Abstract Aim Spongiotic gingivitis is a rare benign pathology and a rare clinical pathological entity that dentists can observe during dental care. It is important to know it to be able to properly diagnose it, describe its clinical characteristics and develop a plan for its treatment. The aim of this article is to present a clinical case of this little-known pathology and describe its characteristics as well as its clinical management. Clinical case A 7-yeard-old child who was referred by his dentist to the Department of Stomatology of the Faculty of Dentistry of the National University of Córdoba, Argentina, presented a lesion in the free and inserted gingiva of the upper jaw, with absence of symptoms and chronic, benign evolution with notable aesthetic changes. He is referred to the Periodontics department to perform interdisciplinary treatment. He had a favorable response to the treatment of the lesion, and a periodic follow-up was carried out, avoiding the conventional surgical technique for its treatment.

Resumen Objetivo La gingivitis espongiótica es una patología benigna poco común y una entidad clínica patológica poco frecuente que los odontólogos pueden observar durante la atención odontológica. Es importante conocer la misma para poder diagnosticarla adecuadamente, describir sus características clínicas y elaborar un plan para su tratamiento. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar un caso clínico de esta patología poco conocida, describir sus características y su manejo clínico. Caso clínico Un niño de 7 años que ingresó derivado por su odontólogo a la cátedra de Estomatología de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina, presentaba en la encía libre e insertada del maxilar superior una lesión con ausencia de sintomatología y evolución crónica, benigna y con cambios estéticos notorios. Se deriva a la cátedra de Periodoncia para realizar un tratamiento interdisciplinario. Tuvo una respuesta favorable al tratamiento de la lesión, y se realizó un seguimiento periódico de la misma evitando la técnica quirúrgica convencional para su tratamiento.

The quality of patient care forms the basis of all doctor-patient relationships. However, it requires more than mere provision of what is necessary to maintain or restore their health, and should encompass an emotional connection, and a desire to help them. Care covers a wide range of activities and is often seen as the technical and procedural aspects of medicine, while compassion revolves around the relational aspects of patient care. It requires clinicians to be able to express empathy and understanding, share their patients' feelings, be available, communicate, try to provide support and encouragement, and treat them with respect and dignity. This paper discusses care and compassion and explores issues such as whether a person can be taught to care and/ or show compassion; if too much compassion could cloud a practitioner's judgement; if it's possible to deliver good care without being compassionate; and whether a person who has never experienced compassion can develop this ability. Care and compassion are essential components of effective medical practice, and need to be integrated into healthcare. Clinicians should adopt a patient-centred approach that prioritises the patient's values, needs and preferences during their decision-making process. At the same time, they must cultivate emotional intelligence, and identify when they need mental, emotional or physical support.

BACKGROUND: Assessing the degree of improvement is important for establishing the standard of care provided by an individual orthodontist or tertiary care institution. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the orthodontic treatment outcomes of patients treated by residents in a postgraduate orthodontic programme at a University in South Africa. DESIGN: Retrospective assessment of orthodontic treatment outcomes using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index. SETTING: Department of Orthodontics at a University in South Africa. Participants Patients who completed fixed orthodontic treatment between May 2016 and May 2021. METHODS: The PAR index was used to assess pre- (T0) and post-treatment (T1) orthodontic study models. Additional outcome measures that were assessed included extraction, non-extraction, orthodontic bracket prescription, impactions, Angle classification and duration of treatment. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 16 years and 6 months, and a sex distribution of 47 (63.5%) females and 27 (36.5%) males. The mean treatment time was 32 months, with a mean weighted score reduction of 28.1 (86%). The sample had 72 (97.3%) patients categorised as "improved" and 2 (2.7%) as "worse or no different". Of the "improved" patients, 52 (70.2%) were "greatly improved". CONCLUSION: The mean percentage weighted PAR score reduction of 86% for the sample reflects a high standard of care provided by the orthodontic residents at the tertiary care centre.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Oral health is crucial for children's development, speech, nutrition, and self-esteem. Maintaining good oral health during childhood prevents serious dental issues in adulthood and reduces the need for costly treatments later on. Objective: To assess the knowledge level, attitudes, and practices regarding oral health among children aged 6 to 12 years at a school located in the metropolitan area of Asunción. Results: A total of 202 children participated in the study, of whom 51.0% were male, with a mean age of 9 years (SD = 4.24 years). Approximately 55% of the children had gingivitis. Primary teeth cavities were present in 35.6% of the participants, while 48.9% had cavities in their permanent teeth. Regarding dietary knowledge, 98.02% of the participants correctly identified foods harmful to dental health. Most children learned brushing techniques from their parents; however, consistent parental supervision was reportedly lacking. Conclusion: Despite demonstrating good knowledge and generally adequate oral hygiene practices, nearly half of the children had cavities in their permanent teeth. The data suggest that the lack of regular parental supervision of brushing techniques could be a significant contributing factor to dental caries.

