Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalência da radiolucência justa-apical (RJA) e sua relação com estruturas adjacentes por meio da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Material e método Exames de TCFC foram analisados a partir de um banco de dados de 2017 a 2021 de pacientes adultos com terceiros molares inferiores para avaliação da presença de RJA. Os terceiros molares associados a RJA foram classificados de acordo com a profundidade de impactação, angulação e desenvolvimento radicular. A RJA também foi classificada de acordo com sua relação com o canal mandibular e sua área cortical, tamanho e localização. Resultado 1.097 exames de TCFC foram coletados do banco de dados durante o período de avaliação e, após a aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade, 155 exames foram incluídos na análise. Trinta e um terceiros molares apresentaram presença de RJA com prevalência de 20%. Observou-se que a maioria dos casos eram unilaterais (84%), localizados mesialmente (53%), e de tamanho médio (53%), em contato com o canal mandibular com presença cortical (50%), visualizados em terceiros molares principalmente mesioangulares (36%), parcialmente intraósseo (86%) e com desenvolvimento radicular completo (92%). Não foram detectadas diferenças entre sexo e idade quanto à presença de RJA. Conclusão Os dados obtidos revelaram alta prevalência de RJA, frequentemente em contato com o canal mandibular, sendo considerado um risco potencial para lesão do nervo alveolar inferior. justaapical justa apical (RJA TCFC. . (TCFC) 201 202 impactação localização 1097 1 097 1.09 elegibilidade 15 análise 20 20% Observouse Observou se 84%, 84 84% , (84%) 53%, 53 53% (53%) 50%, 50 50% (50%) 36%, 36 36% (36%) 86% 86 (86% 92%. 92 92% (92%) inferior (TCFC 109 09 1.0 2 8 (84% 5 (53% (50% 3 (36% (86 9 (92% 10 0 1. (84 (53 (50 (36 (8 (92 (5 (3 ( (9

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate juxta-apical radiolucency (JAR) prevalence and its relationship with adjacent structures using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and method CBCT scans were analyzed from a database from 2017 to 2021 of adult patients with mandibular third molars to visualize the presence of JAR. Third molars associated with JAR were classified according to impaction depth, angulation, and root development. JAR was also classified according to its relationship with the mandibular canal and its cortical area, size, and location. The chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney Test were performed to compare the age of patients and gender regarding the presence or absence of JAR. Result 1097 CBCT scans were collected from the database during the evaluation period, and after the application of the eligibility criteria, 155 scans were included in the analysis. Thirty-one third molars showed the presence of JAR with a 20% prevalence. Most cases were observed to be unilateral (84%), located mesially (53%), and medium-sized (53%), in contact with the mandibular canal with cortical presence (50%), visualized in third molars mostly mesioangular (36%), partially intraosseous (86%), and with complete root development (92%). No significant differences were detected between gender and age concerning the presence of JAR. Conclusion High JAR prevalence was observed, which was frequently in contact with the mandibular canal, being considered a potential risk for nerve damage. juxtaapical juxta apical (JAR conebeam cone beam CBCT. . (CBCT) 201 202 depth angulation area size location chisquare chi square MannWhitney Mann Whitney 109 period criteria 15 analysis Thirtyone Thirty one 20 84%, 84 84% , (84%) 53%, 53 53% (53%) mediumsized medium sized 50%, 50 50% (50%) 36%, 36 36% (36%) 86%, 86 86% (86%) 92%. 92 92% (92%) damage (CBCT 10 1 2 8 (84% 5 (53% (50% 3 (36% (86% 9 (92% (84 (53 (50 (36 (86 (92 (8 (5 (3 (9 (

