Association between self-reported bruxism and academic performance in university students.

Objective: To evaluate the association between self-reported bruxism and academic performance in students at a university in Lima, Peru. Material and Methods: A total of 203 students were evaluated in this study, between the ages of 19 and 35 years. Self-reported bruxism was measured using the Bruxism Assessment Questionnaire. Academic performance was evaluated using the Approval Index Scale. In addition, other variables were included such as employment status, socioeconomic level, stress, anxiety, among others. The association of variables were factored in using the chi-square test and the logistic regression presented the unadjusted and adjusted analisis. Results: The frequency of self-reported awake bruxism and sleep bruxism was 53.20% and 36.45%, respectively. Evidence revealed there was a statistically significant association between awake bruxism with stress and anxiety, and sleep bruxism with anxiety. Students with high academic performance (OR=2.36; IC del 95%:1.06-5.23) and low academic performance (OR=5.72; IC del 95%:1.28-25.57) were found to be more likely to have awake bruxism than those with medium academic performance. Conclusion: This study revealed a statistically significant association between self-reported awake bruxism and academic performance. However, in the future it is suggested to carry out a study with focus only on students with bruxism and with a larger sample of participants with low academic performance to confirm the association found between these variables.

Factors related to the presence of dental erosion and abrasion in Peruvian adults.

Introduction: Non-carious lesions are an oral health pro-blem in adults, consequently it is necessary to create mechanisms for their diagnosis and prevention. Objective: To determine the frequency of erosion, abrasion and related factors in patients treated at a university dental clinic. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 153 adults treated at a university clinic in Lima, Peru, in 2018. Personal aspects (age, sex, characteristics of saliva), dietary factors, health condition, oral habits, and tooth brushing were identified. The presence of abrasion was determined according to clinical criteria through direct observation. Erosion was identified using the Basic Erosive Wear index. Generalized linear models with Poisson distribution with robust variances were used. Results: The frequency of dental abrasion (70.6%) is higher than erosion (26.1%). The presence of erosion is associated with asthma (PR= 2.11), abrasion is related to age and poor dental hygiene habits (PR= 1.67 and 1.30, respectively). Conclusion: The presence of dental abrasion is greater than dental erosion. Age and poor dental habits are factors associated with tooth abrasion. The characteristics of saliva regarding pH and salivary flow were within normal p-values.

Effects of some Peruvian non-distilled alcoholic beverages on dental erosion.

Objective: To determine the erosive effect of pieces of permanent teeth exposed to non-distilled alcoholic beverages. Material and Methods: This study takes a quantitative approach, with an explanatory scope, descriptive and correlational, with a pure experimental design. The sample consisted of 45 premolar permanent teeth, which were randomly allocated to five sample groups. Every sample group was submerged in dark beer Cuzqueña Negra, wheat beer Cuzqueña de Trigo, lager beer Cerveza Cristal, lager beer Pilsen Callao and physiological saline solution; every solution had a quantity of 110 mL. The experiment was performed for five minutes, with three repetitions every 12 hours over a period of 70 days. The sampling was performed every seven days, using an analytical scale and a data sheet. Results: The average weight loss of dental pieces put in dark beer Cuzqueña Negra (pH 4.0) was 239.4456 mg. In lager beer Pilsen Callao (pH 4.6), it was 146.7867 mg. In lager beer Cerveza Cristal (pH 3.7), it was 131.3567 mg. In wheat beer Cuzqueña de Trigo (pH 4.5), it was 121.7122 mg. Lastly, in physiological saline solution (pH 6.8), it was 14.3311 mg. When applied to the sample, the statistical test Student’s t-test resulted in a value of p≈0.000 (p<0.05). Conclusion: Non-distilled alcoholic beverages caused erosive effects in the pieces of permanent teeth.

Evaluating edentulism and frailty in a group of elderly people treated at the dental clinic of Universidad San Martín de Porres in Lambayeque, Peru.

Introduction: Dentistry should contribute to achieving healthy aging based on the identification of the well-being and oral health needs of the elderly. Objective: To evaluate the conditions of edentulism and frailty in a group of elderly people treated at the dental clinic of Universidad San Martín de Porres in Lambayeque, Peru, between the years 2016 and 2018. Material and Methods: An observational, descriptive, retrolective, and cross-sectional study was conducted. Two hundred and seven medical records that included an odontogram were randomly selected to identify cases of total or partial edentulism according to the Kennedy classification. The files were assessed with Fried’s test to evaluate the conditions of frailty. The association between variables was estimated by means of a significance analysis using the Chi square test. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between edentulism in both jaws and conditions of frailty (p<0.05). An association of edentulism with physical inactivity and weakness was also demonstrated. Additionally, a statistically significant difference between degrees of edentulism was observed regarding poor diet (p<0.05). Conclusion: The absence of teeth in the elderly acts as a risk factor leading to negative changes in diet, weight, and physical activity. These changes may be associated with frailty, as masticatory insufficiency results in a poor diet and subsequent weakness.