RESUMEN Introducción: La salud bucal en niños es esencial para su desarrollo, habla, nutrición y autoestima. Además, previene problemas odontológicos graves en la edad adulta y evita costosos tratamientos futuros. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de conocimiento, actitud y práctica sobre salud oral en niños de 6 a 12 años de una escuela del área metropolitana de Asunción. Resultado: Participaron 202 niños, donde el 51,0% correspondió al sexo masculino, con edad media de 9 ± 4,24 años. El 55% de los niños presentó gingivitis. El 35,6% posee caries en dientes primarios mientras que el 48,9% presenta caries en dientes permanentes. El 98,02% de los participantes respondió correctamente la pregunta sobre alimentos perjudiciales para los dientes. Sobre la práctica de higiene bucal, en la mayoría de los niños la enseñanza de la técnica de cepillado estuvo a cargo de los padres, sin embargo, reportan que estos no siempre los controlan. Conclusión: Los niños tuvieron buen conocimiento, actitud positiva y prácticas adecuadas de higiene bucal, sin embargo, la mitad de ellos presentaba caries en dientes permanentes. Se sugiere que la falta de supervisión diaria por parte de los padres en la técnica de cepillado podría ser un factor contribuyente.

INTRODUCTION: The school setting is critical for supporting oral health self-care practices among learners with special needs. However, not much is known about how educators and caregivers engage with these initiatives AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to explore educators' and caregivers' perspectives on an implemented oral health promotion event conducted in special schools in the eThekwini district DESIGN: An exploratory qualitative research design METHODS: An oral health promotion event was conducted in 22 special schools; thereafter, purposive sampling was used to select educators and caregivers (7 participants) for a focus group discussion (FGD). One FGD was held per school (22 focus groups). Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data RESULTS: The emergent themes included updated oral health self-care practices, perceived improvement in knowledge and oral hygiene skills and challenges in translating perceived improvements in knowledge into practice. Participants stated that the toothbrushing process and the three-step routine of toothbrushing were the most informative aspect of the event. However, lack of resources, financing and limited available time were cited as potential barriers to implementing such events CONCLUSION: Participants believed that such initiatives were valuable but that they must be implemented consistently and should be sustainable

