Determinantes sociais de saúde de crianças em consulta de puericultura: das condições socioeconômicas aos aspectos relacionados à saúde bucal / Social determinants of health of children in child care consultation: from socioeconomic conditions to aspects related to oral health / Determinantes sociales de la salud de los niños en la consulta infantil: de las condiciones socioeconómicas a los aspectos relacionados con la salud bucal

A imaturidade do sistema imunológico, associado a Determinantes Sociais de Saúde (DSS), promove doenças na infância. Especificamente, na cavidade oral, os DSS, representados pelo consumo elevado de açúcar, limitado acesso aos serviços de saúde e deficiência na higiene bucal, favorecem transtornos locais e sistêmicos. Assim, o estudo objetivou associar os DSS, no contexto das condições socioeconômicas, do acompanhamento pelo serviço de saúde e dos aspectos relacionados à saúde bucal de crianças atendidas em Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) de um município cearense. Trata-se de estudo observacional, analítico, transversal e de abordagem quantitativa, conduzido com crianças e suas mães em Acarape - CE. Após consentimento, essas preencheram um questionário. Os dados foram analisados. Das 70 mães, 87,14% e 90,00% tinham idade inferior ou igual a 30 anos e renda de até um salário mínimo, respectivamente. Das 70 crianças, 87,14% tinham seus dentes/gengiva higienizados por seus pais ou responsável. Do total, 94,29% nunca se submeteram a atendimento odontológico. Observou-se associação significativa entre a mãe ter escolaridade superior ao ensino fundamental incompleto e higienizar os dentes/gengiva do filho com escova dental e dentifrício. Constatou-se associação significativa entre a criança ingerir bolacha doce/recheada, não consumir refrigerante e usar escova dental e dentifrício na higienização oral. Conclui-se que as crianças eram acompanhadas nas UBS regularmente; no entanto, esse serviço não esteve relacionado ao atendimento odontológico. Apesar da ausência desse tipo de acompanhamento e do consumo de alimentos cariogênicos, as mães se preocupavam com a saúde bucal das crianças, higienizando a cavidade oral diariamente, com meios adequados.

The immaturity of the immune system, associated with Social Determi- nants of Health (SDH), promotes diseases in childhood. Specifically, in the oral cavity, SDH, represented by high sugar consumption, limited access to health services, and poor oral hygiene, favors local and systemic disorders. Thus, the study aimed to associate the SDH, in the context of socioeconomic conditions, monitoring by the health service and aspects related to children's oral health assisted in Basic Health Units (BHU) of a muni- cipality in Ceará. This is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study with a quan- titative approach conducted with children and their mothers in Acarape - CE. After con- sent, they filled out a questionnaire. Data were analyzed. Of the 70 mothers, 87.14% and 90.00% were aged less than or equal to 30 years and had income up to one minimum wage, respectively. Of the 70 children, 87.14% had their teeth/gums cleaned by their pa- rents or guardian. Of the total, 94.29% never underwent dental care. There was a signifi- cant association between the mother having higher education than incomplete elementary school and cleaning the child's teeth/gums with a toothbrush and toothpaste. A significant association was found between the child eating sweet/stuffed biscuits, not consuming soft drink, and using a toothbrush and dentifrice for oral hygiene. It is concluded that the chil- dren were regularly monitored at the BHU; however, this service was not related to dental care. Despite the absence of this type of follow-up and the consumption of cariogenic foods, the mothers were concerned about their children's oral health, cleaning the oral cavity daily with adequate means.

La inmadurez del sistema inmunológico, asociada a los Determinantes So- ciales de la Salud (DSS), promueve enfermedades en la infancia. Específicamente, en la cavidad bucal, los DSS, representados por el alto consumo de azúcar, el acceso limitado a los servicios de salud y la mala higiene bucal, favorecen los trastornos locales y sisté- micos. Así, el estudio tuvo como objetivo asociar el DSS, en el contexto de las condicio- nes socioeconómicas, el seguimiento por el servicio de salud y los aspectos relacionados con la salud bucal de los niños atendidos en las Unidades Básicas de Salud (UBS) de un municipio de Ceará. Se trata de un estudio observacional, analítico, transversal con enfo- que cuantitativo, realizado con niños y sus madres en Acarape ­ CE. Después del consen- timiento, completaron un cuestionario. Los datos fueron analizados. De las 70 madres, 87,14% y 90,00% tenían edad menor o igual a 30 años e ingresos hasta un salario mínimo, respectivamente. De los 70 niños, al 87,14% se les limpió los dientes/encías por sus pa- dres o tutores. Del total, el 94,29% nunca realizó atención odontológica. Hubo una aso- ciación significativa entre la madre con educación superior a la primaria incompleta y la limpieza de los dientes/encías del niño con cepillo y pasta dental. Se encontró una asoci- ación significativa entre el niño que come galletas dulces/rellenas, no consume gaseosas y usa cepillo de dientes y dentífrico para la higiene bucal. Se concluyó que los niños eran monitoreados periódicamente en la UBS; sin embargo, este servicio no estaba relacionado con el cuidado dental. A pesar de la ausencia de este tipo de seguimiento y del consumo de alimentos cariogénicos, las madres se preocupan por la salud bucal de sus hijos, reali- zando la limpieza de la cavidad bucal diariamente, con medios adecuados.

