Abstract Studies have reported changes in the epidemiological profile of patients with oral cancer in recent decades, especially regarding gender and age. This study aimed to evaluate a historical series of oral malignant lesions prevalence over six decades and define characteristics associated with the occurrence, mainly, of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A retrospective review of histopathological records from 1953 to 2019 was conducted in three oral pathology laboratories in South Brazil about age, sex, anatomical site, clinical aspect, and histopathological diagnosis. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed comparing the histopathological diagnoses with other variables. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine the associated predictors of OSCC. Of the 53,065 records available in the institutions, 986 were oral malignant tumors (including all malignant neoplasms), representing 1.86% of all diagnoses. The occurrence of OSCC in the 1960's was 80.0%, decreasing over time reaching the lowest percentage of cases in the 1990's (75.8%) and significantly increasing to 88.7% in the 2010s. Females had a lower chance than males of having OSCC independently of the decade (odds ratio=0.30, p<0.001). This was the same for older individuals compared to those younger than 40 years. No interactions between sex, age, and decade were observed. The number of diagnoses of oral malignant lesions increased over time, and the occurrence of OSCC varied. Older individuals and males had higher chances of having OSCC independently of the decade. Therefore, in this study sample, no changes were observed in the epidemiological profile over the years concerning these predictors.

Resumo Alguns estudos relataram mudanças no perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com câncer bucal nas últimas décadas, principalmente quanto ao gênero e a idade. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, em uma série histórica, a prevalência de todas as lesões malignas bucais ao longo de seis décadas e definir características associadas na ocorrência, principalmente, de carcinoma espinocelular (CEC). Um levantamento retrospectivo dos registros histopatológicos de 1953 a 2019 foi realizado em três laboratórios de Patologia Bucal no Sul do Brasil em relação à idade, gênero, sítio anatômico, aspecto clínico e diagnóstico histopatológico. Análises descritivas e analíticas foram realizadas comparando-se os diagnósticos histopatológicos com as outras variáveis. A regressão logística multivariada foi aplicada para determinar os possíveis preditores associados ao CEC. Dos 53.065 prontuários disponíveis nas instituições, 986 eram tumores malignos bucais (incluindo todas as neoplasias malignas), representando 1,86% de todos os diagnósticos. A ocorrência de CEC na década de 1960 foi de 80,0%, diminuindo ao longo do tempo, atingindo o menor percentual de casos na década de 1990 (75,8%) e aumentando significativamente para 88,7% na década de 2010. As mulheres tiveram menor risco de desenvolver CEC do que os homens, independentemente da década (OR=0,30, p<0,001). Este foi o mesmo para indivíduos com idade mais avançada em comparação com aqueles com menos de 40 anos de idade. Não foram observadas interações entre gênero, idade e década. O número de diagnósticos de lesões malignas bucais aumentou ao longo das décadas e a ocorrência de CEC variou. Indivíduos com mais de 40 anos e do sexo masculino tiveram maiores chances de ter CEC, independentemente da década analisada. Portanto, nessa amostra estudada, não foram observadas mudanças no perfil epidemiológico ao longo dos anos com relação a esses preditores.

Abstract Physical activity comprises four domains (leisure, transportation, domestic, and work activities) that may be differently associated with oral health. The aim of this study was to assess the association between each physical activity domain and oral health conditions in Brazilian adults. A total of 38,539 participants in the 2019 Brazilian Health Survey aged 30 years or older were analyzed. The outcomes were self-perceived oral health (dichotomous) and self-reported number of missing teeth (counts). The presence, frequency, and time of activity in each domain and their combination were analyzed as main exposures. Odds ratios (OR) and mean ratios (MR) were estimated by fitting multivariable models. Higher leisure time physical activity was the only domain associated with better self-perception of oral health (OR = 1.32; 95%CI 1.26–1.38) and lower tooth loss (MR=0.88; 95%CI 0.86–0.90). Higher levels of work, transportation, and household activities were significantly associated with worse self-perception of oral health, while higher levels of work– and transportation–related physical activities were also associated with greater tooth loss. When the total recommended weekly physical activity time was analyzed, no significant associations were found. Sensitivity analysis suggested that this pattern persists in potential periodontitis–related cases, such as when selecting older age or excluding individuals with no tooth loss. In conclusion, leisure physical activity was the only domain with the potential of reflecting the benefits of physical activity on oral health. The inclusion of other domains can confound this association.

