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Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the mothers' perceptions of the aesthetics of their children's teeth. Methods: The sample comprised 47 mothers of children aged from 7 to 9 year-old, who lived in areas with fluoridated water. The children had their central incisors assessed for the presence of dental fluorosis using the TF index. Mothers were interviewed to collect data about their perceptions of the dental aesthetics of their children and were asked to cite any perceived oral problems. Results: A total of 49% of children exhibited dental fluorosis on the central incisors; most cases were TF=1 (45%). The frequency of mothers who considered their child's teeth pleasing (60%) was higher than the frequency of mothers who rated them unpleasing (40%), regardless of whether the child had fluorosis or not (P=0.440). When asked to identify oral problems, 40% of the mothers cited misalignment and crowding, 9% cited yellow teeth, 4% cited dental caries, and 2% cited hypoplasia. Only one mother (2%) cited stained teeth, and it was actually a case of dental fluorosis TF=1. Conclusion: The mothers had a positive perception of their children's teeth. Alignment and crowding were the most common problems reported by the mothers. The mothers did not recognise dental fluorosis as a significant oral problem in their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study evaluated the saliva profile in crack-cocaine-addicted males and its relationship with dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral mucosal lesion (OML) using 148 adult male volunteers (37 addicted; 111 non-addicted) at the School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia. Data on decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), periodontal disease and OML were collected from the clinical examination of the participants. Samples were analysed for the salivary flow rate (SFR) of unstimulated and wax-stimulated whole saliva and the saliva buffer capacity. Bivariate and regression analyses were conducted to assess the salivary profile and its association with the oral status of addicted participants (α = 0.05). The mean buffer capacity of stimulated saliva was significantly lower in the addicted participants (pH 5.2 ± 1.7) than in the non-addicted group (pH 5.8 ± 1.3, p = 0.03). In the addicted group, OML was associated with a stimulated SFR < 1.0 mL/min (OR = 11.98, 95% CI = 1.30-27.10, p = 0.04). The DMFT index and periodontal disease were not associated with the salivary profile, but with older age (OR = 7.20, 95% CI = 1.51-31.14, p = 0.01) and lower education levels (OR = 24.00, 95% CI = 1.68-341.00, p = 0.02), respectively. In conclusion, addiction was associated with the lower buffer capacity of stimulated saliva, and OML was associated with lower-stimulated salivary flow rate. Periodontal disease or DMFT was not associated with salivary factors in addicted males. Therapy approaches dealing with saliva status may be important for use with addicted males to reduce OMLs.

Background: High power lasers have been suggested as a useful tool for dental caries and erosion prevention due to the increase of enamel acid resistance., Objective: to evaluate the effect of Er,Cr:YSGG (erbium,chromium:yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet) laser irradiation pulse frequency and power on enamel surface and acid erosion resistance., Methods: By combining pulse frequency (5-75 Hz) and power settings (0.10-1.00 W), 20 irradiated groups and one nonirradiated control group were tested. A total of 63 bovine enamel blocks (n = 3/group) were prepared for surface hardness and roughness evaluation, performed in three phases: baseline, after irradiation, and after erosive challenge. Enamel blocks were irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser with MZ8 tip (iPlus; Waterlase, Biolase, CA) for 30 sec according to experimental group and submitted. Erosive challenge consisted of four cycles alternating immersion in 0.01 M HCl (5 mL/mm 2 ; 2 min; at 37°C) and immersion in artificial saliva for 3 h. Analysis of variance (three-way ANOVA), Tukey's test, and Pearson correlation were performed for the statistical analysis (p < 0.05)., Results: After irradiation, groups irradiated with pulse frequency of 10 and 15 Hz showed a decrease in surface hardness. After erosive challenge, 5 and 75 W groups showed increase in surface hardness; 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 W groups showed minor alterations in surface roughness., Conclusions: the irradiation of Er,Cr:YSGG laser with different parameters of power and pulse frequency settings may alter enamel surface and erosive resistance differently. Pulse frequency of 30 Hz and power of 0.50 W was considered the best parameter to prevent enamel acid erosion.

