Short communication: In vitro assessment of erosive potential of energy drinks.

AIM: This in vitro study was to evaluate the endogenous pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids content (TSSC) and nonreducing sugars of energy drinks. METHODS: Nine energy drinks (Bad Boy Power Drink, Red Bull, Red Bull Sugar Free, Flying Horse, Burn, Night Power, Flash Power, Flying Horse Light and 220V) were evaluated by a randomised experiment with 3 repetitions on each sample. pH analysis performed by potentiometry and buffering capacity was assessed by dilution of each drink. Increments of 0.1 N KOH were titrated until neutrality reached. TSSC readings were performed by Brix refractometry using an Abbé refractometer. RESULTS: pH values ranged from 1.52 (Flash Power) to 3.20 (Red Bull) and all drinks showed pH 5.5. Titratable acidity values ranged from 0.56 (220V) to 1.04 (Bad Boy Power Drink). Flying Horse Light presented the lowest TSSC content (1.66%) and Flying Horse presented the highest (12.58%). Non-reducing sugars values ranged from 0.00% (Red Bull Sugar Free and Flying Horse Light) to 54.33% (Flying Horse). CONCLUSION: The energy drinks evaluated have a high erosive potential, as they present low pH and a high non-reducing sugar content.

Facial and oral injuries in Brazilian children aged 5-17 years: 5-year review.

AIM: This was to assess causes of maxillofacial trauma using a retrospective study in Paraiba, Brazil. METHODS: Records of 256 patients with maxillofacial injuries aged 5-17 years treated between January 2002 to May 2006 were analyzed according to sex, age, cause of injury, frequency of dentoalveolar trauma, intraoral soft tissue injury, frequency and site of facial fracture. STATISTICS: Chi-square and Fisher's Exact Tests were used at a significance level of 5%; odds ratio (OR) with confidence intervals to 95% were calculated (IC95%). RESULTS: Facial injuries were most frequent in males (78.1%) and in 13-17 year olds (60.9%); they tended to be more frequent during weekends (48%). Commonest causes were falls (37.9%) and traffic accidents (21.1%). Nasal fractures were most common (51.3%), followed by the zygomatic-orbital complex (25.4%); dentoalveolar injuries were present in 25.8% of cases. There was a positive association between facial fracture and dentoalveolar trauma, alveolar and tooth fracture, avulsion and intraoral soft tissue injury. CONCLUSION: Accidental falls were found to be the leading cause of maxillofacial fractures, affecting males 3 times more than females.

Primary identification of an abused child in dental office: a case report.

Although the injuries of child abuse are many and varied, several types of injuries are common to abuse. Many of these injuries are within the scope of dentistry or easily observed by the dental professional in the course of routine dental treatment. The authors present a case of child abuse with multiple bruises. The child had been spanked in the previous night and the morning of the attendance by his mother. This case emphasized that all practitioners should be vigilant when patients present with abnormal injuries which may be the result of abuse and further investigation should be instigated.

Prevalence of dental trauma children aged 1-3 years in Joao Pessoa (Brazil).

AIM: This was to determine the prevalence and distribution of traumatic injuries to primary anterior teeth in children from 1 to 3 years-old. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out through clinical examination of the primary dentitions of preschool children enrolled in public nursery schools in Joao Pessoa (Brazil). A total of 293 boys and girls participated in the study. The children were clinically examined for signs of trauma according to Andreasen's classification. RESULTS: Traumatic injuries were identified in 10.2% of children. The largest percentage of injuries was demonstrated by 2-3 years-old, with no significant difference between boys and girls. The most common type of injury was enamel fracture and enamel-dentine fracture. The maxillary central incisor was the most vulnerable to injury, without differences between the right and left side. STATISTICS: The data were entered in the SPSS program, and the chi square test was used with a 5% significance level. CONCLUSION: The primary dentition was most affected by fracture of enamel, especially the maxillary central incisor teeth, in patients between 2 and 3 years of age. There is a need of providing adequate preventive and treatment care for preschool children.

Monophasic estrogen-progestogen therapy and sexuality in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of monophasic estrogen-progestogen therapy on the sexuality and climacteric symptoms of postmenopausal women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled, single-centre study was carried out over a total of 12 consecutive months in 40 postmenopausal women with an intact uterus who had no contraindications to hormone therapy. Patients received 17beta-estradiol 2mg in combination with norethisterone acetate 1mg (Cliane) daily for 6 months or one placebo tablet daily for 6 months. The tablets were identical in appearance. After 6 months, the groups were crossed over and the patients were followed up for another 6 months. The groups were homogenous with respect to age, height, bodyweight, body mass index and race. For the statistical analysis, the group receiving hormone therapy was referred to as group A and the placebo group was designated group B, irrespective of the placebo/hormone therapy sequence. RESULTS: In group A there were fewer hot flashes (F=22.85, p<0.01) and an improvement in sexual interest (F=5.55, p<0.05). The sequence in which the medication was received resulted in a statistically significant difference with respect to dyspareunia (F=9.65, p<0.01) and satisfaction with the duration of penetration (F=6.58, p<0.05). In the intrapatient analysis of variation with respect to orgasmic capability and the presence of dialogue with partner regarding the couple's sexual life, whether the placebo was taken prior to or following hormone therapy was significant (F=17.12, p<0.001 and F=7.10, p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Monophasic estrogen-progestogen therapy has a beneficial effect on sexuality and on hot flashes in postmenopausal women.