Prevalence and severity of molar-incisor hypomineralization, is there an association with socioeconomic status? A cross-sectional study in Chilean schoolchildren.

PURPOSE: Data about molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) prevalence and its severity remains limited for some Latin American countries. Furthermore, its association with socioeconomic status (SES) is still unclear. Thus, this study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of MIH in Santiago, Chile and explore its association with SES. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with schoolchildren between 6 and 12 years was conducted. Children were evaluated using the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry to diagnose MIH, and the Mathu-Muju and Wright criteria to determine its severity. RESULTS: A total of 1,270 children were included. The MIH prevalence was 12.8% without association with gender (p = 0.609). Prevalence was higher among schoolchildren ages 8 and 9 (p = 0.002), and in lower SES (p = 0.007). MIH mild cases were the most prevalent (63%), and severity was not related to gender (p = 0.656), age (p = 0.060), or SES (p = 0.174). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MIH in the province of Santiago, Chile is 12.8% and was found to have a higher incidence in 8-9-year-old students and among those categorized by low SES. Furthermore, MIH prevalence was associated with low SES. IMPLICATIONS: Public health policies to address MIH in Chile should start with schoolchildren aged 8 to 9, and with low SES.

Histopathological Analysis of Sealant Infiltration in White Spot Enamel Lesions (WSEL) / Análisis Histopatológico de Infiltración de Sellante en Lesiones de Mancha Blanca en Esmalte (LMBE)

ABSTRACT: The use of resin sealants has shown partial infiltration of White-Spot Enamel Lesions in vitro (WSEL). The aim of the present study was to perform a morphological evaluation of natural WSEL when infiltrated using a commercially available sealant (Concise, 3M- ESPE). 20 bicuspids extracted for orthodontic reasons from patients ranging 18 to 30 years old, which had WSEL, were used in this study. The patients agreed to donate their teeth by signing a written consent. Every WSEL was assessed microscopically (Stereo Zeiss Axiscop) and then photographed (ProScope HR microscope). Prior to applying the sealant the lesion was etched using phosphoric acid at 37 % (3M-ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA.) for 30 seconds, washed for 40 seconds and then air-dried. The sealant was marked with rhodamine B (1mg/ml) and was applied according to the manufacturer directions. A specimen of approximately 100 mm was obtained for every WSEL by cutting perpendicularly through the lesion (Isomet 1000, Buehler Co.) and grinding (600 grit). The specimens were evaluated using: clear camp, polarized light, and epifluorescence microscopy. Images were taken of each specimen for every microscopic evaluation using a slide film (Kodak Ektachrome film 400 ASA). The images were digitalized by scanning at 1200 dpi resolution (Epson Filmscan 200) and then saved as JPEG and TIFF files. The sealant infiltration into The WSEL was assessed by means of analysis, processing and digital superimposing using Adobe Photoshop 7.0 and Matrox Inspector 1.07. It was concluded that the sealant infiltrated the whole body zone of the lesion. The depth of penetration of sealants into White Spot Enamel Lesion plays an important role in the control of caries lesion progression.

RESUMEN: El uso de sellantes de resina ha demostrado lograr la infiltración parcial de lesiones de mancha blanca en esmalte in vitro (LMBE). El objetivo del presente estudio fue realizar una evaluación morfológica de la infiltración a LMBE naturales utilizando un sellante disponible comercialmente (Concise, 3M-ESPE). Se utilizaron en este estudio, 30 bicúspides extraídos por razones de ortodoncia en pacientes que tenían entre 18 a 30 años de edad, y presentaban LMBE. Los pacientes aceptaron donar sus dientes firmando un consentimiento informado. Cada LMBE se evaluó microscópicamente (Stereo Zeiss Axiscop) y luego se fotografió (microscopio ProScope HR). Antes de aplicar el sellante, la lesión se grabó usando ácido fosfórico al 37 % (3M-ESPE, St Paul, MN, EE. UU.) durante 20 segundos, luego se lavó durante 40 segundos y finalmente se secó con aire de jeringa triple. El sellante se marcó con rodamina B (1 mg / ml) y se aplicó siguiendo las instrucciones del fabricante. Se obtuvo una muestra de aproximadamente 100 mm para cada LMBE cortando perpendicularmente a través de la lesión (Isomet 1000, Buehler Co.) y trituración (grano 600). Las muestras se evaluaron usando: campo claro, luz polarizada y microscopía de epifluorescencia. Se tomaron imágenes de cada espécimen para la evaluación microscópica usando una película deslizante (Kodak Ektachrome film 400 ASA). Las imágenes se digitalizaron escaneando a una resolución de 1200 ppp (Epson Filmscan 200) y luego se guardaron como archivos JPEG y TIFF. La infiltración del sellante en las LMBE se evaluaron mediante análisis, procesamiento y superposición digital utilizando Adobe Photoshop 7.0 y Matrox Inspector 1.07. Se concluyó que el sellante infiltró toda la zona del cuerpo de la lesión. La capacidad de penetración en profundidad de los sellantes en Lesiones de Mancha Blanca del Esmalte desempeñan un rol importante en el control de la progresión de las lesiones de caries.

