Abstract: This cross-sectional study evaluated factors associated with toothache in 12-year-old adolescents from the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Secondary data were collected from the SB Minas Gerais 2012 epidemiological survey. The dependent variable was toothache in the past 6 months. The independent variables were grouped into two levels: individual (sex, ethnic group, family income, periodontal condition, dental caries, dental treatment needs, and type of service used) and contextual (allocation factor, Human Development Index, Gini coefficient, gross domestic product, unemployment, illiteracy, basic sanitation, garbage collection, family income, half or a quarter of a minimum wage, primary healthcare coverage, primary oral healthcare team coverage, oral health technician, access to individual dental care, and supervised tooth brushing). A multilevel analysis was performed using the Hierarchical Linear and Nonlinear Modeling Software Program to assess the association of individual and contextual variables with toothache in the last 6 months. The prevalence of toothache in the last six months among the adolescents of this study was 19.1%. An association was found with family income (p <0.001), dental caries (p <0.001), primary oral healthcare team coverage (p = 0.015) and oral health technician (p = 0.008). Socioeconomic conditions and the most prevalent oral diseases, such as dental caries, as well as the use of public services, were related to toothache in adolescents aged 12 years. These findings reinforce the need to develop and implement public policies to address the oral health problems of this population.

RESUMEN Objetivo El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la tasa de mujeres embarazadas satisfechas con la consulta odontológica que realiza el Sistema Único de Salud-Brasil (SUS-Brasil) y factores asociados. Metodología Estudio de tipo transversal. Para colección de los dados se elaboró un cuestionario que abordaba las variables sociodemográficas y relacionadas con la gestación. La colección de los datos fue realizada por medio de entrevistas cara a cara en un hospital de maternidad de la región metropolitana del Porto Alegre, Brasil. Para comprobar la asociación de los factores con la satisfacción de las mujeres embarazadas con la consulta odontológica se usó el test de chi-cuadrado y la regresión del Poisson, con varianza robusta (p<0,05). Resultados De las 302 mujeres entrevistadas, 50% (n=151) realizaron consulta odontológica durante de la gestación y estas 86%(n=131) manifestaron estar satisfechas con la consulta. En el análisis multivariado se encontró que la variable que evaluaba las consultas prenatales como buenas aumentaba en un 14% [Razón de Prevalencia (RP)=1,14; Intervalo de Confianza (IC) del 95%:1,01-1,27] la probabilidad de que las mujeres expresaran satisfacción con la variable de resultado. Conclusiones Se concluyó que un alto índice de satisfacción con las consultas odontológicas realizadas en el SUS por parte de las embarazadas y la evaluación de las consultas prenatales como buenas fue un factor asociado. Estos resultados podrían ser considerados durante la planificación estratégica, ejecución y evaluación de las políticas de la salud pública direccionadas para este grupo operativo.

ABSTRACT Objective The study aimed to verify the rate of satisfaction among pregnant women with dental consults performed in the Brazilian Unified Health System (BUHS), and associated factors. Methodology The design of the study was cross-sectional. To collect data a questionnaire approaching variables sociodemographic and relationship whit pregnancy were used. The data gathering was realized across interviews face to face in a maternity hospital in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre-RS-Brazil. The chi-square test and Poisson regression with robust variance (p<0.05) were used for the bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results A total of 302 pregnant women were interviewed, 50% (n=151) performed dental consults, and 86% (131) related that they were satisfied with the consult. In the multivariate analysis it was found that the variable evaluating prenatal visits as good increased the likelihood of women expressing satisfaction with the outcome variable by 14% [Prevalence Ratio (PR) =1.14; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.01-1.27]. Conclusions The present study suggests that a high satisfaction rate with dental consult could be due to the highest satisfaction in prenatal consults performed in primary health care units, materializing the relationship of trust/connection between professional and user. This variable can be considered by workers and health managers during estrategic planning, performance, and evaluation of health policies.

