Fluoride toothpaste, sanitary surveillance and the SUS: the case of Manaus-AM, Brazil / Dentifrício fluoretado, vigilância sanitária e o SUS: o caso de Manaus-AM

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To determine the anticaries potential of toothpastes distributed by the primary health care public clinics (UBS) of Manaus, AM. METHODS Ninety-nine tubes of toothpaste from four commercial brands were collected from October 7, 2019 to October 11, 2019 in 16 UBS. They were assigned a code by brand and source UBS. According to the information on the packaging, the four brands and their batches were formulated with sodium monofluorophosphate (Na2FPO3) and most (91%) had calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as an abrasive. We determined the concentrations of total fluoride (TF = TSF + InsF) and total soluble fluoride (TSF = F ions- or FPO32-), to certify whether they were in compliance with resolution ANVISA RDC No. 530 (maximum of 1,500 ppm TF) and whether they had anticaries potential (minimum of 1,000 ppm TSF). The analyses were performed with a ion- specific electrode. RESULTS The concentrations (ppm F) of TF [mean; standard deviation (SD); n] found in toothpaste brands A (1,502.3; SD = 45.6; n = 33), B (1,135.5; SD = 52.7; n = 48) and D (936.8; SD = 20.5; N = 8) were close to those stated on the package, 1,500, 1,100 and 1,000 ppm F, respectively. In toothpaste C, we found a mean of 274.1 ppm (SD = 219.7; n = 10) of TF, which diverges from the declared concentration of 1,500 ppm F. In addition, the five tubes of lot no. 11681118 of toothpaste C did not contain fluoride. Regarding TSF, with the exception of toothpaste D (937.9; SD = 40.29), the others had a lower concentration than their respective TF. CONCLUSION We found serious problems of quantity and quality of fluoride in toothpaste distributed by the SUS in Manaus, which shows the need for surveillance of these products and confirms the urgency of revising resolution RDC No. 530.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Determinar o potencial anticárie dos dentifrícios distribuídos pelas unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) de Manaus-AM. MÉTODOS Noventa e nove bisnagas de dentifrícios de quatro marcas comerciais foram coletadas de 7 de outubro de 2019 a 11 de outubro de 2019 em 16 UBS, que foram codificados por marca e UBS de origem. De acordo com a embalagem, os dentifrícios das quatro marcas e seus lotes foram formulados com monofluorofosfato de sódio (Na2FPO3) e a maioria (91%) tinha carbonato de cálcio (CaCO3) como abrasivo. Foram determinadas as concentrações de fluoreto total (FT = FST + Fins) e de fluoreto solúvel total (FST = íons F- ou FPO32-), para certificar se atendiam à resolução ANVISA RDC Nº 530 (máximo de 1.500 ppm de FT) e se tinham potencial anticárie (mínimo de 1.000 ppm de FST). As análises foram feitas com eletrodo íon específico. RESULTADOS As concentrações (ppm F) de FT [média; desvio padrão (DP); n] encontradas nos dentifrícios A (1.502,3; DP = 45,6; n = 33), B (1.135,5; DP = 52,7; n = 48) e D (936,8; DP = 20,5; n = 8) foram próximas ao descrito na embalagem, 1.500, 1.100 e 1.000 ppm F, respectivamente. No dentifrício C, foi encontrada média de 274,1 ppm (DP = 219,7; n = 10) de FT, divergindo da concentração declarada de 1.500 ppm F. Em acréscimo, as cinco bisnagas do lote no 11681118 do dentifrício C não foram fluoretadas. Quanto ao FST, à exceção do dentifrício D (937,9; DP = 40,29), os demais apresentaram concentração inferior ao seu respectivo FT. CONCLUSÃO Observou-se problemas graves de quantidade e qualidade do fluoreto nos dentifrícios distribuídos pelo SUS em Manaus, mostrando a necessidade de vigilância desses produtos e ratificando a urgência da revisão da resolução ANVISA RDC Nº 530.

