Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antioxidant solutions on fracture strength and bonding performance in non-vital and bleached (38% hydrogen peroxide) teeth. One hundred and eighty dentin specimens were obtained, 60 for each test: fracture strength, hybrid layer thickness, and bond strength. The groups (n=10) were randomly composed according to post-bleaching protocol: REST - restoration, without bleaching; BL - bleaching + restoration; SA - bleaching, 10% sodium ascorbate solution, and restoration; AT - bleaching, 10% α-tocopherol solution, and restoration; CRAN - bleaching, 5% cranberry solution, and restoration; CAP - bleaching, 0.0025% capsaicin solution, and restoration. Data were analyzed with ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, and Qui-Square tests (α=0.05). The highest fracture strength values were observed in REST (1508.96 ±148.15 N), without significant difference for the bleached groups (p>0.05), regardless of the antioxidant use. The hybrid layer thickness in the group that was not subjected to bleaching (REST) was significantly higher than in any other group. The bond strength in the bleached and antioxidants-treated groups (SA, AT, CRAN, CAP) has no differences with the bleached group without antioxidants (BL). Adhesive failures were predominant in the groups that did not receive the antioxidant application. In conclusion, the evaluated antioxidants did not show an effect on the fracture strength, hybrid layer thickness, or bond strength of dentin bleached after endodontic treatment. The application of 10% sodium ascorbate, 10% alpha-tocopherol, 5% cranberry, or 0.0025% capsaicin solutions is not an effective step and should not be considered for the restorative protocols after non-vital bleaching. nonvital non vital 38% 38 (38 peroxide teeth obtained 6 test n=10 n10 n 10 (n=10 postbleaching post protocol restoration solution αtocopherol α tocopherol 5 00025 0 0025 0.0025 ANOVA KruskalWallis, KruskalWallis Kruskal Wallis, Wallis Kruskal-Wallis Dunn QuiSquare Qui Square α=0.05. α005 α=0.05 . 05 (α=0.05) 1508.96 150896 1508 96 (1508.9 14815 148 15 ±148.1 N, N , N) p>0.05, p005 p p>0.05 (p>0.05) use (REST antioxidantstreated treated SA, (SA BL. (BL) conclusion treatment alphatocopherol, alphatocopherol alpha tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol 3 (3 n=1 n1 1 (n=1 0002 002 0.002 α00 α=0.0 (α=0.05 1508.9 15089 150 9 (1508. 1481 14 ±148. p00 p>0.0 (p>0.05 (BL ( n= (n= 000 00 0.00 α0 α=0. (α=0.0 1508. (1508 ±148 p0 p>0. (p>0.0 (n 0.0 α=0 (α=0. (150 ±14 p>0 (p>0. 0. α= (α=0 (15 ±1 p> (p>0 (α= (1 ± (p> (α (p

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de soluções antioxidantes na resistência à fratura e resistência de união em dentes tratados endodonticamente e clareados (38% de peróxido de hidrogênio). Cento e oitenta espécimes de dentina foram obtidos, 60 para cada teste: resistência à fratura, espessura da camada híbrida e resistência de união. Os grupos (n=10) foram compostos aleatoriamente de acordo com o protocolo pós-clareamento: REST - restauração, sem clareamento; BL - clareamento + restauração; SA - clareamento, solução de ascorbato de sódio a 10% e restauração; AT - clareamento, solução de α-tocoferol a 10% e restauração; CRAN - clareamento, solução de cranberry a 5% e restauração; CAP - clareamento, solução de capsaicina 0,0025% e restauração. Os dados foram analisados com os testes ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn e Qui-Quadrado (α=0,05). Os maiores valores de resistência à fratura foram observados em REST (1508,96 ±148,15 N), sem diferença significativa para os grupos clareados (p>0,05), independente do uso de antioxidantes. A espessura da camada híbrida no grupo que não foi submetido ao clareamento (REST) foi significativamente maior do que em qualquer outro grupo. A resistência de união nos grupos clareado e tratado com antioxidantes (SA, AT, CRAN, CAP) não apresentou diferenças com o grupo branqueado sem antioxidantes (BL). As falhas adesivas foram predominantes nos grupos que não receberam a aplicação do antioxidante. Em conclusão, os antioxidantes avaliados não mostraram efeito sobre a resistência à fratura, espessura da camada híbrida ou resistência de união à dentina clareada após tratamento endodôntico. A aplicação de soluções de ascorbato de sódio 10%, alfa-tocoferol 10%, cranberry 5% ou capsaicina 0,0025% não é uma etapa eficaz e não deve ser considerada para os protocolos restauradores após clareamento não vital. 