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the potential of strontium ranelate (SR) in medication-related jaw osteonecrosis (MRONJ) after tooth extraction in ovariectomized rats. Thirty ovariectomized rats were divided into three groups (n = 10): bisphophonate (BP) group (zoledronic acid; 0.4 mg/kg/week), SR group (625 mg/kg/day), and control group (saline solution). The lower first molars were extracted after 60 days of drug therapy. Drug administration was continued for another 30 days after tooth extraction. The mandibles were subjected to clinical, histological, radiographic, and microtomographic evaluations. Only the BP group showed clinical changes, characterized by the presence of 70% (n = 7) and 20% (n = 2) of ulcers and extraoral fistulas. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated bone sequestration only in the BP group (n = 7, 70%). Microtomographic analysis revealed increased bone porosity after ovariectomy, particularly in the the control group (p < 0.05). The BP group showed a higher bone surface density, bone volume, and trabecular number than SR and control groups, but with less trabecular separation (p < 0.05). All the animals in the BP group demonstrated histological osteonecrosis. There was no evidence of osteonecrosis in the control and SR groups, which was characterized by the absence of empty osteocyte gaps and associated with the gradual healing of the extraction area. Also, an increased number of blood vessels and a reduced number of osteoclasts were observed in the SR group (p < 0.05). Therefore, SR treatment increased angiogenesis and osteoclastogenesis in the healing socket and was not associated with MRONJ development after tooth extraction in ovariectomized rats.

Resumen Marco contextual: El control de la biopelícula oral con antisépticos debe ser adecuado a los protocolos elaborados para los pacientes de una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la solución de clorhexidina al 0,12% en la reducción de los microorganismos en la saliva de los pacientes en una UCI. Metodología: Estudio de cohorte con 45 voluntarios divididos en Clínica Médica (control, autohigiene bucal), UCI no intubados y UCI intubados. La higiene bucal en la UCI se realizó con clorhexidina. El análisis microbiológico se realizó con el recuento de microorganismos en la saliva. El análisis de los datos se realizó con ANOVA. Resultados: Hubo una reducción de los microorganismos después de la higiene bucal. El control mostró una diferencia significativa con los pacientes intubados en la UCI en el momento y después de 30 minutos. Los pacientes intubados mostraron una reducción de los microorganismos hasta 12 horas después de la higiene con clorhexidina. Conclusión: La higiene con clorhexidina reduce en un máximo de 12 horas los microorganismos bucales en pacientes intubados. Estos resultados pueden contribuir a la elaboración de protocolos de higiene bucal en las UCI, además de apoyar estrategias como la reducción de costes y los efectos secundarios asociados a la clorhexidina.

Resumo Enquadramento: O controlo do biofilme oral com anti-sépticos deve ser adequado aos protocolos elaborados para os doentes na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI). Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da solução de clorexidina 0,12% na redução de microrganismos na saliva de doentes de UTI. Metodologia: Estudo coorte com 45 voluntários divididos em: Clínica Médica (controlo, auto higiene oral), UTI não-entubado e UTI entubado. A higiene oral na UTI foi realizada com clorexidina. A análise microbiológica foi realizada com a contagem de microrganismos na saliva. A análise dos dados foi feita com ANOVA. Resultados: Houve uma redução dos microrganismos após higiene oral. O controlo apresentou diferença significativa com UTI entubado nos períodos imediato e após 30 min. Doentes entubados apresentaram redução dos microrganismos até 12 horas após higiene com clorexidina. Conclusão: A higiene com clorexidina reduz em até 12 horas os microrganismos bucais de doentes entubados. Estes resultados podem contribuir para elaboração de protocolos de higiene oral em UTI, além de sustentar estratégias como redução nos custos e efeitos colaterais associados à clorexidina.

Abstract Background: The control of oral biofilm with antiseptics should follow the protocols designed for patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Objective: To assess the effects of using 0.12% chlorhexidine solution in reducing the number of microorganisms in the saliva of ICU patients. Methodology: Cohort study with 45 volunteers divided into Medical Clinic (control group, oral self-care), non-intubated ICU, and intubated ICU. Oral hygiene in the ICU was performed with chlorhexidine. Microbiological analysis was performed through salivary bacterial count. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results: The number of microorganisms decreased after oral hygiene. A significant difference was found between the control and the ICU intubated groups in the immediate period and after 30 minutes. The number of microorganisms in intubated patients decreased 12 hours after oral hygiene with chlorhexidine. Conclusion: The number of oral microorganisms decreases in intubated patients 12 hours after oral hygiene with chlorhexidine. These results may contribute to elaborating oral hygiene protocols for ICUs and planning strategies, for example, to reduce the costs and the side effects associated with chlorhexidine use.

