Abstract This study aimed to evaluate trends in the prevalence of dental caries in preschool children and associated factors considering different time variations. This is a time series study performed using data from three cross-sectional studies with pre-school children from southern Brazil in 2008, 2013 and 2019. This children group was born between the years of 2003 to 2018. Dental caries was evaluated by decayed, missing and filled deciduous teeth (dmft index). Demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural and psychosocial variables were also collected. Chi-square test for trends and a hierarchical age-period-cohort (HAPC) analysis using multilevel Poisson regression model for testing the associations between predictor variables and dental caries experience were used. A total of 1,644 pre-school children participated in all surveys. There was a significant difference in caries experience considering all APC effects. The prevalence of dental caries was 25.0% in 2008, 16.3% in 2013, and 19.4% in 2019 (p < 0.01) and no statistical difference was observed. An age effect showed that older children were more likely to experience dental caries. Considering the cohort effect, there is a significant difference between the generations, mainly between 2003 and 2018. Household income, use of dental services, and parent’s perception of child oral health were associated with dental caries experience no matter the time variation. Despite recent declines in dental caries prevalence among preschool children, caries levels increased with age and social inequalities persisted through the years, indicating a need of reviewing the policies to reduce the burden of this oral disease. variations crosssectional cross sectional pre school 2008 201 200 2018 decayed dmft index. index . index) Demographic socioeconomic collected Chisquare Chi square ageperiodcohort period HAPC (HAPC used 1644 1 644 1,64 surveys effects 250 25 0 25.0 163 16 3 16.3 194 19 4 19.4 p 0.01 001 01 observed generations income services parents parent s variation disease 20 164 64 1,6 2 25. 16. 19. 0.0 00 6 1, 0.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent to which orthodontic treatment need is perceived by the patients and by the orthodontist, as well as the possible impacts on the OHRQoL (Oral Health-Related Quality of Life) over the course of conventional orthodontic treatment in adolescent patients. Methods: The sample consisted of 55 adolescents. The perception of patients and orthodontists relative to the malocclusion was evaluated by the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need). The OHRQoL was evaluated by the Child-OIDP (Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performances) questionnaire before the conventional orthodontic appliance was bonded (T0); and at the following time intervals: after one week (T1), one month (T2), three months (T3), six months (T4), and after the end of orthodontic treatment (T5). Results: Adolescents who had large orthodontic treatment needs had a poor OHRQoL, according to their self-perception (p=0.003) and according to the orthodontist’s perception (p<0.001), when compared with patients with small and moderate needs. There was statistically significant difference in the OHRQoL between the time intervals T0 and T1 (p=0.021), T2 and T3 (p<0.001), T3 and T4 (p=0.033), and T0 and T5 (p<0.002). At the end of treatment, all evaluated participants reported an improvement in OHRQoL. Conclusions: It was concluded that adolescents and orthodontists agreed with regard to the perception of orthodontic treatment need. In the first week and in the first month of orthodontic treatment, there was a negative impact on the OHRQoL. After three months, an improvement of OHRQoL was detected, which has progressed over time. Objective orthodontist Oral HealthRelated Health Related Life Methods 5 Index Need. Need . Need) ChildOIDP Child OIDP ChildOral Performances T (T0) T1, , (T1) T2, (T2) T3, (T3) T4, (T4) T5. (T5) Results selfperception self p=0.003 p0003 p 0 003 (p=0.003 s p<0.001, p0001 p<0.001 001 (p<0.001) p=0.021, p0021 p=0.021 021 (p=0.021) p=0.033, p0033 p=0.033 033 (p=0.033) p<0.002. p0002 p<0.002 002 (p<0.002) Conclusions detected (T0 (T1 (T2 (T3 (T4 (T5 p=0.00 p000 00 (p=0.00 p<0.00 (p<0.001 p002 p=0.02 02 (p=0.021 p003 p=0.03 03 (p=0.033 (p<0.002 (T p=0.0 p00 (p=0.0 p<0.0 (p<0.00 (p=0.02 (p=0.03 p=0. p0 (p=0. p<0. (p<0.0 p=0 (p=0 p<0 (p<0. p= (p= p< (p<0 (p (p<