38% 38 (38 hidrogênio. hidrogênio . hidrogênio) obtidos 6 teste n=10 n10 n 10 (n=10 pósclareamento pós pós-clareamento restauração αtocoferol α tocoferol 5 00025 0 0025 0,0025 ANOVA KruskalWallis, KruskalWallis Kruskal Wallis, Wallis Kruskal-Wallis QuiQuadrado Qui Quadrado α=0,05. α005 α=0,05 05 (α=0,05) 1508,96 150896 1508 96 (1508,9 14815 148 15 ±148,1 N, N , N) p>0,05, p005 p p>0,05 (p>0,05) (REST SA, (SA BL. (BL) antioxidante conclusão endodôntico alfatocoferol alfa vital 3 (3 n=1 n1 1 (n=1 0002 002 0,002 α00 α=0,0 (α=0,05 1508,9 15089 150 9 (1508, 1481 14 ±148, p00 p>0,0 (p>0,05 (BL ( n= (n= 000 00 0,00 α0 α=0, (α=0,0 1508, (1508 ±148 p0 p>0, (p>0,0 (n 0,0 α=0 (α=0, (150 ±14 p>0 (p>0, 0, α= (α=0 (15 ±1 p> (p>0 (α= (1 ± (p> (α (p

ABSTRACT: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of finishing protocols and oral hygiene procedures on the surface and mechanical properties of CAD/CAM ceramics. Specimens (n = 96, (15x10x2mm) of the leucite glass-ceramic (LGC) and feldspathic ceramic (FP) received mechanical polishing or glazing. Surface roughness (Ra) and microhardness (VHN) were obtained with a profilometer and a hardness tester, respectively, before and after each oral hygiene procedure (TB: toothbrushing; PB: prophylaxis with paste and rubber cup; and BJ: prophylaxis with bicarbonate jet). ANOVA, paired t and Tukey’s tests were applied (a=0.05). For both materials, only BJ affected Ra's values when mechanical polishing was performed. Moreover, no significant variations in VHN were observed only for LGC glazed with TB. Significant Ra and VHN changes in both materials were observed with BJ. Besides, BJ exhibited similar effects to TB on VHN, regardless of the material and finishing protocol used. Changes in mechanical and surface properties varied with the finishing protocol and the oral hygiene method. In general, prophylaxis with bicarbonate jet was the most harmful method for both materials and the type of finishing protocol did not have a protective effect against changes produced by oral hygiene methods.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio in vitro fue evaluar los efectos de los protocolos de acabado y los procedimientos de higiene oral sobre la superficie y las propiedades mecánicas de las cerámicas CAD/CAM. Los especímenes (n = 96, (15x10x2mm) de vitrocerámica de leucita (LGC) y cerámica feldespática (FP) recibieron pulido mecánico o glaseado. La rugosidad de la superficie (Ra) y la microdureza (VHN) se obtuvieron con un perfilómetro y un probador de dureza, respectivamente, antes y después de cada procedimiento de higiene oral (TB: cepillado dental; PB: profilaxis con pasta y vaso de hule; y BJ: profilaxis con chorro de bicarbonato). Se aplicaron ANOVA, t pareada y prueba de Tukey (a=0.05). Para ambos materiales, solo BJ afectó los valores de Ra cuando se realizó el pulido mecánico. Además, no se observaron variaciones significativas en VHN solo para LGC vidriado con TB. Se observaron cambios significativos de Ra y VHN en ambos materiales con BJ. Además, BJ exhibió efectos similares a TB en VHN, independientemente del material y protocolo de acabado utilizado Los cambios en las propiedades mecánicas y superficiales variaron con el protocolo de acabado y el método de higiene oral. En general, la profilaxis con chorro de bicarbonato fue el método más perjudicial, tanto los materiales como el tipo de protocolo de acabado no tuvieron un efecto protector frente a los cambios producidos por los métodos de higiene oral.

