PURPOSE:This study aimed to evaluate and compare the fracture resistance of long-span fixed provisional restorations fabricated using milling, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and conventional methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Sixty specimens were prepared, divided into four groups of 15 each, corresponding to four fabrication methods: computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milled provisional resins, 3D-printed provisional resins, 3D-printed permanent resins, and conventional bis-acryl restorations reinforced with wire. The specimens underwent a three-point bending test using a universal testing machine to measure fracture resistance, quantified as maximum force (in Newtons). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post-hoc tests to compare the fracture resistance across the four groups. RESULTS:Significant differences in fracture resistance were observed among the materials tested (p < 0.001). Both the CAD-CAM milled and 3D-printed resins exhibited significantly higher fracture resistance than the conventional bis-acryl method. CONCLUSION:The results highlight the mechanical advantages of digital fabrication methods for long-span provisional applications in prosthodontics. These techniques may provide improved durability and reliability, addressing the mechanical demands of complex restorations.

Objective : To explore the association between hygiene knowledge and habits and gingivitis in Puerto Rican schoolchildren. Methods : Questionnaires on oral health knowledge and hygiene habits were provided to almost half of the 12 -year -olds who participated in an island -wide cross-sectional oral health study. The evaluations included gingival examinations in 2 quadrants. Odds ratios (ORs) (with 95% CIs) were computed using logistic regression models and oral health -related knowledge and hygiene habits to gingivitis. Results : Of the 823 participants who completed the questionnaire 53.43% were female, and 81% had gingivitis. Most reported having received instructions on brushing (98%), flossing (89.5%), and using mouthwash (90%). The majority (75%) rated their gums as healthy, and 44.68% agreed that oral health affects general health. Nearly half (44%) reported brushing their teeth at least 2 times a day, and 80.25%,flossing daily. In multivariate analysis, not having been instructed on how to brush was related to greater odds of having gingivitis (OR: 7.32; 95% CI: 1.5-35.67). Flossing more than once a day was associated with half the odds of gingivitis (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.29-0.88). Conclusions : The children had knowledge of oral hygiene methods but were mostly unaware that gingival health could affect systemic health. Fewer than half reported brushing 2 or more times a day. Not having been instructed on how to brush was associated with higher odds of gingivitis.

BACKGROUND:This study compared the extrinsic tooth stain removal efficacy of a 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrice stabilized with nitrate and phosphates (SNaP) versus a non-whitening regular fluoride dentifrice (negative control) after 3 and 6 weeks of product use. METHODS:This phase III, double-blind, randomized, two-cell, parallel-group study was conducted on 80 healthy adults in Puerto Rico. After a baseline tooth stain assessment and oral examinations, study participants were randomly assigned to either the SNaP (test) group or a negative control group. Participants brushed their teeth twice daily for 2 minutes for the 6-week duration. The efficacy for extrinsic tooth stain removal was assessed via Lobene composite stain index, stain area index, and stain intensity index scores for each treatment group at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. RESULTS:Seventy-eight participants completed the 6-week study. The SNaP dentifrice provided more stain removal relative to baseline tooth stain scores (3-week: 24.4%; 6-week: 35.6%; P less than .001) and more stain removal relative to the regular fluoride dentifrice (3-week: 24.3%; 6-week: 39.1%; P less than .001). CONCLUSION:The results indicate that the SNaP toothpaste provides a greater level of efficacy in the removal of extrinsic tooth stain as compared to a regular fluoride toothpaste when used twice a day, as measured with Lobene stain index at 3 weeks and 6 weeks. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS:A new stannous fluoride dentifrice stabilized with nitrate and phosphates offers greater efficacy in removing extrinsic tooth stain as compared to regular fluoride toothpaste.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on oral clefts services including surgical and dental treatments in Puerto Rico. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This Observational retrospective cohort study will consider patients 0-21 y/o with CL/P that visited the UPR school of Dental Medicine, Pediatric University Hospital Dr. Antonio Ortiz and ongoing case-control research project Face-Genes. Records to be used are classified as follow: Pandemic (March 15, 2020 to March 15 2022) Pre-pandemic (March 15, 2015 to March 15, 2017) Power analysis (power=0.80 alpha=0.05) will be calculated. Unavailable and incomplete medical records and those that did not attended study clinic during study period will be excluded. Data extraction instrument will be based on previous published study. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Odds Ratios at 95% confidence intervals and multiple logistic regression will be estimated. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We hypothesize that surgical and dental services in Puerto Rico will be adversely impacted because of COVID-19 pandemic. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: CL/P are common congenital diseases that require early interdisciplinary attention. Lack of timely care as well as surgery and treatment delays, could be associated with poorer prognosis, increased morbidity and mortality. If there is high risk of dh services during emergency situations, our findings will help to allocate the available resources

