offspring mice were recorded. Micro-CT, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Vickers hardness test were performed to analyze the related parameters of hard tissues including alveolar bones and mandibular incisors. Total RNAs were extracted from mandible tissues and the third generation of dental epithelial stem cells (DESC) in P25 mice. The relative expression levels of osteogenic and ameloblastic differentiation related genes were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Immunohistochemical stainings of paraffin sections were then performed to observe the distribution and expression level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Pcna), amelogenin (Amelx), histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were used to detect the cell viabilities of DESCs after administrations of different concentrations of nicotine (0.01, 0.1, 1 mmol/L) and GSK126 (an inhibitor of histone methyltransferase Ezh2). Results: Compared with the control group, pregnant mice in PNE group were more likely to have adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as significantly lower offspring body weight [P0: offspring control (1.20±0.04) g, offspring PNE (0.99±0.02) g, P<0.001; P25: offspring control (15.26±1.70) g, offspring PNE (9.65±1.32) g, P<0.001] and increased stillbirths rate [offspring control (0), offspring PNE (46.40±9.30) %, P<0.001]. At P14 and P25, the distance parameters between the enamel mineralized deposits of mandibular incisors and the mesial surface of the first molar in offspring PNE group [P14: (-1 349±45) μm; P25: (-1 192±147) μm] was significantly decreased compared with the control group [P14: (-506±380) μm, P25: (504±198) μm] (P<0.05, P<0.001). The enamel column and enamel column stroma of incisors in offspring PNE group were blurred, arranged loosely and disorderly than those in the control group, while the microhardness of incisor enamel in offspring PNE group [(245.7±18.4) MPa] was significantly lower compared to the control group [(371.9±28.7) MPa] (P<0.001). HE staining showed disordered pre-ameloblast (Pre-Am) arrangement and delayed mineralization deposition point in offspring PNE group compared with the control group, while the length of transit-amplifying cell (TA) and Pre-Am region were prolonged as well. Immunohistochemical staining results displayed that the overall Pcna (P<0.05), H3K27me3 (P<0.01), Ezh2 (P<0.01) expression of labial cervical loop (LaCL) in PNE group were increased, while the positive signal of Amelx in ameloblast cytoplasm was impaired. In vitro, the addition of 1 mmol/L nicotine could significantly upregulate the expression level of Pcna (P<0.01) and downregulate the expression levels of B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 (P<0.05), leucine rich repeats and immunoglobulin like domains 1 (P<0.05), Amelx (P<0.01). In addition, 1 mmol/L nicotine could also significantly enhance the proliferation activity of DESCs (P<0.001). Addition of 10 μmol/L GSK126, could rescue the proliferation activation effect of 1 mmol/L nicotine on DESCs. Conclusions: PNE may delay the process of enamel formation and lineage differentiation, leading to the abnormal proliferation of DESCs and changes of epigenetic modification state in H3K27me3, which affect the development of enamel in offspring mice,suggesting PNE might be one of risk environmental factor for tooth development.

Effects of circadian rhythm on the development of dental hard tissues / 中华口腔医学杂志

Circadian rhythm is regulated by circadian clock, which is formed by the body response to external cyclic stimuli through the endogenous circadian clock. Circadian rhythm disturbance is closely related to the risks of a variety of diseases, and its impact on oral health cannot be ignored. Exploring the relationship and related molecular mechanism between circadian rhythm and dental hard tissues development are helpful to deeply understand the pathogenesis of developmental defects on these tissues, which could provide a theoretical basis for prevention and treatment on disorders of dental hard tissues. In order to provide guidance for the disease prevention and treatment, based on the summarization of current research progress, this paper focuses on the involvement of biorhythm in the development of tooth hard tissues as well as the disturbance of circadian rhythm on the formation of enamel and dentin, and analyzes the related regulating mechanism of circadian rhythm and genes during the development of tooth hard tissues.

