Abstract Background Patients with chronic renal failure may have their oral health impaired as a result of the disease itself, its treatment, and its associated lifestyle alterations. Objective To assess the factors associated with poor self-rated oral health among adults with chronic renal failure treated by hemodialysis. Method This is a cross-sectional study with 243 adults undergoing hemodialysis in a hospital in Minas Gerais, Brazil in 2013-2014. The outcome was assessed by the self-report of oral health categorized into good (excellent/good) and bad (fair/bad / very bad). The independent variables included sociodemographic conditions, general health, oral health, and the use of dental services were collected through a structured questionnaire. The association between the outcome and the independent variables was tested using multiple logistic models with hierarchical inclusion of variables. Results The prevalence of poor self-rated oral health was 35.4%. The youngest (p = 0.015), those who have undergone hemodialysis in the shortest time (p = 0.016), have halitosis (p <0.001), need dental treatment (p <0.001), and had their last dental appointment not for pain (p = 0.027) expressed higher odds of poor self-rated oral health, independently of sociodemographic and health conditions. Conclusion Sociodemographic conditions, time on hemodialysis, oral impairments, and use of dental services affected the oral health self-assessment among adults undergoing hemodialysis.

Resumo Introdução Pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica podem apresentar prejuízos em sua saúde bucal em decorrência da própria doença, do tratamento e das alterações de estilo de vida associadas. Objetivo Avaliar os fatores associados à autoavaliação de saúde bucal ruim entre adultos com insuficiência renal crônica submetidos à hemodiálise. Método Estudo transversal com 243 adultos submetidos à hemodiálise em um hospital do sul de Minas Gerais nos anos de 2013 e 2014. O desfecho foi avaliado pelo autorrelato da condição bucal dicotomizada em boa (ótima/boa) e ruim (regular/ruim/péssima). As variáveis independentes incluíram condições sociodemográficas, saúde geral, saúde bucal e uso de serviços odontológicos, a partir de informações coletadas por meio de questionário. A associação entre o desfecho e as variáveis independentes foi testada por meio de modelos logísticos múltiplos com inclusão hierarquizada de variáveis. Resultados A prevalência de autoavaliação de saúde bucal ruim foi de 35,4%. Os mais jovens (p = 0,015), os que se submetem à hemodiálise há menos tempo (p = 0,016), têm halitose (p <0,001), necessitam de tratamento odontológico (p <0,001) e tiveram a última consulta odontológica por motivo diferente de dor (p = 0,027) expressaram maiores chances de autoavaliação de saúde bucal ruim, independentemente de condições sociodemográficas e de saúde. Conclusão Condições sociodemográficas, tempo em hemodiálise, agravos à saúde bucal e uso de serviços odontológicos influenciaram a autoavaliação da saúde bucal dos adultos submetidos à hemodiálise.

Resumo Introdução a busca por atendimento odontológico é um parâmetro importante para averiguar como os indivíduos compreendem a saúde bucal. Objetivo avaliar a utilização de serviços odontológicos e fatores associados em pacientes oncológicos em Minas Gerais, Brasil. Material e método estudo transversal, realizado com uma amostra de 441 pacientes adultos frequentadores de uma associação voluntária de apoio a pacientes oncológicos no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. O desfecho foi avaliado por meio do autorrelato de consulta odontológica no último ano. As variáveis independentes incluíram condições socioeconômicas, saúde geral e relacionada ao câncer, saúde bucal e cuidados odontológicos. As associações entre o desfecho e as variáveis independentes foram testadas por meio de regressão logística bivariada e múltipla, sendo os resultados expressos por meio de odds ratio (OR) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultado a prevalência de consulta odontológica no último ano foi de 33,3%. Os indivíduos que possuem entre quatro e sete (OR: 1,80; IC95%: 1,02-3,18) e aqueles com oito ou mais anos de estudo (OR: 3,20; IC95%: 1,07-9,60) apresentaram maiores, enquanto os edêntulos (OR: 0,44; IC95%: 0,21-0,92) apresentaram menores chances de consulta odontológica no último ano, independentemente de condições socioeconômicas, saúde geral e saúde bucal. Conclusão foi baixa a procura por consulta odontológica no último ano entre os pacientes oncológicos. Além disso, houve desigualdades relacionadas à escolaridade e ao número de dentes remanescentes na utilização dos serviços. A identificação e priorização dos grupos com acesso desfavorável aos serviços são fundamentais no planejamento da prestação de cuidados odontológicos a essa população.

