Abstract The study analyzed the clarity of publications on human papillomavirus (HPV) in the Instagram profiles of official Brazilian health agencies. An infodemiological study analyzed publications on HPV in the 81 Instagram profiles selected from the Health Ministry, States’ Health Departments, and dental councils and associations. The following data were collected: classification of content, type of profiles, type of media, how the content was addressed, number of posts, frequency, likes, comments, viewings, and hashtags, and how the HPV vaccine was addressed. The clarity of the educational publications was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Clear Communication Index (BR-CDC-CCI). Data analysis was performed with Spearman’s correlation and the Mann-Whitney test (p < 0.05). A total of 504 publications on HPV were found. The average number of likes was 528.3 (SD = 2388.2) and the average BR-CDC-CCI score was 67.1 (SD = 14.1). The quality and clarity of the information was considered adequate (BR-CDC-CCI score ≥ 90) in 6.9% of the publications. A weak positive correlation was found between the number of likes and both the BR-CDC-CCI score (r = 0.195) and number of posts (r = 0.124). Publications from the Health Ministry had a significantly higher BR-CDC-CCI score (72.9) compared to the other profiles analyzed (p = 0.01). Most publications concerned government actions, had low engagement, and written educational information was of low clarity and quality. However, the effort to reach the population was evident, with an increase in publications over the years.

Abstract Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi green fruits essential oil (EO) was evaluated regarding its phytochemical profile, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, and toxicity. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry was applied to identify its constituents, thereafter the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations, and its antibiofilm activity were evaluated. The EO cytotoxicity was assessed in tumor and non-tumor human cells, and in vivo toxicity was evaluated in a Galleria mellonella model. The major constituents of S. terebinthifolia EO were alpha-phellandrene and beta-phellandrene. The EO had a weak activity against all strains of Candida albicans (MIC 1000μg/mL) and had no activity against non-albicans strains, bacteria, and C. albicans biofilm. Cytostatic activity against all tumor cell lines was shown. Additionally, cell viability remained at EO concentrations up to 62.5 μg/mL. At 16 mg/mL, 50% hemolysis was observed, and it had low toxicity in vivo. Overall, the S. terebinthifolia EO was characterized by low antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, with no evidence of toxicity to human tumor and non-tumor cells.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de um nanocomplexo recém-desenvolvido formado entre hidroxipropil-β-ciclodextrina e 1% de tetrafluoreto de titânio (TiF4) após distintos períodos de complexação (12/72 horas) na desmineralização do esmalte bovino in vitro. Blocos de esmalte (n = 60) foram alocados para cada grupo: água Mili-Q, hidroxipropil-β-ciclodextrina, TiF4 a 1%, hidroxipropil-β-ciclodextrina + TiF4 1% após 12 horas de complexação e hidroxipropil-β-ciclodextrina + TiF4 1% após 72 horas de complexação. As amostras foram avaliadas pela microdureza superficial, microdureza transversal e micro-CT. Microscopia eletrônica de varredura / espectrometria de raios X por dispersão de energia (MEV / EDX) foram obtidas. A hidroxipropil-β-ciclodextrina + TiF4 1% após 12h de complexação resultou em um menor percentual de perda de microdureza superficial em comparação com água Mili-Q, hidroxipropil-β-ciclodextrina, TiF4 a 1% e hidroxipropil-β-ciclodextrina + TiF4 1% após 72 horas de complexação com uma ampla magnitude de efeito (de 1,307 a 2,943) e alto poder (84,9 a 99%). Todos os grupos resultaram em similar perda integrada de minerais (ΔZ) obtida por ambas as técnicas de microdureza e micro-CT. O esmalte tratado com os grupos TiF4 e TiF4 + hidroxipropil-β-ciclodextrina apresentou camada de esmalte TiO2, enquanto a avaliação de EDX identificou Ti. A solução contendo o complexo de inclusão de hidroxipropil-β-ciclodextrina + TiF4 com 12 horas de período de complexação demonstrou uma capacidade significativa para reduzir a desmineralização superficial do esmalte hígido sob um desafio cariogênico artificial.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the association of contextual and individual factors with Oral Health literacy (OHL) in early adolescence. This is a population-based cross-sectional study carried out with 740 12-year-old adolescents randomly selected by a two-stage probabilistic cluster sampling process from schools in Campina Grande, Brazil. The guardians provided sociodemographic information. Adolescents answered the Brazilian version of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales (FACES III) to measure family functioning, and the Brazilian Rapid Estimate of Literacy in Dentistry (BREALD-30) to measure OHL. Descriptive analysis was conducted, followed by robust Poisson’s regression analysis for complex samples with a multilevel approach (p<0.05). Rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. The two levels of the analysis were students and schools. Adolescents enrolled at schools with higher grade-retention rate had slightly worse OHL scores (RR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98 to 0.99). The following individual factors were associated with the level of OHL: the female sex (RR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.10), mother’s schooling more than eight years (RR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.19), younger guardians (RR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90 to 0.97) and a balanced family functioning (RR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.14). Individual and contextual factors were associated with OHL in early adolescence.

