Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Social determinants of health refer to the economic, social, regulatory and political forces that can have a positive or negative impact on the health of communities. Dental caries and its consequences when not treated can affect people's quality of life. The objective was to describe the relationship between social determinants, dental caries and its consequences in children from the Manta canton. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 218 children between 5 and 14 years of age from the Manta canton, in Ecuador. A modification of form 033 was applied and a clinical examination was performed to identify the DMFT, dmft, PUFA and pufa index, in addition to a questionnaire on social determinants of health. The prevalence of caries in primary dentition was 100% and in permanent teeth 6%. On the other hand, the prevalence of pulpal conditions as a consequence of untreated dental caries was 19.3% in primary dentition and 4.1% in permanent dentition. Furthermore, the DMFT index was 0.17 ± 0.746 teeth and the dmft index was 5.85 ± 3.360 teeth, while the PUFA/pufa was 0.10/0.61. Factors such as diet, income and employment influenced the level of caries rates and their consequences.

Controlling blood glucose appropriately is essential for the prevention of oral diseases and severe complications after dental care. Objective: to identify the importance of glycemic control in dental care through a review of the literature published between 2019-2024 in databases such as Pubmed, Bireme, Scielo, Science Direct. Materials and methods: A narrative review of the literature published in databases such as Pubmed, Sience Direct, Bireme, Scielo, Google Scholar was carried out, using as a search term: glycemic control, dental care, hyperglycemia, diabetes, dental management; articulated with the term "AND". The search yielded 25 articles, of which 5 were discarded for not having updated information and 20 were fully reviewed. Results. From the 20 selected articles, it was found that several authors highlight the importance of dentists thoroughly evaluating the glycemic control of their diabetic patients. The implementation of protocols that include the review of the clinical history and the performance of laboratory tests before treatments can prevent complications and improve the results of dental care in this group of patients. Conclusion: Glycemic control is of vital importance in dental care, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus. The results of this study indicate that controlling glycemia decreases the risk of postoperative complications, oral infections and minimizes the risk of periodontal disease, among other complications associated with dental treatment without glycemic control.

La identificación forense en contextos de ahogamiento representa un desafío considerable debido al deterioro acelerado de los tejidos blandos, lo que dificulta la aplicación de métodos tradicionales como el reconocimiento visual o la dactiloscopía. En este escenario, la odontología forense emerge como una herramienta fundamental por la resistencia estructural del tejido dentario, permitiendo la comparación entre registros antemortem y post mortem para establecer la identidad del individuo. El presente reporte documenta el caso de una mujer adulta joven, hallada sin vida en la playa de Curia, provincia de Santa Elena (Ecuador), en estado avanzado de descomposición tras presunta muerte por inmersión. El análisis forense incluyó la obtención de radiografías dentales post mortem y su cotejo con registros antemortem proporcionados desde el país de origen de la víctima. Durante el proceso comparativo se identificaron discrepancias relevantes entre las imágenes antemortem y post mortem, relacionadas con diferencias en morfología radicular, presencia y ubicación de restauraciones, y angulación de piezas dentarias. Estas inconsistencias impidieron alcanzar una identificación positiva, concluyéndose que los registros antemortem no correspondían a la persona analizada. Se recomendó la verificación de la procedencia de los documentos clínicos y la aplicación de métodos complementarios de identificación, como el análisis de ADN. Este caso resalta tanto el potencial como las limitaciones de la odontología forense en contextos de inmersión prolongada y subraya la importancia de una adecuada trazabilidad y autenticidad de los registros odontológicos antemortem en la práctica forense.

Background: The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (IHOS) is a tool used to assess oral hygiene in specific populations. Previous studies have identified variations in IHOS based on factors such as age, gender, and geographic location, highlighting the need to evaluate its impact in different contexts. Objective: To identify the demographic factors associated with IHOS in patients at the Dental Clinic III of ULEAM during the 2024 period. Method: A retrospective observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study with a qualitative-quantitative approach was conducted. Clinical records of approximately 100 patients were analyzed, collecting data on bacterial plaque, dental calculus, and demographic factors. Results: A total of 37.1% of the evaluated population exhibited critical levels of oral hygiene, primarily concentrated in the parishes of Manta, Los Esteros, and Tarqui. Women demonstrated better oral hygiene habits compared to men, although they also predominated in the 1.67-2 IHOS range. Adults aged 18-45 years showed better oral hygiene conditions, whereas individuals over 46 years old exhibited a higher risk of oral health complications. Conclusion: The results reveal disparities in oral hygiene based on demographic factors. It is recommended to implement preventive strategies and educational programs targeting high-risk groups to improve the population’s oral health.

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an enamel developmental defect (EDD) characterized by well-defined opacities that vary in size and can range in color from white to brownish-yellow.  This enamel defect increases susceptibility to caries and hypersensitivity, making appropriate management necessary.  Therapeutic options include restoration with encapsulated glass ionomer, a material with high resistance, fluoride release and good adhesion. The objective is to describe the procedure of a clinical case of MIH in which four dental units were restored with encapsulated glass ionomer. The case involved an 11-year-old male patient diagnosed with MIH in his first four permanent molars. Prophylaxis, isolation, removal of affected tissue and application of encapsulated glass ionomer as a restorative material were performed. Subsequently, clinical controls were performed to evaluate its effectiveness. The result was satisfactory, with no postoperative sensitivity and an adequate survival rate of the restorations. The material showed stability, functionality and correct aesthetic integration, allowing an effective and long-lasting restoration. The management of MIH with encapsulated glass ionomer is considered an effective therapeutic option with a high success rate, reduction of hypersensitivity and prevention of caries. Its cost-effectiveness makes it viable for public health programs. In conclusion, encapsulated glass ionomer is an effective and accessible alternative to treat MIH, ensuring optimal functional and aesthetic results for both the patient and the clinician.