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o quanto a necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico é percebida pelos pacientes e pelo ortodontista, bem como os possíveis impactos na Qualidade de Vida Relacionada à Saúde Bucal (QVRSB) ao longo do tratamento ortodôntico convencional em pacientes adolescentes. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 55 adolescentes. A percepção dos pacientes e ortodontistas em relação à má oclusão foi avaliada pelo Índice de Necessidade de Tratamento Ortodôntico (IOTN). A QVRSB foi avaliada pelo questionário Child-OIDP (Child-Oral Impacts on Daily Performances) antes da colagem do aparelho ortodôntico convencional (T0); e nos seguintes intervalos de tempo: após uma semana (T1), um mês (T2), três meses (T3), seis meses (T4) e após o término do tratamento ortodôntico (T5). Resultados: Adolescentes que apresentavam grandes necessidades de tratamento ortodôntico apresentaram baixa QVRSB, segundo sua autopercepção (p=0,003) e segundo a percepção do ortodontista (p<0,001), quando comparados com pacientes com necessidades pequenas e moderadas . Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na QVRSB entre os intervalos de tempo T0 e T1 (p=0,021), T2 e T3 (p<0,001), T3 e T4 (p=0,033) e T0 e T 5 (p<0,00 2 ). Ao final do tratamento, todos os participantes avaliados relataram melhora na QVRSB. Conclusões: Concluiu-se que adolescentes e ortodontistas concordaram quanto à percepção da necessidade de tratamento ortodôntico. Na primeira semana e no primeiro mês de tratamento ortodôntico, houve impacto negativo na QVRSB. Após três meses, foi detectada uma melhora na QVRSB, que progrediu ao longo do tempo. Objetivo (QVRSB Métodos IOTN. IOTN (IOTN) ChildOIDP Child OIDP ChildOral Oral Performances (T0) T1, , (T1) T2, (T2) T3, (T3) (T4 T5. T5 (T5) Resultados p=0,003 p0003 p 0 003 (p=0,003 p<0,001, p0001 p<0,001 001 (p<0,001) p=0,021, p0021 p=0,021 021 (p=0,021) p=0,033 p0033 033 (p=0,033 p<0,00 p000 00 (p<0,0 ) Conclusões Concluiuse Concluiu se (IOTN (T0 (T1 (T2 (T3 (T (T5 p=0,00 (p=0,00 (p<0,001 p002 p=0,02 02 (p=0,021 p=0,03 p003 03 (p=0,03 p<0,0 p00 (p<0, p=0,0 (p=0,0 (p=0,02 p<0, p0 (p<0 p=0, (p=0, p<0 (p< p=0 (p=0 p< (p p= (p=

Abstract To evaluate the effect of acidic challenge on erosion depth and topographic characteristics of different materials used as occlusal sealants. Two hundred specimens of five sealant materials (Fuji IX, Ketac Molar, Fuji II, Equia and Clinpro) and forty bovine teeth enamel samples (control) were prepared and exposed to acidic challenge. The specimens were immersed in four different solutions (orange juice, coke drink, citric acid or distilled water) under mildly shaken conditions for 3 days. The erosion depth profiles were measured using a profilometer and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Two-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test was performed to evaluate the interactions. Sealant material and acidic challenge had significant effects on erosion depth. Among the materials, Fuji II presented the highest mean of erosion depth after immersion in orange juice, coke drink, and citric acid. All materials groups presented higher erosion depth values after immersion in the citric acid solution, except Clinpro. Bovine enamel presented higher erosion depth values compared to all materials when submitted to erosive challenge. Sealant materials submitted to the acidic challenge presented different degrees of erosion and topographic modification; however, they are less susceptible to erosion than bovine teeth enamel. sealants IX Molar Clinpro control (control juice drink water days SEM. SEM . (SEM) Twoway way posthoc post hoc interactions solution modification however (SEM

