Visible Plaque Index Research Articles

Prevention dental hygiene program in oncology patients

This study aimed to assess the impact of on oral health in oncological patients. A Prevention Dental Hygiene Project was conducted in the Day-Hospital Oncology Unit. Fourteen patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria at their first visit were enrolled voluntarily. Their oral health conditions were evaluated using the Bleeding on probing (BoP), Visible Plaque Index (VPI) at the initial stage (T0), one month (T1), and two months after (T2) The results showed an improvement in inflammatory and plaque indices in patients who attended all visits and followed the instructions provided. In conclusion, the dental project implemented on frail patients highlights the significance of preventive measures and the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in the field of medicine.

Full-arch prostheses supported by implants with different macrostructures: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

This study evaluates the clinical performance of implants with hydrophilic surface and two different macrostructures: cylindrical with perforating triangular threads (CT) and cylindrical-tapered with the association of square and condensing and perforating triangular threads (TST). This was a multicenter split-mouth, simple-blinded, randomized, and controlled trial. Thirty patients with edentulous mandible received two CT and two TST implants. Primary stability was determined by insertion torque and resonance frequency analysis (RFA). Implants were loaded with full fixed-arch prostheses within 24 h after insertion. Clinical parameters (visible plaque index, marginal bleeding index; bleeding on probing; probing depth; and clinical attachment level) and the RFA were assessed at 2, 6, 12, and 24 months after implant loading. Marginal bone level changes were measured by comparison of standardized radiographs taken on the day of implant placement and 6, 12, and 24 months thereafter. Twenty-eight patients completed the 2-year follow-up. The survival rates were 99.16% for CT implants and 100% for TST implants. One CT implant was lost until the 2 months follow-up. No significant differences were found between the two implant types for marginal bone level changes (CT 0.34 [0.24; 0.55 mm]; 0.33 [0.18; 0.55 mm]; 0.41 [0.12; 0.7 mm] vs TST 0.36 [0.14; 0.74 mm]; 0.33 [0.23; 0.63 mm]; 0.30 [0.20; 0.64 mm] at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively) and other clinical parameters. The macrostructure of the implants had no influence on survival rate, primary and secondary stability, marginal bone level changes, and peri-implant clinical parameters outcomes. Both implants can be predictably used for immediate loading of full-arch mandibular prostheses.

A randomised clinical trial to arrest caries using silver diamine fluoride therapy with two postoperative instructions

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to investigate the beneficial effect of not rinsing for 30 min in arresting early childhood caries after SDF therapy. MethodsThis randomised clinical trial recruited 3- to 4-year-old kindergarten children with active (soft) dentine caries. A questionnaire was sent to the parents to collect children's demographic data and oral health-related behaviours. A dentist conducted an oral examination and measured the caries experience using dmft index and oral hygiene using visible plaque index. After 38 % SDF therapy, the children were randomly allocated into two groups. Children in group A were instructed to rinse with water immediately, whereas children in group B were asked to refrain from rinsing, drinking, or eating for 30 min. After six months, the same examiner determined the lesion activity (active/arrest) of the SDF-treated carious tooth surface. Generalized Estimating Equations was used to compare the proportion of caries arrest (caries-arrest rate) between the two groups. ResultsThis study recruited 298 children with 1,158 decayed tooth surfaces receiving SDF therapy at baseline and evaluated 275 (92 %) children with 1,069 (92 %) SDF-treated tooth-surface at the six-month examination. The demographic background, oral hygiene and caries status of two groups were comparable at baseline (p > 0.05). The caries-arrest rate for group A and group B were 65 % (337/519) and 61 % (338/550), respectively (p = 0.28). ConclusionThis randomised clinical trial found not rinsing for 30 min after SDF therapy is not better than immediate rinsing in arresting early childhood caries. Clinical significanceTopical SDF application leaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth, which may affect the acceptance or even rejection of SDF therapy among young children. This study provides clinicians with information to make their decision on postoperative instruction after SDF therapy.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Hong Kong Kindergarten Children Receiving Silver Diamine Fluoride Therapy.

