Fabiano Jeremias

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in 5-year-old Brazilian preschoolers. A total of 481 children were assessed using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth Index (dmft/DMFT ). Socioeconomic status and OHRQoL were measured through questionnaires (B-ECOHIS). Statistical analysis included chi-square or Fisher’s Exact tests and multiple logistic regression (stepwise method). The prevalence of caries (dmft > 0) was 42.2%, with 37.2% of children having untreated caries in the primary dentition and 4.0% in the permanent dentition. The average B-ECOHIS score was 4.68. Children with caries had significantly higher B-ECOHIS scores (mean: 7.42; SD: 8.20) than those without caries (mean: 2.98; SD: 5.58). Regression analysis showed that low socioeconomic status, previous or current dental treatment, presence of cavitated lesions, and restored or missing teeth were significantly associated with a higher negative impact on OHRQoL.

Health professionals can contribute to the timely identification of oral changes. Objective: To evaluate the clinical experience and general knowledge of pediatricians (P) and speech therapists (ST), regarding Hypomineralization and the frequency of referrals to pediatric dentists. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study with a questionnaire. Results: Consisted of P=245 and ST=397. The data were analyzed with a 95% confidence interval using the chi-square test and binomial logistic regression analysis. Pediatricians were 8.7 times more likely to identify Hypomineralization cases in their clinical practice than speech therapists (p<0.022). Group P are significantly more likely (OR=1.9) to know more about the topic than group ST (p<0.001). Both professionals reported not having access to general (83%) or specific (96.6%) information about MIH/HSPM, but training on the topic did not seem relevant (58.4%). The participants often referred patients to pediatric dentists (70.2%). Pediatricians are slightly more knowledgeable and identify cases more.

Purpose Data about molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) prevalence and its severity remains limited for some Latin American countries. Furthermore, its association with socioeconomic status (SES) is still unclear. Thus, this study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of MIH in Santiago, Chile and explore its association with SES. Methods A cross-sectional study with schoolchildren between 6 and 12 years was conducted. Children were evaluated using the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry to diagnose MIH, and the Mathu-Muju and Wright criteria to determine its severity. Results A total of 1,270 children were included. The MIH prevalence was 12.8% without association with gender (p = 0.609). Prevalence was higher among schoolchildren ages 8 and 9 (p = 0.002), and in lower SES (p = 0.007). MIH mild cases were the most prevalent (63%), and severity was not related to gender (p = 0.656), age (p = 0.060), or SES (p = 0.174). Conclusions The prevalence of MIH in the province of Santiago, Chile is 12.8% and was found to have a higher incidence in 8–9-year-old students and among those categorized by low SES. Furthermore, MIH prevalence was associated with low SES. Implications Public health policies to address MIH in Chile should start with schoolchildren aged 8 to 9, and with low SES.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence evolution rate of MIH (molar-incisor hypomineralization) after a 6-year period in Araraquara/SP, Brazil. This population-based study evaluated MIH in 545 schoolchildren (612 years of age) and other associated alterations, dental caries and dental fluorosis (DF). A semistructured questionnaire was sent to the schoolchildrens parents/guardians with the purpose of identifying the socioeconomic profile. Associations between MIH and the clinical characteristics were analyzed by the Poisson analysis of regression with robust variance, estimating the RPc (crude prevalence ratio) with CI 95. The level of significance of 5 was adopted. The MIH prevalence in Araraquara/SP in 2016 was 14.3 (n=78), and at this time, an increase of 2 was observed, in comparison with the data of the first prevalence study conducted in 2010 (12.3). The mild degree compromise was the most prevalent diagnosis in the affected teeth (82.0). Among children with MIH, the mean number of affected teeth was 2.78. Of the total number of children with MIH, 32.0 presented alterations in both first permanent molars and permanent incisors. There is no significant association between MIH and dental caries experience on permanent dentition (PRc=1.141; CI 95 0.7091.835) or on primary dentition (PR_c=1.132; CI 95 0.7491.709). Children with MIH presented significantly less prevalence of dental fluorosis (PR_c=0.505; CI 95 0.2680.950). There is no association between MIH and monthly Brazilian minimal wage income (PR_c=1.130; CI 95 0.6551.949). It was concluded that the number of MIH cases had increased, revealing a greater need for defining the etiological factors and establishing a correct diagnosis to make it possible to institute early intervention.