Efeito de doses terapêuticas de radioterapia sobre a morfologia, composição química e microdureza do esmalte e da dentina de dentes permanentes / Effect of therapeutic doses of radiotherapy on the morphology, chemical composition, and microhardness of enamel and dentin of permanent teeth

Introdução: Padrões atípicos de cárie dentária em pacientes submetidos a radioterapia para o tratamento do câncer de cabeça e pescoço podem estar associados aos efeitos da radiação sobre as glândulas salivares e tecidos dentários duros. Somados, podem contribuir para a cárie relacionada a radiação. Embora haja evidências sobre alterações sofridas pelos tecidos dentários duros após radioterapia, não há consenso na literatura sobre a gravidade destas alterações. Objetivo: avaliar a microestrutura, composição química e microdureza do esmalte e da dentina de dentes permanentes submetidos a doses terapêuticas de radioterapia in vitro. Material e métodos: estudo experimental, qualitativo, quantitativo e semiquantitativo. Foram obtidos fragmentos coronários de 24 terceiros molares. Constituiuse 2 grupos: NIR (controle): formado por fragmentos de dentes não irradiados e IVT (irradiado): formado por fragmentos de dentes irradiados in vitro (2 Gy/dia 5 vezes por semana, totalizando 70 Gy). Os fragmentos foram submetidos a análise da microdureza (n=24), Espectroscopia de Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (FTIR) (n=24), análise morfológica através de Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) (n=19) e análise de elementos químicos por Espectroscopia de Dispersão de Energia de Raio X (EDX) (n=19). As análises foram feitas antes e após a irradiação. Os dados foram testados para distribuição normal (teste de Shapiro-Wilk, α = 0,05) e igualdade de variâncias (teste de Levene, α = 0,05), seguido de testes estatísticos paramétricos. Para a comparação das variáveis quantitativas foi aplicado o teste T de Student. Um valor de p <0,05 (5%) foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: em relação as propriedades mecânicas observamos redução significativa da microdureza do esmalte e dentina após irradiação (p<0,001). A análise da composição química por FTIR mostrou que no esmalte não houve alteração da razão matriz/mineral (M:M) no grupo irradiado (p<0,821), mas houve redução significativa do teor relativo de carbonato (RCC) após irradiação (p<0,039). Na dentina observamos redução significativa da razão matriz/mineral (M:M) e carbonato/mineral (C:M) no grupo irradiado (p<0,001), enquanto a razão amida I/amida III, não sofreu alteração significativa após irradiação (p<0,536). Na análise de EDX realizadas no esmalte, não observamos variação no conteúdo de cálcio e fósforo após radiação, mas a razão Ca/P mostrou-se significantemente mais elevada no grupo irradiado (p<0,001). Na dentina, não houve alteração do teor de cálcio e fósforo, assim como da razão Ca/P após irradiação (p<0,267). A análise morfológica através de MEV pós irradiação, mostrou que no esmalte a maioria das amostras apresentaram uma alteração das características microestruturais com a presença de microporosidades, perda de padrões regulares das áreas prismáticas e interprismáticas e presença de áreas amorfas. Na dentina observamos manutenção do padrão de dentina peritubular e intertubular, com a presença de túbulos dentinários desobliterados e com a rede de fibras colágenas mais evidente grupo irradiado. Conclusão: as doses terapêuticas de radioterapia provocaram redução da microdureza, alterações na microestrutura e composição química do esmalte e da dentina. Assim, inferimos que doses terapêuticas de radiação exercem um impacto negativo sobre as propriedades mecânicas, químicas e micro-morfológicas dos tecidos dentários duros aumentando a vulnerabilidade destes tecidos à cárie relacionada a radiação.

