Effectiveness of a preventive program based on caries risk assessment and recall intervals on the incidence and regression of initial caries lesions in children.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on caries risk assessment (CRA) and recall intervals are limited in terms of caries prevention. AIM: To assess the effectiveness of a program on the incidence and regression of initial caries lesions. DESIGN: A total of 296 children aged 1-12 years old were assessed by calibrated examiners for Gingival Bleeding Index, Dental Plaque Index, dmf-t/DMF-T Index, initial caries lesions, and caries lesion activity. Children were classified as low, moderate, and high caries risk with different recall interval visits. Statistical analysis included Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: The mean (SD) time of total follow-up for the sample was 11.5(5.5). Higher dmft index at baseline showed a higher risk of new initial lesions (HR = 1.93; P < 0.0001). Higher number of active initial lesions, at baseline and during follow-up visits, is a higher risk predictor for new initial lesions (HR = 9.49; P < 0.0001), as well as for no arrestment of active lesions during follow-up (HR = 1.32; P < 0.0001). Each follow-up visit attended presented a 77% lower risk of initial lesions. The majority (94.8%) of patients did not show new initial lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The Program is effective on reducing the incidence and promoting regression of initial caries lesions in children.

Agreement between children aged 5-6 years and their mothers in rating child oral health-related quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Studies have assessed parent-child agreement on ratings of school-aged children's OHRQoL. There are, however, no studies on children younger than 7 years of age. AIMS: The aim was to assess the agreement between children aged 5-6 years and their mothers regarding child's oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 298 mother-child pairs (MCP), seeking the pediatric dental screening at the Dental School, University of São Paulo, completed the Brazilian version of the Scale of Oral Health Outcomes for 5-year-old children (SOHO-5), validated for children aged 5-6 years in Brazil. Agreement between total and items' scores was assessed using comparison and correlation analyses, by comparing the mean directional differences and by computing the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values, respectively. RESULTS: The mean directional difference in the total scores was 0.13 (CI 95% -0.076; 0.338) and therefore not significant for MCP. The mean absolute difference for MCP was 1.26, representing 11% of the maximum possible score. The ICC for total score was 0.84 (CI 95% 0.798; 0.867) for MCP. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers do rate their young children's OHRQoL similarly to children's self-reports. When assessing OHRQoL of children aged 5-6 years, mothers may be reliable proxies for their young children.

The influence of interdental spacing on the detection of proximal caries lesions in primary teeth

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of interdental spacing on the performance of proximal caries detection methods in primary molars. In addition, aspects related to temporary tooth separation with orthodontic separators were evaluated. The proximal spaces between the posterior primary teeth (n = 344) of 76 children (4-12 years old) were evaluated before and after temporary separation. Stainless steel strips with different standardized thicknesses were used to measure the presence of biological spacing and the spacing obtained after temporary separation with orthodontic rubber rings. First, the presence of proximal caries lesions was assessed by visual inspection, bitewing radiographs and a pen-type laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent pen). Visual inspection after temporary separation with separators was the reference standard method in checking the actual presence of caries. Multilevel analyses were performed considering different outcomes: the performance of the methods in detecting caries lesions and the spacing after temporary separation. The spacing did not influence the performance of the caries detection methods. The maximum spacing obtained with temporary tooth separation was 0.80 mm (mean ± standard deviation = 0.46 ± 0.13 mm). The temporary separation was more effective in the upper arch and less effective when an initial biological interdental spacing was present. The biological interdental spacing does not influence the performance of proximal caries detection methods in primary molars, and temporary tooth separation provides spacing narrower than 1.0 mm.