Resumo Este estudo in vitro avaliou o efeito anti-erosivo de um verniz experimental contendo 5% de cloreto estanoso (SnCl₂) associado a diferentes concentrações de NaF (sem NaF, 2,5% NaF ou 5,2% NaF) sobre esmalte e dentina radicular bovinos. Cem amostras foram pré-erodidas (ácido cítrico 0,3%, pH 2,6, 10 min) e randomizadas em cinco grupos (n=10 para cada substrato): Controle negativo - água milli-Q; Sem NaF - Verniz experimental sem SnCl2 e sem NaF; 2,5 NaF - Verniz experimental 5% SnCl2 associado a 2,5% NaF; 5,2 NaF: Verniz experimental 5% SnCl2 associado a 5,2% NaF e controle positivo - Verniz comercial contendo 5% NaF (Duraphat). Após a aplicação dos vernizes, os desafios erosivos e abrasivos foram realizados por cinco dias. A perda de estrutura dentária (PED) foi determinada por perfilometria óptica e a perda de cálcio (ΔCa2+) por espectroscopia de absorção atômica. A análise da dentina também foi realizada por MEV. Um teste ANOVA/Bonferroni de uma via foi realizado para analisar os dados (α=0,05). Os grupos experimentais 2,5 NaF e 5,2 NaF apresentaram maior eficácia na prevenção de PED quando comparados aos demais grupos (p<0,05), independentemente do substrato. Além disso, esses grupos apresentaram menor perda no teor de Ca2+ quando comparados aos demais grupos (p<0,05), para esmalte e dentina. A dentina apresentou maior PED e de ΔCa2+ quando comparada ao esmalte em todos os tratamentos (p<0,05). Os vernizes experimentais contendo NaF 5,2% e 2,5% apresentaram resultados promissores tanto na prevenção de PED quanto na perda de Ca2+, independente do substrato estudado.

Abstract This in vitro study evaluated the anti-erosive effect of an experimental varnish containing 5% stannous chloride (SnCl₂) associated with different concentrations of NaF (NaF-free, 2.5% NaF, or 5.2% NaF) on bovine enamel and root dentin. One hundred samples were pre-eroded (0.3% citric acid, pH 2.6, 10 min) and randomized into five groups (n=10 for each substrate): Negative control - milli-Q water; NaF-free - Experimental varnish SnCl₂-free and NaF-free; 2.5 NaF - Experimental varnish 5% SnCl₂ associated with 2.5% NaF; 5.2 NaF: Experimental varnish 5% SnCl₂ associated with 5.2% NaF and positive control - Commercial varnish containing 5% NaF (Duraphat). After the varnishes were applied, the erosive and abrasive challenges were carried out for five days. Loss of tooth structure (TSL) was determined by optical profilometry, and the loss of calcium (ΔCa2+) using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Dentin analysis was also performed by SEM. A one-way ANOVA/Bonferroni test was performed to analyze the data (α=0.05). The experimental 2.5 NaF and 5.2 NaF groups showed greater effectiveness in preventing TSL when compared to the other groups (p <0.05), regardless of the substrate. In addition, these groups showed lower loss in Ca2+ content when compared to the other groups (p <0.05), for enamel and dentin. Dentin showed greater TSL and ΔCa2+ loss when compared to enamel in all treatments (p <0.05). The 5.2% and 2.5% NaF-containing experimental varnishes showed promising results in both, the prevention of TSL and the loss of Ca2+, regardless of the substrate studied.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this in vitro study was to assess the effects of two antioxidants (sodium ascorbate [SA] and alpha-tocopherol [AT]) on the adhesive interface and dentin bond strength immediately after bleaching with 38 % hydrogen peroxide (38HP) in endodontically-treated teeth. Two stages of experimentation were carried out. Bovine incisors were allocated into four groups (n = 10/group for each experiment): NB, non-bleached restored crowns; 38HP, bleached and immediately restored crowns; 38HP-SA, bleached crowns and SA use; and 38HP-AT, bleached crowns and AT use. Hybrid layer length in dentin (μm) and bond strength (MPa) were assessed with confocal microscopy laser and micro-shear bond strength (μSBS) test, respectively. Failure mode was determined by stereomicroscope. Data analysis was performed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, Tukey, and Fisher-exact tests (a = 0.05). Higher values of hybrid layer length were observed similarly in the NB and 38HP-SA groups. The highest μSBS mean values were observed in the NB group (18 .51 ? 1.33), whereas the SBS values for 38HP-AT (1.68 ? 0.32) were similar to the 38HP group (1.61 ? 0.51) (p > 0.05) and significantly lower than the 38HP-SA group (5.78 ? 0.71). Adhesive failures were predominant in the 38HP and 38HP-AT groups. Cohesive and mixed failures were mostly observed in the NB and 38HP-SA groups, respectively. In conclusion, AT has no immediate effect on the hybrid layer formation and μSBS of dentin. Although SA promotes an increase in hybrid layer formation, it was not reflected in the μSBS values.