The effects of chemical polishing on dental acrylic resin properties are not well clarified. This study evaluated the effect of chemical and mechanical polishing on the residual monomer release (RM), Knoop hardness (KH), transverse strength (TS) and surface texture (ST) of a heat- and self-cured acrylic resin. Four groups were formed: GI-self-cured resin/mechanical polishing; GII-self-cured resin/chemical polishing; GIII-heat-cured resin/mechanical polishing; GIV-heat-cured resin/chemical polishing. Following the polishing procedures, specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C. The KH and RM measurements were taken after 1, 2, 8 and 32 days of storage, and TS after 2, 8 and 32 days. Surface texture was observed under SEM evaluation. Results were compared statistically at a confidence level of 95%. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) regardless of the acrylic resin and the period of analysis, chemical polishing increased RM levels, reduced KH, and did not affect TS significantly; (2) water storage increased the surface hardness of GII and GIV; (3) GII and GIV showed a smooth and wavy surface under SEM evaluation.

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O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as percepções de um grupo de idosos sobre a perda de dentes. Realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa que utilizou O Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo como técnica metodológica para a ordenação dos dados. A análise das entrevistas e a construção do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo revelaram informações sobre os pensamentos e valores associados à perda de dentes no grupo. Os principais resultados sugerem que a falta de dentes trouxe problemas funcionais e psicológicos, mas que parecem ser compensados pela resolução do problema estético. As justificativas reveladas pelo sujeito coletivo para o edentulismo refletem predominantemente o modelo de atenção à saúde, em que predominam procedimentos cirúrgico-restauradores e reabilitadores, em detrimento de ações preventivas e educativas. Desta forma, torna-se imprescindível o desenvolvimento de iniciativas no campo da educação e prevenção em saúde bucal, enfatizando ações voltadas para a atenção integral do idoso, destacando-se a dimensão social das doenças e o papel do Estado como provedor da saúde e da qualidade de vida de todos os cidadãos.

Objective:The presence of Candida albicans on the surfaces of denture-base acrylic resins is strongly related to the development of oral stomatitis. This study evaluated the antifungal action of different agents over microwave-cured acrylic resin without polishing specimens previously contaminated with Candida albicans.Material and Methods:Sixty specimens were immersed in BHI broth previously inoculated with the yeast and stored for 3 h at 37°C. They were divided into 5 experimental groups (n=10): G1: 2% chlorhexidine solution (10 min); G2: 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (10 min); G3: modified sodium hypochlorite (10 min); G4: effervescent agent (5 min); G5: hydrogen peroxide 10v (30 min). The specimens of the control group 1 (C1) were not disinfected. Ten additional specimens of the control group 2 (C2) were not infected with the yeast, aiming to check the asepsis during the experiment. The disinfection agents were neutralized and the acrylic resin specimens were immersed in BHI Broth for 24 h. Culture media turbidity was evaluated spectrophotometrically according to the transmittance degree, i.e. the higher the transmittance the stronger the antimicrobial action. Statistical analysis was performed (Kruskal-Wallis Test, p<0.05).Results:The results, represented by the medians, were: G1 = 40; G2 = 100; G3 = 100; G4 = 90; G5 = 100; C1 = 40; C2 = 100.Conclusions:This in vitro study suggested that sodium hypochlorite-based substances and hydrogen peroxide are more efficient disinfectants against C. albicans than 2% chlorhexidine solution and the effervescent agent.

Challenges and barriers to quality oral care as perceived by caregivers in long-stay institutions in BrazilObjective: To describe how caregivers perceive the oral health status in the elderly they care for; the routines for oral hygiene in nursing homes; caregivers perceived barriers for quality oral care; and the caregivers competence and need for training in this area. Background: The phenomena surrounding ageing has been the subject of worldwide interest, particularly concerning issues related to institutionalised elderly, where several studies have shown the precarious oral health status of such individuals. Materials and methods: A qualitative interview study was held in a city in southern Brazil. Study participants were 26 caregivers of elderly people, belonging to seven institutions. Statements were collected through interviews, whose results were interpreted by phenomenological analysis. Results: Caregivers of institutionalised elderly reveal contradictions in knowledge and practices of oral health. Although it could be expected that the perception and attitudes of caregivers of their own oral health could influence the care they offer to the elderly, barriers to the implementation of such activities appear to refer to situations outside of their responsibility, especially in the absence of time and staff. Conclusions: The oral care of older people in geriatric institutions requires multidisciplinary and interinstitutional actions capable of reversing the continuing framework of neglect, requiring interventions for health promotion and disease prevention that can and should be implemented in institutions.

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Resumo O presente estudo, de caráter documental, analisa

Objective: To investigate the perception and knowledge of dentists regarding use of the Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) in public health services of cities in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. Material and Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire with 60 dentists who work with public dentistry services. To evaluate possible associations between the use of ART and the independent variables we used the chi-square test and logistic regression models (α = 0.05). Results: Forty-four questionnaires were completed, resulting in a response rate of 73%. Of the respondents, 70.4% supported the use of ART and 81.8% reported having some training in the technique. However, 72.7% consider ART to be a temporary or urgent treatment. Professionals who do not advocate the use of ART were 76% less likely to use the technique when compared to their colleagues who defend the use of the technique (OR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.98). Conclusion: While most dentists have knowledge and positive attitude towards ART, greater dissemination is required for this technique can be used effectively on the public service.