Abstract Objective: To perform an in vitro analysis of antibacterial and antifungal potential of an alcoholic extract from the leaves of Guapira Graciliflora Mart. against oral microorganisms and determine its chemical composition. Material and Methods: A hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves form G. graciliflora was obtained through maceration, vacuum concentration and freeze-drying. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus parasanguinis, Streptococcus mitis and strains of Candida albicans using broth microdilution method. Phytochemical analysis determined the total phenolic compounds, protein concentration and total of sugars present in the extract. Results: G. Graciliflora demonstrated antifungal activity against the LM 11 and LM 410 clinical isolates of C. albicans (MIC 0.5 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL, respectively). The other microorganisms tested were resistant to the extract. The phytochemical analysis revealed 3% proteins, 13% total sugars and 17% phenolic compounds. Conclusion: G. Graciliflora has antifungal activity against clinical strains of C. albicans and exhibits proteins, sugars and phenolic compounds in its chemical composition.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar uma série de casos sobre o uso dos óculos audiovisuais em crianças durante o atendimento odontológico, bem como sua interferência na frequência cardíaca e percepção sobre o atendimento. Métodos: As crianças foram analisadas em três atendimentos clínicos para registro das frequências cardíacas: 1) realização da anamnese; 2) execução de um tratamento restaurador atraumático modificado (a criança usando os óculos audiovisuais) e 3) execução de um tratamento restaurador atraumático modificado sem a ferramenta de distração. O intervalo entre os atendimentos foi de até uma semana. A frequência cardíaca foi monitorada, por meio de um oxímetro de pulso e ao final da etapa dos três atendimentos, um questionário pós-tratamento foi aplicado. A amostra foi constituída por 5 crianças entre 4 e 7 anos de idade, atendidas na clínica de Odontopediatria da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Resultados: As frequências cardíacas individuais e as médias intermediárias do segundo atendimento, com os óculos audiovisuais, foram menores em relação ao primeiro e o terceiro; o questionário pós-tratamento revelou uma preferência no uso dos óculos audiovisuais por serem mais confortáveis, agradáveis, e por sentirem menor percepção dolorosa e ansiedade. Conclusão: A redução da frequência cardíaca com os óculos audiovisuais sugere a redução da ansiedade durante o atendimento odontológico.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to report a case series on the use of audiovisual distraction eyeglasses in children during dental care. Methods: The influence of the distraction tool on the children’s heart rate frequency and dental care experience was further investigated. The study children had their heart rate recorded during three clinical appointments and underwent the following procedures: 1) anamnesis; 2) modified atraumatic restorative treatment with the child wearing audiovisual eyeglasses; and 3) modified atraumatic restorative treatment without the use of audiovisual eyeglasses. The interval between appointments was up to one week. The heart rate was measured using a pulse oximeter, and a post-treatment questionnaire was applied after the three appointments. The sample consisted of five children aged 4 to 7 years attending the Pediatric Dental Clinics of the State University of Paraíba. Results: While wearing the audiovisual eyeglasses, the children’s individual heart rates were lower in the second dental visit as compared to the first and third ones. The post-treatment questionnaire revealed a preference for the use of audiovisual distraction eyeglasses as the children felt more comfortable, pleased, and had a reduced pain perception and anxiety. Conclusion: The heart rate decrease observed herein suggests that audiovisual eyeglasses may contribute to reducing anxiety during dental care.

