External control of fluoridation in public water supply of Canoas/RS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of fluoride in public water supplies in Canoas/RS. Samples of drinking water were collected in duplicates for eight months on 22 different points grouped into three water treatment plants of the city. The measurement of fluoride concentration was performed using the electrometric method. The analysis of samples collected in the study period showed that there was oscillation in fluoride concentrations in accordance with the sampling months (from 0.185 to 1.605 ppm /L). Of the samples, 96 (54.5%) were inadequate (0.6 ppm 0.9 ppm) as the fluoride concentration. Of inadequate samples, the majority showed concentrations above the maximum acceptable concentration for drinking water standard. There was statistically significant difference among the three water treatment plants regarding the suitability of the fluoride concentration (p 0.001). The large variation in relation to fluoride concentration as well as the high percentage of inadequate samples revealed the need to implement measures of external control to ensure continuous effectiveness of water fluoridation

Distribuição espacial de cárie dentária em crianças pré-escolares de Canoas, sul do Brasil

The aims of this study were to analyze the spatial distribution of dental caries among preschool children and create equiprobable scenarios of its occurrence in the city of Canoas, Southern Brazil. Trained, calibrated dentists examined 1,100 children enrolled at public preschools to determine dental caries experience following World Health Organization criteria. The ArcGis 10.0 Geographic Information System was used to analyze spatial and non-spatial data. Geostatistical Modeling Software was used in geostatistical analyses to detect spatial continuity and create maps using stochastic simulation. Overall prevalence of dental caries was 25% with intraurban differentials in distribution. The findings enabled the generation of 100 equiprobable scenarios and maps with the best and worst scenarios. The highest concentration of dental caries occurrence was found in the western portion of the city, while the lowest probability of occurrence was found in the northern and southern portions. Identifying spatial inequalities in health conditions and visualizing them through the creation of maps can help to qualify and organize public health interventions and provide information to gain better understanding of the influence of the surrounding environment on adverse health conditions.O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a distribuição espacial de cárie dentária entre crianças préescolares e criar cenários equiprováveis da ocorrência deste agravo na cidade de Canoas, sul do Brasil. Exame clínico para detecção da experiência de cárie dentária de acordo com o critério da Organização Mundial da Saúde foi realizado por cirurgiõesdentistas treinados e calibrados em uma amostra de 1.100 crianças matriculadas em escolas de educação infantil. Utilizouse o Sistema de Informação Geográfica ArcGis 10.0 para a inserção de dados espaciais e não espaciais. O programa GeoMS foi utilizado nas análises geoestatísticas para a detecção da continuidade espacial e construção de mapas através da simulação estocástica. A prevalência de cárie dentária foi 25%, com diferenciais intraurbanos na sua distribuição. Os resultados permitiram a construção de 100 cenários equiprováveis e de mapas com os melhores e piores cenários no município. Uma maior concentração de ocorrên cias foi encontrada na região oeste da cidade, enquanto que as regiões norte e sul tiveram a menor probabilidade de ocorrência de cárie dentária. A identificação de desigualdades espaciais em condições de saúde e a sua visualização por meio de mapas pode auxiliar na qualificação e organização de intervenções de saúde pública, assim como fornecer subsídios que ajudem no entendimento da influência do meio ambiente sobre as condições adversas de saúde

OBESITY AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE ARE INVERSELY ASSOCIATED IN A POPULATION OF ADULTS IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Objective: Investigate the association between obesity (measured using the body mass index and abdominal circumference) and periodontal disease in adults.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 280 adults (102 men and 178 women) who sought dental care at the clinic of the dentistry course of the Lutheran University of Brazil (Cachoeira do Sul campus). The participants answered a questionnaire addressing socioeconomic, demographic, behavioral and health-related characteristics. Height, body weight and waist measurements were determined in a standardized way for the calculation of the variables used to define obesity: body mass index (BMI) and abdominal circumference (AC). Oral clinical examinations were performed by two examiners who had undergone training and calibration exercises. Periodontal disease was recorded when clinical attachment loss was ≥ 5 mm in ≥ 30% of the teeth. Statistical analysis involved simple and multivariate Poisson regression with robust variance.Results: The prevalence of periodontal disease was 49.6% (139/280). The multivariate models indicated a lower likelihood of periodontal disease in individuals considered obese based on BMI (PR=0.64; 95% CI: 0.47-0.88) and AC (PR=0.72; 95% CI: 0.55-0.93). Moreover, the prevalence of the outcome was significantly higher in older individuals, those with less schooling, smokers and individuals with diabetes.Conclusion: An inverse association was found between obesity measured using both criteria and periodontal disease. The present data suggest that care and counseling for the prevention and control of periodontal disease should be equally directed at individuals in the ideal weight range as well as those with overweight or obesity

