Facial soft-tissue thickness in children: A study of a CTBC Brazilian sample.

As an auxiliary method in the process of human identification, forensic facial approximation (FFA) is an important tool for identifying unknown human bodies whose remains do not present the necessary traceability to any antemortem data collection. Specific characteristics are necessary when addressing children aged between 6 and 10 years, who have little sexual differentiation and a mixed dentition. Due to the chronology of eruption of the permanent second molars in this population, it is not possible to measure facial soft-tissue thickness (FSTT) from specific landmarks such as supra and infra M2. The objective of this research was to report the method for measuring the average FSTT of 32 landmarks adapting the method for adults replacing the landmarks at the upper and lower second molars (Supra M2 and Infra M2) in children up to 10 years of age for a measurement using the deciduous second molars as reference. We found statistical differences for some points, considering the variables of age and sex, but with a maximum difference of 2 mm, which allows the use of a single FSTT table. The deciduous teeth can replace the reference of the thicknesses at the supra and infra M2 landmarks. In addition to the new FSTT data for children in Brazil, we concluded that the proposed adaptation to the deciduous M2 points can be applied to obtain soft-tissue data for 32 facial points.

Establishing Cephalometric Norms in Primary Dentition Using Comprehensive Craniofacial Growth Analysis - A Digital Cephalometric Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish cephalometric norms in primary dentition among males and females using novel customized Comprehensive Cephalometric Growth (CCG) Analysis. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 67 subjects with a mean age of 5.5 yrs. Digital lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained using Planmeca Pro One. The digital images were then transferred to Nemoceph software. Craniofacial Growth (CCG) Analysis was configured in the software with five sub-groups. This sub-grouping was done such that related components were grouped together and comprehensively; it would provide an assessment of every component of the craniofacial region that could be affected either by treatment maneuver or growth process. The same was used for the cephalometric analysis and to determine the cephalometric norms in the primary dentition. Results: Certain linear measurements were higher among males when compared to females. However, most measurements remained similar among males and females during this age group. The CCG analysis provided a comprehensive knowledge of the craniofacial parameters during the growth process. Conclusion: The cephalometric norms during primary dentition thus established using Comprehensive Craniofacial Growth analysis would provide the data for early diagnosis and treatment planning in interceptive orthodontic treatment procedures.

Randomized Clinical Study of the Use of MTA and Biodentine™ for Pulpotomy in Primary Teeth

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify, through clinical and radiographic evaluations, the in vivo response of the dentin-pulpal complex of human primary teeth after pulpotomy with MTA and Biodentine™ in a follow-up period of 3, 6, and 12 months. Material and Methods: Thirty teeth were divided into MTA pulpotomy (n = 15) and Biodentine™ pulpotomy (n = 15) from children between 5 and 9 years of age, a randomized clinical trial with simple random sampling. The materials were inserted into the cavity after opening and removing the coronary pulp tissue. The cavity base consisted of glass ionomer cement and light-cured composite resin restoration. Clinical and radiographic analyses were performed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical analysis by Fisher's exact test for dichotomous data at a 5% significance level was utilized. Results: Both materials caused color change after 12 months. However, MTA showed a higher percentage than Biodentine™ (p<0.0001). Pain was detected only with Biodentine™ at six months and mobility at 12 months (p=0.0013). Radiographically, after 12 months, periapical lesions, interradicular lesions, and internal resorption were evidenced in 13% of the cases for Biodentine™-treated teeth (p<0.0013). MTA induced pulp calcification in 13% of cases, unlike Biodentine™ (p<0.0013). Conclusion: BiodentineTM and MTA are suitable for clinical use in pulpotomy treatment, yet both materials lead to tooth discoloration.

