Self-reported questionnaire on periodontal condition validated for use in Brazil

Abstract: There is a current expectation of instruments for periodontal condition surveillance worldwide. The present study aimed to validate the Oral Health Questions Set B (OHQB) for the Brazilian Portuguese and evaluate its temporal stability. This is a sequential mixed-method investigation. After the forward-backward translation process to the Brazilian Portuguese, the OHQB Brazil (OHQB-Br) was applied to 156 participants (39.5 ± 14.14 years; 51.9% males). In sequence, through a full-mouth six-sites/teeth examination and in accordance with the original instrument, the periodontal diagnosis was obtained (March 2020). In January 2021, the OHB-BR was reapplied (n = 71). Ordinal alpha and McDonald's omega tested the internal consistency of the OHQB-Br. Temporal stability was investigated [Spearman correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the Bland-Altman]. The concurrent validity was also verified, considering the periodontal clinical diagnosis (Kruskal Wallis). The ordinal alpha (0.69) and McDonald's omega (0.73) coefficients showed an adequate internal consistency of the OHQB-Br. The OHQB-Br temporal stability was high, as demonstrated by the Spearman coefficient (0.80) and ICC (0.79) and by the Bland-Altman plot. A concurrent validity showed a direct relationship between the OHQB-Br and the clinical condition of no periodontitis, mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis (p < 0.05). Because the OHQB-Br shows internal validity, temporal stability, and adequately identifies periodontal health and moderate/severe periodontitis, the instrument might represent an important tool, at the public level or other settings, for periodontal surveillance in Brazil.

Impact of smoking on gingival inflammation in representative samples of three South American cities

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of smoking on gingival inflammation in a representative sample of 1,650 adults from Santiago (Chile), Porto Alegre (Brazil), and Tucumán (Argentina). A questionnaire was administered to participants to gather demographic and behavioral characteristics, including smoking habits. The participants were clinically examined to obtain gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), visible plaque index (VPI), and calculus presence values. Gingival inflammation was defined as a mean GI > 0.5. Heavy smokers presented significantly lower levels of gingival inflammation, as reflected by both GI and GBI, than both light and moderate smokers, despite their having increased amounts of plaque and calculus. Being 50 years old or older [odds ratio (OR), 1.93], a VPI ≥ 30% (OR, 28.1), and self-reported diabetes (OR, 2.79) were positively associated with detection of gingival inflammation. In conclusion, the occurrence of clinically detectable gingival inflammation was lower in heavy smokers than light and moderate smokers. Older age, diabetes, and visible plaque emerged as risk indicators of gingivitis. Plaque and gingival indices are significantly associated regardless of the smoking status.

The impact of maintenance on peri-implant health

Abstract Most of the literature evaluating dental implants focuses on implant survival, which is a limited proxy for the successful rehabilitation of patients with missing teeth. Success should include not only survival but also lack of mechanical, biological, and esthetics problems. A comprehensive review of local and systemic risk factors prior to implant placement will allow the tailoring of treatment planning and maintenance protocols to the patient's profile in order to achieve longitudinal success of the therapy. This review discusses the role of controlling different risk factors and prevention/treatment of peri-implant mucositis in order to avoid peri-implantitis. Although the literature addressing the topic is still scarce, the existing evidence shows that performing optimal plaque control and regular visits to the dentist seem to be adequate to prevent peri-implant lesions. Due to impossibility of defining a probing depth associate with peri-implant health, radiographic evaluations may be considered in the daily practice. So far, there is a strong evidence linking a past history of periodontal disease to peri-implant lesions, but this is not so evident for other factors including smoking and diabetes. The prevention of biological complications starts even before implant placement and include a broader analysis of the patient risk profile and tailoring the rehabilitation and maintenance protocols accordingly. It should be highlighted that the installation of implants does not modify the patient profile, since it does not modify genetics, microbiology or behavioral habits of any individual.

Oral health related quality of life among pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to compare negative impacts of oral conditions in Oral Heath Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) scores in pregnant women receiving or not comprehensive periodontal treatment. This randomized controlled clinical trial included pregnant women aged between 18 and 35 years old. Participants were randomized in a test group with 96 and a control group with 114 women. Patients in the test group received comprehensive periodontal treatment, supra and subgingival scaling and root-planning and periodontal maintenance appointments. The OHIP-14 was applied before and after treatment. The primary outcome was changes in OHIP-14 scores after follow-up period. The impact of having received or not comprehensive periodontal treatment on the change of the OHIP-14 scores was also investigated. Both groups showed significant reduction in OHIP-14 scores and effect size for the test group was 0.60 and 0.36 for the control group. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that participants of the control group had 5.9-fold odds (CI 95% 1.88-18.52) of worsening in OHIP-14 scores and their perception of oral conditions in relation to test group. Comprehensive periodontal treatment during pregnancy can reduce the negative impacts in OHRQoL.