The influence of interdental spacing on the detection of proximal caries lesions in primary teeth.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of interdental spacing on the performance of proximal caries detection methods in primary molars. In addition, aspects related to temporary tooth separation with orthodontic separators were evaluated. The proximal spaces between the posterior primary teeth (n = 344) of 76 children (4-12 years old) were evaluated before and after temporary separation. Stainless steel strips with different standardized thicknesses were used to measure the presence of biological spacing and the spacing obtained after temporary separation with orthodontic rubber rings. First, the presence of proximal caries lesions was assessed by visual inspection, bitewing radiographs and a pen-type laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent pen). Visual inspection after temporary separation with separators was the reference standard method in checking the actual presence of caries. Multilevel analyses were performed considering different outcomes: the performance of the methods in detecting caries lesions and the spacing after temporary separation. The spacing did not influence the performance of the caries detection methods. The maximum spacing obtained with temporary tooth separation was 0.80 mm (mean ± standard deviation = 0.46 ± 0.13 mm). The temporary separation was more effective in the upper arch and less effective when an initial biological interdental spacing was present. The biological interdental spacing does not influence the performance of proximal caries detection methods in primary molars, and temporary tooth separation provides spacing narrower than 1.0 mm.

The impact of dental caries and trauma in children on family quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of children's dental caries (DC) and traumatic dental injuries (TDI) on parents' quality of life (QoL), adjusted by family income. METHODS: Parents of 219 children aged 5 and 6 years answered the Family Impact Scale (FIS) on their perception of QoL and data about income. Three calibrated dentists examined the severity of DC according to decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth index, and children were categorized into: 0 = caries free; 1-5 = low severity; and ≥ 6 = high severity. TDI were classified into uncomplicated and complicated injuries. QoL was measured through FIS items and total score, and Poisson regression was used to associate the variables with the outcome. RESULTS: Severity of DC showed a negative impact on the total score and subscales on parental/family activities, parental emotions and financial burden (P < 0.001). TDI showed a negative impact on total score and in some FIS items. The multivariate-adjusted model showed that only the increase in the severity of children's DC (RR = 3.19; 95% CI = 2.36, 4.31; P < 0.001) was associated with a greater negative impact on parents' QoL, while high family income was a protective factor (RR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.48, 0.95; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of children's DC has a negative impact on parents' QoL, whereas TDI do not. A lower family income might have a negative impact on parents' QoL.

Influence of dental materials used for sealing caries lesions on laser fluorescence measurements.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of thickness and aging on the intrinsic fluorescence of sealing materials and their ability to block fluorescence from the underlying surface as assessed using a laser fluorescence device. Cavities of 0.5 mm and 1 mm depth were drilled into acrylic boards which were placed over two surfaces with different fluorescence properties: a low-fluorescence surface, to assess the intrinsic fluorescence of the sealing materials, and a high-fluorescence surface, to assess the fluorescence-blocking ability of the sealing materials. Ten cavities of each depth were filled with different sealing materials: Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, Adper Single Bond 2, FluroShield, Conseal f and UltraSeal XT Plus. Fluorescence was measured with a DIAGNOdent pen at five different time points: empty cavity, after polymerization, and 1 day, 1 week and 1 month after filling. The individual values after polymerization, as well as the area under the curve for the different periods were submitted to ANOVA and the Tukey test (p < 0.05). At 0.5 mm, Scotchbond, FluroShield and UltraSeal showed insignificant changes in intrinsic fluorescence with aging and lower fluorescence after polymerization than Single Bond and Conseal. At 1 mm, Scotchbond and FluroShield showed the lowest intrinsic fluorescence, but only Scotchbond showed no chagnes in fluorescence with aging. At both depths, Scotchbond blocked significantly less fluorescence. All sealing materials blocked more fluorescence when applied to a depth of 1 mm. At 0.5 mm, fissure sealants blocked more fluorescence than adhesives, and did not show significant changes with aging. Scotchbond had the least affect on the fluorescence from the underlying surface and would probably have the least affect on the monitoring of sealed dental caries by laser fluorescence.

