ABSTRACT This study has estimated the risk of Leishmania transmission via blood transfusion in one of the largest blood banks in Northeastern Brazil, where visceral leishmaniasis is endemic. Five hundred blood samples from donors were tested for circulating Leishmania spp. DNA by real-time PCR. Positive samples were tested by a species-specific conventional PCR targeting Leishmania infantum . Overall, 6.2% (95% CI: 4.1–8.3%) of the samples carried Leishmania DNA and in one sample the species was confirmed as L. infantum . No statistically significant differences were found in relation to gender, sex, education level, incomeas well as the place of residence between positive and negative blood donors. Our results confirm the presence of asymptomatic Leishmania carriers among blood donors in a large blood bank in Northeastern Brazil. Considering the studied population, we estimate that for every 1,000 blood donors screened, 41 to 83 will be positive for Leishmania DNA. This finding reinforces the urgent need for elaborating specific Blood bank guidelines to allow the early detection of asymptomatic Leishmania carriers among blood donors before their blood products are transfused to uninfected individuals.

RESUMO Manifestações orofaciais ocorrem com frequência nas doenças reumáticas e, comumente, representam sinais iniciais ou de atividade da doença que ainda são negligenciados na prática clínica. Entre as doenças reumáticas autoimunes com possíveis manifestações orais, incluem-se a artrite reumatoide (AR), miopatias inflamatórias (MI), esclerose sistêmica (ES), lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES), policondrite recidivante (PR) e síndrome de Sjögren (SS). Sinais e sintomas orofaciais como hipossalivação, xerostomia, disfunções temporomandibulares, lesões na mucosa bucal, doença periodontal, disfagia e disfonia podem ser a primeira expressão dessas doenças reumáticas. Esse artigo revisa as principais manifestações orofaciais das doenças reumáticas que podem ser de interesse do reumatologista, para diagnóstico e acompanhamento das doenças reumáticas autoimunes.

ABSTRACT Orofacial manifestations occur frequently in rheumatic diseases and usually represent early signs of disease or of its activity that are still neglected in clinical practice. Among the autoimmune rheumatic diseases with potential for oral manifestations, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory myopathies (IM), systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), relapsing polychondritis (RP) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) can be cited. Signs and symptoms such as oral hyposalivation, xerostomia, temporomandibular joint disorders, lesions of the oral mucosa, periodontal disease, dysphagia, and dysphonia may be the first expression of these rheumatic diseases. This article reviews the main orofacial manifestations of rheumatic diseases that may be of interest to the rheumatologist for diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar o uso da seringa e da técnica sonda-dedo para a oferta de dieta a prematuros, considerando-se volume de dieta oferecido e volume derramado, variação da saturação de oxigênio periférico e frequência cardíaca. Métodos Estudo quasi-experimental, com 30 prematuros, 13 do gênero feminino e 17 do masculino. As médias das idades gestacionais ao nascimento e no momento da avaliação (idade corrigida) foram de 33 4/7±4/7 e 36±4/7, respectivamente. Os pesos médios ao nascimento e na avaliação foram de 1.800±140 e 1.972±88 gramas. Foi avaliado um momento de alimentação com a seringa e outro com a sonda-dedo para a mesma criança, sendo caso e controle de si mesma. Utilizou-se oxímetro de pulso portátil para verificar a variação da saturação de oxigênio e a frequência cardíaca. Uma gaze foi colocada sob o queixo do bebê como anteparo da dieta derramada. Foram utilizados os testes ANOVA, t de Student pareado, Comparação Múltipla de Tukey e Correlação de Pearson, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Houve diferença para o volume oferecido e para o volume de leite derramado com os dois valores, sendo maiores quando a seringa foi utilizada. A frequência cardíaca foi diferente: antes/durante e antes/depois para ambas as formas de oferta, mas com valores considerados normais, assim como a saturação de oxigênio, que apontou aumento entre os momentos antes e depois da oferta para a seringa. Conclusão A técnica sonda-dedo proporciona menor derramamento da dieta, sendo as variações da saturação de oxigênio e frequência cardíaca consideradas normais para o neonato.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the use of syringe and finger feeding to feed preterm newborns considering amount of milk offered, amount of milk spilled, variation of oxygen saturation, and heart rate. Methods Quasi-experimental study with 30 preterm newborns. Thirteen infants were females and 17 were males. The mean gestational age at birth and during evaluation (corrected age) was 33 4/7 ± 4/7 and 36 ± 4/7, respectively. Newborns’ mean birthweight and mean weight when evaluated was 1,800 ± 140 and 1,972 ± 88 grams. We assessed one feeding session using a syringe and another feeding session using the finger feeding technique. Both techniques were used in the same infant, so that the preterm newborns were controls for themselves. A portable pulse oximeter was used to check the variation of oxygen saturation and heart rate. A gauze pad was placed under the infants’ chin to absorb the spilled milk. The statistical tests used were: ANOVA, paired Student’s t test, Tukey Multiple Comparison test, and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results We found a difference between the techniques in terms of both amount of milk offered and amount of milk spilled. These amounts were larger when the syringe was used. Heart rate was different at two specific times: before/during and before/after feeding for both techniques. However, the values were within normal limits. Oxygen saturation values were also different, showing higher values after syringe feeding. Conclusions Finger feeding proved to cause less spillage, whereas the variations of oxygen saturation and heart rate were within normal limits.