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar a taxa de gestantes satisfeitas com a consulta odontológica realizada no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS-Brasil) e fatores associados. Metodologia O estudo foi do tipo transversal. Para coleta de dados foi elaborado um questionário abordando variáveis sociodemográficas e relacionadas a gestação. A coleta de dados foi realizada através de entrevistas face a face em um hospital maternidade da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre-RS-Brasil. O teste de qui-quadrado e a regressão de Poisson com variância robusta (p<0,05) foram utilizados nas análises bi e multivariada. Resultados Das 302 mulheres entrevistadas, 50%(n=151) realizaram consulta odontológica durante a gestação e destas, 86% (n=131) estavam satisfeitas com a consulta. Na análise multivariada verificou-se que a variável avaliação das consultas de pré-natal como boa aumentou em 14% [Razão de Prevalência (RP)=1,14; Intervalo de Confiança (IC) 95%:1,01-1,27] a probabilidade de as mulheres expressarem satisfação com a variável desfecho. Conclusão Conclui-se que foi alta taxa de satisfação com as consultas odontológicas realizadas no SUS pelas gestantes e avaliação das consultas de pré-natal como boa foi fator associado. Estes resultados poderiam ser considerados durante o planejamento estratégico, execução e avaliação das políticas de saúde direcionadas para este grupo operativo.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the intraoral distribution of untreated caries and tooth loss and estimate the impact of different socioeconomic factors on the occurrence of these outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 652 18-year-old male adolescents from the city of Sapucaia do Sul, Brazil, who conscripted for military service. The participants answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic variables. Two trained and calibrated examiners performed the clinical examinations for the diagnosis of dental caries using the criteria of the World Health Organization. Tooth group and adolescent were the units of analysis for the primary outcomes of the study. Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was performed, with the calculation of crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of caries experience and untreated caries was 70.2% and 39.3%, respectively, and 9.4% of the adolescents had missing teeth. Sixty-seven percent of the untreated caries and 98.8% of missing teeth were in first molars. The probability of dental caries and tooth loss was significantly higher among adolescents with less schooling (PR = 2.56; 95%CI: 1.97–3.32 and PR = 3.28; 95%CI: 1.61–6.65, respectively) and those whose mothers had less schooling (PR = 1.31; 95%CI: 1.03–1.67 and PR = 2.30; 95%CI: 1.18–4.50, respectively). In conclusion, the occurrence of untreated dental caries and tooth loss was concentrated in the first molars of adolescents. Moreover, the prevalence of both conditions was higher among adolescents with low schooling and whose mothers had low schooling, reflecting the strong intraoral and socioeconomic polarization of these outcomes.

Abstract This study aimed to identify the prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in schoolchildren and its association with dental caries experience. This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 471 children aged 8 to 10 years. Data were collected via a sociodemographic questionnaire. Intra-oral clinical examination was done to identify and diagnose MIH (EAPD Criteria) as well as dental caries (ICDAS Index). Statistical analyses were performed with Person’s Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Mann-Whitney tests, and Poisson regression models were built. Statistical significance was set at an alpha-level of 0.05. The prevalence of MIH in our participants was 9.8%, with lesions being mostly of the mild form (65.2%) and affecting the first permanent molars but not the incisors in 54.2% of the children. Dental caries was observed in 88.1% of subjects. We observed a significant association between dental caries and the following variables: presence of MIH (p < 0.01; PR = 1.13), dental visit (p < 0.02; PR=0.92), and parents or legal guardians’ education level (p < 0.05; PR = 1.07). A MIH diagnosis was also significantly associated with family income (p < 0.05; PR = 4.09). Children with MIH had more caries lesions on molar surfaces (p < 0.01; PR = 4.05). The prevalence of MIH was found to be moderate, based on previous studies, and the presence of enamel defect was associated with dental caries. The teeth most affected by MIH lesions were the first permanent molars.

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the use and need of conventional removable prostheses (total and partial) and their associated factors among institutionalized elders. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1003 elderly people living in non-profit private long-term care institutions in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Inclusion criteria required a minimum Mini Mental State of Examination (MMSE) score of 21. After the test, 191 individuals were included. Oral examination and interviews were conducted to identify participants’ use (throughout the day/every day) and need (do not have/have but do not use) of removable dental prostheses. Socioeconomic health indicators and behaviours were collected from institutional records and via interviews. Bivariate analysis was performed using chi-square test (p<0.05). Poisson regression with robust variance was used in multivariate analysis. Most elders were female (76.4%) and independent in their daily activities (56.5%). Elderly men (PR 1.26) and those whose dental visit was more than one year ago (PR 1.38) showed higher need of dental prostheses. Elderly women (PR 1.68) and individuals with morbidities (PR 1.33) had higher prostheses use. This study demonstrates how socio-demographic characteristics, health indicators, and oral health services impact the use and need of dental prostheses among elders and how these can contribute to public oral health policy development.