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio in vitro fue evaluar los efectos de dos antioxidantes (ascorbato de sodio [AS] y alfa-tocoferol [AT]) sobre la interfaz adhesiva y la fuerza de unión de la dentina inmediatamente después del blanqueamiento con peróxido de hidrógeno al 38 % (38HP) en endodoncia. -Dientes tratados. Se llevaron a cabo dos etapas de experimentación. Los incisivos bovinos se dividieron en cuatro grupos (n = 10 / grupo para cada experimento): NB, coronas restauradas no blanqueadas; 38HP, coronas blanqueadas y restauradas inmediatamente; 38HP- AS, coronas blanqueadas y uso SA; y 38HP-AT, coronas blanqueadas y uso de AT. La longitud de la capa híbrida en dentina (μm) y la fuerza de unión (MPa) se evaluaron con láser de microscopía confocal y la prueba de fuerza de unión por micro-cizallamiento (μSBS), respectivamente. El modo de falla se determinó mediante estereomicroscopio. El análisis de los datos se realizó con análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, Tukey y Fisher (α = 0,05). De manera similar, se observaron valores más altos de longitud de capa híbrida en los grupos NB y 38HP-AS. Los valores medios más altos de μSBS se observaron en el grupo NB (18,51 ? 1,33), mientras que los valores de SBS para 38HP-AT (1,68 ? 0,32) fueron similares a los del grupo 38HP (1,61 ? 0,51) (p> 0,05) y significativamente más bajos que el grupo 38HP-AS (5,78 ? 0,71). Las fallas adhesivas fueron predominantes en los grupos de 38HP y 38HP-AT. Las fallas cohesivas y mixtas se observaron principalmente en los grupos NB y 38HP-AS, respectivamente. En conclusión, la AT no tiene un efecto inmediato sobre la formación de la capa híbrida y el μSBS de dentina. Aunque AS promueve un aumento en la formación de capas híbridas, no se refleja en los valores de μSBS.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationship between factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) in dentists. Factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated using a questionnaire and scores of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales-21 were measured. The differences between the DAS scores based on the factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic were tested through the successive application of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA, α = 0.05). After a sample size calculation, 998 participants with a mean age of 39.39 (± 11.69) years were included. The effect size indicated that changes in sleep quality (η2 = 0.161), eating habits (η2 = 0.057), and physical health (η2 = 0.051) were the ones that most negatively affected DAS scores. The highest DAS scores were observed in professionals who lived with someone at high-risk for COVID-19 (p < 0.001) and in those who did not engage in leisure activities during the pandemic (p < 0.001). Dentists who worked on the frontline against COVID-19 had higher scores of anxiety and stress (p = 0.029). The highest scores for anxiety, depression, and/or stress were seen in dentists living with someone at high-risk for COVID-19, who acts on the frontline, who does not practice in leisure activities during the pandemic, who completely changed eating habits, quality of sleep and physical health during the pandemic. In general, DAS levels of dentists were associated with factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of homeless persons. A cross-sectional study was conducted, with participants (n = 176) attending a Specialized Reference Center for the Homeless Population in Teresina, Brazil. Dental caries (DMFT index, WHO criteria), periodontal disease (CPI index), and the consequences of untreated caries (PUFA index) were measured by a single calibrated examiner (Kappa ≥0.83). Sociodemographic, oral health, and OHRQoL (OHIP-14) data were obtained through interviews. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and Poisson regression, with a significance level of 5%. Most of the participants were male (86.4%) and from the age group of 30 to 43 years (52.2%). Mean DMFT was 11 (SD ± 6.9) and mean total PUFA score was 1.2 (SD ± 2.2). Most of the participants (88.6%) had dental calculus and 8.5% and 1.7% of the sample had gingival bleeding and periodontal pocket > 3.5mm, respectively. The highest prevalence of negative impact in the OHRQoL was associated with females (1.4 (95%CI 1.1–1.7)), low educational level (2.0 (95%CI 1.3–3.0)), caries (1.6 (95%CI 1.1–2.6)), fistulas (1.9 (95%CI 1.3–3.1)), gingival bleeding (1.7 (95%CI 1.1– 2.7)), dental calculus (1.8 (95% CI 1.3–2.5)), periodontal pockets > 3 mm (1.5 (95%CI 1.1–2.0)), and need for extraction (2.3 (95%CI 1.1–5.0)). In conclusion, the negative impact on the OHRQoL of homeless persons was associated with low educational level, presence of decayed teeth, gingival bleeding, and dental calculus.