Natal teeth: Case report

The natal teeth are defined as the presence of teeth at birth and the etiology is rather obscure. Clinically, the teeth show normal size and shape, although they reveal an immature appearance. The histological aspect show enamel with the possibility of presenting normal mineralization or being hypoplastic. The dentin may show alterations. The incidence of natal teeth varies greatly, with a predisposition for the female sex. This paper relates a case report of two partially erupted natal teeth in a female baby 9 days-old. The presence of teeth made the parents anxious. In their mind, that meant the child was abnormal. On the radiograph the erupted teeth showed little radioopacity, without a radicular formation. The therapy utilized was the keeping of the teeth and a periodic monitoring, cleaning and daily topical applications sodium fluoride. The case was monitored by monthly consultations. At 9 months of age the primary central lower did not present mobility. On the radiograph examination incomplete radicular formation was observed.

Tratamento de ulcera varicosa e lesoes de pele com Calendula officinalis L. e/ou com Stryphnodendron barbadetiman (Vellozo) Martius

Calendula officinalis L. and S. barbadetiman are used in Brazil for the treatment of a number of aliments. The healing properties of these substances are well known, mainly in domestic or sun burn. In order to establish a pharmacological rationale for the traditional use of these plants as a cicatrizant or antiinflammatory remedy, we used ethanol extracts or gel from stem bark of the S. barbadetiman and inflorescence of the Calendula. We selected four groups of patients; two groups shown varicose ulcer (I, II) and two groups shown skin lesions (III and IV). Groups I and III were treated with Calendula and group II and IV were treated with Calendula plus barbadetiman. The data in this study suggest that the treatment with Calendula or Calendula plus barbadetiman are effective in the process that brings wounds to a close. These findings provide basis to an alternative treatment of varicose ulcer.

Treatment of fibrinolytic alveolitis with rifamycin B diethylamide associated with gelfoam: a histological study.

The most common complication in the healing of extraction wounds is fibrinolytic alveolitis, which may also be termed dry socket. Reduction in the incidence of this condition after the application of topical antibiotics and the use of systemic antibiotics has been reported. A histological study of disturbed alveolar socket healing in rats was carried out to analyze the influence of application of rifamycin B diethylamide (Rifocin M) associated or not with Gelfoam. Sixty-four male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar), weighing 120-150 g, were divided into 4 groups of 16 animals each. In the second group of rats which received implants of Gelfoam, there was an intense resorption of bone walls in the initial stage. The rats that received implants of Gelfoam saturated with Rifocin M (fourth group) showed better results than the second group. The third group (only irrigation with rifamycin) showed better bone formation in the alveolar socket compared to the first, second and fourth groups. Thus, these results showed that rifamycin irrigation is useful in the control of alveolar infections.

Use of fibrin glue derived from snake venom in testicular biopsy of rams

Sequelae due to testicular biopsy such as hemorrhage, adhesion and fibrosis may be limiting factors to the use of this surgical procedure. Fibrin glue (FG) derived from snake venom was used to minimize these sequelae, as well as to evaluate its healing property in tunica vaginalis and scrotal skin of rams. Applicability of fibrin glue derived from snake venom was tested in different tissues of other animals such as in sciatic nerve and colon of rats and skin of rabbits. In the present study, 30 healthy adult rams were used. They were divided into 3 groups of 10 animals each as follows: G1: fibrin glue group (application of fibrin glue on puncture sites and skin incisions after bilateral testicular biopsy with a Tru-Cut needle); G2: swab/nylon group (hemostasis by compression with a swab on puncture sites and skin suturing with nylon after biopsy) and G3: control group (the animals were not subjected either to biopsy or to surgery). On the 20th day after biopsy, the presence of adhesion strands between the sites of skin incision and testicle was evaluated by palpation Adhesion strands were found in three testicles (15%) in G1 and in two testicles (10%) in G2. One hundred days after biopsy, orchiectomy was carried out and the material collected was assessed for subcutaneous (SC) and/or tunica vaginalis adhesions. G3 did not present any abnormality. Groups G1 and G2 presented four testicles each (20%) with adhesion between the tunics at biopsy site. On the other hand, subcutaneous adhesions were found once (5%) in G1 and three times (15%) in G2. Fibrin glue showed to be of easy application, required short postoperative monitoring, presented fast and good-quality healing property and tended to reduce formation of subcutaneous adhesion.