El objetivo de este artículo es describir y discutir el enfoque y la intervención odontológica en autistas, así como la participación de la familia y de los profesionales de la salud oral en este contexto. Se cree que los principios de atención básica de la salud oral pueden ser aplicados en autistas y se sugiere un protocolo de atención odontológica al autista, dirigido a la práctica en los servicios de salud pública. Por tanto, son necesarios nuevos cuestionamientos enfocados a elevar la calidad de la atención odontológica al paciente autista, sobre todo en el Sistema Único de Salud y particularmente en la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia, en la atención de esta población vulnerable, con un enfoque bioético.

The aim of this article is to describe and discuss the dental approach and intervention in autistics, as the engagement of the family and oral health professionals in this subject. It is believed that the principles of basic attention may be applied in autistics and a protocol of autistics dental care is suggested, directed to practice in public health services. Thus the need of new questionings in order to increase the quality of the dentistry attention to the autistic patient, especially in the Unified Health System and particularly in the Family Health Strategy, in the attendance of this vulnerable population with a bioethics focus.

O objetivo deste artigo é descrever e discutir a abordagem e intervenção odontológicas em autistas, assim como a participação da família e dos profissionais de saúde bucal neste contexto. Acredita-se que os princípios de atenção básica podem ser aplicados em autistas e sugere-se um protocolo de atenção odontológica ao autista, orientado às práticas nos serviços públicos de saúde. Assim, sendo necessários novos questionamentos orientados a elevar a qualidade da atenção ao paciente autista pela odontologia, especialmente no Sistema Único de Saúde e particularmente na Estratégia Saúde da Família, no atendimento desta população vulnerável, em um enfoque bioético.

A saliva total é um complexo de secreções multiglandulares composto de fluido gengival, células epiteliais descamadas, microrganismos, produtos do metabolismo bacteriano, resíduos alimentares, leucócitos, muco da cavidade nasal e da faringe. A saliva possui diversas funções, incluindo reparação tecidual, tamponamento, proteção, digestão, gustação, ação antimicrobiana, manutenção da integridade do dente e sistema de defesa antioxidante. A redução do fluxo salivar (hipossalivação) é um distúrbio comum, e estima-se que cerca de 20% da população geral tenham esta alteração. A hipossalivação pode ser decorrente de diabetes mellitus, hipotireoidismo, desidratação, comprometimento do parênquima glandular por processos infecciosos, doenças granulomatosas ou condições autoimunes e inflamatórias (como a síndrome de Sjögren e a artrite reumatoide), radioterapia da região cefálica e/ou cervical, bem como pode estar associada a distúrbios do humor, efeitos adversos ocasionados pelo uso de algumas medicações ou, ainda, ser de causa idiopática. As terapias convencionais para o tratamento da redução do fluxo salivar, com o uso de sialogogos gustatórios e químicos, ainda apresentam restrições. Contudo, novas alternativas têm mostrado grande perspectiva no tratamento deste problema. Diagnosticar um paciente como hipossalivador crônico é um desafio na prática clínica, e os métodos de avaliação do fluxo salivar são pouco conhecidos pelos reumatologistas. A avaliação seriada do fluxo salivar é importante para o correto diagnóstico e prognóstico de determinadas condições bucais e sistêmicas. Esta revisão aborda alguns aspectos relacionados à função da saliva, às consequências da hipossalivação e aos métodos de medição da taxa de fluxo salivar, conceitos úteis na prática diária do reumatologista.