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with dental pain in adolescents from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Individual data on adolescents aged 15 to 19 years were collected from the SB Minas survey secondary database. Dental pain over the past 6 months, assessed by a questionnaire, was used as the dependent variable. Sex, income, skin color, prevalence of untreated dental caries, periodontal health, dental treatment needs, and time of last dental appointment were analyzed as individual covariates. Allocation factor, Human Development Index (HDI), Gini coefficient, illiteracy rate, unemployment, 50% and 25% of the Brazilian monthly minimum wage, primary healthcare coverage, oral health team coverage, access to individual healthcare, and supervised toothbrushing average rate were the analyzed contextual variables. A multilevel analysis was conducted for the individual and contextual variables. Statistical analyses used hierarchical linear and nonlinear modeling to infer an association between the different levels. Male adolescents had a lower prevalence of dental pain (OR = 0.53; 95%CI = 0.37–0.75). There was an association between dental pain and low income (OR = 1.58; 95%CI = 1.07–2.33), prevalence of untreated dental caries (OR = 1.25; 95%CI = 1.11–1.40), periodontal health (OR = 1.80; 95%CI = 1.04–3.09), and dental treatment needs (OR = 6.93; 95%CI = 3.96–12.14). Sociodemographic and clinical factors at the individual level were associated with the outcome but not with contextual variables. These findings reinforce the need to address these factors for effective community health actions.

AIM: To identify a possible association between the occurrence of dental caries and tooth erosion and to correlate the dietary factor with an increased risk of dental caries. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in a multistage random sample of 1,211, 8 to 12-years-old Brazilian schoolchildren in private and public schools was conducted in Pelotas, Brazil. The prevalence of dental caries and tooth erosion was assessed. Dietary habits data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Poisson regression model taking into account the cluster sample (Prevalence ratio - PR; 95% Confidence Interval - CI). RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries and tooth erosion was 32.4% (95% CI: 30.0; 35.2) and 25.0% (95% CI: 23.4; 29.0), respectively. Most children had high consumption of sweets (65%). Consumption of fruits, such as oranges (31%), strawberries (23.6%), pineapple (12%), and natural fruit juices (oranges, lemon) was low. Soft drinks consumption, 3 or more times a week was observed in 40% of the children. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries was not statistically associated with tooth erosion. The consumption of acidic fruits/drinks was not associated with dental caries. Dental caries and dental erosion were not associated with each other and with acidic fruits or drinks consumption.

OBJETIVO Analisar evidências da associação entre obesidade e cárie dentária. MÉTODOS Foi realizada revisão sistemática de artigos indexados nas bases de dados Medline/PubMed, Web of Sciences e LILACS, no período entre 2005 e janeiro de 2012, para identificar associação existente entre obesidade e carie dentária. A qualidade da evidência cientifica dos artigos selecionados foi verificada pelos itens propostos para estudos observacionais do instrumento Downs & Black. RESULTADOS Inicialmente foram encontradas 537 referências após a verificação dos títulos e resumos por dois pesquisadores independentes. Foram selecionados 27 artigos para leitura completa. Destes, dez avaliaram dentição decídua e/ou permanente e observaram uma associação positiva entre obesidade e cárie dentária, sendo que um estudo encontrou uma associação inversa. Segundo a classificação de Downs & Black, treze artigos foram considerados com boa evidência científica. CONCLUSÕES A presente revisão não encontrou evidências suficientes quanto à associação entre obesidade e cárie, assim como não esclareceu o possível papel da dieta e de outros possíveis modificadores de efeito nessa associação.

OBJECTIVE Identifying, through a systematic literature review, evidence of a possible association between obesity and dental caries. METHODS A search of articles published between 2005 and January 2012 was performed in the Medline/PubMed, LILACS and Web of Science databases. The quality of scientific evidence of the selected articles was assessed by the items proposed for observational studies in the Downs & Black instrument. RESULTS Initially, 537 references were found; after checking the titles and abstracts by two independent researchers, twenty-eight articles were selected for complete reading. Ten of them that assessed the primary and/or permanent dentition observed a positive association between obesity and dental caries and one study found an inverse association. According to the Downs & Black classification, thirteen articles with good scientific evidence were found. CONCLUSIONS The present review did not find sufficient evidence regarding the association between obesity and dental caries, and it did not clarify the possible role of diet and other possible effect modifiers on this association.

