ABSTRACT Introduction: Giant omphalocele (GO) is a complex condition for which many surgical treatments have been developed; however, no consensus on its treatment has been reached. The benefits and efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BTA) in the repair of large abdominal wall defects in adults has been proven, and its reported use in children has recently grown. The goal of this study is to describe a novel technique for primary repair of GO using BTA during the neonatal period and report our initial experience. Methods: patients were followed from August 2020 to July 2022. BTA was applied to the lateral abdominal wall in the first days of life followed by surgical repair of the abdominal defect. Results: while awaiting surgery, patients had minimal manipulation, without requiring mechanical ventilation, were on full enteral feeding, and in contact with their parents. The midline was approximated without tension and without the need for additional techniques or the use of a prosthesis. Patients were discharged with repaired defects. Conclusion: this approach represents a middle ground between staged and the nonoperative delayed repairs. It does not require aggressive interventions early in life, allowing maintenance of mother-child bonding and discharge of the patient with a repaired defect without the need for additional techniques or the use of a prosthesis. We believe that this technique should be considered as a new possible asset when managing this complex condition.

RESUMO Introdução: onfalocele gigante (OG) é uma condição complexa para a qual muitas alternativas terapêuticas foram desenvolvidas; no entanto, não há consenso sobre qual o melhor tratamento. Os benefícios e eficácia da toxina botulínica A (TBA) no reparo de grandes defeitos da parede abdominal em adultos foram comprovados, e o relato de uso em crianças cresceu recentemente. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever uma nova técnica para reparo primário de OG utilizando TBA durante o período neonatal e relatar nossa experiência inicial. Métodos: os pacientes foram acompanhados de agosto de 2020 a julho de 2022. A TBA foi aplicada na parede abdominal lateral nos primeiros dias de vida, seguida de correção cirúrgica do defeito abdominal. Resultados: enquanto aguardavam a cirurgia, os pacientes tiveram mínima manipulação, sem ser exigida ventilação mecânica, permaneceram em alimentação enteral plena e mantiveram contato com os pais. A linha média foi aproximada sem tensão e sem necessidade de técnicas adicionais ou uso de prótese. Os pacientes receberam alta com o defeito reparado. Conclusão: essa abordagem representa um meio-termo entre o reparo estagiado e o tratamento não-operatório. Não requer intervenções agressivas no início da vida, permitindo a manutenção do vínculo materno-infantil e a alta do paciente com defeito reparado sem a necessidade de uso de técnicas adicionais ou prótese. Acreditamos que esta técnica deva ser considerada como um novo possível recurso no manejo desta complexa condição.

Abstract The aim of this multicenter study was to explore the early-life sugar consumption and dietary practices in Latin America as well as to investigate the association between breastfeeding duration and the age at which foods and beverages with added sugars are introduced. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 805 1- to 3-year-old children from 10 Latin American countries, as a complementary study to the Research Observatory for Dental Caries of the Latin American Region (OICAL). A Food Frequency Questionnaire previously tested in different countries was applied to children’s mothers and data on breastfeeding and age at introduction of sugary foods and beverages was collected. Statistical analysis included the Kruskal-Wallis test and Poisson regression with robust variance, with the calculation of crude and adjusted mean ratios (MR) and 95% of confidence intervals (CI). The average age at introduction of sugary foods and beverages was 10.1 months (95%CI 9.7–10.4) and 9.6 (95%CI 9.2–9.9) months, respectively, with a significant variation between countries (p < 0.001). The average daily frequency of sugary foods-beverages was 3.3 times per day (95%CI 3.1–3.5) and varied significantly between countries (p = 0.004). Breastfeeding duration of over six months was associated with an increase in the age of introduction of sweet drinks (16%; MR 1.16; 95%CI 1.05–1.28) and foods (21%; MR 1.21; 95%CI 1.10–1.33). In conclusion, most children from vulnerable settings in Latin America start consuming sugary products in the first year of life and a high frequency of consumption was reported through early childhood. Additionally, breastfeeding contributes to a delay in the introduction of sugary products.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the intraoral distribution of untreated caries and tooth loss and estimate the impact of different socioeconomic factors on the occurrence of these outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 652 18-year-old male adolescents from the city of Sapucaia do Sul, Brazil, who conscripted for military service. The participants answered a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic variables. Two trained and calibrated examiners performed the clinical examinations for the diagnosis of dental caries using the criteria of the World Health Organization. Tooth group and adolescent were the units of analysis for the primary outcomes of the study. Poisson regression analysis with robust variance was performed, with the calculation of crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The prevalence of caries experience and untreated caries was 70.2% and 39.3%, respectively, and 9.4% of the adolescents had missing teeth. Sixty-seven percent of the untreated caries and 98.8% of missing teeth were in first molars. The probability of dental caries and tooth loss was significantly higher among adolescents with less schooling (PR = 2.56; 95%CI: 1.97–3.32 and PR = 3.28; 95%CI: 1.61–6.65, respectively) and those whose mothers had less schooling (PR = 1.31; 95%CI: 1.03–1.67 and PR = 2.30; 95%CI: 1.18–4.50, respectively). In conclusion, the occurrence of untreated dental caries and tooth loss was concentrated in the first molars of adolescents. Moreover, the prevalence of both conditions was higher among adolescents with low schooling and whose mothers had low schooling, reflecting the strong intraoral and socioeconomic polarization of these outcomes.

