Search

Background and objectives: Pulp calcification is associated with many factors and triggers, including individual genetic predisposition and orthodontic forces. This study aimed to investigate whether genetic polymorphisms in epidermal growth factor (EGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR1), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1), and transforming growth factor-beta receptor 2 (TGFβR2) are associated with a risk of dental pulp calcifications in orthodontic patients. Materials and methods: Digital orthopantomography (OPG) and genomic DNA from 132 patients were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Pulp calcification was observed in the maxillary and mandibular first molars. Genomic DNA extracted from saliva cells was used to genotype eight genetic polymorphisms using real-time polymerase chain reaction: EGF (rs2237051 and rs4444903), EGFR (rs2227983 and rs763317), TGFβ1 (rs1800469 and rs4803455), and TGFβR2 (rs3087465 and rs764522). The association between pulp calcification and genetic polymorphisms was analyzed using allelic and genotypic distributions, and haplotype frequencies (P 0.05). No haplotype combinations showed a statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The genetic polymorphisms investigated were not associated with dental pulp calcification in orthodontic patients. Further studies should investigate other polymorphisms in genes encoding growth factors.

ABSTRACTObjective The bruxism has a multifactorial etiology, in which molecular factors and genes play an important role. Dopaminergic pathways are pathways involved in functions such as motor control, reward, motivation, arousal and cognition. Genetic polymorphisms in the genes encoding Dopamine Receptor D2 (DRD2) and Ankyrin Repeat and Kinase Domain Containing 1 (ANKK1) have been reported in the literature associated with sleep disorders, migraine, personality, acute and chronic pain.Methods The present study aimed to assess whether genetic polymorphisms in DRD2 (rs6275 and rs6276) and ANKK1 (rs1800497) are associated with bruxism in construction men workers. A total of 113 male patients were evaluated. Bruxism was determined using a questionnaire, in which the patient self-reported the presence or absence of bruxism. For genetic analysis, saliva was collected from all individuals and the extraction of genomic DNA was performed to investigate the genetic polymorphisms rs6275 (C/T), rs6276 (A/G) and rs1800497 (C/T). The statistical significance was determined adopting an alpha = 0.05.Results Twenty-three (20.35%) patients reported at least one symptom of bruxism. Clenching was reported by 15.93% of the patients and grinding was reported by 14.16% of the patients. There was no statistical significance association between the studied genetic polymorphisms and bruxism (p > .05).Conclusions Our study did not observe an association between the genetic polymorphisms in DRD2 and ANKK1 and bruxism in a group of male construction workers.

Abstract The present study tested the combination of mandibular and dental dimensions for sex determination using machine learning. Lateral cephalograms and dental casts were used to obtain mandibular and mesio-distal permanent teeth dimensions, respectively. Univariate statistics was used for variables selection for the supervised machine learning model (alpha = 0.05). The following algorithms were trained: logistic regression, gradient boosting classifier, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machine, multilayer perceptron classifier, decision tree, and random forest classifier. A threefold cross-validation approach was adopted to validate each model. The areas under the curve (AUC) were computed, and ROC curves were constructed. Three mandibular-related measurements and eight dental size-related dimensions were used to train the machine learning models using data from 108 individuals. The mandibular ramus height and the lower first molar mesio-distal size exhibited the greatest predictive capability in most of the evaluated models. The accuracy of the models varied from 0.64 to 0.74 in the cross-validation stage, and from 0.58 to 0.79 when testing the data. The logistic regression model exhibited the highest performance (AUC = 0.84). Despite the limitations of this study, the results seem to show that the integration of mandibular and dental dimensions for sex prediction would be a promising approach, emphasizing the potential of machine learning techniques as valuable tools for this purpose.