Purpose: To compare the 3D accuracy of three scanning strategies and conventional impressions using an edentulous model with six implants. Materials and Methods: An edentulous maxillary master model was fabricated with six equigingival internal connection implants at 0 degrees of angulation. Ten conventional open-tray splinted implant-level impressions were made and poured in stone. A master model and conventional casts were digitized with a reference scanner. Digital impressions were made by calibrated clinicians with a TRIOS 3 intraoral scanner ([IOS] 3Shape) according to three scanning strategies: DIG1 (occlusal- palatal-lingual), DIG2 (S-type motion from buccal to palatal), and DIG3 (scanning two half arches and connecting them at the midline). Each technique was repeated 10 times on the master model. Deviations from the STL datasets (N = 40) were compared to those of the reference master model using the Hexagon Metrology software system PC-DMIS CAD++. Linear distortions (dX, dY, dZ), global linear distortion (dR), and angular distortions (Absd.x, Absd.y) were calculated. Kruskal-Wallis test and mixed linear and logistic regression models were used to compare the original and binary distortion measures between the techniques. Results: The mean dR ranged from 91 mu m (conventional method) to 183 mu m (DIG1). The mean angular distortion ranged from 0.20 degrees (Absd.x for DIG2) to 0.69 degrees (Absd.y for DIG3). No scan pattern resulted in a more accurate reproduction in any of the measured parameters than the conventional impression method. There were significant differences between the methods for all distortion measures. Conclusions: No group reproduced the 3D position of the six-implant master model below the thresholds for both global linear and angular distortions. All the digital strategies tested were less accurate than the conventional open-tray splinted implant-level impression technique.

OBJECTIVE Latin American and Carribean (LAC) are currently experiencing a rapid aging of their population, coupled with a significant burden of oral diseases. Despites this, there is a scarcity of evidence regarding the manner in wich geriatric dentistry is being taught in dental schools across LAC. So, the objective of this study is to investigate the current status of geriatric dentistry education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in selected LAC dental schools. METHODS An electronic questionnaire was developed and emailed to all 539 dental schools in 19 LAC countries. The questionnaire recorded activity levels, contents and methodology of geriatric dentistry education as part of dental degree programmes. Reminders by email and telephone calls were used to encourage non-responders to complete the questionnaire. RESULTS In total, 317 schools from 17 countries responded to the questionnaire (response rate: 58.8%). Geriatric dentistry was taught in 54.6% of the schools at the undergraduate level and in 6.9% at the postgraduate level. Thirty two percent of the schools had a programme director trained in geriatric dentistry. Geriatric dentistry was taught as an independent course in 14.5% of the schools. Dry mouth, periodontal disease, denture-related conditions and prosthodontic management, oral mucosal disease and age-related changes of the orofacial complex were the most frequently covered topics. Clinical teaching of geriatric dentistry was reported by 26.5% of the schools, with 38.0% providing clinical training in outreach facilities. CONCLUSIONS Geriatric dentistry education remains incipient in LAC, with only one in every four dental school offering it as a standalone course. There is an urgent need to further develop geriatric dentistry education in the continent, including further research to develop a minimum geriatric dentistry curriculum.