Novas possibilidades de manejo e monitoramento de lesões de cárie em superfícies proximais / New possibilities of management and monitoring of caries lesions on approximal surfaces

Objetivos: Este trabalho é composto de seis estudos que têm como objetivos avaliar: (1) a eficácia de métodos caseiros e profissionais na limpeza de faces proximais intactas e com cavidade, em contato, (2) e após simulação da separação dentária; (3) a fluorescência intrínseca de materiais seladores e a capacidade desses materiais em bloquear a fluorescência do substrato subjacente; (4) o desempenho do exame de fluorescência a laser (FL) em detectar e quantificar lesões proximais de cárie em molares decíduos sob materiais seladores; (5) verificar a microinfiltração e capacidade de penetração do selante em lesões proximais com cavidade; e (6) avaliar clinicamente o sucesso do selamento proximal quando comparado ao tratamento restaurador convencional. Materiais e Métodos: Para os objetivos (1) e (2), oito pares de molares decíduos foram utilizados na avaliação da eficácia dos métodos de limpeza proximal. Para isso, dois dispositivos foram idealizados, um que simulava o contato proximal dos dentes e o outro que mimetizava a separação dentária com o espaço entre as faces proximais de 0,5 mm. Um marcador em spray foi aplicado nas faces proximais e os métodos foram realizados. Todos os métodos foram testados nos mesmos dentes, após total remoção do corante e nova aplicação do mesmo. Após o teste de cada método, as faces foram fotografadas em lupa e analisadas. Para o objetivo (3), cavidades padronizadas de 0,5 e 1 mm confeccionadas em placas de acrílico transparentes e preenchidas com diferentes materiais resinosos foram utilizadas na avaliação da fluorescência intrínseca e capacidade de bloqueio de fluorescência destes materiais. As cavidades foram medidas com o DIAGNOdent pen quando vazias (baseline) e logo depois de preenchidas.

As medições foram repetidas 24h, uma semana e um mês após o preenchimento. Já para o objetivo (4), trinta molares decíduos com lesões de cárie proximais sem cavidade foram selecionados para a avaliação da influência de um selante e de um adesivo dentinário na detecção destas lesões. Para isso, os dentes foram montados em um dispositivo que permitiu o contato proximal, e as faces com lesões foram medidas com o DIAGNOdent pen após limpeza 11 (baseline) e logo após a aplicação do material. As medições foram repetidas 24h, uma semana e um mês após o selamento. Ao final, os dentes foram seccionados e analisados quanto à presença e profundidade da lesão de cárie. No objetivo (5), quarenta e cinco molares decíduos e quarenta molares permanentes com lesões de cárie proximais com cavidade (ICDAS 3, 4 ou 5) foram usados para avaliar a microinfiltração e habilidade de penetração de dois materiais seladores, com ou sem aplicação prévia de adesivo dentinário. Após o selamento, os dentes sofreram termociclagem (1000 ciclos) e microinfiltração com azul de metileno a 2% por 24h. Posteriormente os dentes foram seccionados e a microinfiltração e capacidade de penetração avaliadas. Para o objetivo (6), um estudo piloto in vivo comparou o sucesso do selamento de lesões de cárie proximais com cavidade em molares decíduos quando comparado ao tratamento restaurador convencional com resina composta. Foram incluídas 8 crianças com 22 lesões proximais, das quais 13 foram seladas e 9 foram restauradas após randomização simples por sorteio. Todas as lesões foram acompanhadas clinica e radiograficamente por 18 meses. Resultados: (1) Em molares decíduos em contato, o fio dental foi o método mais eficaz na área de interesse, removendo 83,1% do marcador. Nas ameias, a escova dental apresentou os melhores resultados, com remoção muito próxima a 100%. (2) Em molares decíduos simulando a separação temporária, as escovas interproximais média e grande foram capazes de remover...