Contributions of school context to caries on anterior teeth: a multilevel analysis

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To investigate whether oral health literacy (OHL) and school context are associated with untreated dental caries on the anterior teeth of adolescents. METHODS A representative cross-sectional study was conducted with 746 students aging 15 to 19 in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil. The guardians answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data and the absence/presence of private health insurance. Two examiners were trained for the diagnosis of dental caries using the Nyvad criteria and the measurement of OHL using the Brazilian Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (BREALD-30) (Kappa > 0.80). Contextual aspects of the schools were obtained from the 2017 National School Census. Descriptive statistics were conducted, followed by unadjusted and adjusted robust negative binomial regression for complex samples (p < 0.05). RESULTS The average number of anterior teeth with untreated caries was 0.95 (SD = 1.77). Among individual factors, the male sex (RR = 1.64; 95%CI: 1.24-2.16), inadequate level of OHL (RR = 2.03; 95%CI: 1.13-1.63), marginal level of OHL (RR = 1.87; 95%CI: 1.05-3.33) and not having private health insurance (RR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.07-1.68) were associated with untreated caries on anterior teeth. Among school contextual factors, the number of students in the classroom (RR = 2.64; 95%CI: 1.78-3.93), number of public oral health services in the district (RR = 0.14; 95%CI: 0.05-0.39) and average income of the district in which the school is located (RR = 0.99; 95%CI: 0.98-0.99) were associated with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS Sociodemographic factors, having private health insurance, OHL, and school context exerted an influence on the occurrence of untreated dental caries on anterior teeth in adolescents aging 15 to 19.

Caries and fluoridated water in two Brazilian municipalities with low prevalence of the disease / Cárie e água fluoretada em dois municípios brasileiros com baixa prevalência da doença

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between exposure to fluoridated water and dental caries in a context of widespread use of fluoride toothpaste in Brazil, in a scenario of low prevalence of the disease. METHODS This is a cross-sectional observational study, of the census type, in the form of a double population-based epidemiological survey carried out in two municipalities of the state of São Paulo in 2014. The sample consisted of adolescents aged 11 and 12 years, exposed (n = 184) or not exposed (n = 128) to fluoridated water for at least five years. The populations studied lived in communities of the same geographic region and had small demographic size and similar socioeconomic classification, differing only in the exposure (Silveiras) or not exposure (São José do Barreiro) to fluoridated water. The experience, magnitude, and degree of polarization of dental caries in these populations were analyzed using the DMFT and SiC indexes, and the association was tested using Pearson's chi-square statistics and prevalence ratio between those not exposed and those exposed to fluoridated water. RESULTS Although caries experience (DMFT ≥ 1) was not associated with exposure to fluoridated water (chi-square = 1.78; p = 0.18; α = 5%), a significant difference was observed in the magnitude with which the disease reached the population: the means of DMFT were 1.76 in those exposed and 2.60 in those not exposed and the means of SiC were 4.04 and 6.16, respectively. The degree of polarization, indicated by the percentage of subjects with DMFT = 0, was different, being it higher (41.8%) in subjects exposed and lower (34.3%) in subjects not exposed. The prevalence ratio between those not exposed and those exposed was 1.13, indicating little expressiveness in prevalence difference. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to fluoridated water implied lower mean values for the DMFT and SiC indexes, even in the presence of the concomitant exposure to fluoridated toothpaste, in a scenario of low prevalence of the disease, and with a similar pattern of caries distribution in the populations analyzed.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a associação entre a exposição à água fluoretada e cárie dentária, em contexto de uso generalizado de creme dental fluoretado no Brasil, em cenário de baixa prevalência da doença. MÉTODOS Realizado estudo observacional transversal, de tipo censitário, na modalidade de duplo inquérito epidemiológico populacional, em dois municípios paulistas em 2014. Participaram adolescentes de 11 e 12 anos, imersos na sua condição de exposição (n = 184) ou não exposição (n = 128) à água fluoretada, há pelo menos cinco anos. As populações avaliadas residiam em comunidades da mesma região geográfica, de pequeno porte demográfico e com classificação socioeconômica similar, diferenciando-se apenas pela condição de exposição à água fluoretada (Silveiras) e de não exposição (São José do Barreiro). A experiência, a magnitude e o grau de polarização da cárie dentária nessas populações foram analisadas por meio dos índices CPOD e SiC e a associação foi testada empregando-se as estatísticas qui-quadrado de Pearson e razão de prevalência entre não expostos e expostos à água fluoretada. RESULTADOS Embora a experiência de cárie (CPOD ≥ 1) não tenha se associado com a exposição à água fluoretada (qui-quadrado = 1,78; p = 0,18; α = 5%), observou-se expressiva diferença na magnitude com que a doença atingiu a população: as médias CPOD foram de 1,76 em expostos e 2,60 em não expostos e as médias SiC foram de 4,04 e 6,16, respectivamente. O grau da polarização, indicado pela porcentagem de indivíduos com CPOD = 0, foi diferente, maior (41,8%) em expostos e menor (34,3%) em não expostos. A razão de prevalência entre não expostos e expostos foi de 1,13, indicando pouca expressividade na diferença das prevalências. CONCLUSÕES A exposição à água fluoretada implicou menores valores médios dos índices CPOD e SiC, ainda que em presença de exposição concomitante a dentifrício fluoretado, em cenário de baixa prevalência da doença e padrão similar de distribuição de cárie nas populações analisadas.

