Abstract There is scarcity of information on the determinants of periodontitis in Latin America and Caribbean countries. We conducted a comprehensive review of studies examining the association of smoking and diabetes with periodontitis outcomes in this region. We searched for population-based, cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies from Latin America and the Caribbean region that reported on the association between smoking or diabetes and periodontitis. Databases were searched up to October 2023 by two reviewers. Subsequently, two authors independently conducted a rigorous data extraction process, focusing on study characteristics, the definition of exposures, and periodontitis outcomes, including measures of association and main findings. The results revealed a significant association between smoking and periodontitis, with a stronger effect observed in heavy smokers. Conversely, while some studies observed a higher prevalence of periodontitis among diabetic individuals, the association between diabetes and periodontitis was not significant after adjusting for confounding factors. These findings underscore a significant research gap in population-based studies on the effect of smoking and diabetes on periodontitis within Latin American and Caribbean countries, particularly when it comes to cohort studies. Addressing these gaps is crucial for a deeper understanding of these associations, which could lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies in the region. countries populationbased, populationbased population based, based crosssectional cross sectional 202 reviewers Subsequently process characteristics exposures smokers Conversely individuals factors associations 20 2

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of two commercially available and one experimental periodontal dressing materials. The cytotoxicity of Periobond ® , Barricaid ® and one experimental periodontal dressing based on Exothane ® 8 monomer was tested on 3T3/NIH mouse fibroblast. Genotoxicity was assessed by micronuclei formation, and cell alterations were analyzed using light microscopy. Both biological assays were performed using the eluate obtained from specimens after 24, 72, or 168 hours of incubation. Mechanical characterization was assessed through the ultimate tensile strength and the water sorption and solubility tests. The significance level of α = 0.05 was used for all statistical analyses. All the materials promoted a cell viability lower than 60% in all evaluated times. In general, the cell viability was significantly reduced after 72 and 168h of specimens’ incubation. Considering the factor material, there were not statistical differences in the cell viability (p = 0.156). The genotoxicity was not statistically significant among the groups in the different periods of time (p > 0.05). Differences in the ultimate tensile strength values were not statistically significant different among the groups (p = 0.125). Periobond ® showed the higher water sorption values (p < 0.001). Regarding solubility, there were no statistical differences between the groups (p = 0.098). All the periodontal dressing materials evaluated in this study exerted a cytotoxic effect against mouse fibroblasts, and their toxicity became more evident over time. Among the materials evaluated, the experimental light-cure type has shown overall similar properties to the commercial references.