Browsing by Author "Lopes, Sara"
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- A review of different techniques for masking white spot lesions in pediatric patientsPublication . Lamorgese, Michela; Fidalgo-Pereira, Rita; Gomes, A. P. C.; Veiga, Nélio; Lopes, Sara; Correia, Maria; Lopes, Pedro
- Unravelling the benefits of thermal water for oral healthPublication . Correia, Maria J.; Lopes, Sara; Morgado, Susana; Gomes, Ana T. P. C.; Lopes, Pedro C.; Veiga, NélioThermal waters (TW) have been valued since ancient times for their unique properties. Sulfurous TW treat dermatological conditions and respiratory infections, while chlorinated TW aid healing, bone health, and digestive function through anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. Despite limited studies on TW, research highlights their antioxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory effects, including reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. In France, TW is widely used for therapeutic purposes, including oral mucosa diseases (OMD) like aphthous ulcers, lichen planus, and gingivitis, applied via gargles and sprays. Notably, Buccotherm®, developed by Castéra-Verduzan, offers oral hygiene products targeting periodontal disease, xerostomia, halitosis, and oral inflammation. In Portugal, TW are highly regarded, with their use supported by the National Health Service (SNS) and regulated by legislation to ensure quality standards. Although most thermal centers address respiratory and musculoskeletal conditions, none of the Portuguese TW have been tested for treating OMD or other oral conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of thermal water therapy on the oral health of the participants, assessing parameters such as plaque index, gingival bleeding index and periodontal probing depth as well on the perception of symptoms of oral mucosa diseases (OMD). In this observational, longitudinal and comparative study 90 thermalists were randomly allocated to two treatment groups for 14 days: Thermal sulfuric natural mineral water of the Amarante Thermal baths group (TW_TA group) (n = 45) or saline solution (control group) (n = 45), in May 2022. The study was based on clinical observation and application of a self-response questionnaire involving sociodemographic data and quality of life assessment. The evaluation was carried out in 2 different moments: before and at the end of treatment (14 days). This work showed that thermal water promoted significant improvements in oral health parameters, namely a reduction in gingival bleeding and a reduction of the plaque levels. Quality of life related to OMD also improved after thermal treatment. While the interaction between treatment and control groups was not statistically significant, there was a clear overall reduction in symptoms, indicating the beneficial effects of thermal treatment.
- Unravelling the benefits of thermal waters enhancing oral health: a pilot studyPublication . Lopes, Sara; Morgado, Susana; Gomes, Ana T. P. C.; Lopes, Pedro C.; Couto, Patrícia; Correia, Maria J.; Flores-Fraile, Javier; Veiga, NélioBackground: Oral health represents a public health problem due to its remarkable social impact and medical costs. Crenotherapy with sulfur water is shown to be a complementary, less toxic, and traumatizing therapy, but the number of studies that evaluate the effect of natural mineral waters effect on oral health are scarce. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the impact of thermal water therapy on the oral health of the participants, assessing parameters such as plaque index, gingival bleeding index and periodontal probing depth as well on the perception of symptoms of oral mucosa diseases (OMD). Methods: An observational, longitudinal and comparative study was designed, and 90 thermalists were randomly allocated to two treatment groups for 14 days: Thermal sulfuric natural mineral water of the Amarante Thermal baths group (TW_TA group) (n = 45) or saline solution (control group) (n = 45), in May 2022. The study was based on clinical observation and application of a self-response questionnaire involving sociodemographic data and quality of life assessment. The evaluation was carried out in 2 different moments: before and at the end of treatment (14 days). Results: The study involved 90 thermal practitioners, evenly split between the TW_TA group and a control group. Most participants were women (70%), with a similar average age in both groups. Oral examination showed a high prevalence of filled and missing teeth, and around 25% of participants used removable prostheses, predominantly in the control group. Thermal treatment had a positive impact on oral health. In the TW_TA group, gingival bleeding significantly decreased from 68.9% to 40%, while it remained unchanged in the control group. Periodontal health improved, with no participants in the TW_TA group having pockets deeper than 5 mm by the end of the study, indicating reduced periodontal pathology. Also, plaque levels dropped in both groups after treatment, as assessed by the O’Leary index. Additionally, quality of life related to OMD improved, particularly in the TW_TA group. The overall reduction in symptoms was significant, although the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the positive effects of thermal water treatment on oral health, including reduced gingival bleeding and plaque levels, along with improved quality of life related to OMD. Further targeted research is needed to explore the benefits of thermal water effects and optimize oral health practices in Portugal using thermal waters.
- White spot lesion treatment options: a systematic review of different techniques for masking these lesionsPublication . Lamorgese, Michela; Veiga, Nélio; Correia, Maria J.; Gomes, Ana T. P. C.; Lopes, Sara; Lopes-Rocha, Lígia; Fidalgo-Pereira, Rita; Lopes, Pedro C.White spot lesions (WSLs) are early clinical stages of enamel demineralization, often related to orthodontic treatment or poor oral hygiene. The use of gels such as fluoride for topical application inhibits demineralization and promotes remineralization of dental tissues through various mechanisms. A variety of therapeutic approaches are available; however, recent research indicates that combined treatment strategies may yield superior clinical outcomes compared to monotherapy. The aim of this study was to critically compare the efficacy of combining multiple treatment techniques for WSLs compared to using these techniques alone. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases according to PRISMA guidelines. The PICO strategy was used to formulate the research question: Which clinical approaches combined or isolated (C) influence the treatment and prevention effectiveness (O) of white spot lesions (I) in humans (P) in the last ten years (T)? Inclusion criteria focused on clinical studies from the last ten years evaluating the combined use of at least two treatment techniques for WSL, resulting in a total of 8 randomized controlled trials selected from an initial pool of 1185 articles. Our results suggest that combined treatment strategies, including resin infiltration with fluoride varnish and ozone therapy combined with fluoride application, demonstrated enhanced efficacy in lesion masking and remineralization compared to single-treatment approaches. CPP-ACP and hydroxyapatite-based creams improved aesthetics, particularly when used alongside fluoride varnish. Our study concluded that the combination of remineralization agents like fluoride gel, infiltrative resins, and antimicrobial treatments offers superior outcomes on white spot lesion treatment than using these techniques alone. However, long-term clinical studies are needed to standardize treatment protocols and confirm durability.