Measuring fluoride concentration in mineral waters in the Araraquara region, Brazil

It has been shown that people of all ages can benefit from the topical and systemic effects of water fluoridation. However, the increase in consumption of bottled water, either to substitute for or supplement consumption of water from public sources, has implications for safe fluoride supplementation. Taking that into consideration, in 1995 we analyzed the fluoride content in 31 commercial brands of mineral water in the region of Araraquara, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Fluoride concentration as determined by our analysis was compared to the concentration of fluoride specified on each label. Only 25% of the products studied listed the fluoride concentration on their labels. In addition, among 31 mineral water brands, 26 listed the date when the chemical analysis to determine chemical composition had been performed. Of these, 20 had not been put through the annual chemical analysis determined by Brazilian law. Based on these results, if the mineral waters tested had been the only source of drinking water, fluoride supplementation would have been necessary in 69% of the samples analyzed. In the case of children up to 6 years of age who use products containing fluoride, such as topical gels, mouthwashes or toothpastes, supplementation should be recommended only if commercially bottled water is the only source of water used, not only for drinking but for cooking as well.

Release of formaldehyde by 4 endodontic sealers

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the release of formaldehyde by some root canal filling materials. Study design. Two older endodontic sealers, AH 26 and Endomethasone, and 2 recently available sealers, AH Plus and Top Seal, were analyzed. Infrared and electronic spectroscopy were used to determine formaldehyde content after set of the materials. Results. Analysis showed that the AH 26 and Endomethasone sealers released formaldehyde. Although the AH Plus and Top Seal sealers have similar chemical composition, they released formaldehyde in a minimal concentration. Conclusions. The AH 26 and Endomethasone sealers released formaldehyde after setting; however, a minimum release was observed for the AH Plus and Top Seal sealers. Copyright © 1999 by Mosby, Inc.

Treatment of mucus retention phenomena in children by the micro-marsupialization technique: case reports

The purpose of the present study was to emphasize the technique of micro-marsupialization as an alternative for the treatment of mucus retention phenomena. Out of 41 patients, 14 were selected for treatment by the micro-marsupialization technique on the basis of clinical criteria. Patient age ranged from 5-9 years. The technique was performed as follows: the area was disinfected with 0.1% iodine; a topical anesthetic was applied to cover the entire lesion for approximately 3 min; a 4.0 silk suture was passed through the internal part of the lesion along its widest diameter; and a surgical knot was made. Of the original 14 patients treated by the micro-marsupialization technique, 12 presented full regression one week after treatment. Recurrence occurred in two cases. It was possible to conclude that the micro-marsupialization technique is an alternative to be considered, especially in pediatric dentistry.

Subgingival utilization of a 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel for the treatment of periodontal pockets. A clinical and microbiological study.

This study evaluates the effect of subgingival irrigation with a 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel in periodontal pockets as an adjunct procedure to scaling and root planing (SRP). Thirty-seven sites with probing depth (PD) of 5-7 mm and BANA positive in 6 patients with chronic periodontal disease were selected. Sites were assigned to different treatment groups consisting of SRP only (group 1), SRP + irrigation with collagen gel (group 2), or SRP + irrigation with collagen gel containing 1% chlorhexidine (group 3). Subgingival irrigation was performed after initial SRP and at 7, 14 and 21 days. Clinical measurements including PD, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival recession (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were performed at the selected sites at baseline, 60 and 90 days and the BANA test was performed on plaque samples from the same sites at baseline and 90 days. There was an improvement in clinical parameters in all groups with a significantly greater decrease in GI and bleeding in the chlorhexidine group. There was a greater reduction of BANA positive sites in groups 2 and 3. The authors concluded that 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel is a promising adjunct to SRP in the treatment of adult periodontitis.

In vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of a castor oil-based irrigant

The antimicrobial activity of irrigating solutions - Endoquil (castor oil detergent), 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution, and 0.5% NaOCI solution - was evaluated against Gram-positive cocci (Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sobrinus), Gramnegative rods (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and the yeast Candida albicans. Activity was evaluated using the two-layer agar diffusion technique. The base layer was obtained by pouring 10.0 ml of Muller Hinton Medium or 10.0 ml of Brain Heart Infusion agar in a Petri dish. After solidification a 5.0 ml seed layer of Muller Hinton Medium or Brain Heart Infusion agar with inoculum (106/ml) was added. Absorbent paper disks (6.0 mm in diameter) immersed in the solutions were placed at equidistant points. Plates were maintained at room temperature for 2 h for prediffusion of the solutions and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The candle jar system was used for the Brain Heart Infusion agar plates. All tests were performed in duplicate. After incubation the medium was optimized with 0.05 g% triphenyltetrazolium chlorate gel and inhibition halos were measured. All bacterial strains were inhibited by 2.0% chlorhexidine gluconate. Endoquil was effective against Grampositive microorganisms, and 0.5% NaOCI was effective only against S. aureus. Copyright © 2001 by The American Association of Endodontists.

Experimental control of the effect of extra doses of juvenile hormone on bee development: The case of the wax glands of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Experiments on the effect of topical application of the synthetic juvenile hormone (JH-III) and of the solvent used to dissolve the hormone on the development of the wax glands of workers of Apis mellifera, were made. The results show that it was impossible to determine the effect of the juvenile hormone (JH) apart from its solvent (acetone), which also alters the developmental pattern of the gland. Most of the experiments reported in scientific literature do not consider the effect of the solvent, analyzing the results by only comparing the treatment with the hormone plus solvent to a control without any treatment. The data presented suggests that this kind of procedure compromises the evaluation of the real JH effect.

Influence of the application of juvenile hormone on the haemolymph total proteins and electrophoretic pattern of worker larvae of Apis mellifera

The aim of the present work was to verify the influence of the juvenile hormone (JH) applied on worker larvae of Apis mellifera 2 to 5 days old over the haemolymph total protein and electrophoretic pattern. Each larvae received topical applications of 1 ml of a solution of JH in hexane (1 μg/ml) on their 2 nd, 3 rd 4 th and 5 th day after hatching and had the amount and electrophoretic pattern of proteins from the haemolymph analyzed during the remaining days of their life. As a control, haemolymph of larvae of the same age that did not receive any kind of treatment was analyzed. The results show that the application of JH on larvae 3 or more days old affect the amount and electrophoretic pattern of the proteins, with this effect lasting through the subsequent days.

Smear layer removal capacity of disinfectant solutions used with and without EDTA for the irrigation of canals: a SEM study.

The purpose of this study was to carry out a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis of the cleaning qualities and smear layer removal from root canal walls, instrumented and irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl, 2.0% chlorhexidine and saline solutions. Fifty extracted teeth were used in this study. All teeth were radiographed to determine the existence of a single canal. The crowns were cut at the cervical limit and the root canals were instrumented with K-type files up to size 45. During root canal preparation, irrigations were made with the different solutions being evaluated: Group 1: 2.5% NaOCl (10 roots); Group 2: 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA for 2 minute (10 roots); Group 3: 2.0% chlorhexidine (10 roots); Group 4: 2.0% chlorhexidine and 17% EDTA for 2 minutes (10 roots); Group 5: saline solution (5 roots); Group 6: saline solution and 17% EDTA for 2 minutes (5 roots). After instrumentation, the canals were irrigated with each one of the solutions and the roots were cut in the buccolingual direction for SEM analysis, at the cervical, middle and apical thirds, to ascertain the presence or absence of smear layer and debris. SEM analysis was performed by three calibrated examiners and scores were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis test at the significance level of p = 5%. Results showed that the use of 17% EDTA decreased the smear layer significantly (p < 0.05) for all evaluated solutions in all thirds. When EDTA was not used, a significantly higher quantity of smear layer on the apical third was observed only in the NaOCl groups. The use of 17% EDTA was significant for debris removal except for the chlorhexidine groups. The following conclusion could be drawn: the use of 17% EDTA was necessary to enhance cleanness of the root canals.