Aim: This thesis is composed of six studies, which aimed at evaluating (1) the efficacy of prophylaxis methods used, professionally and at home, on approximal surfaces, in contact with the adjacent tooth, (2) and after simulation of tooth separation; (3) the intrinsic fluorescence of sealing materials and their ability of these materials to clock the fluorescence of the underlying surface; (4) the performance of a laser fluorescence (LF) device in detecting and quantifying approximal caries in primary molars under the sealant; (5) access the microleakage and penetration ability of sealing materials on cavitated approximal lesions; and (6) access, in vivo, the success rate of approximal sealant when compared to the conventional restorative procedure. Materials and Methods: For the aims (1) and (2), eight pairs of primary molars were used to evaluate the efficacy of prophylaxis methods on approximal surfaces. For that, two dispositives were idealized, one allowed the teeth to be in approximal contact and the other aimed to mimic the temporary tooth separation, which a 0,5mm space between the approximal surfaces. A marker, in form of spray, was applied on the approximal surfaces and the different methods were applied. All methods were tested on the same teeth, after complete removal of the marker and its re-application. Afterwards, the surfaces were photographed by an optic microscope and analyzed. For the aim (3), standardized cavities of 0,5 and 1 mm in depth, bored in clear acrylic boards and filled with different resinous materials, were used to evaluate their intrinsic fluorescence and their ability to block the fluorescence of the underlying surface. The cavities were accessed by the LF device (DIAGNOdent pen - DDpen) when empty, and right after filling. The subsequent measurements were done at 24 hrs, one week and one month after filling. For the aim (4), thirty primary molars with non-cavitated approximal caries lesions...

Oral and dental findings in a child with growth hormone insensitivity syndrome.

Growth hormone insensitivity syndrome, also known as Laron syndrome, is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by defects the of growth hormone receptor gene and may lead to increased growth hormone levels. This syndrome's main clinical features are: dwarfism; acromicria; organomicria; cervical spinal stenosis; early osteoarthritic changes of the atlantoaxial joint; small oropharynx; decreased growth velocity; insulin resistance; hypoglycemia; delayed skeletal maturation and osteoporosis; and muscular and central nervous tissue underdevelopment. The facial bones, especially sphenoid and mandibular, are also underdeveloped. No reports of the incidence of growth hormone insensitivity syndrome in the population are available in the literature. The purpose this case report was to describe oral findings and particularities of dental treatment in a child with growth hormone insensitivity syndrome.

Caries experience in individuals with cerebral palsy in relation to oromotor dysfunction and dietary consistency.

The aim of this study was to investigate caries experience in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) who have oromotor dysfunction and relate it to age and dietary consistency. Noninstitutionalized individuals with CP (n = 108) aged 4-19 years (mean: 10 years, 1 month +/- SD 4 years, 5 months) were recruited for this study. Subjects who were severely impaired (35.2%) had orofacial motor dysfunction most frequently, followed by those who were slightly affected (27.7%), moderately affected (20.4%), and very slightly affected (16.7%). Age was a statistically significant factor for oromotor dysfunction (p= 0.007), with the youngest individuals having the most severe oromotor problems. Dietary consistency and oromotor function were statistically significant influence on the DMF index (p= 0.0352). The highest total DMF values were measured for individuals who were severely impaired and also the youngest, as well as for those receiving liquid diets. Early rehabilitation, intervention, and prevention are important for these individuals.

Dental fluorosis: Exposure, prevention and managementJenny

Dental fluorosis is a developmental disturbance of dental enamel, caused by successive exposures to high concentrationsof fluoride during tooth development, leading to enamel with lower mineral content and increasedporosity. The severity of dental fluorosis depends on when and for how long the overexposure to fluoride occurs,the individual response, weight, degree of physical activity, nutritional factors and bone growth. The risk periodfor esthetic changes in permanent teeth is between 20 and 30 months of age. The recommended level for dailyfluoride intake is 0.05 - 0.07 mg F/Kg/day, which is considered of great help in preventing dental caries, actingin remineralization. A daily intake above this safe level leads to an increased risk of dental fluorosis. Currentlyrecommended procedures for diagnosis of fluorosis should discriminate between symmetrical and asymmetricaland/or discrete patterns of opaque defects. Fluorosis can be prevented by having an adequate knowledge of thefluoride sources, knowing how to manage this issue and therefore, avoid overexposure (AU)

Dental fluorosis: exposure, prevention and management.