Association between metabolic syndrome and periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and periodontitis (PD), through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Original observational studies assessing the association between MS and PD in adults, published before May 11th (2017), were identified through electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline was used. For studies to be included, they had to mention the criteria used to diagnose MS and to have used at least one clinical measure to diagnose PD. There was no language restriction. Three reviewers independently identified eligible studies for possible inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The quality of the studies was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies. A random model meta-analysis was conducted. The strategies used to investigate heterogeneity were sequential analysis, subgroup analysis, univariate meta-regression and sensitivity analysis. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and 26 had enough information to be included in the meta-analysis, totaling 52,504 patients. MS and PD were associated with an odds ratio of 1.38 (95%CI 1.26-1.51; I2 = 92.7%; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that complete periodontal examination (I2 = 70.6%; p < 0.001) partially explained the variability between studies. The present findings suggest an association between MS and PD. Individuals with MS are 38% more likely to present PD than individuals without this condition. Prospective studies should be conducted to establish cause and effect relations between MS and PD.

A multicenter study of oral health behavior among adult subjects from three South American cities

Abstract The aims of this study were to describe the self-reported oral hygiene habits, dental visit frequency, and gingival bleeding perception in adult populations from three South American cities, and also to assess the association of these variables with sociodemographic data and with the clinical presence of plaque and gingival inflammation. Five-hundred and fifty adult subjects from each city (Porto Alegre, Brazil; Tucumán, Argentina; Santiago, Chile) received full mouth examinations to determine visible plaque and gingival index. A structured questionnaire on demographics, habits, attitudes and knowledge of oral health was also administered. The data were analyzed according to dental visit frequency, toothbrushing frequency, interproximal tooth cleaning frequency, subjects' perception of gum bleeding, and proportion of subject sites with VP and bleeding sites. Analysis of the association among the variables was performed using either a chi-square test or Fischer's exact test. Toothbrushing twice a day or more was reported by 84.2% of the subjects, but only 17.7% reported daily interdental cleaning, and 60.2% reported visiting a dental clinic only in an emergency. Only 2.97% had no bleeding sites, whereas 33.7% had 50% or more bleeding sites. Regular interdental self-cleaning and a dental visit every 3-6 months was associated with less plaque and less gingival bleeding. More than 12 years of education was associated with healthier habits, less bleeding and plaque scores. In conclusion, the oral health behavior of South American adult subjects from these cities is below the international recommendations, especially in relation to interdental cleaning and regular dental visits.

Tooth Loss in Patients under Periodontal Maintenance in a Private Practice: A Retrospective Study

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence and causes of tooth loss in periodontal subjects from a private practice in Brazil. Two trained examiners extracted data from the records of subjects who sought periodontal treatment from 1980 to 2013. Only records of patients who completed the non-surgical periodontal treatment and had at least one visit for maintenance were included. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, Student's t-test, Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox regression. A total of 3,319 records were reviewed and 737 records included (58.6% women, mean age of 46.6±13.0 years at the beginning of the treatment). Maintenance period ranged from 1 to 33 years (7.4±6 years). During this period, 202 individuals (27.4%) lost 360 teeth, 47.5% of losses within the first five years (n=171). Non-compliers lost more teeth than compliers (p<0.001), respectively 211 and 149 teeth. Regarding reasons of tooth loss, 84 individuals lost 38% of the teeth from periodontal disease progression (n=137). Survival analysis showed that most patients lost only one tooth from periodontal disease, and differences in the survival rates between compliers and non-compliers were observed following the second tooth loss. Approximately one-third of tooth losses was related to periodontal disease progression, and there was stability in time of the proportion of losses from disease progression and other reasons. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that compliant patients in a private practice lose fewer teeth than do non-compliers. Among compliers, periodontal disease progression was not the main cause of tooth loss.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a incidência e causas de perda dentária em pacientes em manutenção periódica preventiva (MPP) de uma clínica privada. Dois examinadores extraíram os dados de registros de pacientes que procuraram tratamento periodontal entre 1980 a 2013. Os registros de pacientes que completaram o tratamento periodontal não cirúrgico e tiveram ao menos uma visita de MPP foram incluídos. Os dados foram avaliados utilizando os testes chi-quadrado, T de Student, curva de sobrevida de Kaplan-Meier e regressão de Cox. Dos 3.319 prontuários, 737 foram incluídos (58,6% mulheres, 46,6±13,0 anos). O período de MPP variou de 1 a 33 anos (7,4±6 anos). Durante este período, 202 indivíduos (27,4%) perderam 360 dentes, 47,5% das perdas durante os primeiros 5 anos de manutenção (n=171). Indivíduos irregulares nas consultas de MPP perderam mais dentes (p<0.001) do que indivíduos com regularidade, 211 e 149 dentes respectivamente. Oitenta e quatro indivíduos perderam 38% de dentes por progressão de doença periodontal (n=137). A maioria dos indivíduos perdeu 1 dente por doença periodontal, e foram observadas diferenças na sobrevida a partir da segunda perda dentária quando comparados indivíduos regulares e irregulares na MPP. Aproximadamente um terço dos dentes perdidos estava relacionado à progressão de doença periodontal. Foi observada uma estabilidade na proporção de perdas por progressão de doença e outras razões ao longo do tempo. Desta forma, conclui-se que indivíduos com uma frequência regular de MPP perdem menos dentes e a progressão de doença nesses indivíduos não é a principal razão para perda dentária.