Abstract: We evaluated the antifungal and antibiofilm potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of bark from Anadenanthera colubrina (vell.) Brenan, known as Angico, against Candida spp. Antifungal activity was evaluated using the microdilution technique through the Minimum Inhibitory and Fungicide Concentrations (MIC and MFC). The antibiofilm potential was tested in mature biofilms formed by Candida species and analyzed through the counting of CFU/mL and scanning electron micrograph (SEM). In vivo toxicity and therapeutic action was evaluated in the Galleria mellonella model. The treatment with the extract, in low doses, was able to reduce the growth of planktonic cells of Candida species. MIC values range between 19.5 and 39 µg/mL and MFC values range between 79 and 625 µg/mL. In addition was able to reduce the number of CFU/mL in biofilms and to cause structural alteration and cellular destruction, observed via SEM. A. colubrina showed low toxicity in the in vivo assay, having not affected the viability of the larvae at doses below 100mg/kg and high potential in the treatment of C. albicans infection. Considering its high antifungal potential, its low toxicity and potential to treatment of infections in in vivo model, A. colubrina extract is a strong candidate for development of a new agent for the treatment of oral candidiasis.

RESUMEN Objetivos Identificar el perfil de los pacientes con diagnóstico de carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) de la boca y los factores asociados a la estadificación clínica de la enfermedad. Métodos Estudio transversal con muestra de 293 historias de pacientes portadores de CEC, atendidos en un Centro de Referencia de Oncología del municipio de Campina Grande (PB), de 2000 a 2006. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial por medio de la Regresión Robusta de Poisson (α=5%). Resultados El sexo masculino (56,6%), los no blancos¿? (49,0%) y el grupo de más de 60 años (74,1%) fueron los más afectados por la neoplasia; la lengua (35,1%) y el paladar (21,5%) fueron los sitios más afectados; la mayoría poseía hábito de tabaquismo (37,6%) y el 60,2% presentaba etapa avanzada de la enfermedad. La estadificación clínica no se asoció al sexo, la edad, el color de la piel y a los hábitos de beber y/o fumar. Conclusiones Se observó una mayor ocurrencia de CEC en hombres, en pacientes con edad más avanzada, no blancos y que poseían hábitos de tabaquismo, pero sin asociación estadística.

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of the present study was to identify the profile of patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and factors associated with the clinical stage of the disease. Materials and Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 293 medical charts of patients with SCC treated at an oncology reference center in the city of Campina Grande (Brazil) between 2000 and 2006. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed with robust Poisson regression (α=5%). Results Males (56.6%), non-white individuals (49.0%) and individuals over than 60 years of age (74.1%) were the most affected by SCC. The tongue (35.1%) and palate (21.5%) were the most common sites. A large portion of the patients were smokers (37.6%) and 60.2% were in an advanced stage of the disease. Clinical staging was not associated with sex, age, skin color or drinking and/or smoking habits. Conclusion There was a higher incidence of SCC in men, older patients, non-white individuals and smokers. Clinical staging was not associated with the variables analyzed.

