Jainara Maria Soares Ferreira

Obesity and Dental Caries among Preschool Children in Brazil

AIM This study was aimed at verifying the relationship between childhood obesity and dental caries. METHOD A total of 2,651 preschool children were examined for this cross-sectional study in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; 1,338 of them attended public schools and 1,313 private schools. The clinical data and anthropometric measurements were obtained in line with WHO criteria. Pearson chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used, with a 5 % margin of error. RESULTS The prevalence of child obesity was 9 % (n=240). The highest prevalence was observed amongst children in private elementary schools (p<0.0001). The prevalence of dental caries was 19 % (n=504). The DMFT index was smaller in non-obese individuals (p=0.0267). The average value of dental caries, lost teeth and DMFT were significantly higher among children in public elementary schools than amongst those in private pre-schools (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION No relationship was found between dental caries and obesity. Suitable health policies should be adopted so as to minimise the high prevalence of dental caries among this population.

Therapeutic effect of two fluoride varnishes on white spot lesions: a randomized clinical trial

The aim of this randomized clinical trial study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of two varnish formulations (G1 = 5% NaF, G2 = 6% NaF + 6% CaF(2)) on the remineralization of white spot lesions (WSL). The sample was composed of 15 (7- to 12-year-old) children with 45 active WSL in anterior permanent teeth. The children were randomly divided into two groups providing 22 lesions for G1 and 23 for G2. The children were submitted to weekly varnish applications 4 times. The WSL were evaluated twice: baseline and on week 4. Maximum lesion dimensions (mesiodistal and incisogingival) were measured in millimeters and classified in four grades of size. WSL were also assessed regarding lesion activity by one calibrated examiner. The Pearson chi-square and Fishers exact tests were used (P < 0.01). WSL reductions were observed in both varnish groups (Chi-square = 0.15, d.f. = 1, P = 0.90), and with similar magnitude (in mm): 1.19 and 1.29 for G1 and G2, respectively. Thirty-six WSL (15 in G1 and 21 in G2) were classified as inactive on week 4, reaching an overall value of 80%. No difference was observed between G1 and G2 regarding activity scores (Fishers exact test, p > 0.01). It was concluded that after 4 applications the two varnish formulations tested produced similar clinical effects, indicating the reduction and the control of carious activity in most WSL.

Use of glass ionomer cement containing antibiotics to seal off infected dentin: a randomized clinical trial

Dental materials with antibacterial properties can prevent the harmful effects caused by oral cariogenic bacteria. This double-blind controlled clinical trial evaluated the performance of a glass ionomer cement (GIC) added with antibiotics for sealing infected dentin in atraumatic restorations of primary molars. The study enrolled 45 children (45 teeth) between 5 and 8 years of age, of both genders, divided into two groups: GC (n=22), where cavities were lined with a conventional GIC (Vidrion F) and GA (n=23), with cavities lined with Vidrion F added with 1% each of metronidazole, ciprofloxacin and cefaclor antibiotic. Both groups were restored with Ketac Molar Easymix. Molars with carious lesions on the inner half of dentin without clinical or radiographic pulp damage were selected. Patients were evaluated clinically (pain, fistulas or mobility) and radiographically (area of caries, periapical region and furcation) after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. For statistical analysis, chi-squared or Fishers exact tests were used with a 5% significance level. GA (82.6-95.7%) had better results than GC (12.5-36.4%) in all evaluations (p<0.05) and the difference in the success rate was 46.2-72.5% higher for GA. The use of the antibiotic-containing GIC liner on infected dentin proved satisfactory when applied in deciduous teeth.