Chlorhexidine with or without alcohol against biofilm formation: efficacy, adverse events and taste preference

Abstract In recent years, different chlorhexidine formulations have been tested, including an alcohol-free alternative, but the effect of this solution on early biofilm formation is not clear. A crossover, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of two chlorhexidine solutions against supra- and subgingival biofilm formation (NCT#02656251). Thirty-five participants were randomized and asked to rinse twice daily with 15 ml of an alcohol-containing 0.12% chlorhexidine solution, an alcohol-free 0.12% chlorhexidine solution, or placebo. The study was conducted in three experimental periods of 4 days each, with a 10-day washout between the periods. All the experimental periods followed the same protocol, except that the solutions were switched. Biofilm distribution was evaluated every 24 hours by the Plaque-Free Zone Index, during 96 hours. Adverse events were self-reported and sensory evaluation was performed using a hedonic scale. Compared to the placebo, the chlorhexidine solutions resulted in a significantly higher number of surfaces free of plaque over 96 hours (p < 0.01), and were able to prevent subgingival biofilm formation (p < 0.01). The alcohol-free chlorhexidine solution was associated with a lower incidence of adverse events, compared with alcohol-containing chlorhexidine (p < 0.05); it also received better sensory evaluation and acceptance by trial participants, compared with the alcohol-containing chlorhexidine (p = 0.007), and had a similar inhibitory effect on the formation of supra- and subgingival biofilms.

Microbiological outcomes from different periodontal maintenance interventions: a systematic review

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the differences in the subgingival microbiological outcomes between periodontal patients submitted to a supragingival control (SPG) regimen as compared to subgingival scaling and root planing performed combined with supragingival debridement (SPG + SBG) intervention during the periodontal maintenance period (PMP). A systematic literature search using electronic databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) was conducted looking for articles published up to August 2016 and independent of language. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection, quality assessment and data collection. Only human randomized or non-randomized clinical trials with at least 6-months-follow-up after periodontal treatment and presenting subgingival microbiological outcomes related to SPG and/or SPG+SBG therapies were included. Search strategy found 2,250 titles. Among these, 148 (after title analysis) and 39 (after abstract analysis) papers were considered to be relevant. Finally, 19 studies were selected after full-text analysis. No article had a direct comparison between the therapies. Five SPG and 14 SPG+SBG studies presented experimental groups with these respective regimens and were descriptively analyzed while most of the results were only presented graphically. The results showed that both SPG and SPG+SBG protocols of PMP determined stability in the microbiological results along time. Nevertheless, new studies comparing these interventions in PMP are needed, especially if the limitations herein discussed could be better controlled.

Predictors of clinical outcomes after periodontal treatment of aggressive periodontitis: 12-month randomized trial

Abstract Little is known about the factors that may be used in clinical practice to predict the therapeutic response of aggressive periodontitis patients. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of clinical outcomes after non-surgical treatment of aggressive periodontitis. A total of 24 patients (aged 13-26 years) received oral hygiene instructions, as well as subgingival scaling and root planing. Twelve subjects received systemic azithromycin at random. Clinical variables were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Baseline microbiological assessment was performed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Multivariable models used generalized estimating equations. There were significant improvements in the entire sample in regard to pocket depth, clinical attachment level and bleeding on probing. Significant predictors of a reduction in mean pocket depth were: use of azithromycin, non-molar teeth, generalized disease and baseline pocket depth. Absence of plaque predicted a 0.22 mm higher attachment gain, whereas a baseline pocket depth ≥7 mm predicted a 1.36 mm higher attachment loss. Azithromycin, plaque, and baseline pocket depth were significant predictors of bleeding on probing. The concomitant presence of all three red complex species predicted a 0.78 mm higher attachment loss. It may be concluded that dental plaque, tooth type, disease extent, baseline pocket depth, and use of azithromycin were significant predictors of the clinical response to treatment for aggressive periodontitis in young individuals. Moreover, the presence of multiple periodontal pathogens may predict challenges in achieving a favorable outcome for aggressive periodontitis.