INTRODUCTION: Disability often leaves individuals reliant on caregivers for care and oral hygiene, particularly the young, severely impaired and institutionalised. However, these caregivers may lack adequate knowledge on oral hygiene and proper diet, leading to unhealthy eating habits or cariogenic snacks and increasing the risk of oral diseases throughout their lifetime. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To ascertain educators' and caregivers' oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices within the identified special schools, by means of a self-administered questionnaire. DESIGN: A cross-sectional KAP survey design. METHODS: This study was conducted in 22 out of 33 special schools located in eThekwini district which consented to participate in the study. On average, each of the 22 special schools had about 40 educators and caregivers combined. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Twenty questionnaires - which is 50% of the targeted population - were sent out to each school, and participation was voluntary. Ultimately, 440 questionnaires (20 questionnaires per school) were sent out. RESULTS: Only 312 of the 440 questionnaires were completed, yielding a response rate of 70.90%. Just over half of the study participants (n=161; 51.6%) believed that brushing twice daily and rinsing with mouthwash is the most important dental self-care practice. Only 46.8% of participants believed that sugar consumption contributes to tooth decay due to bacteria turning sugar into acid. Most respondents (n=205; 65.7%) strongly agreed that brushing and flossing their teeth reduces tooth decay risk, with 221 participants (70.8%) believing they have a responsibility to prevent tooth loss. However, 51.3% of study participants disagreed with the statement that dentures are less troublesome than taking care of natural teeth. About 83.1% of participants brushed their teeth twice daily, with 61.54% brushing for 2-3 minutes. Furthermore, 71.8% of participants used medium bristles and 47.76% replaced their toothbrush every 1-3 months. Most participants agreed that visiting a dentist is necessary, with a small percentage (2.24%) having never visited before. The majority of participants (85.6%) stated that their oral health practices, attitudes and knowledge could influence how oral health education is given to school students. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed some inconsistencies in the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the educators and caregivers. Oral health awareness among these individuals is essential and should be done on a regular basis.

RESUMO Este estudo objetivou caracterizar o trabalho dos profissionais das equipes de saúde bucal da rede pública na pandemia da covid-19 do ponto de vista dos gestores. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo-qualitativo, com 163 gestores municipais de saúde da Bahia, que responderam a um questionário virtual, de junho a outubro de 2020. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados quantitativos utilizando o Statistical Package for the Social Science, e Análise Temática das respostas subjetivas, com auxílio do IRaMuTeQ. Um escopo de atuação das equipes de saúde bucal, que atuam em todos os níveis de atenção à saúde, foi reconhecido como mais abrangente que o tradicional nesse período. A pandemia deu ênfase às fragilidades crônicas nas condições de trabalho dos cirurgiões-dentistas, técnicos e auxiliares de saúde bucal da rede pública, como a insuficiência de instrumentais odontológicos e de insumos, a precária manutenção dos equipamentos odontológicos, a fragilidade dos vínculos empregatícios e a estrutura física inadequada nas unidades de saúde, comprometendo a biossegurança. Assim, abre-se uma oportunidade para identificar e implementar mudanças necessárias não apenas no contexto de crise sanitária, mas também no período pós-pandemia. covid19 covid 19 covid-1 Tratase Trata se quantitativoqualitativo, quantitativoqualitativo quantitativo qualitativo, qualitativo quantitativo-qualitativo 16 Bahia virtual 2020 Science subjetivas IRaMuTeQ cirurgiõesdentistas, cirurgiõesdentistas cirurgiões dentistas, dentistas cirurgiões-dentistas insumos biossegurança Assim abrese abre sanitária póspandemia. póspandemia pós pandemia. pós-pandemia covid1 1 covid- 202 20 2

ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize the work of professionals from oral health teams in the public service, in the COVID-19 pandemic, from the point of view of managers. This is a cross-sectional, quantitative-qualitative study, with 163 municipal health managers in Bahia, who answered a virtual questionnaire, from June to October 2020. The descriptive analysis of the quantitative data was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science, and Thematic Analysis was applied to the subjective responses, using IRaMuTeQ. The scope of action of oral health teams, which operate at all levels of health care, was recognized as broader than the traditional in this period. The pandemic emphasized the chronic problems in the working conditions of dentists, technicians, and oral health assistants in the public service, such as the lack of dental instruments and supplies, the precarious maintenance of dental equipment, the fragility of employment relationships, and the inadequate physical structure in the health units, compromising biosecurity. Thus, there is an opportunity to identify and implement necessary changes not only in the context of a health crisis, but in the post-pandemic period. service COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 crosssectional, crosssectional cross sectional, sectional cross-sectional quantitativequalitative qualitative 16 Bahia questionnaire 2020 Science responses IRaMuTeQ care period dentists technicians supplies equipment relationships units biosecurity Thus crisis postpandemic post COVID1 1 COVID- 202 20 2

ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize the work of professionals from oral health teams in the public service, in the COVID-19 pandemic, from the point of view of managers. This is a cross-sectional, quantitative-qualitative study, with 163 municipal health managers in Bahia, who answered a virtual questionnaire, from June to October 2020. The descriptive analysis of the quantitative data was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science, and Thematic Analysis was applied to the subjective responses, using IRaMuTeQ. The scope of action of oral health teams, which operate at all levels of health care, was recognized as broader than the traditional in this period. The pandemic emphasized the chronic problems in the working conditions of dentists, technicians, and oral health assistants in the public service, such as the lack of dental instruments and supplies, the precarious maintenance of dental equipment, the fragility of employment relationships, and the inadequate physical structure in the health units, compromising biosecurity. Thus, there is an opportunity to identify and implement necessary changes not only in the context of a health crisis, but in the post-pandemic period.

RESUMO Este estudo objetivou caracterizar o trabalho dos profissionais das equipes de saúde bucal da rede pública na pandemia da covid-19 do ponto de vista dos gestores. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo-qualitativo, com 163 gestores municipais de saúde da Bahia, que responderam a um questionário virtual, de junho a outubro de 2020. Foi realizada análise descritiva dos dados quantitativos utilizando o Statistical Package for the Social Science, e Análise Temática das respostas subjetivas, com auxílio do IRaMuTeQ. Um escopo de atuação das equipes de saúde bucal, que atuam em todos os níveis de atenção à saúde, foi reconhecido como mais abrangente que o tradicional nesse período. A pandemia deu ênfase às fragilidades crônicas nas condições de trabalho dos cirurgiões-dentistas, técnicos e auxiliares de saúde bucal da rede pública, como a insuficiência de instrumentais odontológicos e de insumos, a precária manutenção dos equipamentos odontológicos, a fragilidade dos vínculos empregatícios e a estrutura física inadequada nas unidades de saúde, comprometendo a biossegurança. Assim, abre-se uma oportunidade para identificar e implementar mudanças necessárias não apenas no contexto de crise sanitária, mas também no período pós-pandemia.

BACKGROUND: Oral self-care health is integral to general health. However limited studies reflect physiotherapy students' dental practices such as frequency of toothbrushing, toothbrush replacement, use of oral rinses, dental flossing, use of Interdental aids or knowledge of dental plaque. STUDY OBJECTIVES: This study assessed knowledge, perceptions and oral self-care practices among physiotherapy students. METHOD: This descriptive cross-sectional survey recruited second-, third-, and fourth-year physiotherapy students at an identified training institution in South Africa by means of a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 137 students participated in the study with a response rate of 83%. Participants indicated that 58% (n=79) had good knowledge and 85% (n=117) reported oral self-care practices. Almost all participants (99%; n=136) used a brush with toothpaste; 76% (n=104) brushed twice daily; 53% (n=72) replaced their toothbrush every 3 months and 48% (n=66) rinsed their mouth after eating. More than two-thirds of the study sample (62%; n= 84) used an interdental aid and (37%; n=50) reported dental visits once a year with (74%; n=100) only when necessary. From these 96% (n=132) experienced barriers such as costs (54%; n=71) and inadequate time (42%; n = 55). The majority of participants (72%; n=98) supported oral self-care be included in the physiotherapy curriculum. CONCLUSION: Although there were inconsistencies in physiotherapy students' reported oral health-related knowledge, perceptions and self-care practices, the majority of participants supported the inclusion of dental health into the undergraduate physiotherapy curriculum. This will enhance interprofessional education and improve oral health outcomes for both students and patients.