Single Nucleotides Polymorphisms in COX2 Gene and their Association with Signs and Symptoms of Teething - A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) and local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething. Material and Methods: Forty-four pairs of mothers-babies/toddlers were included. Erupted primary teeth were evaluated during clinical examination. Local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething were obtained from mothers' reporting via anamnesis. Samples of buccal cells were retrieved for DNA genotyping using real-time PCR. The T-test, Chi-square test, logistic regression, and haplotype analyses were applied. Results: Almost all mothers (95.5%) reported at least one local or systemic sign and symptom of teething. The most common was increased salivation (79.5%), diarrhea (72.3 %), and fever (70.5 %). The mean number of signs and symptoms per child was higher in boys than girls (mean = 5.1; SD= 1.5; p=0.008). Sleep disturbance (p=0.03) and loss of appetite (p=0.05) were more reported in boys. The rs689466 and rs5275 were not associated with signs and symptoms of teething (p>0.05). Conclusion: The single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) were not associated with local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething.

Influence of Depression and Use of Alcohol and / or Tobacco by Parents in the Oral Health of Children with Disabilities

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the influence of parental depression and substance use in the oral health care of children with disabilities. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 151 children with disabilities and their parents/caregivers. To detect the presence of depression and alcohol or tobacco use, the parents/caregivers answered three questionnaires: two versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Then, the children with disabilities underwent oral examination to evaluate biofilm control, gingival condition and the dental carie index (decayed, missing, and filled teeth - dmft ̸ DMFT). Results: There was a statistically significant association between tobacco use and dental caries in deciduous teeth (p=0.046). The children of smokers had six times greater need for dental treatment than that of non-smokers (OR= 6.36; CI= 1.3-30.5). There was no statistically significant association between the oral health of the children with disabilities and parental alcohol consumption and depression (p>0.05). Children with medical condition had a higher need for dental treatment than children with intellectual disability (p=0.003). Conclusion: Parental smoking habits increase dental caries in the deciduous teeth of children with disabilities, but parental depression and alcohol use do not influence the oral health of children with disabilities. Children with medical condition have more treatment needs than children with intellectual disability.

Eficácia da pasta CTZ no tratamento endodôntico de dentes decíduos em crianças com deficiência: estudo clínico prospectivo / Efficacy of CTZ paste in endodontic treatment of primary teeth in children with disabilities: prospective clinical study

É imprescindível a atenção odontológica em pacientes com deficiência, e as boas condições de saúde da cavidade bucal, estão relacionadas com a qualidade de vida e o não agravamento de suas doenças sistêmicas. Estes pacientes têm o risco aumentado em desenvolver patologias bucais, como cárie dental e doenças periodontais, que se não tratadas podem evoluir para um processo infeccioso. Deste modo o objetivo do presente estudo é o tratamento de dentes decíduos com comprometimento pulpar destes pacientes, utilizando uma técnica endodôntica simplificada e pouco invasiva; esta alternativa é o uso da pasta antibiótica CTZ (cloranfenicol, tetraciclina e óxido de zinco e eugenol). Para tanto, foram selecionados 6 pacientes do NEAPE (Núcleo de Estudo e Atendimento a Pacientes Especiais), com idade média de 5 anos. Como metodologia realizou-se a pulpotomia de 13 dentes com pulpite irreversível ou necrose pulpar. Neste estudo foi avaliado o desempenho clínico e radiográfico pós tratamento destes elementos dentais em 14, 90 e 180 dias. Os resultados observados foram positivos para a manutenção do dente decíduo até sua esfoliação fisiológica. Diante disso, a pesquisa demonstrou que com uso da pasta CTZ é possível trazer benefícios para os pacientes não colaborativos, evitando extrações dentárias frente a um comprometimento pulpar(AU)

