INTRODUÇÃO: na análise da teoria da pressão/tensão do movimento dentário, a aplicação de uma força ortodôntica causa um deslocamento gradual dos fluidos do ligamento periodontal, acompanhado pela distorção das células e da matriz extracelular. OBJETIVOS: avaliar a quantidade de volume do fluido gengival (FG) nas faces mesiais e distais dos caninos superiores, de 14 pacientes (3 homens e 11 mulheres) submetidos a movimentação ortodôntica. MÉTODOS: o fluido foi coletado com tira de papel absorvente padrão (Periopaper®) e seu volume foi determinado por meio da utilização do medidor Periotron®, em sete tempos distintos (dia -7, dia 0, 1 hora, 24 horas, 14 dias, 21 dias e 80 dias). O teste Friedman foi usado para comparar os dados obtidos (p < 0,01 e p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: os resultados mostraram que houve uma alteração significativa do volume de FG ao longo do tempo, tanto no lado de pressão (p < 0,001) quanto no lado de tensão (p < 0,01). No lado de pressão, o volume de FG foi significativamente menor nos tempos 0 (p < 0,01) e 24h (p < 0,001), comparados com o tempo 80d.

INTRODUCTION: In the analysis of the pressure-tension theory of tooth movement, the application of an orthodontic force causes gradual displacement of fluids of the periodontal ligament, followed by distortion of the cells and extracellular matrix. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the gingival fluid volume on the mesial and distal aspects of the maxillary canines of 14 patients (3 males and 11 females) submitted to orthodontic movement. METHODS: The fluid was collected using standard absorbent paper strips (Periopaper™) and the fluid volume was determined using the instrument Periotron™ at seven different periods (day -7, day 0, 1 hour, 24 hours, 14 days, 21 days, 80 days). The Friedman test was applied to compare the data achieved (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). RESULTS: The results revealed a significant change in the gingival fluid volume with time on both the pressure side (p < 0.001) and the tension side (p < 0.01). On the pressure side, the gingival fluid volume was significantly lower at the periods 0 (p < 0.01) and 24hs (p < 0.001) compared to the period 80 days.

The control of biofilm accumulation on teeth has been the cornerstone of periodontal disease prevention for decades. However, the widespread prevalence of gingivitis suggests the inefficiency of self-performed mechanical plaque control in preventing gingival inflammation. This is particularly relevant in light of recent evidence suggesting that long standing gingivitis increases the risk of loss of attachment and that prevention of gingival inflammation might reduce the prevalence of mild to moderate periodontitis. Several antimicrobials have been tested as adjuncts to mechanical plaque control in order to improve the results obtained with oral home care. Recent studies, including meta-analyses, have indicated that home care products containing chemical antimicrobials can provide gingivitis reduction beyond what can be accomplished with brushing and flossing. Particularly, formulations containing chlorhexidine, mouthrinses containing essential oils and triclosan/copolymer dentifrices have well documented clinical antiplaque and antigingivitis effects. In vivo microbiological tests have demonstrated the ability of these antimicrobial agents to penetrate the biofilm mass and to kill bacteria growing within biofilms. In addition, chemical antimicrobials can reach difficult-to-clean areas such as interproximal surfaces and can also impact the growth of biofilms on soft tissue. These agents have a positive track record of safety and their use does not seem to increase the levels of resistant species. Further, no study has been able to establish a correlation between mouthrinses containing alcohol and oral cancer. In summary, the adjunct use of chemical plaque control should be recommended to subjects with well documented difficulties in achieving proper biofilm control using only mechanical means.