Whole saliva is a multiglandular secretion complex consisting of gingival fluid, desquamated epithelial cells, microorganisms, products of bacterial metabolism, food debris, leukocytes mucus from the nasal cavity and the pharynx. Saliva has many functions, including tissue repair, tamponage, protection, digestion, taste, antimicrobial action, maintaining tooth integrity and antioxidant defense system. A decrease in salivary flow (hyposalivation) is a common disorder and it is estimated that approximately 20% of the general population have this alteration. Hyposalivation may be due to diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, dehydration, impaired glandular parenchyma by infectious processes, granulomatous diseases or autoimmune and inflammatory conditions (such as Sjogren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis), radiotherapy of head and/or neck region, or it may be associated with mood disorders, adverse effects caused by the use of some medications or even be idiopathic. Conventional therapies for the treatment of reduced saliva flow with the use of chemical and gustatory secretagogues are still limited. However, new alternatives have shown great perspective in the treatment of this disorder. To diagnose a patient as having chronic hyposalivation is a challenge in clinical practice and methods of salivary flow assessment are little known by rheumatologists. The serial evaluation of salivary flow is important for the diagnosis and prognosis of certain oral and systemic conditions. This review addresses some aspects related to the role of saliva, the consequences of hyposalivation and methods of salivary flow rate measurement, useful concepts in the daily practice of rheumatology.

Phagocytosis by neutrophils and monocytes constitutes the main defense mechanism against bacterial challenges in periodontitis. Phagocytosis by neutrophils has already been evaluated, whereas phagocytic function of monocytes has hardly been addressed so far. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess phagocytosis by neutrophils and monocytes in periodontitis. Material and Methods: The sample included 30 subjects with severe periodontitis and 27 control subjects without periodontal disease. The phagocytic index (PhI) was calculated as the mean number of adhered/ingested Saccharomyces cerevisiae per phagocytozing monocyte or neutrophil multiplied by the percentage of phagocytes involved in phagocytosis. Results: A significant reduction in phagocyte functions was observed in individuals with periodontitis. The median of PhI of neutrophils using nonsensitized S. cerevisiae was 3 for the control group, and 1.5 for the periodontitis group (p=0.01, Mann-Whitney test). The median of PhI of monocytes with non-sensitized S. cerevisiae was 26.13 for the control group, and 13.23 for the periodontitis group (p=0.03, Mann Whitney test). The median of PhI of monocytes assessed with sensitized S. cerevisiae was 97.92 for the control group and 60.1 for the periodontitis group (p=0.005, t-test). Conclusion: The data demonstrated a reduction in the function of phagocytes, suggesting a decrease in immune defenses in periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of enamel defects and their risk factors on primary and permanent dentitions of prematurely born children and full-term born children born at Regional Hospital of Asa Sul, Brasília, DF, Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty 5-10-year-old children of both genders were examined, being 40 born prematurely (G1) and 40 born full term (G2). The demographic variables, medical history and oral health behaviors were retrieved using a questionnaire and data obtained from clinical examination were recorded. The teeth were examined and the presence of enamel defects was diagnosed according to the DDE Index and registered in odontograms. Subsequently, the defects were categorized in four groups according to one of the criteria proposed in 1992 by the FDI Commission on Oral Health, Research and Epidemiology. Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, Kappa, Mann-Whitney tests and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 75% of total sample had enamel defects. There was a major prevalence of hypoplasia of the enamel in G1 (p<0.001). There was a significant relationship between low weight and presence of the imperfections on the enamel in G1 on the primary dentition. The logistic regression model showed that the other risk factors such as monthly per capita family income, educational level, dietary and hygiene habits, fluoride exposure, trauma, and diseases were not associated with enamel defects and caries. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-term labor can be a predisposing factor for the presence of the enamel hypoplasia in the primary dentition.

OBJETIVO: Determinar fatores associados à infecção por HIV em doadores de sangue no Recife, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Desenvolveu-se um estudo transversal com 106.203 doadores de sangue de 1ª doação, aptos na Triagem Clínica (TC) no Hemocentro Recife da Fundação de Hematologia e Hemoterapia de Pernambuco (HEMOPE), considerando-se os critérios rotineiros empregados pelo Hemocentro para seleção de candidatos no período de janeiro de 1998 a novembro de 2003. Os testes Imunofluorescência Indireta e Western Blot foram utilizados para confirmação da infecção HIV, e doadores foram classificados como HIV positivo ou negativo. O teste do qui-quadrado e método stepwise de regressão logística múltipla foram realizados para examinar associação entre a infecção pelo HIV e as variáveis: idade, sexo, área de residência, escolaridade, tipo de doação e testes sorológicos de triagem para Anti-HBc, HBsAg, Anti-HCV, Anti-HTLV 1/2 e VDRL. RESULTADOS: Na amostra observada, foram encontrados 0,204% doadores de sangue HIV positivo. Entre as variáveis estudadas, idade, escolaridade, residência, tipo de doação e status sorológico para Anti-HBc e VDRL foram associados com a infecção pelo HIV. CONCLUSÃO: Doadores com doação espontânea, da área metropolitana de Recife, de menor idade e nível de ensino, positivo para o Anti-HBc e VDRL, apresentam risco aumentado de infecção pelo HIV. Tais dados são necessários para compreender a dinâmica da infecção e para guiar políticas sanitárias.

