Does the neuromotor abnormality type affect the salivary parameters in individuals with cerebral palsy?

Risk Factors for Dental Caries Experience in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy—A Scoping Review

Cerebral palsy is a developmental motor disorder which has far-reaching impacts on oral health. This scoping review examined the extent of research undertaken regarding the risk factors affecting dental caries experience in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Data were obtained from the electronic databases Web of Science and PubMed, using 10 search strings, for studies published between 1983 and 2018. Eligible studies were required to have investigated caries in children under 18 with cerebral palsy, as well as be written in English. 30 papers published were identified for inclusion in the review. These included 23 cross-sectional, 6 case–control, and 1 longitudinal study. Studies were categorized into six domains of risk factors: socioeconomic status (SE); cerebral palsy subtype (CPS); demographics (D); condition of oral cavity (OC); dental habits (DH); nutrition and diet (ND). This review was conducted and reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The most significant risk factors were caregiver-related education levels, oral health literacy, and sugar intake; this underlines the important role of special education and dental awareness in reducing dental caries incidence in CP children. Other factors showed divergent findings, highlighting the need for standardization and culturally specific studies in future literature.

Review of paediatric gastrointestinal physiology relevant to the absorption of orally administered medicines

Despite much progress in regulations to improve paediatric drug development, there remains a significant need to develop better medications for children. For the design of oral dosage forms, a detailed understanding of the specific gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in children of different age categories and how they differ from GI conditions in adults is essential. Several review articles have been published addressing the ontogeny of GI characteristics, including luminal conditions in the GI tract of children. However, the data reported in most of these reviews are of limited quality because (1) information was cited from very old publications and sometimes low quality sources, (2) data gaps in the original data were filled with textbook knowledge, (3) data obtained on healthy and sick children were mixed, (4) average data obtained on groups of patients were mixed with data obtained on individual patients, and (5) results obtained using investigative techniques that may have altered the outcome of the respective studies were considered. Consequently, many of these reviews draw conclusions that may be incorrect. The aim of the present review was to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the available original data on the ontogeny of GI luminal conditions relevant to oral drug absorption in the paediatric population. To this end, the PubMed and Web of Science metadatabases were searched for appropriate studies that examined age-related conditions in the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon. Maturation was observed for several GI parameters, and corresponding data sets were identified for each paediatric age group. However, it also became clear that the ontogeny of several GI traits in the paediatric population is not yet known. The review article provides a robust and valuable data set for the development of paediatric in vitro and in silico biopharmaceutical tools to support the development of age-appropriate dosage forms. In addition, it provides important information on existing data gaps and should provide impetus for further systematic and well-designed in vivo studies on GI physiology in children of specific age groups in order to close existing knowledge gaps and to sustainably improve oral drug therapy in children.

Caries prevalence using ICDAS visual criteria and risk assessment in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: A comparative study

AIMS

To compare the dental caries prevalence using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) and the caries risk by Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and normoactives (NAs).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixty children and adolescents aged 6-12 years (30 CP/30 NA) were clinically evaluated by one calibrated examiner using two-digit ICDAS criteria and converted into components of dmf/DMF indices: d2mf2/D2MF2 (enamel and dentin lesions) and d3mf3/D3MF3 (dentin lesions). An adapted CAMBRA was used for risk classification. The mean d2mf2s/d2mf2t and D2MF2S/D2MF2T for CP were 17.0 ± 16.8/7.5 ± 4.3 and 10.7 ± 17.6/5.3 ± 5.8, respectively, and for NA were 17.2 ± 16.9 /6.9 ± 4.8 and 11.1 ± 11.7/5.5 ± 4.7, respectively. The mean d3mf3s/d3mf3t and D3MF3S/D3MF3T for CP were 10.1 ± 16.7/3.0 ± 4.1 and 4.9 ± 15.6/0.2 ± 0.4, respectively, while for NA the mean values were 9.8 ± 13.0/3.5 ± 3.8 and 2.1 ± 5.7/0.9 ± 2.0, respectively. There were no statistically differences for caries prevalence and risk in both groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Dental caries was highly prevalent in CP and NA children and adolescents. Enamel and dentin lesions and high caries risk were the most common condition.

