Fixed and on-demand regimens of acetaminophen in periodontal surgery: randomized clinical trial

Aim: to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an acetaminophen analgesic by comparing its prescription in fixed versus ondemand schedules after periodontal surgery. The hypothesis of the study was that the fixed regimen would be more effective than the on-demand regimen for postoperative analgesics following periodontal surgery. Methods: An open randomized clinical trial was conducted. The 68 patients who needed total flap surgery to restore supracrestal tissue attachment or surgical treatment of periodontitis were randomized". Visual Analogue Scale was used to assess pain. The fixed group (n = 34) received 500 mg of acetaminophen every 4 hours for 2 days. The on-demand group (n = 34) was instructed to use the acetaminophen "as needed," at intervals of no less than 4 hours between doses. Ibuprofen was the rescue medication for both groups. Pain scores and medication use were recorded 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after the surgical procedure. The study was registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials under RBR-7wv259. Results: The two groups did not differ in relation to the frequency or the intensity of pain in a 48-hour period (n=20 in the fixed group, and n=22 in the on-demand group), or even in the intention-to-treat (n=34 in each group). Individuals who experienced moderate to severe pain used rescue medication more frequently in both groups. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Both regimens were effective in controlling postoperative pain after periodontal surgery

Self-Perception of Teeth Alignment and Colour in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with self-perception of teeth alignment and colour in adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in public and private schools in Passo Fundo, Brazil. A representative sample of students aged 15 to 19 years were included. The outcome of this study was self-perception of teeth alignment and colour according to selected items from a structured and validated questionnaire (the Child's and Parent's Questionnaire about Teeth Appearance). Bivariate and multivariable analysis, using Poisson regression with robust variance, were used. A P value <.05 was established for statistical significance. RESULTS: The study included 736 adolescents. The worst self-perception of teeth alignment and colour was observed in 46.5% (n = 342) of the adolescents. Nonsmokers presented a prevalence ratio (PR) 29% lower (95% CI, 0.57-0.89) for the worst self-perception of teeth alignment and colour when compared to smokers/former smokers. Adolescents with highly educated mothers presented a lower prevalence of negative self-perception than those with mothers with a low level of education (PR: 0.66; 95% CI, 0.51-0.86). Presence of orthodontic treatment with (PR: 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.94) or without (PR: 0.61; 95% CI, 0.46-0.76) tooth whitening were associated with better self-perception of teeth alignment and colour. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to smoking and lower maternal level of education were associated with worse self-perception of teeth alignment and colour in adolescents. A history of orthodontic treatment with or without tooth whitening was associated with a lower concern with aesthetics.

Prevalence of tooth loss and associated factors in institutionalized adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of tooth loss and associated factors in institutionalized adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 68 male adolescents incarcerated from Socio-Educational Assistance Center (CASE) aged between 15 and 19 years. Questionnaires were applied individually to assess sociodemographical, economical, medical, behavioral and oral health self-perception variables. All present teeth were evaluated by Decay, Missing, Filling (DMF) Index. The prevalence of tooth loss was analyzed in individuals with ≥1 tooth loss. Associations between tooth loss and exposure variables studied were analyzed by Poisson Regression with robust variance estimation. The prevalence of tooth loss was 47.06%. First molars in the mandible and maxilla and central incisor in the maxilla were the most absent teeth. In the multivariate model, number of decayed teeth, and those that reported daily use of medication were associated with higher tooth loss. Besides, tooth loss was associated with decayed tooth and daily use of medication. Oral health promotion and treatment should be implemented in these institutions to reduce the prevalence of dental loss in these adolescents.

Aplicação de práticas integrativas e complementares na odontologia / Application of complementary and integrative practices in dentistry

A incorporação de novas tecnologias e métodos para proporcionar um atendimento odontológico mais confortável, humano e menos invasivo, propiciou o uso de terapias alternativas e complementares em Odontologia. Objetivo: revisar a literatura e assim fornecer ao cirurgião-dentista maiores informações a respeito dos recursos alternativos e complementares utilizados no consultório odontológico. Materiais e Métodos: A pesquisa foi realizada utilizando termos Decs e operadores boleanos. As bases de dados consultadas foram Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo e Google Scholar, no ano de 2020, e após aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade, foram selecionados 65 estudos, dentre estudos clínicos randomizados e não-randomizados, estudos observacionais, revisões sistemáticas e não ­ sistemáticas. Resultados e Discussão: Destaca-se as terapias: Acupuntura, Crioterapia, Fitoterapia, Hipnose, Homeopatia, Laserterapia, Massoterapia, Musicoterapia, Ozonioterapia, Terapia fotodinâmica e Toxina Botulínica, nas suas diversas pluralidades de aplicação, não somente para a área odontológica, mas na integralização com diversos campos, atuando no físico e psíquico. Conclusão: Diante dos achados, pode-se concluir que grande parte das terapias complementares são bem empregadas em Odontologia. Entretanto, mais evidências científicas são essenciais para o desempenho de tais práticas. Isto as tornará eficazes e seguras, tanto na atenção à saúde em âmbito público, quanto privado, permitindo à população brasileira beneficiar-se das terapias como alternativas eficientes e de baixo custo.

The incorporation of new technologies and methods to provide a more comfortable, humane and less invasive dental care, favored the use of alternative and complementary therapies in Dentistry. Objective: to review the literature and thus provide the dentist with more information about alternative and complementary resources used in the dental office. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out using terms Decs and Boolean operators. The databases consulted were Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo and Google Scholar, in 2020, and after applying the eligibility criteria, 65 studies were selected, among randomized and non-randomized clinical studies, observational studies, systematic reviews and non- systematic. Results and Discussion: Therapies stand out: Acupuncture, Cryotherapy, Phytotherapy, Hypnosis, Homeopathy, Laser Therapy, Massage Therapy, Music Therapy, Ozone Therapy, Photodynamic Therapy and Botulinum Toxin, in their diverse application areas, not only in the dental field, but in integration with several fields, working in the physical and psychic. Conclusion: Given the findings, it can be concluded that most complementary therapies are well used in dentistry. However, more scientific evidence is essential for the performance of such practices. This will make them effective and safe, both in public and private health care, allowing the Brazilian population to benefit from therapies as efficient and low-cost alternatives.