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with HIV infection in blood donor candidates in Recife, Brazil. METHODS:A transversal study was performed of 106,203 blood donor candidates found eligible by the routine clinical screening process in the blood bank in Recife of the Fundação de Hematologia e Hemoterapia de Pernambuco (HEMOPE) in the period from January 1998 to November 2003. Additional indirect immune and western blot confirmation tests for HIV infection were performed and the candidates were classified as HIV positive or negative. The Chi-squared test and stepwise multiple logistic regression were conducted to examine any association between HIV infection and age, gender, place of residence, schooling, number of donations and serological tests for core hepatitis B antigen virus (anti-HBc), the hepatitis C antivirus (anti-HCV), human T-type antivirus lymph cells (anti-HTLV 1 and 2), serological tests for syphilis (VDRL) and the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). RESULTS: In the observed sample, 0.204% of blood donor candidates were found to be HIV positive. Among the studied variables, the age, education level, residency, donation type, and serologic status for anti-HBc and VDRL tests were found to be associated with HIV infection. CONCLUSION: The younger, spontaneous donor candidates living in the Recife metropolitan area with a low level of education and positive for anti-HBc and VDRL have an higher risk of HIV infection than the other candidates. Data such as these are useful to understand the dynamics of infection and to guide healthcare policies.

This study evaluated the prevalence of enamel defects and dental caries and their risk factors on primary and permanent dentitions of prematurely-born children and term children. Eighty children were examined, 40 born prematurely (G1) and 40 born term (G2), in the age group between 5 and 10 years. The demographic variables, medical history and oral health behaviors were recorded on a questionnaire. The teeth were examined for presence of deficiencies of the enamel and caries that were registered. The caries were registered, focusing on the indices dmft (decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth) and DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth). The results showed that 75% of the total sample had enamel defects. The logistic regression model showed that other risk factors such as per capita family income, educational level, dietary and hygiene habits, fluoride exposure, trauma, and diseases had no correlation with enamel defects and caries. A smaller value of total DMFT (0.95) was found in the group of premature children in comparison to the term children (2.07) p = 0.0164. There was no difference concerning the permanent dentition between the two groups (p = 0.9926). One concludes that prematurity can't be a predisposing factor for the presence of dental caries.

Os trabalhos realizados no Brasil a respeito das principais afecções bucais dos gerontes mostram situação preocupante. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a frequência de edentulismo, analisar o uso e a necessidade de prótese, calcular o índice CPOD e verificar a condição periodontal de idosas residentes no Distrito Federal. Cento e quarenta mulheres com idade igual ou superior a sessenta anos foram examinadas. A condição de cada prótese foi avaliada observando presença de prejuízo estético ou funcional. Em seguida, foi realizado exame clínico para detectar a presença de cárie, restaurações e dentes perdidos para cálculo do índice CPOD. O exame periodontal incluiu a verificação do índice de placa visível, índice de sangramento gengival, medidas de profundidade de sondagem clínica, perda de inserção clínica e mobilidade dental de todos os dentes presentes. Os resultados revelaram péssimas condições bucais dos pacientes examinados. A taxa de edentulismo mostrou-se elevada, o índice CPOD foi alto (29,8), com predomínio do componente extraído (87,1%) e a condição periodontal foi considerada grave. A partir destes dados, pode-se concluir que o perfil da condição bucal das idosas representadas neste estudo é precário, o que reflete a necessidade de se elaborar programas de promoção de saúde e de reabilitação para este segmento da população.