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of the present study was to identify the profile of patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and factors associated with the clinical stage of the disease. Materials and Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 293 medical charts of patients with SCC treated at an oncology reference center in the city of Campina Grande (Brazil) between 2000 and 2006. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed with robust Poisson regression (α=5%). Results Males (56.6%), non-white individuals (49.0%) and individuals over than 60 years of age (74.1%) were the most affected by SCC. The tongue (35.1%) and palate (21.5%) were the most common sites. A large portion of the patients were smokers (37.6%) and 60.2% were in an advanced stage of the disease. Clinical staging was not associated with sex, age, skin color or drinking and/or smoking habits. Conclusion There was a higher incidence of SCC in men, older patients, non-white individuals and smokers. Clinical staging was not associated with the variables analyzed.

RESUMEN Objetivos Identificar el perfil de los pacientes con diagnóstico de carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) de la boca y los factores asociados a la estadificación clínica de la enfermedad. Métodos Estudio transversal con muestra de 293 historias de pacientes portadores de CEC, atendidos en un Centro de Referencia de Oncología del municipio de Campina Grande (PB), de 2000 a 2006. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial por medio de la Regresión Robusta de Poisson (α=5%). Resultados El sexo masculino (56,6%), los no blancos¿? (49,0%) y el grupo de más de 60 años (74,1%) fueron los más afectados por la neoplasia; la lengua (35,1%) y el paladar (21,5%) fueron los sitios más afectados; la mayoría poseía hábito de tabaquismo (37,6%) y el 60,2% presentaba etapa avanzada de la enfermedad. La estadificación clínica no se asoció al sexo, la edad, el color de la piel y a los hábitos de beber y/o fumar. Conclusiones Se observó una mayor ocurrencia de CEC en hombres, en pacientes con edad más avanzada, no blancos y que poseían hábitos de tabaquismo, pero sin asociación estadística.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the antifungal, antibiofilm and antiproliferative activities of the extract from the leaves of Guapira graciliflora Mart. The phytochemical characterization of the extract was performed using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the extract and its fractions was evaluated using the broth microdilution method against species of Candida. The inhibition of C. albicans biofilm was evaluated based on the number of colony-forming units (CFU) and metabolic activity (MTT). The antiproliferative activity of the extract and its fraction was evaluated in the presence of human tumor and non-tumor cells, and the cytotoxicity of the extract was determined on the RAW 264.7 macrophage line – both using the sulforhodamine B method. The phytochemical characterization indicated the presence of the flavonoids rutin and kaempferol. The extract and the methanol fraction exhibited moderate antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. glabrata, and strong activity against C. dubliniensis. In the biofilms at 24 and 48 hours, the concentration of 12500 µg/mL of the extract was the most effective at reducing the number of CFU s/mL (44.4% and 42.9%, respectively) and the metabolic activity of C. albicans cells (34.6% and 52%, respectively). The extract and its fractions had no antiproliferative effect on the tumor lines tested, with mean activity (log GI50) equal to or greater than 1.71 µg/mL. Macrophage cell viability remained higher than 80% for concentrations of the extract of up to 62.5 µg/mL. G. graciliflora has flavonoids in its chemical composition and demonstrates potential antifungal and antibiofilm activity, with no evidence of a significant change in the viability of human tumor and non-tumor cell lines.

RESUMO Os odontomas são considerados os tipos mais comuns de tumores odontogênicos e frequentemente diagnosticados na segunda década de vida. Possuem crescimento lento, comportamento benigno e assintomático, favorecendo sua permanência intraóssea por muito tempo até demonstrarem algum sinal clínico ou serem detectados em radiografias de rotina. O objetivo deste relato foi apresentar um caso clínico de um paciente de 13 anos de idade, sexo masculino, que apresentou atraso na esfoliação do canino decíduo inferior direito. No exame radiográfico, verificou-se uma imagem radiopaca na região anterior da mandíbula, produzida por estruturas que lembravam a formação de dentes, circundada por uma área radiolúcida. Adjacente à lesão, na parte basal, identificou-se a presença do canino permanente inferior direito incluso, apresentando desvio do seu eixo de erupção. O diagnóstico clínico foi definido como odontoma composto. O tratamento consistiu na remoção da lesão e erupção do dente incluso associado, por meio de intervenções cirúrgicas, sem tração ortodôntica, com três anos de acompanhamento e resultados positivos. Existe a possibilidade de erupção cirurgicamente guiada de dente retido, com desvio do seu eixo de erupção e associado à odontoma, através da remoção da lesão e da barreira física (ostectomia) sem tração ortodôntica.

