Allyson Nogueira Moreira

Implications of edentulism on quality of life among elderly.

This study aimed was to test the association between quality of life and edentulism among elderly individuals in a city in southeastern Brazil. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 163 individuals aged 60 years or older, functionally independent and non-institutionalized. Data were collected with a questionnaire and oral examination. The edentulism was the dependent variable. The independent variables were sex, age, household income and quality of life (WHOQOL-Old) and their scores. To assess the association between the dependent variable and independent variables was used bivariate analysis (p < 0.10). Poisson regression model was performed, adjusting for age and sex. The average age of participants was 69 years (± 6.1), 68.7% were female and 52.8% were diagnosed as completely edentulous (90% CI: 0.33–1.24). When the independent variables were associated to the prevalence of edentulism, statistically significant associations were found for age (p = 0.03) and social participation dimension of the WHOQOL-Old (p = 0.08). In the Poisson regression, social participation remained statistically associated to edentulism {RP = 2.12 [90% CI (1.10–4.00)]}. The social participation proved to have a significant association to edentulism, thereby attesting to the negative effect of this condition on social aspects.

Periodontal therapy and risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes

Periodontitis has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results from intervention studies are few and controversial. The present study assessed the effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment in the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Two hundred forty-six eligible women were randomly divided into two groups: periodontitis intervention (n = 122; undergoing non-surgical treatment during gestation) and periodontitis control (n = 124; not treated during gestation). Univariate analysis was performed and estimates of relative risk were reported. Data from 225 women were analyzed. No differences for preterm birth (p = 0.721), low birth weight (p = 0.198), and preterm low birth weight (p = 0.732) rates were observed. Relative risk estimates for preterm birth, low birth weight, and preterm low birth weight in the periodontitis intervention group were 0.915 (95% CI 0.561–1.493), 0.735 (95% CI 0.459–1.179), and 0.927 (0.601–1.431), respectively. Non-surgical periodontal treatment during the second semester of gestation did not reduce the risk for preterm birth, low birth weight, and preterm low birth weight.

Perfil dos cuidadores de idosos nas instituições de longa permanência de Belo Horizonte, MG

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the profile of caregivers of elderly in long-term care facilities. The studied population included 181 randomly selected caregivers, 98 from philanthropic and 83 from private institutions in the city of Belo Horizonte. Data were collected applying structured questionnaires. The variables evaluated were sex, age group, educational level, marital status, income, economic condition, time of work in the facility, and professional experience. The data were compared using Chi-square and Fishers exact tests. There was no statistically significant difference between caregivers from the two facilities with regard to sex (p=0.62) and income (0.77). In the philanthropic facilities we observed more caregivers aged 50 years or more, widowers, with less than 4 years of study, socio-economic level D and who were working as caregivers in the facility for more than two years (p<0,05). The results of this study are relevant for discussing developing and implementing public policies aimed at qualifying the caregivers in long-term care institutions for elderly in Belo Horizonte.

Oral health among institutionalized elderly in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

This study assessed the oral health of the institutionalized elderly in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. A sample of 335 individuals over 60 years of age was randomly selected. Data were collected through interviews, review of medical records, and clinical examination by a single researcher. Oral health was evaluated in terms of oral hygiene, caries, and periodontal disease. Bacterial plaque was present on 76% of the dental surfaces, and 57% of the elderly using upper dentures presented plaque on at least one of its surfaces. DMF-T index was 30.8, with the missing component representing 94.2%. Missing sextant was the worst periodontal finding in 78.2% of the elderly. Among the valid sextants, there was a higher prevalence of 4 to 5mm periodontal pocket and attachment loss from 4 to 5mm (47%). According to the findings, institutionalized elderly suffer from precarious oral health, with deficient oral hygiene, high caries rate, tooth loss, and periodontal pocket.