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the use of autologous bone from tuberosity (TUBER) and deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) in immediate implants with buccal bone defects. A total of 31 patients with one single tooth in the upper anterior region indicated for extraction presenting tomographic buccal bone defect were analyzed. Immediate implantation was conducted for all patients. In one group, DBBM and a collagen membrane were inserted into the buccal defect; in the other group, a small block of bone from tuberosity was used. The primary outcome was facial-palatal ridge thickness (FPT) measured in casts 1 year after function. The implant success rate was 100% in both groups. FPT changes were <0.5 mm and did not differ significantly between groups. FPT reductions in the DBBM and TUBER groups were 1% and 0.6%, respectively, at the gingival margin and 5% and 2%, respectively, at 6 mm apical of the gingival margin (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups for patient’s esthetic, satisfaction, pain and quality of life. Pink esthetic scores for the DBBM and TUBER were 11.5±1.7 and 10.8±1.9, respectively (p=0.37). It can be concluded that DBBM and TUBER did not differ in terms of ridge alterations, peri-implant clinical parameters and patient-reported outcomes.

Abstract This study reviews the influence of contextual factors on periodontitis based on a systematic search of studies recorded in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. Periodontitis was assessed by clinical attachment loss and probing depth for studies with data on the socioeconomic status (SES) of a specific area (area-level SES) or dental care service (service-level) in a catchment area among individuals aged 18 and over. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, and assessment of methodological quality. Of the 646 articles identified, 13 were included in the systematic review, representing 101,362 individuals from five countries (USA, UK, Brazil, China, and Uruguay). A higher prevalence of periodontitis was described in lower SES neighborhoods, more deprived postcodes, and poorer provinces. Gini Index results were mixed and inconclusive. Three studies showed that higher coverage of primary dental care at the municipal level was associated with a lower prevalence of periodontitis. Contextual factors at the area-level SES and dental care service might influence periodontitis, but the existing evidence is unclear. The contextual effect is important for periodontal health and may contribute to the prevalence of periodontitis, independent of well-known risk factors and individual levels.

Abstract The aim of this review was to update the evidence of new approaches to non-surgical therapy (NSPT) in the treatment of periodontitis. Preclinical and clinical studies addressing the benefits of adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, probiotics, prebiotics/synbiotics, statins, pro-resolving mediators, omega-6 and -3, ozone, and epigenetic therapy were scrutinized and discussed. Currently, the outcomes of these nine new approaches, when compared with subgingival debridement alone, did not demonstrate a significant added clinical benefit. However, some of these new alternative interventions may have the potential to improve the outcomes of NSPT alone. Future evidence based on randomized controlled clinical trials would help clinicians and patients in the selection of different adjunctive therapies.

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of non-invasive and micro-invasive treatments on the arrest of occlusal enamel carious lesions in erupting permanent molars. This two-arm randomized clinical trial included 27 subjects, aged 5–11 years, with 64 erupting permanent molars presenting active occlusal enamel carious lesions (as assessed by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System [ICDAS]; scores 1–3). The sample was randomly assigned into two treatment groups: 1) resin-modified glass ionomer cement sealant (Clinpro XT Varnish; 3M ESPE) and 2) 4-week topical fluoride varnish application (Duraphat; Colgate). All children and parents received oral hygiene and dietary instructions. Teeth were evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months regarding the eruption stage, biofilm accumulation, as well as severity and activity of the carious lesions. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the survival estimates for inactivation of the carious lesions for both treatment groups. Multivariate Cox regression models with shared frailty were performed to identify factors associated with the outcome (p < 0.05). After 12 months, 22% and 3% of the lesions treated with topical fluoride varnish and sealant, respectively remained active. The adjusted model demonstrated that younger children had a higher probability of active enamel carious lesions arresting (hazard ratio [HR] 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-0.78; p=0.01). However, the probability of active enamel carious lesions arresting after sealant application was 8.85 times higher compared with fluoride varnish applications (p=0.01). Sealing is a more effective approach than fluoride varnish for arresting occlusal enamel carious lesions in erupting permanent molars.

