Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent) / Introduction: Children with disabilities and other special needs present unique challenges for oral health professionals in the planning and execution of dental treatment. The oral health of children with special health care needs is influenced by various socio-demographic factors, including their living conditions and severity of the impairment. According to United States (US) Maternal and Child Health Bureau, special health care needs (SHCN) children are defined as “those who have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally”. Aim and Objectives: The aim was to determine the oral health status of children with special needs. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease and oral mucosal lesions among children with special needs in Khartoum State aged 5 to 15 years old attending educational and rehabilitation institutions. Methodology: A descriptive cross–sectional study was carried out. Data were collected with a data capture sheet that was a modified WHO Oral Health Assessment Clinical Oral Examination Guideline. Demographic variables, dmft, periodontal disease and oral mucosal lesions were recorded. Results: The mean dmft /DMFT scores was 2.02/1.25. The DMFT score increased with age, girls showed higher score than boys and autistic children had the poorest oral health among other disabilities. More than two third of the examined sextants were healthy, less than quarter had bleeding (18.3%) and 5% calculus accumulation. Fissured tongue was the most frequent oral lesion found. Conclusion: Children with special needs in Khartoum State demonstrated a high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease and do not receive adequate dental care. There is an urgent need for both preventive and treatment programmes to improve the oral health of children with special needs.

Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent) / The aim of the research was to determine oral health status, knowledge, attitude and practicesv regarding oral hygiene among pregnant women attending Omdurman Maternity Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan.

No description available.

Objetivo. Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a autopercepção das condições bucais em idosos. Material e Métodos. Participaram do estudo 337 pessoas, com 60 anos e mais de idade, funcionalmente independentes, que freqüentavam um centro de saúde em Araraquara, SP. Foi aplicado formulário com questões sobre as características sócio-demográficas da amostra, autopercepção da condição bucal e o índice GOHAI. Realizou-se exame clínico para determinar a prevalência das principais doenças bucais. Os testes estatísticos realizados tiveram como objetivo determinar a associação entre as variáveis sócio-demográficas, clínicas e o índice GOHAI com a autopercepção e também identificar os preditores da auto-avaliação. Resultados. O exame clínico revelou que 40,4% das pessoas eram desdentadas, e entre os dentados a cárie e a doença periodontal tiveram grande prevalência. Entre os dentados, 42,7% avaliaram sua condição bucal como regular, enquanto 55,8% dos desdentados afirmaram que era boa. As variáveis associadas à auto-avaliação foram: a classe social, o GOHAI, os dentes cariados e com extração indicada entre os dentados, e a escolaridade e o GOHAI entre os desdentados. A análise multivariada mostrou que os preditores da auto-avaliação foram o GOHAI (em dentados e desdentados), os dentes com extração indicada e o CPITN em dentados. Estes preditores explicaram no máximo 30% da variabilidade da auto-avaliação. Conclusões. Entre outros aspectos concluiu-se que a percepção teve pouca influência das condições clínicas e por isso seria importante o desenvolvimento de ações educativas e preventivas junto a esta população. / Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the self-perception of oral health status of the elderly. Methods. Results are based on interviews and clinical assessment of 337 subjects aged 60 years and over, functionally independents and who used to go to a Health Care in Araraquara, Brazil. A questionnaire with questions about the social characteristics of the sample, self-perception of oral health status and the GOHAI index was applied. A clinical examination was made to determine the prevalence of the main oral diseases. The objective of statistical tests was to determine the association among the social and clinic variables and the GOHAI index with the self-perception. Moreover the tests had to identify the self-assess predictors. Results. The clinical examination revealed that 40.4% of the people were edentulous and among the dentate the dental caries and the periodontal disease had a significant prevalence. 42.7% of the dentate assessed their oral health status as regular and 55.8% of the edentulous assessed theirs as good. The social class, the GOHAI index and the decayed and missing teeth among the dentate, and also the level of education and the GOHAI among the edentulous, were associated to the self-assess. The multivariate analysis showed that the predictors of the self-assess were the GOHAI index (among dentate and edentulous), the missing teeth and the CPITN among dentate. These predictors explained 30% of the self-assess variability. Conclusions. As the perception had a small influence on the clinical conditions, the development of educated and preventive actions for these people are recommended.