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the dental caries experience and its associated factors in homeless persons. A non-probabilistic sample of 176 participants (mean age 37.8 years) was included in this cross-sectional study. Interviews and clinical examinations were performed. Dental caries experience was recorded based on the decayed, missing and filled teeth-index (DMFT). The dental caries experience was observed among 98.9 % of participants (mean DMFT 11.0 ± 6.95). Individuals in the “Over 44 years” age groups (PR = 1.4; 95 % CI = 1.1-1.6) and “30 to 36 years” (PR = 1.2; 95 % CI = 1.0 -1.4) had significantly higher caries experience. Individuals who do not brush or brush only 1x/day have 40 % and 20 % higher caries experience, respectively. Homeless persons had a high experience of dental caries, with significant tooth loss. Individuals in the advanced age groups, lack of income and non-achievement or low frequency of tooth brushing are factors associated with a greater experience of the disease in these individuals.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la experiencia de caries dental y sus factores asociados en personas sin hogar. En este estudio transversal se incluyó una muestra no probabilística de 176 participantes (edad media 37,8 años). Se realizaron entrevistas y exámenes clínicos. La experiencia de caries dental se registró en fun- ción del índice de dientes cariados, perdidos y obturados (DMFT). Se observó una experiencia positiva de caries dental entre el 98,9 % de los participantes (DMFT promedio 11,0 ± 6,95). Las personas en los grupos de edad “Ma- yores de 44 años” (PR = 1,4; IC del 95 % = 1,1-1,6) y “30 a 36 años” (PR = 1,2; IC del 95 % = 1,0 -1,4) tuvieron una experiencia de caries significativamente mayor. Las perso- nas que no se cepillan, o se cepillan solamente 1x / día tienen una tasa mayor de caries, de 40 % y 20 % más, respectivamente. En las personas en situación de calle se observó una alta tasa de caries dental, con una pérdida dentaria significativa. Los factores asociados a una mayor tasa de la enfermedad, fueron personas de edad avanzada, la falta de ingreso, no lograr el cepillado, o tener una menor frecuencia de cepillado.

ABSTRACT: The objective of the study was to evaluate marginal adaptation of Class II mesial-occlusal-distal (MOD) restorations before and after thermo-mechanical loading and volumetric shrinkage of the bulk-fill vs conventional composite resin. For marginal adaptation assessment, 24 Class II MOD cavities with cervical margins extending 1.0 mm below (distal) and 1.0 mm beyond (mesial) the cement-enamel junction were prepared in extracted human molars. The teeth were filled as follows: Group A - bulk-fill with SureFil SDR flow (first increment, 4 mm; second increment, 2 mm); Group B - bulk-fill with SureFil SDR flow as a base (first increment, 4 mm) and covered with the conventional nanohybrid composite Esthet-X HD (second increment, 2 mm); and Group C - incrementally filled with Esthet-X HD. Marginal adaptation was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy before and after thermomechanical loading (240,000 loading cycles and simultaneous 600 thermal cycles). To evaluate volumetric polymerization shrinkage, a semi-spherical mold was filled with the tested composites and placed in an AccuVol device after light curing. Both before and after loading, marginal adaptation in cervical dentin was superior (p < 0.05) for Groups A and B compared with Group C. In cervical enamel, Group B showed better marginal adaptation than Group C, and Group A presented intermediary results, between Groups B and C. Furthermore, bulk-fill flow resulted in greater shrinkage than Esthet-X HD. A significant improvement of marginal adaptation was observed when bulkfill flow was used instead of conventional composite resin both before and after thermomechanical loading. However, the bulk-fill flow presented higher volumetric polymerization shrinkage than the conventional composite.