Oral health effects of botulinum toxin treatment for drooling: a systematic review

Background

Drooling is a major morbidity in several neurological diseases. Intraglandular botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections have been used to manage this condition. However, by decreasing salivary flow, BoNT injections may result in an increased risk of caries and other oral adverse effects. In this study, we aimed to assess whether, in patients with drooling, intraglandular BoNT injections are associated with increased dental caries development, modifications on salivary composition (oral pH, buffering capacity and osmolality) and cariogenic bacterial load.

Material and Methods

We performed a systematic review, searching PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus for all experimental and observational studies reporting on adverse effects of intraglandular BoNT injections in patients with drooling. Primary study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were independently performed by two researchers. No studies were excluded based on their language, publication status or date of publication. Studies’ quality was based on revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. Meta-analysis was not performed.

Results

We retrieved 1025 studies, of which 5 were included. Two studies were two randomized controlled trials and three quasi-experimental studies. None of the included studies found BoNT injections to be associated with dental caries development or with significant reductions in oral pH. One of the included primary studies even observed an increase in salivary buffer capacity. One study found an increase in Lactobacilli counts. As for the risk of bias, two studies were classified as having a critical risk, two as high risk and one as having some concerns.

Conclusions

Currently, there is no evidence that, in patients with drooling, BoNT injections associate with increased risk of dental caries or disturbances in oral pH or salivary buffering capacity. However, the included primary studies had important limitations and differences in their methodologies.

Key words:Neurological diseases, drooling, sialorrhea, botulinum toxin, oral health, caries, saliva.

Inflammatory markers in the saliva of cerebral palsy individuals with gingivitis after periodontal treatment

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of periodontal treatment on the salivary cytokine levels and clinical parameters of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) with gingivitis. A non-randomized, clinical trial was conducted in individuals diagnosed with spastic CP. Thirty-eight individuals were enrolled in the study and were categorized according to gingival index scores between 0-1 or 2-3, assigned to groups G2 or G1, respectively. Periodontal treatment comprised oral hygiene instructions, conventional mechanical treatment and 0.12% chlorhexidine applied as an adjunct. Clinical parameters and saliva samples were collected at baseline and at the 15-day follow-up visit. Bleeding on probing and periodontal screening and recording were determined. Non-stimulated saliva samples were obtained, and the salivary flow rate, the osmolality and the levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-12p70 were evaluated by a cytometric bead array. The Wilcoxon test, the Mann-Whitney test, Spearman correlation analysis, Poisson regression analysis and an adjusted analysis were performed (α = 0.05). The groups differed significantly in periodontal clinical parameters at baseline and at follow-up. Salivary flow rate and osmolality were similar in both groups at both timepoints. However, TNF-α and IL-1β levels were higher in G1 than in G2 at baseline. Mechanical treatment resulted in improved clinical parameters for both groups. Furthermore, mechanical treatment resulted in a significant reduction in salivary IL-1β and IL-8 levels for both groups after treatment. Periodontal treatment performed in individuals with CP and gingivitis reduces the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8.

A controlled study comparing salivary osmolality, caries experience and caries risk in patients with cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a permanent neurological disorder accompanied by secondary musculoskeletal masticatory disorder, with repercussion on chewing and deglutition functions. In these conditions, the liquids ingestion is compromised resulting in salivary osmolality alteration. The objective of this study was to compare salivary osmolality, caries experience and caries risk between normoreactive individuals and patients with CP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The participants were 4-20 years old: 52 patients with CP treated at a reference rehabilitation centre (study group, SG), and 52 normoreactive individuals (control group, CG). Saliva was collected for five minutes using cotton rolls. Following centrifugation, salivary osmolality was determined by freezing point depression osmometry. Evaluations included caries experience (DMFT index), and caries risk based on a caries-risk assessment tool (CAT). Descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi square and Student t tests) were used to compare the groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed and the area under the ROC curve (Az) was calculated. The level of significance was set at 5%.