Abstract Identifying the risk factors for dental caries is vital in epidemiology and clinical practices for developing effective preventive strategies, both, at the individual and collective levels. Different causality/determination models have been proposed to understand the development process of dental caries. In the present review, we designed a model inspired by the world-known social determinants models proposed in the 90s and more recently in the 10s, wherein the contextual factors are placed more externally and encompass the individual factors. The contextual factors included those related to the cultural and societal values, as well as the social and health government policies. The individual factors were classified into the following categories: socioeconomic (social class, occupation, income, and education level), demographic characteristics (age, sex, and ethnicity), behavioral factors (non-use of fluoride dentifrice, sugar consumption, poor oral hygiene, and lack of preventive dental care), and biological factors (recent caries experience/active caries lesions, biofilm retentive factors, developmental defects of the enamel, disabilities, saliva amount and quality, cariogenic biofilm). Each of these variables was addressed, while focusing on the current evidence from studies conducted in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACC). Based on the proposed model, educational aspects were addressed, and individual caries risk assessment and management decisions were proposed; further, implications for public health policies and clinical practice were described. The identification of modifiable risk factors for dental caries should be the basis for multi-strategy actions that consider the diversity of Latin American communities.

Abstract The most recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - COVID-19 - caused by coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) has high-virulence transmission and direct human contagiousness by proximity. Thus, the considerable occupational risk in pediatric dentistry is evident, given the nature and form of procedures performed in an outpatient setting. Thus, the aim of this paper was to identify and contextualize technical and scientific information available to date aimed at preventing and minimizing risks for patients, caregivers and professionals. The results indicate that protective measures are being developed considering procedures according to risks and benefits, and five points stand out: 1. Regulation of resumption of elective procedures, screening and scheduling patients; 2. Restructuring clinical environment and infection control; 3. Improvement of personal protective equipment and biosafety recommendations; 4. Maximization of the use of non-invasive techniques, use of high-powered dental suction, and absolute isolation of the operative field; and 5. Minimization of the use of air-water syringe, dental spittoon and high-speed handpiece. The measures to be taken require reflection for the restart of a “new clinical practice”, especially aiming at behavioral and structural changes regarding operational biosafety.