The objective of this prospective 12-month observational study is to examine the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among Hong Kong young children aged 3-4 years old receiving silver diamine fluoride (SDF) therapy for carious upper anterior primary teeth. A parental questionnaire was used to collect each child's sociodemographic background and oral health habits at baseline. Data on parents' satisfaction with their child's dental aesthetics were collected at baseline and during a 12-month visit. The Chinese Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (C-ECOHIS) was used to measure OHRQoL. A trained dentist performed examinations and recorded caries experience (dmft) and oral hygiene (visible plaque index) at baseline and 12 months. SDF was applied to the carious lesions. Out of 286 invited children, 248 (87%, 248/286) participated, and 211 (85%, 211/248) attended the 12-month examination. All SDF-treated carious lesions were discoloured at the 12-month examination. Regression analysis showed that the baseline C-ECOHIS score was associated with dmft (p < 0.001). The baseline and 12-month C-ECOHIS scores were 4.6 ± 5.5 and 5.0 ± 5.6, respectively (p = 0.42). The scores for parental satisfaction with dental aesthetics at baseline and 12 months were 59% to 46% (p < 0.001). Satisfaction was negatively associated with the number of discoloured upper anterior teeth (p < 0.001). In conclusion, SDF discoloured the carious upper anterior teeth of the Hong Kong kindergarten children. However, the discoloured lesions had no significant effects on the OHRQoL of these children. However, more parents became dissatisfied with their child's dental aesthetics after SDF therapy. Hence, clinicians should inform parents well before they perform SDF therapy on children.

How do maternal socioeconomic and behavioral patterns affect oral health in early childhood?

A prospective longitudinal observational cohort study. The data analyzed were derived from a comprehensive observational study on BRISA prenatal cohort conducted in São Luís City, Brazil, between 2010 and 2013. A convenience sample included pregnant women recruited from both public and private prenatal health services in the city. To participate in the study, women needed to have undergone an obstetric ultrasound before the 20th week of pregnancy to estimate gestational age. Multiple pregnancies were excluded. Initially, the pregnant women were interviewed and assessed for oral health indicators between the 22nd and 25th weeks of pregnancy. A follow-up interview was conducted within 48 h after delivery. In the child's second year, the mothers were re-interviewed, and the children were examined for the second follow-up. The study received approval from the local ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The research followed the STROBE guidelines for reporting observational studies. At baseline, a structured questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic and lifestyle information like maternal age, family income, education level, occupation of the family head, pre-gestational BMI, alcohol and soft drink consumption, and smoking status during pregnancy. Dental examinations were conducted by 6 trained and calibrated dentists who assessed DMFT index and periodontal health indicators. In the second follow-up, children's oral health was evaluated using visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding, and the modified dmft index. Children's weight and height were measured by a digital scale, and BMI z-scores were calculated based on WHO standards. Sugar-sweetened beverage intake was categorized by terciles based on the percentage of total daily energy from these beverages. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze multiple pathways among a set of latent and observed variables. Three latent variables were proposed and measured: Socioeconomic Status and Periodontal Maternal Status in the mothers, and Chronic Oral Disease Burden (CODB) in the children. CODB was inferred from 3 observed indicators: VPI, gingival bleeding, and tooth decay. Total, direct, and indirect effects were calculated for variables from the gestational period and the child's second year of life. In total, 1141 mother-child dyads were included. Periodontal Maternal Status correlated with more decayed teeth in pregnant women (standardized coefficient (SC) = 0.089; p = 0.008). Addictive risk behaviors were highly correlated, with SCs of 0.679 (p < 0.001) for alcohol and smoking, and 0.262 (p < 0.001) for soft drink and alcohol consumption. Obesity (SC = 0.081; p = 0.048) and added sugar consumption (SC = 0.142; p = 0.040) were interconnected across generations from pregnant women to their offspring. Children's consumption of sugar was strongly associated with CODB (SC = 0.357; p = 0.005). Caries and periodontitis were correlated in pregnant women. Obesity and sugar consumption have intergenerational impacts. Early sugar intake relates to CODB in early childhood. Intergenerational behavioral risks affect oral health in the first 1000 days of life, influencing long-term health outcomes.

What can impact on the presence of carious lesions in first permanent molars? Revisiting the association between MIH and caries.