Data from Brazilian researches that evaluated oral health of elderly people show a worrisome situation. The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency of edentulism, analyze both the use and need profiles of prosthesis, calculate the DMFT index and check the condition of periodontal elderly residents in the Federal District. One hundred and forty women aged 60 years or above were examined. The condition of each prosthesis was evaluated to detect the presence of functional or aesthetic damage. Then, clinical examination was carried out to detect the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth in order to calculate the DMFT index. The periodontal examination included the index of visible plaque, bleeding index, measurement of clinical probing depth, measurement of clinical attachment level and teeth mobility. The results showed poor oral conditions of the patients. The rate of edentulism was high, the DMFT index was elevated (29.8) with a predominance of the extracted component (87.1%) and periodontal condition was considered severe. From these data we can conclude that the oral condition of elderly represented in this study is precarious and reflects the need for health promotion and rehabilitation programs for this segment of the population.

Os trabalhos realizados no Brasil a respeito das principais afecções bucais dos gerontes mostram situação preocupante. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a frequência de edentulismo, analisar o uso e a necessidade de prótese, calcular o índice CPOD e verificar a condição periodontal de idosas residentes no Distrito Federal. Cento e quarenta mulheres com idade igual ou superior a sessenta anos foram examinadas. A condição de cada prótese foi avaliada observando presença de prejuízo estético ou funcional. Em seguida, foi realizado exame clínico para detectar a presença de cárie, restaurações e dentes perdidos para cálculo do índice CPOD. O exame periodontal incluiu a verificação do índice de placa visível, índice de sangramento gengival, medidas de profundidade de sondagem clínica, perda de inserção clínica e mobilidade dental de todos os dentes presentes. Os resultados revelaram péssimas condições bucais dos pacientes examinados. A taxa de edentulismo mostrou-se elevada, o índice CPOD foi alto (29,8), com predomínio do componente extraído (87,1%) e a condição periodontal foi considerada grave. A partir destes dados, pode-se concluir que o perfil da condição bucal das idosas representadas neste estudo é precário, o que reflete a necessidade de se elaborar programas de promoção de saúde e de reabilitação para este segmento da população.

Data from Brazilian researches that evaluated oral health of elderly people show a worrisome situation. The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency of edentulism, analyze both the use and need profiles of prosthesis, calculate the DMFT index and check the condition of periodontal elderly residents in the Federal District. One hundred and forty women aged 60 years or above were examined. The condition of each prosthesis was evaluated to detect the presence of functional or aesthetic damage. Then, clinical examination was carried out to detect the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth in order to calculate the DMFT index. The periodontal examination included the index of visible plaque, bleeding index, measurement of clinical probing depth, measurement of clinical attachment level and teeth mobility. The results showed poor oral conditions of the patients. The rate of edentulism was high, the DMFT index was elevated (29.8) with a predominance of the extracted component (87.1%) and periodontal condition was considered severe. From these data we can conclude that the oral condition of elderly represented in this study is precarious and reflects the need for health promotion and rehabilitation programs for this segment of the population.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a laser fluorescence device for detection of occlusal caries in permanent teeth. One hundred and ninety-nine non-cavitated teeth from 26 patients aged 10 to 13 years were selected. After dental prophylaxis, two previously calibrated dentists examined the teeth. Visual inspection, radiographic examination and laser measurements were performed under standardized conditions. The validation method was cavity preparation with a small cone-shaped diamond bur, when the two examiners agreed about the presence of dentin caries. It was found that the laser detection method produced high values of sensitivity (0.93) and specificity (0.75) and a moderate positive predictive value (0.63). The laser device showed the lowest value of likelihood ratio (3.68). Kappa coefficient showed good repeatability for all methods. Although the laser device had an acceptable performance, this equipment should be used as an adjunct method to visual inspection to avoid false positive results.