Abstract Introduction the search for dental care is an important parameter to determine how individuals understand the oral health. Objective to evaluate the use of dental services and associated factors in cancer patients in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Material and method a cross-sectional study carried out with a sample of 441 adult patients attending a voluntary association to support cancer patients in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The outcome was assessed through self-report of dental appointments in the last year. Independent variables included socioeconomic status, general and cancer-related health, oral health, and dental care. The associations between the outcome and the independent variables were tested using bivariate and multiple logistic regression, and the results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Result the prevalence of dental appointments in the last year was 33.3%. Individuals who have between four and seven (OR: 1.80; 95%CI: 1.02-3.18) and those who have eight or more years of schooling (OR: 3.20; 95%CI: 1.07-9 .60) had greater, whereas, the edentulous (OR: 0.44; 95%CI: 0.21-0.92) had less odds to have had a dental appointment in the last year, independently of socioeconomic status, general health and oral health conditions. Conclusion recent dental care was uncommon among cancer patients. Furthermore, there were inequalities related to schooling and the number of remaining teeth in the use of services. The identification and prioritization of groups with unfavorable access to services are fundamental in planning the provision of dental care to this population.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate both knowledge and attitude of public elementary school teachers in Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, towards Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDIs). Material and Methods: Four hundred and seventy-one teachers from 10 schools were invited to participate in the research. Two hundred and twelve were accepted, being randomly selected to answer semi-structured questionnaires. Statistical tests Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact Test were also used for the other variables at a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: 212 teachers answered; 34% had first-aid training in college or even voluntarily (22.6%), but only 7.1% had taken training about TDIs. Only 7.5% were satisfied with the knowledge about TDIs, and 12.3% felt prepared to face it. About 10.8% had seen any type of TDI; 53.3% would report to the headmaster and 8% to the school dentist in a TDI event. The teachers’ first attitude towards TDIs would be contacting the child’s parents (63.2% and 58.5%, respectively). About 47.2% would handle the tooth properly (by the crown). Nearly 90.1% would carry out a permanent tooth dental reimplant, which would be conducted immediately (71.2%). About 36.3% of the teachers storage the avulsed tooth in a liquid: milk (46.7%) and saline solution (24.7%). The dry media mentioned were paper (18.9%) and gauze or cotton (15.1%). Most of the teachers (96.2%) stated that they would like to receive information on TDI. Conclusion: Elementary school teachers in Alfenas have partial knowledge about traumatic dental injuries.

Abstract Low intensity laser can be used as a promising alternative in the treatment of periodontal disease. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjuvant treatment for scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of induced periodontitis in simvastatin-modified rats. Material and Methods A total of 180 rats were evenly divided into two groups: Veh – receiving oral administration of polyethylene glycol (vehicle); S – receiving oral administration of Simvastatin. Periodontal disease was induced in both groups at the first mandibular molar. After seven days, the ligature was removed and the animals were divided into subgroups according to the following local treatments: NT – no treatment; SRP – scaling and root planing and irrigation with saline solution; and LLLT ¬– SRP and laser irradiation (660 nm; 0.03 W; 4 J). Ten animals in each subgroup/local treatment were euthanized at 7, 15 and 30 days. Samples of gingival tissue were processed to analyze the tissue oxidative damage and radiographic analysis. Levels of oxidative stress were analyzed by the expressions of Tripeptideglutathione (TG), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Carbonylated Proteins (CP). Results The animals in S group had higher levels of TG and lower levels of MDA and CP compared with Veh group (p<0.05). Radiographically, in the intragroup analysis Veh and S, LLLT showed lower bone loss (BL) compared with NT and SRP, in all experimental periods (p<0.01). In addition, a lower BL was observed for the animals of Veh group treated with LLLT compared with treatment SRP in the S group, in all experimental periods. Conclusion Within the limits of this study, we can conclude that LLLT was effective as adjuvant treatment for SRP protecting against the occurrence of oxidative tissue damages as well as for reducing alveolar bone loss in experimentally induced periodontitis simvastatin-modified rats.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the local effects of statins as adjuvants for treatment by scaling and root planing (SRP) of periodontal disease induced in rats. Material and Methods Ninety rats were used in the present experiment. Periodontal disease was induced in all animals using a cotton thread placed in the left first mandibular molar. After 7 days of induction, the bandage was removed and the animals were divided into three groups: 1) NT group (n=30), no treatment; 2) SRP group (n=30): SRP and irrigation with control gel; 3) S group (n=30) - SRP and irrigation with Simvastatin. Ten animals from each group were euthanized at 7, 15 and 30 days after treatment. Gingival biopsy specimens were processed to analyze the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8). The mandibles were removed and submitted to radiographic and laboratory processing for histometric analysis. Results The S group showed a significantly lower expression of MMP-8 compared to NT and SRP groups in all experimental periods. In the radiographic and histometric analyses between the groups, S group showed a significantly lower bone loss (BL) compared to NT and SRP groups in all experimental periods. Conclusions Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that locally applied statin was effective as an adjuvant treatment for SRP in rats with induced periodontal disease.

