Ana Cristina Bezerra

Research interests

  • Interests
    dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry, Pedodontics, Community Dentistry, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Oral Biology, Dental Materials, Oral Diseases

Publications

  • 0.89
    Impact points
    Cone beam computed tomography and intraoral radiography for diagnosis of dental abnormalities in dogs and cats.

    Marcello R Roza, Luiz Antonio F Silva, Mauricio Barriviera, Alessandro L Januario, Ana Cristina B Bezerra, Maria Clorinda S Fioravanti

    Journal of veterinary science. 12/2011; 12(4):387-92.

    The development of veterinary dentistry has substantially improved the ability to diagnose canine and feline dental abnormalities. Consequently, examinations previously performed only on humans are now available for small animals, thus improving the diagnostic quality. This has increased the need fo... [more] The development of veterinary dentistry has substantially improved the ability to diagnose canine and feline dental abnormalities. Consequently, examinations previously performed only on humans are now available for small animals, thus improving the diagnostic quality. This has increased the need for technical qualification of veterinary professionals and increased technological investments. This study evaluated the use of cone beam computed tomography and intraoral radiography as complementary exams for diagnosing dental abnormalities in dogs and cats. Cone beam computed tomography was provided faster image acquisition with high image quality, was associated with low ionizing radiation levels, enabled image editing, and reduced the exam duration. Our results showed that radiography was an effective method for dental radiographic examination with low cost and fast execution times, and can be performed during surgical procedures.
  • Prevalence of dental caries and caries-related risk factors in premature and term children.

    Vanessa Resende Nogueira Cruvinel, Danuze Batista Lamas Gravina, Tatiana Degani Paes Leme Azevedo, Ana Cristina Barreto Bezerra, Orlando Ayrton de Toledo

    Brazilian oral research. 09/2010; 24(3):329-35.

    This study evaluated the prevalence of enamel defects and dental caries and their risk factors on primary and permanent dentitions of prematurely-born children and term children. Eighty children were examined, 40 born prematurely (G1) and 40 born term (G2), in the age group between 5 and 10 years. T... [more] This study evaluated the prevalence of enamel defects and dental caries and their risk factors on primary and permanent dentitions of prematurely-born children and term children. Eighty children were examined, 40 born prematurely (G1) and 40 born term (G2), in the age group between 5 and 10 years. The demographic variables, medical history and oral health behaviors were recorded on a questionnaire. The teeth were examined for presence of deficiencies of the enamel and caries that were registered. The caries were registered, focusing on the indices dmft (decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth) and DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth). The results showed that 75% of the total sample had enamel defects. The logistic regression model showed that other risk factors such as per capita family income, educational level, dietary and hygiene habits, fluoride exposure, trauma, and diseases had no correlation with enamel defects and caries. A smaller value of total DMFT (0.95) was found in the group of premature children in comparison to the term children (2.07) p = 0.0164. There was no difference concerning the permanent dentition between the two groups (p = 0.9926). One concludes that prematurity can't be a predisposing factor for the presence of dental caries.
  • 4.15
    Impact points
    Efficacy and safety of an intraoral electrostimulation device for xerostomia relief: a multicenter, randomized trial.

    Frank P Strietzel, Gloria I Lafaurie, Gloria R Bautista Mendoza, Ivan Alajbeg, Slavica Pejda, Lea Vuletić, Rubén Mantilla, Denise P Falcão, Soraya C Leal, Ana C Barreto Bezerra, [......], Liselott Lindh, Meltem Koray, Gonca Mumcu, Sharon Elad, Itai Zeevi, Beatriz C Aldape Barrios, Rodrigo M López Sánchez, Ben Z Beiski, Andy Wolff, Yrjö T Konttinen

    Arthritis and rheumatism. 09/2010; 63(1):180-90.