Assess whether the independent variables (IV) such as number of MIH-affected molars, MIH severity, past caries experience, visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), age, and gender affect the presence of caries lesion (DMF_s) in first permanent molars, considering or not atypical restoration in MIH-affected molars as a previous caries lesion. A sample of 476 schoolchildren, aged 6-10years, were evaluated for MIH and caries diagnosis, using the Severity Scoring System (MIH-SSS) and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), respectively. From the ICDAS, the DF-s/ D-s and df-s were calculated. The Zero-inflated Negative Binomial Regression was used to evaluate the impact of the IV on the dependent variable, considering or not the restorative component in MIH-affected molars. When the presence of caries was evaluated with the restorative component, age, MIH severity and past caries experience had a significant impact on the dependent variable (R2 = 0.176). Without the restorative component in MIH-affected molars, only age and past caries experience were statistically significant (R2 = 0.167). Since in the case of MIH teeth restoration may be attributed to post-eruptive breakdown rather than previous caries lesions, in the present study MIH did not influence the presence of caries lesions in the MIH-affected molars showing that restoration is not an adequate parameter for measuring the historical occurrence of caries. The first permanent molars may not necessarily be at an increased risk of caries due to MIH if the etiological factors for caries development are effectively managed.

Assessment of oral hygiene and quality of life of children with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers: an observational clinical study.

This study aimed to evaluate the degrees of dependence and presence of bacterial plaque in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the quality of life of children and their caregivers. This was a cross-sectional observational study. This study included 119 individuals with ASD and their caregivers. Data were collected through a sociodemographic questionnaire, WHOQOL-Bref, and Burden interview to measure quality of life and caregiver burden, respectively. The Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant Imagé questionnaire, adapted in game format, was applied to verify quality of life in children with ASD. An oral clinical examination evaluated the visible plaque index. The collected data were tabulated and organized for statistical analysis with a significance level of 5%. It was observed that 52% of the children had a severity of ASD level 1; 70% were dependent for general activities, and 65% were dependent for oral hygiene. Of the 77 children who thoroughly answered the questionnaire about their quality of life, 64.9% had good quality of life, and 35.1% had scores below 48, that is, low quality of life. In general, the caregivers generally presented quality of life with a rate of 60.95 (good) points on the scale. It was observed that gingival bleeding greater than 30% is two (ASD 2 + ASD 3) to three (ASD 3) times more likely to occur in patients who have higher levels of ASD (P < .004). It was concluded that the quality of life of individuals with ASD was good, that most children are dependent for their daily activities and oral hygiene, and that they showed reasonable plaque control. On the other hand, the caregivers presented low quality of life and moderate burden.

Cytokine levels in the gingival crevicular fluid and their association with periodontal status of down syndrome patients: a cross-sectional study.

To evaluate cytokine levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17a, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontal sites in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and analyze their relationship with clinical periodontal parameters. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 49 DS patients and 32 individuals without DS (non-DS group). Periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BoP), and visible plaque index (VPI) were evaluated. The periodontal sites were classified as shallow, moderate, and deep. GCF was collected in all shallow sites and, when present, in moderate and deep sites for the analysis of cytokine levels. The cytokines, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17a, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, were quantified using the Luminex® automatic analyzer system. The DS group presented greater severity of periodontitis compared to the non-DS group (P = 0.005). The DS group showed a significant direct correlation of IL-1β and an inverse correlation of IFN-γ and IL-14 with all periodontal variables. In the analysis stratified by periodontal pocket depth, we observed a higher level of IFN-γ, IL-17a, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the shallow sites, and IL-17a, IL-1β, and IL-6 in deep pockets of DS group individuals. Multivariate models showed that higher levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-17a were associated with Down syndrome even after adjusting for periodontal status, sex, and age. The findings suggest that people with DS have greater periodontal impairment and higher levels of cytokines in GCF, even in sites having clinical periodontal parameters similar to those of individuals without DS. These data reiterate the concept of an altered and less effective immune response in the population with DS in the face of a periodontal microbial challenge. Elevated periodontal inflammation burden can be observed with higher cytokine levels in the gingival crevicular fluid of people with Down syndrome, especially IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-17, regardless of the stage of periodontitis.