Purpose: To evaluate, in vivo, the effect of fluoride dentifrice and diet control on the demineralization/remineralization processes at the margin of bracket/enamel interface bonded with four different bonding materials, using optical microscopy and fluorescent laser (DIAGNOdent)., Methods: Premolars in 35 subjects (11 to 20 years old) were divided into Group 1 (n = 15) and Group 2 (n = 20). Four bracket/enamel interfaces (near points) and four points at a distance of 2 mm (distant points) were observed. Evaluations were made at the following times: 15 days before bracket bonding (T0), on day of bonding (T1), 1 week after bonding (T2), and 4 weeks after bonding (T3). Subjects received fluoride dentifrice, and toothbrush and were instructed to brush 3x/day, after main meals. Group 1 received the instructions at T1 and Group 2 at T0 and these were reinforced weekly. The Microarch brackets were bonded with four materials: Transbond XT; Concise Ortodôntico; Fuji Ortho LC and Monolok2. DIAGNOdent laser readouts were used for comparison., Results: Data were statistically analyzed by Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and Friedman tests (P < 0.05). Higher readouts were found at nearer points than at distant points; Group 2 presented lower readouts than Group 1; No differences were observed among bonding materials.

This in vitro study evaluated the effect of 10% baking soda solution and sodium bicarbonate powder (applied with jets) when applied to bleached enamel prior to restorative treatment. The surfaces of 40 bovine incisors were flattened and divided into 5 groups (n = 8): Group B (bleached and restored, negative control), Group W (bleached, stored in distilled water for 7 days, and restored), Group BSJ (bleached, abraded with baking soda jet for 1 min, and restored), Group BSS (bleached, application of 10% baking soda solution for 5 min, and restored), and Group R (restored, without bleaching, positive control). The samples were bleached in 1 session with 3 applications of 35% HP-based gel and activated with a LED appliance for 9 min each. Resin composite cylinders (2 mm height and 0.8 mm diameter) were made on the enamel surface after the acid etching and a conventional 1-step single vial adhesive application was performed. After storage in distilled water (37 ± 1°C, 24 hr), the microshear bond test was performed (1 mm/min). ANOVA and Tukey tests were applied to compare the results. The mean results of these tests showed that Groups W, BBS, and R were not statistically different. These groups also indicated a higher bond strength when compared with Groups B and BSJ. The application of 10% baking soda solution for 5 min may be an alternative pre-restorative treatment for bleached enamel, but further studies are needed to consider whether or not this treatment may be effectively used in clinical practice.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of bleaching and staining solutions on roughness and shade changes in a nanofilled resin composite [Filtek Supreme (FS)]., Methods: FS specimens (n = 135) were light cured and separated into groups (n = 45) that were bleached with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) agent or 16% or 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP). In the first two groups the bleaching gel was used for 4 hours a day, during 14 days, and for the third group in three sessions of 45 minutes. Each group was subdivided (n = 15) and immersed in coffee, red wine or distilled water for 3 hours a day during 40 days. The roughness values (Ra) and shade (parameter CLELab) were evaluated at baseline, after bleaching and after staining. The data was analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test or Kruskal Wallis., Results: The effects on specimens varied depending on the bleaching product and staining solution. FS after bleaching and after staining presented higher roughness. In the evaluation of shade changes after bleaching, it was observed that resin color changed and that 35% hydrogen peroxide bleached the resin more than the others. After staining in three solutions, all specimens changed color and wine showed the higher staining capacity.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the responses of salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in 10 professional top-level Brazilian futsal players after 2 highly competitive games separated by 7 days. Unstimulated saliva was collected over a 5-minute period at PRE- and POST-match. The SIgA was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and expressed as the absolute concentration (SIgAabs) and secretion rate of IgA (SIgArate). Rate of perceived exertion and heart rate were used to monitor the exercise intensity. A 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures showed nonsignificant differences between matches to SIgAabs, SIgArate, and saliva flow rate (p > 0.05). However, significant time differences were observed for all these parameters. In summary, we showed that a competitive training match induced a decrease in SIgA levels in top-level futsal players, which suggests an increment of the vulnerability to infections meditated by the training stimulus. This decrease suggests that the athletes were at an increased risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection, and therefore, it could be necessary to take protective actions to minimize contact with cold viruses or even reduce the training load for athletes.

