Presence of Streptococcus dentisani in the dental plaque of children from different Colombian cities.

Streptococcus dentisani has been identified as an oral cavity probiotic due to its beneficial characteristics. One of its beneficial features is the production of bacteriocins, which inhibit the growth of cariogenic bacteria, and another is its buffering capacity through the production of ammonium from arginine. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of S. dentisani in the dental plaque of Colombian children and whether the presence of this bacterium is related to oral health and other conditions. Dental plaque and information on diet and oral hygiene habits were collected from children between 6 and 12 years of age from four Colombian cities, divided into caries-free children (International Caries Detection and Assessment System [ICDAS] 0, Decayed Missing Filled Teeth index [DMFT] 0), children with ICDAS 1 and 2, and children with ICDAS >3. Plaque DNA was extracted and quantified, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed using specific primers. This bacterium was identified in all samples, with a median of 0.46 cells/ng DNA (interquartile range [IQR] 0.13-1.02), without finding significant differences between the groups (P > 0.05). In caries-free children, a median of 0.45 cells/ng DNA (IQR 0.14-1.23) was found. In children with ICDAS 1 and 2, the median was 0.49 cells/ng DNA (IQR 0.11-0.97), and in children with ICDAS >3, the median was 0.35 cells/ng DNA (IQR 0.12-1.07). However, statistically significant differences were found in the origin of children (P < 0.01), the use of fluoride-containing products (P < 0.01), and the frequency of food intake (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the presence of S. dentisani was quantified in children from four Colombian cities, without finding significant differences in oral health status. Nevertheless, three conditions showed a possible relationship with S. dentisani.

Fluorosis dental en escolares de 6 a 13 años de instituciones educativas públicas de Medellín, Colombia, 2006 / Dental fluorosis in 6-13-year-old children attending public schools in Medellín, Colombia

Objetivo El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia y severidad de la fluorosis dental en escolares entre los 6 y 13 años de edad de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Métodos Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en 1 330 niños matriculados en 34 instituciones educativas públicas. Los exámenes clínicos fueron realizados por dos odontólogas entrenadas y calibradas en el diagnóstico de fluorosis dental. Después de aislar con rollos de algodón y secar con gasa, se examinaron las superficies vestibulares de los dientes superiores mediante inspección visual con luz natural. Se utilizó el índice de Thylstrup y Fejerskov (TFI) Resultados La prevalencia de fluorosis dental fue 81 por ciento (TFI>1). El 46,4 por ciento tenían grados leves de fluorosis, TFI1 y TFI2 y el 8,8 por ciento tenían grados severos, TFI >5. El 21 por ciento de los niños tenían TFI>1 en al menos el 50 por ciento de sus dientes examinados. Conclusión La prevalencia fluorosis dental encontrada en los escolares de colegios públicos de Medellín fue alta. Las autoridades de salud deberán enfocar su atención en la prevención de este problema.

ObjectiveThis study was aimed at determining dental fluorosis prevalence and severity amongst 6-13-year-old students residing in Medellin, Colombia. Methods A descriptive study was carried out on 1,330 students attending 34 public schools in the city of Medellin. Two dentists trained in dental fluorosis diagnosis performed the examinations were after the teeth had been brushed. Teeth were dried with gauze, isolated with cotton pellets and visually examined in natural light. The Thylstrup and Fejerskov index (TFI) was used for rating fluorosis. Results Dental fluorosis prevalence was 81 percent (TFI>1); 46.4 percent was related to mild dental fluorosis (TFI1 and TFI2) and 8.8 percent to severe dental fluorosis (TFI >5). TFI > or = 1 was found in 21 percent of the children being examined in at least 50 percent of their teeth. Conclusion Dental fluorosis prevalence level was found to be high in Medellín, Colombia; health authorities should thus focus their attention on preventing this problem.

[Dental fluorosis in 6-13-year-old children attending public schools in Medellín, Colombia]. / Fluorosis Dental en Escolares de 6 a 13 Años de Instituciones Educativas Públicas de Medellín, Colombia, 2006.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at determining dental fluorosis prevalence and severity amongst 6-13-year-old students residing in Medellin, Colombia. METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out on 1,330 students attending 34 public schools in the city of Medellin. Two dentists trained in dental fluorosis diagnosis performed the examinations were after the teeth had been brushed. Teeth were dried with gauze, isolated with cotton pellets and visually examined in natural light. The Thylstrup and Fejerskov index (TFI) was used for rating fluorosis. RESULTS: Dental fluorosis prevalence was 81 % (TFI>1); 46.4 % was related to mild dental fluorosis (TFI1 and TFI2) and 8.8% to severe dental fluorosis (TFI >5). TFI > or = 1 was found in 21 % of the children being examined in at least 50 % of their teeth. CONCLUSION: Dental fluorosis prevalence level was found to be high in Medellín, Colombia; health authorities should thus focus their attention on preventing this problem.