Denture hygiene is essential because denture biofilm is involved in oral infections and systemic diseases. Although there are chemical agents available on the market, none of them have ideal properties and research on such products is still necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a castor bean (Ricinus communis)-based solution for removing denture biofilm, compared to two traditional products (sodium hypochlorite and alkaline peroxide). Fifty maxillary complete denture wearers were instructed to brush their dentures after meals and to immerse their dentures once a day in the following solutions: Saline (20 min; control), Polident alkaline peroxide (3 min), NaOCl (20 min) and 2% castor oil solution (20 min). Participants used each solution for a period of 7 consecutive days, according to a random sequence. After each period, the internal surfaces of maxillary complete dentures were stained with a disclosing solution (1% neutral red), photographed and the disclosed biofilm was quantified with the aid of specific software. The influence of treatments on results was verified by the Friedman test (α=0.05). Tested solutions presented significant difference (Fr=51.67; p<0.001). Saline and NaOCl were significantly different (median: 2.0% and 0.0%) whereas Polident and castor oil presented intermediate results (median: 1.0% and 1.5%, respectively). It can be concluded that the castor oil solution tested in this study was comparable to alkaline peroxide in terms of efficiency in denture biofilm removal.

Knowledge of the Eagle's syndrome shows that its symptoms can be very easily confused with other types of craniomandibular disorders, especially temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of this study was to find a possible correlation between the presence of TMD and elongation of the styloid process as well relate to presence of calcification of the stilohyoid chain. Fifty patients with TMD, confirmed from the RDC/TMD, were examined clinically and radiographically. Radiographic documentation consisted of digital panoramic radiograph and digital lateral cephalometric radiograph. Radiocef software (Radiomemory) was used for the analysis of radiographs by means of specific cephalometric tracing and linear measurements of the styloid process. Each radiograph was traced and measured three times with intervals of 1 month to spread the error. Statistical analysis was performed by Pearson's test (p=0.001) using Biostat 4.0 statistical software. Result showed an incidence of 76% elongation of the styloid process in the sample. There was a correlation between the bilateral measures taken in panoramic radiographs (р<0.001) and also for measures of styloid process length carried out in different panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalometric radiographs (р<0.001). It was concluded that there is prevalence of elongated styloid process in patients with TMD. However, no relationship was found between measurements on the stylohyoid chain and symptoms of headache, orofacial pain, tinnitus and vertigo.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent disease in the elderly population, and it may affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the stomatognathic system. This study evaluated masticatory function in elderly patients with RA before and after oral rehabilitation with removable prostheses. Forty-five elders with partial or total edentulism who were using unsatisfactory removable prostheses were selected and assigned to 3 groups: RA with TMJ involvement, RA without TMJ involvement and healthy controls. Masticatory function was assessed in terms of masticatory performance (MP) and maximum bite force (MBF). The former was determined by the sieving method, and the latter was measured by pressure sensors placed in the bilateral molar regions. The variables were first evaluated in elderly subjects wearing unsatisfactory prostheses and re-assessed after participants had received new removable prostheses. Comparisons between groups and among time points were performed with analysis of variance for repeated measures and the Tukey-Kramer test (P < .05). Comparison among groups showed decreased MP in elders with RA before new prosthesis insertion (P < .05). Irrespective of TMJ involvement, MP improved after treatment in subjects with RA. Rheumatoid arthritis groups also showed decreased MBF (P < .05), which improved after new prosthesis insertion. Rheumatoid arthritis might impair masticatory function, and well-fitted removable prosthesis insertion might be very beneficial in elders with RA.

No abstract

Atualmente, o desenvolvimento e utilização dos Protocolos clínicos e de regulação na área da saúde,como ferramenta para gestão, têm contribuído para a organização e padronização da prática clínica emdiversas áreas assistenciais, bem como conferido clareza quanto aos fluxos a serem percorridos pelospacientes, em busca do cuidado à saúde. Por meio de estudo de abordagem qualitativa e valendo-se daTécnica Delphi na busca da convergência de opiniões, objetivou-se obter um consenso entre os participantes da pesquisa para a adoção dos conceitos que pudessem subsidiar a criação e implantaçãode um Protocolo em Saúde Bucal a ser aplicado na Rede Pública de Saúde no município de RibeirãoPreto. A amostra inicial de caráter aleatório, a partir de sorteio entre as Unidades de Saúde do DistritoOeste de Ribeirão Preto foi composta por 13 dentistas e profissionais da equipe de saúde sendo que ametodologia foi desenvolvida em 3 etapas. A primeira iniciou-se com o grupo de dentistas das unidadessorteadas, que responderam a uma série de questões sendo os resultados dessa primeira fasecompilados e a síntese das tarefas reenviada aos membros para que respondessem novamente,reconsiderando as suas respostas. O produto final foi discutido em Oficina composta pelos dentistasentrevistados, representantes das equipes de saúde, da Secretaria de Saúde e dos usuários do serviçoa fim de que o instrumento pudesse ser construído contemplando o ponto de vista de todos os envolvidos no processo. Resultados: O trabalho identificou concordância final entre os participantes, pelo quese comprovou que a Técnica Delphi favoreceu a tomada de decisões dos profissionais e usuáriosacerca da consolidação de conceitos próprios da atenção básica em saúde bucal para o desenvolvimento dos cuidados nessa área, colaborando potencialmente para as decisões racionais e aprimoramento da qualidade da assistência. Mostrou-se  uma ferramenta com potência para a busca de consensos na área de Saúde Pública.