A single bout of resistance exercise (RE) induces hormonal and immune responses, playing an important role in a long-term adaptive process. Whole-body vibration (WBV) has also been shown to affect hormonal responses. Evidence suggests that combining WBV with RE may amplify hormonal and immune responses due to the increased neuromuscular load. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate salivary cortisol (Scortisol) and salivary IgA (SIgA) concentrations following a RE session combined or not with WBV. Nine university students (22.9 ± 5.1 years, 175.8 ± 5.2 cm, and 69.2 ± 7.3 kg) performed five sets of squat exercise (70% one-repetition-maximum) combined (R+V30) or not (R) with WBV at 30 Hz. Saliva samples were obtained before and after exercise. Subjects also rated their effort according to the Borg CR-10 scale (RPE). Data were analyzed by a mixed model. RPE was higher after R+V30 (8.3 ± 0.7) compared to R (6.2 ± 0.7). However, Scortisol (pre: 10.6 ± 7.6 and 11.7 ± 7.6, post: 8.3 ± 6.3 and 10.2 ± 7.2 ng/mL for R and R+V30, respectively) and SIgA concentrations (pre: 98.3 ± 22.6 and 116.1 ± 51.2, post: 116.6 ± 64.7 and 143.6 ± 80.5 µg/mL for R and R+V30, respectively) were unaffected. No significant correlations were observed between Scortisol and RPE (r = 0.45, P = 0.22; r = 0.30, P = 0.42, for R and R+V30, respectively). On the basis of these data, neither protocol modified salivary cortisol or IgA, although RPE was higher after R+V30 than R.

The hypothesis that salivary cortisol would increase and salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) decrease after a kickboxing match was tested among 20 male athletes. Saliva samples collected before and after the match were analyzed. Salivary cortisol and salivary IgA concentrations (absolute concentration, salivary IgAabs) and the secretion rate of IgA (salivary IgArate) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A Wilcoxon test for paired samples showed significant increases in salivary cortisol from pre- to postmatch. No significant changes were observed in salivary IgAabs or secretory IgArate and saliva flow rate. This study indicates that a kickboxing match might increase salivary concentration and thereafter it could be considered a significant source of exercise-related stress. On the other hand, the effect of a kickboxing match on mucosal immunity seems not to be relevant.

Background: The authors conducted an in situ study of the influence of various time intervals after tooth bleaching with 35 percent hydrogen peroxide on the bond strength of resin-based composite restorations., Methods: After selecting 20 participants, the authors randomly fixed enamel and dentin blocks onto the buccal surfaces of posterior maxillary teeth one week before performing tooth bleaching with 35 percent hydrogen peroxide. After the bleaching treatment, they removed one block of dentin or enamel and prepared it for the bond strength tests according to these time intervals: no bleaching treatment (controls), immediately after bleaching, seven days after bleaching, 14 days after bleaching and 21 days after bleaching., Results: The analysis of variance and Tukey test showed significant differences between times (P<.05), and shear bond strength values of resin-based composite to enamel and dentin were lower immediately after the bleaching treatment., Conclusions: The authors found that 35 percent hydrogen peroxide reduces the bond strength to enamel and dentin and that it is necessary to wait seven days before performing adhesive restorative procedures., Clinical Implications: The results of this study suggest that clinicians should allow seven days to elapse after completion of in-office bleaching with 35 percent hydrogen peroxide before placing adhesive restorations.

Fingernail has been suggested as a biomarker of fluoride (F) body burden, but there is no consensus if it would be a reliable indicator of F exposure from dentifrice. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate if fingernails would have sensitivity to detect F exposure from dentifrice in young children. Twenty-three 1-3-year-old children living in the city of Piracicaba (0.72 ppm F in water), Brazil, were enrolled in two phases of different F exposure: in phase A (1st to 11th week), they were exposed to the combination of F from diet (solids and liquids) and dentifrice (1,500 microg F/g as MFP), and in phase B (12th to 29th week), only to F from diet (the use of F dentifrice was interrupted). Fingernails were weekly clipped during 35 weeks for F determination. F intake from diet and dentifrice in each phase was also determined. Both analyses were made with ion-specific electrode. F intake (Mean +/- SD) was significantly higher (p<0.01) when the children were exposed to F from diet+dentifrice than only to F from diet (0.086 +/- 0.032 and 0.040 +/- 0.009 mg F/day/kg body weight, respectively). However, F concentrations in nails collected during the whole experimental period of 35 weeks presented great variation with no trend of decreasing after F dentifrice intake interruption. The findings suggest that fingernail may not be a reliable F biomarker of body burden from dentifrice.