OBJECTIVE:Compare the efficacy of the micro-osteoperforation (MOP) and corticotomy techniques in terms of maxillary canine retraction. METHODS:Thirteen patients (5 females, 8 males; mean age, 18.07 ± 6.74 years) with healthy permanent dentition and requiring the extraction of maxillary first premolars were included in a split-mouth randomized clinical trial. Those subjects with previous orthodontic or endodontic treatment of the canines were excluded. At least 3 months post-extraction, MOPs and corticotomies were performed distal to the canines. Mini-screws with closed-coil springs (150 g) were used for the canine retraction. Dental casts were made at baseline (T0) and 3 months post-intervention (T1). Trained and calibrated examiners measured the distances from the canines to the second premolars on both sides. A signed-rank sum test was used to compare the amount of canine retraction achieved in 3 months (T0-T1) on the 2 sides. RESULTS:Retraction (mm) at the incisal level was similar in the corticotomy (3.34 ± 1.01) and MOP patients (2.74 ± 1.10) (P = 0.11); furthermore, there were no differences in the degree of medial retraction between the corticotomy (2.56 ± 0.67) and MOP (2.27 ± 0.82) (P = 0.31) procedures. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION:There were not any clinically or statistically significant differences in retraction between the interventions. At 3 months, a MOP is as effective as a corticotomy in accelerating the rate of tooth movement.

OBJECTIVEWe aimed to estimate the overall distribution of odontogenic infection by socio-demographic and medical characteristics in patients admitted to the Adult University Hospital (AUH) in Puerto Rico (PR).METHODSA cross-sectional study was undertaken with the medical charts of 129 patients (≥21 years) with odontogenic infection who had been admitted (2011-2015) to the AUH and treated by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Post - graduate Program of the University of PR. The patients were selected from the hospital's billing database after having been identified using the International Classification of Diseases (9th and 10th revisions). The study variables included age, gender, municipality of residence, medical insurance, infection etiology, surgical and antibiotic treatments, length of stay (LOS), and the presence of diabetes. Descriptive and frequency statistics were calculated for all the variables; chi-squared, Kruskal-Wallis, Kendall tau, and Mann-Whitney tests were performed. A P < .05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTSThe mean age of the subjects was 40.36 (SD: 14.74) years, and they ranged in age from 21 to 81 years; the majority were enrolled in the public health insurance plan of PR. The leading cause of infection was dental caries. Diabetes was associated with longer LOSs; P < .01.CONCLUSIONIn our study, the relative frequency of admitted patients with an odontogenic infection, most of them with low income, increased over time with dental caries being the principal cause of infection.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Patients with nsCL/P are prone to infections due to their open like wound cleft and immune system susceptibility. COVID-19 affected nsCL/P patients access to care and treatment delays. This study will determine COVID-19 infection risk between children with nsCL/P compared to those unaffected. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Retrospective cohort of children 5 years old and under with nsCL/P (exposed group) and children without nsCL/P (unaffected group); matched by age and gender. Participants will be selected from ongoing case-control study (n=500), School of Dental Medicine, and Pediatric University Hospital. Power analysis will calculate minimum sample size (power=0.80 alpha=0.05). Exclusion criteria: syndromic clefts, patients without diagnosis information and with history of co-morbidity. Other bacterial and viral infections present at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis, sex, age, geographic location, COVID-19 vaccination status and others will be considered as possible cofounders. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Odds Ratios at 95% confidence intervals and multiple logistic regression will be estimated. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We hypothesize that we will identify an increased risk of COVID-19 infection in children with nsCL/P than in those unaffected or children without nsCL/P. Children with nsCL/P will also have an increased risk of symptoms and complications of COVID-19 infection than those unaffected. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Knowing the increased risk of COVID-19 infection in children with nsCL/P will aid to prioritize treatment. If a higher risk of COVID-19 infection is found, it will generate a need to modify elective surgery status to semi-elective; minimizing delayed treatments, unnecessary hospitalizations, complications and increased cost of treatment.