Cannabis. Usos y aplicaciones en la práctica odontológica diaria: revisión de la literatura / Cannabis. Uses and applications in daily dental practice: a review of the literature

La evidencia científica presente en la literatura indica que el cannabis puede ser utilizado con fines terapéuticos para tratar distintas afecciones odontológicas. Dado el acceso sencillo a la cavidad bucal, las distintas formulaciones de cannabis pueden aplicarse de forma tópica. La aplicación local de dosis bajas de cannabis ha demostrado alta efectividad para tratar distintas afecciones bucales, constituyendo un tratamiento seguro con baja probabilidad de generar repercusiones sistémicas indeseadas. En la actualidad, está siendo incorporado a materiales convencionales de uso e higiene odontológica con la finalidad de aprovechar sus efectos terapéuticos. El cannabis tiene múltiples usos en odontología: como componen-te de enjuagues bucales y soluciones para la desinfección de conductos radiculares, en tratamientos de trastornos de ansiedad bucal, como complemento en terapias oncológicas, como analgésico para atenuar el dolor inflamatorio y el neuropático, como miorrelajante y condroprotector para tratar trastornos de articulación témporomandibular (ATM) y bruxismo, como osteomodulador para el tratamiento de patologías que comprometen la integridad ósea, como la enfermedad periodontal y la osteoporosis, y para la cicatrización ósea asociada a fracturas, extracciones dentarias e implantes, y como inmunomodulador con potencial terapéutico para tratar patologías autoinmunes como las enfermedades reumáticas. El trata-miento local con cannabis es efectivo, bien tolerado por el paciente y con pocos efectos adversos. Por lo tanto, se puede concluir que el cannabis aporta un enorme abanico de posibilidades terapéuticas para tratar distintas afecciones odontológicas, aunque aún se requiere mayor cantidad de estudios científicos que avalen su utilización en cada situación fisiopatológica particular (AU)

The scientific evidence present in the literature indicates that cannabis can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat different dental conditions. Given the easy access to the oral cavity, the different cannabis formulations can be applied topically. The local application of low doses of cannabis has shown high effectiveness in treating different oral conditions, constituting a safe treatment with a low probability of generating unwanted systemic repercussions. It is currently being incorporated into conventional materials for dental use and hygiene in order to take advantage of its therapeutic effects. Cannabis has multiple uses in dentistry: as a component of mouthwashes and solutions for disinfecting root canals, in the treatment of oral anxiety disorders, as a complement in oncological therapies, as an analgesic to reduce inflammatory and neuropathic pain, as a muscle relaxant and chondroprotective to treat temporomandibular joint disorders and bruxism, as an osteomodulator for the treatment of pathologies that compromise bone integrity, such as periodontal disease and osteoporosis, and or bone healing associated with fractures, dental extractions and implants, and as immunomodulator with therapeutic potential to treat autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatic diseases. Local treatment with cannabis is effective, well tolerated by the patient and with few adverse effects. Local treatment with cannabis is effective, well tolerated by the patient and with few adverse effects. Therefore, it can be concluded that cannabis provides an enormous range of therapeutic possibilities to treat different dental conditions, although more scientific studies are still required to support its use in each particular pathophysiological situation (AU)

