Resumo Introdução O emprego de biofilmes polimicrobianos, utilizando a saliva como inóculo, é um modelo promissor para o estudo de biofilmes cariogênicos in vitro. Entretanto, ainda não existe uma padronização para seleção de doadores de saliva. Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer uma metodologia para seleção de doadores de saliva utilizando fatores salivares microbianos e características in vitro do biofilme. Material e método Para doação de saliva foram selecionados vinte voluntários. Os voluntários permaneceram 24 horas sem escovar os dentes e ficaram em jejum por 2 horas antes da coleta da saliva. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: viabilidade das bactérias anaeróbias totais e mutans streptococci; concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração bactericida mínima (CBM) da clorexidina; capacidade de formação de biofilme por meio da biomassa; e a suscetibilidade dos biofilmes à clorexidina. Resultado A viabilidade bacteriana da saliva, a capacidade de formação de biofilme e a suscetibilidade do biofilme à clorexidina foram apresentadas como média e intervalo de confiança (95%). A diferença entre a viabilidade do biofilme (mutans streptococci e bactérias totais) após tratamento com NaCl 0,9% e diacetato de clorexidina 0,2% foi comparada pelo teste t de Student com nível de significância estabelecido em 5%. A viabilidade total de bactérias anaeróbias (mediana) foi de 7,28 log 1+UFC/mL (unidades formadoras de colônia/mL). A viabilidade dos mutans streptococci na saliva apresentou mediana de 5,47 log 1+UFC/mL. Para capacidade de formação de biofilme a mediana da biomassa foi de 0,1172 A570. Conclusão O tratamento com clorexidina reduziu significativamente os mutans streptococci e a viabilidade total das bactérias. A metodologia para seleção do doador de saliva foi estabelecida com sucesso.

Abstract Introduction The utilization of polymicrobial biofilms, with saliva as an inoculum, represents a promising model for in vitro studies on cariogenic biofilms. However, there is still no standardization for selecting saliva donors. Objective The aim of this study is to establish a methodology for the selection of saliva donors using microbial salivary factors and in vitro biofilm characteristics. Material and method For saliva donation, twenty volunteers were selected. Volunteers remained 24 h without brushing their teeth and fasted for 2 h before saliva collection. The following parameters were evaluated: total anaerobic bacteria and mutans streptococci viability; minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericide concentration (MBC) of chlorhexidine; biofilm forming capacity by biomass assessment; and the susceptibility of biofilms to chlorhexidine. Result Saliva bacterial viability, biofilm forming capacity and biofilm susceptibility to chlorhexidine were presented as mean and confidence interval (95%). The difference between biofilm (mutans streptococci and Total bacteria) viability after treatment with NaCl 0.9% and 0.2% chlorhexidine diacetate was compared using the Student t-test with a significance level established at 5%. Total anaerobic bacteria viability (median) was 7.28 log 1+CFU/mL (colony forming units/ mL). Mutans streptococci viability in the saliva showed a median of 5.47 log 1+CFU/mL. Biofilm forming capacity showed that biomass had a median of 0.1172 A570. Conclusion Treatment with chlorhexidine significantly reduced mutans streptococci and total bacteria viability. The methodology for the selection of the saliva donor was successfully established.

ABSTRACT Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by excessive collagen production. The oral manifestations of the patient with scleroderma can include microstomia, xerostomia, and changes in the resorption teeth. We report the case of a 7-year-old female patient diagnosed with systemic scleroderma where photobiomodulation therapy was used to treat xerostomia associated with hyposalivation. She attended a pediatric clinic and presented with dry and rigid facial skin, trismus, xerostomia, malocclusion, and difficulty swallowing. Stimulated salivary flow was assessed before, during, and after treatment. Photobiomodulation therapy was conducted at four points at the sublingual glands with 660 nm, 100 mW, and 0.8 J/cm2 to each point; eight points at the parotid glands; and six points at the submandibular glands with 808 nm, 100 mW, and 0.8 J/cm2 for 8 seconds at each point. After this therapy, an increase in salivary flow, remission of the xerostomia, and an improvement in mastication and swallowing were observed. Photobiomodulation therapy was effective in controlling xerostomia in this pediatric patient, resulting in increased salivary flow and an improvement in her quality of life.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and its main compound (citral) against primary dental colonizers and caries-related species. Chemical characterization of the essential oil was performed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS), and the main compound was determined. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Actinomyces naeslundii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, S. gordonii, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. sanguinis and S. sobrinus. Minimum inhibitory and bactericide concentrations were determined by broth microdilution assay for streptococci and lactobacilli reference, and for clinical strains. The effect of the essential oil on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation/disruption was investigated. Negative (without treatment) and positive controls (chlorhexidine) were used. The effect of citral on preformed biofilm was also tested using the same methodology. Monospecies and microcosm biofilms were tested. ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used (α=0.05). Cytotoxicity of the essential oil to human keratinocytes was performed by MTT assay. GC/MS demonstrated one major component (citral). The essential oil showed an inhibitory effect on all tested bacterial species, including S. mutans and L. acidophilus. Essential oil of C. citratus (10X MIC) reduced the number of viable cells of lactobacilli and streptococci biofilms (p < 0.05). The essential oil inhibited adhesion of caries-related polymicrobial biofilm to dental enamel (p < 0.01). Citral significantly reduced the number of viable cells of streptococci biofilm (p < 0.001). The essential oil showed low cytotoxicity to human keratinocytes. Based on these findings, this study can contribute to the development of new formulations for products like mouthwash, against dental biofilms.