BACKGROUND: Oral health care workers (OHCWs) are critical in providing holistic treatment and preventing the spread of HIV disease. They are uniquely placed to identify, diagnose, manage and treat HIV-related oral lesions. AIM: To determine oral health clinicians' knowledge and attitudes towards HIV-associated oral lesions. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted at Gauteng's primary health care (PHC) facilities. Data collection targeted the three categories of OHCWs - dentists, dental therapists and oral hygienists. RESULTS: The response rate was 67.5% (n=110), majority of the participants, 76.4% (n=84), were female. Nearly all participants, 91.8% (n=100), agreed that oral lesions are common in people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) and that early diagnosis of HIV/treatment increases PLHIV's life expectancy. More than three-quarters (80%) reported that they had no problem treating patients diagnosed with HIV Almost a third, 36.4% (n=40), listed necrotising periodontal conditions and oral candidiasis 34.5% (n=38) as the most common oral manifestations. Most respondents correctly identified oral candidiasis (92.7%), Kaposi sarcoma (84.5%) and necrotising ulcerative periodontal conditions (80.9%). CONCLUSION: Although OHCWs had sound knowledge of oral manifestations of HIV, training programmes must be prioritised for knowledge transfer. Dental facilities can be used as a health-promoting platform and a viable location for provider-initiated testing and counselling (PICT) and client-initiated counselling and testing (CICT), also known as voluntary counselling and testing (VCT). The use of HIV rapid testing kits is an option to be explored in the dental facility by OHCWs.

INTRODUCTION: Oral healthcare is an important aspect of the general healthcare of individuals residing in long-term care (LTC) facilities. However, it is often neglected in these settings and contributes to oral health disparities and oral diseases among residents. The World Health Organization promotes the reduction of health disparities and diseases through health promotion as an ethical obligation. The utilization of frameworks to promote oral health provides a structured approach to the design, implementation, and evaluation of oral health promotion programs. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study proposed a framework to guide the development, implementation, and review of an oral health promotion intervention, so as to ensure that a systematic and evidence-based approach is used for the delivery of oral health promotion activities. METHODS: The framework comprised three stages: needs analysis, implementation and review of an oral health intervention, which was guided by the Precede-Proceed model and Intervention mapping. The empirical aspect involved a 4-phased mixed method exploratory study, based on action research and the plan-act-observe-reflect cycle, which illustrated how the framework was operationalized. RESULTS: The oral health intervention indicated positive outcomes with regard to knowledge and attitudes among caregivers. CONCLUSION: The framework incorporated the key components that influenced oral health provision at LTC facilities.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anterior teeth have a predominant function in the stomatognatic system, essential for the aesthetics, phonation and mastication. Objective: To characterize adults with anterior guide of dysfunctional dental occlusion according to clinical and epidemiological variables. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study, was carried out from October, 2021 to April, 2022, in the 3 de Octubre Teaching Stomatological Clinic from Las Tunas. The universe was formed by 825 medical records that contained the diagnosis of patients with bruxism, traumatic occlusion and temporomandibular disorders who presented anterior guide of the dysfunctional dental occlusion. By means of the intentional non probabilistic sampling, a sample of 615 with entire dental formula or class III partial toothlessness of Kennedy and concluded stomatologic care or inactivation of the cavity and acute inflammatory processes was selected. Results: There was a prevalence of the female sex (54.8%) and the 40-49 age group (33.5%). Bruxism prevailed as clinical diagnosis (41.9%) with prevalence of the corresponding to sleep (39.1%), secondary (51.2%), probable (59.7%) and moderate (69.4%); among the most outstanding classifications was the dysfunctional stomatognatic system (84.4%). The predominant dental clinical manifestations were the wear facets (87.5%). Conclusions: The characterization of patients with anterior guide of the dysfunctional dental occlusion allows to establish an up-to-date panoramic of this health problem, for a better follow-up and treatment to these patients.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los dientes anteriores tienen una función predominante en el sistema estomatognático, esencial para la estética, la fonación y la masticación. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los adultos con guía anterior de la oclusión dentaria disfuncional según variables clínicas y epidemiológicas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, desde octubre de 2021 hasta abril de 2022, en la Clínica Estomatológica Docente 3 de Octubre de Las Tunas. El universo estuvo conformado por 825 historias clínicas que contenían el diagnóstico de pacientes con bruxismo, oclusión traumática y trastornos temporomandibulares, quienes presentaban disfunción de la guía anterior de la oclusión dentaria. Mediante el muestreo no probabilístico intencional, fue seleccionada una muestra de 615 con fórmula dentaria íntegra o desdentamiento parcial de clase III de Kennedy y atención estomatológica concluida o inactivación de los procesos de caries e inflamatorios agudos. Resultados: Primaron el sexo femenino (54,8 %) y las edades de 40-49 años (33,5 %). El bruxismo prevaleció como diagnóstico clínico (41,9 %) con predominio del correspondiente al sueño (39,1 %), el secundario (51,2 %), el probable (59,7 %) y el moderado (69,4 %); entre sus clasificaciones más relevantes se destacó el sistema estomatognático disfuncional (84,4 %). Las manifestaciones clínicas dentarias predominantes fueron las facetas de desgaste (87,5 %). Conclusiones: La caracterización de los pacientes con guía anterior de la oclusión dentaria disfuncional permite establecer una panorámica actualizada de esta problemática de salud para un mejor seguimiento y tratamiento a dichos pacientes.