OBJETIVO Analizar evidencias de la asociación entre obesidad y caries dental. MÉTODOS Se realizó revisión sistemática de artículos indexados en las bases de datos Medline/PubMed, Web os Sciences y LILACS, en el período entre 2005 y enero de 2012, para identificar asociación existente entre obesidad y caries dental. La calidad de la evidencia científica de los artículos seleccionados fue verificada por los ítems propuestos para estudios observacionales del instrumento Downs & Black. RESULTADOS Inicialmente se encontraron 537 referencias, posterior a la verificación de los títulos y resúmenes por dos investigadores independientes. Se seleccionaron 27 artículos para la lectura completa. De estos, diez evaluaron dentición decidua y/o permanente y observaron una asociación positiva entre obesidad y caries dental, siendo que un estudio encontró una asociación inversa. De acuerdo con la clasificación de Downs & Black, trece artículos fueron considerados con buena evidencia científica. CONCLUSIONES La presente revisión no encontró evidencias suficientes con respecto a la asociación entre obesidad y caries, así como tampoco aclaró el posible papel de la dieta y de otros posibles modificadores de efecto en esta asociación.

OBJETIVO Analisar evidências da associação entre obesidade e cárie dentária. MÉTODOS Foi realizada revisão sistemática de artigos indexados nas bases de dados Medline/PubMed, Web of Sciences e LILACS, no período entre 2005 e janeiro de 2012, para identificar associação existente entre obesidade e carie dentária. A qualidade da evidência cientifica dos artigos selecionados foi verificada pelos itens propostos para estudos observacionais do instrumento Downs & Black. RESULTADOS Inicialmente foram encontradas 537 referências após a verificação dos títulos e resumos por dois pesquisadores independentes. Foram selecionados 27 artigos para leitura completa. Destes, dez avaliaram dentição decídua e/ou permanente e observaram uma associação positiva entre obesidade e cárie dentária, sendo que um estudo encontrou uma associação inversa. Segundo a classificação de Downs & Black, treze artigos foram considerados com boa evidência científica. CONCLUSÕES A presente revisão não encontrou evidências suficientes quanto à associação entre obesidade e cárie, assim como não esclareceu o possível papel da dieta e de outros possíveis modificadores de efeito nessa associação.

OBJECTIVE Identifying, through a systematic literature review, evidence of a possible association between obesity and dental caries. METHODS A search of articles published between 2005 and January 2012 was performed in the Medline/PubMed, LILACS and Web of Science databases. The quality of scientific evidence of the selected articles was assessed by the items proposed for observational studies in the Downs & Black instrument. RESULTS Initially, 537 references were found; after checking the titles and abstracts by two independent researchers, twenty-eight articles were selected for complete reading. Ten of them that assessed the primary and/or permanent dentition observed a positive association between obesity and dental caries and one study found an inverse association. According to the Downs & Black classification, thirteen articles with good scientific evidence were found. CONCLUSIONS The present review did not find sufficient evidence regarding the association between obesity and dental caries, and it did not clarify the possible role of diet and other possible effect modifiers on this association.

OBJETIVO Analizar evidencias de la asociación entre obesidad y caries dental. MÉTODOS Se realizó revisión sistemática de artículos indexados en las bases de datos Medline/PubMed, Web os Sciences y LILACS, en el período entre 2005 y enero de 2012, para identificar asociación existente entre obesidad y caries dental. La calidad de la evidencia científica de los artículos seleccionados fue verificada por los ítems propuestos para estudios observacionales del instrumento Downs & Black. RESULTADOS Inicialmente se encontraron 537 referencias, posterior a la verificación de los títulos y resúmenes por dos investigadores independientes. Se seleccionaron 27 artículos para la lectura completa. De estos, diez evaluaron dentición decidua y/o permanente y observaron una asociación positiva entre obesidad y caries dental, siendo que un estudio encontró una asociación inversa. De acuerdo con la clasificación de Downs & Black, trece artículos fueron considerados con buena evidencia científica. CONCLUSIONES La presente revisión no encontró evidencias suficientes con respecto a la asociación entre obesidad y caries, así como tampoco aclaró el posible papel de la dieta y de otros posibles modificadores de efecto en esta asociación.