OBJECTIVE: To appraise existing evidence for a therapeutic / anti-cariogenic effect of sugar-free chewing gum for patients. METHOD: 9 English and 2 Portuguese databases were searched using English and Portuguese keywords. Relevant articles in English, German, Portuguese and Spanish were included for review. Trials were excluded on lack of randomisation, control group, blinding and baseline data, drop out rate >33%, no statistical adjustment of baseline differences and no assessment of clinically important outcomes. Reviews were excluded on lack of information, article selection criteria, search strategy followed, search keywords, searched databases or lack of study-by-study critique tables. In cases of multiple reports from the same study, the report covering the longest period was included. Two reviewers independently reviewed and assessed the quality of accepted articles. RESULTS: Thirty-nine articles were included for review. Thirty were excluded and 9 accepted. Of the 9 accepted, 2 trials of reasonable and good evidence value did not demonstrate any anti-cariogenic effect of sugar-free chewing gum. However, 7 articles, with 1 of strong, and 6 of good evidence value, demonstrated anti-cariogenic effects of chewing Sorbitol, Xylitol or Sorbitol/Xylitol gum. This effect can be ascribed to saliva stimulation through the chewing process, particularly when gum is used immediately after meals; the lack of sucrose and the inability of bacteria to metabolize polyols into acids. Conclusion: The evidence suggests that sugar-free chewing gum has a caries-reducing effect. Further well-designed randomised trials are needed to confirm these findings.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência da cárie dentária em 192 crianças, 96 nascidas prematuramente e 96 a termo, em um hospital regional no Brasil. A média de idade ao exame clínico foi de 40,72 meses e 30,44 meses para os grupos a termo (G1) e prematuro (G2), respectivamente. As crianças foram divididas em faixas etárias de 0 a 3 e 4 a 6 anos. Os resultados estatísticos (testes t de Student e Kruskal-Wallis) mostraram que, entre 0 a 3 anos, o ceo-d foi 0,43 para o G1 e 0,01 para o G2. Entre 4 e 6 anos, o ceo-d foi 1,7 e 1,1 para G1 e G2, respectivamente. Os resultados foram significativos entre G1 e G2 apenas na faixa etária entre 0 e 3 anos (p = 0,047). A experiência de cárie mostrou que, das 96 crianças do G1, 75 estavam livres de cárie, enquanto que no G2, 84 não haviam tido a doença. Essas diferenças não foram significativas (p = 0,088). Conclui-se que o ceo-d médio menor encontrado no G2 entre 0 e 3 anos pode ser atribuído às freqüentes visitas de rotina e orientações sobre hábitos de higiene oral e dieta, oferecidos pela equipe de neonatologia. Após esta idade, com a dentição decídua completa, os valores aumentaram e se equipararam entre os grupos. Parece que o fenômeno de polarização esteve presente, visto que a experiência de cárie concentrou-se em um reduzido número de crianças.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries in 192 children, 96 born prematurely and 96 at full term, in a regional hospital in Brazil. Mean age at clinical examination was 40.72 months in the full-term group (G1) and 30.44 months in the premature group (G2). The children were divided in two age subgroups: 0 to 3 and 4 to 6 years. Statistical results (Student's t and Kruskal-Wallis tests) showed that dmft was 0.43 for G1 and 0.01 for G2 in the 0-3 age subgroup, and 1.7 for G1 and 1.1 for G2 in the 4-6 age subgroup. Differences were significant between G1 and G2 only in the 0-3 age subgroup (p = 0.047). Caries evaluation showed that, of the 96 children in G1, 75 were caries free, while in G2, 84 did not have the disease. These differences were not significant (p = 0.088). The lower mean dmft found in the 0-3 age subgroup in G2 may be attributed to routines established by the hospital's neonatology staff, such as frequent dental visits and preventive instructions about oral habits, oral hygiene and diet. After this age, with the completion of the primary dentition, values increased and became similar between the G1 and G2 groups. Results also suggested a highly skewed distribution since most caries were found in only a small number of children.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar clinicamente o resultado do tratamento das mordidas cruzadas posteriores de origem funcional, através de desgaste seletivo, em indivíduos na fase de dentição decídua, durante o período de 12 meses. Foram examinadas 1011 crianças, com idades entre 2 e 6 anos, selecionando-se 26 indivíduos que apresentavam mordida cruzada posterior funcional. A amostra foi dividida em 2 grupos de 13 crianças cada, sendo o grupo 1 o que recebeu o tratamento proposto e o grupo 2 servindo como controle. Após o tratamento, foram realizados exercícios com o objetivo de modificar a memória muscular da criança. Os resultados possibilitaram constatar que houve correção da mordida cruzada posterior funcional em todas as crianças tratadas, ocorrendo estabilidade da correção após 12 meses. O grupo controle não apresentou nenhum caso de autocorreção da maloclusão.

The aim of this study was to clinically assess the results of treatment for functional posterior cross-bites by means of selective grinding in individuals at the deciduous dentition phase over a period of 12 months. From a total of 1,011 children examined in the 2-to-6-year age bracket, 26 with functional posterior cross-bites were selected. The sample was divided into 2 groups of 13 children each, group 1 receiving the treatment proposed and group 2 serving as the control group. Treatment was followed up by exercises designed to alter the children's muscular memory. The results showed that correction of functional posterior cross-bite was achieved for all the children treated, the correction remaining stable 12 months later. No self-correction of malocclusion occurred among the control group.