Objectives This study aimed to compare and evaluate the porosity and pore size distribution of high-viscosity glass ionomer cements (HVGICs) and conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Materials and Methods Forty cylindrical specimens ( n = 10) were produced in standardized molds using HVGICs and conventional GICs (Ketac Molar Easymix, Vitro Molar, MaxxionR, and Riva Self-Cure). The specimens were prepared according to ISO 9917-1 standards, scanned in a high-energy micro-CT device, and reconstructed using specific parameters. After reconstruction, segmentation procedures, and image analysis, total porosity and pore size distribution were obtained for specimens in each group. After checking the normality of the data distribution, the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test was used to detect differences in porosity among the experimental groups with a 5% significance level. Results Ketac Molar Easymix showed statistically significantly lower total porosity (0.15%) than MaxxionR (0.62%), Riva (0.42%), and Vitro Molar (0.57%). The pore size in all experimental cements was within the small-size range (< 0.01 mm 3 ), but Vitro Molar showed statistically significantly more pores/defects with a larger size (> 0.01 mm 3 ). Conclusions Major differences in porosity and pore size were identified among the evaluated GICs. Among these, the Ketac Molar Easymix HVGIC showed the lowest porosity and void size.

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Objective: To evaluate the influence of acid erosion caused by the daily intake of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, associated with immediate dental whitening, on bovine enamel. Materials and Methods: 30 bovine teeth were sectioned to obtain enamel blocks and were distributed into three groups (n = 10): G1- Tooth whitening with 35% hydrogen peroxide; G2- Tooth whitening with 35% hydrogen peroxide + lemon juice and G3 - Tooth whitening with 35% hydrogen peroxide + apple cider vinegar. Treatments were performed for 21 days, the varnish was removed and the analysis of loss of structure and surface roughness were performed by means of non-contact 3D Confocal Chromatic Profilometer. The roughness data obtained were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney non-parametric tests. Results: All groups exhibited greater roughness (Sa) on the side exposed to the treatments (G1 = 3.17b; G2 = 4.17b; G3 = 3.99b) compared to the unexposed side (G1 = 2.55a; G2 = 3.94a; G3 = 2.40a). There was a statistically significant difference among the groups evaluated, being G1 (3.17A) <G3 (3.99C) <G2 (4.17B). Conclusion: 35% hydrogen peroxide has the least erosive potential when compared to its association with vinegar and to lemon juice.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the changes in stress levels, social behavior, dietary and parafunctional habits, oral hygiene, among other conditions perceived by dental students in Brazil during the Covid-19 pandemic and evaluated the correlations between stress level and other variables. METHODS: An online questionnaire was developed and validated. Undergraduates enrolled in private and public dental schools were recruited by convenience sampling. Data were collected on the perceived changes regarding stress levels, financial and social characteristics, dietary habits, oral hygiene, health conditions, and parafunctional habits. Quantitative variables were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. Wilcoxon test evaluated comparisons between perceived changes, and correlations between changes in stress levels and other variables were analyzed by Spearman correlation (α = 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 638 dental students, mean age of 22.95 ± 4.10 years, participated in the study. During the pandemic, the reported stress levels increased while household income decreased (p < 0.05). Late dinners and mindless eating increased in frequency, whereas oral hygiene decreased (p < 0.05). Most of the health conditions and parafunctional habits assessed changed (p < 0.05). Perceived stress levels showed poor negative correlations with household income (rS = −0.14), poor positive correlations with the pressure to contribute financially in the household (rS = 0.19), and poor positive correlations with food choice frequency (rS = 0.15) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dental students reported perceived changes in stress levels, dietary habits, oral hygiene, health conditions, parafunctional habits, and social behavior. Moreover, the results showed poor correlations, as students with higher stress levels tended to have the lowest household income, feel pressured to contribute financially in the household, and present a high meal intake frequency.