Do controle de placa ao controle do biofilme supragengival: o que aprendemos ao longo dos anos? / From plaque control to the supragingival biofilm control: what have we learnt over time?

As doenças periodontais de maior prevalência são aquelas relacionadas à presença da placa bacteriana, hoje entendida como um biofilme dental. A compreensão da dinâmica deste reacendeu antigas discussões que, desde então, buscavam determinar quais as formas elegíveis e preferíveis para o tratamento daquelas doenças. Sob o conceito de "placa dentária", o tratamento da gengivite, mas principalmente o da periodontite, ora levaram ao extremo da tentativa de eliminação de toda e qualquer "placa", ora conduziram ao uso, até hoje indiscriminado, de antibióticos. Atualmente, o conceito de biofilme dental, entendido como comunidades microbianas com mecanismos interdependentes de autorregularão, nutrição e comunicação, a ponto de manterem um sinergismo que vai ao encontro da sua subsistência, alterou a forma não só de entender a etiologia das doenças periodontais, mas de como tratá-las. Neste conceito, o papel dos microrganismos não necessariamente aponta para tipos bacterianos específicos como causadores da doença, mas para as doenças periodontais como uma infecção oportunista. Paralelamente, o biofilme supragengival passou a significar mais do que o fator etiológico das gengivites, passando a ser compreendido, também, como fundamental modulador do ambiente subgengival. Neste cenário, a terapia periodontal passa por desafios inerentes a uma mudança conceitual, tais como compreender o significado do controle supragengival para a prevenção, tratamento e manutenção dos resultados terapêuticos. Portanto, esta revisão teve por objetivo apresentar a plausibilidade biológica do controle do biofilme supragengival como fundamental para a terapia periodontal e, além disto, discutir resultados de estudos sob o conceito de doença periodontal como uma infecção oportunista.

The most prevalent periodontal diseases are those associated with the presence of dental plaque, nowadays understood as a dental biofilm. The comprehension of the biofilm dynamics rekindled old discussions that, since then, sought to determine the eligible and preferred therapies for periodontal diseases. Under the concept of "dental plaque", the gingivitis treatment, and also the periodontitis one were based on the elimination of every and any plaque or of some bacteria species. The later determining the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Currently, the biofilm concept, understood as microbial communities with interdependent mechanisms of self-regulation, nutrition and communication and involved in a synergism to render its subsistence, changed the way not only to understand the periodontal diseases etiology but, in special, the way to treat them. Under this concept, the role of microorganisms not necessarily points to specific bacteria infecting the sites and causing diseases, but to periodontal diseases as an opportunist infection linked to a retro feeding process between the dental biofilm and the host. Alongside, the supragingival biofilm has meant more than the etiologic factor of gingivitis, but also as an important modulator of subgingival environment. In this sense, the periodontal therapy is challenged by conceptual trends, such as the comprehension of the meaning of supragingival control for the prevention, treatment and maintenance of therapeutic results. Therefore, the present review aimed to revise the role of the supragingival biofilm control to periodontal condition, and, also, to discuss results of studies under the concept of periodontal diseases as opportunists infections.

A population-based cohort study of oral health in South Brazil: The Porto Alegre Study / Um estudo de coorte de base populacional de saúde bucal no sul do Brasil: Estudo de Porto Alegre

