Abstract The aim of this multicenter study was to explore the early-life sugar consumption and dietary practices in Latin America as well as to investigate the association between breastfeeding duration and the age at which foods and beverages with added sugars are introduced. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 805 1- to 3-year-old children from 10 Latin American countries, as a complementary study to the Research Observatory for Dental Caries of the Latin American Region (OICAL). A Food Frequency Questionnaire previously tested in different countries was applied to children’s mothers and data on breastfeeding and age at introduction of sugary foods and beverages was collected. Statistical analysis included the Kruskal-Wallis test and Poisson regression with robust variance, with the calculation of crude and adjusted mean ratios (MR) and 95% of confidence intervals (CI). The average age at introduction of sugary foods and beverages was 10.1 months (95%CI 9.7–10.4) and 9.6 (95%CI 9.2–9.9) months, respectively, with a significant variation between countries (p < 0.001). The average daily frequency of sugary foods-beverages was 3.3 times per day (95%CI 3.1–3.5) and varied significantly between countries (p = 0.004). Breastfeeding duration of over six months was associated with an increase in the age of introduction of sweet drinks (16%; MR 1.16; 95%CI 1.05–1.28) and foods (21%; MR 1.21; 95%CI 1.10–1.33). In conclusion, most children from vulnerable settings in Latin America start consuming sugary products in the first year of life and a high frequency of consumption was reported through early childhood. Additionally, breastfeeding contributes to a delay in the introduction of sugary products.

Resumo Avaliar o impacto das condições bucais na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (QVRSB) em crianças de dez países da América Latina (AL). Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 930 pares de crianças/pais de 1 a 3 anos de 10 países da AL, como estudo complementar do Research Observatory for Dental Caries of the Latin American Region. A escala ECOHIS, previamente testada e validada em dez países, foi aplicada a pais/cuidadores de crianças para mensurar a QVRSB. A análise estatística incluiu análise descritiva de dados e análise de variância unidirecional (ANOVA-One-Way) para comparar grupos etários com QVRSB. Procedimentos de bootstrapping (1000 reamostragens; 95%IC Bca) foram realizados. A pontuação média da seção 'Impacto na Criança' na AL foi 4,0 (±8,3), na seção ‘Impacto na Família’ foi 2,0 (±4,0) e no escore total do ECOHIS foi 6,0 (±12,0). Na seção 'Impacto na Criança', Argentina 10,0(+2,4) e Venezuela 17,8(±17,5) demonstraram pontuações médias superiores aos dados totais da AL. Na seção ‘Impacto na Família’, os países com pontuações médias mais altas foram Argentina 4,9(±2,0), Equador 2,1(±3,1) e Venezuela 7,9(±7,8). No escore total do ECOHIS, Argentina 15,1 (±4,1) e Venezuela 25,7(±25,2) apresentaram escores médios superiores aos valores de AL. Houve associação entre a idade das crianças e o relato dos pais de impacto na QVRSB (p<0,001). As crianças de três anos tiveram média maior quando comparadas às de um e dois anos, tanto nas seções 'Impacto na Criança' e ‘Impacto na Família’ (p<0,001), quanto no escore total ECOHIS (p<0,001). Em conclusão, houveram diferenças na QVRSB entre os países da América Latina, impactando de forma mais significativa as crianças mais velhas.

