Resumo A extração de dentes para obtenção de espaço nos arcos dentários é uma estratégia rotineiramente utilizada em Ortodontia, porém a movimentação de dentes para os locais de extrações pode estar associada à falhas na estabilidade dos dentes e abertura do ponto de contato, gerando prejuízo aos tecidos periodontais. Objetivo: Avaliar a condição periodontal de caninos e segundos pré-molares superiores com e sem ponto de contato entre si de indivíduos submetidos ao tratamento ortodôntico associado à extração dos primeiros pré-molares superiores. Foram selecionados caninos, primeiros e segundos pré-molares superiores de indivíduos submetidos ao tratamento ortodôntico sem extração (30 hemiarcos - grupo controle) ou com extração dos primeiros pré-molares superiores cujos caninos e os segundos pré-molares apresentavam contato interproximal (16 hemiarcos - grupo 1) ou diastema (17 hemiarcos - grupo 2). Nas superfícies distal dos caninos e mesial dos pré-molares foram avaliados parâmetros clínicos e radiográficos para determinar o efeito da movimentação dos dentes para o local de extração e da ausência de ponto de contato interproximal nos tecidos periodontais. Os grupos não apresentaram diferença significativa para a idade e o tempo de pós-tratamento. O grupo 1 apresentou valores mais desfavoráveis em relação ao grupo controle para o índice de placa em caninos e pré-molares e para a profundidade de sondagem em caninos (distal e média) e em pré-molares (lingual e média), além de uma tendência de maior perda de inserção clínica (lingual e média) nos pré-molares. O índice de placa nos caninos do grupo 1 também foi significativamente maior do que no grupo 2. Os grupos 2 e controle não apresentaram diferença significativa. A ausência de ponto de contato entre os caninos e os segundos pré-molares superiores não afetou significativamente a situação periodontal desses dentes.

Abstract The aim of study was to evaluate periodontal conditions of upper canines and second premolars with and without proximal contact of individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment associated to extractions of the upper first premolars. The study selected upper canines and premolars of individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment without extractions (30 hemiarches - control group), or with extraction of the upper first premolars and whose canines and second premolars had interproximal contact (16 hemiarches - group 1) or diastema (17 hemiarches - group 2). Clinical (plaque index, probing depth, gingival bleeding index, height of the gingival margin, clinical attachment loss and gingival clefts) and radiographic (crest height, bone height and bone-crest discrepancy) parameters of the distal surfaces of canines and mesial surfaces of premolars were evaluated. Group 1 had worse results when compared to the control group for the levels of plaque in canines and premolars and for probing depth in canines (distal and mean) and in premolars (lingual and mean), as well as increasing tendency of clinical attachment loss (lingual and mean) in premolars. Plaque level in canines in group 1 was also significantly higher than in group 2. There was no difference between group 2 and the control group. The lack of proximal contact between canines and second premolars did not significantly affect their periodontal characteristics.

Resumo Introdução Pelo uso de próteses dentárias completas ou parciais, função, estética e fonética são reestabelecidas. Poucos estudos de base população estão disponíveis na literatura utilizando a população idosa. Objetivo Avaliar o uso e a necessidade de prótese dentária, bem como seus fatores associados. Método Esse estudo incluiu uma amostra randômica de 287 idosos da cidade de Cruz Alta, no Brasil. Uso e necessidade de prótese dentária foram os desfechos primários, e dois modelos analíticos foram construídos. No uso de prótese dentária, análises de subgrupos foram realizadas para Prótese Parcial Fixa (PPF) e Prótese Removível (parcial e/ou completa) (PR). Resultados Uso e necessidade de prótese dentária foram detectados em 83,6% (n=240) e 42,5% (n=122) dos idosos, respectivamente. Mulheres apresentaram significativa maior Razão de Prevalência (RP) para o uso de prótese dentária (RP:1,15; IC95%:1,02–1,28) e menor necessidade (RP:0,70; IC95%:0,54–0,91). Nenhuma associação significativa foi encontrada para o uso de PPF em relação aos gêneros. Alto nível educacional esteve associado ao menor uso de prótese (RP:0,73; IC95%:0,58–0,91), quando comparado com escolaridade baixa. Escolaridade média mostrou significativa menor necessidade de prótese dentária (RP:0,61 – IC95%:0,39–0,94). Aqueles que não utilizam álcool apresentaram um menor uso de PPF e PR (RP:0,46; IC95%:0,23–0,93 e 0,90;0,81–0,99, respectivamente). Conclusão Uso e necessidade de prótese dentária estão associados ao gênero, nível educacional e fatores comportamentais.