Abstract To evaluate the association between discrimination based on sexual orientation and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adolescents. This was a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort performed in southern Brazil. The baseline assessment was carried out in 2010 with a sample of preschoolers (1 to 5 years). Subsequently, these individuals were reassessed, and for the present study, only the data from the final follow-up in 2020 were considered. OHRQoL was assessed by the short version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ11-14). The discrimination due to sexual orientation was measured using item 10 of the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire. Sociodemographic (sex, age, skin color, maternal education, household income) psychosocial (sense of coherence), and clinical variables (untreated dental caries) were also evaluated. Multilevel Poisson regression analysis was performed to verify the associations. Results are present as rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). A total of 429 adolescents were evaluated – about 67.1% of those assessed at baseline. The prevalence of discrimination due to sexual orientation was 3.3%. Adolescents who reported suffering episodes of discrimination due to sexual orientation presented overall CPQ11-14 scores 16% higher (RR 1.16, 95%CI 1.01-1.36) than their counterparts. Adolescents who reported suffering episodes of discrimination due to sexual orientation presented poorer OHRQoL. healthrelated health related (OHRQoL crosssectional cross sectional Brazil 201 1 ( years. years . years) Subsequently reassessed followup follow up 202 considered 1114 11 14 11-1 CPQ1114. CPQ1114 CPQ CPQ11 (CPQ11-14) BullyVictim Bully Victim sex, sex (sex age color education income sense coherence, coherence , coherence) untreated caries associations RR 95 (95 CI. CI CI) 42 671 67 67.1 33 3 3.3% CPQ11-1 16 116 1.16 95CI 1.011.36 101136 1.01 1.36 01 36 1.01-1.36 counterparts 20 111 11- CPQ111 CPQ1 (CPQ11-14 9 (9 4 6 67. 3.3 CPQ11- 1.1 011 1.011.3 10113 101 1.0 136 1.3 0 1.01-1.3 2 (CPQ11-1 3. 1. 1.011. 1011 13 1.01-1. (CPQ11- 1.011 1.01-1 (CPQ11 1.01- (CPQ1 (CPQ

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the impact of school bullying and oral health-related verbal bullying on the occurrence of bruxism associated with poor sleep quality among adolescents. This cross-sectional study was nested in a cohort study performed with a sample of children from southern Brazil. Possible sleep bruxism was determined by the question: “Has anyone told you that you grind your teeth in your sleep?” Sleep quality was determined by answering the following question: “How would you classify the quality of your sleep?”. The outcome was created by combining occurrence of sleep bruxism and poor sleep quality. The Sense of Coherence (SOC) was assessed using the SOC-13 scale. Bullying was investigated using the victim scale of the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire and oral health-related verbal bullying using an item from the Child Perceptions Questionnaire-11-14. Demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and clinical data were also collected. Poisson regression models with robust variance were used. Results were expressed as prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A total of 429 adolescents with a mean age of 12.6 (standard deviation 1.3) years were evaluated. The prevalence of bruxism associated with poor sleep quality was 23.7%. Victims of school bullying (PR 2.06; 95%CI: 1.01-4.22) and oral health-related verbal bullying (PR 1.87; 95%CI: 1.18-2.95) presented higher prevalence of bruxism associated with poor sleep quality. Factors such as skin color and SOC were also associated with the outcome. These findings suggest an association between episodes of bullying and bruxism related to poor sleep quality. healthrelated health crosssectional cross sectional Brazil question Has sleep? How sleep. . (SOC SOC13 13 SOC-1 Questionnaire1114. Questionnaire1114 11 14. 14 Questionnaire-11-14 Demographic socioeconomic psychosocial collected used PR 95 (95 CI. CI CI) 42 126 12 6 12. standard 1.3 1 3 evaluated 237 23 7 23.7% 2.06 206 2 06 95%CI 95CI 1.014.22 101422 1.01 4.22 01 4 22 1.01-4.22 1.87 187 87 1.182.95 118295 1.18 2.95 18 1.18-2.95 SOC1 SOC- Questionnaire111 Questionnaire-11-1 9 (9 1. 23.7 2.0 20 0 014 1.014.2 10142 101 1.0 422 4.2 1.01-4.2 1.8 8 182 1.182.9 11829 118 1.1 295 2.9 1.18-2.9 Questionnaire11 Questionnaire-11- ( 23. 2. 1.014. 1014 10 4. 1.01-4. 1.182. 1182 29 1.18-2. Questionnaire1 Questionnaire-11 1.014 1.01-4 1.182 1.18-2 Questionnaire-1 1.01- 1.18- Questionnaire-