Resumo Introdução: A disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) compreende alterações clínicas e sintomas que envolvem a articulação temporomandibular (ATM) e estruturas associadas. A ATM possui conexões anatômicas com a região cervical, onde os movimentos das vértebras cervicais ocorrem simultaneamente com a ativação dos músculos mastigatórios e dos movimentos da mandíbula. Objetivo: O objetivo foi verificar a relação entre achados do Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) com a eletromiografia de superfície (EMGs) da musculatura mastigatória, postura e flexibilidade cervical em mulheres com DTM. Método: Cinquenta mulheres com DTM, pelo RDC/TMD, com idade média de 27,0 ± 6,37 anos foram avaliadas quanto à postura craniocervical, flexibilidade cervical e EMGs da musculatura mastigatória. Resultados: Não houve diferença quanto às limitações relacionadas à função mandibular (LRFM), depressão, grau de dor e interferência no trabalho e atividades diárias, postura e EMGs entre os diagnósticos de DTM e entre a classificação muscular (p > 0,05). O comprometimento biarticular apresentou maior depressão (p = 0,023). O grupo com bruxismo apresentou maior grau de dor no momento (p = 0,001), e maior comprometimento na capacidade de trabalhar (p = 0,039). A DTM muscular e mista tiveram menor rotação à direita em comparação ao diagnóstico articular. Conclusão: Os diagnósticos de DTM, os variados comprometimentos articulares e musculares e a presença de bruxismo não apresentaram diferença quanto à postura e a EMGs. O comprometimento muscular está associado a uma menor rotação cervical à direita. As LRFM não interferiram na postura e na EMGs. A depressão tem associação com a dor.

Abstract Introduction: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD or TMJD) involve clinical problems and symptoms affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures. The temporomandibular joints are anatomically connected to the cervical region, where cervical spine movements occur simultaneously to masticatory muscle activation and jaw movements. Objective: Our study sought to assess the relationship between the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), surface electromyography (sEMG) of the masticatory muscles, posture and cervical flexibility in women with TMD. Method: Fifty women with an average age of 27.0 ± 6.37 years, diagnosed with TMD according to RDC/TMD, were assessed for craniocervical posture, cervical flexibility and sEMG of the masticatory muscles. Results: There were no differences in jaw function limitations, depression, pain level and its interference in work ability and daily activities, posture and sEMG between TMD diagnoses or between muscle classification (p > 0.05). Depression scores were higher among participants with biarticular dysfunction (p = 0.023). The group with bruxism exhibited a higher pain level at assessment (p = 0.001) and a greater reduction in work ability (p = 0.039). Subjects with muscular and mixed TMD showed less cervical rotation to the right when compared with those with articular TMD. Conclusion: There was no difference in posture or sEMG values for TMD diagnoses, joint and muscle dysfunctions and the presence of bruxism. Muscle dysfunction is associated with reduced cervical rotation to the right. Jaw function limitations did not interfere in posture or sEMG and depression was associated with pain.