A percepção da condição bucal é um importante indicador de saúde, pois sintetiza a condição real de saúde, as respostas subjetivas, os valores e as expectativas culturais. O estudo avaliou a importância da saúde bucal segundo a percepção de pacientes internados em um hospital da cidade de Araçatuba (SP). Foi aplicado um questionário semi-estruturado para a coleta de dados e utilizado para análise estatística o programa Epi Info 2000. Os resultados mostraram que metade dos pacientes haviam realizado a última visita ao cirurgião-dentista em um período compreendido entre seis a doze meses devido a problemas periodontais (35%) e cárie dentária (20%). Observou-se que, embora todos os pacientes considerassem ter uma "boa" higiene bucal, o tratamento periodontal foi identificado como o de maior necessidade entre os pacientes (67,93%). A presença do cirurgião-dentista no corpo clínico hospitalar foi considerada por todos os entrevistados como fundamental para contribuir no cuidado integral à saúde dos pacientes hospitalizados. Quanto ao papel do dentista em um hospital, a grande maioria dos pacientes (90,63%) afirmou ser o "cuidar dos dentes". Assim, conclui-se que todos os pacientes têm conhecimento do quão é importante a manutenção das condições adequadas de saúde bucal, principalmente em pacientes hospitalizados.

The perception of oral condition is an important health indicator as it synthesizes the condition of objective health, subjective answers, cultural values and expectative. The study evaluated the importance of oral health according to the perception of inpatients of a hospital unit at Araçatuba city, São Paulo State. A partially structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The program Epi Info 2000 was used to statistics analysis. The results show that half of patients affirmed that visited a dental surgeon on a period between 6 and 12 months due to periodontal problems (35%) and dental caries (20%). It was observed that although all patients consider to have a good oral hygiene, the periodontal treatment was identified like the more necessary among them (67.93%). The presence of a dental surgeon at the hospital clinical group was considered by all the patients essential to collaborate with the integral care of health of inpatients. About the role of dental surgeon in a hospital, the majority of patients (90.63%) affirmed to be the act of "caring on the teeth". So, it is possible to conclude that all the patients know the importance of the maintenance of oral health appropriated conditions specially of inpatients.

A percepção da condição bucal é um importante indicador de saúde, pois sintetiza a condição real de saúde, as respostas subjetivas, os valores e as expectativas culturais. O estudo avaliou a importância da saúde bucal segundo a percepção de pacientes internados em um hospital da cidade de Araçatuba (SP). Foi aplicado um questionário semi-estruturado para a coleta de dados e utilizado para análise estatística o programa Epi Info 2000. Os resultados mostraram que metade dos pacientes haviam realizado a última visita ao cirurgião-dentista em um período compreendido entre seis a doze meses devido a problemas periodontais (35%) e cárie dentária (20%). Observou-se que, embora todos os pacientes considerassem ter uma "boa" higiene bucal, o tratamento periodontal foi identificado como o de maior necessidade entre os pacientes (67,93%). A presença do cirurgião-dentista no corpo clínico hospitalar foi considerada por todos os entrevistados como fundamental para contribuir no cuidado integral à saúde dos pacientes hospitalizados. Quanto ao papel do dentista em um hospital, a grande maioria dos pacientes (90,63%) afirmou ser o "cuidar dos dentes". Assim, conclui-se que todos os pacientes têm conhecimento do quão é importante a manutenção das condições adequadas de saúde bucal, principalmente em pacientes hospitalizados.

The perception of oral condition is an important health indicator as it synthesizes the condition of objective health, subjective answers, cultural values and expectative. The study evaluated the importance of oral health according to the perception of inpatients of a hospital unit at Araçatuba city, São Paulo State. A partially structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The program Epi Info 2000 was used to statistics analysis. The results show that half of patients affirmed that visited a dental surgeon on a period between 6 and 12 months due to periodontal problems (35%) and dental caries (20%). It was observed that although all patients consider to have a good oral hygiene, the periodontal treatment was identified like the more necessary among them (67.93%). The presence of a dental surgeon at the hospital clinical group was considered by all the patients essential to collaborate with the integral care of health of inpatients. About the role of dental surgeon in a hospital, the majority of patients (90.63%) affirmed to be the act of "caring on the teeth". So, it is possible to conclude that all the patients know the importance of the maintenance of oral health appropriated conditions specially of inpatients.

From the point of view of deontological ethics, privacy is a moral right that patients are entitled to and it is bound to professional confidentiality. Otherwise, the information given by patients to health professionals would not be reliable and a trustable relationship could not be established. The aim of the present study was to assess, by means of questionnaires with open and closed questions, the awareness and attitudes of 100 dentists working in the city of Andradina, São Paulo State, Brazil, with respect to professional confidentiality in dental practice. Most dentists (91.43%) reported to have instructed their assistants on professional confidentiality. However, 44.29% of the interviewees showed to act contradictorily as reported talking about the clinical cases of their patients to their friends or spouses. The great majority of professionals (98.57%) believed that it is important to have classes on Ethics and Bioethics during graduation and, when asked about their knowledge of the penalties imposed for breach of professional confidentiality, only 48.57% of them declared to be aware of it. Only 28.57% of the interviewees affirmed to have exclusive access to the files; 67.14% reported that that files were also accessed by their secretary; 1.43% answered that their spouses also had access, and 2.86% did not answer. From the results of the present survey, it could be observed that, although dentists affirmed to be aware of professional confidentiality, their attitudes did not adhere to ethical and legal requirements. This stand of health professionals has contributed to violate professional ethics and the law itself, bringing problems both to the professional and to the patient.