Abstract This study aimed to explore the pathways that can influence cigarette smoking among adolescents. This population-based cohort followed a random sample of 12-year-old adolescents from southern Brazil for 6 years. Regular cigarette smoking was assessed through a self-reported question, previously used in the Brazilian National Survey of Scholar Health. We also gathered data on bullying, dental caries at baseline, incidence of caries, sex, friend network, and Sense of Coherence (SOC). Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were also collected. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the pathways. Of the 1,134 adolescents examined at baseline, 768 were re-evaluated (67.7% retention rate). The prevalence of smoking was 37.6%. This prevalence was directly affected by low SOC (SC: -0.14, p < 0.01), low household income (SC: -0.12, p < 0.01), and male sex (SC: 0.15, p < 0.01). Presence of dental caries at baseline indirectly influenced the occurrence of dental bullying at follow-up via the incidence of dental caries (SC: 0.01, p < 0.05). Dental bullying indirectly influenced cigarettes consumption via SOC (SC: 0.62, p < 0.05). Friend network also indirectly influenced the consumption of cigarettes via SOC (SC: 0.32, p < 0.05). Psychosocial factors influence adolescent cigarette consumption through its higher direct and indirect effects (via bullying). In addition, behavioral, sociodemographic, and clinical factors also influence the occurrence of smoking. populationbased population based 12yearold yearold 12 year old years selfreported self reported question Health SOC. . (SOC) collected 1134 1 134 1,13 76 reevaluated re evaluated 67.7% 677 67 7 (67.7 rate. rate rate) 376 37 37.6% SC (SC 0.14, 014 0 14 -0.14 001 0.01 , 01 0.01) 0.12, 012 -0.12 015 15 0.15 0.01. followup follow up 0.05. 005 0.05 05 0.05) 062 62 0.62 032 32 0.32 bullying. bullying) addition behavioral sociodemographic (SOC 113 13 1,1 67.7 (67. 3 37.6 0.14 -0.1 00 0.0 0.12 0.1 06 0.6 03 0.3 11 1, 67. (67 37. -0. 0. (6 -0 ( -

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência do número de cirurgiões-dentistas do bairro na incidência de cárie dentária na dentição permanente. Esta coorte teve início em 2010 (T1) com uma amostra aleatória de 639 crianças (1 a 5 anos) acompanhadas por 7 anos, no sul do Brasil. A reavaliação (T2) ocorreu em 2017. A cárie dentária não tratada foi avaliada no T2 por meio do índice de superfícies cariadas, perdidas e obturadas (CPO-S). O número de dentistas do bairro foi obtido no banco de dados oficial da cidade e usada como uma variável contextual. Variáveis socioeconômicas, demográficas e de saúde bucal no nível individual foram avaliadas no T1. Foi realizada uma análise de regressão de Poisson multinível para avaliar a influência das variáveis preditoras na incidência de cárie dentária não tratada. Das 639 crianças no T1, 449 foram reavaliadas no T2 (taxa de retenção de 70,3%). A média das superfícies cariadas no T2 foi de 0,92 (EP 0,01). Quanto maior o número de dentistas nos bairros em que as crianças residiam, menor era a incidência de cárie dentária. Crianças com baixo nível socioeconômico, que não consultaram rotineiramente o dentista nos últimos 6 meses, que apresentaram experiência de cárie dentária e cujos pais perceberam sua saúde bucal como regular/ruim apresentaram maior incidência de superfícies com cárie dentária não tratada. Como conclusão, crianças que moram em bairros com menos dentistas têm maior incidência de cárie não tratada na dentição permanente.