O artigo detalha os métodos de um estudo epidemiológico multidisciplinar conduzido em escolas em Pelotas, Sul do Brasil. O estudo transversal incluiu uma amostra representativa (n = 1.211) de crianças de 8 a 12 anos, em escolas públicas (15) e privadas (5). Questionários foram aplicados aos pais para obter informações socioeconômicas e culturais. As crianças foram entrevistadas, fornecendo informações demográficas, comportamentos de saúde bucal e prática de atividade física. Exame de saúde bucal foi realizado e medidas antropométricas aferidas para avaliação da condição nutricional. Diretores das escolas forneceram informações sobre o ambiente físico e social das escolas. Das 1.744 crianças elegíveis, a taxa de resposta foi 69,4% sem diferenças entre escolas. A metodologia proposta permitiu a obtenção de dados sobre diversos desfechos de saúde bem como sobre possíveis fatores de risco. Esta estratégia otimiza recursos financeiros de pesquisa e favorece a colaboração interprofissional.

This paper describes the methods of a multidisciplinary epidemiological survey conducted in schools in Pelotas, in the Southern Region of Brazil. This cross-sectional study evaluated a representative sample (n = 1,211) of eight to 12-year-old children attending public (15) and private (5) schools. Questionnaires were applied to parents to obtain information about socioeconomic and sociocultural characteristics. Children were interviewed to provide information on demographic characteristics, oral health behavior and physical activity habits. Oral health examinations were performed on the children and anthropometric data was collected to assess nutritional status. School principals responded a questionnaire about the social and physical environment of the school. A total of 1,744 children were eligible for the study; a response rate of 69.4% was achieved, with no significant differences between schools. The method used allowed investigators to obtain data on several health outcomes as well as on possible risk factors. This strategy optimizes the use of financial resources for research and promotes interprofessional collaboration.

El artículo detalla los métodos de un estudio epidemiológico multidisciplinar llevado a cabo en escuelas en Pelotas, sur de Brasil. El estudio transversal incluyó una muestra representativa (n = 1.211) de niños de 8 a 12 años, en escuelas públicas (15) y privadas (5). Los cuestionarios fueron administrados a los padres para obtener información socioeconómica y cultural. Los niños fueron entrevistados, proporcionando información demográfica, comportamientos de salud bucal y práctica de actividad física. Se realizaron un examen de salud bucal y medidas antropométricas para la evaluación de la condición nutricional. Directores de escuelas proporcionaron información sobre el ambiente físico y social de las escuelas. De los 1.744 niños elegibles, la tasa de respuesta fue de un 69,4% sin diferencias entre escuelas. La metodología propuesta permitió la obtención de datos sobre diversas soluciones de salud, así como sobre posibles factores de riesgo. Esta estrategia optimiza recursos financieros de investigación y favorece la colaboración interprofesional.

O artigo detalha os métodos de um estudo epidemiológico multidisciplinar conduzido em escolas em Pelotas, Sul do Brasil. O estudo transversal incluiu uma amostra representativa (n = 1.211) de crianças de 8 a 12 anos, em escolas públicas (15) e privadas (5). Questionários foram aplicados aos pais para obter informações socioeconômicas e culturais. As crianças foram entrevistadas, fornecendo informações demográficas, comportamentos de saúde bucal e prática de atividade física. Exame de saúde bucal foi realizado e medidas antropométricas aferidas para avaliação da condição nutricional. Diretores das escolas forneceram informações sobre o ambiente físico e social das escolas. Das 1.744 crianças elegíveis, a taxa de resposta foi 69,4% sem diferenças entre escolas. A metodologia proposta permitiu a obtenção de dados sobre diversos desfechos de saúde bem como sobre possíveis fatores de risco. Esta estratégia otimiza recursos financeiros de pesquisa e favorece a colaboração interprofissional.

This paper describes the methods of a multidisciplinary epidemiological survey conducted in schools in Pelotas, in the Southern Region of Brazil. This cross-sectional study evaluated a representative sample (n = 1,211) of eight to 12-year-old children attending public (15) and private (5) schools. Questionnaires were applied to parents to obtain information about socioeconomic and sociocultural characteristics. Children were interviewed to provide information on demographic characteristics, oral health behavior and physical activity habits. Oral health examinations were performed on the children and anthropometric data was collected to assess nutritional status. School principals responded a questionnaire about the social and physical environment of the school. A total of 1,744 children were eligible for the study; a response rate of 69.4% was achieved, with no significant differences between schools. The method used allowed investigators to obtain data on several health outcomes as well as on possible risk factors. This strategy optimizes the use of financial resources for research and promotes interprofessional collaboration.