RESULTS

The groups were homogeneous for sex (p=0.843) and age (p=0.128). In the SG, spastic type CP was the most prevalent (80.8%), and patients showed significantly higher salivary osmolality values compared with the CG (p<0.001). No significant differences in caries experience (p=0.159) or caries risk (p=0.297) were observed. ROC curve analysis determined a salivary osmolality cutoff point of >74 for the SG and >54 for the CG in the presence of dental caries. A significant correlation was verified between salivary osmolality and the DMFT index for the SG (p≤0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients with CP showed higher salivary osmolality values, higher caries experience and caries risk were not observed compared with normoreactive individuals.

Gingivitis and salivary osmolality in children with cerebral palsy

AIM

To investigate the influence of salivary osmolality on the occurrence of gingivitis in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

DESIGN

A total of 82 children with spastic CP were included in this cross-sectional study. Oral motor performance and gingival conditions were evaluated. Unstimulated saliva was collected using cotton swabs, and salivary osmolality was measured using a freezing point depression osmometer. Spearman's coefficient, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Strong correlation (r > 0.7) was determined among salivary osmolality, salivary flow rate, visible plaque, dental calculus, and the occurrence of gingivitis. The area under the ROC to predict the influence of salivary osmolality on the occurrence of gingivitis was 0.88 (95% CI 0.81-0.96; P < 0.001). The cutoff value of 84.5 for salivary osmolality presented good sensitivity and specificity, both higher than 77%. The proportion of children presenting salivary osmolality ≤84.5 mOsm/kgH₂ O and gingivitis was 22.5%, whereas for the group presenting osmolality >84.5 mOsm/kgH₂ O, the proportion of children with gingivitis was 77.5%. Salivary osmolality above 84.5 increased the likelihood of gingivitis fivefold, whereas each additional 0.1 mL of salivary flow reduced the likelihood of gingivitis by 97%.

CONCLUSION

Gingivitis occurs more frequently in children with CP showing increased values of salivary osmolality.

Caracterização dos pacientes e procedimentos executados no serviço de atendimento a pacientes com necessidades especiais da Faculdade de Odontologia de Araraquara – UNESP

ResumoObjetivoCaracterizar os pacientes atendidos e os procedimentos realizados no Serviço de Atendimento a Pacientes com Necessidades Especiais da Faculdade de Odontologia de Araraquara (FOAr) – UNESP.MetodologiaA partir dos prontuários odontológicos dos pacientes atendidos em nível ambulatorial entre 2007 e 2013, foram obtidas informações em relação a idade no início do tratamento, tipo de deficiência, medicamentos usados, número de sessões de atendimento e número e tipo de procedimentos odontológicos realizados.ResultadoDos 232 prontuários analisados, observou-se que mais da metade dos pacientes (56,0%) apresentava deficiência mental, paralisia cerebral ou anomalias congênitas determinadas por agentes infecciosos, com deficiência mental associada. Entre as anomalias congênitas, a mais prevalente foi a Síndrome de Down (9,9%). Apenas 20% dos pacientes iniciaram o tratamento antes dos dez anos de idade e 62,0% faziam uso de anticonvulsivantes, antipsicóticos, ansiolíticos, antiepilépticos e antidepressivos. Foram realizados 4.506 procedimentos odontológicos, sendo 37,6% preventivos e 62,4% curativos (Restauradores, 28,0%; Periodontais, 13,9%; Endodônticos, 9,7%; Cirúrgicos, 9,1%; Protéticos, 1,7%). Observou-se também que, para a maior parte dos pacientes (63%), foram necessárias até dez sessões para a realização do tratamento.ConclusãoOs pacientes que procuraram tratamento odontológico no Serviço de Atendimento a Pacientes com Necessidades Especiais da FOAr apresentavam, na sua maioria, deficiências com envolvimento neurológico. Apesar de esse serviço priorizar os procedimentos preventivos, a maior parte dos procedimentos executados foi curativa, o que está diretamente relacionado com a procura tardia pelo tratamento odontológico.