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the number of dentists in the neighborhood on the incidence of dental caries in the children permanent dentition. This cohort began in 2010 (T1) with a random sample of 639 children (1 to 5 years-old) followed for 7 years, in southern Brazil. The follow-up reassessment (T2) took place in 2017. Untreated dental caries was evaluated at T2 through the Decayed, Missing, and Filled surfaces index (DMF-S). The number of dentists in the neighborhood was obtained from the city’s official database and used as a contextual variable. Socioeconomic, demographic, and oral health variables at the individual level were evaluated at T1. A multilevel Poisson regression was performed to evaluate the influence of the predictor variables in the incidence of untreated dental caries. From 639 children at T1, 449 were reassessed at T2 (a 70.3% retention rate). The mean of decayed surfaces at T2 was 0.92 (SE 0.01). The greater the number of dentists in the neighborhoods where the children lived, the lower the incidence of dental caries. Children with low socioeconomic status, who have not routinely visited the dentist in the last 6 months, who presented a experience of dental caries, and whose parents perceived their oral health as fair/poor showed a higher incidence of surfaces with untreated dental caries. As conclusion, children who live in neighborhoods with fewer dentists have a higher incidence of untreated dental caries in permanent dentition.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a concordância entre instrumentos de avaliação quantitativa do palato duro. Método Este estudo transversal foi realizado com uma amostra de 30 crianças de 6 a 11 anos de Santa Maria, sul do Brasil. Os instrumentos de medidas do palato avaliados foram: paquímetro digital, utilizado diretamente na cavidade oral e em modelos de gesso, arco tridimensional Korkhaus, usado diretamente na cavidade oral e em modelos de gesso, e Dolphin Imaging Software utilizado para medições em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (CBCT). A concordância entre os diferentes instrumentos foi avaliada por meio do Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC). Resultados As médias de todas as dimensões transversais obtidas pela tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico foram menores do que as dos outros instrumentos - os valores de concordância na largura entre os caninos e na largura entre os primeiros molares foram baixos na comparação entre a tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico e os demais instrumentos. Na largura entre o primeiro e o segundo pré-molar, todas as comparações apresentaram valores de concordância aceitáveis. Valores de concordância aceitáveis também foram obtidos ao comparar a profundidade do palato na região do segundo pré-molar com o uso de um divisor de arco dentro da cavidade oral e no gesso. Conclusão A maioria dos instrumentos apresentou concordância satisfatória nas medidas relacionadas ao plano transverso do palato duro. Porém, quando avaliado o plano vertical, apenas o divisor de arco aplicado tanto no gesso quanto na cavidade oral apresentou concordância ideal.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the agreement among instruments of the quantitative evaluation of hard palate. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed with a sample of 30 children aged 6 to 11 from Santa Maria, Southern Brazil. The instruments for palate measurements evaluated were: digital caliper, used directly in the oral cavity and in plaster casts, Korkhaus tridimensional bow, used directly in the oral cavity and in plaster casts, and Dolphin Imaging Software used for measurements in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The agreement among different instruments was evaluated using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Results The means of all transversal dimensions obtained by cone-beam computed tomography were lower than those of the other instruments - the agreement values in the width between the canines and in the width between the first molars were lower when comparing the cone-beam computed tomography and the other instruments. In the width between the first and second premolars, all comparisons showed acceptable agreement values. Good concordance values were obtained when comparing the palate depth at the second premolar region when using a bow divider inside the oral cavity and in the cast. Conclusion Most instruments presented satisfactory agreement in the measurements related to the transverse plane of the hard palate. However, when the vertical plane was evaluated, only the bow divider applied to both cast and oral cavity presented ideal agreement.

