Prevalence of dental trauma in patients with cerebral palsy

This study presents the findings of a record review that evaluated the prevalence of dental trauma in patients with cerebral palsy and evaluated its possible relationship with age, type of palsy, and epilepsy. The dental records of 2,200 patients with special needs admitted to the special care clinic of the School of Dentistry of Araçatuba/UNESP, Brazil, between 1998 and 2003 were reviewed. Of the records that were analyzed, 500 patients who had cerebral palsy were selected for this study. Information regarding age, gender, type of palsy and dental trauma was collected and statistically analyzed. It was observed that 10.6% of the subjects (n = 53) had sustained dental trauma. The number of traumatized teeth was 84. Enamel or enamel/dentin fractures were the most frequent types of traumatic injury (84.9%). The permanent maxillary central incisors were the most commonly affected teeth (50%). The frequency of traumatic injuries showed no significant correlation (p>.05) with the type of cerebral palsy or gender and they were more frequent in subjects between the ages of 0 and 12 years. Having epilepsy was not a statistically significant risk factor (p>.05) for dental trauma. © 2008 Special Care Dentistry.

Skeletal age of individuals with Down syndrome

The aim of this study was to assess the skeletal age of Brazilian individuals with Down syndrome (DS) using the method of Greulich and Pyle. Forty subjects with DS between the ages of 6 and 16 years were studied and compared to a control sample of children without DS. The statistical analysis showed that at the age of 7 years the skeletal age (SA) of the individuals with DS was delayed in relation to their chronological age (CA) (SA < CA). On the other hand, at the age of 15 years, their SA was advanced in relation to their CA (SA > CA). An evaluation of the results suggests that the period of adolescent development for individuals with DS was shorter. These individuals reach the completion of bone maturation earlier compared to individuals without DS. © 2008 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Clinical and microbiological evaluation of the use of toothpaste containing 1% chlorhexidine and the influence of motivation on oral hygiene in patients with motor deficiency

Patients with motor deficiency have variable difficulties with mechanical plaque control, and as a consequence, the incidence of dental caries and periodontal disease can be higher in these patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological efficacy of a toothpaste containing 1% chlorhexidine, which was used by patients with motor deficiency for 14 days. The reduction in plaque and gingival index and the impact on salivary microorganisms was evaluated. We conclude that the motivation of caregivers to carry out oral hygiene for patients with mental and motor deficiency is of great importance and is effective in reducing the formation of plaque as long as it is continuously reinforced. The use of chlorhexidine- containing toothpaste significantly reduced the plaque index and microorganism count between days 0 and 14. A reduction was also observed in the group that used a dentifrice without the chlorhexidine, but this difference was not significant. © 2010 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Interdisciplinary approach to the management of Ewing sarcoma: A case report

Ewing sarcoma is a common primary bone malignancy occurring in childhood and adolescence. This case report describes a 4-year-old female patient who had Ewing sarcoma in the left clavicular region. The patient underwent total excision of the left clavicle and subsequently developed periodontitis and multiple carious lesions after chemotherapy. Caries risk and salivary flow rate tests were performed, followed by periodontal treatment, topical fluoride application, restoration of caries, and oral hygiene instruction. The care of this patient demonstrates that an interdisciplinary approach is essential to eliminate all foci of infection, minimize morbidity, and improve the patient's general health before, during, and after oncological treatment. © 2012 Special Care Dentistry Association and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Dentistry for babies: Why do parents seek dental care?

This study investigated what are the main reasons that led parents to enroll children in a clinic for infants. This was studied by consulting 1368 records during the period from July 1996 to August 2001. The predominant reason for enrolling was orientation/prevention followed by other and treatment. This study demonstrated that a program for children from the first year of life encourages parents to have a new vision of dentistry.

Dentistry for babies: A preventive protocol

The objectives of this program were to educate the parents in the importance of preventive care and to establish protocols for oral health treatment and maintenance that reflected the oral disease risk of the infant. Since its inception, more than 1,000 infants have been enrolled in the program and compliance has been excellent.

The relationship between place BANA reactivity and clinical parameters in subjects with mental disabilities

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether subjects institutionalized with mental retardation have a relationship between periodontal clinical parameters and the presence of the BANA-positive periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Bacteroides forsythus in their subgingival plaques. Fifty institutionalized subjects (25 patients with Down syndrome and 25 subjects with mental retardation) were matched with respect to age and sex. Periodontal clinical parameters (Bleeding on Probing, BOP; Papillary Bleeding Score, PBS; and Probing Depth, PD) were obtained from 6 reference teeth (3, 8, 14, 19, 24, 30). In addition, subgingival plaque samples taken from the same 6 teeth were analyzed for the presence of the BANA-positive species, by means of the chairside BANA test. In both the patients with Down syndrome and the group with mental retardation, the presence of BANA-positive plaques was significantly associated with bleeding on probing (p < 0.05) and increased probing depth (p < 0.01, Chisquare). Analysis of these data indicated that the BANA test could be used in combination with clinical criteria to diagnose a periodontopathy anaerobic Infection in institutionalized subjects.

Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction for fingerprinting the genotype identification of mutans streptococci in children with Down syndrome

This study investigated the possible intrafamilial similarity of mutans streptococcal strains in some families with a child with Down syndrome using chromosomal DNA fingerprinting. The isolates were genotyped using arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction with the OPA 02 and OPA 03 primers. The results showed that five children with Down syndrome harbored mutans streptococci genotypes different from those of their mothers. A matching of genotypes was observed within the control pair (mother/child without Down syndrome). After six months, new samples were collected from all participants. Analysis showed that samples from children with Down syndrome were colonized by a new strain of Streptococcus mutans that did not match the previously collected one. The results suggest the S. mutans indigenous bacteria change more than once in children with Down syndrome.

Interdisciplinary approach to treat dyskeratosis congenita associated with severe aplastic anemia: A case report

This paper reports on a 4-year-old male who had dyskeratosis congenita and who acquired severe aplastic anemia. The patient developed hyperpigmentation of the face, neck and chest region, arms, shoulders and legs. In addition, he had dry skin, deformed fingernails and toenails, sparse hair and eyebrows and hyperkeratosis of the dorsum of the hands and feet. Laboratory and histological analysis revealed severe pancytopenia and dyserythropoiesis of red blood cells, hypocellularity of white blood cells and decreased megakaryocytes with dysplasia. The intraoral examination identified bleeding gums; petechiae of the palate, tongue and cheek mucosa; and an atrophic, smooth and shining dorsal surface of the tongue. There were deep carious lesions in the deciduous mandibular molars and maxillary anterior teeth; as well as mobility of mandibular left canine, which had bone loss. The treatment for oral lesions included diet changes, improved oral hygiene, and extraction of the deciduous teeth destroyed by caries.

Familial malignant osteopetrosis in children: A case report

The clinical, radiological, pathological and laboratory findings of two brothers with autosomal recessive malignant osteopetrosis are presented. Our findings are similar to characteristics previously reported in the literature about patients with osteopetrosis. The 6-year-old male patient was pale and had petechiae on his arms and legs. He also had macrocephalia, splenomegaly, severe pancytopenia, genu valgus, hypocalcemia, amaurosis, cessation of physical development, generalized bone sclerosis and recurrent infections with a history of multiple incidences of acute otitis media. Generalized bone sclerosis and irregular sclerosis of the maxilla and mandible were seen on radiographs. The oral mucosa was apparently normal but permanent tooth eruption was delayed although there was early loss of deciduous teeth. The recommended treatment was blood transfusion and therapy with antibiotics when necessary; a bone marrow transplant was not possible due to lack of a compatible donor.

Potencial tóxico dos alginatos para uso odontológico

Alginate or irreversible hydrocolloid is one the most accepted and frequently employed impression materials in dental practice. Substances like zinc, cadmium, lead silicate and fluorides, which are included in several alginate brands with the aim of improving their physical, chemical and mechanical properties, are a source of serious concern as regards their toxicity. Some brands of alginate have been reported to contain potentially toxic fluorides and metals such as cadmium, lead and zinc silicates, either singly or combined. Consequently, special care should be taken while preparing of these materials. It is necessary to monitor potentially toxic chemicals and metals in the alginates continually to avoid contamination of dental professionals and patients. In this review, alginates used in dentistry are analyzed for potential toxicity.

Dental students' familiarity with the medical management of dental patients at Brazilian dental schools

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Oral health status of people living with HIV/AIDS attending a specialized service in Brazil

Verify factors that influence the oral health status of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Brazil. The study was cross-sectional and includes 177 HIV-positive individuals, who answered questionnaire on the sociodemographic conditions, HIV aspects, habits, and satisfaction with the service. The oral health data were collected by means of the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, use and need of dentures, and the Community Periodontal Index. Average number of the DMFT was 17.64. Most HIV-positive patients presented good periodontal status, 35.0% used dentures, 41.5% needed denture in the maxilla, and 62.0% in the mandible. In the multivariate analysis, older age and dissatisfaction with health care were associated with nonuse of dentures. The abandonment of the use of antiretroviral therapy increased the risk of PLWHA presenting more than three decayed teeth. Poor oral health of the PLWHA was mainly influenced by sociodemographic factors and use and satisfaction with service.

Dental students familiarity with the implications of using local anesthetics and dental materials

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Fecundity and pre-imaginal period of Chrysoperla externa (hagen) (neuroptera: chrysopidae) under different populations and laboratory generations

The lacewings appear in many agroecosystems, preying several species of agricultural pests. They have great search capability, high voracity, high reproductive potential and are easily maintained in laboratory conditions. In laboratory rearing, to avoid problems in the mass production are recommended adjustments in the type and quality of prey to be used in order to obtain individuals with desirable characteristics. It is necessary special care with the laboratory populations, avoiding problems from inbreeding. Larvae were reared individually in Petri dishes (9.0 cm diameter) and fed with eggs of Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier, 1789) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in the amount of 25 mg / larva, while the adults were kept in PVC cylindrical cages (10 cm x 30 cm). Thus, the study analyzed the influence of the size of the population of Chrysoperla externa (Hagen, 1861) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) on the pre-imaginal period (egg to adult) and reproductive capacity of this specie come from different populations and generations of laboratory. To this end, we used two populations, one of Jaboticabal (F-8 and F-21) and one of Piracicaba (F-6 and F-15), and subpopulations of 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 couples, analyzing the incubation of eggs and the number of eggs per female in each population, generation and subpopulation. The pre-imaginal period (egg to adult) and the number of eggs per female of C. externa are influenced by the generation and the number of founding individuals, being these parameters favored when laboratory populations are established with the largest number of couples.