Effectiveness and efficiency of chemomechanical carious dentin removal

The aims of this in vitro study were both to determine the time necessary for removal of carious dentin (efficiency) and the Knoop Hardness Number (KHN) of the remaining dentin (effectiveness), using a chemomechanical method (Carisolv) or hand excavation. Thirty human molars were bisected through occlusal carious lesions into two equal halves. Each half was randomly excavated by hand in circular movements with a spoon excavator or using Carisolv gel according to the manufacturers instructions. The duration of carious dentin removal was recorded. Tooth sections were resin-embedded, ground flat and polished. Dentin KHN was determined at distances of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 microm from the cavity floor. Data were analyzed by Wilcoxons test (alpha= 0.01), ANOVA and Students t test (alpha= 0.05). The median of the time necessary for chemomechanical excavation was significantly greater than for hand excavation. KHN means (+/- SD) at 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 microm for chemomechanical method were, respectively: 15.6 (+/- 4.96), 18.0 (+/- 6.22), 21.3 (+/- 9.30), 24.3 (+/- 9.25), 28.5 (+/- 11.80); and for hand excavation were: 21.2 (+/- 10.26), 23.4 (+/- 9.49), 28.2 (+/- 11.62), 31.0 (+/- 12.17), 34.3 (+/- 11.95). It may be concluded that hand excavation presented higher efficiency and effectiveness than chemomechanical excavation.

Propolis--based chitosan varnish: drug delivery, controlled release and antimicrobial activity against oral pathogen bacteria.

BackgroundDental caries is the most prevalent oral disease in several Asian and Latin American countries. It is an infectious disease and different types of bacteria are involved in the process. Synthetic antimicrobials are used against this disease; however, many of these substances cause unwarranted undesirable effects like vomiting, diarrhea and tooth staining. Propolis, a resinous substance collected by honeybees, has been used to control the oral microbiota. So, the objective of this study was to develop and characterize sustained-release propolis-based chitosan varnish useful on dental cariogenic biofilm prevention, besides the in vitro antimicrobial activity.MethodsThree formulations of propolis - based chitosan varnish (PCV) containing different concentrations (5%, 10% and 15%) were produced by dissolution of propolis with chitosan on hydro-alcoholic vehicle. Bovine teeth were used for testing adhesion of coatings and to observe the controlled release of propolis associated with varnish. It was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, casting time, diffusion test in vitro antimicrobial activity and controlled release. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were tested for the main microorganisms involved in the cariogenic biofilm through the microdilution test in 96-well plates.ResultsThe formulations presented a tooth surface adherence and were able to form films very fast on bovine tooth surface. Also, propolis-based chitosan varnishes have shown antimicrobial activity similar to or better than chlorhexidine varnish against all oral pathogen bacteria. All microorganisms were sensitive to propolis varnish and chitosan. MIC and MBC for microorganisms of cariogenic biofilme showed better results than chlorhexidine. Propolis active components were released for more than one week.ConclusionAll developed formulations turn them, 5%, 10% and 15% propolis content varnish, into products suitable for clinical application on dental caries prevention field, deserving clinical studies to confirm its in vivo activity.

Biomechanical evaluation of screw- and cement-retained implant-supported prostheses: A nonlinear finite element analysis

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM The mechanical stability of the prosthetic components in the implant-prosthesis complex is essential to the long-term success of the restorations. However, little is known about the differences in the biomechanical behavior of screw- and cement-retained prostheses. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the preload maintenance, stresses, and displacements of prosthetic components of screw- and cement-retained implant-supported prostheses by using the finite element method in a nonlinear analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two 3-dimensional models were constructed: implant-supported fixed partial prostheses with 3 elements retained either by screws (SFP) or cement (CFP). After the simulation of screw tightening, the preload was calculated for both prostheses. Then vertical and oblique loads (100 N) were applied on the models. The preload was identified, the maximum von Mises equivalent stresses (SEQV) were obtained on the screws, and the displacement among the abutment, the implant, and screw was identified by observing the penetration and gap in the contact interfaces. RESULTS Under vertical load, there was a higher decrease in the preload and in the SEQV on the screw in the SFP. Under oblique load, the SEQV was 24% higher on the screw of the SFP. In the displacement analysis under vertical load, penetration was concentrated in the threads of the screw in the SFP and between the abutment and implant in the CFP. The gap was 118% greater for the SFP and was concentrated on the abutment extension. Under oblique load, the displacement pattern was similar for both prostheses, but with values 66% higher for penetration and 96% higher for gap for the SFP. CONCLUSIONS The SFP showed a higher biomechanical risk of failure than the CFP.

