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BACKGROUND: In Mexico and around the world, water in dental units, including triple syringes, comes from municipal chlorinated water mains. The microbial contamination of dental unit water systems constitutes a risk factor for opportunistic infections. OBJECTIVES: The present work aimed to identify the bacteria present in the triple-syringe water lines of dental units at a dental school of a public university in Mexico, with a hypothesis that opportunistic bacteria of importance to human health would be found. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried-out. A total of 100 samples of triple-syringe tubing from dental units operated by a dental school of a public university in Mexico were analyzed before and after their use in dental practice. Bacterial biofilm was cultured and isolated from the tubing, using standard microbiological methods, and then the species present were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The characterization of the biofilm was performed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: Bacterial growth was observed in 20% of the non-disinfected and 10% of the disinfected samples, with 11 strains isolated. Six genera and 11 bacterial species were genetically identified. Coagulasenegative staphylococci (CoNS), considered opportunistic human pathogens, were among the most critical microorganisms. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a thick polymeric matrix with multiple bacterial aggregates. CONCLUSIONS: Opportunistic bacteria from human skin and mucous membranes were detected. Under normal conditions, these bacteria are incapable of causing disease, but are potentially harmful to immunosuppressed patients.

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The objective of this study was to quantify the prevalence of and identify the factors associated with dental pain among elementary- and middle-school students in Mexico. An ecological study was carried out with data from the 2008 National School-based Student-Health Survey. Information on dental pain from schoolchildren (aged 5 to 16 years) was collected from public schools across the 32 states of Mexico. In the original study, a questionnaire was used to explore various factors that affect the oral and dental health status of schoolchildren. The outcome variable was the prevalence rate (for dental pain) reported at state level. Various contextual socioeconomic variables were included, in addition to dental caries. Analyses were performed using Stata software. 52.9% of interviewees were girls; 26.9% of male and female schoolchildren in Mexico experienced gum or dental pain during the period analyzed (95% Confidence Interval = 26.02, 27.77%); according to the Spearman correlation results, self-reported dental pain was unrelated (p > 0.05) to the socioeconomic and sociodemographic variables that make up the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Human Development (HDI), as well as the marginalization and the Gini indices. However, the estimated percentages of self-reported dental pain and caries were positively correlated in the elementary- (r = 0.8958, p < 0.0001), middle-school (r = 0.8958, p < 0.0001) and total populations (r = 0.8542, p < 0.0001). Prevalence of self-reported dental pain was 28%, or about one in three, of the Mexican children and adolescents in the study sample. The state-level sociodemographic and socioeconomic risk indicators were not associated with the prevalence of dental pain. Self-reported caries was positively correlated with self-reported dental pain.

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Introduction: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topical treatment for carious lesions and a primary preventative for newly exposed high-risk surfaces such as fissures and roots in the first molars. Using potassium iodide (KI) after applying SDF has been recommended as a way of reducing the severity of black staining, as well as preserving its antibacterial effect useful in deep caries. Objective: The objective of this research was to compare the antibacterial effect of SDF, with and without KI, on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and dental biofilm. Methods: The antibacterial effects of SDF, KI, and the combination of both were measured using three different techniques (inhibition halo, minimum inhibitory effect [MIE], and colony-forming unit [CFU], testing). Results: The results were then subjected to statistical analysis. Analyzed by means of the Kruskal-Wallis statistical test, the inhibition halos yielded a value of P = 0.3309. Using the MIE test, only the SDF treatment produced an antibacterial effect, at 10%, compared to the KI group, with P = 0.001. Finally, the CFU test revealed a total absence of colonies for all three reagents. All three substances analyzed achieved total inhibition of S. mutans. SDF is effective even in its minimal commercial concentration. Its antibacterial capacity decreases with the addition of KI. Conclusions: The three substances analyzed at their maximum concentrations exhibited an antibacterial effect against S. mutans, resulting in total inhibition.