Abstract Background By the use of complete or partial dental prosthesis, function, esthetics, and phonetics are reestablished. Few population-based studies are available in the literature using an older adult population. Objective Evaluate the use of and need for dental prostheses and their associated factors. Method This study included a random sample of 287 elderly, in the city of Cruz Alta, Brazil. Use of and need for dental prostheses were the main outcomes, and two analytical models were constructed. Subgroup analyses were performed for individuals using fixed partial denture (FPD) and removable (partial and/or complete) dental prosthesis (RDP). Results Use of and need for dental prosthesis were identified in 83.6% (n=240) and 42.5% (n=122) of the elderly, respectively. Women presented a significantly higher prevalence ratio (PR) for use of dental prostheses (PR=1.15; 95%IC:1.02–1.28) and lower need (PR=0.70; 95%IC:0.54–0.91). No statistically significant difference was demonstrated for the use of FPD regarding the sex. Higher education level was associated with lower use of prostheses (PR=0.73; 95%IC:0.58–0.91) when compared to lower level of education. Medium level of education showed a significantly lower need for dental prostheses (PR=0.61 – 95%IC:0.39–0.94). Those that did not consume alcohol presented with a significantly lower use of FPD and RDP (PR=0.46; 95%IC:0.23–0.93 and 0.90;0.81–0.99, respectively). Conclusion The use of and need for dental prostheses were associated with sex, level of education, and behavioral factors.

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship of OM with possible risk factors such as oral health condition, immunological status and IL-1β profile in patients submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Fifty-four individuals submitted to HSCT were included. All patients received previous dental treatment and photobiomodulation (PBM) as the institutional OM preventive protocol. OM scores, immune status, and IL-1β levels were determined during the conditioning period and at D+3 and D+8 after HSC infusion. IL-1β gene polymorphism was also analyzed during conditioning. Possible associations of OM with risk factors were analyzed using conditional Fisher's exact test. OM was observed in 34 patients (62.9%) classified as Grade 1 (13 patients/24.1%), Grade 2 (14 patients/25.9%), Grade 3 (3 patients/5.5%), and Grade 4 (4 patients/7.4%). Allogeneic HSCT individuals exhibited a higher OM grade than autologous subjects. Moreover, an association was observed between severe OM and severe gingivitis (p = 0.01), neutropenia (p = 0.03), and leukopenia (p = 0.04). A significant association between OM and lower IL-1β levels was detected at three time points, i.e., conditioning (p = 0.048), D+3 (p = 0.01), and D+8 (p = 0.005). The results showed that IL-1β gene polymorphism was not associated with OM. Our study provided important insights into the scope of OM risk factors in the setting of HSCT. Patients submitted to HSCT with severe gingivitis prior to chemotherapy and with severe neutropenia and leukopenia exhibited a higher OM grade. Further investigation will be necessary to better understand the exact role of IL-1β in the context of OM pathobiology and to validate cytokine analysis in larger cohorts.