Abstract: This study evaluated the influence of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) on the consumption of alcohol and cigarette use in adolescents. This prospective cohort began in 2012 (T1) with an initial random sample of 1134 12-year-old adolescents followed for 6 years in Santa Maria, southern Brazil. The present study comprised data from the two cohort reassessments that took place in 2014 (T2) and 2018 (T3). OHRQoL was measured with the Brazilian short version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14) at T2. Socioeconomic, demographic, and oral health measures were also collected during this period. Alcohol and cigarette consumption (regular use) in the past 30 days was evaluated at T3 through questions in the of the National School Health Survey (PeNSE) questionnaire. A multilevel Poisson regression model was used to evaluate the influence of predictor variables on substance use. Of the 770 adolescents at T2, 575 and 576 adolescents were reassessed at T3 for alcohol and cigarette consumption, respectively. Adolescents with higher overall CPQ11-14 scores were at higher risk for regular consumption of alcohol (IRR 1.01; 95% CI 1.01-1.02) and cigarette (IRR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03-1.05). Non-white adolescents with low socioeconomic status, untreated dental caries, and who had not been to the dentist (last 6 months) were also associated with increased regular consumption of licit substances. Adolescents with worse OHRQoL presented a higher consumption of alcohol and cigarette. These findings are useful for planning public health strategies to improve adolescent OHRQoL and reduce the harmful substance use.

Abstract: This study assessed the association between self-reported oral health and the normative indices of dental caries in an adolescent population. This study is based on a 6-year data from a cohort, beginning in 2012, with 1,134 twelve-year-old adolescents. After three phases of data collection, 68% of the samples were followed up. Self-reported oral health was evaluated through the question: “Would you say that the health of your teeth, lips, jaws, and mouth is …?”, and answers were categorized as “good” or “poor.” Calibrated dentists examined clinical conditions using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Statistical analysis was performed using multilevel logistic regression models, considering the dependence of those observed thrice and adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and dental visit variables. Adolescents who evaluated their oral health as poor had higher mean DMFT (OR: 1.35; CI95% 1.22–1.50). When evaluated separately, decayed (OR: 2.43; CI95% 1.83–3.23) and missing (OR: 3.94; CI95% 1.26–12.26) teeth also presented significant results, showing poor self-reported oral health associated with a higher mean. Adolescents’ self-perceived oral health was associated with normative dental caries indices, and this association was maintained throughout adolescence.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a associação entre as dimensões do palato duro de acordo com os sexos, cor da pele e períodos da dentição mista e apresentar parâmetros de normalidade de referência para esta fase de desenvolvimento. Método Este estudo transversal avaliou uma amostra representativa de crianças com idade entre 7 e 13 anos em Santa Maria, sul do Brasil. Os desfechos do estudo foram as dimensões do palato: medidas de largura e profundidade. Características sociodemográficas e medidas orais relacionadas também foram avaliadas. Modelos de regressão linear ajustados foram utilizados para avaliar o efeito das variáveis preditoras sobre as dimensões do palato duro em milímetros. Os padrões de referência para a normalidade do palato duro foram apresentados em média, desvio padrão e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados Foram avaliadas 569 crianças. As dimensões do palato duro foram maiores no sexo masculino e menores no primeiro período de transição da dentição mista. A cor da pele influenciou a largura do palato duro ao nível dos pré-molares, sendo as medidas de largura menores nos brancos. Mordida cruzada posterior, más oclusões de Classe II e III de Angle e hábitos de sucção não nutricionais causaram redução nas medidas da largura do palato duro. Conclusão As diferentes dimensões do palato duro são influenciadas por variáveis demográficas como o sexo, cor da pele e período de dentição mista. Crianças do sexo feminino, de cor de pele branca e no primeiro período de transição de dentição mista apresentaram menores dimensões do palato duro. O estabelecimento de padrões de referência de normalidade nas medidas do palato orienta a prática clínica.