INTRODUCTION: Atypical patterns of dental caries in patients undergoing radiotherapy to treat head and neck cancer may be associated with the effects of radiation on salivary glands and dental hard tissues. Together, they can contribute to radiation-related caries. Although there is evidence of changes in hard dental tissues after radiotherapy, there is no agreement in the literature on the severity of these changes. PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the microstructure, chemical composition, and microhardness of enamel and dentin in permanent teeth subject to therapeutic doses of in vitro radiotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an experimental, qualitative, quantitative, and semi-quantitative study. Coronary fragments were obtained from 24 third molars. Two groups were created: NIR (control), including fragments of non-irradiated teeth, and IVT (irradiated), including fragments of in vitro irradiated teeth (2Gy/day five times a week, totaling 70Gy). The fragments underwent microhardness analysis (n =24), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) (n=24), morphological analysis by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) (n=19), and analysis of chemical elements by Energy-dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX) (n=19). The analyses were performed before and after irradiation. Data were tested for normal distribution (ShapiroWilk test, α = 0.05) and equality of variances (Levene test, α = 0.05), followed by parametric statistical tests. The Student's T test was applied to compare the quantitative variables. A pvalue < 0.05 (5%) was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Concerning the mechanical properties, we observed a significant reduction in enamel and dentin microhardness after irradiation (p<0.001). The analysis of the chemical composition by FTIR showed no change in the mineral/matrix ratio (M:M) in enamel in the irradiated group (p<0.821), but there was a significant reduction in the relative carbonate content (RCC) after irradiation (p<0.039). In dentin, we observed a significant reduction in the mineral/matrix ratio (M:M) and carbonate/mineral ratio (C:M) in the irradiated group (p<0.001). In contrast, the amide I/amide III ratio showed no significant change after irradiation (p<0.536). In the EDX analysis performed on enamel, we did not observe any calcium and phosphorus content variation after radiation. However, the Ca/P ratio was significantly higher in the irradiated group (p<0.001). In dentin, there was no change either in calcium and phosphorus contents or in the Ca/P ratio after irradiation (p<0.267). The morphological analysis through SEM after irradiation showed that there is a loss in the characteristics of the enamel surface of most fragments, with the presence of microporosities, loss of regular patterns of the prismatic and interprismatic areas, and the presence of amorphous areas. In dentin, we observed maintenance of the peritubular and intertubular dentin patterns, with the presence of unobliterated dentinal tubules and with the most evident network of collagen fibers in the irradiated group. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic doses of radiotherapy caused a reduction in microhardness and changes in the microstructure and chemical composition of enamel and dentin. Thus, we conclude that therapeutic doses of radiation have a negative impact on the mechanical, chemical, and micromorphological properties of hard dental tissues, increasing the vulnerability of these tissues to radiation-related caries

Influência do tipo de agente espessante e da suplementação de cálcio e fósforo no efeito desmineralizante de géis clareadores a base de peróxido de hidrogênio / Influence of the type of thickening agent and supplementation of calcium and phosphate on the demineralizing effect of bleaching gels based on hydrogen peroxide

