Effect of Phototherapy on Masseter and Anterior Temporal Muscles Before Induction of Fatigue: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Blind Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This is a randomized, sham-controlled, blind clinical trial that aimed to evaluate the effect of phototherapy on bite force, mandibular range of motion, sensitivity to palpation, and fatigue in the masseter and anterior temporal muscles of young patients when administered before the induction of fatigue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two healthy volunteers aged 18-23 years were randomly allocated to a laser group and sham group. Both groups were submitted to a clinical evaluation to record mandibular range of motion, bite force, muscle sensitivity to palpation, and muscle fatigue. The laser group was then submitted to phototherapy (780 nm, 25 J/cm2, 50 mW, 20 sec, and 1 J per point) on three points of the masseter and one point of the anterior temporal muscle on each side. The sham group was submitted to the same procedure, but with the device switched off. The volunteers were then instructed to chew two pieces of gum (one on each side) for 6 min, with the pace set by a metronome calibrated to 80 bpm, followed by the reevaluation of all variables. The results were submitted to t-test and Wilcoxon test. A significance level of 5% (p < 0.05) was considered in all analyses. RESULTS: No statistically significant intergroup or intragroup differences were found for the variables analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: With the proposed protocol, phototherapy administered before the induction of fatigue did not lead to any changes in bite force and mandibular range of motion, indicating that further studies are needed with different phototherapy dosimetric parameters.

Maxillofacial Changes in Melnick-Needles Syndrome.

Background. Melnick-Needles Syndrome is rare congenital hereditary skeletal dysplasia caused by mutations in the FLNA gene, which codifies the protein filamin A. This condition leads to serious skeletal abnormalities, including the stomatognathic region. Case Presentation. This paper describes the case of a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with Melnick-Needles Syndrome presenting with different forms of skeletal dysplasia, such as cranial hyperostosis, short upper limbs, bowed long bones, metaphyseal thickening, genu valgum (knock-knee), shortened distal phalanges, narrow pelvis and shoulders, rib tapering and irregularities, elongation of the vertebrae, kyphoscoliosis, micrognathia, hypoplastic coronoid processes of the mandible, left stylohyoid ligament suggesting ossification, and dental development anomalies. Conclusion. Knowledge of this rare syndrome on the part of dentists is important due to the fact that this condition involves severe abnormalities of the stomatognathic system that cause an impact on the development of the entire face as well as functional and esthetic impairments.

Photodynamic therapy as a novel treatment for halitosis in adolescents: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Halitosis is a common problem that affects a large portion of the population worldwide. The origin of this condition is oral in 90% and systemic in 10% of cases. The unpleasant odor is mainly the result of volatile sulfur compounds produced by Gram-negative bacteria. However, it has recently been found that anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria also produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the presence of amino acids, such as cysteine. Light, both with and without the use of chemical agents, has been used to induce therapeutic and antimicrobial effects. In photodynamic therapy, the antimicrobial effect is confined to areas covered by photosensitizing dye. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy on halitosis in adolescents through the analysis of volatile sulfur compounds measured using gas chromatography and microbiological analysis of coated tongue. METHODS/DESIGN: A quantitative clinical trial will be carried out involving 60 adolescents randomly divided into the following groups: group 1 will receive treatment with a tongue scraper, group 2 will receive photodynamic therapy applied to the posterior two-thirds of the dorsum of the tongue, and group 3 will receive combined treatment (tongue scraper and photodynamic therapy). Gas chromatography (OralChromaTM) and microbiological analysis will be used for the diagnosis of halitosis at the beginning of the study. Post-treatment evaluations will be conducted at one hour and 24 hours after treatment. The statistical analysis will include the Shapiro-Wilk test for the determination of the distribution of the data. If normal distribution is demonstrated, analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test will be used to compare groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test will be used for data with non-normal distribution. Either the paired t-test or the Wilcoxon test will be used to compare data before and after treatment, depending on the distribution of the data. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial will determine the efficacy of using photodynamic therapy alone or in combination with a tongue scraper to treat bad breath in adolescents. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for this study was registered with Clinical Trials (registration number NCT02007993) on 10 December 2013.

Tooth whitening with hydrogen peroxide in adolescents: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Technological innovations in dental materials have been fueled by the desire of patients to improve the esthetics of their teeth. This emphasis on esthetics has led dentists to seek resources that respect the standards established by society, but without compromising the integrity of the teeth. METHODS/DESIGN: The aim of the proposed controlled clinical trial will be to assess colorimetric changes and increased dental sensitivity in adolescent patients submitted to tooth whitening with 6% and 7.5% hydrogen peroxide using home kits with whitening strips. Adolescents aged 12 to 20 years will be allocated to different groups based on treatment (n = 16 per group): (1) placebo; (2) 6.0% hydrogen peroxide (White Class with Calcium, FGM); (3) 7.5% hydrogen peroxide (White Class with Calcium, FGM); and (4) 7.5% hydrogen peroxide (Oral B 3D White, Oral-B). After the whitening procedures, the participants will be evaluated using a visual analog scale for tooth sensitivity and digital spectrophotometry to measure changes in color. Descriptive analysis of the data will be performed. Either the chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test will be used for the determination of associations among the categorical variables. Student's t-test and analysis of variance will be used to compare mean colorimetric data. Pearson's correlation coefficients will be calculated to determine the strength of correlations among the continuous variables. DISCUSSION: This randomized trial will provide an opportunity to evaluate products such as whitening strips in comparison to other self-administered methods, especially in adolescents. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for this study was submitted to Clinical Trials in November 2013 with registration number NCT01998386.