A new technique for tongue brushing and halitosis reduction: the X technique

Abstract The tongue is one of the primary sources of halitosis. The manual or mechanical removal of biofilm is known to decrease oral malodor. Objective: To evaluate a new tongue hygiene technique hereby referred to as "the X technique" and its effects on both halitosis and the number of microorganisms based on microbiological parameters and diagnostic features of the breath. Material and Methods: The study included thirty patients divided into a control group (patients without systematized guidelines of lingual hygiene, but who performed the mechanical cleaning of tongue dorsum, each in its own way), the 3R group (instructed to perform the movements of the X technique for 3 repetitions at each brushing), and the 6R group (instructed to perform 6 repetitions of the technique at each brushing). After two weeks, a new data collection was performed. Results: Patients in the 6R group presented the lowest score on the organoleptic assessment scale at the second consultation, followed by the 3R group and the controls. Regarding the self-perception of breath by the method of Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the control group did not perceive improvements in oral malodor; the results of the 3R group and the 6R group were similar. Conclusion: These results indicate that the X technique improves both measurements and perceptions of halitosis. Microbiological analyses revealed greatest reduction in the 6R group. The findings show that the X technique reduces both organoleptic scores and the number of bacterial colonies, and improves users' perceptions of their breath.

Levantamento transversal da relação do índice de placa com o grau de escolaridade, idade e frequência do uso do fio dental e escova em pacientes de 31 a 69 anos de idade / The relationship of plaque index, educational degree, age, and frequency of dental fl oss in patients from 31 to 69 years-old ­ a cross-sectional study

Objetivo: estudar o índice de placa e a sua correlação com a técnica de higiene empregada, com o grau de escolaridade, idade, frequência e o conhecimento sobre a higiene oral. Material e métodos: em uma amostra da população da cidadede Divinópolis/MG, foi aplicado um questionário específico sobre os hábitos de higiene oral. O exame clínico foi realizado com sonda milimetrada, e a placa evidenciada pelo corante. Todos os pacientes foram divididos em quatro faixas etárias e receberam reforço na higiene oral. As possíveis associações entre os critérios foram investigadas com o teste Qui-quadrado. Resultados: 216 pacientes (86 homens, 130 mulheres) foram incluídos. No total, 5.853 dentes e 23.412 faces foram analisados. O nível de placa variou de 54,29% (60-69 anos) a 60,10% (40-49 anos), e as faces interproximais foram as mais coradas (83,27%). Um total de 140 pacientes não tinha realizado tratamento periodontal prévio; dos 76 pacientes com tratamento prévio, 34 não haviam sido instruídos sobre a higiene oral. Metade dos pacientes relatou usar a escova dental três vezes ao dia; 1/3 dos pacientes usavam o fio dental duas vezes e estavam no ensino médio. Conclusão: 1) há necessidade de uma campanha maciça sobre a importância da escova dental e do fio dental, e como usá-los; 2) os menores índices de placa estão nos indivíduos de grau superior; 3) as faces proximais coradas confirmam a falta de uso do fio dental, principalmente nos pacientes que foram submetidos ao tratamento periodontal, por ausência de informação profissional.

Objective: to study the plaque index and possible correlations with oral hygiene, educational levels, age, and frequency of dental flossing. Material and methods: a patient sample from Divinopolis/MG received an appropriate questionnaire survey regarding their oral hygiene habits. The clinical exam was made with a periodontal probe and a disclosing agent. All patients were divided according to 4 age conditions and receive further oral instructions. Possible associations were investigated with the Chi-square method. Results: 216 patients (86 men, 130 women) were included. Overall, 5,852 teeth and 23,412 surfaces were examined. Plaque levels varied from 54.29% (60-69 years) to 60.10% (40-49 years), being most prevalent at the proximal surfaces (83.27%). 140 patients did not have previous periodontal treatment; from 76 patients under active periodontal treatment, 34 had no oral hygiene instructions. Half of the patients reported the use of toothbrushing 3 times a day; 1/3 of patients reported flossing twice a day. Conclusion: 1) a massive campaign is needed to underscore the importance of oral hygiene and dental floss, 2) the lowest plaque scores were observed in people with higher education, 3) the proximal surfaces confirmed the lack of dental floss, particularly in patients under periodontal treatment due to the lack of professional information.