The future of pediatric dentistry education and curricula : A Chilean perspective

Publisher Copyright: © 2016 The Author(s). Copyright: Copyright 2016 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Background: A meeting was organised to consolidate a network of researchers and academics from Australia, Brazil, Chile, the UK and the USA, relating to Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and Dental Trauma (DT). As part of this meeting, a dedicated session was held on the future of paediatric dental education and curricula. Twenty-four paediatric dentistry (PD) academics, representing eight Chilean dental schools, and three international specialists (from Brazil and Latvia) participated in group discussions facilitated by five members of the ECC/DT International Collaborative Network. Data were collected from group discussions which followed themes developed as guides to identify key issues associated with paediatric dentistry education, training and research. Discussion: Participants discussed current PD dental curricula in Chile, experiences in educating new cohorts of oral health care providers, and the outcomes of existing efforts in education and research in PD. They also, identified challenges, opportunities and areas in need of further development. Summary: This paper provides an introspective analysis of the education and training of PD in Chile; describes the input provided by participants into pediatric dentistry education and curricula; and sets out some key priorities for action with suggested directions to best prepare the future dental workforce to maximise oral health outcomes for children. Immediate priorities for action in paediatric dentistry in Chile were proposed.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Impacto da implementação do programa dez passos para uma alimentação saudável durante o primeiro ano de vida na ocorrência e severidade de cárie dentária aos 4 anos de idade