Introduction: Pulp stones (PS) are calcifications commonly found in the pulp tissue that may be associated with systemic diseases. Objective: To evaluate the association between PS and systemic diseases. Methods: A case-control study with the inclusion of individuals from 18 to 65 years of age, of both sexes. Analysis was made of 1047 digital panoramic radiographs. The controls could not have any teeth with PS; the cases were the contrary. A questionnaire comprising demographic, habit, and general health (diabetes, problems with blood vessels, altered cholesterol level, heart attack, kidney or gallbladder stone, arthritis, or autoimmune disease, and for women, endometriosis, and ovarian cyst). Data were submitted to the Student's t-test to identify differences between groups about sex and age. The Chi-square test was applied to the cross-tabulation. The analyses were performed using SPSS®, version 25.0, with a 5% significance level. Results: 490 patients participated (242 cases and 248 controls). There was no difference between groups for the sex (p=0.966) and age (p=0.186). Only “kidney stone” was associated with the case group (p=0.001), being almost three times higher when compared to the control group. No significant differences were found in females about the presence or absence of PS (p>0.05). Conclusion: In this research, it is suggested the existence of an association between kidney stones and the presence of pulp stones.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in endochondral development-related genes and mandibular condyle shape, size, volume, and symmetry traits. Cone-beam Computed Tomographies and genomic DNA from 118 individuals were evaluated (age range: 15–66 years). Data from twelve 3D landmarks on mandibular condyles were submitted to morphometric analyses including Procrustes fit, principal component analysis, and estimation of centroid sizes and fluctuating asymmetry scores. Condylar volumes were additionally measured. Seven SNPs across BMP2, BMP4, RUNX2 and SMAD6 were genotyped. Linear models were fit to evaluate the effect of the SNPs on the mandibular condyles’ quantitative traits. Only the association between BMP2 rs1005464 and centroid size remained significant after adjusting to account for the false discovery rate due to multiple testing. Individuals carrying at least one A allele for this SNP showed larger condylar size than common homozygotes GG (β = 0.043; 95% CI: 0.014—0.071; P value = 0.028). The model including BMP2 rs1005464, age and sex of the participants explained 17% of the variation in condylar size. Shape, volume, and symmetry were not associated with the evaluated SNPs. These results suggest that BMP2 rs1005464 might be associated with variation in the mandibular condyles size.

Abstract Objectives PITX2 is required for mammalian development and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this gene could be involved in dental agenesis and sella turcica patterns. Thus, the present study evaluated the association between SNPs in PITX2, third molars agenesis and sella turcica phenotypes. Materials and methods The sample consisted of healthy orthodontic German patients with lateral cephalometric radiographs with clearly visualization of the sella turcica, and dental orthopantomograms. The morphological variations of the sella turcica were evaluated using the lateral cephalograms, while third molar agenesis was evaluated using orthopantomograms. DNA isolated from buccal cells was used for genotyping three SNPs in PITX2 (rs3796902, rs1947187, and rs2595110). The analyzes were performed using a significance of 5%. There was no association between third molar agenesis and sella turcica phenotypes (p > 0.05). SNPs in PITX2 were also not associated with third molars agenesis (p > 0.05). Results SNPs in PITX2 were associated with sella turcica phenotypes. The rs3796902 was associated with hypertrophic posterior clinoid process (p = 0.013). The rs1947187 and rs2595110 were associated with sella turcica bridge type A (p = 0.013 and p = 0.011, respectively for genotype distribution). Patients that carry the genotypes GG-CC-AG (rs3796902- rs1947187- rs2595110) had 7.2 higher chance to present sella turcica bridge type A (p = 0.002; Odds ratio = 7.2, Confidence interval 95% 2.04–27.04). Conclusions Third molar agenesis was not associated with SNPs in PITX2 and sella turcica phenotypes. SNPs in PITX2 may have an important role in sella turcica pattern.

The chronological age estimation of living individuals is a crucial part of forensic practice and clinical practice, such as in orthodontic treatment. It is well-known that methods for age estimation in living children should be tested on different populations. Ethnic affiliations in Brazil are divided into several major groups depending on the region, with the south of Brazil being known for its German immigration. (1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between chronological age and dental age using Demirjian’s method and Cameriere’s method in a group of children from Joinville, South Brazil to investigate if both methods can be used to estimate dental age in this population. (2) Methods: The sample consisted of 229 panoramic radiographs (119 were males and were 110 females) from Brazilian children (ages ranging from 6 to 12 years). The chronological age at the time of the panoramic radiographic exam was calculated for each child. The dental age was estimated according to Demirjian’s method and Cameriere’s method. All continuous data were tested for normality by using the Shapiro–Wilk test. The Pearson correlation coefficient test was applied. An alpha of 5% (p < 0.05) was used for all analyses. (3) Results: The mean chronological age was 8.75 years. According to Demirjian’s method, the mean dental age was 9.3 years, while according to Cameriere’s method, the mean dental age was 8.66 years. A strong correlation between chronological age and dental age according to Demirjian (r = 0.776 and p < 0.0001) and Cameriere (r = 0.735 and p < 0.0001) was observed for both genders. (4) Conclusions: Both methods presented a good correlation with chronological age in the studied population and could be used to assess dental age in this population.