Erosive tooth wear (ETW) is the irreversible loss of dental hard tissue resulting from the chemical-mechanical process. The aim of the present case report was to present two clinical cases of patients affected by ETW arising from different etiological factors. The patients, of the male gender, 9 and 10 years of age presented to the pediatric dental clinic, for routine evaluation. On clinical exam, both patients had no caries lesions, but some lesions suggestive of ETW, which had aspects such as a translucent halo around the occlusal surface of teeth, in addition to "cupping” lesions - mainly in the cusp region, and loss of tooth enamel (by volume). The lesions were restricted to enamel, and the patients showed no dental hypersensitivity. From the dental clinical exam and anamnesis, the two patients were found to have similar tooth structure loss, with diagnosis of ETW. However, in one patient the etiology was extrinsic due to diet, and in the other, it was intrinsic due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The latter patient was referred to a specialist for evaluation of the systemic condition, and GERD was diagnosed. It was concluded that dentists play an important role, as coadjuvant in the diagnosis of health problems related to ETW. Therefore, meticulous clinical exams must be performed to establish the correct diagnosis, because swift intervention in the clinical cases presented had a positive impact on halting the erosive process.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and severity of dental fluorosis (DF) and the association between severity and risk factors. In a cross-sectional study, 8- to 12-year-old children, born in a Colombian district, were evaluated according to the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index (TFI) by two calibrated examiners. Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) and dental caries (DC) were also evaluated. Ordinal logistic regression was applied p<0.05). Risk factors and lifestyle factors were collected using a questionnaire answered by parents. DF was detected in 76 (98.7%) of the children (average of 18.4 ±1.81 permanent teeth affected). Grade TF2 was the most frequently observed (34.8%); TF5 was observed in all age groups; TF6- TF7 were observed in 12-year-olds. No association was found between DF severity and DC (Odds Ratio (OR)=1.35; 95%CI: 0.56-3.26) or MIH (OR=1.39; 95%CI: 0.43-4.46). DF severity was significantly associated with use of an indoor wood stove for food preparation (OR = 9.34; 95%CI: 1.11-78.57) and use of a pea-sized volume of toothpaste (OR = 27.42; 95%CI: 1.57-477.36). Prevalence of DC was 38.1% and prevalence of MIH was 14.4%. In this population, the frequency of DF was high and severity was associated with use of an indoor wood stove for food preparation and toothpaste amount used during childhood.

Background: Dental fluorosis (DF) has been one of the most prevalent pediatric dental conditions associated with aesthetic concern and treatment needs. This study aimed to identify the longitudinal clinical change in the severity of DF in 8–12-year-old children and its association with gender, age, severity, and tooth type. Methods: This observational study assessed the dental aspects of the 92 Colombian children in 2015 (mean age at beginning 9.71 years ± 1.23) and 2018 (mean age 13.69 years ± 1.41), from an area with high DF prevalence. DF was recorded in all permanent teeth by two calibrated examiners using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index (TFI). DF severity change (maximum-TFI-score) was analyzed with descriptive analysis at the tooth level. Associated factors were evaluated with the generalized linear model, binomial family, and logarithmic link function. Results: TFI scores ranged between 1 (very mild) to 6 (severe), being score 2 (41.7%) the most prevalent. After three years, 29.6% of the teeth presented score reduction, 24.1%, increased and 46.3% did not change; the significant association was related to increasing of the basal TFI = 1 score (44.2%) (RR = 9.7; 95% CI 1.7–56.5; p = 0.01) and with canines, premolars and second-permanent-molars teeth group (RR = 3.3; 95% CI 1.9–5.6; p = 0.005). Conclusion: The present study based on clinical features about DF confirms the dynamic post-eruptive nature of this condition. After three years of follow-up, a considerable proportion of the teeth changed to a higher score. Furthermore, the canines, premolars, and second-permanent-molars showed a higher incidence of an increase in severity of TFI score.