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en evaluar la adaptación marginal de las restauraciones mesiales-oclusales-distales (MOD) de Clase II antes y después de la carga termo-mecánica y la contracción volumétrica de la carga compuesta de resina “bulk-fill” en comparación con resina convencional. Para la evaluación de adaptación, se prepararon 24 cavidades MOD de Clase II en molares humanos extraídos, los que se restauraron de la siguiente manera: Grupo A: restaurado con resina fluida Bulk-Fill SureFilSDR (primer incremento, 4 mm; segundo incremento, 2 mm); Grupo B: restaurado con resina fluida Bulk-Fill SureFil SDR (primer incremento, 4 mm) y cubierto con resina compuesta nanohíbrida Esthet-X HD (segundo incremento, 2 mm); y Grupo C - rellenado incrementalmente con Esthet-X HD. La adaptación marginal se evaluó mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido antes y después de la carga termomecánica (240.000 ciclos de carga y 600 ciclos térmicos simultáneos). Para evaluar la contracción volumétrica de la polimerización, se llenó un molde semiesférico con los compuestos probados y se colocó en un dispositivo AccuVol después del fotopolimerización. Tanto antes como después de la carga, la adaptación marginal en la dentina cervical fue superior (p <0,05) para los grupos A y B en comparación con el grupo C. En el esmalte cervical, el grupo B mostró una mejor adaptación marginal que el grupo C, y el grupo A presentó resultados intermedios, entre Grupos B y C. Se observó una mejora significativa de la adaptación marginal al utilizar la resina fluida Bulk-Fill en lugar de resina compuesta convencional tanto antes como después de la carga termomecánica. Sin embargo, la resina fluida ‘Bulk-Fill’ presentó una mayor contracción volumétrica de polimerización que el compuesto convencional.

Abstract Objective: To measure the heart rate (HR) and the behavior of children and teenagers with Down Syndrome (DS) during the dental appointment. Material and Methods: Two groups (n = 52), of both genders, aged 2-14 years, matched by age group were formed: study group (SG) - individuals with DS and control group (CG) - normotypical school children. The participants were submitted to clinical examination and prophylaxis. An oximeter was used to measure the HR at five moments of the dental consultation: before entering the practice room (T0), when sitting in the dental chair (T1), during the clinical examination (T2), during prophylaxis (T3) and immediately after prophylaxis (T4). Behavior, classified according to the Frankl Scale, was observed at T3. Mann Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn and Pearson's Chi-square tests were used to analyze and compare variables (significance level at 5%). Results: In SG, a significant difference in HR was observed according to the moment of dental appointment (p<0.001 SG; 0.3385 CG). The highest HR value in SG was observed at T3 (median 110.00; IIQ 96.00-124.00), the only moment significantly different (p<0.001) from HR values for CG. A difference in behavior between groups (p<0.001) was also observed. Conclusion: HR of individuals with DS varied throughout the dental appointment, and they also had a higher prevalence of uncooperative behavior.

Abstract Poor oral hygiene seems to be the norm in children and teenagers with Down Syndrome (DS). Advances in design and types of toothbrushes may improve biofilm control. This randomized, single-blind, crossover clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of electric toothbrushes regarding mechanical control of biofilm in children and teenagers with DS and their cooperation. Twenty-nine participants with DS, aged 6 to 14 years, used both types of toothbrushes: electric (ET) and manual (MT). The order of use of the different types of toothbrushes was randomly defined, including a 7-day period with each type with 7-day washout period in between. The Turesky-Quigley-Hein biofilm index was used before and after brushing to assess the effectiveness of the technique. Frankl’s behavioral scale was used during toothbrushing to assess the participants’ cooperation. Paired T-test, Mann Whitney, Chi-square, and Fisher’s Exact tests were applied, with a significance level of 5%. The quantity of dental biofilm was significantly reduced after both brushing techniques (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in total biofilm (ET: 0.73 ± 0.36; MT: 0.73 ± 0.34; p = 0.985) or % biofilm reduction (ET: 72.22%; MT: 70.96%; p = 0.762) after brushing between techniques or in % biofilm reduction between toothbrushes of age groups (6 –9 years, p = 0.919; 10–14 years, p = 0.671). Participants showed similar cooperation level with the two types of toothbrush (p = 1.000). The use of electric or manual toothbrush had no effect on the quantity of dental biofilm removed in children and teenagers with DS, nor did it influence their cooperation during the procedure.