Caries Incidence and Its Associated Factors in Hong Kong Kindergarten Children

ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate caries incidence and its associate factors among kindergarten children in Hong Kong. MethodThis 30-month prospective study recruited 3- to 4-year-old children when they started their kindergarten study. A self-administered parental questionnaire survey was used to collect the children's social demographic information and their oral health-related habits. Child's caries experience was recorded using the decayed, missing, and filled tooth (dmft) index and the visible plaque index (VPI) was used to measure their oral hygiene status. A final examination was performed after 30 months when they were in the final year of kindergarten. Data were analysed using the zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression model. ResultsThis study examined 660 children at baseline and 501 children at the final examination (dropout 24%). At baseline, the caries prevalence among 501 children was 23%, with mean (SD) dmft scores of 0.7 (1.8). At the final examination, caries prevalence increased to 41%, with mean (SD) dmft scores of 1.6 (2.8). The 30-month incidence rate was 34%, and the mean (SD) number of new carious teeth developed was 0.9 (1.7). Lower first molars exhibited the highest caries increment rate (11%), followed by upper second molars (9%) and upper central incisors (9%). ZINB regression analysis revealed associations among caries incidence and family income, baseline dmft, and baseline VPI (P < .05). ConclusionsOne third of Hong Kong kindergarten children developed new caries. Low family income, prior caries experience and poor oral hygiene were the significant factors associated with their caries incidence. Clinical RelevanceMany children developed new caries during their kindergarten years, with their caries experience more than doubling. Preventive measures, including oral health education and reinforcing oral hygiene practice in kindergarten, are essential to reduce their caries incidence, particularly for children with low family income, caries experience and poor oral hygiene.

Efficacy of F-ACP-Containing Dental Mousse in the Remineralization of White Spot Lesions after Fixed Orthodontic Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Fixed appliance (FA) therapy predisposes patients to white spot lesions (WSLs). The F-ACP complex (amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles enriched with carbonate and fluorine and coated with citrate) has been effective for in vitro enamel remineralization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the F-ACP complex in remineralizing WSLs after FA therapy. One hundred and six adolescents (aged 12-20 years) were randomized into study and control groups after FA therapy. Patients in the study group were advised to use dental mousse containing F-ACP applied within Essix retainers for six months. The presence of WSLs was recorded at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2) according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Visual Plaque Index (VPI) and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) were recorded. Among 106 study participants, 91 (52 and 39 in study and control groups, respectively) completed the study. The results showed that the ICDAS score was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the study group than in the control group between T0 and T2. The application of mousse containing the F-ACP complex inside Essix retainers for six months is effective in remineralizing white spot lesions in patients after FA therapy without side effects.

Oral Health Status and Oral Health-Related Behaviours of Hong Kong Students with Vision Impairment

This cross-sectional epidemiological study aimed to describe dental caries and oral hygiene conditions among visually impaired students in Hong Kong. Students aged 6–21 years from two specialised schools for those with vision impairment were invited. Information on sociodemographic background and oral health-related behaviours was collected through an online parent-reported questionnaire. Dental caries and oral hygiene were assessed using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Visible Plaque Index (VPI), respectively. Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests were conducted to analyse the association between students’ background and oral health status. A total of 73 participants were recruited, of whom 57.5% were male. Their mean (SD) age was 12.9 (4.7) years. Their mean DMFT score (SD) was 1.0 (1.8), and 43.8% had caries experience. The mean VPI (SD) was 0.76 (0.30). Their caries experience was significantly associated with their snacking habits (p = 0.013). Male participants had poorer oral hygiene than females (p = 0.048). In summary, dental caries is prevalent among visually impaired students in Hong Kong and their oral hygiene condition is unsatisfactory. Caries experience is significantly associated with snacking frequency, whereas oral hygiene is associated with gender. More specially designed preventive oral health measures should be provided for visually impaired students and their caretakers.