Abstract Crack cocaine use appears to have an impact on oral conditions. However, changes in the salivary flow among crack users have not been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to compare stimulated salivary flow and the occurrence of hyposalivation between crack users and non-users. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 40 crack users and 40 controls matched for sex, age, and smoking habits. Interviews were conducted to acquire data on the perception of dry mouth (xerostomia) and drug use. Stimulated salivary flow was determined using the spitting method. A significant reduction in stimulated salivary flow was found among crack users in comparison to non-users (1.02 vs. 1.59 ml/min). A total of 42.5% and 15% of crack users had very low and low stimulated salivary flow, respectively. Moreover, 65% of users reported xerostomia in comparison to 37.5% non-users (p < 0.012). No significant association was found between xerostomia and hyposalivation (p = 0.384). A multivariate analysis revealed that individuals older than 26 years of age, those with a low household income, and crack users (prevalence ratio: 2.59) had a significant association with the occurrence of hyposalivation. A significant association was found between the use of crack and reduced salivary flow. The use of crack was associated with the occurrence of hyposalivation in the multivariate analysis.

Embora a anestesia injetável previamente a raspagem e alisamento subgengival (RASUB) reduza a dor, muitos pacientes relatam medo e amortecimento prolongado dos tecidos adjacentes. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o efeito de uma mistura eutética contendo 25mg/g de lidocaína e 25 mg/g de prilocaína, lidocaína 2% injetável, benzocaína 2% tópica e um placebo na redução da dor durante a RASUB. Neste ensaio clínico randomizado, cego de boca dividida, trinta e dois pacientes que apresentavam mais que dois dentes com profundidade de sondagem e nível de inserção clínica ≥ 5 mm, em no mínimo 4 sextantes, foram randomicamente alocados em 4 grupos: EMLA(r), lidocaína 2% injetável, benzocaína 2% tópica ou placebo. Dor e desconforto foram mensurados usando uma Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) e Escala Verbal (EV). A satisfação dos pacientes com a anestesia foi determinada ao final de cada consulta. Análise de variância de medidas repetidas e regressão de Poisson foram usadas para análise. Os escores da EVA e EV não demonstraram diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre lidocaína injetável e EMLA(r) (p > 0,05) e ambas as substâncias demonstraram significativamente melhor controle da dor comparadas a benzocaína 2% e placebo (p<0,05). 93,7% e 81,2% dos indivíduos ficaram satisfeitos com o anestésico injetável e EMLA(r), respectivamente (p=0,158). A insatisfação com a benzocaína e placebo foi aproximadamente 10 vezes maior do que com a anestesia injetável (p=0,001). Em conclusão, o EMLA(r) demonstrou um efeito equivalente no controle da dor quando comparado com a anestesia injetável e melhor do que a benzocaína 2% em RASUB. Assim, o EMLA(r) é uma opção anestésica viável durante a raspagem e alisamento radicular, apesar da necessidade frequente de segunda aplicação.

Although the use of injectable anesthesia prior to subgingival scaling and root planing (SRP) reduces pain, many patients report fear and prolonged numbness of adjacent tissues. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of a eutectic mixture containing 25 mg/g of lidocaine and 25 mg/g of prilocaine, injectable 2% lidocaine, topical 2% benzocaine and a placebo substance on reducing pain during SRP. In this randomized, split-mouth, masked clinical trial, thirty-two patients presenting more than two teeth with probing depth and clinical attachment level ≥5 mm in at least 4 sextants were randomly allocated to four groups: EMLA(r); injectable 2% lidocaine; topical 2% benzocaine and placebo. Pain and discomfort were measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and verbal scale (VS). Repeated-measures analysis of variance and Poisson regression were used for analysis. Patient satisfaction with the anesthesia was determined at the end of each treatment session. VAS and VS scores did not differ between injectable 2% lidocaine and EMLA (p>0.05) and both substances showed significantly better pain control compared to 2% benzocaine and placebo (p<0.05). 93.7% and 81.2% of the individuals were satisfied with the injectable anesthetic and EMLA, respectively (p=0.158). Dissatisfaction with benzocaine and placebo was approximately 10 times greater than injectable anesthesia (p=0.001). In conclusion, EMLA showed an equivalent effect on pain control when compared to the injectable anesthesia and performed better than 2% benzocaine in SRP. Thus, EMLA is a viable anesthetic option during scaling and root planning, despite the frequent need for second application.