    To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an intraoral electrostimulation device, consisting of stimulating electrodes, an electronic circuit, and a power source, in treating xerostomia. The device delivers electrostimulation through the oral mucosa to the lingual nerve in order to enhance the salivary... [more] To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an intraoral electrostimulation device, consisting of stimulating electrodes, an electronic circuit, and a power source, in treating xerostomia. The device delivers electrostimulation through the oral mucosa to the lingual nerve in order to enhance the salivary reflex. The device was tested on a sample of patients with xerostomia due to Sjögren's syndrome and other sicca conditions in a 2-stage prospective, randomized, multicenter trial. Stage I was a double-blind, crossover stage designed to compare the effects of the electrically active device with the sham device, each used for 1 month, and stage II was a 3-month open-label stage designed to assess the long-term effects of the active device. Improvement in xerostomia severity from baseline was the primary outcome measure. A total of 114 patients were randomized. In stage I, the active device performed better than the sham device for patient-reported xerostomia severity (P<0.002), xerostomia frequency (P<0.05), quality of life impairment (P<0.01), and swallowing difficulty (P<0.02). At the end of stage II, statistically significant improvements were verified for patient-reported xerostomia severity (P<0.0001), xerostomia frequency (P<0.0001), oral discomfort (P<0.001), speech difficulty (P<0.02), sleeping difficulty (P<0.001), and resting salivary flow rate (P<0.01). Our findings indicate that daily use of the device alleviated oral dryness, discomfort, and some complications of xerostomia, such as speech and sleeping difficulties, and increased salivary output. The results show a cumulative positive effect of the device over the period of the study, from baseline to the end of the trial.
  • [Oral health status of elderly women from the Brazilian Federal District].

    Ana Maria Costa, Maria do Carmo Machado Guimarães, Sérgio de Freitas Pedrosa, Otávio de Tolêdo Nóbrega, Ana Cristina Barreto Bezerra

    Ciência & saúde coletiva. 07/2010; 15(4):2207-13.

    Data from Brazilian researches that evaluated oral health of elderly people show a worrisome situation. The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency of edentulism, analyze both the use and need profiles of prosthesis, calculate the DMFT index and check the condition of periodontal elderly... [more] Data from Brazilian researches that evaluated oral health of elderly people show a worrisome situation. The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency of edentulism, analyze both the use and need profiles of prosthesis, calculate the DMFT index and check the condition of periodontal elderly residents in the Federal District. One hundred and forty women aged 60 years or above were examined. The condition of each prosthesis was evaluated to detect the presence of functional or aesthetic damage. Then, clinical examination was carried out to detect the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth in order to calculate the DMFT index. The periodontal examination included the index of visible plaque, bleeding index, measurement of clinical probing depth, measurement of clinical attachment level and teeth mobility. The results showed poor oral conditions of the patients. The rate of edentulism was high, the DMFT index was elevated (29.8) with a predominance of the extracted component (87.1%) and periodontal condition was considered severe. From these data we can conclude that the oral condition of elderly represented in this study is precarious and reflects the need for health promotion and rehabilitation programs for this segment of the population.
  • Evaluation of chlorhexidine on the quality of the hybrid layer in noncarious primary teeth: an in vitro study.

    Tatiana Degani Paes Leme Azevedo, Ana Cristina Barreto Bezerra, Jorge Faber, Orlando Ayrton de Toledo

    Journal of dentistry for children (Chicago, Ill.). 01/2010; 77(1):25-31.

    It has recently been observed that chlorhexidine has the capacity to inhibit matrix metalloproteinase. Therefore, the object of this study was to assess the effect of chlorhexidine on the quality of the hybrid layer of noncarious primary teeth. In group 1, the teeth were subjected to acid-etching, c... [more] It has recently been observed that chlorhexidine has the capacity to inhibit matrix metalloproteinase. Therefore, the object of this study was to assess the effect of chlorhexidine on the quality of the hybrid layer of noncarious primary teeth. In group 1, the teeth were subjected to acid-etching, chlorhexidine application, Single Bond adhesive insertion, and restoration with resin composite Z250. Group 2 received the same procedures, without the application of the antimicrobial agent. Twenty-five regions were examined by scanning electronic microscopy by blind examiners. The data obtained were statistically analyzed by the chi-square and student t tests at a 5% level of significance. The groups presented few interfacial gaps without statistically significant differences. Group 1 presented a larger number of areas with a visible hybrid layer (68%) vs group 2 (52%). The layer's thickness was 3.33 microm and 3.28 microm for groups 1 and 2, respectively (P=.94). The results showed that the clinical restorative protocol with the use of chlorhexidine application does not interfere significantly in the morphological characteristics of the hybrid layer.
  • Caries-preventive effect of glass ionomer and resin-based fissure sealants on permanent teeth: a meta analysis.