This case report describes a favorable healing outcome of the immediate management of an oblique tooth root fracture in the middle third concomitant with coronal fragment extrusion in a permanent maxillary left central incisor of a healthy 14-year-old female patient. The clinical exam showed incisal irregularity, local bleeding, increased mobility, and axial displacement of the maxillary left central incisor. The coronal fragment was repositioned and stabilized with a flexible splint for four weeks. The parents and the patient received medication prescriptions and instructions. Clinical and radiographic conditions remained satisfactory at the 4-week, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups. Thermal and percussion tests confirmed pulp vitality after 12 months. Hard tissue formation between segments was observed in the radiographic examination and cone-beam computed tomography. In conclusion, the immediate conservative therapeutic showed satisfactory clinical and radiographic results.

Abstract Background This study evaluated if genetic variations in the WNT family members and RUNX2 are associated with craniofacial maturation, investigating dental and skeletal maturity in children and teenagers. Methods Radiographs from pre-orthodontic treatment of Brazilian patients (7 to 17 years-old) were used to assess dental (panoramic radiographs) and skeletal maturity (cephalometric radiographs). The chronological age (CA) was calculated based on the date of birth and the time the radiographs were performed. For the dental maturity analysis, the Demirjian (1973) method was used and a delta [dental age - chronological age (DA-CA)] was calculated. For the skeletal maturity analysis, the Baccetti et al. (2005) method was used and the patients were classified as “delayed skeletal maturation”, “advanced skeletal maturation” or “normal skeletal maturation”. DNA isolated from buccal cells was used for genotyping of two genetic variations in WNT family genes: rs708111 (G > A) in WNT3A and rs1533767 (G > A) in WNT11; and two genetic variations in RUNX2: rs1200425 (G > A) and rs59983488 (G > T). A statistical analysis was performed and values of p 0.05). In the skeletal maturity analysis, the allele A in the rs708111 (WNT3A) was statistically more frequent in patients with delayed skeletal maturation (Prevalence Ratio = 1.6; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.00 to 2.54; p-value = 0.042). Conclusions The rs708111 in the WNT3A gene impacts on skeletal maturation.

The objective of this study was to develop a predictive model using supervised machine learning to determine sex based on the dimensions of the hyoid bone. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 495 patients were analyzed, collecting the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the hyoid bone, as well as the distance from the hyoid to the mandible. The following algorithms were trained: Logistic Regression, Gradient Boosting Classifier, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multilayer Perceptron Classifier (MLP), Decision Tree, AdaBoost Classifier, and Random Forest Classifier. A 5-fold cross-validation approach was used to validate each model. Model evaluation metrics included areas under the curve (AUC), accuracy, recall, precision, F1 score, and ROC curves. The horizontal dimension of the hyoid bone demonstrated the highest predictive power across all evaluated models. The AUC values of the different trained models ranged from 0.81 to 0.86 on test data and from 0.78 to 0.84 in cross-validation, with the random forest classifier achieving the highest accuracy rates. The supervised machine learning model showed good predictive accuracy, indicating the model's potential for sex determination in forensic and anthropological contexts. These findings suggest that the application of artificial intelligence methods can enhance the accuracy of sex estimation, contributing to significant advancements in the field.