Few population-based cohort studies have been established in Dentistry and this is especially true for Latin America. We conducted a population-based prospective study focusing on oral health in Porto Alegre, south Brazil, and herein we describe its methodology and discuss directions for further research. The cohort was established in 2001 using a multistage probability sample of 1,465 toothed and 121 edentulous subjects. A 5-year follow-up was performed in 2006 that included 755 individuals. The main aim of this study was to determine the pattern and risk factors for periodontal disease progression and tooth loss incidence. A full-mouth protocol was used including periodontal assessments at six sites per tooth. Primary outcomes were periodontal attachment loss and tooth loss. Oral mucosal lesions, dental plaque, gingivitis, supragingival calculus, probing depths, gingival recession, and dental caries were also assessed. This is the first population-based cohort study to focus on periodontal disease in Latin America. Findings will contribute to our understanding of the epidemiology of periodontal disease and provide valuable data for the planning and implementation of preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Poucos estudos de coorte de base populacional têm sido estabelecidos em Odontologia e isso é especialmente verdade para a América Latina. Nós conduzimos um estudo prospectivo de base populacional focando em saúde bucal em Porto Alegre, sul do Brasil, e aqui descrevemos a metodologia do estudo e discutimos direções futuras da pesquisa. A coorte foi estabelecida em 2001 utilizando uma amostra probabilística múltiplo-estágio de 1.465 dentados e 121 desdentados. Um acompanhamento de 5 anos foi realizado em 2006 e incluiu 755 indivíduos. Os objetivos principais do estudo foram determinar o padrão e os fatores de risco para progressão de doença periodontal e incidência de perda dentária. Um protocolo de exame de boca completa foi utilizado, incluindo registros periodontais em 6 sítios por dente. Os desfechos primários foram perda de inserção periodontal e perda dentária. Lesões de mucosa bucal, placa visível, gengivite, cálculo supragengival, profundidade de sondagem, recessão gengival e cárie dentária também foram acessados. Este é o primeiro estudo de coorte de base populacional a focar em doença periodontal na América Latina. Os achados deste estudo contribuirão para o entendimento da epidemiologia da doença periodontal e fornecerão dados valiosos para planejamento e implementação de estratégias preventivas e terapêuticas.

Efficacy of a triclosan formula in controlling early subgingival biofilm formation: a randomized trial

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of rinses with slurries of a dentifrice containing triclosan (TCS), as compared with rinses with slurries from a control dentifrice, in controlling early subgingival biofilm formation. A double-blind, randomized and cross-over clinical trial was designed, and 26 dental students were included. In the first period, participants were randomized to rinse with a TCS slurry or a control slurry, in a 12 h interval, and to refrain from mechanical cleaning. A Plaque Free Zone Index was assessed at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h. After a washout period of 10 days, the second experimental period was conducted, following the same protocol as the first period, except that the slurry groups were switched. Use of the TCS slurry resulted in a significantly higher percentage of plaque-free surfaces, both at 24 h and at 72 h (p < 0.01). In the of 48-72 h interval, the triclosan slurry showed a lower percentage of sites converted to a score of 2 (38.1% for the testversus 40% for the control product, p = 0.015). In conclusion, rinsing with slurries of dentifrice containing TCS retards the down growth of bacterial biofilms from the supra- to the subgingival environment.

Influence of supragingival biofilm control and smoking habit on Interleukin-1β concentration

This investigation compared gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentrations in periodontitis patients subjected to a strict supragingival biofilm control (Supra) for 6 months. Never-smokers (23) and smokers (n = 20; 19.6 ± 11.8 cigarettes/day) moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis patients underwent a 6 months period of supragingival control with weekly recall visits. Periodontal probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and GCF samples (from different PPD category sites: 3-5 mm and 6–10 mm) were obtained at the baseline, 30, and 180 days. IL-1β was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Generalized estimating equations were used to fit prediction models of IL-1β changes, considering the dependence between the examinations, and using only data from experimental sites. Overall IL-1β concentrations decreased from 3.2 pg/µL to 1.9 pg/µL. Higher baseline IL-1β concentrations were associated with higher baseline PPD values in both groups. There were no differences in IL-1β concentrations between never-smokers and smokers over time for any PPD category. Higher baseline PPD values and the presence of BOP on day 180 were significantly associated with higher IL-1β concentrations. A strict Supra regimen reduced IL-1β concentrations over time in periodontitis patients. The benefits observed for smokers underline the importance of oral hygiene measures, even considering the presence of this important risk factor.

Medo de dentista: um problema a ser abordado pela profissão / Dental fear: a problem to be faced by the profession

O medo de dentista é um problema de grande importância para a profissão e para a qualidade e efetividade do cuidado em saúde. Sabe-se que, quando um indivíduo tem uma opinião negativa sobre determinado tema, profissão, atitude ou procedimento, ele procura se distanciar de situações correlatas. Quando os indivíduos apresentam medo de dentista, isso os leva a evitarem receber a atenção desse profissional, assim como a negligenciarem os respectivos cuidados. O medo de dentista faz parte da cultura dos povos e tem relação com a história da profissão. Desenvolve-se desde a infância e, portanto, necessita ser abordado precocemente. Embora a literatura que aborda questões psicológicas vinculadas ao medo de dentista seja escassa, as conclusões apontam para o grande impacto dessa situação. Há relatos do desenvolvimento de um círculo vicioso vinculado ao medo, uma vez que o indivíduo desenvolve o medo, não procura o profissional, e os problemas vão aumentando, o que gera ainda mais medo. Quando o medo de dentista assume proporções grandes, isso pode levar ao desenvolvimento de um problema bem mais impactante, chamado de “odontofobia”, o que piora a relação com a profissão e, muitas vezes, demanda tratamento especializado. O objetivo do presente texto é fazer uma reflexão sobre o medo de dentista e compreender como o profissional da área pode diminuir o problema e, consequentemente, suas consequências.

