Presence of mutans streptococci and Candida spp. in dental plaque/dentine of carious teeth and early childhood caries

This study determined the presence of mutans streptococci and Candida spp. in supragingival. dental plaque and infected dentine of caries-free children, with early childhood caries and caries. Pooled samples of dental plaque and infected dentine were collected from 56 children aged 1-5 years, which were divided into 3 groups: early childhood caries (ECC); caries and caries-free. Infected dentine was collected in ECC and caries groups to compare the frequency of these microorganisms in the collected sites. The samples were inoculated in SB20 and SA medium, for mutans streptococci and Candida spp., respectively, and incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 h. Colony growth was verified and the identification was performed by biochemical tests and CHROMagar Candida. Fisher's test or chi-square (chi(2)) were applied (p = 0.05). The more prevalent species were S. mutans and Candida albicans in ECC (85.4% and 60.4%, respectively), independently of the sample site. S. mutans only was significantly associated with carious teeth, whether in early childhood caries or not. However, the frequency of C. albicans in ECC was higher when compared to caries and caries-free groups. There is a significant association between the presence of C. albicans and early childhood caries. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Association of free amino acids with caries experience and mutans streptococci levels in whole saliva of children with early childhood caries

Objective: The aim of the present study was to identify the free amino acid content in whole saliva of children with (CE) and without early childhood caries (CF) (ECC), correlating these findings with caries experience and mutans streptococci (MS) levels in saliva.Design: Seventy-eight healthy children, both genders, 6-71 months age, were selected to participate in the study. Following examination for dmft scores calculation, unstimulated whole saliva was collected from all 78 participants, stored at -80 degrees C, and used for amino acid analysis, on a Biochem 20 plus amino acid analyzer. Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 52 children, transported, diluted and plated on MSB agar medium for detection of MS in cfu/mL.Results: Forty different free amino acids were identified in whole saliva, with great variation in their concentration. A statistically significant relation was found between caries experience and the presence of free proline and glycine. While proline (p = 0.0182) was more frequently absent in the CF group, the absence of glycine (p = 0.0397) was more often observed in the CE group. In the presence of higher levels of MS, free glycine reduced the risk of experiencing dental caries (p = 0.0419). Conversely, the presence of proline was found to increase the risk of experiencing the disease (p = 0.0492).Conclusions: The presence of free proline and absence of free glycine in children with ECC, highly contaminated with MS, increased the chances of experiencing dental caries in the present population. Further studies are needed to better understand this phenomenon. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Presence of Candida spp. in infants oral cavity and its association with early childhood caries

Candida spp., mainly C. albicans, colonizes oral cavity of infants. Transmission by mother to childbirth, pacifier use, feeding habits and caries are factors related to Candida oral colonization. Some researches related that early childhood caries favor the oral colonization of C. albicans. The present literature review described the presence of Candida spp. in oral cavity of infants and its association with early childhood caries (ECC). The literature was searched for original papers relating Candida, pacifier and baby bottle usage and ECC.The articles, were selected using Bireme and Medline databases. Manual tracing of references cited in key papers was also elicited It can be concluded that Candida spp. colonization in the infants'oral cavity especially C. albicans, can be related to the pacifier usage, feeding habits caries lesion. The early childhood caries favor the C. albicans colonization, although it's role in the carious process need further studies to be elucidate scientifically.

Regional odontodysplasia in early childhood: A clinical and histological study

Regional odontodysplasia (RO) is a rare disorder of dental development. The affected teeth are clinically hypoplastic and hypocalcified, presenting a ghost-like appearance radiographically. The aim of this work was to report a clinical case of a child with both primary and permanent dentition affected by RO. The conducted therapy was based on a conservative approach, which consisted of follow-up clinical evaluations of the anomalous teeth. However, the endodontic treatment of the primary incisors failed. Then, the chosen option for patient rehabilitation became extraction followed by removable of prosthesis confection. The extracted teeth were processed for histological analysis. In spite of the uncertain prognosis, but taking into account the psychological aspects of the patient, a conservative approach in an attempt to maintain those viable teeth in the oral cavity should be established.