Objective: To characterize the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in older adults attending the geriatric clinics at San Gregorio de Portoviejo University. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative approach. The study sample consisted of 159 elderly patients. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, using measures of central tendency, frequency analysis, and the chi-square test. Results were presented in tables and bar graphs. Results: The most predominant age group was 60 to 65 years (49.69%), with the majority being male (46.54%). The most prevalent lesion was leukoplakia (12.2%), followed by denture stomatitis (4.1%). 9.4% of patients with leukoplakia were smokers, and the most frequent anatomical location of this lesion was the cheek mucosa (56.25%). In the case of denture stomatitis, the most affected area was the hard palate (87.50%). Conclusion: Leukoplakia was the most common lesion on the oral mucosa of older adults, especially men. Tobacco use was determined to be the main intrinsic risk factor, while medication use was the most significant extrinsic risk factor. Furthermore, a strong relationship was observed between the duration of removable denture use and the development of subdenture stomatitis. Finally, the cheek mucosa was the anatomical area with the highest incidence of lesions.

Background: In the dental practice, the management of children's behavior is key to reduce anxiety and improve cooperation. Techniques and methods are used, which help to redirect the child's attention towards positive stimuli. Objective. To describe alternative therapies for behavioral management in children during the dental consultation. Materials and methods. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, SciELO and Scopus databases, covering the last five years. MeSH and DeCS terms related to behavioral management during dental visits were applied. Studies in English, Spanish and Portuguese were included, and those that did not directly address this topic were excluded. The articles were selected after reviewing titles and abstracts according to the established criteria. Conclusion.  Conclusion.  Alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy, musictherapy, animal-assisted therapy, virtual reality, hypnosis, mindfulness, Lamaze method, have proven effective in reducing anxiety and managing children's behavior during dental consultations. Although there is no universally superior method, the combination of personalized techniques has shown to be more effective. The creativity of the dentist or pediatric dentist is essential for adapting these strategies to the individual needs of each child.

Partial edentulism is a common oral health problem that affects patients' quality of life by compromising functions such as mastication, phonation, and aesthetics. Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are an effective solution for rehabilitating these functions, with cobalt-chromium prostheses and flexible prostheses being the most prominent. The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review to determine the level of satisfaction of patients with RPDs, as well as to compare the advantages, limitations, and contraindications of both types of prostheses. Materials and methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as Scopus and Scielo. Search terms used included "removable partial denture," "patient satisfaction," "advantages," "limitations," and "contraindications." Studies published between 2006 and 2025, in English and Spanish, were included. These studies evaluated the satisfaction of adult patients with RPDs and compared at least two types of prostheses. Duplicate articles, single case studies, reviews lacking a clear methodology, and those that did not specify patient satisfaction assessment criteria were excluded. The results showed that flexible prostheses are valued for their aesthetics and initial comfort, but they have limitations in terms of long-term strength and stability. On the other hand, cobalt-chromium prostheses offer greater durability and structural support, although their aesthetics may be limited due to visible metal components. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of personalizing prosthesis selection according to patient needs, taking into account both aesthetics and function. Furthermore, they underscore the need for innovation in materials to improve the strength and durability of removable partial dentures.

Oral hygiene is crucial for preventing oral diseases such as caries and periodontal disease. Furthermore, diseases and their biological and behavioral causes are often a consequence of social and cultural patterns. The objective was to determine the relationship between the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index and risk factors in children and adolescents from the Manta canton in the province of Manabí. The study was descriptive, observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective. The sample consisted of 440 medical records of children and adolescents from the Manta canton who were evaluated at the Mobile Dental Unit of the Eloy Alfaro Lay University of Manabí and 163 social and oral hygiene habit surveys. Fifty-three percent were male, and the proportion of those in the 5- to 8-year-old group was higher at 59.3%. The OHI was 0.32, the sum of 0.29 for the plaque component and 0.03 for the calculus component. According to the interpretation of this index for each patient, the oral hygiene status of the children and adolescents treated was good for 71.8% of patients and excellent for 24.5%. According to their sociodemographic variables, there were statistically significant differences only for the gender variable. These data provide insight into the current oral health situation in the canton and allow authorities to take measures to further improve it, thus contributing to an increase in quality of life.

Oralleukoplakia was defined in 2022 by the WHO as a “white plaque that cannot be characterized either clinically or histologically as any other entity and that has a higher risk of malignant transformation than its counterpart.”(1) This initial negative definition has not undergone major modifications after several attempts. Currently, we consider oral leukoplakia to be a disorder characterized by the presence of white plaques on the oral mucosa that presents a questionable risk of malignant transformation and that is diagnosed after excluding other known oral disorders or diseases that do not increase the risk of cancer.