RESUMEN Fundamento: el envejecimiento de la población es uno de los principales retos para la mayoría de los países. En el contexto de los servicios estomatológicos, este trae consigo el incremento de pacientes geriátricos necesitados de atención estomatológica. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de conocimientos sobre salud bucal en adultos mayores. pertenecientes al Consultorio Médico Familiar Número 3 del Policlínico Belkis Sotomayor. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, en el periodo marzo-agosto de 2023. El universo estuvo conformado por la población mayor de 60 años perteneciente al Consultorio Médico de Familia No. 3 (242 pacientes), del municipio de Ciego de Ávila, y la muestra quedó constituida por 120 pacientes, seleccionados mediante muestreo aleatorio simple. Se aplicó un cuestionario validado por cinco expertos en el área de estomatología. Se utilizaron como medidas números absolutos y porcentajes. Resultados: el 68,3 % de los adultos mayores presentó dificultades en las preguntas sobre la realización del autoexamen bucal. El 67,5 % de ellos respondió mal las preguntas sobre enfermedades periodontales, debido a que no consideraron las dolencias relacionadas con las encías como perjudiciales para la salud bucal. El 40,0 % de los participantes refirió que las prácticas de hábitos inadecuados, como el tabaquismo, provocan alteraciones en la cavidad bucal. Conclusiones: se pudo determinar que el nivel de conocimientos de estos adultos mayores fue regular, lo que demuestra que deben intensificarse las estrategias para incrementar la cultura sanitaria en este grupo.

ABSTRACT Foundation: population aging is one of the main challenges for most countries. In the context of dental services, this brings with it an increase in geriatric patients in need of dental care. Objective: determine the level of knowledge about oral health in older adults from the Family Medical Office Number 3 of the Belkis Sotomayor Polyclinic. Methods: a descriptive study was carried out from March to August 2023. The universe was made up of the population over 60 years of age belonging to the Family Medical Office No. 3 (242 patients), in the Ciego de Ávila municipality, and the sample was 120 patients, selected through simple random sampling. A questionnaire validated by five experts in the stomatology area was applied. Absolute numbers and percentages were used as measurements. Results: 68.3% of older adults presented difficulties in the questions about performing oral self-examination. 67.5% of them answered the questions about periodontal diseases incorrectly, because they did not consider ailments related to the gums as harmful to oral health. 40.0% of the participants reported that inappropriate habits, such as smoking, cause alterations in the oral cavity. Conclusions: it was determined that the level of knowledge of these older adults was regular, which shows that strategies must be intensified to increase the health culture in this group.