RESUMEN
Background: Children with special health care needs including Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome experience difficulties in receiving dental treatment. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and Silver Fluoride (SF) are a minimally invasive treatments options to arrest dental caries without sedation; local or general anaesthesia (GA). Aim: Evaluation of Brazilian's parents' acceptance of the use of SF in CSHCN. Methods: After receiving education on SF, 100 Parents of CSHCN completed a questionnaire concerning their acceptance of SF, in different dental situation. Result: Majority of parents (74,5%) agreed to the use of SF for their children. SF was more acceptable on posterior teeth (74,5%) when compared to its use on anterior teeth (43,1%). Parents accepted to use SF in order: to reduce infection and pain (82,4%); to avoid dental injection (72,5%) and treatment under GA (84,3%). The Majority of parents accepted the properties of SF (82,4%) and Silver (80,4%). Conclusion: Silver Fluoride was accepted as a treatment option for caries, by Brazilian parents of CSHCN. SF should be considered as a treatment option for caries limited to dentine for CSHCN, taking into consideration the individual needs and opinions with regard to aesthetics and exposure to fluoride and silver.
RESUMEN
AIM: To assess in a pilot study the prevalence and severity of dental caries among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted. Data collection consisted of clinical examinations and general questionnaires concerning oral hygiene habits and recent dental visits of pregnant and non-pregnant women. Prevalence and severity of caries was determined by the CAST index and the CAST severity score. Permission for this study was granted by the National Research Ethics Commission of Brazil. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. RESULTS: In total, 67 pregnant women were included (mean age (SD) 25.5 ± 5.4 years) and 79 non-pregnant women (26.0 ± 5.3 years). Mean number of teeth with untreated caries (CAST 4-7) among pregnant women was significantly lower (1.2 ± 1.8) compared to non-pregnant women (2.7 ± 4.0; Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.027). In both groups, 40-60% were in need of curative treatment. There was no significant difference between the two groups in frequency of dental visits (p > 0.05), but pregnant women brushed their teeth more often (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pregnant women in the state of Rio de Janeiro have fewer untreated caries and less severe dental caries compared to non-pregnant women. Still, half of all women in this study are in need of curative treatment for at least one tooth. Effective preventive programs should therefore be developed to stimulate preventive oral care among all women.