Dental care for patients with disabilities is essential, and their good oral health conditions are related to quality of life and the non-worsening of systemic diseases. These patients have increased risk of developing oral pathologies, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases, which, if left untreated, can develop into infectious processes. Thus, the present study aims at the treatment of primary teeth with pulp involvement in these patients through a simplified and little invasive endodontic technique, which is the use of the antibiotic CTZ paste (chloramphenicol, tetracycline and zinc oxide and eugenol). To this end, 6 NEAPE (Center for Study and Care for Special Need Patients) patients were selected, with average age of 5 years. As methodology, pulpotomy of 13 teeth with irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis was performed. In this study, the clinical and radiographic performance after treatment of these dental elements was evaluated at 14, 90 and 180 days. The observed results were positive for the maintenance of primary teeth until its physiological exfoliation. Therefore, the research showed that with the use of the CTZ paste, it is possible to bring benefits to non-collaborative patients, avoiding tooth extractions of pulp involvement(AU)

Clinical and Radiographic Sequelae in Primary Teeth due to Dental Trauma

Objective: To evaluate the presence of clinical and radiographic sequelae in primary teeth affected by dental trauma and its association with age at the time of trauma in children attended at a Public Higher Education Institution. Material and Methods: This is a longitudinal clinical study, in which 229 patients with history of dental trauma in primary teeth were examined, totaling 390 traumatized teeth. Relative frequency analysis was used, and for associations, the Chi-square test was used to verify the relationship of age at the time of trauma with variables such as type of trauma. Results: The most prevalent age group was over 24 months, and fall from own height as the main etiological factor; 71.0% of traumas had involvement of 2 teeth, 9.5% had history of anterior trauma and 66.6% of traumas involved supporting tissues. Regarding the type of injury to dental tissue, the most prevalent was enamel fracture (58.3%) and to periodontium, lateral dislocation (30.8%). Children older than two years had less trauma related to dental tissue (p<0.01), higher number of injuries to the periodontium (p=0.03); and most of them did not present extra-oral changes associated with trauma (p=0.01). During the 12- month period, 325 teeth were examined, and the most frequent clinical sequelae observed was crown discoloration. In the radiographic evaluation, inflammatory root resorption was the most prevalent. Conclusion: Children older than two years presented more injuries to the periodontium. After 12 months, the main clinical sequelae observed was enamel discoloration and the main radiographic sequelae was inflammatory root resorption.

Approximal morphology as predictor of approximal caries in primary molar teeth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive power of the morphology of the distal surface on 1st and mesial surface on 2nd primary molar teeth on caries development in young children. SAMPLE AND METHODS: Out of 101 3-to 4-year-old children from an on-going study, 62 children, for whom parents' informed consent was given, participated. Upper and lower molar teeth of one randomly selected side received a 2-day temporarily separation. Bitewing radiographs and silicone impressions of interproximal area (IPA) were obtained. One-year procedures were repeated in 52 children (84%). The morphology of the distal surfaces of the first molar teeth and the mesial surfaces on the second molar teeth (n=208) was scored from the occlusal aspect on images from the baseline resin models resulting in four IPA variants: concave-concave; concave-convex; convex-concave, and convex-convex. Approximal caries on the surface in question was radiographically assessed as absent/present. RESULTS: Of the 52 children examined at follow-up, 31 children (60%) had 1-4 concave surfaces. In total 53 (25%) of the 208 surfaces were concave. A total of 22 children (43%) had 1-4 approximal lesions adding up to 59 lesions. Multiple logistic regression analyses disclosed that gender, surface morphology on one of the approximal surfaces (focus-surface), and adjacent-surface morphology were significantly related to caries development (p values ≤ 0.03). The odds ratio for developing caries in the focus-surface/adjacent-surface in the four IPA variants were convex-convex, 1.0; convex-concave, 5.5 (CI 2.0-14.7); concave-convex, 12.9 (CI 4.1-40.3); and concave-concave, 15.7 (CI 5.1-48.3). CONCLUSION: Morphology of approximal surfaces in primary molar teeth, in particular both surfaces being concave, significantly influences the risk of developing caries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The concave morphology of approximal surfaces can predict future caries lesions supporting specific home-care and in-office preventive strategies.

Effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on the dentin-pulp complex: ex vivo histological analysis on human primary teeth and rat molars.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of SDF on the dentin-pulp complex using two models: teeth after SDF application (ex vivo) and experimental animal molars. A descriptive study was performed using two models. In the first model, primary teeth (ex vivo) with enamel-dentin caries, without pulp involvement and previously treated with 38% SDF, were evaluated by means of two techniques: (a) Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray detector (EDS) to determine qualitative and quantitative composition, and (b) brightfield optical microscopy (OM) after decalcification. The second model used laboratory animal molars from 12 male Wistar rats. Standardized enamel-dentin cavities approximately 0.5 mm deep were made the distal fossa of the occlusal face of both first lower molars, to one of which a 38% SDF solution was applied, while the other was used as a control. Histological sections were prepared and dental pulp was evaluated qualitatively in both groups. SEM on ex vivo teeth showed areas of hypermineralization in the intertubular dentin and few blocked tubules, while EDS detected Ag in the center of the lesion (7.34%), its concentration declining at the edges (1.71%), with none in the areas farthest from the lesion. OM showed SDF sealing the tubules only at the site where it had been placed, with limited penetration beneath, the tubules appeared normal and the pulp tissue associated to treated caries showed chronic inflammatory infiltrate and formation of tertiary dentin, with no Ag precipitate. In the experimental animal model, pulp histology was not significantly altered in the molar cavities exposed to SDF. The observations using the different techniques on dental tissues suggest that SDF causes minimal adverse effects. The results of this study may contribute to further studies on the suitability of SDF as a cost-effective strategy for treating caries.

El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar del efecto del DFP en complejo dentino-pulpar aplicando dos modelos: piezas dentarias luego de su aplicación (ex vivo) y en molares de animales experimentales. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo aplicando dos modelos: en piezas dentarias primarias (ex vivo) con caries amelodentinarias sin compromiso pulpar que hayan sido sometidas previamente con DFP 38%, mediante dos evaluaciones: Microscopía electrónica de Barrido (MEB) y detector de energía dispersiva de rayos X (EDS) a fin de determinar su composición cuali y cuantitativa y Microscopía óptica de campo claro (MCC) mediante la técnica descalcificación y en molares de animales de laboratorio donde se utilizaron 12 ratas Wistar macho. La técnica fue estandarizada en la fosa distal de la cara oclusal del primer molar inferior, se realizó una cavidad amelodentinaria aprox. 0.5 mm de profundidad, en ambos molares. En un molar se aplicó la solución DFP al 38 % y el opuesto como control. Se realizaron cortes histológicos y se evaluó en forma cualitativa la pulpa dental en ambos grupos. En las piezas ex vivas mediante MEB se observaron áreas de hipermineralización en la dentina intertubular y escasos conductillos obliterados y por EDS se detectó Ag en el centro de la lesión (7.34%), disminuyendo su concentración en los límites (1,71%) y no se detectó en las zonas más alejadas de la misma. En MCC se observó DFP sellando los conductillos sólo en sitio de colocación y con una penetración limitada, por debajo, los conductillos se observaron de aspecto normal y el tejido pulpar asociado con la caries tratada ha mostrado un infiltrado inflamatorio crónico y formación de dentina terciaria, sin observarse precipitado de Ag. En el modelo experimental en las cavidades expuestas con DFP en molares no se alteró en forma relevante la histología pulpar. Las observaciones realizadas con las diferentes técnicas y en tejidos dentarios sugieren que el DFP genera mínimos efectos adversos. Los resultados de este estudio contribuirían a continuar con investigaciones que permitan recomendar el producto como una estrategia costo efectivo para el tratamiento de la enfermedad.

Eigenmannia besouro, a new species of the Eigenmannia trilineata species-group (Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from the rio São Francisco basin, northeastern Brazil.