El artículo detalla los métodos de un estudio epidemiológico multidisciplinar llevado a cabo en escuelas en Pelotas, sur de Brasil. El estudio transversal incluyó una muestra representativa (n = 1.211) de niños de 8 a 12 años, en escuelas públicas (15) y privadas (5). Los cuestionarios fueron administrados a los padres para obtener información socioeconómica y cultural. Los niños fueron entrevistados, proporcionando información demográfica, comportamientos de salud bucal y práctica de actividad física. Se realizaron un examen de salud bucal y medidas antropométricas para la evaluación de la condición nutricional. Directores de escuelas proporcionaron información sobre el ambiente físico y social de las escuelas. De los 1.744 niños elegibles, la tasa de respuesta fue de un 69,4% sin diferencias entre escuelas. La metodología propuesta permitió la obtención de datos sobre diversas soluciones de salud, así como sobre posibles factores de riesgo. Esta estrategia optimiza recursos financieros de investigación y favorece la colaboración interprofesional.

O carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) de boca é o quinto mais comum no mundo. O efeito de alguns fatores etiológicos está bem estabelecido na literatura, como o fumo e o consumo de álcool. No entanto, aproximadamente 15 a 20% dos casos de câncer bucal acometem pacientes sem os tradicionais fatores de risco e isso se traduz em inúmeros casos de CEC bucais em indivíduos não fumantes e não etilistas. Além disso, dados da literatura têm sugerido uma possível associação entre o vírus papiloma humano (HPV) e o carcinoma espinocelular de boca. Em virtude desse aspecto, desenvolveu-se este trabalho na perspectiva de revisar as características mais associadas a esse grupo de pacientes, contribuindo assim para a melhoria no diagnóstico e no acompanhamento dos mesmos. Os artigos que serviram de apoio para o estudo foram localizados por meio da base de dados Pubmed, utilizando os descritores "epidemiologia", "carcinoma espinocelular de boca", "fatores de risco" e "vírus papiloma humano". É importante avaliar pacientes sem tais fatores de risco, uma vez que o conhecimento pode auxiliar na análise de outras características associadas com a ocorrência de carcinoma. Além disso, possibilita melhorar o manejo clínico e monitoramento.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the fifth most common type of cancer in the world. The effect of some etiological factors is well established in the literature, such as consumption of tobacco and alcohol. However, approximately 15 to 20% of all oral cancer cases occur in patients without the traditional risk factors, reflecting in numerous cases of OSCC in non-smokers and non-alcoholic drinkers. Also, several studies have suggested a possible association between human papillomavirus and OSCC. Under these aspects, the purpose of this study is to address cases of oral cancer in non-smokers and non-drinkers focusing on the role of HPV, thus contributing to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of OSCC. A computer database search was performed using the Pubmed database. The search key words were: epidemiology, oral squamous cell carcinoma, risk factors and human papillomavirus. It is important to assess patients without the potential risk factors, since this knowledge may help identifying other features associated with the occurrence of oral cancer, enabling an appropriate clinical management and monitoring.

OBJETIVO: A prática dental geralmente envolve contato com secreções oriundas da cavidade bucal, através de injúrias percutâneas, sendo um fator de risco para transmissão de infecções entre profissionais e pacientes, especialmente hepatite B. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a prevalência de injúrias percutâneas e fatores associados entre cirurgiões-dentistas. MÉTODOS: Um total de 187 dentistas da cidade de Pelotas, RS, Brasil, participou deste estudo. Dados sobre aspectos socio-demográficos, ocorrência de acidentes, tipos de instrumentos, uso de equipamento de proteção, imunização relacionada à hepatite B e teste para avaliação de soroconversão foram coletados mediante questionário auto-administrado. Os dados foram submetidos à análise descritiva e testes do Qui-Quadrado de Pearson e Fisher para avaliar associação entre o desfecho e as variáveis preditoras, com nível de significância de 0,05. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de acidentes perfurocortantes foi de 59.8% e não houve associação com os fatores de risco avaliados. Dos dentistas participantes, 97.3% tinham sido vacinados conta a hepatite B, entretanto, 86.2% tinham tomado as três doses recomendadas. O uso de sondas e agulhas foram os maiores agentes causadores de acidentes, respectivamente 37.0% e 29.0%. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados mostraram que a prevalência de injúrias percutâneas foi elevada entre dentistas e há necessidade de ênfase em prevenção de hepatite B através de adoção das três doses e uso de equipamento de proteção individual.