Objective. To assess the microtensile bond strength (MTBS) and interfacial characteristics of universal adhesives applied on dentine air-abraded using different powders. The analysis includes the cytotoxicity of the powders and their effect on odontogenic gene expression. Methods. Sound human dentine specimens were air-abraded using bioglass 45S5 (BAG), polycarboxylated zinc-doped bioglass (SEL), alumina (AL) and submitted to SEM analysis. Resin composite was bonded to air-abraded or smear layer-covered dentine (SML) using an experimental (EXP) or a commercial adhesive (ABU) in etch&rinse (ER) or self-etch (SE) modes. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva (AS) and subjected to MTBS testing after 24 h and 10 months. Interfacial nanoleakage assessment was accomplished using confocal microscopy. The cytotoxicity of the powders was assessed, also the total RNA was extracted and the expression of odontogenic genes was evaluated through RT-PCR. Results. After prolonged AS storage, specimens in the control (SML) and AL groups showed a significant drop in MTBS (p > 0.05), with degradation evident within the bonding interface. Specimens in BAG or SEL air-abraded dentine groups showed no significant difference, with resin-dentine interfaces devoid of important degradation. The metabolic activity of pulp stem cells was not affected by the tested powders. SEL and BAG had no effect on the expression of odontoblast differentiation markers. However, AL particles interfered with the expression of the odontogenic markers.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of short root anomaly (SRA) in a group of Puerto Ricans at the Advanced Education Program in Orthodontics of the University of Puerto Rico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with digital panoramic x-rays of 203 patients (112 females and 91 males; mean age: 17 years) in Puerto Rico. Utilizing the modified Lind’s method, 406 maxillary right and left central incisors (1) were measured and evaluated for SRA. Root and crown length and R/C ratio were compared by sex and side. Linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between the R/C ratio and age, sex, and side (right/left). All the statistical analyses were evaluated using significance level of .05 (2). Results: The prevalence of SRA was 0.49%. The average root and crown lengths for the maxillary right and left central incisors were 19.47 and 10.28 mm, respectively. Sex was associated with root and crown length, not with the R/C ratio. No differences were observed in the R/C ratio by the side. There were no significant associations between age, sex, and side and R/C ratio in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The prevalence of SRA in our population is lower than any reported in the literature. The R/C ratio in our Hispanic population was the highest compared with those of other ethnicities. Neither the sex nor the side of the incisor was associated with the R/C ratio. These findings are contrary to those of prior reports stating that males have higher R/C ratios than females.

The use of alloplastic chin implants has been associated with a risk of bone resorption. The aims of this study were to evaluate, in patients with microgenia, the association between chin implants and bone resorption and identify the associated risk factors for such resorption. The sample consisted of 51 patients with microgenia: 17 with chin implants (group A, placed over the course of a 15-year period [2002-2017]) and 34 without implants (group B). Cone-beam computed tomography was used to evaluate bone erosion in different areas of the chin. The patients were evaluated, and their medical records were reviewed to identify risk factors. A chi-square or Fisher exact test and the Mann-Whitney test were used to compare groups; resorption sites were compared with Friedman test. Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between potential risk factors and resorption. Bone resorption was higher in group A than in group B (mean ± SD: 0.98 ± 0.63 mm vs 0.03 ± 0.12 mm; P < .0001). Symphyseal buccal cortical bone in group A was thinner (1.66 ± 0.34 mm) than it was in group B (2.07 ± 0.45 mm), P < .001. Group A showed appositional bone growth and no cortical bone perforation. The mean of the amount of bone resorption of chin implant patients compared with that of those without implants was, on average, 0.99 mm greater (95% confidence interval: 0.64-1.35; P < .001). Although statistically significant differences in bone resorption were observed between groups, these differences were not clinically significant. Thinning of symphyseal buccal cortical bone without perforation and appositional bone growth occurred in chin implant patients, suggesting bone remodeling. Our results suggest that bone that is in contact with chin implants remodels and remains stable throughout the years, instead of undergoing progressive resorption.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The objective of the study is to compare two horizontal bone augmentation techniques (bone expansion and bone splitting) that are currently used for horizontally deficient maxillary ridges. Bone expanded in millimeters (mm), implant stability, and patient satisfaction will be compared with each technique. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This pilot (prospective cohort) study will be divided in two sites, a private practice and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) Clinic at the University of Puerto Rico, School of Dental Medicine. A total of 20 patients will be selected, 10 patients in each site. In both sites, pre-operative and post-operative Cone Beam CT radiographs will be taken to measure bone width. Implant stability will be measured using an Osstell. 2 weeks post-surgery, a patient satisfaction questionnaire will be given to patients. A two-sample T test will be used to compare techniques statistically. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate that bone expansion will be as good as (non-inferiority) bone splitting in terms of bone expanded in millimeters to desire width, and implant diameter will not be compromised. We also expect that implants placed with the bone manipulation technique will have a higher implant stability at baseline and less pain, discomfort and swelling in terms of patient satisfaction. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Our contributions here are expected to illustrate clinical and radiographic bone expansion techniques that will enhance implant placement treatment for implantologists and patient’s experience.