Evaluation of dental restorations: a comparative study between clinical and digital photographic assessments.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of a direct clinical evaluation method with an indirect digital photographic method in assessing the quality of dental restorations. Seven parameters (color, occlusal marginal adaptation, anatomy form, roughness, occlusal marginal stain, luster, and secondary caries) were assessed in 89 Class I and Class II restorations from 36 adults using the modified US Public Health Service/Ryge criteria. Standardized photographs of the same restorations were digitally processed by Adobe Photoshop software, separated into the following four groups and assessed by two calibrated examiners: Group A: The original photograph displayed at 100%, without modifications (IMG100); Group B: Formed by images enlarged at 150% (IMG150); Group C: Formed by digital photographs displayed at 100% (mIMG100), with digital modifications (levels adjustment, shadow and highlight correction, color balance, unsharp Mask); and Group D: Formed by enlarged photographs displayed at 150% with modifications (mIMG150), with the same adjustments made to Group C. Photographs were assessed on a calibrated screen (Macbook) by two calibrated clinicians, and the results were statistically analyzed using Wilcoxon tests (SSPS 11.5) at 95% CI. RESULTS: The photographic method produced higher reliability levels than the direct clinical method in all parameters. The evaluation of digital images is more consistent with clinical assessment when restorations present some moderate defect (Bravo) and less consistent when restorations are clinically classified as either satisfactory (Alpha) or in cases of severe defects (Charlie). CONCLUSION: The digital photographic method is a useful tool for assessing the quality of dental restorations, providing information that goes unnoticed with the visual-tactile clinical examination method. Additionally, when analyzing restorations using the Ryge modified criteria, the digital photographic method reveals a significant increase of defects compared to those clinically observed with the naked eye. Photography by itself, without the need for enlargement or correction, provides more information than clinical examination and can lead to unnecessary overtreatment.

Prevalencia de caries, pérdida de dientes y necesidad de tratamiento en población adulta Mapuche-Huilliche de Isla Huapi / Prevalence of caries, teeth loss and treatment needs in adult Mapuche-Huilliche population in Isla Huapi

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio transversal fue evaluar el estado de salud oral y cuantificar la prevalencia de caries dental, pérdida de dientes y necesidad de tratamiento en la población adulta de etnia Mapuche-Huilliche que habita la Isla Huapi. Método: Se examinó una muestra representativa de 64 habitantes adultos de la Isla Huapi, constituida por 31 hombres y 33 mujeres de entre 25 a 82 años de edad, que tenían a lo menos un apellido de origen Mapuche-Huilliche. Todos los individuos, previa firma de un consentimiento informado, fueron examinados por un solo dentista calibrado durante el mes de agosto 2009. Los datos fueron registrados en una ficha diseñada especialmente y analizados estadísticamente usando los test T de Student y ANOVA. Resultados: El promedio del índice COPD de la muestra fue 14.59. Todos los individuos tenían historia de caries. De los que conservaban dientes, el 71.43 por ciento tenían caries sin tratar, con un promedio de 1.25. El 98.43 por ciento de los individuos de la muestra presentaban algún grado de desdentamiento, el 12.5 por ciento eran edéntulos. El 100 por ciento de la población necesitaba atención odontológica, ya fuera para operatoria o prótesis. Conclusiones: Esta población presenta un gran daño en cuanto a su salud oral, especialmente debido a pérdida de dientes. La magnitud del daño e importancia del entorno social como determinante en la generación de éste, obliga a enfrentar el problema y buscar soluciones desarrollando y aplicando programas gubernamentales de promoción y atención en salud oral a toda la población.

Objectives: The aim of this cross- sectional study was to assess oral health status and quantify prevalence of dental caries, teeth loss and treatment needs in an ethnic group of Mapuche-Huilliche adult population in Isla Huapi. Method: A representative sample of 64 adult inhabitants of Isla Huapi was selected. 31 men and 33 women aged 25 to 82 years of age who had at least one Mapuche-Huilliche surname, after signing an informed consent, individuals were examined by a calibrated examiner during August 2009. Data were recorded and analyzed statistically using T Student and ANOVA tests. Results: The DMFT index average of the sample was 14.59. All individuals had caries experience. Untreated caries were found in a 71.43 percent of individuals retaining teeth, with an average of 1.25 each. 98.43 percent of the individuals had some degree of edentulism, 12.5 percent were edentulous. 100 percent of the population needed either restorative or prosthetic dental care. Conclusions: This population has a high degree of damage in their oral health, especially due to teeth loss, which could be explained by their limited access to preventive and restorative dental care. The extent of the damage and the importance of the social environment as a determiner in the generation of it, will mean addressing the problem and seeking solutions by developing and implementing government programs for the promotion and oral health care to the entire population.