Efficacy of two soft-bristle toothbrushes in plaque removal: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy in supragingival plaque removal of two soft-bristle toothbrushes. Seventy volunteers were allocated randomly to the Colgate Slim Soft or Curaprox CS5460 toothbrush grourps. At baseline appointment, volunteers underwent plaque examination using the Rustogi Modification of the Navy Plaque Index. Under supervision, they then brushed their teeth for 1minute with their assigned toothbrushes and the plaque examination was repeated. Volunteers performed daily oral hygiene with their assigned toothbrush and a regular dentifrice provided by the researchers for 7 days. The baseline experimental procedures were then repeated. Separate analyses of variance were performed for the whole-mouth, interproximal, and gumline plaque scores (p < 0.05). No difference in baseline pre-brushing scores was found between groups. After a single toothbrushing, the mean plaque score was significantly reduced in both groups (p < 0.05), with greater reduction of whole-mouth and interproximal plaque scores observed in the SlimSoft group compared with the Curaprox group (p < 0.05). After 7 days, the SlimSoft group showed greater reduction of the whole-mouth and interproximal plaque scores compared with the Curaprox group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the SlimSoft toothbrush presented greater efficacy in supragingival plaque removal than did the Curaprox CS5460 toothbrush, as reflected by whole-mouth and interproximal plaque scores.

Evaluación de la eficacia de dos prescripciones de cepillos dentales en la remoción de placa bacteriana en pacientes ortodóncicos / Evaluation of two toothbrushes prescriptions on the removal of plaque in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances

La aparatología empleada en los tratamientos de ortodoncia, favorece la retención de placa bacteriana y dificulta su eliminación por parte del paciente, aumentando el riesgo de desarrollar caries, manchas blancas y enfermedad periodontal. Diferentes cepillos dentales se han desarrollado para facilitar la mantención de una adecuada higiene oral en estos pacientes, sin embargo, se ha observado que los cepillos comunmente indicados (cepillo ortodóncico mas cepillo unipenacho), no siempre son bien manejados y difícilmente se usan ambos. El cepillo Cross Action Pro-Salud®, se ha presentado como una alternativa simple de usar y de transportar, por ser un único cepillo que combina las caracteristicas de los dos cepillos comunmente recomendados. Para evaluar la efectividad de este cepillo, en comparación con la prescripción convencional, se evaluaron 2 grupos, de 23 pacientes cada uno, portadores de aparatología fija. Un grupo utilizó la prescripción habitual y un segundo grupo utilizó cepillo Cross Action Pro-Salud®, por un período de 45 días. Los indices de higiene de O`leary, de placa en brackets y gingival modificado fueron registrados al inicio y 45 días después del uso diario de los cepillos antes mencionados. Se utilizó test-t para comparar los resultados obtenidos y se determinó que se produjo una disminución significativa en los tres indices de higiene, no existiendo diferencias en los resultados obtenidos entre ambas prescripciones. El cepillo Oral-B Cross-Action Pro-Salud® es una alternativa recomendable, ya que permite eliminar efectivamente la placa bacteriana en pacientes ortodónticos, y al ser un único cepillo, facilita y acorta el tiempo de cepillado.

Orthodontic fixed appliances include elements that allow the accumulation of bacterial plaque, making tooth brushing more difficult and increasing the risk of developing caries, white spot lesions, and periodontal disease. Several toothbrushes designs have been developed to facilitate oral hygiene in orthodontic patients; however, it has been observed that most patients do not take enough time to brush using adequately both commonly prescribed toothbrushes (Oral-B End-Tufted® and Oral-B Orthodontic® brushes). Oral B Cross Action Pro-Health® has been presented as an alternative, easier to use and to transport. To assess the effectiveness of Cross Action Pro-Health® versus commonly prescribed toothbrushes, two randomly assigned groups of 23 orthodontic patients each, were evaluated. One group of patients used commonly prescribed toothbrushes and the second group used Cross Action Pro-Health®. O`Leary, modified gingival and Bracket plaque index were measured before and 45 days after the daily use of the two mentioned toothbrushes prescriptions. T-test was used to detect statistically significant differences among the brushes for each index. The results demonstrated a significant reduction of the three indexes with the daily use of Cross Action Pro-Health® and no differences were found versus commonly used prescription. Orthodontic patients may benefit from the use of a single brush prescription (Cross Action Pro-Health®), because effective plaque removal can be achieved easier and faster.