Abstract Background Genetic polymorphisms have been shown to influence several physiological traits, including dental and craniofacial characteristics. Understanding the clinical relevance of genetic polymorphisms in dental practice is crucial to personalize treatment plans and improve treatment outcomes. Objective to evaluate the association between dental age and genetic polymorphisms in genes encoding estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ESR1 and ESR2, respectively) in a sample of Brazilian children. Methodology This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed with children undergoing orthodontic treatment. Patients with syndromes, congenital anomalies, craniofacial deformities, under hormonal or systemic treatment, and with a previous history of facial trauma were excluded. Panoramic radiographs were used to assess dental age according to the Demirjian, Goldstein, and Tanner method. A delta [dental age-chronological age (DA-CA)] was obtained, which shows whether the patient tends to have a normal, delayed (negative values), or advanced (positive values) dental age. DNA isolated from buccal cells was used to genotype four genetic polymorphisms: rs9340799 (A>G) and rs2234693 (C>T), located in ESR1; and rs1256049 (C>T) and rs4986938 (C>T), located in ESR2. A statistical analysis was performed and values of p0.05). Genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 and ESR2 were not associated with dental age (p>0.05). Conclusion The studied genetic polymorphisms in ESR1 and ESR2 were not associated with dental age in Brazilian children.

Objective: To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) and local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething. Material and Methods: Forty-four pairs of mothers-babies/toddlers were included. Erupted primary teeth were evaluated during clinical examination. Local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething were obtained from mothers' reporting via anamnesis. Samples of buccal cells were retrieved for DNA genotyping using real-time PCR. The T-test, Chi-square test, logistic regression, and haplotype analyses were applied. Results: Almost all mothers (95.5%) reported at least one local or systemic sign and symptom of teething. The most common was increased salivation (79.5%), diarrhea (72.3%), and fever (70.5%). The mean number of signs and symptoms per child was higher in boys than girls (mean = 5.1; SD= 1.5; p=0.008). Sleep disturbance (p=0.03) and loss of appetite (p=0.05) were more reported in boys. The rs689466 and rs5275 were not associated with signs and symptoms of teething (p>0.05). Conclusion: The single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) were not associated with local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething.

Abstract Objective Many genes and signaling molecules are involved in orthodontic tooth movement, with mechanically and hypoxically stabilized HIF-1α having been shown to play a decisive role in periodontal ligament signaling during orthodontic tooth movement. Thus, this in vitro study aimed to investigate if genetic polymorphisms in HIF1A (Hypoxia-inducible factor α-subunits) influence the expression pattern of HIF-1α protein during simulated orthodontic compressive pressure. Methodology Samples from human periodontal ligament fibroblasts were used and their DNA was genotyped using real time Polymerase chain reaction for the genetic polymorphisms rs2301113 and rs2057482 in HIF1A . For cell culture and protein expression experiments, six human periodontal ligament fibroblast cell lines were selected based on the patients’ genotype. To simulate orthodontic compressive pressure in fibroblasts, a 2 g/cm2 force was applied under cell culture conditions for 48 hours. Protein expression was evaluated by Western Blot. Paired t-tests were used to compare HIF-1α expression with and without compressive pressure application and unpaired t-tests were used to compare expression between the genotypes in rs2057482 and rs2301113 (p0.05). Conclusions Our study confirms that compressive pressure application enhances HIF-1α protein expression. We could not prove that the genetic polymorphisms in HIF1A affect HIF-1α protein expression by periodontal ligament fibroblasts during simulated orthodontic compressive force.

Abstract This study investigated, if genetic variants in BMP2, BMP4 and SMAD6 are associated with variations in the palatal rugae pattern in humans. Dental casts and genomic DNA from 75 patients were evaluated. Each patient was classified as follows: total amount of rugae; bilateral symmetry in the amount, length and shape of the palatal rugae; presence of secondary or fragmentary palatal rugae; presence of unifications; predominant shape; and predominant direction of the palatal rugae. The genetic variants in BMP2 (rs1005464 and rs235768), BMP4 (rs17563) and SMAD6 (rs2119261 and rs3934908) were genotyped. Genotype distribution was compared between palatal rugae patterns using the chi-square test (alpha = 0.05). The allele A was associated with the presence of secondary or fragmentary rugae for rs1005464 (OR = 2.5, 95%CI 1.1–6.3; p = 0.014). Secondary or fragmentary rugae were associated with the G allele in rs17563 (OR = 2.1, 95%CI 1.1–3.9; p = 0.017). rs17563 was also associated with rugae unification (p = 0.017 in the additive model). The predominant shape (wavy) was associated with rs2119261 (p = 0.023 in the additive model). The left–right symmetry of the length of primary rugae was associated with rs3934908 in the recessive model (OR = 3.6, 95%CI 1.2–11.7; p = 0.025). In conclusion, genetic variants in the BMP pathway impacted on palatal rugae pattern.