Resumo Introdução Pelo uso de próteses dentárias completas ou parciais, função, estética e fonética são reestabelecidas. Poucos estudos de base população estão disponíveis na literatura utilizando a população idosa. Objetivo Avaliar o uso e a necessidade de prótese dentária, bem como seus fatores associados. Método Esse estudo incluiu uma amostra randômica de 287 idosos da cidade de Cruz Alta, no Brasil. Uso e necessidade de prótese dentária foram os desfechos primários, e dois modelos analíticos foram construídos. No uso de prótese dentária, análises de subgrupos foram realizadas para Prótese Parcial Fixa (PPF) e Prótese Removível (parcial e/ou completa) (PR). Resultados Uso e necessidade de prótese dentária foram detectados em 83,6% (n=240) e 42,5% (n=122) dos idosos, respectivamente. Mulheres apresentaram significativa maior Razão de Prevalência (RP) para o uso de prótese dentária (RP:1,15; IC95%:1,02–1,28) e menor necessidade (RP:0,70; IC95%:0,54–0,91). Nenhuma associação significativa foi encontrada para o uso de PPF em relação aos gêneros. Alto nível educacional esteve associado ao menor uso de prótese (RP:0,73; IC95%:0,58–0,91), quando comparado com escolaridade baixa. Escolaridade média mostrou significativa menor necessidade de prótese dentária (RP:0,61 – IC95%:0,39–0,94). Aqueles que não utilizam álcool apresentaram um menor uso de PPF e PR (RP:0,46; IC95%:0,23–0,93 e 0,90;0,81–0,99, respectivamente). Conclusão Uso e necessidade de prótese dentária estão associados ao gênero, nível educacional e fatores comportamentais.

Abstract Background By the use of complete or partial dental prosthesis, function, esthetics, and phonetics are reestablished. Few population-based studies are available in the literature using an older adult population. Objective Evaluate the use of and need for dental prostheses and their associated factors. Method This study included a random sample of 287 elderly, in the city of Cruz Alta, Brazil. Use of and need for dental prostheses were the main outcomes, and two analytical models were constructed. Subgroup analyses were performed for individuals using fixed partial denture (FPD) and removable (partial and/or complete) dental prosthesis (RDP). Results Use of and need for dental prosthesis were identified in 83.6% (n=240) and 42.5% (n=122) of the elderly, respectively. Women presented a significantly higher prevalence ratio (PR) for use of dental prostheses (PR=1.15; 95%IC:1.02–1.28) and lower need (PR=0.70; 95%IC:0.54–0.91). No statistically significant difference was demonstrated for the use of FPD regarding the sex. Higher education level was associated with lower use of prostheses (PR=0.73; 95%IC:0.58–0.91) when compared to lower level of education. Medium level of education showed a significantly lower need for dental prostheses (PR=0.61 – 95%IC:0.39–0.94). Those that did not consume alcohol presented with a significantly lower use of FPD and RDP (PR=0.46; 95%IC:0.23–0.93 and 0.90;0.81–0.99, respectively). Conclusion The use of and need for dental prostheses were associated with sex, level of education, and behavioral factors.

Resumo Esse estudo objetivou avaliar a prevalência de perda dentária e fatores associados em adolescentes institucionalizados. Esse estudo transversal incluiu 68 adolescentes do sexo masculino de um Centro de Atendimento Socioeducativo (CASE) com idades entre 15 e 19 anos. Questionários estruturados foram aplicados individualmente para acessar variáveis sociodemográficas, econômicas, médicas, comportamentais e autopercepção de saúde bucal. Todos os dentes presentes foram avaliados pelo Índice de dentes Cariados, Perdidos e Obturados (CPOD). A prevalência de perda dentária foi analisada em indivíduos com ≥1 dente perdido. Associações entre perda dentária e variáveis de exposição foram analisadas por regressão de Poisson com estimativa de variância robusta. A prevalência de perda dentária foi 47,06%. Primeiros molares na mandíbula e maxila e incisivos centrais na maxila foram os dentes mais ausentes. No modelo multivariado, número de dentes cariados esteve associado com perda dentária, e aqueles que faziam uso diário de medicações foram associados a maior perda dentária. Além disso, perda dentária foi associada com cárie dentária e uso diário de medicação. Promoção de saúde bucal e seu tratamento devem ser implementados nessas instituições para reduzir a prevalência de perda dentária nesses adolescentes.