Resumo Introdução O consumo frequente de açucares e a presença de Streptococcus mutans e Streptococcus sobrinus estão correlacionados com maior experiência de cárie. Objetivo Elucidar o efeito de diferentes carboidratos fermentáveis na biomassa e acidogenicidade de biofilmes formados por S. mutans e S. sobrinus. Material e método Biofilmes única e dupla- espécie de S. mutans ATCC 25175 e S. sobrinus ATCC 27607 em concentrações iguais cresceram no fundo de placas de microtitulação por 24 h a 37 °C em microaerofilia. Maltose, sacarose, glicose e lactose foram adicionados a 2%. BHI caldo (0.2% glicose) foi usado como controle negativo. Acidogenicidade foi avaliada por meio da medição do pH do meio de cultura após 24 h, imediatamente após troca de meio e nas próximas 1 h e 2 h. Coloração por cristal violeta foi usada como indicador do total de biomassa aderida, após 24 h de incubação. Os dados foram analisados por teste ANOVA two way e Teste de Bonferroni. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultado Todos os carboidratos resultaram em maior formação de biomassa em ambos os tipos de biofilme (única ou dupla- espécie), quando comparado ao grupo controle. Sacarose, lactose e maltose mostraram maior acidogenicidade que o grupo controle após 24 h nos biofilmes única ou dupla-espécie, apenas após 24 h. Conclusão Os achados indicam que o tipo de biofilme (única ou dupla- espécie) e o tipo de carboidrato usado podem influenciar tanto na quantidade de biomassa formada quanto na taxa de redução do pH.

Abstract Introduction Frequent consumption of sugars and the presence of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are correlated with higher caries experience. Objective The aim of this pilot study was to elucidate the effect of different fermentable carbohydrates on biomass formation and acidogenicity of S. mutans and S. sobrinus biofilms. Material and method Single and dual-species biofilms of S. mutans ATCC 25175 and S. sobrinus ATCC 27607 were grown at the bottom of microtiter plates at equal concentrations for 24 h at 37 °C under micro-aerobic atmosphere. Carbohydrates were added at 2% concentration: maltose, sucrose, glucose and lactose. BHI Broth (0.2% glucose) was used as negative control. Acidogenicity was assessed by measuring the pH of spent culture medium after 24 h, immediately after refreshing the culture medium and for the next 1 h and 2 h. Crystal violet staining was used as an indicator of the total attached biofilm biomass after 24 h incubation. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. Significance level was set at 5%. Result All carbohydrates resulted in higher biomass formation in single- and dual-species biofilms when compared to the control group. Sucrose, lactose and maltose showed higher acidogenicity than the control group in both single- and dual-species biofilms after 24 h. Conclusion These findings indicate that the type of biofilm (single- or dual-species) and the carbohydrate used may influence the amount of biomass formed and rate of pH reduction.