Abstract Background Estrogen is a well-known and important hormone involved in skeletal homeostasis, which regulates genes involved in bone biology. Some studies support that estrogen is important for craniofacial growth and development. Therefore this in vivo animal study aimed to investigate, whether and in which way low estrogen levels in the prepubertal period affect craniofacial development in the postpubertal stage and to quantify the gene expression of RANK, RANKL and OPG in cranial growth sites in ovariectomized estrogen-deficient rats during puberty. Methods Control (sham-operated, n = 18) and ovariectomy (OVX, n = 18) surgeries were performed on 21-days-old female Wistar rats. Animals euthanized at an age of 45 days (pubertal stage) were used for gene expression analyses (n = 6 per group) and immunohistochemistry of RANK, RANKL and OPG. Animals euthanized at 63 days of age (post-pubertal stage) were used for craniofacial two-dimensional and three-dimensional craniofacial measurements using μCT imaging (n = 12 per group). Results In the μCT analysis of the mandible and maxilla many statistically significant differences between sham-operated and OVX groups were observed, such as increased maxillary and mandibular bone length in OVX animals (p

Background: Tooth enamel mineralization is assumed to be a target of endogenous estrogen imbalances. Objective: To evaluate the effect of estrogen deficiency during amelogenesis on the mineral composition of dental enamel. Methods: Ten female Wistar Hannover rats were randomly divided into two groups according to the intervention received: ovariectomy surgery (OVX, experimental) and fictitious surgery (SHAM, control). After 21 days, the rats of both groups were euthanized, and the upper incisors were extracted for analysis of the mineral composition by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence. The sensitivity of the enamel organ to estrogen was evaluated in both groups by immunohistochemical analysis of the odontogenic region of the lower incisors for the presence of estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ, respectively) in ameloblasts in the maturation stage. Differences in the mineral composition between groups were compared using Student’s t-test (P < 0.05). Results: No statistically significant difference was detected in the mineral composition between the OVX and SHAM groups (P > 0.05). ERα was immunostained in the ameloblasts of both groups. Conclusion: Although ameloblasts express ERα, estrogen deficiency during amelogenesis did not appear to affect the dental enamel composition in this murine model.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is essential for calcium and phosphate homeostasis in odontogenesis-related cells. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene encoding PTH, and dental caries in Brazilian children. Three hundred and fifty-three children (170 boys and 183 girls, age ranging from 8 to 11 years old) were included in this study. The International System for Detection and Assessment of Carious Lesions (ICDAS) was used for diagnosis of dental caries. Visible biofilm was also evaluated during the clinical examination. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva for real-time PCR to evaluate the single nucleotide polymorphisms rs6256, rs307247 and rs694 in PTH gene. Dental caries was classified in ICDAS0 vs. ICDAS1−6 or ICDAS1−2 vs. ICDAS3−6. Chi-square test, binary logistic regression adjusted by biofilm and haplotype analyses were performed (p < 0.05). Biofilm was associated with dental caries (p < 0.05). There were no associations between dental caries and rs6256, rs307247, rs694 in none of the analyses performed (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the present study supports that the single nucleotide polymorphisms rs6256, rs307247, and rs694 in the PTH-encoding gene are not associated with dental caries in Brazilian children.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the cleaning of mandibular incisors with WaveOne Gold® (WO) under different preparation techniques. Methods: A total of 210 human mandibular incisors were selected and divided into seven groups (n = 30), prepared by WO single-files (Small 20/.07 – WOS; Primary 25/.07 – WOP; Medium 35/.06 – WOM; or Large 45/.05 - WOL) and sequential-file techniques (WOS to WOP; WOS to WOM; and WOS to WOL). Further subdivision was made according to irrigation protocol: control group (manual irrigation - CON), E1 Irrisonic® - EIR, and EDDY® - EDD. Debris removal and the smear layer were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed by using Spearman’s correlation test. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: For debris and smear layer removal, WOS and WOP, EIR differed from CON and EDD (p