Abstract This study aimed to assess the prevalence of tooth loss and associated factors in institutionalized adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 68 male adolescents incarcerated from Socio-Educational Assistance Center (CASE) aged between 15 and 19 years. Questionnaires were applied individually to assess sociodemographical, economical, medical, behavioral and oral health self-perception variables. All present teeth were evaluated by Decay, Missing, Filling (DMF) Index. The prevalence of tooth loss was analyzed in individuals with ≥1 tooth loss. Associations between tooth loss and exposure variables studied were analyzed by Poisson Regression with robust variance estimation. The prevalence of tooth loss was 47.06%. First molars in the mandible and maxilla and central incisor in the maxilla were the most absent teeth. In the multivariate model, number of decayed teeth, and those that reported daily use of medication were associated with higher tooth loss. Besides, tooth loss was associated with decayed tooth and daily use of medication. Oral health promotion and treatment should be implemented in these institutions to reduce the prevalence of dental loss in these adolescents.

Resumo Esse estudo objetivou avaliar a prevalência de perda dentária e fatores associados em adolescentes institucionalizados. Esse estudo transversal incluiu 68 adolescentes do sexo masculino de um Centro de Atendimento Socioeducativo (CASE) com idades entre 15 e 19 anos. Questionários estruturados foram aplicados individualmente para acessar variáveis sociodemográficas, econômicas, médicas, comportamentais e autopercepção de saúde bucal. Todos os dentes presentes foram avaliados pelo Índice de dentes Cariados, Perdidos e Obturados (CPOD). A prevalência de perda dentária foi analisada em indivíduos com ≥1 dente perdido. Associações entre perda dentária e variáveis de exposição foram analisadas por regressão de Poisson com estimativa de variância robusta. A prevalência de perda dentária foi 47,06%. Primeiros molares na mandíbula e maxila e incisivos centrais na maxila foram os dentes mais ausentes. No modelo multivariado, número de dentes cariados esteve associado com perda dentária, e aqueles que faziam uso diário de medicações foram associados a maior perda dentária. Além disso, perda dentária foi associada com cárie dentária e uso diário de medicação. Promoção de saúde bucal e seu tratamento devem ser implementados nessas instituições para reduzir a prevalência de perda dentária nesses adolescentes.

Abstract This study aimed to assess the prevalence of tooth loss and associated factors in institutionalized adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 68 male adolescents incarcerated from Socio-Educational Assistance Center (CASE) aged between 15 and 19 years. Questionnaires were applied individually to assess sociodemographical, economical, medical, behavioral and oral health self-perception variables. All present teeth were evaluated by Decay, Missing, Filling (DMF) Index. The prevalence of tooth loss was analyzed in individuals with ≥1 tooth loss. Associations between tooth loss and exposure variables studied were analyzed by Poisson Regression with robust variance estimation. The prevalence of tooth loss was 47.06%. First molars in the mandible and maxilla and central incisor in the maxilla were the most absent teeth. In the multivariate model, number of decayed teeth, and those that reported daily use of medication were associated with higher tooth loss. Besides, tooth loss was associated with decayed tooth and daily use of medication. Oral health promotion and treatment should be implemented in these institutions to reduce the prevalence of dental loss in these adolescents.