Clinical Study on the Effect of Sodium Fluoride Mouthrinse /Gel and Toothpaste in Combination with Chlorohexidine Mouth Wash on Plaque and Gingivitis in Orthodontic Patients

This study is to examine which one is most effective the use of NaF mouthrinse and toothpaste with chlorohexidine mouthwash or the use of NaF gel with Naf toothpaste and chlorohexidine mouth wash on the plaque and gingivitis of maxillary anterior teeth that occurs in orthodontic patients during the treatment of fixed appliance. A prospective, randomized, double-blind study with 60 orthodontic patients (16 males and 44 females, average age from 15 to 25 ) was designed . All the patients were instruct to brush with NaF tooth past three times in the day and to use chlorohexidine mouth wash at night . Visible plaque index (VPI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were recorded on the six maxillary anterior teeth at bonding and after one, two and three months and evaluated with t tests .Then the patients that began to have plaque and gingivi tis were divided into two groups A and B , In group A they wer e instruct to use NaF gel (1500 ppm) in addition to NaF(145 0ppm) toothpaste and 2% chlorohexidine mouth wash while gr oup B used Naf (250 ppm) mouth rinse in addition to NaF toot hpaste and chlorohexidine . There was a significant differences( P&lt;0.05) between bonding and debonding after 3 months recorded for VPI and there was also a significant difference between gr oup A and B for the VPI and for the GBI after six weeks of th e treatment . It was concluded that the combined use of an NaF toothpaste/gel and chlorohexidine mouthwash had a slightly more inhibitory effect on the development of , plaque and gingivitis on maxillary anterior teeth during fixed orthodont ic treatment compared with NaF mouth rinse / toothpaste with ch lorohexidine mouthwash .

Erosive tooth wear among non-institutionalised older adults in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundNon-institutionalised older adults is the majority of older adults in Hong Kong. The study aimed to examine erosive tooth wear (ETW) and its association with dental conditions and oral hygiene habits among non-institutionalised older adults in Hong Kong.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited dentate adults aged 60 or above from nine elderly daycare centres in the five main districts of Hong Kong. The study consists of a questionnaire survey and a clinical examination. A researcher used a questionnaire to collected the participants’ demographic information, oral hygiene habits such as toothbrushing habits and dental visit behaviour. A calibrated examiner performed an oral examination in the daycare elderly centre to assess the ETW using basic erosive wear (BEWE) criteria. Oral hygiene was recorded using visible plaque index. Prosthetic status was recorded using the World Health Organization criteria. Logistic regression was used to examine the correlation between ETW and the dental conditions and oral hygiene habits.ResultsThis study recruited 433 dentate adults and 333 adults were female (77%). Their age ranged from 60 to 99 years and their mean age was 74 years (SD = 7). They all had ETW (BEWE > 0). Over half of them (57%) had BEWE score of 3, indicating severe ETW. Analysis showed increasing age (OR = 1.030, p = 0.029) and older adults with untreated dental caries had higher odds (OR = 1.822, p = 0.002) of presenting severe ETW. No other associations were found between the ETW and the factors studied.ConclusionHong Kong non-institutionalised older adults aged 60 or above had ETW and more than half of them had severe ETW. Increasing age and having untreated dental caries were associated with severe ETW.

Efeitos de um enxaguatório liberador de oxigênio para manutenção da saúde peri-implantar. Estudo piloto clinico, randomizado e controlado

Abstract Introduction The control of peri-implant biofilm plays a crucial role in the long-term success of dental implants. Topical treatment alternatives aimed at reducing or preventing biofilm accumulation around the implant's prosthetic components are critical for the success of the treatment. Objective The present study has clinically evaluated the effects of an oxygen-releasing mouthwash (BlueM®) over a 90-day period, following implant placement surgery. Material and method Inclusion and exclusion criteria allowed for the selection of participants who, after implant placement, were randomized into two groups: the control group, which used a 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash, and the BlueM group, which received the oxygen-releasing BlueM mouthwash. All participants were instructed to rinse twice daily for the first 10 days and once a day up to 30 days post-surgery. Clinical parameters were evaluated, including the visible plaque index (VP), marginal bleeding (MB), presence of calculus (PC), suppuration (SUP), mucositis (MU), and the extent of keratinized gingiva (KG). These data were collected at the time of suture removal (baseline). At 90 days postoperative, in addition to the aforementioned parameters, probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and the presence of peri-implantitis (PI) were evaluated. Result Nine patients were included in this study, with a total of 38 implants. The BlueM group demonstrated a reduction in MB and an even greater reduction in VP. The other assessed parameters showed similar results to those in the control group. Conclusion BlueM mouthwash has clinical benefits for biofilm control and gingival inflammation reduction.