Abstract To assess the impact of oral conditions on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in infants in ten Latin America countries (LAC). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 930 pairs of 1-to-3-year-old children/parents from 10 LAC, as a complementary study of the Research Observatory for Dental Caries of the Latin American Region. The scale ECOHIS, previously tested and valid in ten countries, was applied to parents/caregivers of children to measure OHRQoL. Statistical analysis included descriptive data analysis and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA-One-Way) were performed to compare age groups with OHRQoL. Bootstrapping procedures (1000 re-samplings; 95%CI Bca) were performed. The mean scores of the ‘Child Impact’ section in the LAC was 4.0(±8.3), in the ‘Family Impact’ section was 2.0(±4.0), and in overall ECOHIS score was 6.0(±12.0). In the ‘Child Impact’ section, Argentina 10.0(+2.4) and Venezuela 17.8(±17.5) demonstrated mean scores higher than the LAC total data. In the ‘Family Impact’ section, the countries with higher mean scores were Argentina 4.9(±2.0), Ecuador 2.1(±3.1) and Venezuela 7.9(±7.8). In the overall ECOHIS score, Argentina 15.1 (±4.1) and Venezuela 25.7(±25.2) has higher mean scores than the values of LAC. There is an association between children's age and parents' report of impact on the OHRQoL (p<0.001). Three-year-olds had a higher mean when compared to one- and two-year-olds, both in the Impact on the Child and Impact on the Family (p<0.001) sections, as well as in the overall ECOHIS (p<0.001). In conclusion, there are differences in OHRQoL among Latin American countries, impacting older children more significantly.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the caries situation of three-year-old preschool children residing in low socioeconomic status districts in Lima, Peru. The study is a crosssectional analysis of the caries situation of suburban areas of Lima. A stratified sampling procedure by geographical distribution, considering healthcare centers with a motherand- child health clinic and surrounding preschools as factors, identified 45 randomly selected preschools, of which 17 accepted to participate. Children from 3-year-old classrooms were examined by two independent calibrated dentists using the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) instrument at their premises using artificial light, sterile examination mirrors and gauze for drying each tooth before evaluation. ANOVA and the Tamhane method were used to analyze the data. 308 children, mean age 3.4 years (min: 3 years; max: 3 years, 7 months), were examined. The sample prevalence of enamel and dentine carious lesions (CAST code 3-7) was 91.2% while the prevalence of dentine carious lesions (CAST code 4-7) was 58.8%. The mean number of teeth with cavities that had reached the pulp and those that had an abscess or fistula were 2.0% and 0.5% respectively. The majority of enamel and dentine carious lesions were observed in molars. The CAST severity score was 7.0. Mean examination time was 57 seconds. The burden of dental caries of the children at this young age was high.

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de caries dental en niños en edad preescolar de 3 años residentes en áreas suburbanas de Lima, Perú. Se trata de un análisis transversal de la situación de caries de áreas periféricas de Lima. Un procedimiento de muestreo estratificado por distribución geográfica consideraba a los centros de salud materno-infantiles y centros educativos preescolares de la jurisdicción como factores, identificando 45 centros prescolares aleatoriamente, de los cuales 17 aceptaron la invitación para participar del presente estudio. Dos odontólogas independientes, calibradas examinaron a los niños de las aulas de 3 años utilizando el instrumento Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) en las instalaciones de cada jardín de infancia, utilizando luz artificial, instrumental estéril y gasas para el secado de las superficies a evaluar. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando ANOVA y el método Tamhane. Se evaluaron 308 niños, quienes tenían una edad media de 3.4 años (min: 3 años; max: 3 años, 7 meses). La prevalencia de lesiones de caries de esmalte y dentina (código CAST 3-7) fue del 91,2%, mientras que la prevalencia de lesiones de caries en dentina (código CAST 4-7) fue de 58,8%. El número promedio de dientes afectados por caries dental con compromiso pulpar y que tenían un absceso o fístula fue de 2.0% y 0.5% respectivamente. La mayoría de las lesiones de caries en esmalte y dentina se observaron en los molares. La valoración de severidad CAST fue 7.0. El tiempo promedio de examinación fue de 57 segundos. La carga de la enfermedad caries dental a estas edades tan tempranas ya es alta en la infancia suburbana de Lima.

Resumo Um estudo epidemiológico de cárie usando o sistema ICDAS foi realizado em crianças pequenas colombianas. O objetivo deste estudo foi associar o tempo necessário para o exame clínico da cárie e o risco de cárie em crianças de 1 a 5 anos de acordo com a idade e o risco de cárie e avaliar a autopercepção do comportamento e da dor na criança durante o exame, de acordo com a idade. Após a aprovação do comitê de ética e do consentimento informado dos pais/responsáveis, sete examinadores treinados avaliaram crianças de 1 a 5 anos em creches em condições locais de campo. A experiência de cárie do ICDAS (depiMEmf) foi avaliada da seguinte forma: Epi-depi inicial (ICDAS 1/2 sem secagem ao ar); Moderado-dM (ICDAS 3,4); lesões extensas de dE (ICDAS 5,6); restaurações devido a cárie -f e superfícies/dentes ausentes-m. O risco de cárie foi avaliado com Cariogram®. O comportamento de crianças (Frankl-Behavior-Rating-Scale) e a autopercepção de dor (Escala Visual-Analógica-de-Rostos) durante o exame foram avaliados. O tempo de exame clínico foi registrado com um cronômetro. 592 crianças participaram (1 ano: n = 31; 2 anos: n = 96; 3 anos: n = 155; 4 anos: n = 209, 5 anos: n = 101 ). A prevalência do depiMEmfs foi de 79,9% e a média de 8,4 ± 10,4. A maioria era de crianças com alto risco de cárie (68,9%). A maioria (58,9%) apresentou ≥ comportamento positivo e ≤ autopercepção de dor leve (88,4%). O tempo médio de exame clínico foi em torno de 3,5 min (216,9 ± 133,9 s). Para crianças de 5 anos, correspondeu a 4 min (240,4 ± 145,0 s) vs. 2 min (122,8 ± 80,1 s) para crianças de 1 ano de idade (Kruskal-Wallis; p = 0,00). Para crianças com alto e baixo risco de cárie, foi em torno de 4,3 min (255,7 ± 118,5 s) e 3,3 min (201,3 ± 129,4 s), respectivamente (ANOVA; p = 0,01). Este estudo demonstra que a utilização do sistema ICDAS em crianças pequenas é viável, levando menos de 4 min para o exame clínico sem problemas de autopercepção de comportamento/ dor em crianças.