RESUMO O objetivo desse ensaio clínico, examinador-cego, randomizado e controle foi de comparadas a eficácia de duas escovas de cerdas macias em relagäo ao controle de placa. Setenta vo-luntários foram randomicamente alocados para Grupo A (es-cova com ponta cónica) ou Grupo B (escova com ponta arredondada). Na consulta inicial (dia 0), voluntarios receberam exame de placa utilizando o Índice de identificagäo de placa melhorado. Sob supervisäo, eles escovaram seus dentes por 1 minuto com as escovas designadas e o exame de placa foi repetido. Voluntarios continuaram seu regime de higiene oral (escova dental alocada e dentifrício comum fornecidos pelos pesquisadores) durante 7 dias. Os procedimentos da consulta inicial foram novamente repetidos. Análises estatísticas distintas foram realizadas para percentual de redugäo média de placa para os escores de boca toda, interproximal e linha gengi-val em ambos os momentos, utilizando teste de Mann-Whitney, p<0,05. Após único uso da escova, no dia 0, o percentual de redugäo média de placa foi significativamente reduzido em ambos os grupos (p<0,05), com reduções significativas para boca toda (21,39±12,44 vs. 11,40±11,17), linha gengival (6,32±7,37 vs. 2,89±4,57) e interproximal (10,82±10,49 vs. 5,21±7,68) no Grupo A quando comparada com o Grupo B. Entretanto, no dia 7, nenhuma diferenga significativa foi observada entre os grupos para boca toda (29,94±20,91 vs. 26,58±18,64), linha gengival (14,04±18,82 vs. 13,78±17,63) e interproximal (26,41±22,77 vs. 23,12±20,98) (p>0,05). Em conclusäo, no dia 0, a escova do Grupo A apresentou eficácia superior na remo-gäo de placa suprageng ival quando comparada com a escova do Grupo B, como demonstrado nos escores de placa de boca toda, linha gengival e interproximal.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present examiner-blind randomized controlled clinical study was to compare the efficacy two soft-bristle toothbrushes in terms of plaque removal. Seventy volunteers were randomly allocated to Group A (tapered-tip toothbrush) or Group B (end-rounded toothbrush). At baseline appointment (Day 0), volunteers underwent plaque examination using the Improved Plaque Identification Index. Under supervision, they brushed their teeth for 1 minute with their assigned toothbrushes and the plaque examination was repeated. Volunteers continued the oral hygiene regimen (assigned toothbrush and a regular dentifrice provided by the researchers) for 7 days. The experimental procedures of Day 0 were then repeated. Separate statistical analyses were performed for mean percent reduction of plaque in the whole-mouth, interproximal and gumline scores at both times, usingMann-Whitney test, p<0.05. After a single toothbrushing, on Day 0, mean percent plaque was significantly reduced in both groups (p<0.05), with statistically greater reductions of whole-mouth (21.39±12.44 vs. 11.40±11.17), gumline (6.32±7.37 vs. 2.89±4.57) and interproximal (10.82±10.49 vs. 5.21±7.68) for Group A as compared to Group B. However, on day 7, no significant difference was observed between groups for whole-mouth (29.94±20.91 vs. 26.58±18.64), gymline (14.04±18.82 vs. 13.78±17.63) and interproximal surfaces (26.41±22.77vs. 23.12±20.98) (p>0.05). In conclusion, on Day 0, Group A presented higher efficacy in supragingival plaque removal than Group B, as reflected by whole-mouth, gumline and interproximal plaque scores.