Assessment of type of bite and vertical dimension of occlusion in children and adolescents with temporomandibular disorder.

The aim of the present study was determine the type of bite and abnormalities in the vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) among children and adolescents with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The Helkimo index was employed for the diagnostic investigation of TMD. A clinical examination was performed for the determination of occlusion. The VDO was measured using a digital caliper. Fisher's exact text was used to determine associations between type of bite, gender and TMD. The Student's t-test was used to compare age and VDO by gender. The significance level was set to 5% or corresponding p-value. Children and adolescents with anterior open bite were 1.2-fold more likely to develop TMD in comparison to those without any type of malocclusion. The same was found for those with posterior crossbite and mixed malocclusion. A statistically significant association was found between the VDO and age in both genders. TMD affected 68.85% of the sample. No correlation was found between malocclusion, VDO and TMD in the sample. The present findings suggest that individuals with malocclusion are more prone to TMD. Therefore, it is important to evaluate all variables capable of influencing the harmony of the stomatognathic system for an effective diagnosis of TMD and malocclusion.

Influence of temporomandibular disorder on temporal and masseter muscles and occlusal contacts in adolescents: an electromyographic study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to analyse the influence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) on electromyographic activity in the masseter and temporal muscles of adolescents and investigate a possible association with the number of occlusal contacts. METHODS: The Helkimo Index was administered for the diagnosis of TMD and classification of the adolescents into three groups: without TMD; with mild TMD; and with moderate/severe TMD. Carbon paper was used for the determination of occlusal contact points. A standardised electromyographic evaluation was performed on the masticatory muscles at rest, during habitual chewing and during maximum voluntary clenching. The readings were normalised to maximum voluntary clenching. Statistical analysis involved the chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test. The Kruskal-Wallis test and one-way analysis of variance with Dunn's post hoc test were used to compare differences between groups. Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) were calculated for the determination of correlations between the number of occlusal contacts and RMS values. RESULTS: Electromyography revealed significant differences in the right and left masseter and temporal muscles at rest and during chewing among the three groups. These differences were not observed during maximum voluntary clenching. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups with and without TMD regarding the number of occlusal contacts. CONCLUSION: Electromyographic activity in the masseter and temporal muscles was greater among adolescents with moderate to severe TMD.

Accuracy study of the main screening tools for temporomandibular disorder in children and adolescents.

The aims of the present study were to assess the degree of sensitivity and specificity of the screening questionnaire recommended by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) and the patient-history index proposed by Helkimo (modified by Fonseca) and correlate the findings with a clinical exam. All participants answered the questionnaires and were submitted to a clinical exam by a dentist who had undergone calibration training. Both the AAOP questionnaire and Helkimo index achieved low degrees of sensitivity for the detection of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), but exhibited a high degree of specificity. With regard to concordance, the AAOP questionnaire and Helkimo index both achieved low levels of agreement with the clinical exam. The different instruments available in the literature for the assessment of TMD and examined herein exhibit low sensitivity and high specificity when administered to children and adolescents stemming from difficulties in comprehension due to the age group studied and the language used in the self-explanatory questions.

Pain during Removal of Carious Lesions in Children: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

The aim of the present study was to assess pain and the need for anesthesia during chemomechanical caries removal with Papacarie gel and the traditional method (low-speed bur) in pediatric patients. A randomized, controlled, clinical trial with a "split-mouth" design was carried out involving 20 children (10 girls and 10 boys) aged four to seven years. Forty primary teeth (two per child) were randomly allocated to either Group 1 (G1: chemomechanical caries removal with Papacarie gel) or Group 2 (G2: removal of carious dentin with low-speed bur). A face scale was used to classify the sensation of pain during the procedure (1: absence of pain; 2: mild pain; 3: moderate pain; 4: moderately intense pain; 5: intense pain; and 6: extremely intense pain). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney (U) test. Pain scores were higher in G2, with statistically significant differences in comparison to G1 (U = 148.0; W = 358.0; P = 0.041). Chemomechanical caries removal with Papacarie provides a lesser degree of pain in comparison to conventional caries removal and does not require the use of local anesthesia. The clinical trial registration number is NCT01811420.

Evaluation of effect of low-level laser therapy on adolescents with temporomandibular disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A number of problems involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The aim of the proposed study is to assess the effect of low-level laser therapy on occlusal contacts, mandibular movements, electromyography activity in the muscles of mastication and pain in adolescents with TMD. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial will be carried out involving 85 male and female adolescents between 15 and 18 years of age. The research diagnostic criteria for TMD will be used to assess all individuals who agree to participate. All participants will be submitted to a clinical examination and electromyographic analysis of the masseter muscles and anterior bundle of the temporal muscles bilaterally, to determine TMD. Based on the clinical findings, the participants will be classified as having or not having TMD. Those with TMD will be divided into four groups, three of which will receive low-level laser therapy and one of which will receive a placebo treatment. The treatments will involve the TMJ region alone, the masseter and temporal muscles alone, or both these regions together. The data will be submitted to descriptive statistical analysis. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test will be used to determine associations among the categorical variables. The Student's t test and analysis of variance will be used for the comparison of mean electromyographic signals. Pearson's correlation coefficients will be calculated for the analysis of correlations among the continuous variables. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for this study has been submitted to Clinical Trials - registration number NCT01846000.