Avaliação da microdureza do esmalte de dentes decíduos de crianças com paralisia cerebral

INTRODUÇÃO: Em indivíduos com paralisia cerebral, ocorre redução do fluxo salivar, o que pode predispor à hipomineralização do esmalte e à cárie dentária. OBJETIVO: Comparar a microdureza do esmalte de dentes decíduos anteriores e posteriores de crianças com paralisia cerebral (PC) e crianças normorreativas (NR). MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram utilizados 58 dentes decíduos esfoliados/extraídos, que foram distribuídos em quatro grupos: (A) anteriores de PC (n=14); (B) anteriores de NR (n=16); (C) posteriores de PC (n=14), e (D) posteriores de NR (n=14). Os dentes foram seccionados, incluídos em resina acrílica, lixados e polidos. A análise da microdureza longitudinal foi realizada em microdurômetro com endentador do tipo Knoop, com carga estática de 25 g/f e tempo de 5 segundos. Foram realizadas três fileiras de 12 endentações, distanciadas entre si em 100 mm, com profundidade entre 10 e 180 mm. Foram obtidas as médias de cada profundidade para cada dente e, posteriormente, as médias de cada profundidade para cada grupo avaliado. O teste estatístico empregado foi o de Mann-Whitney (α=5%). RESULTADO: As médias de microdureza foram 253,5 ± 55,3 (A), 247,6 ± 45,7 (B), 284,4 ± 68,7 (C) e 252,2 ± 53,8 (D). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos A e B e os grupos C e D, para cada profundidade e para a média global (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Pôde-se concluir que a microdureza de esmalte de dentes decíduos anteriores e posteriores de crianças com PC foi semelhante à microdureza de esmalte de dentes decíduos de crianças normorreativas.

Impact of oral health behaviors on dental caries in children with intellectual disabilities in Guangzhou, China

Dental care is consistently reported as one of the primary medical needs of children with disabilities (IDC). The aim of the present study was to explore the influence of oral health behaviors on the caries experience in children with intellectual disabilities in Guangzhou, China. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 477 intellectually disabled children, 12 to 17 years old, who were randomly selected from special educational schools in Guangzhou. A self-administered parental questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and oral health behavior variables, and 450 valid questionnaires were returned. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with dental caries. The average age of those in the sample was 14.6 years (SD = 1.3), 68.4% of whom were male, and the caries prevalence rate was 53.5% (DMFT = 1.5 ± 2.0). The factors significantly affecting the development of dental caries in IDC included gender, the presence or absence of cerebral palsy, and the frequency of dental visits and toothbrushing. In conclusion, the presence of cerebral palsy contributed to an increase risk of caries experience in intellectually disabled children, while toothbrushing more than twice a day and routine dental visits were caries-protective factors. Oral health promotion action may lead to a reduction in dental caries levels in IDC.

Clinical oral and salivary parameters of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical oral and salivary parameters of individuals with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical parameters and whole saliva were collected from children aged 6 to 12 years with JIA (n = 36) and from a healthy, matched control group (n = 36). The clinical and salivary parameters evaluated were the dental caries (decayed, missing, or filled teeth), gingival and simplified oral hygiene indices, salivary flow rate, pH, buffer capacity, total protein, and secretory immunoglobulin A concentrations.