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The maintenance of oral health is a crucial aspect of general well-being; however, a significant proportion of the worldwide population experiences a range of oral diseases. Dental caries is a highly prevalent non-communicable disease globally, especially in children and adolescents. Fluoride is involved in the control of dental caries, primarily by decreasing the critical pH for dental hard tissue dissolution and decreasing enamel solubility. Due to the substantial data supporting the efficacy of fluoride in controlling dental caries, many community-level fluoridation initiatives have been devised and executed as global public health preventive interventions. These initiatives encompass the fluoridation of water, salt, and milk. Water fluoridation is considered safe and effective when fluoride levels are maintained within the recommended range (0.6 to 1.1 mg/L). Salt fluoridation has a cariostatic potential similar to that of water fluoridation, and a fluoride concentration of 250 micrograms per gram in salt is not associated with an increased risk of developing dental fluorosis. However, there is currently an effort to reduce the consumption of table salt in order to mitigate the harmful effects of excessive salt consumption. It has been hypothesized that fluoride food supplementation, such as fluoridated milk, is associated with a decrease in caries experience in permanent teeth; however, the effect is not clear in primary teeth. Public-level fluoride interventions are more cost-effective than the operative care of caries lesions and limit the burden of care. The administration of fluorides should be conducted using safe methods, limiting ingestion, and adhering to the guidelines set by international and national health agencies in each country. This is particularly important when considering children with developing dentitions. Fluoride is an important tool in the control of dental caries, but it is crucial to combine it with good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular visits to a dental professional to maintain long-term oral health.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NS-PT) on periodontal parameters and inflammatory biomarkers in the concentration and level of calprotectin (CLP) in women with periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this quasi-experimental study, we evaluated 30 women (mean age: 52.0 ± 5.8 years) with periodontitis and RA who had been diagnosed and treated for RA for more than 3 years and whose activity markers remained at similar values without significant reduction over three consecutive months. Patients underwent NS-PT, which included plaque control, scaling, and root planing. Serum and saliva samples, periodontal indices, RA activity markers, Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and the C-reactive protein (CRP) and CLP contents were measured at the beginning of the study and 6 and 12 weeks after NS-PT. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used in the analysis. The mean age was 52.0 ± 5.8 years. Compared to the baseline results, all periodontal indices were significantly reduced 6 and 12 weeks after NS-PT (p < 0.001). DAS28 was also significantly reduced after 12 weeks (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the serum CLP concentration decreased 6 and 12 weeks after NS-PT (p < 0.0001). Of the patients, 100% presented lower levels of CRP and ESR (p < 0.0001). Overall, NS-PT reduced inflammation and disease activity, highlighting the importance of oral health in the control and treatment of systemic diseases such as RA and confirming that NS-PT effectively reduces periodontitis activity and plays a key role in modulating RA activity. Therefore, NS-PT should be considered as an adjunct treatment for RA.

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The objective of the present study was to identify the reasons for dental extractions in patients seeking dental care in a university dental clinic in Mexico. This is a cross-sectional study that assessed 284 consecutive patients at the School of Dentistry, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico between August 2017 and November 2018. In total, 505 extractions were performed. The dependent variable was the reason for extraction: 0) dental caries and ensuing sequels (reference category); 1) periodontal disease and ensuing sequels; and 2) other reasons. Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and clinical variables were included as independent variables. The analysis was done with multinomial logistic regression (Stata 14.0). Out of all extractions, 63.6% (n=321) were due to dental caries and ensuing sequels; 22.0% (n=111) were due to periodontal disease and ensuing sequels; 5.3% (n=27) endodontic failure; 5.1% (n=26) prosthetic indications; 1.6% (n=8) orthodontic indications; and the rest (2.4%) were due to other reasons. In the multivariate model extractions due to periodontal disease vs dental caries were associated with occasionally smoking tobacco (Odds Ratio, OR=3.90) or daily tobacco use (OR=3.19); the tooth to be extracted having been previously restored (OR=2.35); extracted anterior as opposed to posterior teeth (OR =2.63); and patients with multiple extractions (OR=2.68). In the case of extractions due to "other reasons", no variable was significant. Dental caries and periodontal disease were the main reasons for dental extraction in this sample. Several variables, mostly clinical, were associated with extractions for periodontal reasons.