    Veerasamy Yengopal, Steffen Mickenautsch, Ana C Bezerra, Soraya C Leal

    Journal of oral science. 09/2009; 51(3):373-82.

    The purpose of this quantitative systematic review was to appraise the evidence on the caries-preventive effect of glass ionomer cement (GIC) in relation to resin-based fissure sealants. Nine English and two Portuguese databases were searched (15 January 2008). Randomized clinical trials and systema... [more] The purpose of this quantitative systematic review was to appraise the evidence on the caries-preventive effect of glass ionomer cement (GIC) in relation to resin-based fissure sealants. Nine English and two Portuguese databases were searched (15 January 2008). Randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews were considered for inclusion. Trial exclusion criteria were: drop-out rates > 33%; no randomization; baseline differences in groups not statistically adjusted; and no clinically important outcomes were presented. Two authors reviewed the articles independently. The outcome measure for the caries preventive effect was caries absence on sealed teeth. Of the 112 identified articles, 25 were selected for review. Of these, 14 were excluded and 11 accepted (8 trials; 3 systematic reviews). The accepted reviews provided no evidence of superiority of either sealant material. Six trials were included for meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio was 0.96, 95% CI 0.62-1.49, indicating no difference in the caries-preventive effect of GIC and resin-based fissure sealant material. This systematic review with meta-analysis found no evidence that either material was superior to the other in the prevention of dental caries. Thus, both materials appear equally suitable for clinical application as a fissure sealant material. (J Oral Sci 51, 373-382, 2009).
  • 3.55
    Impact points
    A new method to assess and measure palatal masticatory mucosa by cone-beam computerized tomography.

    Maurício Barriviera, Wagner Rodrigues Duarte, Alessandro Lourenço Januário, Jorge Faber, Ana Cristina Barreto Bezerra

    Journal of clinical periodontology. 08/2009; 36(7):564-8.

    AIM: The aim of this study was to apply a novel method to obtain high-quality images by cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) that consistently allowed the determination of the dimensions of the palatal mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients participated in this study. At the time of ... [more] AIM: The aim of this study was to apply a novel method to obtain high-quality images by cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) that consistently allowed the determination of the dimensions of the palatal mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients participated in this study. At the time of the CBCT scanning, the patients wore a plastic lip retractor and wooden spatulas to retract soft tissues away from the teeth and gingiva. The thickness of the palatal mucosa was obtained at forty different locations on each patient. RESULTS: Retraction of the lips and cheek allowed a clear observation and measurements of the thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa. The average thickness of the palatal mucosa was 2.92 mm in the canine area, 3.11 mm at the first pre-molar, 3.28 mm at the second pre-molar, 2.89 mm at the first molar and 3.15 mm at the second molar. Statistical differences were observed at different ages and heights of measurements. CONCLUSIONS: A new non-invasive method to consistently obtain high-quality images of the palatal masticatory mucosa is described. Measurements of this mucosa could be obtained at different locations on the palate.
  • 1.01
    Impact points
    Interleukin-6 (G-174C) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (G-308A) gene polymorphisms in geriatric patients with chronic periodontitis.

    A M Costa, M C M Guimarães, Elias Rosa de Souza, O T Nóbrega, A C B Bezerra

    Gerodontology. 07/2009;

    Background and objective: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, and genetic factors may have an important role in its severity. Polymorphisms in the promoter regions of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) genes have been reported to cause changes in the p... [more] Background and objective: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, and genetic factors may have an important role in its severity. Polymorphisms in the promoter regions of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) genes have been reported to cause changes in the production of these cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible role of IL-6 (G-174C) and tumour necrosis factor (G-308A) polymorphisms, in the severity of chronic periodontitis in an elderly population. Materials and methods: In this study, a group of 65 elderly women, comprising 17 patients with moderate chronic periodontitis, 21 with severe chronic periodontitis and 27 healthy patients were selected. DNA was isolated from all subjects, and polymerase chain reaction was used to study the IL-6 and TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms. Results: The results of this study showed a significant difference in the allele and genotype frequencies of IL-6 gene polymorphism between patients with periodontal disease and controls. Subjects carrying the G/G genotype of IL-6 were most severely affected by periodontitis. The TNF-alpha gene polymorphism showed no association with chronic periodontitis between patients and controls. Conclusion: The results suggest that the IL-6 gene polymorphism may be associated with chronic periodontitis, and that TNF-alpha gene polymorphism may not be involved in the progression of chronic periodontitis in the population of elderly Brazilian women.
  • Absence of carious lesions at margins of glass-ionomer and amalgam restorations: a meta- analysis.