O estudo avaliou o efeito da adição de cálcio (Ca) e fósforo (P), em quantidade correspondente ao ponto de saturação (PS) e ao coeficiente de solubilidade (CS), a géis clareadores contendo diferentes agentes espessantes na desmineralização do esmalte dentário. Foram manipulados géis clareadores contendo peróxido de hidrogênio (PH) a 35% e utilizados os espessantes carbopol 980 (CB); aerosil 200 (SP); poloxamer 407 (PX); goma guar (GG) e hidroxietilcelulose (HEC). Foram realizadas leituras iniciais da microdureza Knoop do esmalte empregando um microdurômetro, da rugosidade superficial em um perfilômetro de contato e da cor utilizando espectrofotômetro colorimétrico de reflectância. Os espécimes foram divididos em 5 grupos experimentais de acordo com o tipo de espessante. Cada grupo foi dividido em três subgrupos (n=20), de acordo com a suplementação mineral (0- nenhuma suplementação; PS ­ adição de Ca e P de acordo com o PS calculado para aquele espessante; CS ­ adição da quantidade máxima de Ca e P de acordo com o CS). Além disso, três grupos controles (n=20) foram preparados, sendo eles: CN (controle negativo ­água ultrapura); CP (controle positivo ­ PH a 35% sem a adição de qualquer mineral); CC (controle positivo comercial - gel comercial Whiteness HP). Sobre cada espécime foram aplicados 0,050 g dos respectivos géis clareadores, durante 45 min. Os dados dos grupos experimentais foram analisados estatisticamente com ANOVA a 2 fatores (TIPO DE ESPESSANTE x ADIÇÃO DE SAIS DE CA E P) e teste de Tukey. A comparação com os grupos controle foi realizada com o teste de Dunnett ( = 5%). Para todas as mensurações realizadas, a ANOVA mostrou diferenças significativas para os dois fatores (p<0,05). Para a alteração da microdureza, os resultados do teste de Tukey foram: TIPO DE ESPESSANTE (p=0,0001): HEC ­ 15,40(6,97)a, GG - 10,31(5,78)b, CB - 7,49(2,87)c, PX - 4,60(4,96)d, SP - 0,57(2,43)e; ADIÇÃO (p=0,0001): 0 - 12,34(7,22)a, S -10,31(5,76)b, CS -7,49(6,09)c. Para a alteração da rugosidade (p=0,0001), os resultados foram: TIPO DE ESPESSANTE (p=0,0001): SP - 5,19(23,36), GG - 9,70(17,75)ab, PX - 15,95(20,79)b, HEC - 53,58(71,82)c, CB - 55,49(63,69)c; ADIÇÃO (p=0,0001): 0 - 79,62(58,70)a, S - 3,23(12,08)a, CS - 1,09(9,44)b. Para a mudança de cor (ΔE), os resultados foram: TIPO DE ESPESSANTE (p=0,0001): SP - 5,40(2,92)a, GG - 3,13(1,83)a, PX - 3,18(2,57)ab, HEC - 3,82(2,05)bc, CB - 4,79(3,26)c. ADIÇÃO (p=0,2853): 0 - 4,37(2,60)a, S - 4,04(3,07)a, CS - 3,79(2,42)a. Os resultados para o teste de Dunnett para a microdureza: os grupos SP, SP-S e SP-CS não demonstraram diferenças com o grupo CN, e apenas os grupos GG e HEC-S não demostraram diferenças com o grupo CP e o grupo HEC-S para o CPC. Para a rugosidade, os grupos CB-CS, SP, PX-S, PX-CS, GG-S e GG-CS não demonstraram diferenças em relação ao grupo CN e todos os grupos apresentaram diferenças significativas para os grupos CP e CPC. Mediante os resultados desse estudo, podemos concluir que: A adição de cálcio e/ou fósforo em quantidades correspondente ao PS ou ao CS apenas do grupo SP impediu a queda da dureza e o aumento da rugosidade. Os demais grupos apresentaram alterações, porém sem afetar o tratamento clareador. (AU)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of adding calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), in amounts corresponding to the saturation concentration (SC) and the solubility limit (SL), to bleaching gels containing different thickening agents on the demineralization of tooth enamel. Bleaching gels containing 35% hydrogen peroxide (PH) were manipulated and the thickeners were used: carbopol 980 (CB); aerosil 200 (SP); poloxamer 407 (PX); guar gum (GG) and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC). The baseline readings of Knoop microhardness of the enamel using a microhardness, surface roughness using a contact profilometer and color using a colorimetric reflectance spectrophotometer were taken. The specimens were divided into 5 experimental groups according to the type of thickener. Each group was divided into three subgroups (n=20), according to mineral supplementation (0 - no supplementation; SC - addition of Ca and P according to the SC calculated for that thickener; SL - addition of the maximum amount of Ca and P according to SL). In addition, three control groups (n=20) were prepared, namely: NC (negative control ­ ultra pure water); PC (positive control ­ 35% pH without the addition of any mineral); CC (commercial positive control - commercial Whiteness HP gel). Were applied 0.050 g of the respective bleaching gels to each specimen for 45 min. The microhardness and surface roughness of the samples were measured immediately after bleaching. All samples were then immersed in artificial saliva for 7 days and the final color evaluated. Data from the experimental groups were statistically analyzed with 2-way ANOVA (THICKENER TYPE x MINERAL SUPPLEMENTATION) and Tukey test. Comparison with control groups was performed using Dunnett's test ( = 5%). For all measurements performed, ANOVA showed significant differences for the two factors (p<0.05). For microhardness change, the Tukey test results were: THICKENER TYPE (p=0.0001): HEC - 15.40(6.97)a, GG - 10.31(5.78)b, CB - 7.49(2.87)c, PX - 4 .60(4.96)d, SP - 0.57(2.43)e; ADDITION (p=0.0001): 0 - 12.34(7.22)a, SC -10.31(5.76)b, SL -7.49(6.09)c. For roughness change (p=0.0001), the results were: TYPE OF THICKENER (p=0.0001): SP - 5.19(23.36), GG - 9.70(17.75)ab, PX - 15.95(20.79)b, HEC - 53.58(71.82)c, CB - 55.49(63.69)c; ADDITION (p=0.0001): 0 - 79.62(58.70)a, SC - 3.23(12.08)a, SL - 1.09(9.44)b. For the color change (ΔE), the results were: TYPE OF THICKENER (p=0.0001): SP - 5.40(2.92)a, GG - 3.13(1.83)a, PX - 3.18(2.57)ab, HEC - 3.82(2.05)bc, CB - 4.79(3.26)c. ADDITION (p=0.2853): 0 - 4.37(2.60)a, SC - 4.04(3.07)a, SL - 3.79(2.42)a. The results for the Dunnett test for microhardness were: the SP, SP-S and SP-CS groups did not show differences with the CN group, and only the GG and HEC-S groups did not show differences with the CP group and the HEC-S for the CPC. For roughness, the CB-CS, SP, PX-S, PX-CS, GG-S and GG-CS groups did not show differences in relation to the CN group and all groups showed significant differences for the CP and CPC groups. By the results of this study, we can conclude that: The addition of calcium and/or phosphorus in amounts corresponding to the SC or to the SL of the aerosil group only prevented the drop in hardness and the increase in roughness. (AU)

