Association between nutritional status and children and adolescents' dental caries experiences: an overview of systematic reviews

Abstract An increasing number of systematic reviews (SR) has investigated the association between dental caries and nutritional status in children and adolescents, thus requiring an overview to compile the information in a single piece of evidence. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and summarize evidence from published SR on the association between dental caries and nutritional status in children and adolescents. A wide search was conducted on May 29, 2023, in six databases (Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Embase, and the Virtual Health Library - VHL). An additional search was performed in the gray literature (Open grey and Google Scholar), SR registration databases, and the list of references of the included SR. Our inclusion criteria were based on acronym PECOS. Overall, two reviewers independently extracted the data, evaluated the risk of bias (ROBIS), and assessed the quality of the chosen studies (AMSTAR-2). Data from the included meta-analysis were summarized and certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach was performed. After removing duplicates and applying our eligibility criteria, 19 SR from 2006-2022 were included. We found that 17 SR showed high risk of bias and critically low methodological quality. We observed an association between dental caries experiences and nutritional status since seven SR found an association between obesity/overweight and dental caries; one, an association between underweight and dental caries; and eleven, no associations. The meta-analysis showed divergent results according to the study designs, used indices, and participants' age group, and were scored as having a very low certainty of evidence. Therefore, based on the high risk of bias, low methodological quality, and very low certainty of evidence of the chosen SR, most studies found no association between children and adolescents' nutritional status and dental caries experience.

Association of MTR and MTRR genes and oral health-related quality of life in children with dental caries

Abstract This study aimed to assess whether genetic polymorphisms in MTR and MTRR are potential biomarkers of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in children with caries. A cross-sectional study was designed wherein pairs of parents/caregivers and children (aged two-five years) were selected. Clinical examination was used to detect dental caries, which were classified as low-severity and high-severity caries. The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) questionnaire was used to assess OHRQoL. Genomic DNA extracted from the saliva was used to analyze two missense genetic polymorphisms: MTR (rs1805087) and MTRR (rs1801394). Mann-Whitney non-parametric test was used to analyze candidate genes with OHRQoL scale and domain, with a significance level of p≤0.05. MTR (rs1805087) was found associated (p = 0.05) with children's OHRQoL subscale scores in the dominant model (GG + AG). Genetic polymorphisms in MTR may increase the risk of poor OHRQoL in children with caries. Further studies are needed to investigate genetics, molecular factors, and OHRQoL.

Protocolo clínico-laboratorial para a confecção de protetor bucal personalizado ao alcance do clínico / Clinical-laboratory protocol for the manufacture of personalized mouthguard within the reach of the clinician

O procedimento de pulpectomia em dentes decíduos consiste na remoção total do tecido pulpar com inflamação irreversível ou com necrose, preparo químicomecânico e obturação com material reabsorvível, com o intuito de manter o dente o maior tempo possível na cavidade bucal, devolvendo função e saúde para o paciente infantil. Existem vários protocolos descritos na literatura, no entanto, não há consenso entre eles e poucos possuem acesso livre. Sendo assim, observa-se carência de um guia clínico e prático para nortear o cirurgião-dentista na realização desse procedimento durante o atendimento odontopediátrico. Portanto, o intuito deste trabalho é apresentar aos clínicos um protocolo de pulpectomia com altas frequências de sucesso clínico e radiográfico, baseado em evidências científicas, desenvolvido e aplicado pelo Grupo de Pesquisa de Endodontia em Odontopediatria da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (GEDOPED-UFRJ). O presente protocolo contempla indicações, contraindicações, tática operatória, materiais necessários e orientações para acompanhamento. Com esta publicação de maneira gratuita, de acesso livre e no idioma dominante do país, espera-se ampliar o alcance de odontopediatras e clínicos gerais que atendem crianças a um tratamento eficaz.

Pulpectomy in primary teeth consists of the complete removal of the irreversibly affected pulp or necrotic pulp tissue, chemical-mechanical preparation of the root dentin and filling root canals with a resorbable material, to keep the tooth as long as possible in the oral cavity, restoring function and health. There are several pulpectomy protocols described in the literature, however, there is no consensus among them and only few of them are open access. Therefore, there is a lack of clinical and practical guides to the practitioner in performing this procedure during pediatric dental care. The aim of this article is to present a clinically and radiographically successful pulpectomy protocol, based on scientific evidence, developed, and applied by the Research Group on Endodontics in Pediatric Dentistry at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. This protocol includes indications, contraindications, operative techniques, materials, and guidelines for follow-up appointments. With this open access publication in Portuguese, we hope to disseminate an effective treatment and expand the outreach of a pulpectomy technique protocol to pediatric dentists and clinicians who treat children.