Contexto: A cárie precoce da infância (CPI), definida como a presença de um ou mais dentes decíduos cariados, perdidos por cárie ou restaurados em crianças com menos de 6 anos de idade, é um problema de saúde pública que afeta bebês e crianças pré- escolares em todo o mundo, determinando dor, problemas nas funções da fala e mastigatória, doenças sistêmicas e reflexos psicológicos. O tratamento da CPI é caro, pode requerer anestesia geral e hospitalização e a recidiva é freqüente. Desta forma, a literatura tem recomendado fortemente: (a) estudos de coorte que contribuam para o reconhecimento dos fatores de risco para a ocorrência de CPI; (b) ensaios clínicos que avaliem a efetividade de programas na redução de cárie nos primeiros anos de vida. Objetivos: Avaliar a efetividade a longo prazo de visitas às residências para orientar mães sobre práticas alimentares saudáveis no primeiro ano de vida na ocorrência de CPI e cárie severa da infância (CSI) aos 4 anos de idade. Também foram investigadas práticas alimentares no primeiro ano de vida associadas à ocorrência de CSI nesta população. Métodos: Um ensaio randomizado (grupo intervenção=200; grupo controle=300) foi realizado com mães de crianças que nasceram no Hospital de São Leopoldo, Brasil, no setor do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). O grupo intervenção recebeu aconselhamento mensalmente até o 6o. mês e de dois em dois meses até completar o primeiro ano de vida, baseado nos “Dez Passos para uma Alimentação saudável”, uma política nacional para atenção primária baseada nas diretrizes da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). O aconselhamento nutricional foi realizado por estudantes de graduação de nutrição e incluía promoção do aleitamento materno exclusivo, introdução gradual de alimentação complementar, intervalos razoáveis entre as refeições e evitar alimentos com alta 4 densidade de gordura e açúcar. As práticas alimentares foram coletadas aos 6 e 12 meses de idade utilizando metodologia padronizada. As perdas nos 4 anos da coorte compreenderam 160 crianças (32%); 340 foram examinadas para diagnóstico de CPI e CSI na avaliação dos 4 anos de idade. Resultados: As perdas nos 4 anos da coorte compreenderam 160 crianças (32%); 340 foram examinadas para diagnóstico de CPI e CSI na avaliação dos 4 anos de idade; 53,9% (76/141) das crianças do grupo intervenção e 69,3% (138/199) do grupo controle apresentaram CPI, com um risco 22% menor no grupo intervenção (RR 0,78; IC 95% 0,65-0,93; NNT 6,5; IC 95% 3,9-20,0); 29,1% (41/141) das crianças do grupo intervenção e 42,7% (85/199) do grupo controle apresentaram CSI. O risco de ocorrer CSI foi 32% menor para o grupo intervenção (RR 0,68; IC 95% 0,50-0,92; NNT 7,3; IC 95% 4,2-29,4). O número de dentes cariados (lesão com ou sem cavidade), perdidos e restaurados (c1+eo-d) foi menor para o grupo intervenção (3,25) em relação ao grupo controle (4,15) (teste de Mann Whitney; p=0,023). A ocorrência de CSI aos 4 anos de idade (n=126/340; 37%) esteve associada com as seguintes práticas alimentares aos 12 meses, após análise multivariada: aleitamento materno ≥7 vezes ao dia (RR 1,97; IC 95% 1,45-2,68), consumo de alimentos com alta densidade de açúcar (RR 1,43; IC 95% 1,08-1,89), uso da mamadeira para outros líquidos além do leite (RR 1,41; IC 95% 1,08- 1,86), número de refeições por dia >8 (RR 1,42; IC 95% 1,02-1,97). Também estiveram associados à ocorrência de CSI: escolaridade materna ≤8 anos (RR 1,50; IC 95% 1,03- 2,19) e número de dentes erupcionados aos 12 meses. Conclusões: O aconselhamento nutricional nas visitas às residências foi efetivo em reduzir CPI e CSI e estes achados sugerem que a orientação sobre práticas alimentares durante o primeiro ano de vida é uma medida viável para prevenir cárie na infância em comunidades de alto risco. Práticas alimentares no início da vida que representam fatores de risco para severidade de cárie nos anos subseqüentes também foram identificadas. Como estas práticas são reconhecidas como de risco para outras doenças crônicas, estes achados podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de ações integradas para a prevenção de cárie dentária e outros desfechos de saúde geral. Políticas que promovam as condições socioeconômicas, com ênfase para o nível de escolaridade, poderão contribuir para a diminuição de cárie na infância nesta população. Registro do ensaio clínico: clinicaltrials.gov; número NCT00629629.Context: Early childhood caries (ECC), defined as the presence of one or more decayed, missing (due to caries lesions) or filled deciduous teeth in children under 6 years of age, is a public health problem that affects infants and preschoolers throughout the world, leading to pain, chewing difficulties, speech problems, general health disorders and psychological problems. The treatment of ECC is expensive, sometimes requiring general anesthesia and hospitalization, and the condition frequently returns a few months later. The literature has strongly emphasized the need for (a) cohort studies in order to recognize the risk factors for the occurrence of childhood caries (b) prospective clinical trials to test alternative methods to prevent caries development in the first years of life. Objectives: To assess the long-term effectiveness of home visits for advising mothers about healthy feeding practices during the first year of life on the occurrence of early childhood caries (ECC) and severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) at the age of 4 years. Feeding practices in the first year of life associated with the occurrence of S-ECC in these children were also investigated. Methods: A randomized trial was carried out in mothers who gave birth within the public health system in Sao Leopoldo, Brazil (intervention group =200; controls = 300). The intervention group received the advice monthly up to 6 months and at 8, 10 and 12 months, based on the "Ten Steps for Healthy Feeding", a Brazilian national health policy for primary care, based on WHO guidelines. Advices were given by nutrition graduate students and included promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, gradual introduction of complementary foods; reasonable intervals between meals; and avoid high fat and sugar foods. Feeding practices were assessed using standardised methods at 6 and 12 months of age. Results: 160 (32%) children were lost in the four-year follow-up; 340 were examined for ECC and S-ECC occurrence at the fourth year assessment. ECC was found in 53.9% (76/141) of the children in the intervention group and 69.3% (138/199) of the controls, being 22% lower for the intervention group (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.65-0.93; NNT 6.5; 95% CI 3.9-20.0); 29.1% (41/141) of the children in the intervention group and 42.7% (85/199) of the controls had S-ECC. The risk of S-ECC was 32% lower for the intervention group (RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.50-0.92; NNT 7.3; 95% CI 4.2-29.4). The number of decayed (white spots and cavities), missing and filled teeth (d1+mft) was lower for the intervention group (3.25) compared with the control group (4.15) (Mann Whitney U-test; p=0.023). S-ECC occurrence at four years of age (n=126/340; 37%) was significantly associated with the following feeding practices at 12 months: breastfeeding ≥ 7 times daily (RR 1.97; 95% CI 1.45-2.68), high density of sugar (RR 1.43; 95%CI 1.08-1.89), bottle use for liquids other than milk (RR 1.41; 95% CI: 1.08- 1.86), number of meals and snacks >8 (RR 1.42; 95% CI 1.02-1.97). Mother’s education ≤ 8 years (RR 1.50; 95% CI: 1.03-2.19) and number of teeth at 12 months were also associated with S-ECC. Conclusions: The home visits for dietary advice were effective in reducing ECC and S- ECC and our findings suggest that nutritional counseling during the first year of life must be considered as a feasible measure to prevent childhood caries in high-risk communities. Early feeding practices which represent risk factors for caries severity in subsequent years were also identified. Since these practices are recognized as risk factors for other chronic diseases, these findings may contribute to develop integrated interventions to prevent dental caries and general health outcomes. Future childhood caries control in this population is likely to benefit from policies that improve socioeconomic status, with special attention to level of education. Trial registration: site clinicaltrials.gov; registration number NCT00629629