Dental fluorosis is a developmental disturbance of dental enamel, caused by successive exposures to high concentrations of fluoride during tooth development, leading to enamel with lower mineral content and increased porosity. The severity of dental fluorosis depends on when and for how long the overexposure to fluoride occurs, the individual response, weight, degree of physical activity, nutritional factors and bone growth. The risk period for esthetic changes in permanent teeth is between 20 and 30 months of age. The recommended level for daily fluoride intake is 0.05 - 0.07 mg F/Kg/day, which is considered of great help in preventing dental caries, acting in remineralization. A daily intake above this safe level leads to an increased risk of dental fluorosis. Currently recommended procedures for diagnosis of fluorosis should discriminate between symmetrical and asymmetrical and/or discrete patterns of opaque defects. Fluorosis can be prevented by having an adequate knowledge of the fluoride sources, knowing how to manage this issue and therefore, avoid overexposure.

Penetration ability and microleakage of a fissure sealant applied on artificial and natural enamel fissure caries.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: This study investigated the sealing ability of a current available unfilled fissure sealant applied over sound (n=80), artificially created (n=80) and naturally carious fissures (n=80) under different humidity conditions (90+/-2 and 45+/-2% relative humidity) and etching times (40 and 60s). All samples were submitted to 5000 thermal cycles and examined by light microscopy after sectioning. Microleakage, penetration ability, fissure type, fissure entrance angle, sealant occlusal length, caries location and caries depth were assessed. RESULTS: The significantly longer sealant occlusal length and larger entrance angle exhibited by shallow fissures, contributed to their higher microleakage and smaller amounts of unfilled areas compared to deep fissures. Sealant microleakage was significantly influenced by the condition of the enamel (sound, artificial and natural caries) and the caries location in the fissures, but not by enamel caries depth (D1 and D2), etching time, or humidity condition. Natural caries exhibited significantly higher microleakage than sound or artificially created carious fissures. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that location of caries in the fissure rather than its depth should be taken into account when applying a fissure sealant. When the borders of the fissure sealant are on carious enamel, a significantly higher microleakage must be expected. The artificial caries model was not a suitable method to assess the behavior of natural fissure caries.

The impact of ozone treatment on enamel physical properties.

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of the highly reactive molecule of ozone on sound enamel physical properties and its effects on sealing ability. METHODS: The effect of ozone on sealant tag length, microleakage and unfilled area proportion were evaluated on intact and prepared sound molar fissures. Microhardness, contact angle and acid resistance tests were performed on ground sound smooth surfaces. The samples were treated with ozone for 40 seconds (HealOzone). Control samples were treated with air (modified HealOzone) or left untreated. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between the control and ozone treated samples in all tests. Prepared fissures exhibited no unfilled areas and a statistically significantly lower microleakage compared to intact fissures. Ozone was shown to dehydrate enamel and consequently enhance its microhardness, which was reversible.

Use of a self-etching adhesive on previously etched intact enamel and its effect on sealant microleakage and tag formation.

AIM: This study verified the effects of a self-etching adhesive applied on pre-etched fissures (phosphoric acid 35%) on microleakage, penetration ability and tag formation of a fissure sealant. METHODS: 80 extracted sound human molar teeth were randomly divided into four groups and bisected in two equal parts, forming two subgroups, denominated A and B. Groups 1 and 2 were etched with phosphoric acid for 60 and 40s, respectively. Groups 3 and 4 were etched with phosphoric acid (40 and 20s, respectively) and afterwards treated with Xeno III (20s). All the procedures on sealant placement were performed under 90+/-2% relative humidity. The subgroups A and B were submitted to 1000 and 5000 thermal cycles, respectively. The samples were examined by light microscopy and by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) after sectioning. Microleakage, penetration ability, fissure type, tag formation quality and tag length were measured. RESULTS: Etching with phosphoric acid for 60s showed statistically significantly lower microleakage when compared to the other groups and significantly better tag formation quality and longer tags compared to 20s H(3)PO(4) plus Xeno III. Fissure type and number of thermal cycles were not significant factors on sealant microleakage. The penetration ability of the sealant in the fissure systems was not influenced by the treatment regimes. Shallow fissures showed a significant better tag formation than deep fissures. No significant difference in the prevalence of fissure types was seen among the groups. CONCLUSION: Etching fissures with phosphoric acid for 60s showed best results. The additional use of Xeno III did not improve fissure sealing under the conditions of this study.