Restauraciones indirectas para el manejo de la Hipomineralización de Molares e Incisivos: un abordaje conservador / Restaurações indiretas para o tratamento da hipomineralização de molares e incisivos: uma abordagem conservadora / Indirect restorations for the management of hypomineralization of molars and incisors: a conservative approach

Introducción: Técnicas adhesivas contemporáneas permiten la rehabilitación conservadora y estética de dientes afectados por caries dental, trauma dentoalveolar y defectos del desarrollo del esmalte. Para el tratamiento restaurador de la hipomineralización de molares e incisivos (HMI) se ha recomendado el uso de restauraciones indirectas. Reporte de caso: Paciente sintomático de sexo femenino, 8 años, portadora de HMI severa y comportamiento levemente negativo. Los dientes 16, 36 y 46 presentaban opacidades demarcadas asociadas a dolor provocado. El tratamiento se enfocó en educar a la familia con respecto a la HMI, orientar el comportamiento, controlar la sintomatología y restaurar la función y estética de los dientes afectados por la HMI. Debido a la extensión, severidad y localización de los defectos en los dientes 16, 36 y 46, se optó por realizar restauraciones indirectas con resina compuesta. Luego de 12 meses la paciente presentaba comportamiento definitivamente positivo, no relataba sintomatología dolorosa, las restauraciones estaban sin cambio de color, bien adaptadas, con buena salud gingival y con adecuada anatomía oclusal, lisas y sin signos de lesiones de caries dental. Conclusión: En este caso de HMI severa, la restauración con resina indirecta fue una estrategia estética, conservadora, viable y efectiva durante un periodo de seguimiento de 12 meses.

Introdução: As técnicas adesivas atuais permitem a reabilitação conservadora e estética de dentes acometidos por cáries, traumas dentoalveolares e defeitos de desenvolvimento do esmalte. Para o tratamento restaurador da hipomineralização de molares e incisivos (HMI), o uso de restaurações indiretas tem sido recomendado. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, sintomática, 8 anos, com HMI severa e comportamento levemente negativo. Os dentes 16, 36 e 46 apresentaram opacidades acentuadas associadas à dor provocada. O tratamento teve como foco a educação da família sobre a HMI, orientando o comportamento, controlando os sintomas e restaurando a função e a estética dos dentes afetados pela HMI. Devido à extensão, severidade e localização dos defeitos nos dentes 16, 36 e 46, optou-se pela realização de restaurações indiretas com resina composta. Após 12 meses, a paciente apresentou um comportamento definitivamente positivo, não relatou sintomatologia dolorosa, as restaurações estavam sem alteração de cor, bem adaptadas, com boa saúde gengival e anatomia oclusal adequada, lisas e sem sinais de lesões de cárie. Conclusão: Neste caso de MHI severa, a restauração indireta em resina foi uma estratégia estética, conservadora, viável e eficaz com um período de acompanhamento de 12 meses.

Introduction: Contemporary adhesive techniques allow the conservative and aesthetic rehabilitation of teeth affected by dental caries, dentoalveolar trauma, and enamel development defects. For the restorative treatment of hypomineralization of molars and incisors (HMI), indirect restorations have been recommended. Case report: Symptomatic female patient, 8 years old, with severe HMI and slightly negative behavior. Teeth 16, 36, and 46 presented marked opacities associated with provoked pain. The treatment focused on educating the family regarding the HMI, guiding behavior, controlling the symptoms, and restoring the function and aesthetics of the teeth affected by the HMI. Due to the extension, severity, and location of the defects in teeth 16, 36, and 46, it was decided to perform indirect restorations with composite resin. After 12 months, the patient presented definitively positive behavior, and did not report painful symptoms, the restorations were without color change, well adapted, with good gingival health and adequate occlusal anatomy, smooth and without signs of dental caries lesions. Conclusion: In this case of severe MHI, indirect resin restoration was an esthetic, conservative, viable, and effective strategy during a 12-month follow-up period