Resumo Introdução: Atendimentos de urgência são uma prática comum em Odontopediatria, porém pouco se sabe sobre o perfil desses atendimentos. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil dos atendimentos de urgência de crianças de 0 a 13 anos de idade realizados na Clínica Infantil da FOAr, no período de 1997 a 2012, a fim de se quantificarem os pacientes e os procedimentos realizados no Serviço, além de identificar os tratamentos mais realizados. Material e método: Neste estudo transversal observacional, os relatórios desse Serviço, fornecidos pelo Sistema Integrado de Clínicas, foram analisados quanto ao número de pacientes, aos atendimentos e ao tipo de procedimentos realizados. Os procedimentos foram classificados em sete categorias: Diagnóstico, Preventivos, Anestesia, Endodônticos, Restauradores, Cirúrgicos e Outros. Esses dados foram tabulados e submetidos a uma análise descritiva. Resultado: De 1997 a 2012, foi atendido um total de 13.849 pacientes e foram realizados 25.786 atendimentos e 86.279 procedimentos. Houve diminuição do número de pacientes atendidos a partir de 2001, mas o número de consultas e de procedimentos não diminuiu na mesma proporção. Observou-se que, durante o período de 2007 a 2012, os procedimentos de diagnóstico foram os mais realizados, seguidos pelos preventivos. Dentre os procedimentos operatórios, o mais realizado foi o restaurador, seguido dos endodônticos. Procedimentos cirúrgicos estão entre os menos realizados. Conclusão: Conclui-se que houve uma mudança no perfil dos atendimentos dentro desse Serviço. Apesar de haver uma redução no número de pacientes atendidos, o número de consultas e a quantidade de procedimentos realizados permaneceram estáveis. Os procedimentos realizados estão de acordo com o perfil do Serviço de Urgência.

Abstract Introduction: Urgency care is a common practice in pediatric dentistry but little is known about the profile of these visits. Objective: To evaluate the profile of patients aged between 0 and 13 years assisted at the Urgency Unit offered by FOAr, from 1997 to 2012, in order to quantify patients and procedures performed and identify the most frequently treatments performed. Material and method: In this observational transversal study, the reports of urgency service provided by the Integrated Clinical System were analyzed for the number of patients, treatments and type of procedures performed. The procedures were classified into seven categories: Diagnosis, Preventive, Anesthesia, Endodontic, Restorative, Surgical and Others. The data were organized and analyzed descriptively. Results: From 1997 to 2012, a total of 13,849 patients were treated in 25,786 visits and 86,279 procedures were conducted. A decrease in the number of patients assisted was observed. However, the number of appointments and the number of procedures did not decrease at the same ratio. Diagnosis procedures were the most frequent procedure performed, followed by preventive procedures. Restorative and endodontic treatments were the most frequent operative procedure performed. Dental surgeries were done less frequently. Conclusion: A profile change in the dental urgent treatment was observed throughout the years. Despite a reduction in the number of patients assisted, the number of visits and the amount of procedures performed remained stable. The procedures performed are in agreement with the profile of a dental urgent care clinic.

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the effects of 2 brands of probiotic fermented milk on biofilms, oral microbiota, and enamel. For the in situ experiment, ten volunteers wore palatine devices containing four blocks of bovine dental enamel over 3 phases, during which 20% sucrose solution, Yakult® (Treatment A), and Batavito® (Treatment B) were dropped on the enamel blocks. Salivary microbial counts were obtained and biofilm samples were analyzed after each phase. For the in vivo experiment, the same ten volunteers drunk Yakult® (Treatment C) and Batavito® (Treatment D) in two phases. Saliva samples were collected for microbial analysis after each phase. The in situ study showed that in comparison with Treatment A, Treatment B resulted in fewer total cultivable anaerobes and facultative microorganisms in biofilms, higher final microhardness, lower percentage change in surface hardness, and smaller integrated subsurface enamel hardness. In the in vivo study, Treatment D resulted in a reduction in the counts of all microorganisms. The results suggested that the probiotic fermented milk Batavito®, but not Yakult®, reduced the amount of oral microorganisms and mineral loss in bovine enamel.