Cárie dentária na infância continua apresentando alta prevalência em todo o mundo. Poucos estudos prospectivos investigaram a participação de práticas alimentares na etiologia deste agravo. A Pesquisa de Nutrição e Saúde na Infância de Porto Alegre está acompanhando uma coorte de 715 pares mãe-filho, recrutados de unidades básicas de saúde e que participam de um ensaio clínico de cluster em que a intervenção foi realizada com profissionais da saúde. A coorte ao nascimento está investigando a associação entre dados sociodemográficos e alimentação infantil, com informações de saúde geral e saúde bucal, prospectivamente coletados. Até o momento, dados de saúde bucal, incluindo cárie dentária e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal, foram coletados de 458 crianças com 2 a 3 anos de idade. Pretende-se investigar possíveis determinantes e consequências das condições de saúde bucal nestas crianças.

Early childhood caries is a persistent worldwide problem. The etiologic contribution of feeding practices has been less frequently investigated in prospective studies of young children. The Porto Alegre Early Life Nutrition and Health Study has followed a birth cohort of 715 mother-child pairs, recruited from municipal health centers, originally involved in a cluster-randomized controlled trial of healthcare worker training. The birth cohort links prospectively collected socio-demographic, infant feeding, and general and oral health information. To date, oral health data, including caries status and oral health-related quality of life, have been collected for 458 children at the age of 2-3 years. Studies are underway to investigate possible determinants and consequences of oral health among these children.

Cárie dentária na infância continua apresentando alta prevalência em todo o mundo. Poucos estudos prospectivos investigaram a participação de práticas alimentares na etiologia deste agravo. A Pesquisa de Nutrição e Saúde na Infância de Porto Alegre está acompanhando uma coorte de 715 pares mãe-filho, recrutados de unidades básicas de saúde e que participam de um ensaio clínico de cluster em que a intervenção foi realizada com profissionais da saúde. A coorte ao nascimento está investigando a associação entre dados sociodemográficos e alimentação infantil, com informações de saúde geral e saúde bucal, prospectivamente coletados. Até o momento, dados de saúde bucal, incluindo cárie dentária e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal, foram coletados de 458 crianças com 2 a 3 anos de idade. Pretende-se investigar possíveis determinantes e consequências das condições de saúde bucal nestas crianças.

Early childhood caries is a persistent worldwide problem. The etiologic contribution of feeding practices has been less frequently investigated in prospective studies of young children. The Porto Alegre Early Life Nutrition and Health Study has followed a birth cohort of 715 mother-child pairs, recruited from municipal health centers, originally involved in a cluster-randomized controlled trial of healthcare worker training. The birth cohort links prospectively collected socio-demographic, infant feeding, and general and oral health information. To date, oral health data, including caries status and oral health-related quality of life, have been collected for 458 children at the age of 2-3 years. Studies are underway to investigate possible determinants and consequences of oral health among these children.

OBJECTIVE : To analyze the use of dental services and associated factors among elderly treated at Family Health Units in southern Brazil. METHODS : This cross-sectional study evaluated 438 elderly attending Family Health Units in Pelotas, southern Brazil. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire covering demographic and socioeconomic variables, in addition to information on time elapsed since their last dental visit. Explanatory variables were classified according to Andersen and Davidson's model. Clinical variables were obtained by a trained dentist. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to identify factors associated with the outcome. RESULTS : The prevalence of use of dental services in the last 3 years was 41.1% (95%CI 36.5 - 45.7). Multivariable analysis revealed that the probability of not using dental services was higher among individuals who self-assessed their general health as poor or very poor (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 1.36; 95%CI 1.05 - 1.78), with less than 8 years of education (< 4 years: PR = 1.43; 95%CI 1.01 - 2.02; 4 to 7 years: PR = 1.43; 95%CI 1.00 - 2.04), users of alcohol (PR = 1.31; 95%CI 1.08 - 1.59), and those with no teeth (PR = 1.73; 95%CI 1.29 - 2.32). CONCLUSIONS : The low prevalence of use of dental services among elderly attending Family Health Units in Pelotas, especially among those with poor self-assessed general health, lower education level, and without teeth, indicate the need for public policies to improve social indicators and general health.