Dimensions of Occlusoproximal Cavitated Carious Lesions as a Cut-Off Point for Restorative Decision in Primary Teeth

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate whether the dimensions of cavitated dentin carious lesions on the occlusoproximal surfaces of primary teeth could predict the location of cement-enamel junction (CEJ). Material and Methods: Two hundred extracted primary molars were selected and digital images were obtained. The teeth were set in arch models for clinical measurement. The cervical-occlusal (CO) and buccal-lingual/palatal (BL/P) cavities' dimensions were obtained by digital (Image J) and clinical (periodontal millimeter probe) assessments. The cervical margin location was also determined. The thresholds (cut-off points) were determined by sensitivity, specificity and the areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (Az) for the two methods. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to investigate the correlation between clinical and digital measurements. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the dimensions and cervical margin location. Results: There was a strong correlation between methods for all measurements (CO: r=0.90, VL/P: r=0.95). Cavities with BL/P distance higher than 4.5 mm and CO dimension higher than 3.5 mm had a lower chance of presenting the cervical limit above the CEJ, irrespective of the measurement method. Conclusion: CO and VL/P dimensions could be used to predict the CEJ location and, ultimately, as a clinical parameter for restorative decision-making.

Efeito de dentifrícios com alta concentração de flúor na remineralização de substrato dentário com cárie artificial / Effect of toothpaste with high fluoride concentration on remineralization of dental substrate with artificial caries

Introduction: fluoride toothpaste is widely used by the population. Objective: dentifrices with a high concentration of sodium fluoride and the presence of tricalcium phosphate were developed, providing additional protection to patients vulnerable to the development of caries. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different dentifrices on the surface and internal hardness and enamel wear after artificial caries, pH cycling, and toothbrushing. Material and method: enamel blocks (4x4 mm) were obtained from 20 bovine teeth. The specimens were submitted to artificial caries lesion and then to pH cycling and brushing according to the dentifrice: Colgate Total 12 and Clinpro + Tricalcium Phosphate. Result: after this period, they were submitted to analysis of superficial and internal hardness and profilometry. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed. The data obtained were evaluated by one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the mineral recovery and profilometry, and two-way repeated measures ANOVA to evaluate the superficial and internal hardness. Conclusion: analyzing the surface hardness, after caries induction, there was a significant reduction in hardness that was partially recovered regardless of the dentifrice used. For internal hardness, Clinpro obtained lower values on the control side and up to 90 micrometers on the test side. As for profilometry, Colgate Total 12 showed greater wear when compared to Clinpro. It was concluded that Clinpro promoted lower internal hardness, however, Colgate Total 12 resulted in greater surface wear of tooth enamel.

Introdução: dentifrícios fluoretados são amplamente utilizados pela população. Foram desenvolvidos dentifrícios com alta concentração de fluoreto de sódio e presença de tricálcio fosfato, fornecendo proteção adicional a pacientes vulneráveis ao desenvolvimento da cárie. Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes dentifrícios na dureza superficial, interna e desgaste do esmalte após cárie artificial, ciclagem de pH e escovação. Material e método: blocos de esmalte (4x4 mm) foram obtidos a partir de 20 dentes bovinos. Os espécimes foram submetidos à lesão de cárie artificial e, em seguida, à ciclagem de pH e escovação de acordo com o dentifrício: Colgate Total 12 e Clinpro + Tricálcio Fosfato. Após este período, foram submetidos à análise de dureza superficial e interna e perfilometria. Foi realizada microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Resultado: os dados obtidos foram avaliados por ANOVA um critério para avaliar a recuperação mineral e perfilometria, ANOVA dois critérios medidas repetidas para avaliar a dureza superficial e interna. Conclusão: analisando a dureza superficial, após a indução da cárie houve uma redução significativa na dureza que foi parcialmente recuperada independente do dentifrício utilizado. Para dureza interna, Clinpro obteve valores menores no lado controle e até 90 micrômetros no lado teste. Quanto à perfilometria, o Colgate Total 12 apresentou maior desgaste quando comparado ao Clinpro. Concluiu-se que Clinpro promoveu menor dureza interna, porém, o Colgate Total 12 resultou em maior desgaste superficial do esmalte dentário.

