Ramon Targino Firmino

Association of oral health literacy with oral health behaviors, perception, knowledge, and dental treatment related outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the association of oral health literacy (OHL) with oral health behaviors, perception, knowledge, and dental treatment related outcomes. METHODS Eight electronic databases were searched up until June 2017. Studies regarding the aforementioned outcomes measuring OHL through a validated instrument and in which OHL was an explanatory variable were included. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and analyzed the risk of bias of the studies. Meta-analysis using random effect modeling was undertaken. Pooled estimates were calculated with 95 percent confidence interval (CI) and odds ratios (OR). RESULTS Twenty-five studies were included in the systematic review and three in the meta-analysis. Most studies were cross-sectional (n = 21) and had a high risk of bias (n = 17). The meta-analysis showed no association between OHL and frequency of visit to the dentist for adults, either through bivariate analysis (OR = 1.25; 95 percent CI: 0.95-1.63) or multivariate analysis (OR = 1.90; 95 percent CI: 0.77-4.84). Dental anxiety and night bottle-feeding were associated with low OHL (P < 0.05). Most studies regarding tooth brushing frequency found no association with OHL. Most studies regarding oral health knowledge related outcomes reported an association with higher OHL. The literature was inconclusive regarding the association between OHL and dental treatment outcomes, oral health behaviors, and oral health perception. CONCLUSIONS The current scientific evidence suggests that no association exists between OHL and any of the outcomes investigated. Further prospective studies with a higher methodological quality are necessary to confirm the evidence.

Dental caries and dental fluorosis according to water fluoridation among 12-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren: a nation-wide study comparing different municipalities

AimTo test the correlation among dental caries, dental fluorosis, and the percentage of municipalities with optimal fluoridated water among Brazilian 12-year-old schoolchildren.Subjects and methodsAn ecological study was performed using primary data from the latest Brazilian Oral Health Survey. The units of analysis were the 26 states plus the Federal District of Brazil (n = 7328 schoolchildren). Dental caries was diagnosed according to the DMFT criteria and dental fluorosis according to Dean’s Index. Descriptive and analytical statistics (p < 0.05) were performed. Google My Maps® was used to display data by state.ResultsMean DMFT ranged from 1.06 to 4.81 between states, whereas the prevalence rates of dental caries and dental fluorosis ranged from 37.3 to 78.2% and from 0 to 45.8% between states, respectively. In Brazil, 60.25% of the municipalities have an optimal fluoridated water supply. The percentage of municipalities with an optimal fluoridated water supply in each state ranged from 0 to 97.4%. Dental fluorosis was negatively correlated with mean DMFT (r = − 0.645; p < 0.001) and with dental caries (r = − 0.678; p < 0.001). The percentage of municipalities with optimal fluoridated water was negatively correlated with dental caries (r = − 0.678; p < 0.001) and positively correlated with dental fluorosis (r = 0.668; p < 0.001).ConclusionLower prevalence of dental caries was found with the increasing percentage of municipalities with optimal fluoridated water and with the increasing prevalence of dental fluorosis.

Endodontic treatment associated with photodynamic therapy: Case report.

BACKGROUND DATA The complete elimination of bacteria inside the root canal is a difficult task, and inconsistent removal of the innermost layer of contaminated dentin leaves bacteria behind. PDT is an adjunct to conventional endodontic treatment due to its potential to reduce bacteria and its biocompatibility. OBJECTIVE Report a case of endodontic treatment associated with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). STUDY DESIGN/PATIENT AND METHODS A patient with chronic dentoalveolar abscess with radiolucent lesion next to the apexes of teeth 11 and 21 was submitted to conventional endodontic treatment associated with PDT. The canals were filled after two PDT sessions with an interval of 15days between applications. RESULTS After six months, total regression of apical periodontitis and no fistula or associated symptoms were observed. CONCLUSIONS The treatment proposed is a viable option for the clinician as it is easy to perform, has relatively low-cost and allows the improvement of symptoms in a short period of time.

Association between oronasopharyngeal abnormalities and malocclusion in Northeastern Brazilian preschoolers

Abstract Objective: Evidence is contradictory regarding the association between oronasopharyngeal abnormalities and malocclusion. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between oronasopharyngeal abnormalities and malocclusion (anterior open bite and posterior crossbite) in preschoolers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 732 preschoolers aged 3-5 years old selected randomly from private and public preschools. Anterior open bite (AOB) and posterior crossbite (PC) were evaluated through a clinical exam. Parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic indicators and oronasopharyngeal issues. Statistical analysis involved descriptive analysis and Poisson regression (p < 0.05). Results: The prevalences of AOB and PC were 21.0% and 11.6%, respectively. Being three years old (PR = 1.244; 95% CI = 1.110-1.394; p < 0.001), being four years old (PR = 1.144; 95% CI = 1.110 - 1.394; p = 0.015), absence of allergy (PR = 1.158; 95% CI = 1.057 - 1.269; p = 0.002), not having undergone nose surgery (PR = 1.152; 95% CI = 1.041 - 1.275; p = 0.006) and having a sore throat more than five times in the same year (PR = 1.118; 95% CI = 1.011 - 1.237; p = 0.030) were significantly associated with AOB. The absence of asthma (PR = 1.082; 95% CI = 1.012 - 1.156; p = 0.020), not having undergone throat surgery (PR = 1.112; 95% CI = 1.068 - 1.158; p < 0.001) and not having undergone nose surgery (PR = 1.114; 95% CI = 1.069 - 1.160; p < 0.001) remained associated with PC. Conclusion: Significant associations were found between oronasopharyngeal-reported abnormalities and the presence of AOB and PC in preschoolers.