Resumo O estudo avaliou a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (QVRSB) e fatores associados em idosos. Estudo transversal foi realizado em 287 idosos de Cruz Alta, Brasil. As seguintes variáveis foram coletadas: idade, sexo, etnia, nível educacional, estado civil, aposentadoria, histórico médico/odontológico, exposição ao fumo/álcool, hábitos de higiene oral, uso e necessidade de prótese, dentes ausentes, sintomas de desordem temporomandibular (DTM), estado nutricional e halitose. QVRSB foi avaliada pelo OHIP-14 (Perfil de Impacto de Saúde Bucal) e categorizado em baixo impacto (soma dos escores ≤6) e alto impacto (soma dos escores ≥7). Associações foram avaliadas por regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. A média OHIP-14 foi 5,92±8.54. Indivíduos divorciados e aqueles que reportaram não usar fio dental apresentaram 77% e 54%, respectivamente, maior razão de prevalência (RP) de terem maior impacto na QVRSB. Idosos que não necessitam próteses dentárias demonstraram menor impacto na QVRSB (P<0,01). Além disso, idosos com DTM apresentaram maior RP de terem maiores escores de OHIP-14 (P<0,01). Foi concluído que maiores impactos na QVRSB estão associados com estado civil, não uso de fio dental e DTM. Não necessitar de prótese dentária esteve associado com menores impactos na QVRSB.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and associated factors in the elderly. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 287 elderly of Cruz Alta, Brazil. The following variables were collected: age, sex, ethnicity, level of education, marital status, retirement, medical/dental history, smoking/alcohol exposure, oral hygiene habits, use and need of dental prosthesis, missing teeth, temporomandibular disorder symptoms (TMD), nutritional status, and halitosis. OHRQoL was assessed by Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). The sample was categorized into low impact (sum scores ≤6) and high impact (sum scores ≥7). Associations were analyzed by Poisson regression with robust variation. Mean scores of OHIP-14 was 5.92±8.54. Divorced individuals and those who did not use dental floss presented 77% and 54%, respectively, higher prevalence ratio (PR) of having higher OHRQoL impact. Elderly that did not need dental prosthesis demonstrated a lower impact on OHRQoL (P<0.01). Elderly with TMD presented a higher PR of having higher OHRQoL impact (P<0.01). It was concluded that higher impact on OHRQoL was associated with marital status, non-users of dental floss and those with TMD. No need dental prosthesis were associated with lower impact on OHRQoL.

Resumo O estudo avaliou a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (QVRSB) e fatores associados em idosos. Estudo transversal foi realizado em 287 idosos de Cruz Alta, Brasil. As seguintes variáveis foram coletadas: idade, sexo, etnia, nível educacional, estado civil, aposentadoria, histórico médico/odontológico, exposição ao fumo/álcool, hábitos de higiene oral, uso e necessidade de prótese, dentes ausentes, sintomas de desordem temporomandibular (DTM), estado nutricional e halitose. QVRSB foi avaliada pelo OHIP-14 (Perfil de Impacto de Saúde Bucal) e categorizado em baixo impacto (soma dos escores ≤6) e alto impacto (soma dos escores ≥7). Associações foram avaliadas por regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. A média OHIP-14 foi 5,92±8.54. Indivíduos divorciados e aqueles que reportaram não usar fio dental apresentaram 77% e 54%, respectivamente, maior razão de prevalência (RP) de terem maior impacto na QVRSB. Idosos que não necessitam próteses dentárias demonstraram menor impacto na QVRSB (P<0,01). Além disso, idosos com DTM apresentaram maior RP de terem maiores escores de OHIP-14 (P<0,01). Foi concluído que maiores impactos na QVRSB estão associados com estado civil, não uso de fio dental e DTM. Não necessitar de prótese dentária esteve associado com menores impactos na QVRSB.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and associated factors in the elderly. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 287 elderly of Cruz Alta, Brazil. The following variables were collected: age, sex, ethnicity, level of education, marital status, retirement, medical/dental history, smoking/alcohol exposure, oral hygiene habits, use and need of dental prosthesis, missing teeth, temporomandibular disorder symptoms (TMD), nutritional status, and halitosis. OHRQoL was assessed by Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). The sample was categorized into low impact (sum scores ≤6) and high impact (sum scores ≥7). Associations were analyzed by Poisson regression with robust variation. Mean scores of OHIP-14 was 5.92±8.54. Divorced individuals and those who did not use dental floss presented 77% and 54%, respectively, higher prevalence ratio (PR) of having higher OHRQoL impact. Elderly that did not need dental prosthesis demonstrated a lower impact on OHRQoL (P<0.01). Elderly with TMD presented a higher PR of having higher OHRQoL impact (P<0.01). It was concluded that higher impact on OHRQoL was associated with marital status, non-users of dental floss and those with TMD. No need dental prosthesis were associated with lower impact on OHRQoL.