Effects of black tea tooth staining previously to 35% hydrogen peroxide bleaching

Aim: To determine if the artificial staining with black tea (BT) influences the enamel microhardness before in-office bleaching and if BT staining is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide Methods: Enamel/dentin blocks were randomized into groups according to the staining protocol (n=5/group): (CO) control ­ maintained in artificial saliva solution (AS); (BT4) immersed in black tea solution for 4 h; (BT24) immersed in black tea solution for 24 h. After the staining protocols, all specimens were kept in AS for one week, followed by bleaching (three sessions of HP application for 40 min). Knoop surface microhardness (kgF/mm2) was determined at baseline (T0), after staining (T1), after 7 days of storage in AS (T2), and after bleaching (T3). The color (∆E00) and coordinate changes (∆L, ∆a, ∆b) were measured using a digital spectrophotometer at T0 and T3. Data were submitted to one-way (∆E00, ∆L, ∆a, ∆b) or two-way ANOVA repeated measures (kgF/mm2) and Tukey's test (a=5%). Results: The staining protocols (BT4 and BT24) promoted significantly lower microhardness (T1 and T2, p<0.05) than CO, whereas CO was the only group to maintain microhardness values over time. Bleaching promoted perceptible ∆E00 without a significant difference among the groups regardless of the staining protocol (p=0.122). CO and BT4 showed no differences in terms of ∆L and ∆a (p>0.05), but BT4 displayed a higher ∆b than CO. Conclusion:The artificial staining with BT negatively affected the enamel surface microhardness and was not essential to evaluate the efficacy of 35% hydrogen peroxide bleaching

Prevalence and influence of dental development anomalies in smile esthetics: a cross-sectional analysis

Aim: To determine the prevalence of dental development anomalies and type of influence on the smile of adolescent students. Method: This was a cross-sectional and analytical study carried out in two public (A1) and two private (A2) schools chosen by lot in the city of Parnaíba-Piauí. The sample calculation was based on the target population: number of people enrolled in public and private schools between 15 and 19 years, in the city of Parnaíba-PI, which totaled 6209 students in 2020, according to a survey carried out by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics ­ IBGE. A questionnaire on epidemiological data and aesthetic self-perception of the smile was applied to 160 adolescents between 15 and 19 years old, from August 2020 to July 2021. The clinical examination was carried out under natural light, to check for the presence of anomaly(s) in the dental development. Students who presented only one pathology would be called group 1 (G1), those who presented two would be called group 2 (G2) and those who presented 3 or more would be called group 3 (G3). On the other hand, adolescents in whom no anomaly was evidenced would participate in the control group (CG), both in A1 and A2. Results: It was observed that 37.5% of the sample had only a type of dental anomaly, corresponding to 60 individuals. The most prevalent were enamel hypoplasia, fusion, transposition, agenesis, ectopic eruption, microdent and dens-in-dent. It was possible to verify a higher prevalence in the maxilla, private schools (76.6%) and females (86.6%). In 45% of adolescents with dental anomalies, embarrassment was observed when smiling. Conclusion: The prevalence was relatively high, highlighting the enamel hypoplasia, influencing the smile esthetics of a reasonable number of adolescents, whether for acquaintances, strangers or even for photographs

Knowledge of Dentists about Hypomineralization Enamel Defects: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate a group of Brazilian dentists on their knowledge of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) and Hypomineralized Second Primary Molars (HSPM) related to clinical aspects, consequences, and diagnostic criteria. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional, the participants were invited by e-mail and Whatsapp® to answer a questionnaire about their knowledge of hypomineralization enamel defects (MIH/HSPM) on the Google Forms® platform. The questionnaire comprised eight questions about personal data and multiple-choice questions about their knowledge concerning clinical aspects, diagnostic criteria of MIH/HSPM and differential diagnosis through clinical images. Chi-square test was applied with the significance level set at 5%. Results: Most participants (n = 492; 91.1%) reported having knowledge about MIH/HSPM. The general dentists gave more incorrect answers (n = 40; 65.6 %;) about dental tissues affected by MIH/HSPM. Overall, 83.3% of the dentists gave the correct answer to which dentitions are associated with this condition. In addition, most dentists presented knowledge about the consequences related to possible fractures (n= 487; 90.2%) and about an increased risk of caries (n= 479; 88.9%) in the affected teeth. Regarding the differential diagnosis performed through clinical images, most participants gave incorrect answers (p≤0.001). Conclusion: The participants presented knowledge about the dentition associated with this condition and possible consequences related to the teeth affected by MIH/HSPM; however, they showed difficulties concerning clinical diagnostic criteria.