Necessity to review the Brazilian regulation about fluoride toothpastes / Necessidade de revisão da regulamentação brasileira sobre dentifrícios fluoretados

The aim of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of the Brazilian legislation about fluoride toothpaste. A search was conducted in LILACS, Medline and SciELO databases about the fluoride concentration found in Brazilians toothpastes, using descriptors on health. Publications since 1981 have shown that some Brazilian toothpastes are not able to maintain, during their expiration time, a minimum of 1,000 ppm F of soluble fluoride in the formulation. However, the Brazilian regulation (ANVISA, Resolution 79, August 28, 2000) only sets the maximum total fluoride (0.15%; 1,500 ppm F) that a toothpaste may contain but not the minimum concentration of soluble fluoride that it should contain to have anticaries potential, which according to systematic reviews should be 1,000 ppm F. Therefore, the Brazilian regulation on fluoride toothpastes needs to be revised to assure the efficacy of those products for caries control.

O presente estudo analisou a adequação da regulamentação brasileira vigente sobre dentifrícios fluoretados. Foi realizada busca da literatura sobre a concentração de flúor nos dentifrícios brasileiros, tendo como fontes Lilacs, Medline e SciELO, com uso de descritores em saúde. Publicações sobre a composição de dentifrícios fluoretados brasileiros têm mostrado desde 1981 que nem todos os dentifrícios são capazes de manter durante o prazo de validade uma concentração mínima de 1.000 ppm F. Esse problema ocorre não só com dentifrícios adquiridos no mercado como com aqueles distribuídos por serviços públicos de saúde. Entretanto, a legislação brasileira (Resolução 79, Anvisa, 28/8/2000) apenas estabelece que um dentifrício não pode conter mais que 0,15% (1.500 ppm F) de flúor total, sem estabelecer o mínimo de flúor solúvel que ele deveria conter para ter potencial anticárie, a qual de acordo com revisões sistemáticas deve ser igual ou maior que 1.000 ppm F. Concluiu-se que a regulamentação brasileira sobre dentifrícios fluoretados necessita ser revisada, garantindo a eficácia desses produtos para o controle da cárie.

In Vitro Enamel Remineralization by Low-Fluoride Toothpaste with Calcium Citrate and Sodium Trimetaphosphate