Dental fear is a problem of great importance for the profession as well as for the quality and effectiveness of health care. It is known that when an individual has some kind of preconception related to a fact, profession, attitude or procedure, this makes him/her more distant from it. When individuals have fear of the dentist, this leads to avoiding the attention of this professional, as well as total and complete neglect of all care related to this profession. Dental fear is part of the culture of people and is related to the history of the profession. It develops from childhood and needs to be faced early in life. The literature that approaches psychological questions linked to dental fear is scarce, however this further points to the great impact of the situation. There are reports of development of a vicious cycle related to fear, since the individual develops dental fear, avoids the professional, the problems grow, generating more fear. When dental fear increases, this may lead to the development of a more impacting problem named “dental phobia”, that makes the relationship with the profession even more difficult and, sometimes, demands specialized treatment. The aim of this text is to approach dental fear and try to understand how the profession may minimize the problem, as well as its consequences.

Response of molars and non-molars to a strict supragingival control in periodontal patients

The posterior position in the arches is one of the factors that underlies the poor prognosis of molar teeth (M). It is speculated that M do not benefit from the oral hygiene routine as well as non-molars (NM) do. This study evaluated the response of M and NM to supragingival control during a 6-month period in 25 smokers (S) and 25 never-smokers (NS) with moderate-to-severe periodontitis. One calibrated examiner assessed visible plaque (VPI) and gingival bleeding (GBI) indexes, periodontal probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) at days 0 (baseline), 30 and 180. At baseline, M showed significantly higher mean values of VPI (p = 0.017) and PPD (p < 0.001) compared with NM; CAL was also greater in M (p < 0.001) and was affected by smoking (p = 0.007). The reductions obtained for periodontal indicators at day 180 showed similar responses between M and NM. For CAL, M (NS 0.57 ± 0.50; S 0.67 ± 0.64) and NM (NS 0.38 ± 0.23; S 0.50 ± 0.33) reached an almost significant difference (p = 0.05). Smoking did not influence the response to treatment. Multilevel analysis revealed that, only for PDD reductions, the interaction between sites, teeth and patient was significant (p < 0.001). It was concluded that M benefit from an adequate regimen of supragingival biofilm control; therefore, supragingival condition should be considered in the prognosis of molar teeth.

Efeito do controle do biofilme supragengival na condição periodontal de pacientes tabagistas: uma revisão sistemática / Effect of supragingival plaque control on periodontal disease in smokers: a systematic review

Objetivo: avaliar, por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, se o controle do biofilme supragengival, em pacientes fumantes, é capaz de alterar os critérios clínicos e microbiológicos associados à periodontites. Metodologia: a estratégia de busca envolveu o uso de bases de dados eletrônicos: MEDLINE e Cochrane Oral Health Group, entre 1965 e Janeiro de 2009. As palavras-chave utilizadas no MEDLINE foram: supragingival plaque control AND (subgingival OR debridement OR scaling and root planing OR non surgical OR oral hygiene OR periodontitis OR gingivitis OR plaque subgingival OR lost attachment OR probing pocket depth OR bleeding).Nessa busca foram localizadas 307 referências bibliográficas, contemplando os mais variados tipos de estudos. No Cochrane as palavras-chave aplicadas foram: supragingival plaque control AND oral hygiene, sendo obtidas 137 referências. A aplicação de critérios de inclusão permitiu que 4 estudos fossem avaliados na íntegra: 3 ensaios clínicos com seleção randômica de sítios experimentais e 1 ensaio clínico sem randomização. Resultados: dos estudos avaliados, 2 avaliaram somente a intervenção supragengival e 2avaliaram, também, a intervenção subgengival. Pôde-se observar que o controle supragengival, como intervenção única, foi capaz de determinar redução dos indicadores clínicos e microbiológicos periodontais, sendo os melhores resultados condicionados a um adequado programa de controle do biofilme supragengival. Conclusão: o estudo mostrou que o efeito do controle de biofilme supragengival em pacientes tabagistas é capaz de melhorar significativamente os indicadores clínicos e microbiológicos associados à gengivite e periodontite.