OBJECTIVE : To analyze the use of dental services and associated factors among elderly treated at Family Health Units in southern Brazil. METHODS : This cross-sectional study evaluated 438 elderly attending Family Health Units in Pelotas, southern Brazil. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire covering demographic and socioeconomic variables, in addition to information on time elapsed since their last dental visit. Explanatory variables were classified according to Andersen and Davidson's model. Clinical variables were obtained by a trained dentist. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to identify factors associated with the outcome. RESULTS : The prevalence of use of dental services in the last 3 years was 41.1% (95%CI 36.5 - 45.7). Multivariable analysis revealed that the probability of not using dental services was higher among individuals who self-assessed their general health as poor or very poor (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 1.36; 95%CI 1.05 - 1.78), with less than 8 years of education (< 4 years: PR = 1.43; 95%CI 1.01 - 2.02; 4 to 7 years: PR = 1.43; 95%CI 1.00 - 2.04), users of alcohol (PR = 1.31; 95%CI 1.08 - 1.59), and those with no teeth (PR = 1.73; 95%CI 1.29 - 2.32). CONCLUSIONS : The low prevalence of use of dental services among elderly attending Family Health Units in Pelotas, especially among those with poor self-assessed general health, lower education level, and without teeth, indicate the need for public policies to improve social indicators and general health.

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the radiographic criteria used by final-year dental students when defining the need for restorative treatment for proximal caries, as well as investigating potentially associated factors in this therapeutic decision. A questionnaire with two schematic diagrams presenting five levels of proximal lesion penetration was administered to students attending the six private and three public dental schools in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. Absolute and relative frequencies were described and inferential statistics involving Chi-square and McNemar tests and simple logistic regression were carried out to assess variations in therapeutic decisions related to patient dentition (deciduous/permanent) and gender, age and dental school (public/private). Of the 346 dental students assessed, 28.6% (99/346) indicated restorative treatment for lesions restricted to the enamel in deciduous teeth and 38.2% (132/346) indicated the same for permanent teeth, revealing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). Student gender and age were not associated with the therapeutic decision; however, a significant difference between dental schools was found when comparing restorative criteria in deciduous (p < 0.001) and permanent molars (p < 0.001). The odds of restorative decision in permanent teeth when the caries lesion was restricted to the enamel was 72% higher for students graduating from private schools compared to public schools (Odds Ratio: 1.72; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.03-2.90). These data demonstrate a large variation between the therapeutic decisions regarding proximal caries reported by final-year dental students and suggest that deep reflection is needed on the part of faculty in order to provide an evidence-based education.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a utilização de serviços odontológicos e idade da primeira visita odontológica em pré-escolares do Município de Canela, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Um levantamento epidemiológico em crianças menores de cinco anos de idade foi realizado durante a Campanha Nacional de Multivacinação Infantil no município. Um questionário contendo informações a respeito da idade da primeira consulta odontológica e características demográficas da criança foi respondido pelos responsáveis. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se modelo de regressão logística. Um total de 1.092 crianças foram examinadas. Do total da amostra, 13,3% já haviam consultado o cirurgião-dentista, e somente 4,3% realizaram algum tipo de consulta odontológica até o primeiro ano de vida. O número de crianças que já haviam recebido atendimento odontológico aumentou com a idade. Crianças do sexo feminino apresentaram maior chance de ter recebido atendimento odontológico do que as do sexo masculino (OR = 1,46; IC95%: 1,01-2,1). Conclui-se que é necessário o estabelecimento de políticas públicas de promoção de saúde e reorientação de serviços que facilitem a utilização dos serviços odontológicos e possibilitem o atendimento às crianças de pouca idade.