Evaluation of different methods for monitoring incipient carious lesions in smooth surfaces under fluoride varnish therapy

BACKGROUND There are only a few studies relating visual inspection methods and laser fluorescence when monitoring regression of incipient carious lesions. AIM The purpose of this study was to monitor incipient carious lesions in smooth surfaces under varnish fluoride therapy using visual inspection methods and laser fluorescence (LF). DESIGN Active white spot lesions (n = 111) in upper front teeth of 36 children were selected. The children were subjected to four or eight applications of fluoride varnish in weekly intervals. The visual systems were activity (A) and maximum dimension in millimetres (D). They were applied together with LF readings (L) in the beginning of the study (W1), in the 5th week (W5), and in the 9th (W9) week. RESULTS The mean (SD) of L values in W5 and W9 were 5.6 (3.8) and 4.5 (3.3), respectively; both were significantly different from the initial score of 7.4 (5.1) in W1. There was a positive correlation between D and L in W5 (r = 0.25) and W9 (r = 0.36; P < 0.05). The mean (SD) values of L were lower following the activity criteria. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the finding that incipient carious lesions in smooth surfaces under fluoride therapy can be monitored by laser fluorescence and visual inspection methods.

Therapeutic potential of Brazilian fluoride varnishes: an in vivo study.

The aim of this study was to assess in vivo the therapeutic effect of three fluoride varnishes available in the Brazilian market on the performance of white spot lesions (WSL). The sample included 36 children aged 7 to 13 years old, with a total of 67 active WSL in permanent anterior teeth. The children were randomly divided into 3 groups, according to fluoride varnish used: FL- Fluorniz (n=24), DUO - Duofluorid XII (n=22) and DF - Durafluor (n=21). Maximum WSL dimensions (mesiodistal and incisogingival) were measured in millimeters by a previously calibrated single examiner using a periodontal probe. WSL were also assessed regarding lesion activity. Initial and final S-OHI (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index) scores were recorded. Pearsons chi-square test revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in the performance of the varnishes. At the end of the 5th week, FL had 6 active and 18 inactive WSL; DUO had 7 active and 15 inactive WSL; and DL had 6 active and 15 inactive WSL. Taking into account all lesions, there was a 45.7% reduction in WSL dimensions. Paired Students t-test revealed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the initial size (1.88) and final size (1.02). After four applications, all varnishes obtained similar clinical results.

Conhecimento de alunos concluintes de Pedagogia sobre saúde bucal

El objetivo de esta investigacion fue evaluar el conocimiento sobre salud bucal de los estudiantes avanzados de la carrera de Pedagogia de la Universidad Federal de Paraiba. Con este fin, los estudiantes contestaron a un cuestionario que contenia preguntas objetivas sobre el tema. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando estadistica descriptiva. De los 100 participantes, el 83% habia tenido acceso a informaciones sobre Odontologia Preventiva, el 64% de estos a traves del cirujano dentista. Los resultados indican que el 31% de los estudiantes poseen pocos conocimientos sobre la placa bacteriana, mientras que el 55% conoce la etiologia de la caries dental. Aunque el 92% de los estudiantes encuestados afirma que el uso del chupete es perjudicial para el desarrollo facial del nino, solamente el 9% de estos identifico la edad limite para interrumpir su uso. Ademas, el 20% acerto en la cuestion del momento ideal para el primer contacto entre el nino y el dentista. Se concluye que los estudiantes demostraron un conocimiento razonable con respecto a la salud bucal. Esto sugiere la implantacion de programas educativos como parte del curriculo academico, ya que estos futuros profesionales contribuiran a la formacion del nino, estableciendo practicas diarias capaces de generar salud.The aim of this article was to evaluate the oral health knowledge of pedagogy students from the Federal University of Paraiba. In order to do this students present in class rooms answered a questionnaire containing the objective requirements relative to basic knowledge on the subject. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics techniques. Out of 100 students, 83% have had access to information relating to Preventive Dentistry. The most quoted source of information was the dentist (64%). Aspects relating to bacterial plaque were generally not known by the participant group (31%), in contrast to the etiological factors that cause dental caries (55%). Although 92% of the students stated that pacifiers are harmful to the facial development of children, only 9% could identify the age limit for abandoning use of this article. Furthermore, 20% selected the ideal time for the first visit of a child to the dentist. It can be concluded that the students had a reasonable knowledge of oral health. The promotion of educational programs directed at these professionals is needed, particularly in the academic curriculum, since these professionals of the future will contribute to the children’s formation, by establishing daily practices that lead to good health.