The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effect of a low fluoride toothpaste (450 µgF/g, NaF) combined with calcium citrate (Cacit) and sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) on enamel remineralization. Bovine enamel blocks had the enamel surface polished sequentially to determine the surface hardness. After production of artificial carious lesions, the blocks selected by their surface hardness were submitted to remineralization pH cycling and daily treatment with dentifrice suspensions (diluted in deionized water or artificial saliva): placebo, 275, 450, 550 and 1,100 µgF/g and commercial dentifrice (positive control, 1,100 µgF/g). Finally, the surface and cross-section hardness was determined for calculating the change of surface hardness (%SH) and mineral content (%∆Z). Fluoride in enamel was also determined. The data from %SH, %∆Z and fluoride were subjected to two-way analysis of variance followed by Student-Newman-Keuls's test (p<0.05). The mineral gain (%SH and %∆Z) was higher for toothpastes diluted in saliva (p<0.05), except for the 450 µgF/g dentifrice with Cacit/TMP (p>0.05). The 450 Cacit/TMP toothpaste and the positive control showed similar results (p>0.05) when diluted in water. A dose-response was observed between fluoride concentration in toothpastes and fluoride present in enamel, regardless of dilution. It was concluded that it is possible to enhance the remineralization capacity of low F concentration toothpaste by of organic (Cacit) and inorganic (TMP) compounds with affinity to hydroxyapatite.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar in vitro o efeito de um dentifrício com reduzida concentração de fluoreto (450 µgF/g, NaF) associado ao citrato de cálcio (Cacit) e trimetafosfato de sódio (TMP) na remineralização do esmalte. Blocos de esmalte bovino tiveram sua superfície de esmalte polida seqüencialmente para determinação da dureza de superfície. Após o desenvolvimento de lesões artificiais de cárie, os blocos selecionados através da dureza de superfície foram submetidos a ciclagem de remineralização e tratamento diário com suspensões de dentifrícios (diluição em água deionizada ou saliva artificial): placebo, 275, 450, 550 e 1.100 µgF/g e com dentifrício comercial (controle positivo, 1.100 µgF/g). Ao término, determinou-se a dureza de superfície e em secção longitudinal, para cálculo da variação da dureza de superfície (%SH) e do conteúdo mineral (%∆Z). O fluoreto presente no esmalte também foi determinado. Os dados de %SH, %∆Z e fluoreto foram submetidos a análise de variância a dois critérios seguido pelo teste de Student-Newman-Keuls (p<0,05). O ganho mineral (%SH e %∆Z) foi maior para os dentifrícios diluídos em saliva (p<0,05), exceto para os dentifrícios 450 µg F/g com Cacit/TMP (p>0,05). Os dentifrícios 450 Cacit/TMP e controle positivo apresentaram resultados semelhantes (p>0,05) quando diluídos em água. Uma relação dose-resposta foi observada entre a concentração de fluoreto nos dentifrícios e o fluoreto presente no esmalte, independente da diluição. Concluiu-se que é possível melhorar a capacidade de remineralização de dentifrícios com reduzida concentração de fluoreto pela adição de compostos orgânico (Cacit) e inorgânico (TMP) com afinidade a hidroxiapatita.

Caries preventive effect of permanent teeth using pit and fissure sealant program and community water fluoridation program / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the caries preventive effects of oral health programs composed of pit and fissure sealant and community water fluoridation in Hapcheon-Up, Hapcheon-Gun, the Republic of Korea. METHODS: Dental surveys were conducted on 6 to 14 year old children at Hapcheon-Up, Hapcheon-Gun in 2000 and 2009, respectively. The number of the subjects was 1,957 and 1,535 children in 2000 and 2009, respectively. The percentage of samples among total population aged 6 to 14 years in 2000 and 2009 was 90.6% and 92.3%, respectively. The obtained data from these surveys were analyzed with the PASW statistical package version 18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The 2009 dental health data including the prevalence of dental caries and fissure sealants on children's permanent teeth was compared to the 2000 dental health data, and assessed using chi-square test and independent-sample t-test. RESULTS: DMF rate of 12-year olds was 76.9% in 2000, and it significantly decreased to 42.5% in 2009. DMFT index of 12-year olds was 3.03 in 2000, and it significantly decreased to 1.07 in 2009. The prevalence rate of sealed permanent teeth among the 12-year olds was 15.4% in 2000, and it significantly increased to 97.2% in 2009. The caries reduction rate from pit and fissure sealant added by community water fluoridation program was calculated as 44.7% in 12-year olds by the difference of DMFT index between 2000 and 2009 year. Logistic regression analysis revealed that both programs were associated with an increasing likelihood of experiencing no dental caries (OR=4.00, 95% CI; 3.23-4.95). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the oral health program composed of pit and fissure sealant and community water fluoridation in Hapcheon was very effective in caries prevention. The program should be expanded to other area to prevent dental caries among children.

Experiência de cárie dentária em crianças atendidas em um programa de Odontologia para bebês / Dental caries in children participating in a Dentistry for infants program

Objective: To assess the impact of the "Dentistry for Infants" early dental care program run by Jacareí County (SP) by comparing the caries of individuals participating and not participating in this program. Methods: In total, 300 children between 0 and 48 months old were assessed in the following two groups: infants not participating in the program (G1, n = 100) and infants participating in the program (G2, n = 200). Each group was further divided according to age in subgroups of 0 to 24 months and 25 to 48 months. All children were clinically assessed for carious lesions using the visual-tactile method. The data were statistically analyzed using a paired Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and X² test at a 5% significance level. Results: There was a significant difference in the prevalence (P) and mean index of deciduous teeth (deft) (C) that were decayed, indicated for extraction and filled, and the highest values were observed in G1 (p < 0.0001). The values were as follows: PG1, 73%; PG2, 22%; CG1, 3.45 ± 3.84; and CG2, 0.66 ± 1.57. Conclusion: Participating in the program positively impacted the infants' oral health.

Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto na saúde bucal de crianças atendidas em um programa de atenção precoce "Odontologia para Bebês" da prefeitura do município de Jacareí (SP), por meio da comparação da experiência de cárie entre indivíduos participantes e não participantes do programa. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 300 crianças de 0 e 48 meses de idade, as quais foram divididas em 2 grupos: G1"Bebês não participantes do Programa" (n = 100) e G2 "Bebês do Programa" (n = 200). Cada grupo foi subdividido em dois, o primeiro com crianças de 0 a 24 meses, e o segundo de 25 a 48 meses. Todas as crianças receberam avaliação clínica quanto à presença de lesões de cárie (método táctil e visual). Os dados foram tabulados e analisados estatisticamente pelos testes t de Student pareado, Mann-Whitney e X², com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Houve diferença estatística para a prevalência (P) e o índice médio de dentes decíduos cariados, com extração indicada e obturados (ceod) (C), sendo os maiores valores observados para G1(p < 0,0001). Os valores foram: PG1 (73%), PG2 (22%), CG1 (3,45 ± 3,84), CG2 (0,66 ± 1,57). Conclusão: Concluiu-se que participar do programa interferiu positivamente na saúde bucal dos bebês.

Promoción de salud para la prevención de caries en niños de 5 a 12 años / Health promotion for caries prevention in children from 5 to 12 years

En Cuba la caries dental es una de las enfermedades bucales de mayor prevalencia y la tendencia a padecerla en los menores de quince años, ha seguido un comportamiento similar al descrito por otros países. Objetivo: evaluar la influencia de las técnicas afectivo-participativas en la prevención de caries dental en niños de cinco a doce años. Método: se realizó un estudio experimental de intervención comunitaria en el consultorio diez, área norte, perteneciente a la Clínica Estomatológica Docente “La Vigía”, municipio Camagüey, durante el período comprendido de junio de 2006 a junio de 2007. La muestra quedó conformada por los treinta y siete niños comprendidos en estas edades. La investigación se realizó en tres fases donde se identificaron los principales factores de riesgo y se aplicaron las técnicas afectivo-participativas a padres y niños en los primeros seis meses. Luego se realizó la evaluación desde el punto de vista cuantitativo y cualitativo. Resultados: fueron satisfactorios pues el 84% de los niños incrementó el nivel de información sobre caries dental. Conclusiones: la higiene bucal fue evaluada de bien en casi todos los niños y hubo una percepción favorable de ellos con respecto a la aplicación de las técnicas afectivo-participativas así como un impacto positivo de las mismas en la salud buco dental.

In Cuba dental caries is one of the oral diseases of more prevalence and the tendency to suffer it in those smaller than fifteen years, it has followed a similar behavior to the one described by other countries. Objective: to evaluate the influence of the affective-participatory techniques in the prevention of dental caries in children from five to twelve years. Method: an experimental study of community intervention in the doctor´s office ten, north area, belonging to the Teaching Odontology Clinic "La Vigía", of Camagüey municipality, was performed from june 2006 to june 2007. The sample was conformed by thirty seven children comprised in these ages. The investigation was carried out in three phases where the main risk factors were identified and the affective-participatory techniques were applied to parents and children in the first six months. Then the evaluation from the quantitative and qualitative point of view was carried out. Results: were satisfactory, since 84% of children increased the level of information on dental caries. Conclusions: oral hygiene was evaluated of well in almost all the children and there was a favorable perception of them with regard to the application of the affective-participatory techniques as well as a positive impact of them in the bucco- dental health.

Avaliação individualizada do risco circunstancial de cárie em pacientes atendidos na Clínica de Odontologia em Saúde Coletiva II da Universidade Federal do Pará / Individualized assessment of circumstantial caries risk of patients seen at Collective II's Health Dentistry Clinic of the Federal University of Pará