Abstract Objective This study monitored real-time torque variation of the WaveOne Gold (WOG) and Reciproc Blue (RB) during root canal preparation of mandibular molars. Thirty-six mandibular molars were prepared with WOG Primary 25.07 (WOGP, n = 36) and the RB R25 25.08 (RBR25, n = 36) for the mesial canals, whereas WOG Large 45.05 (WOGL, n = 18) and RB R40 40.06 (RBR40, n = 18) for the distal. Canal preparation was divided into thirds and the torque, maximum torque and time, were recorded. Results The RBR25 instruments exhibited higher maximum torque in the apical third in contrast to the WOGP instruments (p 0.05). The RBR25 had the highest torque when compared to the WOGP. Both instruments exhibited higher torque in the apical third and there were no significant differences between the instruments in the distal canal.

Aim: To evaluate the apical extrusion of debris in flat-oval canals, using three reciprocating systems at two different working lengths (WL), 0 mm and 1 mm from the apical foramen. Methods: Ninety mandibular incisors were randomly divided into three groups based on the systems: WaveOne Gold #25.07 (WOG), ProDesign R #25.06 (PDR), and X1 Blue #25.06 (X1B). Extruded debris were collected and dried in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes. Three consecutive weighings were performed for each tube, and the mean was calculated. If the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variance were not met, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the amount of extruded debris between groups with the same WL, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison within groups for each WL. Results: All groups had extruded debris, with higher median values occurring at 1 mm. No significant difference regarding the amount of debris extrusion was observed at 0 mm (p>0.05) and 1 mm (p>0.05) between groups. However, within the groups, at different WL, there was greater extrusion at 1 mm (p

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the growth maturity indicators in orthodontic patients. Design : This cross-sectional study was performed on 37 orthodontic patients (17 males and 20 females). An anamnesis, clinical and image examination, and blood sample collection were performed. The inclusion criteria were non-syndromic Class II patients of both gender, age ranging between 10 to 16 years. The lateral cephalometric radiographs were evaluated using 6-stage cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM) technique. The hand-wrist radiographs were staged using the 11-stage skeletal maturation indicator (SMI) technique. Blood was collected in the same week of the images to quantify IGF-1 levels in serum. Data were tested for normality by Shapiro–Wilk test. The Pearson test was used to determine the correlation strength between the variables (alpha of 5%). Results : A strong correlation was observed only between SMI stages and CVM stages in the total sample (r=0.864; p

Objective. To evaluate if nutritional status is associated with caries and gingivitis in Brazilian schoolchildren. Material and methods. Children of both genders, age ranging from 8 to 11 years old, were included in this study. Caries was diagnosed using ICDAS (International System for Detection and Assessment of Carious Lesions) and gingivitis was diagnosed using the Community Periodontal Index. The nutritional status of each child was defined by BMI Z-score calculation. Data on oral health behavior and dietary habit were collected through parent’s questionnaires. Parametric analyzes were performed to compare the groups. The established alpha was 5%. Results. The sample consisted of 353 schoolchildren: 16 underweight children, 247 eutrophic children, 64 overweight children, and 26 were obese children. Overweight, Obese and Overweight + Obese children presented less cavitated caries lesion than Eutrophic children ( P < .05). Gingivitis was not associated with nutritional status ( P > .05). Conclusion. Caries was associated with overweight and obesity in Brazilian schoolchildren.

The aim of this study was to analyze the saliva of patients with pulp stones, with sialometric and sialochemical tests. Eighty individuals, aged between18 and 65 years, of both sexes, were investigated. Patients were included in the pulp stone group when radiographic examination was suggestive of pulp stones in at least one permanent tooth, whereas those without this alteration were considered controls. Saliva was collected by stimulation, followed by salivary flowrate (SFR) and pH analysis tests. The organic components, such as urea (URE), glucose (GLU), total proteins (TPTs), alkaline phosphatase, creatinine (CRE), salivary amylase (SAM), and uric acid (URA), and the inorganic components, such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus, were evaluated by colorimetric techniques in an ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometer. Differences among pulp stones and control groups were compared using Student’s t-test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. In both groups prevailed the female. Statistically significant differences between groups were observed for pH (p = 0.027), SFR (p = 0.002), alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.008), and URA (p = 0.005). None of the inorganic components showed significant difference (p > 0.05). In the analyses stratified by sex, difference between groups was observed for pH (p = 0.007) and URA (p = 0.003) in women. In conclusion, sialometric and sialochemical alterations occurred in patients with pulp stones, with significantly higher levels of pH, SFR, alkaline phosphatase, and URA.