Abstract A caries-epidemiological study using the ICDASepi-merged system was conducted in Colombian young children. This study aimed at associating the time needed for the clinical examination of caries and caries risk in 1 to 5-year-old children according to age and caries risk, and to assess behavior and child pain self-perception during examination according to age. After IRB approval and given parents/caregivers’ informed consent, seven trained examiners assessed 1 to 5-year olds in kindergartens under local field conditions. ICDASepi-merged caries experience (depiMEmf) was assessed as follows: Initial-depi (ICDAS 1/2 without air-drying); Moderate-dM (ICDAS 3,4); Extensive-dE (ICDAS 5,6) lesions; due-to-caries fillings-f and missing-m surfaces/teeth. Caries risk was assessed with Cariogram®. Child’s behavior (Frankl-Behavior-Rating-Scale) and self-perceived pain (Visual-Analogue-Scale-of-Faces) during examination were evaluated. Clinical examination time was recorded with a stopwatch. A total of 592 children participated (1-yr.: n=31; 2-yrs.: n=96; 3-yrs.: n=155; 4-yrs.: n=209, 5-yrs.: n=101). The depiMEmfs prevalence was of 79.9% and the mean 8.4±10.4. Most were high-caries-risk children (68.9%). The majority (58.9%) showed ≥ positive-behavior and ≤ light-pain self-perception (88.4%). Mean clinical examination time was around 3.5 minutes (216.9±133.9 seconds). For 5-yr. olds it corresponded to 4 minutes (240.4±145.0 seconds) vs. 2 minutes (122.8±80.1 seconds) for 1-yr. olds (Kruskal-Wallis; p=0.00). For high- and low-caries risk children it was around 4.3 minutes (255.7±118.5 seconds) and 3.3 minutes (201.3±129.4 seconds), respectively (ANOVA; p=0.01). This study demonstrates using the ICDAS system in young children is feasible, taking less than 4 minutes for the clinical examination without children behavior/pain self-perception issues.

Health is currently recognized as lying in the individual process rooted in genes, personal habits, the social model and the understanding of the ideological standpoint from which it is viewed. The aim of this study was to validate the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) for use in Latin American communities, in order to demonstrate its efficacy for determining the impact of dental condition on children under 5 years of age and their families. The ECOHIS explores two domains: impact on children (9 questions) and on families (4 questions). Validation in Spanish was done in four stages. Stage I included translation and back-translation of the questionnaire (English-Spanish-English). Stage II was a pilot test on families in Venezuela to test stability (test-retest) and make semantic adjustments. Stage III included validation of the questionnaire applied to a Venezuelan sample (n=50) and two Argentine samples (A and B, made up of families with and without social risk, respectively; n=95), and consisted of statistical analysis to check the questionnaire's internal consistency and discriminant capacity. In the final stage, parents were given feedback on the results and significance of each domain in the questionnaire. From the results of this study it may be concluded that the Spanish version of the ECOHIS was reliable and valid for administering to populations with homogeneous social risk, and that parents without social risk factors (AC/B) have significantly greater perception of the impact of oral health on the family's quality of life. The trends recorded suggest that (a) larger samples should be used, including variables for diagnosing social vulnerability or general risk, (b) the association with dental condition should be established by applying indicators to discriminate distinct cut-off points in the dental caries process and (c) it should be ascertained whether there are changes in perception of the impact on quality of life before and after dental treatments, including impact on general health condition.