RESULTS

JIA individuals presented poorer oral hygiene (P ≤ .05) but no difference in the dental caries and gingival indices. JIA patients presented an increase in total protein concentration (86%) and buffer capacity in the range of pH 6.9 to 6.0 (10%) and a reduction in initial pH (6%), buffer capacity in the range of pH ≥ 7.0 (50%), and immunoglobulin A concentration (27%) (P ≤ .05).

CONCLUSIONS

JIA is associated with poor oral hygiene and salivary changes, including reductions in immune factors and an altered profile of salivary buffer capacity.

Enteral nutrition feeding alters antioxidant activity in unstimulated whole saliva composition of patients with neurological disorders

Patients with neurological disorders have an increased risk of oral and systemic diseases due to compromised oral hygiene. If patients lose the ability to swallow and chew food as a result of their disorder, enteral nutrition is often utilized. However, this type of feeding may modify salivary antioxidant defenses, resulting in increased oxidative damage and the emergence of various diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of enteral nutrition on biochemical parameters in the unstimulated whole saliva composition of patients with neurological disorders. For this, enzymatic (superoxide dismutase - SOD; glutathione peroxidase - GPx) and non-enzymatic (uric acid; ferric ion reducing antioxidant power - FRAP) antioxidant activity, as well as a marker for oxidative damage (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS) were analyzed. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from 12 patients with neurological disorders and tube-feeding (tube-fed group - TFG), 15 patients with neurological disorders and normal feeding via the mouth (non-tube-fed group - NTFG), and 12 volunteers without neurological disorders (control group - CG). The daily oral hygiene procedures of TFG and NTFG patients were similar and dental care was provided monthly by the same institution's dentist. All patients exhibited adequate oral health conditions. The salivary levels of FRAP, uric acid, SOD, GPx, TBARS, and total protein were compared between studied groups. FRAP was increased (p<0.05) in the NTFG (4,651 ± 192.5 mmol/mL) and the TFG (4,743 ± 116.7 mmol/mL) when compared with the CG (1,844 ± 343.8 mmol/mL). GPx values were lower (p<0.05) in the NTGF (8.24 ± 1.09 mmol/min/mg) and the TFG (8.37 ± 1.60 mmol/min/mg) than in the CG (15.30 ± 2.61 mmol/min/mg). Uric acid in the TFG (1.57 ± 0.23 mg/dL) was significantly lower than in the NTFG (2.34 ± 0.20mg/dL) and the CG (3.49 ± 0.21 mg/dL). Protein was significantly lower in the TFG (5.35 ± 0.27 g/dL) than in the NTFG (7.22 ± 0.57 g/dL) and the CG (7.86 ± 0.54 g/dL). There was no difference in the salivary flow rate and SOD between groups. Enteral nutrition in patients with neurological disorders was associated with lower oxidative damage, resulting in increased salivary antioxidant capacity. These results emphasize the importance of oral care for this population to prevent oral and systemic diseases.

Assessing salivary osmolality as a caries risk indicator in cerebral palsy children

BACKGROUND

Salivary osmolality reflects the hydration status of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) necessary for an adequate unstimulated salivary flow rate.

AIM

To investigate whether salivary osmolality could serve as a potential indicator of caries risk in children with spastic CP by displaying a stronger association with caries occurrence than salivary flow rate.

DESIGN

The convenience sample consisted of 65 children with CP aged 6-13 years old. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected using cotton roll, and salivary osmolality was measured using a freezing point depression osmometer. The children's oral motor performance was evaluated during the feeding process using the Oral Motor Assessment Scale. Caries occurrence was also evaluated according the World Health Organization criteria.

RESULTS

Motor skills were significantly associated with caries experience. Regarding the salivary parameters, osmolality presented a stronger association with caries experience than did the salivary flow rate. Children with worse oral motor performance presented a higher rate of caries occurrence.

CONCLUSION

Osmolality exhibited a stronger association with caries occurrence than did salivary flow rate. This parameter, therefore, could be a potential caries risk indicator for spastic cerebral palsy children.