3D-printed and conventional provisional single crown fabrication on anterior implants: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectivesThe present study aims to compare provisional single crowns on anterior implants made using conventional PMMA and 3D-printed workflows. The study assessed the occurrence of failures, color variation, signs of early deterioration, operating time, and patients' satisfaction with the treatment through a randomized controlled trial. MethodsThis study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial, following the SPIRIT and CONSORT guidelines. Patients were included in the study after meeting the eligibility criteria and were randomly assigned to one of two groups (conventional and 3D-printed). FDI criteria, visible plaque index (VPI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and color variation were considered as the primary outcomes. Operating time and patient satisfaction were also assessed as secondary outcomes. Fisher’s exact test was performed to analyze the association between the primary and secondary outcomes and the study groups. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the mean VAS satisfaction scores between the conventional PMMA and 3D-printed groups (STATA 14™, with an α = 0.05). ResultsA total of 42 provisional single crowns (n = 21) were made for 33 patients. Only the fracture parameter (FDI) showed a statistically significant difference, with 3D-printed provisionals exhibiting higher rates of catastrophic failures compared to conventional ones (p = 0.05). Although the operating time for the 3D-printed group was shorter (p < 0.001), no statistical difference observed in patients' satisfaction regarding esthetics, phonetics, chewing, or comfort. Significance3D-printed and conventional PMMA provisional single crowns showed comparable clinical performance, except for the observed fracture types. Although 3D-printed provisional restorations showed a shorter operating time, overall patients’ satisfaction was not affected.

Potential Chair-side Test for Gingival Inflammation Screening of Patients With and Without Comorbidities

Objectives: To evaluate a diagnostic kit prototype for salivary total protein (TP), as a complementary clinical examination, for the diagnosis and monitoring of gingival inflammation during periodontal treatment. Materials and Methods: Patients (n=57) were divided into six groups: systemically and Periodontally Healthy (H), Systemically Healthy with Periodontal Disease (PD), Periodontal Health and Diabetes (D), Periodontal Disease and Diabetes (PDD), Periodontal Health and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Periodontal Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis (PDRA). Collection of non-stimulated saliva, oral hygiene instructions and basic periodontal treatment were performed. Clinical parameters, gingival index (GI), visible plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL), were evaluated at days 0 and 45. Results: Most groups showed clinical improvements with significant changes in H, PD and PDRA for PI, PD and PDRA for PPD and PD for BOP (p&lt;0.05). Total protein reduction was significant only in the PD group (p&lt;0.05). Correlations analysis between salivary TP with BOP or with GI, showed that the salivary test can detect the GI variation (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The salivary test has the potential to customize the therapeutic approach, as a complementary clinical examination, serving as a visual indicator for the patient to perceive the clinical signs of their evolution throughout the treatment, and to validate the improvement of the clinical parameters in a practical and accessible quantitative way. Clinical Relevance: The use of saliva for disease monitoring has been consolidated as a versatile diagnostic tool, the results demonstrated its usage to monitor gingival inflammation, a potential visual test to present to patients, and a much less invasive method than the conventional Gingival Index.

Six-Month Soft Tissues Healing after Lower Third Molar Extraction: Comparison of Two Different Access Flaps.

As specific flap designs performed for lower third molar extractions usually influence periodontal healing of the adjacent first and second molars, this study aimed to evaluate the periodontal conditions of these sites after 6 months post-surgery. Forty patients, aged 14-30 years, were included. Surgical extraction of the lower third molar was performed through a flap with papilla detachment (a modified envelope technique with detachment of gingival papilla between the first and second molars) or a trapezoidal flap (characterized by mesial- and distal-releasing incisions). Periodontal parameters at the first and second molar sites were assessed for visible plaque index, bleeding on probing, recession, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss before surgery (T0), one month (T1), and six months after extraction (T2). No statistical differences were found for the plaque and bleeding indexes between the two flaps at each observation time and considering both time intervals. For recession, no statistical differences were found between the two flaps considering the final time interval. For probing pocket depth at the second molar site, both techniques registered a significant increase between T0 and T1, followed by a decrease up to T2. For clinical attachment loss, mean values assessed for the first and second molar sites demonstrated evidently increased values between T0 and T1, followed by moderate decreases up to T2. Considering short (T1) and mid-term (T2) follow-ups, a specific flap design does not seem to particularly influence periodontal healing six months after surgery.