The influence of vinegars on exposure of dentinal tubules: a SEM evaluation.

Dentin hypersensitivity is a common painful condition observed in clinics. Dietary habits have been much associated with its development and persistence during and following periodontal treatment. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of vinegars on the removal of smear layer and exposure of dentinal tubules. Extracted human teeth were submitted to manual scaling with Gracey curettes in order to remove the cementum as well as to form a smear layer. Dentin samples with 3 mm(2) were obtained and distributed into six experimental groups: one control and five types of vinegars (alcohol, apple, rice, white wine and balsamic). Each group included two methods of vinegar application: topical and friction. After routine preparation for SEM analysis, photomicrographs were assessed by a calibrated and blind examiner using an appropriate index system. Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant influence of vinegars on smear layer removal. There was a statistically significant difference between groups treated with apple, white and rice vinegars and the control group (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, Mann-Whitney test indicated that removal of smear layer did not vary with the method of application (topical versus friction) for any of the tested substances. We can conclude that the contact of vinegar may remove smear layer and expose dentinal tubules, regardless of the type of application. However, balsamic vinegar was associated with less removal of smear layer after both methods of application.

Análise retrospectiva da toxicidade de gotas otológicas, medicamentos tópicos nasais e orofaríngeos registrada na Grande São Paulo.

BACKGROUND: Retrospective analysis of human toxicity files involving topical medicines for treatment of upper airways diseases (eardrops, topical nasal medicines, lozenges, drops and sprays for oropharyngeal affections). METHODS: Thirty-four brands of eardrops, 48 of topical nasal medicines and 22 of tablets, lozenges and sprays for oropharyngeal affections were selected, from a total of 104 products available in Brazil. We analyzed the registries in the electronic database from the Poison Control Centre of São Paulo (CCI-Jabaquara), Brazil, for the period from January 1996 through December 2000. The cases related to selected pharmaceuticals were collected. RESULTS: 10,823 cases of human toxicity caused by medicines were voluntarily reported to CCI-Jabaquara. Topical medicines for treatment of upper airways diseases accounted for 291 cases (2.68%), from which 240 (82.5%) represented poisoning; 12 (4.1%) involved ear drops, 268 (92%), topical nasal medicines and 11 (3.9%), topical medicines for oropharyngeal affections. Among topical nasal medicines, vasoconstrictors predominated (233 cases), and among medicines for oropharyngeal affections, it was tetracaine (four cases). Considering age distribution, toxicity predominated significantly in children aged from 1 to 4 years (p=0.0003). The main causes of toxicity were: accidental intake of medicines (43%) and error in drug administration (14.8%). Hypereflexia and vomiting were the most frequent symptoms related to toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: There was significant incidence of systemic toxicity due to eardrops, topical nasal and oropharyngeal medicines in children 1 to 4 years-old, whose main cause was accidental intake of these medicines.

Influence of natural fruit juices in removing the smear layer from root surfaces - An in vitro study

Certain elements of a patient's diet may be associated with dentin hypersensitivity. The intent of this study was to evaluate the degree of removal of the smear layer from dentin surfaces by various fruit juices. A smear layer was created on extracted human teeth by manual scaling. The roots were reduced and distributed into 8 experimental groups. Distilled water was the negative control. The juices were applied by 2 methods: topical application and topical application with friction. Specimens were photomicrographed and graded according to an index of smear layer removal. With topical application, all but 2 of the tested substances resulted in significantly greater removal of the smear layer and opening of dentinal tubules than was the case with the negative control (p = 0.05); the exceptions were Gala apple and Italian grape juices, which were no different from the control. For the active application (with friction), most substances removed more smear layer than the control (p < 0.05); Gala apple, Italian grape and orange juices were similar to the control. For each of the tested substances, removal of the smear layer did not differ with the method of application (topical vs. friction; p > 0.05). It is concluded that natural fruit juices can remove the smear layer from dentin surfaces, and the efficacy of this removal varies with the type of juice. © J Can Dent Assoc 2004.