En la actualidad se reconoce que la salud esta en el proceso individual enraizado en los genes, los habitos personalisimos, el modelo social y la comprension de la ideologia de la cual depende en realidad el angulo desde el cual se la examina. El objetivo de este estudio fue validar el Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) para su aplicacion en comunidades latinoamericanas, a fin de demostrar su eficacia para determinar el impacto que el estado dentario produce sobre los ninos menores de 5 anos y su familia. El ECOHIS explora dos dominios: el impacto sobre el nino (9 preguntas) y sobre la familia (4 preguntas). Para la validacion en el idioma espanol se desarrollaron cuatro etapas. La etapa I: incluyo la traduccion reversa del cuestionario (inglés-espanol.ingles). La etapa II consistio en la prueba piloto realizada en familias venezolanas para comprobar la estabilidad (test-retest) y realizar el ajuste semantico. La etapa III incluyo la validacion del cuestionario aplicado en una muestra venezolana (n=50) y en dos muestras argentinas (AC/A y AC/B, constituidas por familias con y sin riesgo social, respectivamente; n=95), realizándose el analisis estadistico para comprobar la consistencia interna y la capacidad de discriminacion del cuestionario. En la ultima etapa se realizo la devolucion de la informacion a los padres acerca de los resultados y del significado de cada uno de los dominios del cuestionario. Los resultados obtenidos en el presente estudio permiten concluir que la version en espanol del ECOHIS resulto confiable y valida para su aplicacion en poblaciones con riesgo social homogeneo y que los padres sin factores de riesgo social (AC/B) muestran una percepcion significativamente mayor del impacto que el estado bucodental determina sobre la calidad de vida de la familia. Las tendencias registradas permiten recomendar la conveniencia de (a) ampliar el tamano de las muestras aplicadas en este estudio, incorporando variables que instalen el diagnostico de factores de vulnerabilidad social o de riesgo generales (b) establecer la asociacion existente con el estado dentario empleando indicadores que permitan discriminar puntos de corte diferenciados en el proceso de caries dental y (c) estudiar la existencia de cambios en la percepcion del impacto sobre la calidad de vida antes y despues de los tratamientos odontologicos incluyendo el impacto sobre el estado de salud general.

Considerando que o efeito do tempo da aplicação profissional de flúor fosfato acidulado (FFA) na subseqüente inibição da desmineralização do esmalte dental não está claramente estabelecido, este foi avaliado em um estudo in situ, cruzado e cego. Em 3 fases de 28 dias cada uma, 15 voluntários utilizaram um dispositivo palatino contendo 4 blocos de esmalte, que foram submetidos a 3 grupos/tratamentos: não tratado (controle) e pré-tratado com FFA gel por 1 ou 4 min. Placa dental foi acumulada sobre os blocos e 3 vezes ao dia os dispositivos foram imersos em uma solução de sacarose a 10% simulando um desafio cariogênico. Após cada fase, os blocos foram removidos para avaliação da desmineralização do esmalte e concentração de fluoreto (F) remanescente após o desafio cariogênico. O F formado no esmalte foi determinado em blocos adicionais submetidos apenas à aplicação de FFA gel. O tratamento com FFA gel reduziu a desmineralização do esmalte (p<0,05), independentemente do tempo de aplicação (p>0,05). Adicionalmente, a concentração de F formado e retido no esmalte foi significantemente maior após a aplicação do FFA gel (p<0,05), mas o efeito do tempo de aplicação não foi estatisticamente significante (p>0,05). Os resultados sugerem que não há diferença entre os tempos 1 ou 4 min de aplicação de FFA gel em termos de aumento da concentração de F no esmalte e redução de sua desmineralização frente a um desafio cariogênico.

This in situ crossover and blind study was conducted to investigate the effect of professional acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel application time on the subsequent inhibition of enamel demineralization. During 3 phases of 28 days each, 15 volunteers wore palatal appliances containing 4 enamel blocks, which were subjected to 3 treatment groups: not treated (control) and pre-treated with APF gel for 1 or 4 min. Dental plaque was allowed to accumulate on the blocks and the appliances were immersed in 10% sucrose solution 3 times a day simulating a cariogenic challenge. After each phase, the blocks were removed to evaluate enamel demineralization and concentration of fluoride (F) remaining after the cariogenic challenge. F formed on enamel was determined in additional enamel blocks subjected only to APF gel application. APF gel was efficient in reducing enamel demineralization (p<0.05), irrespective of the application time (p>0.05). Also, the concentration of the F formed and retained on enamel was significantly higher after APF gel application (p<0.05), but the effect of time of application was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The results suggest that APF application for either 1 or 4 min is equally efficient to increase F concentration in enamel and reduce enamel demineralization.