ABSTRACT Odontoma is the most common type of odontogenic tumor and is most often diagnosed in the second decade of life. This benign tumor has a slow growth and is asymptomatic, which favors its persistence in the bone until some clinical sign emerges or the tumor or be detected in a routine radiograph. The aim of this case report was to present a clinic case of a 13-year-old male, who presented delayed exfoliation of the mandibular right primary canine. The radiographic exam revealed a radiopaque image in the anterior region of the mandible produced by structures that resembled the formation of teeth surrounded by a radiolucent area. Adjacent to the tumor, the impacted mandibular right canine was identified with deviation of its eruption axis. The clinical diagnosis was compound odontoma. Treatment consisted of the removal of the tumor and the surgically-assisted eruption of the tooth without orthodontic traction. After three years of follow up, the patient has exhibited positive results. It is possible to surgically assist the eruption of an impacted tooth, with a deviated axis, associated with an odontoma through the removal of the tumor and of the physical barrier (ostectomy) without orthodontic traction.

<p>O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a percepção dos pais sobre saúde bucal de pré-escolares. Um estudo transversal foi realizado com 843 crianças brasileiras entre três e cinco anos de idade. Os pais/responsáveis responderam a um questionário autoaplicável sobre a saúde de seus filhos e dados sociodemográficos. Percepções dos pais sobre a saúde bucal de seus filhos foram determinados pela resposta à seguinte pergunta: "Como você descreveria a saúde bucal do seu filho?" A versão brasileira da Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS) foi respondido por pais/responsáveis e usada para medir o impacto da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (OHRQoL) em crianças pré-escolares e suas famílias. Três examinadores realizaram exames bucais nas crianças (K=0,85-0,90). Análise descritiva foi realizada, seguida de uma análise de regressão logística para amostras complexas (α=5%). As seguintes variáveis foram significativamente associados com a percepção dos pais sobre saúde bucal dos filhos: percepção ruim dos pais sobre a saúde geral (OR=18,25; IC 95%: 3,36-98,96), impacto negativo sobre OHRQoL da família (OR=13,82; IC 95%: 4,27-44,72), crianças com idade de cinco anos (OR=7,40; IC 95%: 1,49-36,63) e a interação entre o histórico da dor de dente e cárie dentária (OR=10,02; IC 95%: 1,17-85,61). Percepções parentais de saúde bucal são influenciados pelo impacto sobre OHRQoL da família, a percepção ruim dos pais sobre a saúde geral do seu filho, e as condições clínicas com sintomas, tais como cárie dentária com dor de dente. Outros problemas bucais, tais como má oclusão ou traumatismo dentário, não foram associados com a percepção dos pais sobre saúde bucal de seus filhos.</p>

<p>The aim of the present study was to evaluate parental perceptions of oral health status in preschool children. A cross-sectional study was carried with 843 Brazilian children between 3 and 5 years of age. Parents/guardians answered a self-administered questionnaire on the health of their children and sociodemographic data. Parental perceptions of their child's oral health were determined by the responses to the following question: "How would you describe your child's oral health?" The Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS) was answered by parents/guardians and used to measure the impact of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) on preschool children and their families. Three examiners performed oral exams on the children (K= 0.85-0.90). Descriptive analytical statistics were carried out, followed by logistic regression for complex samples (α=5%). The following variables were significantly associated with parental perceptions of children's oral health: parental perception of general health as poor (OR=18.25; 95% CI: 3.36-98.96), negative impact on family's OHRQoL (OR=13.82; 95% CI: 4.27-44.72), child aged five years (OR=7.40; 95% CI: 1.49-36.63) and the interaction between history of toothache and dental caries (OR=10.02; 95% CI: 1.17-85.61). Thus, parental perceptions of oral health are influenced only by clinical conditions with symptoms, such as dental caries with toothache. Other oral conditions, such as malocclusion or traumatic dental injury, were not associated with parental perceptions of their child's oral health.</p>