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the association among dimensions of the hard palate according to the sexes, skin color, and periods of the mixed dentition and present reference parameters of normality for this stage of development. Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated a representative sample of children between the ages of 7 and 13 years in Santa Maria, southern Brazil. The outcomes of the study were the dimensions of the palate: width measurements and depth. Sociodemographic characteristics and related oral measures were also assessed. Adjusted linear regression model were used to evaluate the effect of the predictor’s variables on the dimensions of the hard palate in millimeters. The reference standards for the hard palate normality were presented in mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence interval. Results A total of 569 children were evaluated. The hard palate dimensions were larger in the male sex and smaller in the first transitional period of mixed dentition. Skin color had an influence on the hard palate width at the level of the premolars, and the width measurements were smaller in white individuals. Posterior cross bite, Angle Class II and III malocclusions and non-nutritional sucking habits caused reduction in the hard palate width measurements. Conclusion Different dimensions of the hard palate are influenced by demographic variables such as sex, skin color, and mixed dentition period. Children of the female sex, white-skinned and in the first transition period of mixed dentition had smaller dimensions of the hard palate. Establishing normality reference standards in measurements of the palates guides the clinical practice.

Abstract The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess whether favorable factors related to school characteristics have a positive effect on the impact of traumatic dental injury (TDI) on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). An epidemiological survey of oral health was conducted with 12-year-old schoolchildren from Quito, Ecuador. Children were examined for TDI, dental caries, and malocclusion. Individual socioeconomic data were also collected. Information on the physical environment, health practices, and occurrence of negative episodes at school was collected from the school coordinators. The Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ11-14) was used to evaluate the OHRQoL (outcome variable). Multilevel Poisson regression analysis was conducted. Severe TDI was associated with higher CPQ11-14 scores, even in the multiple model adjusted for oral health conditions, sex, individual socioeconomic variables, and school-related variables. Children from schools that had an appropriate tooth-brushing environment for their students exhibited a lower impact on OHRQoL, even after adjustment for the occurrence of TDI and other variables. A favorable school environment may exert a positive effect on OHRQoL, independent of the occurrence of TDI.

Resumo O objetivo foi avaliar a influência da cárie dentária não tratada e do status socioeconômico (SES) sobre o abandono escolar dos adolescentes. Foi realizado um estudo de coorte de seis anos de acompanhamento com uma amostra aleatória de adolescentes (12 anos de idade) avaliados inicialmente em 2012 em Santa Maria, Brasil. Sexo, status socioeconômico (educação da mãe e renda familiar) e cárie não tratada foram coletados no início do estudo. A variável de desfecho foi coletada no acompanhamento por meio do autorrelato e foi dividida em três categorias: adolescentes que apenas estudavam, aqueles que estudavam e trabalhavam e quem tinha abandonado a escola. Um modelo de regressão multinomial foi realizado para avaliar a influência da doença bucal e do SES sobre o abandono escolar, por meio da razão de risco relativo (RRR) e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Dos 1.134 adolescentes avaliados no início do estudo, 768 participantes com idade média de 17,5 anos foram reavaliados no acompanhamento (taxa de resposta de 67,8%). Meninos (RRR: 2,31; IC 95%: 1,19- 4,48) e adolescentes com cárie não tratada no início do estudo tiveram um incremento no abandono escolar (RRR: 2,26; IC 95%: 1,12-4,56). Mães com baixa escolaridade (RRR: 2,24; IC95%: 1,09-4,61) tiveram maior probabilidade de ter filhos que abandonaram a escola. Cárie dentária não tratada e baixo SES no início da adolescência pode influenciar a tendência de evasão escolar.