Objective: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in children. Currently, no data are available on dental caries prevalence in the Dominican Republic. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dental caries in school-attending 12-year-olds in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study using a probabilistic sample, stratified by type of school (public/private) and gender, was conducted. Two calibrated examiners conducted the evaluations of oral soft/hard tissues. Caries experience was summarized in terms of prevalence; the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and surfaces (DMFS); and the significant caries (SiC) index, in all the participants, and by gender and school type. Logistic and Poisson regression models were used to compare caries experience by sex and school type. Results: Four hundred and two 12-year-olds enrolled in 14 public and 11 private schools were evaluated. The overall dental caries prevalence was 73%. The mean DMFS was 3.87, the mean DMFT was 2.64, and the SiC index was 5.07. Girls had significantly higher mean DMFS, DMFT, and SiC indices than did boys. Public school attendees had significantly higher DMFS, DMFT, and SiC indices than did those children attending private schools. The decayed (D) component accounted for 71% of the DMFT value. Conclusion: The WHO's goal of all 12-year-olds having a DMFT less than or equal to 3 was met by all the participants in our study. Girls and public-school attendees carry the burden of the disease. The high D component of the index suggests that there are unmet dental-caries needs. This information will assist in the design and implementation of future primary and secondary prevention programs.

OBJECTIVE:Compare maxillary anterior dentition measurements, using Chu's proportion gauge with a T-bar tip (PG-TT) and a Two-Tip Compass (T-TC), in a group of Puerto Ricans, to determine the reliability of the PG-TT.METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Puerto Rico, School of Dental Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus. The participants (18-35 years old) were dental students or employees of the university. Previously, the examiner had been trained and calibrated in instrument usage. Calibration participants (n = 16) received an oral exam, prophylaxis, and a chlorhexidine mouthwash for home use. After 3 days, the upper-anterior teeth were measured using the 2 instruments. The agreement was determined using weighted kappa statistics (Kw), and 0.80 was the minimum acceptable level. The examiner achieved almost perfect agreement (inter-examiner KwT-TC = 0.95 [0.96-0.93]; KwPG-TT = 0.82 [0.81-0.87]) with a reference examiner.RESULTS:Fifty participants (25 women and 25 men) were evaluated. Length: The teeth of the men presented an unacceptable level of agreement, except for in the right central incisors. For the women, a strong level of agreement was observed only in the lateral incisors and left canines. When the teeth of both sexes were considered, a strong level of agreement was detected, except for in the right canines and left central incisors. Width: The level of agreement was unacceptable, except for in the right canines (distal).CONCLUSION:T-TC is a more reliable instrument to measure tooth dimensions as compared to the PG-TT.

The aim of the SmoCar (Smoking in the Caribbean) study was to estimate the prevalence of smoking and the disparities in the smoking practices of three regions in the Caribbean: Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. The secondary objective was to assess the prevalence and severity of gingivitis in relation to the smoking practices. The study population comprised 1,847 (weighted N = 1,830) individuals (18 years and older) who were volunteer participants from the capitals of Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. A structured interview was used to assess the participants' smoking behaviors. The gingival index was used to determine the extent of gingival inflammation. Polytomous regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for smoking status (current, past, or never), according to risk factors (sex, age-group, education, marital status, tooth-brushing frequency, and city of residence). Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between different smoking status variables and mild to moderate/severe gingivitis. The majority of the participants were never-smokers, with current smokers being found most commonly in Kingston (33.22%), followed by San Juan (12.76%) and Santo Domingo (8.8%). Both current (aOR = 2.22, 95% confidence interval [1.45, 3.40]) and past (aOR = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [1.19, 2.93]) smoking (vs. never smoking) was strongly associated with severe gingivitis. Smoking was the most prevalent in Jamaicans and the least prevalent in Dominicans. The study population of current smokers was found to have a fourfold increased risk of severe gingivitis and a twofold increased risk of moderate gingivitis.