A previous study demonstrated that the amount of Candida spp. in saliva is higher in children with sickle-cell disease. The results from a recent study demonstrate its participation in the etiology of dental caries. Objective This study assessed caries-associated virulence (production of acid, extracellular polysaccharides, proteins and metabolic activity) of biofilms from Candida albicans isolated from saliva of patients with sickle-cell anemia in comparison to isolates obtained from matched healthy children. Material and Methods The isolates were previously obtained from 25 children (4-6 years) and their matched controls (healthy children). One isolate of C. albicans per children was used, totaling 25 isolates per group. The C. albicans biofilms were grown for five days and analyzed regarding the production of lactic acid, extracellular polysaccharides, proteins and metabolic activity. The production of lactic acid was determined by the enzymatic method. The concentration of extracellular polysaccharides was determined by the phenol-sulphuric acid method, and the concentration of the protein was analyzed using the QuantiPro BCA kit. The XTT reduction was used to verify the metabolic activity. The data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism at 5%. Results The Mean±standard deviation for acid production, extracellular polysaccharides, proteins and metabolic activity of isolates from sickle-cell group was, respectively: 7.1±5.0 mmol/L; 15.6±2.5 μg glucose/mg biofilm; 7,503±3,097 μg/mL; A490 3.5±0.7. For isolates from control group the values obtained were: 3.5±3.3 mmol/L; 12.8±3.4 μg glucose/mg biofilm; 4,995±682 μg/mL; A490 3.4±0.5. The C. albicans isolates from patients with sickle-cell anemia produced a significantly greater quantity of acids (p=0.025), polysaccharides (p=0.025) and proteins (p=0.047) compared with the isolates from control group. However, there was no difference in metabolic activity (XTT) between groups (p=0.750). Conclusion The C. albicans biofilms from patients with sickle-cell anemia presented a greater caries-associated virulence than isolates from healthy children.

INTRODUÇÃO: A adição da clorexidina (CLX) ao cimento de ionômero de vidro (CIV) visa melhorar a sua propriedade antibacteriana, podendo contudo interferir na adesão à dentina. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da adição de diacetato de CLX em diferentes concentrações a um CIV de alta viscosidade, na sua adesão à dentina sadia e afetada por cárie artificial. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram utilizados 80 terceiros molares, que tiveram a superfície de dentina exposta na face oclusal. Metade dos dentes foram mantidos hígidos e a outra metade foi submetida à indução artificial de cárie. A CLX foi misturada ao pó do CIV nas concentrações de 0,5%, 1% e 2%. O CIV sem CLX foi usado como controle. Em cada superfície dentinária foi confeccionado um espécime com 1 mm de diâmetro e 1 mm de altura. Estes foram mantidos a 37 °C com 100% de umidade por 24 horas, e, submetidos ao teste de microcisalhamento. Os resultados foram analisados pelos testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann Whitney (α=0,05). RESULTADO: Não houve diferença estatística entre os valores de resistência de união para dentina hígida e afetada (p>0,05). Para as duas condições do substrato, os grupos CIV, CIV+CLX 0,5% e CIV+CLX 1% apresentaram resistência de união estatisticamente semelhante (p>0,05), e superior ao CIV+CLX 2% (p<0,025). Houve predominância de fraturas mistas e coesivas do material para todos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A adição de CLX nas concentrações de 0,5% e 1% não influenciou negativamente na resistência de união de um CIV de alta viscosidade à dentina sadia e afetada por cárie.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of adding chlorhexidine (CHX) to glass ionomer cements (GIC) is to improve their antibacterial property, but it may interfere with their bond to dentin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of adding chlorhexidine diacetate at different concentrations to a high-viscosity GIC on its bond to sound and artificial caries-affected dentin. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eighty human third molars were used, on which an area of dentin was exposed on the occlusal surface. Half of the specimens were kept sound and the other half were subjected to artificially induced caries. CHX was mixed with GIC powder at 0.5%, 1% and 2% (w/w). GIC without CHX was used as control. On each dentin surface a specimen measuring 1 mm in diameter and 1 mm high was made. The samples were kept at 37 °C and 100% humidity for 24 hours and subject to microshear testing. The results were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney tests (α=0.05). RESULT: There was no significant difference between bond strength of sound and caries-affected dentin (p>0.05). For both substrate conditions, groups GIC, GIC+0.5% CHX and GIC+1% CHX showed statistically similar bond strength (p>0.05), and higher than that of GIC+2% CHX (p<0.025). Cohesive and mixed failures were predominant in all groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of 0.5% and 1% chlorhexidine did not result in negative changes in the bond strength of GIC to caries-affected and sound dentin.

