Cariogenic microorganisms and oral conditions in asthmatic children.

This study evaluated the caries risk of asthmatic patients on the basis of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli levels in saliva samples as well as the index of oral hygiene and dental caries (DMFT index). The study population was composed of 80 asthmatic children, aged 3-15 years, who use specific medication, and 80 matched, healthy control children. The parents were interviewed about oral health-related factors. The World Health Organization criteria were used for dental examinations. The Köhler and Bratthal methodology was used to detect salivary MS levels and dilutions of saliva were done for lactobacilli counting. No differences between asthma and control groups were observed for caries prevalence in children aged 3-6 and 7-10 years, except in severe cases in the younger group. However, higher caries prevalence for permanent dentition was observed in 11- to 15-year-old asthmatic children. An increased dental biofilm was observed in the asthma group, as well as salivary levels of MS. No differences were observed in levels of lactobacilli. No statistical correlations were found between medication, frequency of treatment, method of consumption and caries experience, dental biofilm and salivary levels of MS or lactobacilli. However, there was a correlation between MS levels and treatment duration. The logistic regression revealed that MS level is an important risk factor for increased caries experience. Asthma should be evaluated as a risk factor for caries experience because it can increase the levels of MS and the dental biofilm.

Oral and facial inclusion cysts in newborns.

This study assessed the frequency of milia, alveolar and palatal cysts prevalence in newborns as well as the time for complete involution of the most common reported inclusion cyst. Milia, alveolar and palatal cysts were observed in respectively, 31.4%, 28.2% and 78.8% of the newborns. Those that presented milia were 1.2 times more likely to present alveolar cysts. Mean time for complete involution of palatal cysts was 4.5 weeks.

Flow rate, amylase activity, and protein and sialic acid concentrations of saliva from children aged 18, 30 and 42 months attending a baby clinic.

Whole-saliva samples were collected under slight suction from children enrolled in a dental-care programme at a baby clinic and analysed according to sex. The children were allocated to three age groups: 18, 30 and 42 months. No distinct sex difference was found for flow rate; there was a statistically non-significant tendency for an increased rate in females. In the males the flow rates of the 30- and 42-month groups were higher than those of the 18-month group; a similar result was obtained when findings for both sexes were combined. There was no difference in salivary protein concentration between the sexes or the age groups. Amylase activity increased significantly in males from 18 to 30 months of age. Sialic acid concentration (micromol/mg protein) showed a sex difference for the 18-month group; it was 38% higher in males than in females, and 48% higher than in the males of 42 months. This trend toward a reduction in sialic acid concentration with age suggests a reduced synthesis and secretion of glycoproteins.