The addition of hydrophobic monomers and solvents into TEGDMA blends affected DC, EM, and KHN. UDMA added to TEGDMA resulted in an increase in DC, EM, and KHN. Overall, solvents added to monomer blends resulted in decreased properties. The addition of hydrophobic monomers and solvents into TEGDMA blends does not improve the penetration depth of the infiltrants.

No abstract

Resin infiltrants doped with bioactive particles may improve the long-term performance of the treatment of white-spot lesions.

[Purpose] Problems involving the temporomandibular joint and associated structures can lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate muscle activity in individuals with a diagnosis of TMD before and after treatment with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) through the use of electromyography (EMG). [Subjects and Methods] Male and female individuals aged 14 to 23 years were evaluated. TMD was determined by a clinical examination and the administration of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, followed by the evaluation of sensitivity to palpation of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles as well as the EMG determination of muscle activity. The participants were randomly allocated to an active LLLT group (n=9) and sham group (n=7). Twelve sessions of LLLT were conducted using a wavelength of 780 nm, energy density of 25 J/cm2, power of 50 mW, power density of 1.25 W/cm2 and a 20-second exposure time or sham LLLT. Muscle activity was determined prior to treatment and after the last session. [Results] During the isometric evaluation of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles, an increase in the mean EMG signal was found in the group submitted to active LLLT. When evaluated individually, some participants in the active LLLT group demonstrated a reduction in muscle activity, but no significant differences were found in the mean EMG signal between the initial and final evaluations. [Conclusion] Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm the present findings.

Background: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been used for the treatment of dental caries. Papacarie is a gel composed of papain and chloramine employed for the partial removal of carious tissue, effective against bacteria, however, some studies report that this antibacterial action is not quite so evident. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical effect of aPDT on infected dentin in dental caries lesion in primary teeth. Methods: Thirty-two primary molars with deep occlusal dental caries will be selected and divided in 2 groups: G1 – caries removal with a low-speed drill and G2 – application of aPDT with PapacarieMBlue. After treatment, all the teeth will be restored with glass ionomer cement and followed up clinically and radiographically, with evaluations at 3, 6, and 12 months. Dentin samples before and after treatment will be analyzed microbiologically. The data will be submitted to descriptive statistical analysis of the association between the categorical variables and both age and gender using the chi-square test and Fisher exact text. The Student t test and analysis of variance will be used for the comparison of mean signs and symptoms of reversible pulpitis. Pearson correlation coefficients will be calculated for the analysis of correlations among the continuous variables. Discussion: Adding methylene blue dye to the formula of PapacarieMBlue might potentiate the antimicrobial action of aPDT and work more effectively on the infected dentin combined with a conservative, minimally invasive treatment. Trial registration: NCT02734420 on 10 march 2016.

This study aimed to evaluate microhardness of a dentifrice containing fluoride and arginine compared to a positive control (fluoride only) and a negative control (no fluoride) on sound and demineralized bovine enamel surfaces. Specimens were randomly assigned to different treatments that included daily pH cycling and brushing three times a day with one of the following dentifrices (n = 8): Neutraçucar (arginine and fluoride), Colgate Total 12 (fluoride) and My First Colgate (no fluoride). Enamel carious lesions were artificially created one week before the beginning of these treatments (demineralized bovine enamel (DE) groups). The same groups were also tested in sound enamel (sound bovine enamel (SE) groups). Microhardness was measured at baseline and after one, two, and five weeks of treatment using a Knoop indenter. Statistical analysis involved two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test. After five weeks, both Total 12 and Neutraçucar had increased the microhardness of DE specimens (p < 0.05). Only Neutraçucar had increased the microhardness of the sound enamel after five weeks of treatment. Thus, it could be concluded that arginine-based dentifrices increase the microhardness of sound and demineralized bovine enamel surfaces.

No abstract

The gold standard for the management of sleep bruxism (SB) is the use of a rigid occlusal splint; however, there are limitations for its use in children and alternatives to the management of SB are needed. Photobiomodulation therapy has been used with positive results in temporomandibular disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy with infrared LED in children with SB. Thirty children were divided into three groups: Group 1: control/absence of bruxism (n = 10); Group 2: SB treated with infrared LED (n = 10); Group 3: SB treated with occlusal splint (n = 10). Electromyographic evaluation of masseter, anterior temporalis, and upper trapezius, and salivary dopamine levels were assessed before and after treatments. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way mixed model ANOVA. An increase in the temporalis and right masseter EMG activity at rest was observed in Group 3, with large effect size (p < 0.05). Left masseter and temporalis EMG activity did not differ over time in the LED group, similar to the control group. Moreover, the EMG activity of masticatory muscles during chewing and upper trapezius muscle did not differ over time in all groups. The results also pointed to a difference in the levels of dopamine between children with and without SB, with Group 3 showing higher levels in the pre-treatment time compared to controls (p < 0.025). In conclusion, an increase in the masticatory muscles activity at rest was observed in children undergoing splint therapy. Moreover, a difference in the levels of salivary dopamine was found between children with and without SB.