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a capacidade de dentifrícios fluoretados acidulados (pH 4,5) em promover a remineralização do esmalte utilizando um modelo de ciclagem de pH e compará-lo a um dentifrício padrão (1.100 µgF/g). Blocos de esmalte tiveram suas superfícies polidas e a dureza de superfície determinada (SH). Em seguida, foram submetidos à desmineralização subsuperficial e a dureza de superfície pós-desmineralização foi determinada. Os blocos foram divididos em seis grupos experimentais (n=10): placebo (controle negativo), 275, 412, 550, 1.100 µgF/g e um dentifrício padrão (controle positivo). Os blocos foram submetidos à ciclagem de pH durante seis dias e tratamentos com dentifrício diluído duas vezes por dia. Após a ciclagem de pH, a dureza de superfície e em secção transversal foram avaliadas para obtenção da porcentagem de recuperação de dureza de superfície (%SHR) e área integrada da perda de dureza de subsuperfície (ΔKHN). Os resultados mostraram que %SHR foi semelhante entre os dentifrícios ácidos 412, 550, 1.100 µgF/g e controle positivo (teste de Tukey; p>0,05). Para ΔKHN, o dentifrício acidulado com 550 µgF/g mostrou uma performance melhor quando comparado ao controle positivo. Conclui-se que os dentifrícios acidulados 550 µgF/g apresentaram capacidade de remineralização semelhante ao controle positivo.

This study evaluated the capacity of fluoride acidic dentifrices (pH 4.5) to promote enamel remineralization using a pH cycling model, comparing them with a standard dentifrice (1,100 µgF/g). Enamel blocks had their surface polished and surface hardness determined (SH). Next, they were submitted to subsurface enamel demineralization and to post-demineralization surface hardness analysis. The blocks were divided into 6 experimental groups (n=10): placebo (without F, pH 4.5, negative control), 275, 412, 550, 1,100 µgF/g and a standard dentifrice (positive control). The blocks were submitted to pH cycling for 6 days and treatment with dentifrice slurries twice a day. After pH cycling, surface and cross-sectional hardness were assessed to obtain the percentage of surface hardness recovery (%SHR) and the integrated loss of subsurface hardness (ΔKHN). The results showed that %SHR was similar among acidic dentifrices with 412, 550, 1,100 µgF/g and to the positive control (Tukey's test; p>0.05). For ΔKHN, the acidic dentifrice with 550 µg F/g showed a better performance when compared with the positive control. It can be concluded that acidic dentifrice 550 µgF/g had similar remineralization capacity to that of positive control.

Adherence is considered an extremely important virulence factor in yeast. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the adherence to epithelial cells of C. albicans isolated from patients with chronic periodontitis in comparison to healthy patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Candida albicans cells isolated from individuals with chronic periodontitis (n=25) and healthy controls (n=25) were included in this study. Suspensions of C. albicans (10(6) cells/mL) and epithelial cells (10(5) cells/mL) were mixed and incubated at 37ºC for 1 h. The number of yeasts adhered to 25 epithelial cells was counted. RESULTS: The number of C. albicans cells adhered to epithelial cells was statistically higher in the chronic periodontitis group than in the control group (Student's t-test, p=0.000). CONCLUSION:The results of the present study suggest a higher Candida adherence of samples isolated from patients with chronic periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: The time of contact between the product and enamel surface is important in ensuring the efficacy of fluoride varnishes. Thus, some alternatives could avoid fluoride loss to saliva and improve the anticariogenic action of the product. This study evaluated the effect of an experimental coat on the anticariogenic action of fluoride varnishes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Enamel bovine blocks were selected by evaluating surface microhardness and randomized into five groups (n=24): placebo, DuraphatTM, DuraphatTM with coat, DuofluoridTM and DuofluoridTM with coat. Twelve blocks from each group were used to analyze calcium fluoride (CaF2) formed on enamel after treatment. The other 12 blocks were subjected to pH cycling for 7 days. The varnishes were kept on enamel for 6 h. Next, the percentage change of surface microhardness (%SMHC) and mineral loss (ΔZ) were calculated. CaF2 retained and fluoride present in the pH-cycled solutions were also measured. RESULTS: The use of the coat did not decrease %SMHC and ΔZ, but all fluoride varnishes had better results when compared to the placebo (ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis, respectively). The values from CaF2 formed were higher compared to the values of CaF2 retained (non-paired t test, p<0.05). There was a trend to decrease the amount of F in the solutions at the end of pH cycling (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the experimental coat increased the formation of CaF2 on the enamel surface, it did not significantly improve the anticariogenic action of fluoride varnishes.