The association between occlusal factors and noncarious cervical lesions: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to systematically review the scientific evidence for the association between noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) and occlusal risk factors (ORF) [occlusal interferences in excursive movements; occlusal force; premature contacts; type of guidance; skid of centric occlusion to maximum intercuspidation] in adults. SOURCES Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Lilacs, Clinical Trials, National Research Register and National Institute for Health were searched. STUDY SELECTION From 1082 potentially eligible studies, 106 were selected for full text analysis. Two independent reviewers (Kappa=0.8; p<0.001) selected the studies, abstracted information and assessed quality based on standardised scales. Six cross-sectional, two case-controls and one clinical trial were included. Several occlusal variables were analysed among the studies, but there was no standardisation of the units used in the analysis of occlusal factors. The majority of studies did not find significant associations between NCCL and ORF. Three studies found associations between NCCL and some variables (occlusal contact area, right canine guidance, premature contacts in centric relation and working side) (p<0.05). The methodological quality varied across studies, and there was high heterogeneity among them. CONCLUSION Current scientific evidence does not support an association between ORF and NCCL. Further prospective studies with standardised methods are vital to strengthen the evidence. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Understanding the risk factors for NCCL is important to control the causes and to help the dentist choose the best approach for the patient. The evidence does not support intervention to alter some occlusal factors for the prevention or control of the progression of NCCL.

Tooth loss, denture wearing and associated factors among an elderly institutionalised Brazilian population

OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and extent of tooth loss as well as denture wear and associated factors in institutionalised elderly in Brazil. BACKGROUND There is scarcity of research in Brazil concerning geriatric oral health issues. MATERIAL AND METHODS A sample of 335 individuals over 60 years of age, representative of the institutionalised elderly from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, were selected through a stratified sampling strategy. Data were collected from structured questionnaires, reviews of medical records and intra-oral examinations. RESULTS Edentulousness was observed in 74.9% of the elderly and was related to age, years of study, income, length of institutionalisation, systemic diseases and mini-mental score. Among the dentate subjects, 17.9% possessed 20 or more teeth. Approximately half the edentulous elderly (42.6%) and most of the partially dentate subjects (66.7%) did not wear dentures. The multivariate analysis showed that subjects that wear dentures were more likely to be female, possess higher incomes, be more functionally independent and married. Furthermore, the odds of wearing dentures among the elderly who had lost 13-32 teeth were 9.11 times higher than those who had lost up to 12 teeth. CONCLUSION Tooth loss is highly prevalent in this institutionalised Brazilian population, and the prevalence of denture wear is low. The extent of tooth loss, income, functional status and marital status are important predictors for denture wear. The development of an oral health programme for these individuals should assist in their rehabilitation needs and promote in-home care or safe transport for the elderly to a health care location.

Propolis varnish: antimicrobial properties against cariogenic bacteria, cytotoxicity, and sustained-release profile.

Varnishes are preparations that differ in the polymeric matrix and therapeutical agents. In dentistry they are used to prevent caries. In this study we developed a propolis varnish, considering propolis properties against cariogenic bacteria. To a chitosan polymeric base (CHV) was added ethanolic propolis extract in different concentrations: PV1 (5%), PV2 (10%), and PV3 (15%). Antimicrobial activity was carried out against Streptococcus mutans (SM), Streptococcus sanguinis (SG), Streptococcus salivarius (SS), and Lactobacillus casei (LC) through agar diffusion method. The three propolis concentrations incorporated were effective in inhibiting the growth of all microorganisms, but without significant difference between the zones of inhibition observed. Cytotoxicity assay was done by MTT method. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test. None of the varnishes were cytotoxic, keeping 80% of viable cells, while CHV allowed cellular proliferation (120%). Sustained-release test was carried out by applying 40 μL of each varnish in the buccal surface of bovine teeth and kept in an ethanol/water solution removed in regular times. According to the “independent model approach,” the release profiles were distinct from each varnish and the most prolonged was PV3 (8 weeks). Varnish formulations had satisfactory antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria and have a low cytotoxicity (<50%).