    S Mickenautsch, V Yengopal, S C Leal, L B Oliveira, A C Bezerra, M Bönecker

    European journal of paediatric dentistry : official journal of European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. 04/2009; 10(1):41-6.

    AIM: To report on the absence of carious lesions at margins of glass ionomer cement (GIC) and amalgam restorations. METHODS: Six Anglophone and 1 Lusophone databases were searched for articles up to 5 January 2008. Inclusion criteria for articles were: (i) titles/abstracts relevant to topic; (ii) pu... [more] AIM: To report on the absence of carious lesions at margins of glass ionomer cement (GIC) and amalgam restorations. METHODS: Six Anglophone and 1 Lusophone databases were searched for articles up to 5 January 2008. Inclusion criteria for articles were: (i) titles/abstracts relevant to topic; (ii) published in English, Portuguese or Spanish language; (iii) reporting on a randomised control trial. Exclusion criteria were: (i) insufficient random allocation of study subjects (ii) operator and subject not blinded, where appropriate; (iii) not all entered subjects accounted for at trial conclusion; (iv) subjects of both groups not followed up the same way. Articles were accepted only if they complied with all the criteria. Ten articles complied with the inclusion criteria and were selected for review. From these 4 were rejected and 6 articles reporting on 8 separate studies accepted. Due to aspects of heterogeneity, studies were sub-grouped before meta- analysis. RESULTS: Significantly less carious lesions were observed on single-surface GIC restorations in permanent teeth after 6 years as compared to restorations with amalgam (OR 2.64 - CI 95% 1.39 - 5.03, p= 0.003). No studies investigating multiple-surface restorations on permanent teeth were identified. Studies investigating carious lesions at margins of restorations in primary teeth showed no difference between both materials after 3 and 8 years. CONCLUSIONS: Carious lesions at margins of single-surface GIC restorations are less common than with amalgam fillings after 6 years in permanent teeth. No difference was observed in primary teeth. More trials are needed in order to confirm these results.
  • 1.14
    Impact points
    Association of chlorhexidine and fluoride for plaque control and white spot lesion remineralization in primary dentition.

    Rodrigo Guedes DE Amorim, Soraya Coelho Leal, Ana Cristina Barreto Bezerra, Fernanda Penna Lima Guedes DE Amorim, Orlando Ayrton de Toledo

    International journal of paediatric dentistry / the British Paedodontic Society [and] the International Association of Dentistry for Children. 06/2008;

    Background. Plaque control and caries arrest still remain a challenge for dentists. Objective. This study was conducted to assess the effect of the combined use of chlorhexidine varnish and fluoride varnish on the visible plaque index (VPI) and white spot lesion (WS) remineralization in primary dent... [more] Background. Plaque control and caries arrest still remain a challenge for dentists. Objective. This study was conducted to assess the effect of the combined use of chlorhexidine varnish and fluoride varnish on the visible plaque index (VPI) and white spot lesion (WS) remineralization in primary dentition. Methods. A total of 80 caries-active preschool children (3-5 years) were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 received a chlorhexidine varnish application every week during 4 weeks. Group 2 received a fluoride varnish application every week during 4 weeks. Group 3 received alternated applications of chlorhexidine and fluoride varnish during 4 weeks. Group 4 served as control (without any type of cariostatic agent). Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the VPI and WS remineralization among the groups after 1 month. However, 3 months follow-up demonstrated that group 3 (chlorhexidine + fluoride) showed significantly better results for both VPI and WS remineralization. Conclusion. The combined application of chlorhexidine and fluoride varnishes is more effective on plaque and remineralization of incipient caries after 3 months than the same agents applied separately.
  • 1.32
    Impact points
    Intrusive luxation of primary teeth.