Objective: evaluate the association between periodontal disease, preterm births and low birth weight neonates in a group of women from the city of Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Methods: in this case-control study, an evaluation was conducted of 51 mothers aged 16-40 years divided into two groups: those with a preterm delivery and low birth weight babies, and those without a preterm delivery but with low birth weight babies. Data about the mothers and the neonates were collected via questionnaires and medical record analysis. Periodontal examination was performed at six sites of each tooth present, except for the third molars. Results: it was found that 82.4 % of the women had had a normal delivery and 25.5 % a preterm delivery. 19.6 % of the babies weighed less than 2 500 g at birth, and 5.9 % of the women had periodontal disease. Conclusions: no association was found in the sample between periodontal disease and preterm delivery and low birth weight.

Aim: The aim was to evaluate the bond strength at the cement/dentin interface in the post space, after specimens were treated with different final irrigation protocols, followed by cementation with a dual resin cement. Methods: Forty-eight extracted uniradicular human premolars were divided into four groups according to the irrigation (n = 12): control with distilled water; 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) + ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); 2.5% NaOCl + passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI); and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX). The pull-out test was performed. The results were evaluated using ANOVA with Tukey’s paired comparisons, with a significance of 5%. Results: When all groups were compared, significant difference occurred (p = 0.006), and in the paired comparison, NaOCl + PUI and CHX differed (p = 0.005). The CHX showed significantly higher adhesive defects between cement and dentin than other groups. Conclusions: The final irrigation protocol for cleaning after preparation for post space directly influences the bond strength at the cement/dentin interface.

Aim: To evaluate crown and root discoloration promoted by different endodontic sealers after root canal filling. Methods: Eighty bovine incisors were prepared and filled with: Endofill, Sealer 26, AH Plus, and MTA Fillapex. Color was recorded using a spectrophotometer before endodontic treatment (T0) and at 24 hours (T1), seven days (T2), 30 days (T3), and 90 days (T4) after treatment. Analyses were performed on the middle and cervical regions of the crown, and on the cervical third of the root, immediately below the cementoenamel junction. The color alterations (ΔE) were calculated using Commission International de I’Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b parameters, and data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test (p

Abstract: Genetics is an emerging topic in endodontic research focusing on the host response regarding the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis (AP). A number of genetic epidemiological studies carried out by many investigators worldwide have shown evidence of an association between certain candidate genes and AP. Some studies have been conducted on knockout mice with a deficiency in certain proteins, leading to more or less severe AP, and thus suggesting a pivotal role of these genes in AP pathogenesis. Other research has evaluated the association between genetic polymorphisms in humans with different AP aspects; these studies pointed out that genetic polymorphisms in some candidate genes are involved in inter-individual variations in their response to AP. Therefore, the objective of this report was to provide an updated overview of the genes involved in AP pathogenesis, with a focus on the most relevant candidate genes.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare two irrigation techniques and four devices for endodontic sealer placement into the dentinal tubules. Ninety-nine single-rooted human teeth were instrumented and allocated to either the control (CO) (n=11) or experimental groups according to the irrigation method: syringe and NaveTip needle (NT) (n=44), and EndoActivator (EA) (n=44). These groups were subdivided according to sealer placement into K-File (KF), lentulo spiral (LS), Easy Clean (EC), and EndoActivator (EA) subgroups. Moreover, the distances of 5 mm and 2 mm from the apex were analyzed. The teeth were obturated with AH Plus and GuttaCore X3. Analyses were performed by scanning electron microscopy associated to cathodoluminescence. The percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration were measured. Data were evaluated by three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Games-Howell test (p