The aim of this study was to assess the use of dental services and age at first dental visit in preschool children in Canela, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A representative sample of under-five children was surveyed on National Children's Vaccination Day. Children's parents completed questionnaires containing socio-demographic data and age at first dental visit. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. 192 children were examined. 13.3% of the sample had already visited the dentist at least once, but only 4.3% had their first dental visit by one year of age. The number of children who had already visited a dentist increased with age. Girls showed higher odds of having visited a dentist (OR = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.01-2.1). Public health strategies are needed to determine the effectiveness of health promotion and improve the use of dental services by preschool children.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a utilização de serviços odontológicos e idade da primeira visita odontológica em pré-escolares do Município de Canela, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Um levantamento epidemiológico em crianças menores de cinco anos de idade foi realizado durante a Campanha Nacional de Multivacinação Infantil no município. Um questionário contendo informações a respeito da idade da primeira consulta odontológica e características demográficas da criança foi respondido pelos responsáveis. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se modelo de regressão logística. Um total de 1.092 crianças foram examinadas. Do total da amostra, 13,3% já haviam consultado o cirurgião-dentista, e somente 4,3% realizaram algum tipo de consulta odontológica até o primeiro ano de vida. O número de crianças que já haviam recebido atendimento odontológico aumentou com a idade. Crianças do sexo feminino apresentaram maior chance de ter recebido atendimento odontológico do que as do sexo masculino (OR = 1,46; IC95%: 1,01-2,1). Conclui-se que é necessário o estabelecimento de políticas públicas de promoção de saúde e reorientação de serviços que facilitem a utilização dos serviços odontológicos e possibilitem o atendimento às crianças de pouca idade.

The aim of this study was to assess the use of dental services and age at first dental visit in preschool children in Canela, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A representative sample of under-five children was surveyed on National Children's Vaccination Day. Children's parents completed questionnaires containing socio-demographic data and age at first dental visit. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. 192 children were examined. 13.3% of the sample had already visited the dentist at least once, but only 4.3% had their first dental visit by one year of age. The number of children who had already visited a dentist increased with age. Girls showed higher odds of having visited a dentist (OR = 1.46; 95%CI: 1.01-2.1). Public health strategies are needed to determine the effectiveness of health promotion and improve the use of dental services by preschool children.

Esta investigação objetiva discutir as metodologias aplicadas em ensaios clínicos publicados sobre Carisolv®, para verificar a melhor evidência científica concernente à remoção químico-mecânica de tecido cariado. Artigos referentes ao uso de Carisolv® foram procurados utilizando-se uma estratégia de busca. Os títulos e resumos de todos os estudos identificados pela procura foram analisados por um único revisor. O critério de inclusão envolveu: ensaios clínicos contendo o sistema Carisolv® em um dos grupos de estudo. Os estudos que preencheram o critério de inclusão foram submetidos à avaliação de metodologia e extração de dados. Somente 12 artigos preencheram o critério para inclusão. Foi verificado que nenhum desses estudos obedeceu a todos os princípios metodológicos considerados necessários para que uma pesquisa tenha poder de geração de evidências. O Carisolv® demonstrou ser eficaz na remoção de tecido cariado. O tempo de consulta foi maior, mas o tempo percebido foi inferior em comparação ao tempo das técnicas convencionais devido à percepção dos pacientes de mais conforto e de redução da necessidade de anestesia. Não houve efeito adverso em avaliações a longo prazo. Em estudos com avaliação microbiológica da dentina remanescente foi verificado que ambos os métodos convencional e químico-mecânico produziram redução significativa na contagem de microrganismos viáveis.

This investigation aims to discuss the methodologies applied in clinical trials published about CarisolvTM, in order to assess the best scientific evidence concerning chemo-mechanical caries removal. Papers concerning the use of CarisolvTM were sought using a search strategy. The titles and abstracts of all the reports identified through the search were analyzed by a single reviewer. The inclusion criterion involved: clinical trials having CarisolvTM in one of the study groups. Then, those that fulfilled the inclusion criterion underwent methodology assessment and data extraction. Only 12 papers met the inclusion criterion. It was observed that none of these studies complied with all the evaluated research methodological principles required in order to have power of evidence generation. CarisolvTM proved to be effective in caries removal. Appointment mean time was greater, but the perceived time was shorter than that using conventional techniques due to patients' perception of more comfort and a reduction of anesthesia needs. There were no adverse effect in long-term assessments. In studies with microbiological evaluation of the remaining dentine, it was observed that both the conventional and chemo-mechanical methods produced statistically significant reduction on counts of viable microorganisms.