Risk factors in the mother-child relationship that predispose to the development of early childhood caries

This study focused on the risk factors in mother-child relationship that predispose babies to the development of dental caries. A prospective cohort study with 80 mother-child pairs was conducted. The mothers responded at 12, 18 and 30 months after their children's birth, to questions about variables related to diet, sucking habits, and oral care. Children were clinically examined to verify caries lesions (white spot lesions or cavitation). Data were analysed using Chi squared or Fisher's exact tests. The significance level was set at 5 %. Of the total, 3.75 % showed cavitated lesions after 18 months; 6.25 and 45 % had spot white lesions, respectively, at 18 and 30 months. The cariogenic diet was high at 12 (63.75 %) and 30 (88.75 %) months. Good oral hygiene was present in a minority of children at 12 months (46.25 %), but increased at 30 months (65 %), helping to prevent cavities and white spot lesions over this period (p = 0.0005). The variables of the blocks sucking habits and diet were not associated with caries. The lack of oral care in children was a risk factor for dental caries development.

Growth and developmental outcomes of the extremely preterm infant

Objetive: To provide information for pediatricians and neonatologists to create realistic outcome expectations and thus help plan their actions. Sources of data: Searches were made of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Lilacs databases. Summary of the findings: The assessment of growth and development over the first 2-3 years must adjust chronological age with respect of the degree of prematurity. There is special concern regarding the prognoses of small for gestational age preterm infants, and for those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Attention must be directed towards improving the nutrition of extremely low birth weight infants during their first years of life; these infants have high prevalence levels of failure to catch-up on growth, diseases and rehospitalizations during their first 2 years. They are frequently underweight and shorter than expected during early childhood, but delayed catch-up growth may occur between 8 and 14 years. Extremely low birth weight infants are at increased risk of neurological abnormalities and developmental delays during their first years of life. Educational, psychological, and behavioral problems are frequent during school years. Teenage and adult outcomes show that although some performance differences persist, social integration is not impaired. Conclusions: The growth and neurodevelopment of all ELBW infants must be carefully monitored after discharge, to ensure that children and their families receive adequate support and intervention to optimize prognoses. Copyright © 2005 by Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria.

O processo de inclusão de uma criança com síndrome de down na educação infantil

Pós-graduação em Educação Escolar - FCLAR

O profissional de serviço social na educação infantil

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Violência contra a criança: formação, conhecimento, percepção e atitude de profissionais da saúde e da educação

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

A teoria do jogo de Elkonin e a educação infantil

This paper analyzes the Psychology of Play developed by D. Elkonin and his followers through examining the central theses of the cultural-historical theory. The goal is to identify elements that can support the organization of early childhood education practices. The cultural-historical theses represent a solid theory about children's play, featuring an original contribution to understand the historical emergence of play and its social nature in ontogeny. Based on Cultural-historical theory of play, we conclude that early childhood education which considers play as the leading activity must relate to the experience of various spheres of social life and the content of human activities. It is understood that the goal of educational intervention in children play is the development of the social role represented in the game. It is argued that play should neither oppose nor prevail over other activities.

O desenvolvimento moral na educação infantil: contribuições da literatura infantil e dos jogos dramáticos e teatrais

Pós-graduação em Educação - FFC

Organização e funcionamento do atendimento educacional especializado na educação infantil: estudo de caso

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Processo de desenvolvimento da imaginação na pré-escola: implicações de um programa de intervenção ludo-pedagógico a partir do gênero musical samba

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

A situação social de desenvolvimento das crianças de dois a três anos: um estudo com enfoque nas experiências vivenciadas na escola de Educação Infantil

Pós-graduação em Educação - FFC

Desenvolvimento da linguagem infantil à luz da Teoria Histórico-Cultural: contribuições de práticas literárias na primeira infância

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)