Há uma relação entre o uso de fluoretos, a redução na cárie e o aumento da fluorose dentária. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a cinética do flúor na saliva após o uso da goma de mascar Happydent®, que contém 3,38 mg de flúor como monofluorfosfato. A saliva foi coletada de 15 voluntários entre 7 e 9 anos de idade, durante 3 minutos nos intervalos de 0, 3, 6, 9, 15, 30 e 45 minutos. Inicialmente, a coleta foi realizada com o Trident® (controle) e, após 24 h, a coleta foi repetida com a goma de mascar Happydent®. O flúor foi analisado com um eletrodo íon-específico (Orion 96-09) após a realização da hidrólise ácida. Os dados foram analisados através da análise de variância a dois critérios e pelo teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). A quantidade média ± dp (mg) de flúor liberado na saliva foi 0,276 ± 0,126 e 0,024 ± 0,014 para o Happydent® e o Trident®, respectivamente. A quantidade de flúor nas amostras de saliva após o uso do Happydent® foi significativamente maior do que após o uso do Trident® em todos os tempos experimentais, com exceção dos períodos de 30 e 45 minutos. A alta quantidade de flúor na saliva após o uso do Happydent® poderia ser eficiente na prevenção da cárie dentária, o que deveria ser avaliado clinicamente. Por outro lado, essa goma de mascar deveria ser evitada por crianças na idade de risco para a fluorose dentária.

There is a relationship between the use of fluoride, the reduction of dental caries and the increase of dental fluorosis. The purpose of this study was to analyze the fluoride kinetics in saliva after using the HappydentTM chewing gum, which contains 3.38 mg of fluoride as monofluorophosphate. Fifteen 7-9-year-old volunteers were instructed to chew the gum TridentTM (control) and HappydentTM on different days. Total saliva was collected for 3 minutes, at 0, 3, 6, 9, 15, 30 and 45 minutes after starting chewing. Salivary fluoride was analyzed with a fluoride-specific electrode (Orion 96-09) after acid hydrolysis. The data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and by Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05). The mean amounts ± sd (mg) of fluoride released in saliva were 0.276 ± 0.126 and 0.024 ± 0.014 for HappydentTM and TridentTM respectively. The fluoride amount in the saliva samples after the use of Happydent was significantly higher than after the use of TridentTM in all experimental periods, except after 30 and 45 minutes. The high fluoride presence in saliva after the use of Happydent may be significant to prevent dental caries and this should be evaluated in clinical researches. On the other hand, children at an age of risk for dental fluorosis should avoid the use of HappydentTM.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar in vitro o efeito da aplicação tópica de flúor na forma de gel acidulado (FFA) ou neutro (FFN) com um dentifrício fluoretado (MFP), na incorporação e ação anticariogênica do flúor. Foram utilizados 125 blocos obtidos de esmalte humano, divididos em 5 grupos de acordo com o tratamento e submetidos à ciclagem de pH durante dez dias. Analisou-se o flúor incorporado antes e depois da ciclagem de pH; a microdureza superficial (SMH) e a microdureza interna do esmalte (CSMH). Os resultados da concentração de flúor no esmalte após a ciclagem indicou uma maior quantidade de flúor incorporado para todos os grupos comparados ao grupo controle sadio. A microdureza superficial entre APF e MFP, assim como a porcentagem de alteração da microdureza superficial e a perda mineral não mostraram diferenças estatísticas. A porcentagem de volume mineral obtida a partir da microdureza em secção longitudinal demonstrou que o APF tem um padrão melhor na formação da cárie subsuperficial. Os resultados sugerem que o uso de géis acidulados ou a freqüente aplicação de flúor em baixa concentração são medidas eficazes para o controle da cárie dental.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of topical fluoride products [acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) or neutral gel (NF) x fluoride toothpaste (MFP)], in respect to fluoride uptake and anticariogenic action. One hundred and twenty five blocks of human teeth, sorted in 5 groups according to the treatment, were submitted to pH cycling for ten days. The parameters analyzed were: fluoride uptake before and after pH cycling and surface (SMH) and cross-sectional (CSMH) microhardness of the enamel blocks. The results of fluoride concentration in enamel after the pH cycling showed an enhancement of fluoride uptake for all groups compared to sound control. No significant differences between APF and MFP were observed for surface microhardness, percentage change of surface microhardness and mineral loss. The volume percent mineral obtained from cross-sectional microhardness demonstrated that APF has a different lesion progression rate regarding subsurface carious lesion. The results suggest that professionally applied fluoride gel or frequent fluoride application in low concentration is a positive preventive measure for the control of dental caries.