A new species of the Eigenmannia trilineata species-group is described from the rio São Francisco basin, Brazil. It is distinguished from closely related species by a unique set of characters, including a subterminal mouth, the presence of ii,13-14 pectoral-fin rays, a coronomeckelian bone that is 30% the length of Meckel's cartilage, the specific pattern of the dentition of the premaxilla and dentary, and the more anterior origin of the superior midlateral stripe. Comments on species of the E. trilineata species-group are presented.

Estética em dentes decíduos traumatizados: clareamento e restauração / Aesthetics in traumatized primary teeth: bleaching and restoration

O trauma dental decorrente de quedas, acidentes e atividades esportivas tem alta prevalência e pode impactar na qualidade de vida das crianças e suas famílias devido às alterações estéticas adversas. Este trabalho relata o caso clínico de paciente do sexo feminino, 3 anos de idade que procurou atendimento odontológico devido à fratura da coroa e descoloração do dente 51 após trauma. Clinicamente foi observada a presença de fístula e abcesso na região do dente. O dente foi submetido a tratamento endodôntico, seguido de clareamento interno/ externo com peróxido de hidrogênio a 35%. Após a finalização do clareamento, realizou-se a restauração da fratura permitindo o restabelecimento da estética e função. Um acompanhamento de 5 anos foi realizado até a erupção completa da coroa do dente 11. Neste período, não se observou alterações clínicas nem radiográficas do dente traumatizado, e o dente sucessor irrompeu sem nenhum comprometimento. Concluiu-se que o clareamento interno/ externo de dente decíduo seguido da restauração foi satisfatório para o restabelecimento da estética e função dentária da criança sem nenhuma alteração para o germe sucessor.

Dental trauma caused by falls, accidents and sports activities has high prevalence and may influence the quality of life of children and their family due to adverse cosmetic changes. This case report presents a three years old gril who refered to dental care due to crown fracture and discoloration of primary central incisor after trauma. Clinically, it was observed the presence of fistula and abscess in the tooth region. Endodontic treatment was done followed by internal/external bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide. The tooth was then restored providing aesthetics and function for the patient. There was a five years follow-up until full eruption of permanentÆs central incisorÆs crown. In this period, there were no clinical or radiographic changes on the traumatized tooth, and the successor tooth erupted without any impairment. It was concluded that the result of internal/external primary tooth bleaching followed by restoration, was satisfactory restoring aesthetics and function with no alteration to the successor tooth.

Chemomechanical versus drilling methods for caries removal: an in vitro study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) with that of conventional drilling for efficacy of caries removal, time spent, morphological changes and microhardness of surface dentin, and microleakage of subsequent restorations. Forty-six carious deciduous molars were randomly divided into two groups: one each for caries removal by (1) CMCR and by (2) drilling. The completeness of caries removal was evaluated by visual and tactile criteria and a caries detector device. Twenty teeth in each group were restored with glass ionomer (GI) and subjected to thermocycling before undergoing microleakage and microhardness tests. In each group, three restored teeth were used for polarized light microscopic analysis, and three unrestored teeth for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There was no significant difference in the completeness of caries removal between groups. However, time spent for caries removal by CMCR was significantly longer than that required for drilling. Restorations in the CMCR group had significantly more microleakage than those in the drilling group. Dentin hardness of the cavity floor after CMCR was also significantly lower. Microscopic analyses showed roughened and irregular dentin surfaces in the CMCR group, unlike the smooth surfaces observed in the drilling group. In conclusion, CMCR was as efficacious as drilling in term of completeness of caries removal, but required longer excavation times and resulted in lower microhardness of residual dentin as well as more microleakage after restorations with GI. Further laboratory and clinical evaluations on the efficiency and performance of CMCR for the durability of subsequent restorations are required.