    Lúcia de Fátima Almeida de Deus Moura, Ana Cristina Barreto Bezerra, Lílian de Fátima de Guedes Amorim, Marina de Deus Moura, Orlando de Ayrton Toledo

    Dental traumatology : official publication of International Association for Dental Traumatology. 03/2008; 24(1):91-5.

    Traumatic injuries caused by intrusion account for 4-22% of the damage in anterior primary teeth and are generally related to axial impact. They are more frequent in children aged 1-3 years because of the additional high resilience and flexibility of the primary teeth supporting structures. The trea... [more] Traumatic injuries caused by intrusion account for 4-22% of the damage in anterior primary teeth and are generally related to axial impact. They are more frequent in children aged 1-3 years because of the additional high resilience and flexibility of the primary teeth supporting structures. The treatment decision will depend on the magnitude of the trauma and on the displacement position. In most cases, radicular displacement occurs towards the labial bone plate. The clinical decision of spontaneous re-eruption and observation were adopted. This study aims at presenting a literature review illustrated with two case reports of patients having intrusive luxation injuries of the primary incisors.
  • 0.39
    Impact points
    Use of diagnodent â for diagnosis of non-cavitated occlusal dentin caries.

    Ana Maria Costa, Lilian Marly De Paula, Ana Cristina Barreto Bezerra

    Journal of applied oral science : revista FOB. 03/2008; 16(1):18-23.

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a laser fluorescence device for detection of occlusal caries in permanent teeth. One hundred and ninety-nine non-cavitated teeth from 26 patients aged 10 to 13 years were selected. After dental prophylaxis, two previously calibrated dentists exami... [more] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a laser fluorescence device for detection of occlusal caries in permanent teeth. One hundred and ninety-nine non-cavitated teeth from 26 patients aged 10 to 13 years were selected. After dental prophylaxis, two previously calibrated dentists examined the teeth. Visual inspection, radiographic examination and laser measurements were performed under standardized conditions. The validation method was cavity preparation with a small cone-shaped diamond bur, when the two examiners agreed about the presence of dentin caries. It was found that the laser detection method produced high values of sensitivity (0.93) and specificity (0.75) and a moderate positive predictive value (0.63). The laser device showed the lowest value of likelihood ratio (3.68). Kappa coefficient showed good repeatability for all methods. Although the laser device had an acceptable performance, this equipment should be used as an adjunct method to visual inspection to avoid false positive results.
  • 0.39
    Impact points
    Sugar-free chewing gum and dental caries: a systematic review.

    Steffen Mickenautsch, Soraya Coelho Leal, Veerasamy Yengopal, Ana Cristina Bezerra, Vanessa Cruvinel

    Journal of applied oral science : revista FOB. 04/2007; 15(2):83-8.

    OBJECTIVE: To appraise existing evidence for a therapeutic / anti-cariogenic effect of sugar-free chewing gum for patients. METHOD: 9 English and 2 Portuguese databases were searched using English and Portuguese keywords. Relevant articles in English, German, Portuguese and Spanish were included for... [more] OBJECTIVE: To appraise existing evidence for a therapeutic / anti-cariogenic effect of sugar-free chewing gum for patients. METHOD: 9 English and 2 Portuguese databases were searched using English and Portuguese keywords. Relevant articles in English, German, Portuguese and Spanish were included for review. Trials were excluded on lack of randomisation, control group, blinding and baseline data, drop out rate >33%, no statistical adjustment of baseline differences and no assessment of clinically important outcomes. Reviews were excluded on lack of information, article selection criteria, search strategy followed, search keywords, searched databases or lack of study-by-study critique tables. In cases of multiple reports from the same study, the report covering the longest period was included. Two reviewers independently reviewed and assessed the quality of accepted articles. RESULTS: Thirty-nine articles were included for review. Thirty were excluded and 9 accepted. Of the 9 accepted, 2 trials of reasonable and good evidence value did not demonstrate any anti-cariogenic effect of sugar-free chewing gum. However, 7 articles, with 1 of strong, and 6 of good evidence value, demonstrated anti-cariogenic effects of chewing Sorbitol, Xylitol or Sorbitol/Xylitol gum. This effect can be ascribed to saliva stimulation through the chewing process, particularly when gum is used immediately after meals; the lack of sucrose and the inability of bacteria to metabolize polyols into acids. Conclusion: The evidence suggests that sugar-free chewing gum has a caries-reducing effect. Further well-designed randomised trials are needed to confirm these findings.
  • Clinical analysis of molar fissures by Cone-beam tomography.