Mineral Density Distribution Differences in Enamel and Dentin Tissues in the Teeth Array According to the HU Scale

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the mineral density of enamel and dentin tissues of healthy individuals using threedimensional cone-beam computed tomography. Material and Methods: CBCT images of 15 healthy individuals, previously obtained for various reasons, were used in this study. In HU measurements, mineral density measurements were made from three different regions of enamel and three different regions of dentin, and the values obtained were compared. Enamel and dentin mineralization density measurements were measured from six regions, namely the crown cutting edge, buccal middle and cervical region for enamel, and the crown cutting edge, cervical region and root apex for dentin. In the comparisons of groups, the parametric One-Way ANOVA variance analysis method was applied. In the paired comparisons between the groups, the Tukey HSD test was applied as the multiple comparison post hoc test. A value of p<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: Mineralization density of tooth enamel and dentin tissues was quantitatively different in the maxilla and mandible in anterior and posterior teeth. Conclusion: In all the teeth, there were statistically significant decreases in the mineral density values of enamel and dentin tissue from occlusal towards the cemento-enamel junction. Statistically significant decreases were observed in the mineral density values of enamel and dentin tissue from the anterior region towards the posterior region in the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.

Oral Healthcare Services Delivered During COVID-19 Lockdown: A Report from Eastern Mediterranean Region

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe oral healthcare services administered during the lockdown in the Eastern Mediterranean region and to investigate the role of socio-professional characteristics of dental practitioners or their self-reported COVID-19 infection. Material and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to dental practitioners in all healthcare sectors in Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Results: There was a total of 335 participants, with the majority being females (N=225, 67.2%) and general practitioners (N=202, 60.3%). Cellulitis was the most common emergency encountered (N=108). The most common urgent procedures were for pulpitis, abscesses, and pericoronitis (N=191, 130, and 95, respectively). Country-specific significant associations were pulpitis in Egypt and Jordan, broken symptomatic teeth in Jordan, and biopsy in Egypt (p<0.05). The Ministry of Health was significantly associated with the management of dental infections, avulsion, and orthodontic emergencies, while university hospitals were significantly associated with advanced restorative procedures (p<0.05). Male practitioners performed significantly more procedures, particularly surgical emergencies (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dental infections were the most common complaints among dental patients during lockdown. Countryand sector-specific dental procedures are detected. Male gender seems to play a determinant role in performing a higher number of procedures, particularly for surgical emergencies (AU).

Effect of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, a protease inhibitor, on enamel surface remineralization

Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) is a protease inhibitor widely used in research, but fluoride is released during its action and this knowledge has been neglected in dental research. Aim: to evaluate if fluoride released by salivary protease action on PMSF affects enamel remineralization and fluoride uptake. Methods: Groups of 10 enamel slabs, with caries-like lesions and known surface hardness (SH), were subjected to one of the following treatment groups: Stimulated human saliva (SHS), negative control; SHS containing 1.0 µg F/mL (NaF), positive control; and SHS containing 10, 50 or 100 µM PMSF. The slabs were subjected to a pH-cycling regimen consisting of 22 h/day in each treatment solution and 2 h/day in a demineralizing solution. After 12 days, SH was again measured to calculate the percentage of surface hardness recovery (%SHR), followed by enamel fluoride uptake determination. The time-related fluoride release from 100.0 µM PMSF by SHS action was also determined. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Newman-Keuls test. Results: The release of fluoride from PMSF by SHS was rapid, reaching a maximum value after 10 min. Fluoride released from PMSF was more effective in enhancing %SHR and increasing fluoride uptake in enamel compared with SHS alone (p < 0.05); furthermore, it was equivalent to the positive control (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, fluoride released by saliva from PMSF is available to react with enamel and needs to be taken into account in research using this protease inhibitor