Tratamientos pulpares en dientes primarios / Pulp therapies in primary teeth

El mantenimiento de las piezas dentarias para desempeñar sus funciones en la alimentación, en la expresión oral, en el mantenimiento de espacios en las arcadas dentarias, en el estímulo para el crecimiento y desarrollo de los maxilares, entre otras acciones, ha sido considerado esencial para el logro de un desarrollo armónico. Por otro lado, y a pesar de los avances en la materia, la caries dental es la causa más frecuente de las patologías pulpares en los dientes primarios y constituye el principal motivo de su deterioro y/o su pérdida. Las características histo-patológicas de la pulpa dental, la brevedad de su ciclo vital, el tamaño relativo de las cámaras pulpares, favorecen el rápido compromiso pulpar y propician que el proceso infeccioso progrese rápidamente a la necrosis. Ello ha determinado y determina el desarrollo de numerosas técnicas y tratamientos, diferentes ofertas terapéuticas de las cuales ninguna ha alcanzado el consenso universal. Como establecen las Guías de Odontología Pediátrica sobre tratamientos pulpares en dientes primarios, la literatura dental en esta área ofrece escasa y pobre evidencia para sustentar las diferentes técnicas y constantemente señalan la necesidad de nuevos y rigurosos estudios que la avalen.

Digital radiography for determination of primary tooth length: in vivo and ex vivo studies.

BACKGROUND: Methods for determining the root canal length of the primary tooth should yield accurate and reproducible results. In vitro studies show some limitations, which do not allow their findings to be directly transferred to a clinical situation. AIM: To compare the accuracy of radiographic tooth length obtained from in vivo digital radiograph with that obtained from ex vivo digital radiograph. METHOD: Direct digital radiographs of 20 upper primary incisors were performed in teeth (2/3 radicular resorption) that were radiographed by an intraoral sensor, according to the long-cone technique. Teeth were extracted, measured, and mounted in a resin block, and then radiographic template was used to standardise the sensor-target distance (30 cm). The apparent tooth length (APTL) was obtained from the computer screen by means of an electronic ruler accompanying the digital radiography software (CDR 2.0), whereas the actual tooth length (ACTL) was obtained by means of a digital calliper following extraction. Data were compared to the ACTL by variance analysis and Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: The values for APTL obtained from in vivo radiography were slightly underestimated, whereas those values obtained from ex vivo were slightly overestimated. No significance was observed (P ≤ 0.48) between APTL and ACTL. CONCLUSION: The length of primary teeth estimated by in vivo and ex vivo comparisons using digital radiography was found to be similar to the actual tooth length.

Appraisal of the difference between the mesiodistal diameters of deciduous incisors and molars and permanent teeth.

AIM: Difference in tooth size between deciduous and permanent teeth can resolve space problems during development of the dentition. AIM: To determine the difference in size between deciduous and permanent teeth in the anterior and posterior areas of the mouth in a group of school-age children from Medellin, Colombia. DESIGN: this longitudinal prospective, descriptive investigation was carried out in 139 skeletal Class I dental stone casts from school-age children from Medellin. Patients were followed annually from 6 to 12 years of age. The final sample consisted of 53 children (35 girls and 18 boys). Leeway space and the incisor liability were determined. RESULTS: A higher positive leeway space was found in the mandible than in the maxilla (3.622 mm and 1.556 mm, respectively). Incisor liability was negatively higher in the maxilla than in the mandible (-7.884mm and -5.386mm, respectively). Six patients showed a negative leeway space between -1.582 mm and -3.184 mm for the mandible and the maxilla, respectively. No statistical significant differences were found by gender; girls showed higher leeway space and incisor liability than boys. CONCLUSION: Normal values for one ethnic group should not be considered normal for another and each group must be treated according to its own characteristics.