The Effectiveness of Educational Mobile Messages on Prevention of Dental Caries in Group of Preschool Children

Purpose: To estimate the impact of providing mobile educational messages on prevention of dental caries in group of preschool children. Materials and methods: 100 high caries risk children aged between 3 and 5 years from both genders were randomly allocated into two groups (n=50) regarding to receiving educational messages: test group; included children whose parents received educational messages and control group; included children whose parents didn’t receive any messages. Every 14 days the test group received educational messages via Whats Application Messenger (WhatsApp). Visible plaque index (VPI), the decayed, missed, filled (dmf) and the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) indices were measured at the start of the study, 3-, 6- and 9-month follow-ups, whereas Health Literacy levels and dietary habits were determined by HEALS literacy questionnaire at the start of the study and 9-month follow-up. Results: Educational messages increased parental HEALS scores, enhancing children’s oral health and reducing the severity of dental caries. Conclusion: Mobile educational messages provided through WhatsApp were efficient in reducing dental caries among preschool children and enhancing health literacy of the parents.

Obesity, Insulin Resistance, Caries, and Periodontitis: Syndemic Framework.

(1) Background: To investigate the grouping of obesity and insulin resistance with caries and periodontitis from a syndemic perspective through pathways of socioeconomic inequalities, smoking, alcohol, and high sugar consumption in adolescence. (2) Methods: The population-based RPS Cohort study, São Luís, Brazil, in ages 18-19 years (n = 2515) was used. The outcomes were the grouping of pbesity and Insulin Resistance Phenotype (latent variable formed by Triglycerides/HDL ratio, TyG index, and VLDL) and the Chronic Oral Disease Burden (latent variable comprising caries, bleeding on probing, probing depth ≥ 4 mm, clinical attachment level ≥ 3 mm, and visible plaque index ≥ 15%). Socioeconomic Inequalities influencing the Behavioral Risk Factors (latent variable formed by added sugar, smoking, and alcohol) were analyzed using structural equation modeling. (3) Results: Socioeconomic Inequalities were associated with the Chronic Oral Disease Burden [Standardized Coefficient (SC) = 0.222, p < 0.001]. Behavioral Risk Factors were associated with increased Chronic Oral Disease Burden (SC = 0.103; p = 0.013). Obesity was associated with the Insulin Resistance Phenotype (SC = 0.072; p < 0.001) and the Chronic Oral Disease Burden (SC = 0.066; p = 0.005). The Insulin Resistance Phenotype and the Chronic Oral Disease Burden were associated (SC = 0.053; p = 0.032). (4) Conclusion: The grouping of obesity and early events of diabetes with caries and periodontitis call for a syndemic approach in adolescence.

Clinical and Microbiologic Outcomes of Ceramic Laminate Veneers Bonded to Teeth Without a Finish Line: 1-year Results of a Prospective Study.

Purpose: To evaluate changes in the periodontium of teeth restored with ultrathin (0.2 to 0.39 mm) ceramic laminate veneers (CLVs) placed subgingivally without a finish line compared to the same teeth before restorative treatment and to nonrestored antagonist teeth in healthy periodontium patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 73 CLVs were bonded onto the enamel surface of teeth without a finish line and with the cervical margin placed about 0.5 mm subgingivally. The gingival crevicular fluid was collected before bonding (baseline) and at 7, 180, and 365 days after bonding to quantify S mitis, P intermedia, and P gingivalis by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Visible plaque index (VPI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession (GR), and marginal adaptation were evaluated from baseline to 365 days in both groups. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in VPI, PD, or BOP at any time point in the intragroup or intergroup comparisons (P > .05). All restorations obtained the alpha concept for marginal adaptation (ie, the restoration margin remained ideal at all time points). There was a statistically significant difference for S mitis between 180 and 365 days (P = .03). No statistically significant difference was observed for P gingivalis at any time point (P > .05). Conclusion: The periodontium in the restored group showed a clinical behavior similar to baseline. Overcontouring of the ultrathin (up to 0.39 mm) CLV, similar to the cementoenamel junction convexity, did not contribute to plaque accumulation or changes in the oral microbiota of patients with a healthy periodontium and proper oral hygiene instruction.