Pulpotomy in deciduous teeth is a controversial issue, especially with regard to alternative materials used for the direct pulp capping of the root canal pulp tissue. The aim of the present study was to perform a histological analysis of the initial reaction of the root canal pulp tissue in rats, following pulpotomy and pulp capping with (1) green propolis extract, (2) iodoform paste, (3) green propolis extract + iodoform and (4) calcium hydroxide paste with saline solution. Analyses were performed after 24 hours, 72 hours and 7 days. The substances containing green propolis extract and iodoform led to the production of an intense inflammatory infiltrate and necrosis in the root canal pulp tissue throughout the analyses. In the calcium hydroxide group, inflammatory infiltrate only prevailed at the 72-hour evaluation. Among the substances tested, calcium hydroxide paste induced the lowest intensity of inflammatory response in the root canal pulp tissue. Longer studies should be carried out to analyze the pulp repair process following pulpotomy and pulp capping with the compounds analyzed.

Resumo O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estimar a ingestão de flúor de derícios utilizados por crianças de 2 a 6 anos de idade (n=87) atendidas em um hospital de médio porte (Campina Grande, PB) na região nordeste do Brasil. Os dados envolveram características sócio-demográficas e escovação dentária das crianças através de uma entrevista com formulário específico, aplicado aos pais/responsáveis, e a quantidade de flúor utilizada na escovação da criança, por meio de balança de precisão, para avaliação do risco de fluorose dentária, considerando o ponto de corte 0,07 mgF/kg peso corporal/dia. O conteúdo de flúor nos cremes dentais foi analisado utilizando eletrodo específico. Os dados foram trabalhados sob a forma de estatística descritiva e inferencial usando o testes do Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher (α= 0,05). Levando-se em consideração o uso do derício, o risco de fluorose das crianças pesquisadas foi 19,5%. Houve associação significativa entre o risco de fluorose, a frequência de escovação, o tipo de derício e quem realiza a higiene bucal da criança (p<0,05). Concluiu-se que elevada parcela das crianças usavam o derício de forma inadequada e apresentaram risco de fluorose.

The objective of this study was to estimate the intake of toothpaste fluoride used by children aged 2 to 6 years (n=87) treated at a hospital of a medium-sized city (Campina Grande, PB) in the Northeastern region of Brazil. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics of families and children's toothbrushing were collected from questionnaire-based interviews with parents/guardians, and the amount of fluoride used during toothbrushing was estimated using a precision scale for assessment of the risk of dental fluorosis, considering a cutoff value of 0.07 mgF/kg body weight/day. Fluoride content in the toothpastes was analyzed using a specific fluoride electrode. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests (α=0.05). Considering the use of the derice, the risk of fluorosis in the children was 19.5%. There was significant association (p<0.05) between the risk of fluorosis, brushing frequency, type of derice and who performed the child's oral hygiene. It was concluded that a high percentage of children in the studied sample used toothpaste inappropriately and were at risk of developing dental fluorosis.