Oral hygiene practices, dental service use and oral health self-perception of schoolchildren from a rural zone in the Brazilian Northeast region

Purpose: To evaluate the oral hygiene practices, use of dental services and self-perception of oral health of school children from the rural areas of the city of Caruaru, PE, in the Northeast region of Brazil. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out using interviews with structured questionnaires aimed at students aged between 6 and 12 years (n=150). Demographic and socio-economic data on oral hygiene practices, the use of dental services and self-perception of oral health were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests). Results: Most of the students cleaned their teeth (82.0%) with toothpaste (98.0%), a toothbrush available at the market (93.2%) and dental floss (26.4%). All students (150) had a toothbrush, the majority (86.7%) for individual use, and performed three or more daily brushings (56.4%). A significant portion had visited the dentist (72.7%) due to the need for treatment (57.8%) and toothache (33.0%). Among those who had never been to the dentist, fear (36.6%) was the main reason. The majority (56.0%) considered their teeth to be in good condition. Conclusion: Despite the low socio-economic status of the evaluated population, changes in oral hygiene practices and the demand for dental care were observed.

Técnicas de Controle do Comportamento do Paciente Infantil: Revisão de Literatura

Resumen pt: Introducao: E comum na pratica clinica odontologica infantil, manifestacoes de medo e ansiedade do paciente, que, quando nao controladas pelo cirurgiao-d...

Factors associated with early weaning at a Child-Friendly Healthcare Initiative Hospitall

PURPOSE: Considering the benefits of breastfeeding on childrens health, the aim of the present study was to determine factors associated with early weaning among children at a Child-Friendly Healthcare Initiative (CFHI) childrens hospital in the city of Campina Grande, state of Paraiba, Brazil. METHODS: An analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out involving 800 mothers of children between 0 and 24 months of age at the Elpidio de Almeida Health Institute. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered and contained questions on socio-demographic characteristics, eating habits and nonnutritive sucking habits. The chi-square test and Fishers exact test were employed for statistical analysis. A multivariate analysis was performed with variables that achieved a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of early weaning was 13.5%. In the bivariate analysis, the factors associated with early weaning were income (P=0.001), childs birth weight (P=0.016), bottle feeding (P=0.003) and pacifier use (P<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, pacifier use remained significantly associated with early weaning (OR: 3.23; 95% CI: 1.871 to 5.591; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Pacifier use was associated with early weaning, even when mothers were advised to avoid this habit.

In vivo evaluation of therapeutic potential of fluoride varnishes

Purpose: To perform an in vivo evaluation of the therapeutic effect of two fluoride varnishes on the remineralization of active white spot lesions (WSLs). Methods: Children aged 7 to 10 years old (n=20) with 56 active WSLs in the anterior permanent teeth were submitted to four weekly applications of fluoride products: G1 – Fluorphat ® (n=28) or G2 – Duraphat® (n=28). WSLs were evaluated with regard to diameter and activity. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics (Student’s t and chi-square tests), with the significance level set to 5%. Results: At the end of the study, G1 had nine active and 19 inactive WSLs and G2 had seven and 21 inactive WSLs. No difference in mean WSL size was found between G1 (4.37 mm) and G2 (4.76 mm) (P>0.05). In the intragroup analysis, significant differences were found between the initial and final WSL size in both G1 (from 4.37 mm to 2.97 mm) and G2 (4.76 mm to 3.78 mm). Conclusion: The two products tested demonstrated similar clinical efficacy regarding the remineralization of active WSLs after four weeks of fluoride therapy.