Abstract: Periodontal diseases are considered a worldwide public health problem, owing to their high prevalence in developed and developing countries. Periodontitis may lead to tooth loss, which can impact oral health-related quality of life. Gingivitis and periodontitis have been extensively studied regarding their etiopathogenesis, epidemiology, prevention and treatment outcomes. However, most of these aspects are studied and discussed globally, which may hamper a clear interpretation of the findings and the design of effective plans of action for specific regions or populations. For example, in Latin America, epidemiological data about the distribution of periodontal diseases is still scarce, mainly when it comes to nationwide representative samples. This Consensus aimed to address the following topics related to periodontal diseases in Latin America: a) The impact of the global burden of periodontal diseases on health: a global reality; b) Periodontal diseases in Latin America; c) Strategies for the prevention of periodontal diseases in Latin America; d) Problems associated with diagnosis of periodontal conditions and possible solutions for Latin America; e) Treatment of Periodontitis. This consensus will help to increase awareness about diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases, in the context of Latin American countries.

Abstract: The art of diagnosis is of great importance in the management of any disease. This includes preventive and therapeutic strategies. To make an accurate and effective diagnosis, knowledge about the health-disease process is fundamental. This paper reviews the important aspects for periodontal diagnosis in a contemporary approach, and endeavors to establish challenges for improving periodontal diagnosis, especially in Latin America. Considering that contemporary periodontal diagnosis should be based on knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of periodontal diseases, this paper highlights that the recently proposed classification system for periodontal diseases and conditions was based on the best available evidence. This system was conceived for individual diagnosis, therefore, its use in research and epidemiological settings might be limited. The system leads to a practical implication that stresses the importance of interviewing the patient, thorough periodontal charting, and requesting any imaging and other complementary tests necessary. An important observation is that partial periodontal data recordings usable for screening are not diagnostic methods and might underestimate disease. The goals of utmost importance for Latin America are to increase the awareness of both the population and the profession and to prioritize correct periodontal diagnosis. In addition, learning how to use the new classification system will help with diagnosing periodontal diseases.

Abstract The precautionary principle is part of evidence-based healthcare and is used both preventively and therapeutically when there is no available evidence about how to manage problems/diseases/conditions that are especially life-threatening. However, since it is not always based in the most qualified evidence, it is frequently questioned. The emergence of a highly contagious disease, with increased levels of morbimortality, an acute respiratory syndrome, the so called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), led health professionals to look for the best alternatives to save lives. In this sense, the precautionary principle was evocated. The aim of this paper is to make a reflection about the precautionary principle, the dental profession and COVID-19. It is important to have in mind that in such a disease, guidelines, protocols and approaches can change very fast, since a continuous evaluation of all policies is mandatory. During the pandemic, elective procedures may be restricted, but international organizations removed the recommendation to postpone elective procedures. Clinicians are advised to be updated about their local current policies. On the other hand, there are cases in which in-office dental care is unavoidable, such as individuals with pain, spontaneous bleeding and dental trauma. Biosafety is upmost importance when seeking patients during pandemic. In this sense, it was concluded that precautionary principle should be, therefore, used. However, caution needs to be taken and continuous surveillance necessary.