The effectiveness of chemical denture cleansers and ultrasonic device in biofilm removal from complete dentures

Adequate denture hygiene can prevent and treat infection in edentulous patients. They are usually elderly and have difficulty for brushing their teeth. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy of complete denture biofilm removal using chemical (alkaline peroxide-effervescent tablets), mechanical (ultrasonic) and combined (association of the effervescent and ultrasonic) methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty complete denture wearers participated in the experiment for 21 days. They were distributed into 4 groups (n=20): (1) Brushing with water (Control); (2) Effervescent tablets (Corega Tabs); (3) Ultrasonic device (Ultrasonic Cleaner, model 2840 D); (4) Association of effervescent tablets and ultrasonic device. All groups brushed their dentures with a specific brush (Bitufo) and water, 3 times a day, before applying their treatments. Denture biofilm was collected at baseline and after 21 days. To quantify the biofilm, the internal surfaces of the maxillary complete dentures were stained and photographed at 45º. The photographs were processed and the areas (total internal surface stained with biofilm) quantified (Image Tool 2.02). The percentage of the biofilm was calculated by the ratio between the biofilm area multiplied by 100 and the total area of the internal surface of the maxillary complete denture. RESULTS: The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison among groups followed by the Dunn multiple-comparison test. All tests were performed respecting a significance level of 0.05. Significant difference was found among the treatments (KW=21.18; P<0.001), the mean ranks for the treatments and results for Dunn multiple comparison test were: Control (60.9); Chemical (37.2); Mechanical (35.2) and Combined (29.1). CONCLUSION: The experimental methods were equally effective regarding the ability to remove biofilm and were superior to the control method (brushing with water). Immersion in alkaline peroxide and ultrasonic vibration can be used as auxiliary agents for cleaning complete dentures.

In-vitro evaluation and comparison of the anti-microbial potency of commercially available oral hygiene products against Streptococcus mutans.

Background: Dental caries is the destruction of enamel, dentin, or cementum of teeth due to bacterial activities, which if left untreated can cause considerable pain, discomfort, and treatment costs are very high. Of the oral bacteria, Streptococcus mutans is considered to be causative agent of dental caries in humans. Aim: This study aims at screening the antibacterial potential of available oral hygiene products against S. mutans, the primary etiological agent. Materials and Methods: A selective number of toothpaste and mouth rinse available in the nearby local market was subjected to the study. The experiments were designed in a way to determine which one of these products had the greatest anti-S.mutans activity. Antibiotic sensitivity tests against the pathogenic strains were also conducted. Results and Discussion: Pathogenic strains of S.mutans were isolated from clinical dental specimen and identified using MTCC standard strain No. 890. Of the 86.66% samples which showed positive for S.mutans growth, almost 96% conferred sensitivity to 0.08 mg/ml of penicillin. Among the toothpastes used, A showed the maximum inhibitory activity against S.mutans inhibiting its growth even at a very low concentration of 0.0156 g/ml. Similar results were seen in the case of the mouth rinses used for the study, which showed that N had the most effective activity against S.mutans even at 1:8 dilution. Conclusion: The oral hygiene products containing triclosan proved to be the most effective followed by those containing fluoride. Herbal products showed comparatively lesser activity in inhibiting the growth of S. mutans. Even though there are so many products available to curb the progression of dental caries in the population targeted, there is still an undoubted prevalence and incidence of caries among the general public. The need for a better alternative to help control dental caries is on the rise even today.

Influence of khat chewing on periodontal tissues and oral hygiene status among Yemenis

Khat chewing is popular among Yemenis. This study was performed to investigate the effects of khat chewing on periodontal tissue and oral hygiene status. A total of 730 subjects [336 chewers and 394 non-chewers with a mean age of 31.5 +/- 0.8 and 29.4 +/- 0.9 years, respectively] were involved. Clinical data on periodontal tissues, oral hygiene status, gingival bleeding, burning sensation in the soft tissues, halitosis, ulcers in the oral cavity, difficulty in opening the mouth and swallowing solid food were collected to evaluate periodontal condition. Logistic regression analysis, student t test and chi-squared test were employed according to which hypotheses were being tested. The oral hygiene status of non-chewers was significantly better than that of chewers. The mean oral hygiene index of chewers was 2.12 +/- 0.86 while that of non-chewers was 1.54 +/- 1.12, the difference being statistically significant [P < 0.001]. The incidence of gingival bleeding was significantly higher in khat-chewers. About 23% of chewers complained of difficulty in mouth-opening, as compared with only about 1% of non-chewers. Furthermore, 10% of chewers had difficulty in swallowing solid food. A burning sensation in the soft tissues was also found in a higher proportion of khat-chewers. Similarly, ulcers on the oral mucosa were present in about 7% of chewers, as compared to 0.5% of non-chewers. Gingival recession was present in about 51% and 26% of chewers and non-chewers, respectively. There does appear to be a relationship between the effect of chewing khat on periodontal tissue and oral hygiene status