Abstract The objective was assess the influence of untreated caries and socioeconomic status (SES) on school dropout among adolescents. A six-year cohort study was conducted with random sample of adolescents (12 years-old) who had been evaluated initially in 2012 from Santa Maria, Brazil. Sex, socioeconomic status (mother’s education and household income), and untreated caries were collected at the baseline. The outcome variable was collected at the follow-up through self-report and was divided into three categories: adolescents who only studied, who studied and employed, and who school dropouts. A multinomial regression model was performed to assess the influence of oral disease and SES on school leaving, through relative risk ratio (RRR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). From of 1,134 adolescents evaluated at the baseline, 768 participants with a mean age of 17.5 years were re-evaluated at follow-up (67.8% response rate). Male (RRR: 2.31; 95%CI: 1.19-4.48) and adolescents with untreated caries at the baseline had an increment in school-leaving (RRR: 2.26; 95%CI: 1.12-4.56). Mothers with low education (RRR: 2.24; 95%CI: 1.09-4.61) had a higher probability of having children who leave school. Untreated caries and low SES in early adolescence can influence the tendency to school dropouts.

Abstract Background Malocclusions are highly prevalent in childhood and adolescence, being considered a public health problem worldwide, in addition to be considered an important predictor in the tongue position and speech disorders. Objective Evaluate the association of malocclusions with tongue position and speech distortion in mixed-dentition schoolchildren from the south of Brazil. Methodology This cross-sectional study was performed using a database of an epidemiological survey realized in the southern of Brazil, in 2015, for evaluating the dental and myofunctional condition of the mixed-dentition from 7-13 years’ schoolchildren. The outcome variables were tongue position and speech distortion, evaluated by a trained and calibrated examiner. Characteristics regarding sociodemographic and oral health measures (Angle’s classification of the malocclusion, overjet, overbite, posterior crossbite and respiratory mode) were also assessed. Poisson regression models with adjusted robust variance were used to evaluate the association among predictors variables in the outcomes. Results are presented as prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results A total of 547 children were evaluated. Schoolchildren who presented anterior open bite (PR 2.36 95%CI 1.59-3.49) and having oral/oral-nasal breathing (RP 2.51 95%CI 1.70-3.71) are more likely to have altered position of the tongue. Both deep bite and being male represent protection factors for the abnormal tongue position. Regarding speech distortion, deep overbite presents a protective relationship to speech distortion (PR 0.41; 95%CI 0.24-0.71), whereas schoolchildren with posterior crossbite were more likely to present this problem (PR 1.77; 95%CI 1.09-2.88). Conclusion Anterior open bite and posterior crossbite were the malocclusions related to speech distortion and/or altered tongue position. Oral/oral-nasal breathing was also related to myofunctional changes. Deep bite malocclusion was a protective factor for both speech problems and altered tongue position when compared to a normal overbite.

Abstract Most of the Brazilian population is covered by the Family Health Strategy (FHS), however no longitudinal study has assessed the impact of the FHS on child oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The objective of the study was to evaluate the longitudinal impact of the FHS on the OHRQoL. This study followed up 459 children aged 2 to 5 years for 2 years. OHRQoL was assessed by the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) at baseline (April to November 2016) and follow-up (April to December 2018). Children’s parents answered a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic information, FHS service, and dental service. Participants were clinically examined for dental caries. Multilevel Poisson regression was used to assess the associations between FHS variables at baseline and overall/domain-specific of the ECOHIS scores over time. A total of 365 children were reassessed for OHRQoL (follow-up rate: 79.5%). The absence of FHS coverage from the child’s first year of age was associated with higher scores in the family function domain [rate ratio (RR) = 2.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–4.58)]. Home visits by the FHS team members were associated with higher psychological domain scores (RR = 1.60; 95%CI 1.01–2.57). Children not covered by the FHS since the first year of age reported worse OHRQoL over time. This fact highlights the importance of an integrated health approach to promote children’s health.