Situational diagnosis of policies in Latin American and Caribbean countries for the use of fluoride and reduction of sugar consumption.

Policy evaluation and guidance on fluoride use and sugar consumption in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACC) may provide a scientific evidence basis for policymakers, dental professionals, civil society organizations and individuals committed to improving public oral health. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the extent of implementation of policies/guidelines on fluoride use, and sugar consumption in LACC. The study had two stages.

Extended biofilm formation time by Streptococcus sanguinis modifies its non-cariogenic behavior, in vitro.

Although the commensal Streptococcus sanguinis [ S. sanguinis] is isolated from caries-free people, it can ferment carbohydrates producing acids. We aimed to characterize S.

Developing a protocol for a preventive oral health exam for elderly people (EDePAM) using E-Delphi methodology.

The aim of this study was to develop a Preventive Oral Health Exam for Elderly People (EDePAM), using the e-Delphi technique, to diagnose oral health problems in people 65 or older. The e-Delphi technique was used with experts in multiple stages, and in a final workshop, where an agreement on an examination protocol was reached for diagnosing dental caries, oral mucosa lesions, periodontal diseases, and masticatory function disorders. Quantitative analyses of all the rounds of the e-Delphi method were conducted.

Fluoride bioavailability on demineralized enamel by commercial mouth rinses.

The ability of mouth rinses, available in the international market, to form reaction products on demineralized enamel (bioavailability test) was evaluated in vitro. Nine mouth rinses purchased in Chile were evaluated; eight formulated with NaF (one containing 100 µg F/mL and seven containing 226) and one with Na2FPO3 (226 µg F/mL as ion F). Demineralized enamel slabs (n=15 per mouth rinse) were sectioned; one half was subjected to the assigned mouth rinse treatment for 10 min and the other half was used to obtain baseline data.

Fluoride bioavailability on demineralized enamel by commercial mouthrinses.

The ability of mouthrinses, available in the international market, to form reaction products on demineralized enamel (bioavailability test) was evaluated in vitro. Nine mouthrinses purchased in Chile were evaluated; eight formulated with NaF (one containing 100 µg F/mL and seven containing 226) and one with Na2FPO3 (226 µg F/mL as ion FPO3 ). Demineralized enamel slabs (n=15 per mouthrinse) were sectioned; one half was subjected to the assigned mouthrinse treatment for 10 min and the other half was used to obtain baseline data.

Fluoride concentration in mouth rinses marketed in Chile and Brazil, and a discussion regarding their legislations.

For fluoride to be effective in controlling caries, it should be bioavailable in commercial products, so that it can be released into the mouth in the products it contains. We chemically determined the available fluoride and pH in nine mouth rinses marketed in Chile, and eleven, in Brazil, and then discussed the legislation in force in both countries, regarding the anticaries potential of these oral hygiene products. The fluoride was analyzed with an ion-selective electrode (F-ISE), using the direct technique.

Community interventions and strategies for caries control in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Dental caries remains highly prevalent in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACC). However, this disease can be controlled through interventions that implement evidence-based strategies in an affordable manner and that target all population groups instead of the most affluent only. Therefore, the aim of this report was to summarize the main scientifically documented community interventions and strategies based on restriction of sugars consumption, use of fluoride, and the use of occlusal sealants for caries control in LACC.

Enamel and dentine demineralization by a combination of starch and sucrose in a biofilm - caries model.

Sucrose is the most cariogenic dietary carbohydrate and starch is considered non-cariogenic for enamel and moderately cariogenic for dentine. However, the cariogenicity of the combination of starch and sucrose remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this combination on Streptococcus mutans biofilm composition and enamel and dentine demineralization.

Caries risk assessment in Chilean adolescents and adults and its association with caries experience.

Cariogram is a computer program that uses an algorithm to assess caries risk. Although the use of Cariogram has recently increased, little information is available regarding its effectiveness in adults. This study aimed to determine whether caries risk from Cariogram relates to caries experience in adults.