Resumen Introducción: La disfunción temporomandibular (DTM) incluye alteraciones clínicas y síntomas que involucran la articulación temporomandibular (ATM) y estructuras asociadas. La ATM posee conexiones anatómicas con la región cervical donde los movimientos de las vértebras cervicales ocurren simultáneamente con la activación de los músculos masticatorios y de los movimientos de la mandíbula. Objetivo: Verificar la relación entre la presencia de hallazgos de Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) con la electromiografía superficial (EMG) de la musculatura masticatoria, postura y flexibilidad cervical en mujeres con DTM. Método: Cincuenta mujeres con DTM, por el RDC/TMD, con edad promedio de 27,0 ± 6,37 años fueron evaluadas en cuanto a la postura craniocervical, flexibilidad cervical y EMG de la musculatura masticatoria. Resultados: No hubo diferencia en las limitaciones relacionadas con la función mandibular (LRFM), depresión, grado de dolor e interferencia en el trabajo y actividades diarias, postura y EMG entre los diagnósticos de DTM y entre la clasificación muscular (p > 0,05). La disfunción biarticular presentó mayores puntuaciones de depresión (p = 0,023). El grupo con bruxismo presentó mayor grado de dolor (p = 0,001), y mayor reducción en la capacidad de trabajo (p = 0,039). La DTM muscular y mixta tuvieron menor rotación a la derecha en comparación con el diagnóstico articular. Conclusión: Los diagnósticos de DTM con los variados comprometimientos articulares y musculares y la presencia de bruxismo no presentaron diferencias en cuanto a la postura y la EMG. El comprometimiento muscular está asociado a una menor rotación a la derecha de la cervical. Las LRFM no interfirieron en la postura y la EMG, y la depresión estuvo asociada con el dolor.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of liraglutide, an analog of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in association with physical exercise, on the metabolic and biochemical parameters of rats induced to obesity with a cafeteria diet. Male Wistar rats, aged 21 days, were randomly divided into: Controls (CON) receiving standard feed and water ad libitum; and obese (OBESE) receiving cafeteria diet ad libitum, added to the standard diet. Groups were then subdivided into: Liraglutide animals that received subcutaneous injections of liraglutide from 80 to 90 days of life; exercised (EXE) animals submitted to swimming sessions, three days a week (15 min); and liraglutide + EXE animals that received liraglutide in association with physical exercise. Treatment with liraglutide reduced deposits of mesenteric and periepididymal fat, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, glucose and insulin in obese group. It is important to note that the association of the two treatments reduced the body weight in animals, deposits of mesenteric and periepididymal fat, HOMA-IR, blood triglyceride levels, glucose and insulin in obese rats. As such, the association of liraglutide with exercise potentiated the effects of the drug and ameliorated obesity pathology more effectively. retirar

Abstract Periodontal research involves the use of animal models to better understand the biological processes of periodontal diseases and the potential of new or existing therapies. Currently, ligature-induced periodontitis in rats is the main model used in periodontal research, in this model, alveolar bone loss (ABL) is the main parameter evaluated by radiographic, morphometric, and histological techniques. Interestingly, although these methodologies are widely used, it is not totally clarified neither the kinetics of ABL over the induction time nor the agreement degree (repeatability and reproducibility) of these techniques. Objective: To characterize ABL kinetics at 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days after ABL induction by ligature and to evaluate the intra- (repeatability) and inter-examiner (reproducibility) agreement and the correlation among the radiographic, morphometric, and histological methodologies. Material and Methods: 60 male Wistar rats with induced ABL were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups (n = 10 animals/group). After 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days, the animals were euthanized and their hemimandibles were removed for ABL determination using radiographic, morphometric and histological techniques. Results: Radiographic and morphometric/linear techniques allowed the detection of statistically significant ABL on the third day, while histological and morphometric/area techniques could only detect ABL after the seventh day (ANOVA/Tukey, p<0.05). After the fifteenth day, except for histological analysis, the ABL was stabilized. Concerning the agreement of the methodologies, Bland Altman's test (intra and inter-examiner evaluations) showed no difference among the measurements (p>0.05). In addition, high correlations (Pearson's test, r2>0.9, p<0.05) were observed. Conclusion: The results indicated that the minimum time for ABL induction could vary from 3 to 7 days, according to the chosen analysis methodology. Agreement and correlation data support the comparison of results between studies with same induction time.

ABSTRACT Objective Halitosis can be caused by microorganisms that produce volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), which colonize the surface of the tongue and subgingival sites. Studies have reported that the use of natural products can reduce the bacterial load and, consequently, the development of halitosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia on the growth and volatile sulphur compound (VSC) production of oral bacteria compared with chlorhexidine. Material and Methods The effects of these substances were evaluated by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) in planktonic cultures of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Porphyromonas endodontalis. In addition, gas chromatography analyses were performed to measure the concentration of VSCs from bacterial cultures and to characterize M. alternifolia oil components. Results The MIC and MBC values were as follows: M. alternifolia - P. gingivalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%), P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=0.007%=0.5%); chlorhexidine - P. gingivalis and P. endodontalis (MIC and MBC=1.5 mg/mL). M. alternifolia significantly reduced the growth and production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) by P. gingivalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet) and the H2S and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) levels of P. endodontalis (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). Chlorhexidine reduced the growth of both microorganisms without altering the production of VSC in P. endodontalis. For P. gingivalis, the production of H2S and CH3SH decreased (p<0.05, ANOVA-Dunnet). Conclusion M. alternifolia can reduce bacterial growth and VSCs production and could be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine.