Spectrophotometric evaluation of coronal discoloration induced by bioceramic root canal filling materials.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the crown discoloration induced by bioceramic root canal filling materials (OrthoMTA and iRoot SP) compared to AH Plus. Material and Methods: Sixty intact mandibular single rooted premolars were sectioned 2 mm below the cemento-enamel junction, prepared, and randomly assigned into four groups according to the root filling materials: OrthoMTA, iRoot SP, AH Plus and unfilled.Results: Before placement of the materials in the pulp chamber and the coronal third of the root, the spectral reflectance lines of the crowns were recorded by a digital spectrophotometer at baseline, and after filling at 1 week and 1, 3 and 6 months and ∆Ε values were calculated. All materials used induced clinically perceptible crown discoloration (ΔΕ>3.7) and no significant difference was detected between these materials (p>0.05). Regardless of the material, discoloration progressed significantly within the three months (p<0.05) however, at 6months, the discoloration reduced for AH Plus and no further increase for bioceramic materials was detected. Conclusion: Bioceramic root filling materials tested induced clinically perceptible crown discoloration and their application in the esthetic zone should be performed with caution.

Regenerating effect of hyaluronic acid on circumferential bone defects in Wistar albino rats.

Objective: To determine the regenerating effect of hyaluronic acid on circumferential bone defects in albino Wistar rats. Material and Methods: An experimental type study was designed and carried out with 15 albino male Wistar rats, 4 months old and weighing between 250 and 350 grams. Two circumferential bone defects 3mm in diameter and 0.8mm deep were created in the calvaria of the parietal bone (on both sides of the midline). One defect was filled with a demineralized bone matrix (control group); while the other defect was filled with the combination of a demineralized bone matrix plus hyaluronic acid (experimental group). Five experimental rats were euthanized at 30, 60 and 90 days after surgery and they were histologically evaluated following the parameters proposed by Heiple. Results: The experimental group presented a better degree of bone regeneration at 30 and 60 postoperative days. Conclusion: Hyaluronic acid is effective in bone regeneration of circumferential bone defects.

Prosthetic dental management of a patient with anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. A Case Report.

Introduction: Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) comprises a broad group of genetic disorders characterized by alterations of the structures derived from the ectoderm, including those of the stomatognathic system. Case Report: The present article aims to report the prosthetic management of a patient with anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. A male patient diagnosed with ED who attended the dental consultation displaying oligodontia; underdeveloped alveolar ridges were observed. Results: The established treatment consisted of the adaptation of implant-supported fixed full-arch prosthesis designed through CAD-CAM technology for the lower jaw and of a removable partial prosthesis with muco-dental support for the upper jaw. The dental approach of patients with ED is based on a correct analysis of the facial characteristics and stomatological conditions of each subject. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory due to the biological and functional complexity in biomechanical terms of these individuals.

Efficacy of topical hyaluronic acid for symptomatic oral lichen planus: A systematic Review.

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflam-matory disorder with a potential of malignant transformation. Despite the extensive research on the topic, the management of OLP is still quite challenging, with no definitive cure. Objective: The present systematic review assessed the efficacy of topical hyaluronic acid in the management of OLP. Material and Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar was carried out by two independent investigators. All randomized clinical trials that compared the efficacy of hyaluronic acid with other interventions and/or placebo in the management of OLP and fulfilled the following criteria were included: 1) OLP diagnosis was confirmed clinically and histopathologically, 2) the study included systemically healthy patients aged 15 years and older, 3) a minimum sample size of 10, and 4) reporting the main outcomes including pain, erythema, and ulcer size. Case reports, case series, reviews, animal studies, uncontrolled trials were excluded. Results: Four clinical trials involving 234 patients were included. Two studies compared hyaluronic acid with a topical corticosteroid, and two studies compared it with placebo. Only one of the four included studies was at low risk of bias. Overall, topical hyaluronic acid showed good efficacy in alleviating the signs and symptoms of OLP. Two studies found hyaluronic acid significantly more effective in reducing pain and improving clinical signs of OLP compared to placebo. Compared to topical corticosteroids, one study reported comparable results; and one study found hyaluronic acid to be superior to triamcinolone in reducing pain but inferior to triamcinolone in improving the healing time. Conclusion: The limited available evidence suggests that hyaluronic acid may have some benefits in the management of OLP. Further well-designed studies with adequate follow-up periods are highly recommended.

Preschool teachers' knowledge and attitudes about dental trauma in Rijeka, Croatia: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Traumatic tooth injuries often occur in childhood. They are not life-threatening, but they can cause a number of complications that can affect the quality of life. Proper first aid can significantly facilitate further dental treatment. The aim of this research was to evaluate preschool teachers’ knowledge and attitudes about dental trauma and their motivation for further education. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 54 preschool teachers. It was carried out in the form of a questionnaire consisting of 23 questions regarding traumatic tooth injuries, experiences and knowledge and teachers’ interest in additional education.Results: Most of the preschool teachers, 68.51%, did not witness any dental traumas during their work experience. From the teachers who witnessed dental trauma, only 11.76% gave first aid and none of them called the dentist and followed their instructions. In case of dental avulsion 72.22% would keep the avulsed tooth in a dry gauze or tissue. Even though 81.49% consider themselves uninformed about dental, all of them are interested in additional education. Conclusion: Despite the insufficient knowledge about dental trauma, its management, and first aid it is encouraging that all of the preschool teachers included in this research are motivated to educate themselves more on this subject.