Objective This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of tooth enamel defects and risk factors associated in primary dentition. Methods A sample of 656 schoolchildren (population based), aged 4 years old, from Araraquara-SP (Brazil) was evaluated by two trained examiners according to the following indexes: Dental fluorosis (DF), deciduous molar hypomineralization (DMH), non-fluoride related developmental defects of enamel (DDE), tooth erosion and tooth attrition. Structured questionnaires identified socioeconomic condition, medical/dental history, behavior and dietary habits. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results Of the enamel congenital defects, DF was the most prevalent (6.1%, n = 40), followed by DMH (5.6%, n = 37). Of the acquired defects, attrition was the most prevalent (36.9%, n = 242), followed by erosion (2.4%, n = 16). The caries experience was similar between the affected children (29,5%; n = 94) and total sample (30.6%; n = 201). The etiological factors related to congenital defects were: not exclusively fed breast milk (p = 0.003) and jaundice at birth (p < 0.001); the association with acquired defects was found with vomiting frequent episodes (p = 0.037). Conclusion The general prevalence of enamel defects in primary dentition in Araraquara was 48.6%. Enamel defects may be associated with health-related factors and current lifestyle.

Objectives. To analyze changes in the dental fluorosis (DF) incidence according to a birth cohort and explore current exposure to DF in a case series. Methods. Repeated cross-sectional study of two periods: 2015 and 2018. Two standardized examiners registered DF using the Thylstrup-Fejerskov index in permanent teeth of children aged 7–18 years. Period and birth cohort frequencies were estimated by a generalized linear model, binomial family, and logarithmic link function. Period estimates are presented as prevalence ratios (PR) and birth cohort estimates as cumulative incidence ratios (RR); 95% confidence intervals and P values are reported. In a subsample of 37 volunteers (12.29 ± 2.63 years), the fluoride (F) concentration in toenails was measured using the HMDS diffusion method and an ion-specific electrode. Other samples from the local environment such as food, soil, and coal were also collected. Results. In 274 children, we found that nonsignificant increases between periods (PR = 1.17; 95% CI: 0.89–1.55) were not explained by birth cohort effects. A total of 37.8% of the subsample had a toenail F concentration ≥2 μg F/g. The salty snacks and seasoning had the highest F concentrations among local environmental samples. Conclusion. In this population with a high DF frequency according to birth cohort and the evaluated period, the study of soil, coal, and food samples indicated a continued F exposure. F concentration found in the toenails shows a moderate F exposure; nearly a third of the children and adolescents exceeded the adopted threshold of 2 μg F/g. It is important to monitor and explore changes in exposure in highly affected population.

The aim of this study was to investigate the segregation patterns of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in families, given the evidence that its etiology is influenced by genetics. Clinically, MIH may be detected in parents and/or siblings of MIH-affected children. Our study included children with at least one first permanent molar affected by MIH (proband) and their first-degree relatives (parents and siblings). The participants were examined clinically to detect MIH, according to the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry criteria (2003). A total of 101 nuclear families (391 individuals) were studied. Proband diagnosis was followed by MIH classification of the subject, his parents and siblings, as affected, unaffected, or unknown. Segregation analysis was performed using the multivariate logistic regression model of the Statistical Analysis for Genetic Epidemiology package, and segregation models (general transmission, environmental, major gene, dominant, codominant and recessive models). The Akaike information criterion (AIC) was used to evaluate the most parsimonious model. In all, 130 affected individuals, 165 unaffected individuals, and 96 unknown individuals were studied. Severe MIH was found in 50.7% of the cases. A segregation analysis performed for MIH revealed the following different models: environmental and dominance (p = 0.05), major gene (p = 0.04), codominant (p = 0.15) and recessive models (p = 0.03). According to the AIC values, the codominant model was the most parsimonious (AIC = 308.36). Our results suggest that the codominant model could be the most likely for inheriting MIH. This result strengthens the evidence that genetic factors, such as multifactorial complex defect, influence MIH.