Aim: to conduct a systematic review of the literature to assess whether supragingivalplaque control is able to change clinical and microbiological markers associated with periodontal disease in smokers. Methodology: articles published between 1965 and January 2009 and indexed in the MEDLINE and Cochrane Oral Health Group databases were browsed. The following keywords were used on MEDLINE: supragingival plaque control AND (subgingival OR debridement OR scaling and root planing OR non surgical OR oral hygiene OR periodontitis OR gingivitis OR plaque subgingival OR lost attachment OR probing pocket depth OR bleeding);the search on MEDLINE yielded 307 references, including different types of studies. On Cochrane, the keywords employed were supragingival plaque control AND oral hygiene; this search yielded 137 studies. After application of inclusion criteria, four studies were selected for full-text review: three clinical trials with randomly selected experimental sites and one nonrandomized clinical trial. Results: of the four studies reviewed, two assessed the effects of supragingival plaque control alone, whereas the other two assessed both supragingival and subgingival interventions.It was possible to observe that supragingival plaque control alone was able to reduce clinical and microbiological indicators associated with periodontal disease, and that the best results were obtained after an adequate supragingival plaque control regimen. Conclusion: our study showed that supragingival plaque control is able to significantly improve clinical and microbiological markers associated with gingivitis and periodontitis in smokers.

Um alerta sobre os potenciais riscos da escovação inadequada: novas responsabilidades para a profissão / A warning about potential risks of inadequate toothbrushing: new concerns for the profession

Dentre todas as ações educativas e de promoção de saúde que a odontologia realiza, o estímulo à escovação dos dentes sempre assumiu capital importância. Assim, há décadas a profissão veicula a informação da importância desse ato. Não há duvida de que essa política foi uma das responsáveis pelo declínio da cárie (principalmente porque se escova com dentifrício com flúor) e das doenças periodontais. Entretanto, toda prática, se realizada de forma inadequada ou em excesso, pode gerar eventos adversos. Essa é uma realidade em relação à escovação. A recessão gengival e suas decorrências de conforto e estética e a perda de substância dentária são os efeitos adversos mais comuns na escovação. O presente artigo faz uma breve reflexão sobre os potenciais eventos adversos relacionados à escovação, e destaca a importância de utilizar força controlada, escovas com cerdas macias ou extra-macias e, também, relembra os potenciais eventos adversos da escovação após ingestão de alimentos ácidos, para que os profissionais possam orientar seus pacientes e as comunidades.

Toothbrushing supervision is one of the most important measures for education and health promotion performed in Dentistry. Therefore, dental profession has given information about the importance of toothbrushing for decades. There is no doubt that this policy was one of the responsible for decline of caries (especially due to fluoridate dentifrices) and periodontal diseases. However, all habit can generate adverse effects, if is performed inadequately or in excess, and this occurs for toothbrushing. Gingival recession and the associated discomfort and esthetic related problems, as well as loss of tooth substance are the most common side effects of toothbrushing. This article reports recent thoughts on the potential side effects related to toothbrushing and outlines the relevance of controlling brushing force, the use of toothbrushes with soft or extra-soft bristles, and the risks when toothbrushing is performed immediately after the ingestion of acidic foods or drinks, so that the professionals may inform their patients and communities.

Comparação da resposta clínica do uso coadjuvante de azitromicina em dentes molares e não-molares no tratamento não-cirúrgico da periodontite agressiva / Comparison of the clinical response of adjunctive azithromycin in molars and non-molars on nonsurgical treatment of aggressive periodontitis

Objetivo: comparar a resposta clínica do uso coadjuvante de azitromicina em molares e não molares no tratamento da periodontite agressiva. Material e métodos: 28 pacientes com periodontite agressiva (13 a 26 anos) receberam tratamento periodontal supra e subgengival. Os pacientes foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O grupo teste usou 500 mg de azitromicina uma vez ao dia durante três dias, enquanto o grupo controle recebeu placebo. As variáveis clínicas foram obtidas no início, 3, 6, 9 e 12 meses. As médias de profundidade de sondagem (PS), perda de inserção (PI) e sangramento à sondagem (SS) foram comparadas entre os grupos teste e controle, separadamente em molares e não-molares. Resultados: houve redução significativamente maior da PS no grupo azitromicina (molares 2,61±0,34mm; não molares 3,02±0,22mm), comparado ao placebo (molares 1,50±0,40mm; não molares 2,00±0,39mm), após 12 meses em ambos os grupos dentários. O ganho de inserção no grupo azitromicina foi significativamente maior (1,69±0,26mm) comparado ao placebo (0,80±0,33mm) somente em molares. Considerando somente as bolsas inicialmente profundas (7+mm), o efeito clínico da azitromicina foi significativamente maior do que o placebo somente em molares tanto para PS quanto para PI. Não houve diferença significativa na redução de SS entre os grupos nos dois grupos dentários. Conclusão: o efeito benéfico adicional da azitromicina em comparação a placebo é mais evidente em dentes molares de pacientes com periodontite agressiva