PURPOSE: The practice of dentistry usually involves contact with secretions from the oral cavity through percutaneous injuries, which is a risk factor for the transmission of infections, especially hepatitis B, between the professional and patients. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of percutaneous injuries and associated factors among dental surgeons. METHODS: A total of 187 dental surgeons from the city of Pelotas, Brazil, participated in this study. Data concerning the socio-demographic aspects, occurrence of accidents, types of instruments, use of personal protective equipment, immunization coverage related to hepatitis B and tests for serum conversion were collected through self-reported questionnaires. The data underwent descriptive analysis and chi-square testing or Fisher's exact test, with P<0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of percutaneous injuries was 59.8%, and there was no association with the risk factors evaluated. Of the dentists interviewed, 97.3% had been vaccinated against hepatitis B; however, only 86.2% had received the three recommended doses. The use of probes and handling needles were the most common causes of percutaneous injuries (37.0% and 29.0%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the prevalence of percutaneous injuries was high among dental surgeons, and there is a need for emphasis on the prevention of hepatitis B through the administration of the three vaccine doses and the use of personal protective equipment.

This cross-sectional study assessed the impact of Developmental Enamel Defects (DED) on Child Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (COHRQoL). A sample of 944 11- to 14-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren was examined for the prevalence and severity of DED. The children completed the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14), and socioeconomic status was also collected using a questionnaire. Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between DED and overall and domain-specific CPQ11-14 scores. The prevalence of DED was 19.7%. In general, children with DED did not indicate any decrease in self-perception. However, this condition was associated with an impact on the functional limitation domain. The presence of DED may cause negative impacts on a child's perception of oral health and on their daily performance.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo avaliou a ação antimicrobiana de pastas, uma à base de iodofórmio conhecida por Pasta Guedes-Pinto (PGP) e outra modificada pela adição de digluconato de clorexidina (CHX) a 2% em substituição ao paramonoclorofenol canforado da formulação original da PGP. METODOLOGIA: A ação antimicrobiana das duas pastas foi testada contra Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus oralis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli e Bacillus subtilis. O método empregado foi o de Diluição em Meio Sólido, Difusão em Ágar. Dezoito placas de Petri com 20 mL de BHIA foram inoculados com 0,1 mL das suspensões microbianas. Discos de papel foram imersos nas soluções experimentais por 1 min e colocados sobre a superfície de BHIA em cada placa. As placas foram mantidas em temperatura ambiente por 1 h e então incubadas a 37ºC por 48 h. O diâmetro da inibição microbiana foi medida ao redor dos discos de papel. Os dados foram pelo teste U de Mann-Whitney (α=0,05). RESULTADOS: A PGP teve ação bacteriostática contra todos os microrganismos e também bactericida exceto para Enterococcus faecalis e Bacillus subtilis. A CHX apresentou ação bacteriostática e bactericida contra todos os microrganismos. Não houve diferença estatística significante quanto à efetividade antimicrobiana entre as pastas avaliadas. CONCLUSÃO: Ambas as pastas apresentaram ação antimicrobiana contra quase todos os microrganismos encontrados em infecções endodônticas de dentes decíduos.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the antimicrobial effectiveness of an iodoform-based paste (Guedes-Pinto Paste, GPP) and a paste modified by the addition of a 2% chlorhexidine gluconate gel (CHX) to replace the camphorated parachlorophenol component of the original GPP. METHODS: The antimicrobial action was tested against the following microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus oralis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. In the agar diffusion test, 18 Petri plates with 20 mL of BHIA were inoculated with 0.1 mL of the microbial suspensions. Paper disks were immersed in the experimental solutions for 1 min and were then placed over the BHIA surface in each agar plate. The plates were maintained for 1 h at room temperature and then incubated at 37ºC for 48 h. The diameters of the microbial inhibition halos were measured around the paper disks containing the substances. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Antimicrobial action was observed for the GPP and CHX pastes, which presented absence of turbidity for almost all microorganisms. No statistically significant difference in the antimicrobial action was found between GPP and CHX. CONCLUSION: Both pastes present similar antimicrobial effectiveness against several microorganisms commonly found in endodontic infections in deciduous teeth.