ABSTRACT Objectives This cross-sectional study compared the frequency of oral periodontopathogens and H. pylori in the mouths and stomachs of obese individuals with or without periodontitis submitted to bariatric surgery. Material and Methods One hundred and fifty-four men and women aged 18-65 were conveniently distributed into four groups. Two groups were composed of individuals who underwent bariatric surgery with (BP) (n=40) and without (BNP) (n=39) periodontitis and two obese control groups with (CP) (n=35) and without (CNP) (n=40) periodontitis. The oral pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Parvimonas micra, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Campylobacter rectus, and Helicobacter pylori were detected by a polymerase chain reaction technique using saliva, tongue and stomach biopsy samples. Results Statistical analysis demonstrated that periodontopathogens were highly frequent in the mouth (up to 91.4%). In the bariatric surgically treated group, orally, P. gingivalis, T. denticola and T. forsythia were more frequent in periodontitis, while C. rectus was more frequent in non-periodontitis subjects. Stomach biopsies also revealed the high frequency of five oral species in both candidates for bariatric surgery (91.6%) and the bariatric (83.3%) groups. H. pylori was frequently detected in the mouth (50.0%) and stomach (83.3%). In the stomach, oral species and H. pylori appeared in lower frequency in the bariatric group. Conclusions Obese individuals showed high frequencies of periodontopathogens and H. pylori in their mouths and stomachs. Bariatric surgery showed an inverse microbial effect on oral and stomach environments by revealing higher oral and lower stomach bacterial frequencies.

Abstract The consumption of low-dose aspirin (LDA) to prevent cardiovascular disease continues to increase worldwide. Consequently, the number of chronic LDA users seeking dental procedures that require complementary acute anti-inflammatory medication has also grown. Considering the lack of literature evaluating this interaction, we analyzed the gastric and renal effects caused by a selective COX-2 inhibitor (etoricoxib) and a non-selective COX-2 inhibitor (ibuprofen) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in rats receiving chronic LDA therapy. Male Wistar rats were divided into six experimental groups (carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) - vehicle; LDA; LDA + ibuprofen; ibuprofen; LDA + etoricoxib; and etoricoxib) and submitted to long-term LDA therapy with a subsequent NSAID administration for three days by gavage. After the experimental period, we analyzed gastric and renal tissues and quantified serum creatinine levels. The concomitant use of LDA with either NSAID induced the highest levels of gastric damage when compared to the CMC group (F = 20.26, p < 0.05). Treatment with either LDA or etoricoxib alone was not associated with gastric damage. No significant damage was observed on kidney morphology and function (F = 0.5418, p > 0.05). These results suggest that even the acute use of an NSAID (regardless of COX-2 selectivity) can induce gastric damage when combined with the long-term use of low-dose aspirin in an animal model. Additional studies, including clinical assessments, are thus needed to clarify this interaction, and clinicians should be careful of prescribing NSAIDs to patients using LDA.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do estado clínico periodontal materno sobre a prevalência de patógenos periodontais em recém-nascidos. METODOLOGIA: Setenta e seis pares de recém-nascidos e suas mães biológicas foram selecionados. Após o exame periodontal, os pares mãe-criança foram divididos em dois grupos Segundo o estado clínico periodontal materno: mães com (Grupo A, n=33) ou sem periodontite (Grupo B, n=43). A colonização oral de recém-nascidos por cinco patógenos peridontais (A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. intermedia, P. gingivalis, T. forsythia e C. rectus) foi determinada usando um método PCR DNA-específico. A análise estatística foi realizada usando teste qui-quadrado ao nível de significância de 0,05. RESULTADOS: C. rectus foi a espécie mais prevalente (23,25%) no Grupo B, enquanto no Grupo A P. gingivalis (96,97%) teve a maior taxa de detecção, seguido de T. forsythia (60,60%) e P. intermedia (39,39%). As comparações entre-grupos mostraram uma maior frequência de todos os patógenos estudados entre os recém-nascidos do Grupo A. CONCLUSÃO: O estado clínico periodontal materno foi um indicador satisfatório do padrão de colonização bacteriana observado em recém-nascidos. Assim, estudos longitudinais devem ser realizados para confirmar esta relação.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of the mother's periodontal clinical status on the prevalence of periodontal pathogens in newborns. METHODS: Seventy-six pairs of newborns and their biological mothers were selected. After a periodontal examination, the mother-child pairs were divided into two groups according to their maternal periodontal clinical status: mothers with (Group A, n=33) or without periodontitis (Group B, n=43). The oral colonization of newborns by five periodontopathogens (A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. intermedia, P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and C. rectus) was determined using a DNA-specific PCR method. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test at the significant level of 0.05. RESULTS: C. rectus was the most prevalent species observed (23.25%) in Group B, while in Group A P. gingivalis (96.97%) had the highest detection rate, followed by T. forsythia (60.60%) and P. intermedia (39.39%). Between-groups comparisons showed a greater frequency of all study pathogens among newborns from Group A. CONCLUSION: The maternal clinical periodontal status was a satisfactory indicator of the bacterial colonization pattern observed in their newborn children. Thus, longitudinal studies should be performed to confirm this relationship.

