Knowledge and attitudes of dentists regarding ageing and the elderly Objective: This study was aimed to identify the knowledge and attitudes of dentists regarding ageing and the elderly. Background: As the population ages, there is a greater demand for differentiated care from health professionals. However, the treatment needs of the elderly population are not sufficiently addressed, particularly in developing countries. Materials and methods: An official list of all dentists registered in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, was obtained from the Regional Dentistry Council. A questionnaire was delivered to 276 randomly selected dentists; the survey contained questions designed to characterise the sample and identify dentists' conduct towards elderly patients. A Likert scale was used to identify knowledge regarding care for the elderly and attitudes towards ageing. Results: Women demonstrated more positive attitudes towards the elderly. Graduates who worked in the public sector demonstrated a greater knowledge of geriatric dentistry (p < 0.05). Attending specific continuing education courses had no influence over the dentists' willingness to treat the elderly population. Significant associations were not found between attitudes and knowledge regarding the elderly. Conclusion: Dentists who worked in the public sector demonstrated a greater knowledge regarding the elderly. This knowledge did not influence attitudes towards ageing. Women demonstrated a more positive attitude regarding ageing and dental care.

The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with caries experience in the primary dentition of one-to five-year-old children with cerebral palsy. A total of 266 dental records were examined, and caries experience was measured by dmft. The following variables were also analyzed: gender, oral hygiene, history of gastroesophageal reflux, use of medications for gastroesophageal reflux, gingival status, sugar intake and reports of polyuria, excessive thirst and xerostomia. For analysis purposes, the individuals were categorized as those with and without caries experience and subcategorized into the following age groups: one year; two to three years; and four to five years. After bivariate analysis, variables with a p-value < 0.25 were selected for incorporation into the Poisson regression models. Considering the limitations of the protocol, the level of oral hygiene perceived on the first appointment was the only factor associated with caries experience among two-to-fiveyear-old children with cerebral palsy.

Möbius syndrome is a rare congenital condition that is characterized clinically by paralysis of a group of cranial nerves. It presents diverse manifestations that can have negative repercussions on the quality of life of affected individuals. This article presents a clinical case of a child with the syndrome and addressed the clinical manifestations and difficulties experienced during dental treatment. Knowledge of the etiopathological aspects and clinical manifestations of the condition is essential to perfecting treatments that aim to improve the quality of life of such individuals and their families.

The aim of the present study was to investigate factors associated with bruxism in children aged from 1 to 13 years with developmental disabilities. A total of 389 dental records were examined. The bruxism analyzed was determined based on parental reports. The following variables were also analyzed: gender, age, International Code of Diseases (ICD), mouth breathing, history of gastroesophageal reflux, use of psychotropic drugs, gingival status, reports of xerostomia, hyperkinesis, pacifier use, thumb sucking and involuntary movements. For the purposes of analysis, the individuals were categorized as being with and without bruxism. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were incorporated into the logistic regression models. Females had a 0.44-fold (95%CI: 0.25 to 0.78) greater chance of exhibiting bruxism than males. Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux had a 2.28-fold (95%CI: 1.03 to 5.02) greater chance of exhibiting bruxism. Individuals with reported involuntary movements had a 2.24-fold (95%CI: 1.19 to 4.24) greater chance of exhibiting bruxism than those without such movements. Exhibiting involuntary movements, the male gender and gastroesophageal reflux are factors associated with bruxism in children with developmental disabilities.

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