Abstract Most of the literature evaluating dental implants focuses on implant survival, which is a limited proxy for the successful rehabilitation of patients with missing teeth. Success should include not only survival but also lack of mechanical, biological, and esthetics problems. A comprehensive review of local and systemic risk factors prior to implant placement will allow the tailoring of treatment planning and maintenance protocols to the patient’s profile in order to achieve longitudinal success of the therapy. This review discusses the role of controlling different risk factors and prevention/treatment of peri-implant mucositis in order to avoid peri-implantitis. Although the literature addressing the topic is still scarce, the existing evidence shows that performing optimal plaque control and regular visits to the dentist seem to be adequate to prevent peri-implant lesions. Due to impossibility of defining a probing depth associate with peri-implant health, radiographic evaluations may be considered in the daily practice. So far, there is a strong evidence linking a past history of periodontal disease to peri-implant lesions, but this is not so evident for other factors including smoking and diabetes. The prevention of biological complications starts even before implant placement and include a broader analysis of the patient risk profile and tailoring the rehabilitation and maintenance protocols accordingly. It should be highlighted that the installation of implants does not modify the patient profile, since it does not modify genetics, microbiology or behavioral habits of any individual.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of gingivitis and calculus and their predictors in a population of adults in Brazil. A representative sample of 758 adults from 35 to 59 years of age from Porto Alegre city was examined. A structured questionnaire was applied. The Gingival Bleeding Index and the presence of calculus were measured at 4 sites/tooth. Multivariable logistic models were fitted to determine the predictors for gingival bleeding at >20% of sites. Overall, 96.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]=95.1-98.0) of individuals had ≥ 1 bleeding site. The mean percentages of sites with gingivitis and calculus were 26.1% and 44.6%, respectively. The odds of gingivitis decreased by ∼45% for individuals ≥40 years old compared to younger adults. Individuals that never performed interproximal cleaning and non-whites had an approximately two times higher chance of gingivitis. Smokers had lower chances of gingivitis than never-smokers (odds ratio=0.40; 95% CI=0.24-0.68). Higher numbers of missing teeth were associated with higher chances of gingivitis. The percentage of calculus was significantly associated with skin color, education, proximal cleaning, smoking exposure, dental visits, and tooth loss. It can be concluded that the occurrence of gingivitis and calculus was high in this Brazilian population, and it was associated with age, skin color, education, self-reported proximal cleaning, smoking, dental care, and tooth loss.

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess self-reported history of root canal treatment (SRHRCT) as a method for detecting the presence of root canal treatment (RCT) and apical periodontitis (AP) in a southern Brazilian subpopulation. In this cross-sectional study, 136 military police officers from the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, were included. The participants were interviewed and full-mouth periapical radiographs were taken. A calibrated examiner determined the presence of RCT and AP by applying standardized criteria. The diagnostic accuracy of SRHRCT was calculated separately for RCT and AP. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (+PV and -PV), efficiency, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (+LR and -LR) were estimated. The mean age of the participants was 34.1 ± 10.4 years and 88.2% were males. Overall, SRHRCT demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for RCT, but not for AP: sensitivity (RCT = 0.960, AP = 0.757) and specificity (RCT = 0.835, AP = 0.631). The estimated values for PV and LR were: +PV (RCT=0.777, AP=0.396), -PV (RCT = 0.972, AP = 0.890), +LR (RCT = 5.853, AP = 2.057), and -LR (RCT = 0.046, AP = 0.383). SRHRCT proved to be a good predictor of the presence of RCT, but a weak predictor of AP in this subpopulation.

Abstract Little is known about the factors that may be used in clinical practice to predict the therapeutic response of aggressive periodontitis patients. The aim of this study was to determine predictors of clinical outcomes after non-surgical treatment of aggressive periodontitis. A total of 24 patients (aged 13-26 years) received oral hygiene instructions, as well as subgingival scaling and root planing. Twelve subjects received systemic azithromycin at random. Clinical variables were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Baseline microbiological assessment was performed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Multivariable models used generalized estimating equations. There were significant improvements in the entire sample in regard to pocket depth, clinical attachment level and bleeding on probing. Significant predictors of a reduction in mean pocket depth were: use of azithromycin, non-molar teeth, generalized disease and baseline pocket depth. Absence of plaque predicted a 0.22 mm higher attachment gain, whereas a baseline pocket depth ≥7 mm predicted a 1.36 mm higher attachment loss. Azithromycin, plaque, and baseline pocket depth were significant predictors of bleeding on probing. The concomitant presence of all three red complex species predicted a 0.78 mm higher attachment loss. It may be concluded that dental plaque, tooth type, disease extent, baseline pocket depth, and use of azithromycin were significant predictors of the clinical response to treatment for aggressive periodontitis in young individuals. Moreover, the presence of multiple periodontal pathogens may predict challenges in achieving a favorable outcome for aggressive periodontitis.

Abstract The present study aimed to assess the rate of agreement between clinical and histopathological diagnoses and to report the frequency of completed forms for specimens that were subjected to histopathological examination and retrospectively examined. Data from 8,168 specimens submitted to histopathological examination were retrieved from the records. A total of 5,368 cases were included. Agreement was defined based on the definition of lesion nature according to its diagnostic category. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each diagnostic category. The highest rate of agreement was observed for periapical lesions (92.6%), followed by potentially malignant disorders (90.1%) and non-neoplastic proliferative disorders (89.3%). Low rates of histopathological confirmation of the clinical impression were observed for mesenchymal tumors (25.0%) and cysts (44.2%). Sensitivity values were > 0.70 for all lesions, except for cysts (0.51). Specificity was relatively high, ranging from 0.97 to 1.00. The frequency of incomplete biopsy forms ranged from 16.8% (malignant tumors of oral mucosal epithelium) to 51.0% (nonspecific inflammatory reaction). The most frequently completed biopsy forms corresponded to epithelial malignant tumors (83.2%) and glandular inflammation (72.3%). In conclusion, there was an acceptable level of agreement. The low level of completeness of biopsy forms indicates little awareness about the relevance of gathering detailed information during clinical examination.