Studies have suggested that A. actinomycetemcomitans is involved in the aetiology of aggressive periodontitis as well as in chronic periodontitis. This study was aimed at elucidating the occurrence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in a Brazilian population with chronic periodontitis. A total of 555 (mean age 33.04 ± 12.45) individuals, living in two large areas of the São Paulo State, namely "Baixada Santista" and "Vale do Paraíba", and diagnosed with mild [180 (mean age 29.59 ± 10.94)], moderate [241 (mean age 31.18 ± 11.45)] or severe [134 (mean age 33.04 ± 12.45)] chronic periodontitis were enrolled in this survey. Clinical exams including measurements of Probing Depth, Clinical Attachment Loss, Plaque and Gingival indices and subgingival microbiological assessments were performed at all population. The genomic DNA of A. actinomycetemcomitans was identified by Polymerase Chain Reaction from periodontal pocket samples. The occurrence of A. actinomycetemcomitans among chronic periodontitis subjects as well as its association with age and gender were statistically analysed using the Chi-square and Odds Ratio tests. The significance of differences was established at 5% (p < 0.05). A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in 102 (18.37%) individuals: 29 (16.11%) mild; 42 (17.42%) moderate; and 31 (23.13%) severe chronic periodontitis with no statistical difference among groups. A higher occurrence of the searched bacterium was found both in the youngest group (p < 0.05) as well as in the female group (p < 0.05). This study elucidated that A. actinomycetemcomitans harbored subgingival pockets of our target group of chronic periodontitis subjects and that this bacterium seems to be inversely related to age, but related to the female gender.

Knowledge about the presence of some important oral pathogens is an important step in better identifying children at risk for periodontal and/or caries diseases in later life. The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of Streptococcus mutans (Sm), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Campylobacter rectus (Cr), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), and Tannerella forsythia (Tf) in gingival biofilm samples from 196 children, and to assess whether any of these pathogens are more associated with gingival inflammation extension and the Decayed/Missing/Filled teeth (DMFT/dmft) index. The subjects presented plaque index greater than 80% and were divided in 3 groups according to the bleeding index (BI): I) Low bleeding (< 30%), II) Medium bleeding (31 - 59%) and III) High bleeding (> 60%). The presence of each pathogen was determined by PCR. The prevalence of Sm was 71.9% and the mean dmft/DMFT was 6.68. The prevalence in low, medium and high bleeding groups was 43.5%, 34.5% and 46.7% for Aa; 43.5%, 37.9%, and 36.7% for Cr; 99.1%, 100%, and 96.7% for Pg; 56.5%, 56.9%, and 66.7% for Pi; and 58.3%, 60.3%, and 56.7% for Tf, respectively. Pg (99.0%) was the most prevalent periodontal pathogen detected followed by Tf (58.7%), Pi (58.2%), Aa (41.3%) and Cr (40.8%). Our study indicated that in this high plaque index population studied, a high prevalence of Sm and high mean DMFT were observed. In addition, the presence of Pi was associated with the presence of inflammation (P < 0.05) whereas Cr was associated with periodontal health (P < 0.05).