A utilização de flúor sistêmico deve ser controlada em termos de risco/benefício, pois enquanto a subdosagem não trouxer benefício anticárie, a sobredosagem estará associada com fluorose dental. Assim, uma das preocupações é o consumo de águas minerais, o qual tem aumentado nos últimos anos. Deste modo, foi realizado estudo com o objetivo de analisar a concentração de flúor em águas minerais comercializadas no Brasil. Foram analisadas 104 marcas comerciais, de diferentes regiões do País. Utilizou-se eletrodo específico Orion 96-09 e analisador de íons Orion EA 940, previamente calibrados com soluções padrões de flúor. Foram observadas concentrações de flúor variando de 0,0 a 4,4 ppm. Constataram-se: 1) Concentrações significativas de flúor não relatadas pelo produtor; 2) Concentrações de flúor sem significado preventivo anti-cárie, embora o produtor destaque na embalagem "Água Mineral Fluoretada"; 3) Concentrações de flúor capazes de provocar fluorose dental severa, embora o produtor não faça nenhuma referência que o mesmo existe. Conclui-se ser necessário um Sistema de Vigilância Sanitária para o controle de flúor nas águas minerais oferecidas à população brasileira, quer seja em termos de benefício como de risco.

The utilization of a systemic fluoride method must be controlled in terms of risks and benefits. The reason for this is that while a small dose will not be effective in preventing dental caries, a larger dose may cause dental fluorosis. Therefore the knowledge of the fluoride concentration found in the bottled mineral waters sold throughout the Brazilian market the consumption of which has increased lately, is of great concern. The objective of the study was the analysis of the concentration of fluoride found in the bottled mineral waters. A hundred and four brands coming from different regions of Brazil were analysed using an Orion 96-09 ion specific electrode and an Orion EA 940 ionanalyser, previously calibrated with standard fluoride solutions. Different concentrations of fluoride ranging from 0.0 to 4.4 were found. It was discovered that specific bottled waters contained: 1) Significant concentrations of fluoride not reported by the producer; 2) Fluoride concentrations of no preventive effect, although the producer had advertised the water as a Fluoridated Mineral Water; 3) Fluoride concentrations high enough to cause dental fluorosis, although the producer did not alert the consumer to this fact. It is to be concluded, therefore, that a sanitary regulatory system for the control of the level of fluoride in the bottled mineral waters marketed is necessary. Such reputation should be formulated in terms of benefits as well as in terms of risks.

A utilização de flúor sistêmico deve ser controlada em termos de risco/benefício, pois enquanto a subdosagem não trouxer benefício anticárie, a sobredosagem estará associada com fluorose dental. Assim, uma das preocupações é o consumo de águas minerais, o qual tem aumentado nos últimos anos. Deste modo, foi realizado estudo com o objetivo de analisar a concentração de flúor em águas minerais comercializadas no Brasil. Foram analisadas 104 marcas comerciais, de diferentes regiões do País. Utilizou-se eletrodo específico Orion 96-09 e analisador de íons Orion EA 940, previamente calibrados com soluções padrões de flúor. Foram observadas concentrações de flúor variando de 0,0 a 4,4 ppm. Constataram-se: 1) Concentrações significativas de flúor não relatadas pelo produtor; 2) Concentrações de flúor sem significado preventivo anti-cárie, embora o produtor destaque na embalagem "Água Mineral Fluoretada"; 3) Concentrações de flúor capazes de provocar fluorose dental severa, embora o produtor não faça nenhuma referência que o mesmo existe. Conclui-se ser necessário um Sistema de Vigilância Sanitária para o controle de flúor nas águas minerais oferecidas à população brasileira, quer seja em termos de benefício como de risco.

The utilization of a systemic fluoride method must be controlled in terms of risks and benefits. The reason for this is that while a small dose will not be effective in preventing dental caries, a larger dose may cause dental fluorosis. Therefore the knowledge of the fluoride concentration found in the bottled mineral waters sold throughout the Brazilian market the consumption of which has increased lately, is of great concern. The objective of the study was the analysis of the concentration of fluoride found in the bottled mineral waters. A hundred and four brands coming from different regions of Brazil were analysed using an Orion 96-09 ion specific electrode and an Orion EA 940 ionanalyser, previously calibrated with standard fluoride solutions. Different concentrations of fluoride ranging from 0.0 to 4.4 were found. It was discovered that specific bottled waters contained: 1) Significant concentrations of fluoride not reported by the producer; 2) Fluoride concentrations of no preventive effect, although the producer had advertised the water as a Fluoridated Mineral Water; 3) Fluoride concentrations high enough to cause dental fluorosis, although the producer did not alert the consumer to this fact. It is to be concluded, therefore, that a sanitary regulatory system for the control of the level of fluoride in the bottled mineral waters marketed is necessary. Such reputation should be formulated in terms of benefits as well as in terms of risks.