    V R N Cruvinel, B C Azevedo, D B L Gravina, O A Toledo, A C B Bezerra

    02/2007; 31(4):235-9.

    This study aimed to validate clinical analysis of 20 pediatric dentists on occlusal groove-fossa-system of molar depth comparing to Cone-beam tomography. The 48 sound third molars were visually classified from the shallowest to the deepest. Images were taken from the Accuitomo 3DX. There was a fair ... [more] This study aimed to validate clinical analysis of 20 pediatric dentists on occlusal groove-fossa-system of molar depth comparing to Cone-beam tomography. The 48 sound third molars were visually classified from the shallowest to the deepest. Images were taken from the Accuitomo 3DX. There was a fair correlation between clinical analysis and the tomographic scorings (rs = 0.238; P = 0.103). It was concluded that pediatric dentists were not able to classify the fissures depth by visual analysis correctly.
  • Enamel opacities removal using two different acids: an in vivo comparison.

    Ana Cristina Barreto Bezerra, Soraya Coelho Leal, Simone Auxiliadora Moraes Otero, Danuze Batista Lamas Gravina, Vanessa Resende Nogueira Cruvinel, Orlando Ayrton de Toledo

    The Journal of clinical pediatric dentistry. 02/2005; 29(2):147-50.

    Computerized analysis assessed quantitatively the efficacy of microabrasion using 37% phosphoric and 18% hydrochloric acids with pumice on removal of enamel opacities. Baseline and after one month photos were taken and analyzed by Paint Shop Pro 7 software and Image Pro Express 4.0. Nonparametric te... [more] Computerized analysis assessed quantitatively the efficacy of microabrasion using 37% phosphoric and 18% hydrochloric acids with pumice on removal of enamel opacities. Baseline and after one month photos were taken and analyzed by Paint Shop Pro 7 software and Image Pro Express 4.0. Nonparametric tests were used. Results depicted significant differences immediately versus one month post treatment for both acids. It was concluded that both acids can be used, and as time passes enamel color improvement occurs.
  • Assessment of treatment for functional posterior cross-bites in patients at the deciduous dentition phase.

    André Luiz Tannus Dutra, Antônio Carlos Cardoso, Arno Locks, Ana Cristina Barreto Bezerra

    Brazilian dental journal. 02/2004; 15(1):54-8.

    The aim of this study was to clinically assess the results of treatment for functional posterior cross-bites by means of selective grinding in individuals at the deciduous dentition phase over a period of 12 months. From a total of 1,011 children examined in the 2-to-6-year age bracket, 26 with func... [more] The aim of this study was to clinically assess the results of treatment for functional posterior cross-bites by means of selective grinding in individuals at the deciduous dentition phase over a period of 12 months. From a total of 1,011 children examined in the 2-to-6-year age bracket, 26 with functional posterior cross-bites were selected. The sample was divided into 2 groups of 13 children each, group 1 receiving the treatment proposed and group 2 serving as the control group. Treatment was followed up by exercises designed to alter the children's muscular memory. The results showed that correction of functional posterior cross-bite was achieved for all the children treated, the correction remaining stable 12 months later. No self-correction of malocclusion occurred among the control group.
  • 2.23
    Impact points
    Salivary antibodies, amylase and protein from children with early childhood caries.

    Débora Gonçalves de Farias, Ana Cristina Barreto Bezerra

    Clinical oral investigations. 09/2003; 7(3):154-7.

    The aim of this study was to analyze the organic composition of saliva from children without dental caries and children with early childhood caries (ECC). Two groups of 20 children varying in age from 12 to 47 months were selected: Group I, caries-free children; Group II, children with early childho... [more] The aim of this study was to analyze the organic composition of saliva from children without dental caries and children with early childhood caries (ECC). Two groups of 20 children varying in age from 12 to 47 months were selected: Group I, caries-free children; Group II, children with early childhood caries (ECC). Samples of saliva were collected from each subject and submitted to immunological and biochemical assays. Measurements of total salivary IgA, IgG and IgM were performed by using nephelometric techniques, while total protein concentrations and amylase activity were determined by colorimetric techniques. Comparisons of values between groups were made by using U Mann-Whitney test ( p<0.05). Children with ECC presented significantly higher levels of total salivary IgA and IgG, while the mean values of amylase activity, total protein concentrations and total IgM were similar between the groups. In this study, the presence of ECC was associated with an increase in total salivary IgA.
  • 1.14
    Impact points
    Microbiological assessment of saliva from children subsequent to atraumatic restorative treatment (ART).