The effect of mango and neem extract on four organisms causing dental caries: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivavius, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus sanguis: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chewing twigs of the mango or neem tree is a common way of cleaning the teeth in the rural and semi-urban population. These twigs are also believed to possess medicinal properties. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of these chewing sticks on the microorganisms Streptococcus mutans , Streptococcus salivarius , Streptococcus mitis , and Streptococcus sanguis which are involved in the development of dental caries. An additional objective was to identify an inexpensive, simple, and effective method of preventing and controlling dental caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sticks were sun dried, ground into a coarse powder, and weighed into 5 gm, 10 gm, and 50 gm amounts. These were added to 100 ml of deionized distilled water. After soaking for 48 h at 4 degrees C, the water was filtered. The filtrate was inoculated onto blood agar plates containing individual species of microorganisms and incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 h. Results: Mango extract, at 50% concentration, showed maximum zone of inhibition on Streptococcus mitis . Neem extract produced the maximum zone of inhibition on Streptococcus mutans at 50% concentration. Even at 5% concentration neem extract showed some inhibition of growth for all the four species of organisms. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: A combination of neem and mango chewing sticks may provide the maximum benefit. We recommend the use of both the chewing sticks.

Evaluación del Programa de Educación para la Salud en el tratamiento estomatológico de mujeres embarazadas en la ciudad de Nis, Serbia / Evaluation of the Health Education Program for the dental treatment of pregnant women in the Nis city, Serbia

Introducción: Para mantener y mejorar la salud oral en pacientes embarazadas es necesario implementar programas de educación para la salud. El presente estudio trata de evaluar los resultados obtenidos en un programa de educación para la salud bucal en mujeres durante el segundo trimestre de embarazo. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de la implementación de un programa de educación para la salud bucal en mujeres embarazadas. Material y métodos: El estudio fue realizado en el Centro de Salud del Distrito de Nis-Serbia, en pacientes embarazadas durante el segundo trimestre de embarazo. Se formaron 3 grupos de estudio; 1 grupo experimental y 2 grupos control. Resultados: El programa demostró resultados estadísticamente significativos en cuanto a prevención y actividades educativas. Las pacientes cambiaron su conducta, hábitos y actitudes en relación a nutrición, higiene oral, prevención de caries y visitas al odontólogo. Conclusión: Los programas de educación para la salud pueden lograr cambios no sólo en las mujeres embarazadas en cuanto a comportamiento, hábitos y actitudes sino también en sus descendientes.

Introduction: In order to maintain and improve oral health in pregnant woman it is needed to implement health educational programs. This study evaluates obtained results of an educational program for oral health in pregnant woman in their second trimester of their gestational period. Purpose. To evaluate the effect of the educational oral health program in pregnant woman: Material and methods: the study was carried out at the Nis Health Centre, Serbia, in pregnant woman in their second trimester of their gestational period. Three study groups of 60 each were assigned one experimental and two control groups. Results: The obtained data was statistically significant in respect to prevention and educational activities. The participants changed their behavior, habits and attitude towards nutrition, oral hygiene, caries prevention and dental visits. Conclusion: Health educational programs can achieve change not only in pregnant women behavior, habits, and attitude but also are benefical to their offspring.

The effect of miswak and tooth brush filaments end-surface texture on enamel. A SEM pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the abrasive effect of miswak and toothbrush filaments on enamel tooth surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten maxillary central incisors were obtained from Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, King Saud University, College of Dentistry. Twenty specimen were prepared, they were divided into 4 groups (1) Butler toothbrush; (2) Aquafresh toothbrush; (3) Miswak; (4) Control group. Miswak, Aquafresh 311 and Butler 311 tooth brush were used with light pressure in one direction motion for 60 seconds on enamel surface. The specimens were prepared for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) examination. The middle filament from toothbrushes and miswak were also prepared for SEM. RESULTS: Showed that filaments end-surface texture play a major role in abrasive active activity and enamel tooth surface loss. CONCLUSION: The Butler 311 toothbrush and miswak showed lesser effect on enamel as compared to Aquafresh 311 toothbrush.

Cepillo dental ideal ¿un paradigma? / The ideal toothbrush: is it a paradigm?

During many years, dentists had recommended toothbrushes with traditional design, considered suitable for our patients. The real issue is, some patients can not realize with efficacy his dental cleaning with an universal type of toothbrush, they should need an special toothbrushes selection according his anatomic characteristics and personal habits or behaviors. We proposed a guide to choose or select the proper toothbrush analyzing different factors