Resumo O presente estudo objetivou verificar o efeito da heparina de baixo peso molecular (HBPM) sob a perda óssea alveolar (POA), contagem de células sanguíneas, megacariócitos e adipócitos em ratos Wistar machos. Quarenta ratos Wistar de 60 dias foram randomicamente divididos em quatro grupo: Controle (C), Doença Periodontal (DP), Heparina (Hp) e Heparina + Doença Periodontal (Hp+DP). HBPM foi aplicada durante 60 dias em doses de 1 mL/kg/dia. Coletas sanguíneas foram realizadas nos dias 0, 30 e 60. No dia 49, os grupos DP e Hp+DP receberam indução de doença periodontal por ligadura ao redor do segundo molar superior direito. No lado esquerdo, verificou-se perda óssea alveolar espontânea. A média de POA no lado com ligadura mostrou-se estatisticamente diferente entre os grupos C (0,35±0,07 mm) e Hp+PD (0,49±0,09 mm) (p<0,001), entre os grupos DP (0,55±0,11 mm) e Hp (0,32±0,06 mm) (p<0,001) e entre os grupos Hp e Hp+DP (p<0,001). Nenhuma diferente significativa foi observada entre os grupos no lado sem ligadura. Peso dos animais, consumo de ração e ingestão de água não mostraram diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Megacariócitos e adipócitos foram contados por microscopia óptica e nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada. Dentro dos grupos, houve um aumento e uma diminuição, respectivamente, na contagem de linfócitos (p=0,005 no grupo C e p=0,009 no grupo Hp+DP somente) e leucócitos (p=0,003 no grupo C, p=0.001 no grupo DP e p=0,002 no grupo Hp e Hp+DP). Não houve diminuição no número de plaquetas nos três períodos de coleta. HBPM não foi capaz de modificar a POA, porém modificou a contagem de células sanguíneas, especialmente aumentando o número de linfócitos.

Abstract This study aimed to assess the effects of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on alveolar bone loss (ABL), blood count, and counting of megakaryocytes and adipocytes in male Wistar rats. Forty male 60-day Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control (C), Periodontal Disease (PD), Heparin (Hp) and Heparin + Periodontal Disease (Hp+PD). LMWH was applied for 60 days at doses of 1 ml/kg/day. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 30 and 60. On day-49, PD and Hp+PD groups were subjected to ligature-induced periodontitis around second upper right molar. The left side was assessed as spontaneous alveolar bone loss. Mean ABL in the side with ligature showed significantly different between C (0.35±0.07 mm) and Hp+DP (0.49±0.09 mm) groups (p<0.001), between PD (0.55±0.11 mm) and Hp (0.32±0.06 mm) groups (p<0.001) and between Hp and Hp+DP groups (p<0.001). No significant differences were found among groups for ABL in the side without ligature. Animal weight, food intake, and water consumption showed no statistically significant difference among groups. Megakaryocytes and adipocytes were counted using optical microscopy and no statistically significant differences were found. Within-groups, there were an increase and a decrease, respectively, in the counting of lymphocytes (p=0.005 for C and p=0.009 for Hp+PD groups only) and leukocytes (p=0.003 for C, p=0.001 for PD, p=0.002 for Hp, and p<0.001 for Hp+PD groups). There was no decrease in the number of platelets in the three collection periods. LMWH was not able to affect ABL, but it may change the blood counting, especially increasing lymphocytes.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of smoking on gingival inflammation in a representative sample of 1,650 adults from Santiago (Chile), Porto Alegre (Brazil), and Tucumán (Argentina). A questionnaire was administered to participants to gather demographic and behavioral characteristics, including smoking habits. The participants were clinically examined to obtain gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), visible plaque index (VPI), and calculus presence values. Gingival inflammation was defined as a mean GI > 0.5. Heavy smokers presented significantly lower levels of gingival inflammation, as reflected by both GI and GBI, than both light and moderate smokers, despite their having increased amounts of plaque and calculus. Being 50 years old or older [odds ratio (OR), 1.93], a VPI ≥ 30% (OR, 28.1), and self-reported diabetes (OR, 2.79) were positively associated with detection of gingival inflammation. In conclusion, the occurrence of clinically detectable gingival inflammation was lower in heavy smokers than light and moderate smokers. Older age, diabetes, and visible plaque emerged as risk indicators of gingivitis. Plaque and gingival indices are significantly associated regardless of the smoking status.