Experiência de cárie e osmolaridade salivar em crianças com paralisia cerebral

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos têm demonstrado que quanto maior a severidade do dano neurológico em crianças com paralisia cerebral (PC), maior é o risco de doenças orais. OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a experiência de cárie com a osmolaridade salivar em crianças com PC. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 99 crianças (9,2±2,3 anos) com PC, em tratamento reabilitacional. A saliva de repouso foi coletada no período matutino, utilizando rolos absorventes (Salivette®) por cinco minutos. A osmolaridade salivar foi medida por depressão do ponto de congelamento em osmômetro. As avaliações incluíram a experiência de cárie pelo índice de dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados (CPOD), e o motor oral durante o processo de alimentação da criança. Foram utilizados os testes Qui-quadrado, t de Student, Correlação de Spearman e razão de chances (OR), com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADO: O grupo 1 (G1) foi composto por 41 crianças livres de cárie e o grupo 2 (G2), por 58 crianças com cárie (CPOD=3,5±2,7). Os grupos foram homogêneos para gênero (p=0,884) e idade (p=0,174). Entretanto, diferiram significantemente com relação à motricidade oral, apresentando G2 maiores porcentagens de crianças com motor oral subfuncional (p<0,001) e tetraparéticos (p=0,001). O G2 apresentou valores significantemente maiores (p<0,001) para osmolaridade (99,6±36,7mOsml) quando comparado ao G1 (76,7±15,9mOsml). Observou-se uma correlação significante entre osmolaridade e experiência de cárie (p<0,001). Apresentar osmolaridade superior a 76,7 (OR=5,18; 1,85 a 14,83) foi determinante individual de maior probabilidade de apresentar risco de cárie (CPOD>0). CONCLUSÃO: Maiores valores de osmolaridade salivar aumentam o risco de cárie em crianças com PC.

Association between executive/attentional functions and caries in children with cerebral palsy

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the existence of an association between attention/executive functions and the development of dental caries in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Seventy-six children with CP were selected from a physical rehabilitation center and a school serving children with disabilities. The control group was made up of 89 children without neurological impairment. Socioeconomic status, presence of teeth with cavities due to caries, degree of motor impairment and intellectual, executive and attentional functions were assessed. Mean age of participants was 8.9 years (SD=3.56). The CP group had a significantly lower performance (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney test) on the intelligence, attentional function and executive function tests in comparison to the control group. Controlling for the clinical diagnosis (CP or control group), motor impairment and intellectual function, the significant explanatory variables for the presence of teeth with cavities were performance on the Complex Rey figure test (OR=0.941) and the Digit Span subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children in backward order (OR=0.581). After controlling for intellectual function, clinical diagnosis and motor impairment, deficits in executive and attentional functions increased the odds of developing dental caries in children with cerebral palsy.

Increased salivary immunoglobulin A and reduced α-amylase activity in whole saliva from spastic cerebral palsy individuals

BACKGROUND

Salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) together with innate defenses such as α-amylase, provides the 'first line of defense' against pathogens present at mucosal surfaces. This study aimed to evaluate salivary α-amylase and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in whole saliva of spastic cerebral palsy (CP) individuals.

METHODS

Whole saliva was collected from 22 CP and 24 sibling volunteers with no neurological damage control groups (CG) (aged 7-14 years). The salivary flow rate, total protein and SIgA concentrations, and α-amylase activity were determined.

RESULTS

The CP group presented higher salivary flow rate (35%) and lower total protein concentration (18%) compared with the CG (P ≤ 0.05). CPG had higher absolute (68%, μg SIgA/ml) and relative (55%, μg SIgA/mg prot and 108%, μg SIgA/min) concentrations of IgA compared with the CG (P ≤ 0.05). CPG had lower relative α-amylase activity (15% mg malt/mg prot and 33%, mg malt/min) compared with the CG (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that CP individuals presented alterations in the profile of salivary proteins involved in the defense system of the oral cavity.