    C K S Carvalho, A C B Bezerra

    International journal of paediatric dentistry / the British Paedodontic Society [and] the International Association of Dentistry for Children. 06/2003; 13(3):186-92.

    AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate mutans streptococci (MS) in the saliva following use of the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) technique. METHODS: Sixteen 5-7-year-old children had restorations using the ART technique and employing FUJI IX glass-ionomer cement as the restorative mate... [more] AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate mutans streptococci (MS) in the saliva following use of the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) technique. METHODS: Sixteen 5-7-year-old children had restorations using the ART technique and employing FUJI IX glass-ionomer cement as the restorative material. Decayed tissue was manually excavated without local anaesthesia, being careful to avoid discomfort. Saliva was collected for microbiological assessment using Kit Caritest MS before treatment, one week, four weeks and one year after ART was used. The procedure for saliva collection, incubation, storage, and comparative reading of MS counts followed the manufacturer's instructions. The data were statistically analysed, using non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon Signed Ranks and Sign Test) at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The results showed a significant reduction of MS levels in saliva when comparing the results before treatment with those obtained one week (95.95%; P = 0.003), four weeks (93.27%; P = 0.000) and one year (95.56%; P = 0.002) after ART. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded from the results that the ART technique proved satisfactory and appeared to have produced a significant and sustained reduction in levels of MS. These results need to be confirmed in a larger study.
  • Morphological alterations of the parotid gland of rats maintained on a liquid diet.

    Soraya Coelho Leal, Orlando Ayrton de Toledo, Ana Cristina Barreto Bezerra

    Brazilian dental journal. 02/2003; 14(3):172-6.

    The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphological alterations that occurred in the parotid glands of rats maintained on a liquid diet compared to a solid diet. Thirty-six animals were randomly divided into two groups. The control group received a solid diet, and the experimental group recei... [more] The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphological alterations that occurred in the parotid glands of rats maintained on a liquid diet compared to a solid diet. Thirty-six animals were randomly divided into two groups. The control group received a solid diet, and the experimental group received a liquid diet. The animals were killed after 8, 15 and 30 days. The glands were prepared for inclusion in paraffin and analyzed with a light microscope. The results showed a statistically significant reduction of the parotid gland weight of the animals from the experimental group compared to the control group at 15 and 30 days. The strongest morphological alteration displayed was the presence of cytoplasm vacuoles on the parotid glands of the animals maintained on the liquid diet. Specific stain techniques for glycoproteins and mucopolysaccarides could not identify the substances inside the vacuoles observed in the experimental animals. We conclude that a liquid diet caused atrophy of the parotid gland after 15 and 30 days.
  • Morphological alterations of the parotid gland of rats maintained on a liquid diet

    Leal Soraya Coelho, Toledo Orlando Ayrton de, BEZERRA Ana Cristina Barreto

    Brazilian Dental Journal. 01/2003;

    The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphological alterations that occurred in the parotid glands of rats maintained on a liquid diet compared to a solid diet. Thirty-six animals were randomly divided into two groups. The control group received a solid diet, and the experimental group recei... [more] The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphological alterations that occurred in the parotid glands of rats maintained on a liquid diet compared to a solid diet. Thirty-six animals were randomly divided into two groups. The control group received a solid diet, and the experimental group received a liquid diet. The animals were killed after 8, 15 and 30 days. The glands were prepared for inclusion in paraffin and analyzed with a light microscope. The results showed a statistically significant reduction of the parotid gland weight of the animals from the experimental group compared to the control group at 15 and 30 days. The strongest morphological alteration displayed was the presence of cytoplasm vacuoles on the parotid glands of the animals maintained on the liquid diet. Specific stain techniques for glycoproteins and mucopolysaccarides could not identify the substances inside the vacuoles observed in the experimental animals. We conclude that a liquid diet caused atrophy of the parotid gland after 15 and 30 days.
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