Análise da prevalência de defeitos de esmalte na dentição decídua adquiridos no período gestacional / Analysis of prevalence on the loss of enamel of deciduous dentition occurring during pregnancy

O período gestacional é importante para a formação dos dentes decíduos do bebê. Os Defeitos de Desenvolvimento do Esmalte Dentário são anormalidades que podem ocorrer na estrutura do esmalte por acometimentos durante sua formação. O objetivo é analisar a prevalência de defeitos de esmalte na dentição decídua adquiridos no período gestacional. Realizou-se um estudo observacional, longitudinal, descritivo e retrospectivo, de abordagem quantitativa, em um município sul catarinense, no período de março de 2012 a dezembro de 2013. Participaram 68 bebês, de 1 a 3 anos de idade, e suas mães, que frequentaram um programa educativo. A coleta de dados realizou-se um questionário autoaplicável, anônimo, destinado às mães, como também o exame clínico da cavidade bucal dos bebês. Os resultados evidenciaram que o estado civil predominante foi de amasiadas (55,9%), a profissão foi do lar (36,8%) e a renda familiar de 3 salários mínimos (79,4%). A maioria (52,9%) tinha segundo grau incompleto. Verificou-se que 14,7% dos bebês possuíam Defeitos de Desenvolvimento do Esmalte Dentário na arcada superior, e 5,9% na arcada inferior. Constatou-se 11,8% casos de opacidade na arcada superior, 5,9% na inferior, e 2,9% de hipoplasia na superior, todos em incisivos. Relação a problemas de saúde na gestação observou-se que 74,6% apresentaram. O uso de medicações no período gestacional e problemas de saúde neste período revelou significância estatística (p=0,010). Concluiu-se que houve alterações na formação dos dentes decíduos e o aparecimento de opacidades e hipoplasias, relacionadas às complicações sistêmicas, e ao uso de medicações no período gestacional, porém sugerem-se mais estudos...

The pregnancy period is an important part of the formation of deciduous baby teeth. The defects of dental enamel Development are abnormalities that may occur in the enamel structure progressively during their formation. The objective was analyze the prevalence of enamel defects in the primary dentition which occurs during pregnancy. We conducted an observational, longitudinal, descriptive and retrospective quantitative survey, in a town south of Santa Catarina Brazil, from March 2012 to December 2013. 68 babies between 1 to 3 years old and their mothers who attended an educational program. The data was collected by means of an anonymous standardized questionnaire which was addressed the mothers well as through clinical examinations of the oral cavity the participating babies. The predominant results showed that the marital status of the mothers was common law partner (55.9%), the profession was housewife (36.8%) and the average family income was three minimum wages (79.4%). Most of the respondents (52.9%) had not completed high school. It was found that 14.7% the studied babies had the defects of dental enamel development in the upper arch, while 5.9% in the lower arch. 11.8% the analyzed babies had cases of opacity in the upper arch, 5.9% at the bottom, and 2.9% hypoplasia at the top, all in incisors. The study concludes that there were changes in the formation primary teeth and the appearance of opacities and hypoplasia, and that these were related to systemic complications well as the use of medications during pregnancy...

Chemomechanical versus drilling methods for caries removal: an in vitro study

The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) with that of conventional drilling for efficacy of caries removal, time spent, morphological changes and microhardness of surface dentin, and microleakage of subsequent restorations. Forty-six carious deciduous molars were randomly divided into two groups: one each for caries removal by (1) CMCR and by (2) drilling. The completeness of caries removal was evaluated by visual and tactile criteria and a caries detector device. Twenty teeth in each group were restored with glass ionomer (GI) and subjected to thermocycling before undergoing microleakage and microhardness tests. In each group, three restored teeth were used for polarized light microscopic analysis, and three unrestored teeth for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There was no significant difference in the completeness of caries removal between groups. However, time spent for caries removal by CMCR was significantly longer than that required for drilling. Restorations in the CMCR group had significantly more microleakage than those in the drilling group. Dentin hardness of the cavity floor after CMCR was also significantly lower. Microscopic analyses showed roughened and irregular dentin surfaces in the CMCR group, unlike the smooth surfaces observed in the drilling group. In conclusion, CMCR was as efficacious as drilling in term of completeness of caries removal, but required longer excavation times and resulted in lower microhardness of residual dentin as well as more microleakage after restorations with GI. Further laboratory and clinical evaluations on the efficiency and performance of CMCR for the durability of subsequent restorations are required.