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Background: Several factors are associated with coronal and root caries in older persons. The purpose of this study was to determine the experience, prevalence, and risk indicators (socioeconomic, sociodemographic, and dental variables) of coronal and root caries in older persons residing in nursing homes in Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 227 dentate participants with natural teeth. Convenience sample, where all dentate residents were invited to participate. The dependent variables were coronal caries and root caries, which were determined through an oral clinical examination. The independent variables were sociodemographic factors, location, type of center, surfaces free of dental biofilm and calculus, surfaces with recession, retainers in contact with surfaces with recession, xerostomia, smoking, and the previous use of dental services. The binary logistic regression model was used in the analysis. Results: The mean age of the participants in this study was 77.7±8.8 years, and 69.2% were women. Moreover, 71.8% live in long-term care facilities, and 48.0% live in Mexico City. The prevalence of coronal and root caries was found to be 67.8% and 50.7%, respectively. Being male and living in Mexico City were risk indicators for coronal caries, and with a 1% increase in surfaces with no biofilm, the risk decreased by 2%. Being widowed, having government or no social security, denture retainers, and coronal caries were risk indicators for root caries, while the utilization of dental services indicated lower risk. Conclusion: Several variables that differ in nature were found to be risk indicators for coronal and root caries. Coronal caries increases the risk of root caries. Prevention should be aimed at identifying persons at higher risk, and dental care should be improved for persons living in long-term care institutions.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the relationship between prevention measures and protective barriers in dental practice in El Salvador and Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted from June 2020 to December 2021, involving 1,719 dentists divided into four groups based on location and year. A 20-question survey in Spanish was utilized and validated with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.84. RESULTS: The use of phone triage (OR = 1.3), thermometers (OR = 1.4), physical distancing (OR = 1.7), and face shields (OR = 2.6) was significantly associated with dental practice in both countries during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: During 2020 and 2021, dental care in El Salvador and Mexico was significantly linked to COVID-19 preventive measures. Phone triage, thermometers, distancing, and face shields positively correlated with dental services. National health agencies should promote the use of minimum preventive measures in dental care, preparing for potential reinfections or new pandemics from emerging virus variants.

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Non-thermal plasmas (NTPs), known as cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs), hold great potential for diverse medical applications, including dentistry. However, traditional linear and rigid dielectric barrier discharge reactors used for NTP generation encounter limitations in accessing oral cavities and root canals. To address this issue, we have developed an innovative NTP reactor featuring an angled end for improved accessibility. The central copper electrode, with a 0.59 mm diameter and adjustable length for desired angulation, is coated with zircon powder (ZrSiO4) to ensure stable NTP generation. This central electrode is housed within a stainless steel tube (3 mm internal diameter, 8 mm external diameter, and 100 mm length) with a 27° angle at one end, making it ergonomically suitable for oral applications. NTP generation involves polarizing the reactor electrodes with 13.56 MHz radio frequency signals, using helium gas as a working medium. We introduce plasma-treated water (PTW) as an adjunctive therapy to enhance biofilm eradication within root canals. A synergistic approach combining NTP and PTW is employed and compared to the gold standard (sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl), effectively neutralizing Enterococcus faecalis bacteria, even in scenarios involving biofilms. Moreover, applying NTP in both gaseous and liquid environments successfully achieves bacterial inactivation at varying treatment durations, demonstrating the device's suitability for medical use in treating root canal biofilms. The proposed NTP reactor, characterized by its innovative design, offers a practical and specific approach to plasma treatment in dental applications. It holds promise in combatting bacterial infections in root canals and oral cavities.

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Alcohol and cigarettes are the psychoactive substances that adolescents use most frequently. When both addictions are combined, they carry the worst burden of disease globally. The objective of this study was to identify whether socioeconomic factors correlate with alcohol and tobacco consumption in Mexican adolescents aged 10 years or more and to establish the relationship in the consumption between the two substances. This ecological study utilized data describing alcohol and tobacco consumption among adolescents aged 10-16 years (n = 48,837 ≈ N = 11,621,100). Having ever consumed any alcohol-containing beverage constituted alcohol consumption. Smoking a cigarette within 30 days constituted cigarette consumption. For both variables, the state-level percentages reported in the survey were used. Diverse socioeconomic variables were collected from official sources. Data on the prevalence of tobacco use and alcohol consumption were entered into an Excel database estimated for each of the states of the Mexican Republic, as well as the socioeconomic variables. We performed the analysis using Stata 14. Consumption prevalence was 15.0% for alcohol and 4.2% for tobacco. Alcohol consumption was not correlated with any studied socioeconomic variable (p > 0.05). The prevalence of tobacco consumption among elementary school students correlated (p < 0.05) with the portion of the population living in private dwellings without sewage, drainage, or sanitation (r = 0.3853). The prevalence of tobacco consumption among middle-school adolescents correlated with the portion of the employed population that earned up to two minimum wages (r = 0.3960), the percentage in poverty by income 2008 (r = 0.4754) and 2010 (r = 0.4531), and the percentage in extreme poverty by income 2008 (r = 0.4612) and 2010 (r = 0.4291). Positive correlations were found between tobacco consumption and alcohol consumption among both elementary (r = 0.5762, p=0.0006) and middle-school children (r = 0.7016, p=0.0000). These results suggest that certain socioeconomic factors correlate with tobacco consumption but not alcohol consumption. A correlation between alcohol consumption and tobacco consumption was observed. The results can be used for developing interventions in adolescents.

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