Abstract Halitosis is still poorly studied in young adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of self-reported halitosis and associate it with demographic and behavioral factors in young adult dental students. This cross-sectional study was designed as a census of students enrolled in three initial and three final semesters of a dental course in a Brazilian public university. Of 284 eligible students, 257 (90.5%) completed a self-administered questionnaire. Self-reported halitosis was the primary study outcome, and was assessed with the question “do you feel you have bad breath?”. Data on age, gender, frequency of tooth brushing and interproximal cleaning, tongue cleaning, mouth rinse use and dry mouth were collected using the questionnaire, and were considered independent variables. Of the students surveyed, 26.5% reported as never, 51.7% as rarely, 21.4% as sometimes, and 0.4% as always feeling they had halitosis. Morning halitosis was reported by 90.6% of those who reported halitosis. In the final multiple model, last semester students had a 55% lower chance of reporting halitosis, compared with students from the first semesters [odds ratio (OR) 0.46; 95%CI 0.24–0.89]. Women had a 2.57fold higher chance of reporting halitosis (OR = 2.57; 95%CI 1.12–5.93). Dry mouth increased the chance of self-reported halitosis 3.95-fold, compared with absence of dry mouth (OR = 3.95; 95%CI 2.03–7.68). It can be concluded that self-reports of halitosis were low among dental students, but may represent an important complaint. Gender, dry mouth and level of college education of the dentist were factors significantly associated with self-reported halitosis.

This investigation compared gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentrations in periodontitis patients subjected to a strict supragingival biofilm control (Supra) for 6 months. Never-smokers (23) and smokers (n = 20; 19.6 ± 11.8 cigarettes/day) moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis patients underwent a 6 months period of supragingival control with weekly recall visits. Periodontal probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and GCF samples (from different PPD category sites: 3-5 mm and 6–10 mm) were obtained at the baseline, 30, and 180 days. IL-1β was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Generalized estimating equations were used to fit prediction models of IL-1β changes, considering the dependence between the examinations, and using only data from experimental sites. Overall IL-1β concentrations decreased from 3.2 pg/µL to 1.9 pg/µL. Higher baseline IL-1β concentrations were associated with higher baseline PPD values in both groups. There were no differences in IL-1β concentrations between never-smokers and smokers over time for any PPD category. Higher baseline PPD values and the presence of BOP on day 180 were significantly associated with higher IL-1β concentrations. A strict Supra regimen reduced IL-1β concentrations over time in periodontitis patients. The benefits observed for smokers underline the importance of oral hygiene measures, even considering the presence of this important risk factor.

Properly performed daily mechanical biofilm control is the most important prevention strategy for periodontal diseases. However, proper mechanical biofilm control is not performed effectively by the majority of the population, mainly due to lack of motivation and of manual dexterity. Local biofilm retention factors may aggravate home oral hygiene quality. For this reason, patients wearing fixed orthodontic appliances comprise a group that may benefit from the daily use of mouthwashes. The purpose of this review was to perform a systematic search in the literature on antiseptics used to control supragingival biofilm and gingivitis in orthodontic patients. Six studies investigating the effect of chlorhexidine and 5 studies evaluating the effect of the daily use of antiseptics were found. Chlorhexidine showed better results in reducing plaque and gingivitis. However, because of its adverse effects after continuous use, it should not be indicated for long-term periods. Among the agents considered for daily use, the fixed combination of essential oils was the only one evaluated in a clinical trial, in which a comparative group presented a statistically significant clinical impact. There is no direct evidence supporting the indication of antiseptic agents for orthodontic patients other than chlorhexidine and essential oils. It can be concluded that, for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, chlorhexidine should be considered for treating acute gingival inflammation, whereas essential oils should be indicated for long-term daily use in controlling supragingival biofilm.

The aim of this study was to measure the publication rate of editorial board members in their board journals and to evaluate associated variables. We evaluated the ten highest-ranked journals according to the 5-year impact factor under ‘Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine’ subject category for 2010, 2011, and 2012. All original research papers with at least one member of the editorial board as author were counted. Final analyses assessed associated variables such as size of the editorial board, number of papers published each year, and each journal’s impact factor. Overall, there was an increase in the average number of articles published from 2010 (115.2 ± 52.2) to 2012 (134.7 ± 47.4). The number and percentage of articles published with editorial board members as authors over the three years did not follow the same pattern, with a slight decrease from 2010 to 2011 and an increase in 2012. The number of articles with editorial board members as authors was significantly higher for journals with impact factors ≥4.0. Journals with a higher impact factor and larger editorial board were associated with higher chances of editorial board members publishing in their respective journals. Participation of editorial board members as authors in publishing varies significantly among journals.