Evaluation of the Oral Condition of Women Predisposed to Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different root canal filling techniques on the bond strength of epoxy resin-based sealers. Sixty single-rooted canines were prepared using ProTaper (F5) and divided into the following groups based on the root filling technique: Lateral Compaction (LC), Single Cone (SC), and Tagger Hybrid Technique (THT). The following subgroups (n = 10) were also created based on sealer material used: AH Plus and Sealer 26. Two-millimeter-thick slices were cut from all the root thirds and subjected to push-out test. Data (MPa) was analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). The push-out values were significantly affected by the sealer, filling technique, and root third (p < 0.05). AH Plus (1.37 ± 1.04) exhibited higher values than Sealer 26 (0.92 ± 0.51), while LC (1.80 ± 0.98) showed greater bond strength than THT (1.16 ± 0.50) and SC (0.92 ± 0.25). The cervical (1.45 ± 1.14) third exhibited higher bond strength, followed by the middle (1.20 ± 0.72) and apical (0.78 ± 0.33) thirds. AH Plus/LC (2.26 ± 1.15) exhibited the highest bond strength values, followed by AH Plus/THT (1.32 ± 0.61), Sealer 26/LC (1.34 ± 0.42), and Sealer 26/THT (1.00 ± 0.27). The lowest values were obtained with AH Plus/SC and Sealer 26/SC. Thus, it can be concluded that the filling technique affects the bond strength of sealers. LC was associated with higher bond strength between the material and intra-radicular dentine than THT and SC techniques.

The objective of this study was to describe a case of a lymphoepithelial cyst in the palatoglossus arch. A 16-years-old black man said that he was observed a lesion in his mouth. On the physical exam, a pedicled, consistent, smooth surface 1.5 x 1 cm lesion, similar in color to the adjacent mucosa, was found. The lesion was surgically removed and the microscopic exam showed mucosal fragments with pedicled lesion; the cystic cavity sometimes lined with pseudostratified cylindrical epithelium and others with stratified squamous flat interface of the epithelium. Around the cyst, a well-delimited mass of lymphoid tissue, presenting lymphoid follicles, was also seen. Lymphoepithelial cyst has clinical characteristics similar to those of others lesions that occur in the oral cavity. The diagnosis should be based on conservative biopsy, with total removal of lesion.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the influence of the last apical instrument of the ProTaper system with and without 2.5% sodium hypochlorite for cleaning mandibular central incisors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty two mandibular central incisors were divided into six study groups: Group I - F1 instrument with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite; Group II - F1 and F2 with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite; Group III - F1, F2 and F3 with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite; Group IV - F1 with distilled water; Group V - F1 and F2 with distilled water; Group VI - F1, F2 and F3 with distilled water. The two remaining teeth comprised the negative control group. The specimens were prepared following the principles of the technique suggested by the manufacturer and then submitted to histological preparation and morphometric analysis. Data were analyzed statistically by the Kruskal Wallis test at 1% significance level. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference (p

Orocutaneous fistulas or cutaneous sinus, a tract of dental origin, is an uncommon but welldocumented condition that usually requires emergency treatment. Such condition may be misdiagnosed by physicians and dentists and may sometimes be confused with bone and skin tumor, osteomyelitis, congenital fistula, salivary gland fistula, pyogenic granuloma, infected cyst, deep mycotic infection, and other pathologies. A case of facial sinus tract that was initially misdiagnosed by a physician as a nonodontogenic lesion is presented. Nonsurgical endodontic therapy was the treatment of choice for this case. Facial cutaneous sinus tracts must be considered of dental origin. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment minimize patient discomfort and esthetic problems, reducing the possibility of further complications such as sepsis and osteomyelitis.A fístula orocutânea de origem dentária é uma condição incomum, bem documentada e geralmente requer tratamento de urgência. Esta condição pode ser confundida por médicos e dentistas com lesões ósseas, de pele, nas glândulas salivares, osteomielite, granuloma piogênico, cisto infectado, infecção fúngica, entre outras. Um caso de fístula facial que foi inicialmente diagnosticado por um médico como uma lesão não-odontogênica é apresentado e discutido. O tratamento de escolha foi a endodontia do dente envolvido, sem necessidade de cirurgia. A possibilidade de infecção dentária deve ser considerada em casos de fístula cutânea na região orofacial. O diagnóstico precoce e tratamento imediato podem minimizar o desconforto do paciente e problemas estéticos, além de reduzir a possibilidade de outras complicações, como osteomielite e sepse.