This in vitro study evaluated both the antimicrobial activity and the root canal cleaning ability of plant extracts used in irrigation solutions. The antimicrobial activities of the aroeira-da-praia (Schinus terebintifolius Raddi) and the quixabeira (Syderoxylum obtusifolium Roem & Schult) hydroalcoholic extracts, of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and of 0.12% chlorhexidine (positive control) against Enterococcus faecalis were tested with the agar well diffusion method. The level of root canal cleanliness was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twenty one single-rooted human teeth were divided into three groups according to the irrigation solution applied: 1) 50% aroeira-da-praia; 2) 50% quixabeira and 3) a combination of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite + 17% EDTA. All solutions tested demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. The SEM analysis revealed that higher and lower degrees of surface cleaning were observed, in the three groups, respectively for the coronal and apical thirds, in that quixabeira showed the greatest efficiency in removing the smear layer in the apical third. All the agents tested presented antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis. None, however, was able to completely remove the smear layer of the dentinal surface in the different thirds of the root canal. The results suggest that the analyzed plant extracts may represent a new therapeutic option in the list of alternative agents available for endodontic treatment.

INTRODUÇÃO: Muitos estudos têm sido realizados para avaliar o potencial terapêutico das plantas. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ação antimicrobiana dos extratos etanólicos da aroeira-da-praia (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi), da aroeira-do-sertão (Astronium urundeuva [Fr. All.] Engl.), da ameixa-do-mato (Ximenia americana L.), da quixabeira (Syderoxylum obtusifolium [Roem et Schult.]) e do hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl a 2,5%), contra o Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212). METODOLOGIA: Foi realizado teste de difusão em ágar, pelo método do poço, utilizando-se como controle positivo a clorexidina a 0,12%. Os microrganismos foram semeados em caldo BHI e incubados a 37ºC por 24 horas. Posteriormente, as suspensões microbianas foram semeadas em placas Petri, com ágar Mueller Hinton, sendo confeccionados seis poços equidistantes. As placas foram mantidas à temperatura ambiente por 2 horas, para ocorrer a pré-difusão das substâncias, e incubadas a 37ºC por 48 horas. Foram feitas as análises e medições dos halos de inibição em triplicata e os resultados foram analisados estatisticamente (teste de análise de variância [ANOVA]). RESULTADOS: A quixabeira apresentou os menores halos de inibição (teste t, p < 0,05); por outro lado, a clorexidina a 0,12% e os extratos vegetais aroeira-do-sertão e aroeira-da-praia, na concentração 100%, induziram halos maiores do que o NaOCl a 2,5%, com diferença estatisticamente significativa (teste t, p < 0,05). A aroeira-do-sertão e a aroeira-da-praia apresentaram halos de inibição contra o Enterococcus faecalis superiores aos demais extratos vegetais testados, em todas as concentrações. CONCLUSÃO: Todas as substâncias analisadas apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana contra o Enterococcus faecalis, sugerindo que podem representar substâncias alternativas no tratamento endodôntico.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have evaluated the therapeutic benefits of plants. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of ethanol extracts of pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi), aroeira (Astronium urundeuva [Fr. All.] Engl.), Olacaceae (Ximenia americana L.), quixaba (Syderoxylum obtusifolium [Roem et Schult.]), and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl 2.5%) against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212). METHODS: The agar diffusion test was performed and 0.12% chlorhexidine was applied as positive control. The microorganisms were allowed to grow in a brain-heart infusion broth (BHI) and incubated at 37ºC for 24 hours. Subsequently, the microbial suspensions were seeded on Petri dishes containing Mueller Hinton agar, and six equidistant wells were made. The plates were kept at room temperature for 2 hours for the pre-diffusion of substances, and incubated at 37ºC for 48 hours. The analysis and measurement of inhibition zones were performed in triplicate, and the results were statistically analyzed (ANOVA test). RESULTS: Quixaba produced the smallest inhibition zones (t test, p < 0.05). On the other hand, 0.12% chlorhexidine, herbal extracts of pepper tree and aroeira at 100% concentration induced larger inhibition zones in comparison with 2.5% NaOCl, with statistically significant difference (t test, p < 0.05). At all concentrations, both pepper tree and aroeira showed a higher inhibition zone against Enterococcus faecalis in comparison with the other plant extracts tested. CONCLUSION: All the substances analyzed showed antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis. Therefore , they may represent alternative substances in endodontic treatment.