Introdução - Avaliar o risco circunstancial de cárie dos pacientes assistidos ao longo de onze meses na Clínica de Odontologia em Saúde Coletiva II da Faculdade de Odontologia da UFPA (FO/UFPA), através de informações advindas da realização da anamnese e exame clínico, assim como variáveis referentes à idade, gênero e freqüência diária de escovação, já que a determinação do risco é essencial para o correto planejamento e sucesso da terapia estabelecida. Materiaise Métodos - Os dados foram coletados, a partir de fichas clínicas de atendimentos fetuados no período de fevereiro a dezembro de 2007. A amostra foi formada por 61 pacientes de ambos os sexos, com faixa etária variando entre 7 e 51 anos de idade. A determinação do risco de cárie foi realizada pelo aluno e professor como parte do processo ensino/aprendizagem que acontece durante os semestres letivos na FO/UFPA. Resultados - O perfil do paciente assistido recaiu na faixa etária de 18 a 23 anos de idade, gênero feminino, com freqüência de escovação diária de três vezes ao dia e risco de cárie considerado médio (55,74%). Conclusões - Apesar dos pacientes submetidos ao estudo apresentarem médio risco de cárie, os mesmos possuíam um estado de saúde bucal preocupante, que demonstrou a necessidade de intervenções a nível curativo, interceptativo e preventivo. A determinação do risco individual de cárie favorece a elaboração de um plano de tratamento correto e eficaz, permitindo que haja uma margem de segurança maior na qualidade dos tratamentos, reduzindo as chances de recidivas da doença cárie, proporcionando assim, melhora da saúde bucal do paciente.

Introduction - In this way, aims to present the assessment of the risk of caries of patients assisted up to 11 months at Collective II's Health Dentistry Clinic, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Pará, adding information stemming from history and clinical examination performed as well as variables related to age, gender and frequency of daily brushing, as the determination of risk is essential to the proper the planning and success of the therapy established. Materials and Methods - Data were collected from the records of spontaneous demand of caries in the period from February to December 2007. The sample was made up by 61 patients of both sexes, with age ranging between 7 and 51 years, and 57.38% female. The determination of the risk of dental caries was performed by the student and teacher as part of the process teaching / learning what happens during the semester in FO / UFPA. Results - The profile of the patient assisted falls on the age of 18 to 23 years old, female, with a frequency of daily brushing three times a day and considered medium risk of caries (55.74%). Conclusions - Patients undergoing study had a state of oral health concern, which demonstrated necessity for interventions of curative, preventive and intercepted treatment.

O tratamento restaurador atraumático em saúde pública e o custo dos materiais preconizados / Atraumatic restorative treatment in public health and cost of recommended materials

O Tratamento Restaurador Atraumático, conhecido como ART ou TRA (em português), representa uma filosofia de atenção odontológica que alia a intervenção minimamente invasiva aos métodos educativo-preventivos, no controle da doença cárie dentária, bem como representa um tratamento restaurador com grande abrangência social, constituindo-se por isso, eficaz medida restauradora em saúde pública. O presente artigo objetivou rever, através da literatura disponível, as perspectivas de diversos pesquisadores do TRA, no controle da doença cárie dentária, por meio da abordagem de sua aplicabilidade, cujas ideias divergem, sobretudo,em relação ao custo do material empregado. Concluiu-se haver uma incompatibilidade filosófica entre os preceitos de acesso da técnica com a utilização de materiais de alto custo preconizados, a despeito dos recursos que envolvem a prática da Odontologia tradicional.

Atraumatic restorative treatment, known as ART or TRA(in Portuguese), represents a philosophy of dental care thatcombines minimally invasive intervention with educationaland preventive methods, to control dental caries, being alsoa socially relevant restorative treatment with efficient forpublic health. This article aimed to review the literature onthe topic, with emphasis on its applicability and cost. Weconcluded there is a philosophical incompatibility betweenthe precepts of access to the technique and the high costof the recommended materials, in spite of the resourcesinvolved in traditional dental practice.

The prevalence and pattern of dental caries in pre-school children.

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and pattern of early childhood caries and its relevant factors in pre-school children of People’s Public school of Bhopal. One hundred sixty two children aged between 3 to 5 years were selected randomly from the school. They were examined for dental caries on proximal & buccal surfaces of at least two maxillary incisors (WHO, 1987). A questionnaire was used for evaluation of related factors. It was found that 36.42% children were affected by ECC. Thus, substantial efforts by ways of both, early detection & treatment and effective preventive strategies are required to decrease the prevalence of ECC in pre-school children.

Inhibition effect of methylene blue on acid productin metabolism in in vitro plaque glycolysis modles / 实用口腔医学杂志

0.05, vs group ③). Conclusion:Methylene may inhiit production of plaque in a time independat way.