Gingivitis is a common oral health problem. Untreated gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, a common cause of tooth loss. The prevalence of gingivitis and calculus among Puerto Rican children is unknown. Understanding this prevalence can support early public health preventative strategies. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of gingivitis and calculus among 12-year-old Puerto Ricans by health region and to explore differences in distribution by school type (proxy for socio-economic status) and gender.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence, severity, and associated risk factors of gingival inflammation in a group of adults from Kingston, Jamaica; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Methods: In this representative cross-sectional study, participants completed medical and oral health questionnaires and received an oral clinical examination by trained and calibrated examiners. Clinical assessments included: gingival health (modified Loe-Silness index), visible plaque and presence of calculus. Findings were summarized as mean overall and interproximal gingival indices (GI; IGI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), gingival inflammation prevalence (GI >= 0.5) and severity (mild, moderate, severe), mean and interproximal visible plaque indices (VPI; IVPI), and calculus index. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between risk factors and gingival bleeding on probing (BOP) at >= 40% sites;. odds ratios were estimated. Results: All 1,847 participants presented gingival inflammation; most (81.9%) had moderate inflammation. Mean GI, VPI, IVPI, and calculus indices were 1.49, 0.94, 0.96, and 0.66, respectively; most participants presented a VPI >= 30%. BOP >= 40% of sites was significantly associated with education (ORmiddle/technical (vs.university education)=1.61; p =0.001 and ORnone/basicvs.university= 2.86; p<0.001), calculus index (OR: 10.35), VPI >= 30% (OR: 7.85; p<0.001 for both), and being a resident of Kingston or Santo Domingo (vs. San Juan, OR: 4. 74 and OR: 7.09, respectively), after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, dental visit frequency, diabetes, and hypertension. Conclusion: Gingival inflammation was highly prevalent. Most participants presented moderate gingival inflammation. Educational attainment, dental calculus, and VPI >= 30% were strongly associated with gingival inflammation.

This study aimed to evaluate the scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in preventing and arresting caries in the primary dentition and permanent first molars. A systematic review (SR) was performed by 2 independent reviewers using 3 electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus). The database search employed the following key words: "topical fluorides" AND "children" AND "clinical trials"; "topical fluorides" OR "silver diamine fluoride" AND "randomized controlled trial"; "silver diamine fluoride" AND "children" OR "primary dentition" AND "tooth decay"; "silver diamine fluoride" OR "sodium fluoride varnish" AND "early childhood caries"; and "silver diamine fluoride" AND "children". Inclusion criteria were articles published in English, from 2005 to January 2016, on clinical studies using SDF as a treatment intervention to evaluate caries arrest in children with primary dentition and/or permanent first molars. Database searches provided 821 eligible publications, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria. After the abstracts were prescreened, 25 articles were dismissed based on exclusion criteria. The remaining 8 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 7 publications were included in the SR. These included 1 study assessing the effectiveness of SDF at different concentrations; 3 studies comparing SDF with other interventions; 2 investigations comparing SDF at different application frequencies and with other interventions; and 1 study comparing semiannual SDF applications versus a control group. The literature indicates that SDF is a preventive treatment for dental caries in community settings. At concentrations of 30% and 38%, SDF shows potential as an alternative treatment for caries arrest in the primary dentition and permanent first molars. To establish guidelines, more studies are needed to fully assess the effectiveness of SDF and to determine the appropriate application frequency.

OBJECTIVEGingivitis, an inflammation of the gingival tissues, typically progresses to periodontitis. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of gingivitis in 35- to 70-year-olds residing in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and assess the differences in gingivitis distribution between age and gender groups.METHODSA cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with a sample of patients from a private practice and patients/employees of the Puerto Rico Medical Center. Participants completed a medical history questionnaire and received soft/hard tissue and gingival assessments based on a modified Löe-Silness index. Descriptive statistics were employed to estimate the overall gingivitis prevalence, severity (mild, moderate, severe), and mean gingival index (GI). Bleeding on probing (BOP) prevalence and the mean percentage of BOP sites were calculated by gender and age. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between age, gender, and severity in 3 categories; multivariate logistic regression was used for having >=40% sites with BOP (vs. having <40% sites with BOP as reference). Odds ratios were also estimated.RESULTSAll 300 participants (52% women; 48% men) had gingivitis. The mean GI was 1.38. Moderate gingivitis was detected in 83% of the participants, mild in 7.3%, and severe in 9.3%. BOP was observed in 99% of the subjects (mean % BOP sites = 34%). After adjusting for age, men had significantly higher odds of moderate (OR = 4.66) and severe gingivitis (OR =10.06), compared to women, as well as 1.76 times higher odds of having 40% or more sites with BOP.CONCLUSIONGingivitis was observed in all participants. Men had significantly higher GI, compared to women. The prevalence of gingivitis was higher in Puerto Rico than in the US.