Aim: to compare the clinical response of adjunctive azithromycin in molars and non-molars on the treatment of aggressive periodontitis. Material and methods: 28 subjects with aggressive periodontitis (13 to 26 years-old) received both supra and subgingival periodontal treatment. Individuals were randomly assigned in two groups. The test group used 500 mg azithromycin once a day for 3 days, whereas the control group used a placebo. Clinical variables were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Means of probing depth (PD), clinical attachment lost (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were compared between test and control groups separately for molars and non-molars. Results: there was a significantly higher PD reduction in azithromycin group (molars 2.61±0.34mm; non-molars 3.02±0.22mm) compared to placebo (molars 1.50±0.40mm; non-molars 2.00±0.39mm) after 12 months in both tooth types. The gain of clinical attachment in the azithromycin group was significantly higher (1.69±0.26mm) compared to placebo (0.80±0.33mm) only in molars. Considering only initially deep pockets (7+mm), the clinical effect of azithromycin was significantly higher than placebo only in molars, for PD and CAL. There were no significant differences in BOP changes between azithromycin and placebo in any of the tooth types. Conclusion: the additional benefits of azithromycin compared to placebo are more evident in molar teeth of aggressive periodontitis patients.

Factors associated with changes in self-reported dentifrice consumption in a brazilian group from 1996 and 2009

The aim of the study was to determine factors associated with changes in self-reported dentifrice consumption in an urban population group over 13 years. This study evaluated two surveys of 671 and 688 households sampled in the urban area of a city from Southern Brazil in 1996 and 2009, respectively. The mother of the family was asked to answer a structured questionnaire about demographics, socioeconomic and behavioral variables. The primary outcome was obtained by questioning "how long does a dentifrice tube last in your house?" The cut-off point of duration was less than 1 month. It was used to determine high consumption of dentifrice (HCD). Associations between HCD and independent variables were evaluated by multivariable Poisson regression. There was a significant decrease of 20% (81.2% to 61.2%) in the prevalence of HCD between 1996 and 2009, resulting in a crude annual decrease of 1.54%. Mother's age, family income, dental assistance, mother's brushing frequency and number of household members that use a toothbrush were significantly associated with HCD independent from the year of survey. The prevalence ratio (PR) of HCD for the year of survey was 0.75, indicating an overall decrease of 25% in the probability of HCD from 1996 to 2009. Probabilities of HCD also decreased over the 13 years among the strata of education, number of household members and reason for choice of dentifrice. It may be concluded that the factors associated with the observed decrease were higher educational levels, larger number of household members and reasons for choosing a dentifrice related to preventive/therapeutic effects.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar fatores associados com mudanças no consumo auto-reportado de dentifrício em um grupo populacional urbano ao longo de 13 anos. Este estudo avaliou dois levantamentos de 671 e 688 domicílios selecionados na área urbana de uma cidade do sul do Brasil em 1996 e 2009, respectivamente. A mãe da família respondeu a um questionário estruturado sobre variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e comportamentais. O desfecho primário foi obtido questionando "quanto tempo um tubo de dentifrício dura na sua casa?". O ponto de corte de duração foi menor que um mês. Este foi utilizado para determinar alto consumo de dentifrício (ACD). Associações entre ACD e variáveis independentes foram avaliadas por regressão de Poisson multivariada. Houve uma diminuição significativa de 20% (81,2% para 61,2%) na prevalência de ACD entre 1996 e 2009, resultando em um decréscimo anual não ajustado igual a 1,54%. Idade da mãe, renda familiar, assistência odontológica, frequência de escovação da mãe e número de membros no domicílio que escovam os dentes estiveram significativamente associados com ACD independentemente do ano de levantamento. A razão de prevalência (RP) do ACD para ano de levantamento foi 0,75, indicando uma diminuição geral de 25% na probabilidade de ACD entre 1996 para 2009. As probabilidades de ACD também diminuíram ao longo de 13 anos entre os estratos de educação, número de membros da família e razões para escolha do dentifrício. Pode-se concluir que os fatores associados com a diminuição observada foram maior nível educacional da mãe, maior número de membros da família e razões para escolha do dentifrício relacionadas a efeitos preventivo/terapêuticos.