Changes in Oral Health-related Behavior of Infants following a Preventive Program of Continuing Education Directed to their Parents

To evaluate changes in oral health-related behavior of infants following preventive program of continuing education directed to their parents.Material and Methods:We analyzed 53 dental files of infants aged up to 36 months, who participated in the Prevention and Education Program of the Infants Clinic, School of Dentistry of Bauru (USP), and attended at least 2 visits with a maximum of 4 missing appointments. Initially an educational lecture was conducted, pointing issues related to diet and oral hygiene. At the following visit, the professional filled in a form with questions about diet and hygiene performed at home. The following information was extracted from dental files: reason of the first visit, age, number of teeth, number of visits, missing appointments, and dietary and oral hygiene risk factors. The data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics comparing the information obtained from the first visit to that of the last one.Results:The reason for the first visit was dental caries prevention (88.68%) followed by dental trauma (7.55%), and needed of curative treatment (3.77%). The mean age of the sample was 14.85 months, the tooth number mean was 12.64 at first visit, the mean number of visits was 7 and the mean missing appointments was 0.83. The percentage of infants with inadequate diet and hygiene habits was 88.68% and 62.26%, and only 12.762% and 57.57% of these have changed their habits, respectively.Conclusion:After the preventive program of continuing education, the dietary habits showed were more difficult to change in relation to hygiene ones...

Prevalence of Teething Symptoms in Primary Teeth and Associated Factors: Cross-Sectional Study in Children aged 12-23 months in Pelotas, Brazil

To identify the main teething symptoms reported by mothers and associated factors. Material and Methods:Cross-sectional study conducted with mothers of children aged 12-23 months visiting 12 public health care centers during National Children Vaccination day in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2011. Mothers were interviewed and information on teething symptoms and socioeconomic (family structure, income, maternal schooling and child skin color) and demographic variables (maternal age and child sex) was collected. Chi-square, Fisher exact test and Poisson regression analyses were performed (P<0.05). Results:A total of 188 mother-child pairs were interviewed. Teething symptoms were reported by 91.93% mothers. Symptoms most frequently reported were excessive salivation (67.7%), irritability (65.2%), fever (44.1%), feeding difficulty (34.2%) and sleep disturbance (31.7%). Teething symptoms were not associated with socioeconomic and demographic variables investigated (p>0.05). Conclusion:Most mothers linked children symptoms with primary teeth eruption. Excessive salivation and irritability were the symptoms most reported by mothers. Socioeconomic and demographic variables were not statistically associated with maternal report of teething symptoms in their children. Dentists should provide adequate orientation to mothers and follow up their children. Dentists should refer to medical care services if symptoms persist, once these symptoms can be attributed to other causes...

Effectiveness of electronic apex locator during the root canal length in primary teeth: an in vitro study

To evaluate the use of electronic apex locator to measure the root canal length in primary teeth, comparing this measure with the measurements obtained by conventional radiography and by the direct measurement of the root canal lenght.Material and Methods:The sample consisted of nine multi-rooted primary teeth, totaling 32 root canals. Endodontic access was performed with a spherical diamond tip, then the pulp was extirpated and the canal irrigated with 0.9% saline. An endodontic file was used to measure the root canal length by electronic apex locator, using the Novapex ® according to the manufacturer's instructions, and by direct method. An endodontic ruler was used to determine fileÆs length. Conventional radiographic was also performed. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The level of significance was 95%.Results:The average of the root canal length was 9.98 ± 2.16 to the direct method; 11.52 ± 1.87 to conventional radiography; and 10.91 ± 1.92 to the electronic apex locator. The results of this study showed a high correlation between the values given by the different methods, regardless of the presence or absence of physiological root resorption. There were not statistically significant differences amongst the methods studied (p> 0.05).Conclusion:Electronic apex locator was an accurate method measure the root canal length in primary teeth, and its use is indicated in endodontic treatment of these teeth...