The aim of this study was to assess agreement in the diagnosis of dental fluorosis performed by a standardized digital photographic method and a clinical examination (gold standard). 49 children (aged 7-9 years) were clinically evaluated by a trained examiner for the assessment of dental fluorosis. Central incisors were evaluated for the presence or absence of dental fluorosis and were photographed with a digital camera. Photographs were presented to three pediatric dentists, who examined the images. Data were analyzed using Cohen's kappa and validity values. Agreement in the diagnosis performed by the photographic method and clinical examination was good (0.67) and accuracy was 83.7%. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was reported to be higher in the clinical examination (49%) compared with the photographic method (36.7%). The photographic method presented higher specificity (96%) than sensitivity (70.8%), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 94.4% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 77.4%. The diagnosis of dental fluorosis performed using the photographic method presented high specificity and PPV, which indicates that the method is reproducible and reliable for recording dental fluorosis.

We have tested the hypothesis that salivary cortisol increases after a competitive training match in top-level male professional soccer players divided in team A (n = 11) versus team B (n = 11). Saliva samples collected before and after the match were analyzed. Salivary cortisol concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results from a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures showed no significant changes in salivary cortisol between either teams or time points (P > 0.05). Further investigation regarding competitive matches in a competition environment is warranted. In summary, the influence of intensive competitive training match alone appears to be minimal on salivary cortisol changes in top-level soccer adapted to this type of stress. From a practical application, the variability of the responses among the players leads us to suggest that there is a need to individually analyse the results with team sports.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between fluoride intake and dental fluorosis in permanent central incisors and first molars., Methods: Fluoride intake (mg F/kg body weight/day) from diet, dentifrice and both combined was determined on a single occasion in 1998 among children aged 19-39 months living in two fluoridated Brazilian communities (0.6-0.8 ppm F). Six years later, when the permanent teeth of these children had erupted (central incisors and first molars), 49 children aged 7-9 years [20 girls (40.8%) and 29 boys (58.2%)] were evaluated for dental fluorosis. To test the association between fluorosis and fluoride intake, children were dichotomized into two groups, cases (children with dental fluorosis on at least two teeth, TFI > or =1) and noncases (children without dental fluorosis, TFI = 0)., Results: Among the case group (n = 29), median fluoride doses from diet, dentifrice and combined were 0.031, 0.050 and 0.083 mg F/kg/day, respectively. Among the noncase group (n = 20), median fluoride doses were 0.029, 0.049, 0.084 mg F/kg/day, respectively. There was no association between dental fluorosis in permanent teeth and fluoride intake from diet, dentifrice and combined (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: There was no difference between children with and without fluorosis in the permanent central incisors and first molars regarding fluoride intake. However, this study has limitations that must be recognized: fluoride intake was only measured once, and there were no children in the sample with severe degrees of dental fluorosis., ((c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel)

Objective: To determine fluoride concentrations in the typical Brazilian meal (rice with beans) and in processed infant foods, and to estimate their contribution towards dental fluorosis., Methods: The foods were purchased at supermarkets in the cities of Piracicaba and Campinas, Southeastern Brazil. The processed infant foods were bought in 2001 and the rice and beans in 2003, and they were analyzed immediately. Three brands of rice, three brands of beans and 36 samples of infant foods were analyzed, divided into five groups: ready-to-eat, porridges, formulated foods, powdered milk and others. For the rice and beans, fluoride concentrations were determined in the raw grains and after they were cooked with fluoridated (0.7 ppm) or distilled water. All the fluoride analyses were performed using a specific electrode. A dose of 0.07 mg/kg/day was considered to be the upper limit of fluoride exposure in terms of fluorosis risks., Results: The fluoride concentrations found in the grains of rice and beans were low. However, they increased 100 to 200-fold after cooking in fluoridated water. Even so, they were lower than what is found in some processed foods. A meal of rice and beans prepared with fluoridated water would be responsible for 29% of the threshold dose for fluoride intake in terms of acceptable fluorosis; the contribution from some processed foods reaches 45%., Conclusions: The typical Brazilian food, even when prepared with fluoridated water, is safer in terms of the risk of dental fluorosis than are some processed infant foods.