Epidemiological study of traumatic dental injuries in 5- to 6-year-old Brazilian children

Monitoring traumatic dental injury (TDI) in primary teeth through epidemiological cross-sectional surveys provides descriptive information relevant to the development of public policies focused on the prevention of such injuries for the target population. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of TDI in 5- to 6-year-old Brazilian children and its association with biological and socioeconomic factors. A total of 684 children aged 5 to 6 years old, from 11 public schools in the city of Barueri (Brazil) were evaluated. Clinical examinations were carried out in the schools, by two trained and calibrated examiners. Gauze and a mouth mirror were used for the examinations. The reported TDIs were classified according to the Andreasen (2007) criteria for primary teeth. The results showed that 52.3% of the children had TDI. Enamel fracture (63.4%) was the most frequently observed sign of TDI, and the most affected teeth were the primary maxillary central incisors (26.9% maxillary right central incisor and 24% maxillary left central incisor). There was no association between the presence of TDI and biological or socioeconomic factors. In conclusion, the prevalence of TDI was high and had no statistically significant association with biological and socioeconomic factors

Luxation injuries in primary teeth: a retrospective study in children assisted at an emergency service

The purpose of this study was to analyze luxation injuries in children between the ages of 0 and 5 years treated at an emergency service department. A total of 1,703 records, corresponding to a period of 10 years at the Emergency Center of the Baby Clinic at Londrina State University, Brazil, were analyzed. The age, gender, etiologic factors, type of injury, injured teeth, treatment and time interval between injury and treatment were determined for each patient. Of the examined records, 409 patients met the study criteria and included a total of 679 injured teeth. Statistical analyses were carried out using the chi-square test with the level of significance set at 5%. Trauma incidence was higher in boys (57.0%) and in children less than two years of age (40.3%). Falling while walking or running was the most predominant etiologic factor (37.7%), and the most prevalent type of injury was subluxation (32.6%). Luxation injuries decreased with increasing age (p = 0.045). Treatment usually occurred within the first 1-15 days and was significantly associated with the type of trauma (p = 0.041). "Monitor only" was the treatment most frequently observed (74.0%). In conclusion, more luxation injuries were found in younger children, predominantly in boys. Falls resulting from walking or running were the etiologic factor most observed, with subluxation as the most common type of trauma. Treatment usually occurred within the first 15 days after the injury. Despite the severity of these injuries, "monitor only" was the eligible treatment

Is there a role for triclosan/copolymer toothpaste in the management of periodontal disease?

Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most common oral conditions experienced by adults today. The treatment of these diseases by the dental team can only be performed when patients attend dental practices. There is recognition that the preventive measures patients perform at home between dental visits is of vital importance in the control of these diseases. Water fluoridation and fluoridated toothpastes have made enormous progress into the prevention of dental caries worldwide. However, prevention of periodontal disease is yet to enjoy the same success. A number of toothpastes have been developed for the prevention and control of periodontal disease. One such toothpaste - containing triclosan/copolymer - has been thoroughly researched. The literature pertaining to the efficacy, mode of action and safety of triclosan/copolymer toothpaste has been reviewed. A MEDLINE search identified 198 articles dated from 1989 to 2008. The findings of this body of research are discussed and conclusions regarding the efficacy of triclosan/copolymer toothpaste in the home-care management of periodontal disease are presented.A. Blinkhorn, P. M. Bartold, M. P. Cullinan, T. E. Madden, R. I. Marshall, S. L. Raphael and G. J. Seymou