Objetivo. Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a autopercepção das condições bucais em idosos. Material e Métodos. Participaram do estudo 337 pessoas, com 60 anos e mais de idade, funcionalmente independentes, que freqüentavam um centro de saúde em Araraquara, SP. Foi aplicado formulário com questões sobre as características sócio-demográficas da amostra, autopercepção da condição bucal e o índice GOHAI. Realizou-se exame clínico para determinar a prevalência das principais doenças bucais. Os testes estatísticos realizados tiveram como objetivo determinar a associação entre as variáveis sócio-demográficas, clínicas e o índice GOHAI com a autopercepção e também identificar os preditores da auto-avaliação. Resultados. O exame clínico revelou que 40,4% das pessoas eram desdentadas, e entre os dentados a cárie e a doença periodontal tiveram grande prevalência. Entre os dentados, 42,7% avaliaram sua condição bucal como regular, enquanto 55,8% dos desdentados afirmaram que era boa. As variáveis associadas à auto-avaliação foram: a classe social, o GOHAI, os dentes cariados e com extração indicada entre os dentados, e a escolaridade e o GOHAI entre os desdentados. A análise multivariada mostrou que os preditores da auto-avaliação foram o GOHAI (em dentados e desdentados), os dentes com extração indicada e o CPITN em dentados. Estes preditores explicaram no máximo 30% da variabilidade da auto-avaliação. Conclusões. Entre outros aspectos concluiu-se que a percepção teve pouca influência das condições clínicas e por isso seria importante o desenvolvimento de ações educativas e preventivas junto a esta população. / Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess the self-perception of oral health status of the elderly. Methods. Results are based on interviews and clinical assessment of 337 subjects aged 60 years and over, functionally independents and who used to go to a Health Care in Araraquara, Brazil. A questionnaire with questions about the social characteristics of the sample, self-perception of oral health status and the GOHAI index was applied. A clinical examination was made to determine the prevalence of the main oral diseases. The objective of statistical tests was to determine the association among the social and clinic variables and the GOHAI index with the self-perception. Moreover the tests had to identify the self-assess predictors. Results. The clinical examination revealed that 40.4% of the people were edentulous and among the dentate the dental caries and the periodontal disease had a significant prevalence. 42.7% of the dentate assessed their oral health status as regular and 55.8% of the edentulous assessed theirs as good. The social class, the GOHAI index and the decayed and missing teeth among the dentate, and also the level of education and the GOHAI among the edentulous, were associated to the self-assess. The multivariate analysis showed that the predictors of the self-assess were the GOHAI index (among dentate and edentulous), the missing teeth and the CPITN among dentate. These predictors explained 30% of the self-assess variability. Conclusions. As the perception had a small influence on the clinical conditions, the development of educated and preventive actions for these people are recommended.

Individuals with advance-stage illnesses frequently face illness or treatment-related adverse effects in the mouth. These adverse effects can have serious consequences. Despite that, the importance of oral care in this population is often overlooked and there are no definitive guidelines as to what kind of oral care should be provided to these individuals. Given that, our study aims were to explore and better understand the oral health-related concerns, perceived oral care needs of palliative care patients and the berries that face in accessing dental care services. We conducted a qualitative description study by recruiting a purposive sample of 11 participants with advanced stage health conditions from the outpatient palliative care services of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. All interviews were fully transcribed, with the data managed with Atlas.ti software to facilitate the analysis. All participants had oral concerns although they varied widely from person to person and their illness statuses. The most significant concerns were related to dry mouth, loose dentures, and eating difficulties. Among those who stated that they would seek dental care if required, they were not planning on seeking dental care even though they had treatable oral problems, suggesting a mismatch between their oral health status and their perceived needs. The frequently observed barriers that prevented them from seeking dental care were their illness and illness related priorities, finances, feeling discriminated against by the dentist, and a dislike towards the dentist. Providing information to the palliative care clinicians about the significance of oral health and its impact, incorporating a dental care provider in palliative care team, and providing timely information to individuals with advanced health conditions may enhance the understanding of their oral health problems and help them better manage their oral health and may enhance their dental care seeking behavior.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T15:30:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 JanioRR_DISSERT.pdf: 1059779 bytes, checksum: 2f156563089ccdb68afd0585079055aa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-05-27 / The assessment of oral health status in elderly patients is essential for the development of specific health policies. The prevalence of oral diseases is high in this population. The self-perception of oral health conditions influences the demand for oral care and quality of life for seniors. The aim of this study was to assess self-perception of oral health status in 100 elderly of both sexes, aged 60 years or older and functionally independent the Basic Health Unit of Felipe Camar?o II, Natal, Brazil. For comparison of self-perception data was collected in Bom Pastor, Natal / RN. In this research data were collected a questionnaire grouped into two parts. The first part with the socio-demographic data, subjective and objective condition of oral health and access to the service, the second part GOHAI Index. This index consists of 12 items that make it possible to obtain information involving aspects of chewing, speech, phonation, and self-assessed oral health. The results were subjected to statistical tests of Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test (&#945; = 0.05), to identify possible predictors of self-evaluation. As a result, 69% were female, ages ranged from 60 to 86 years, with a median of 65 years. In relation to marital status 48% were married. For the years of study, the sample had an average of 3 years. For the last visit to the dentist, only 27% of seniors had visited the Dentist for less than a year. Regarding the questions about the presence of gingival and dental problems were answered by 46% and 21% respectively. The data on the perception of your teeth and gums, 44%. The index showed GOHAI value for self-perception of 30 points to Felipe Camar?o and 28 points for the Bom Pastor, both considered a low perception. We identified predictors of self-rated number of people in the room, participate in any associational activity, there is problems with your teeth and your gums. Concluded a negative self-perception of oral health condition by Gone in both areas, influenced by socioeconomic and cultural issues, although they realize the importance given to oral health, but by the misfortunes of other prominent favored little valuing of oral health / O envelhecimento, antes considerado um fen?meno, hoje, faz parte da realidade da maioria das sociedades. Contribuir para uma longevidade em que mais pessoas alcancem idades avan?adas com o melhor estado de sa?de poss?vel ?, sem d?vida, um triunfo. A avalia??o das condi??es de sa?de bucal em pacientes idosos ? essencial para o desenvolvimento de pol?ticas p?blicas de sa?de. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a auto-percep??o das condi??es de sa?de bucal em idosos. Foram examinados 100 idosos de ambos os sexos, com idade de 60 anos ou mais e funcionalmente independentes, da Unidade B?sica Sa?de de Felipe Camar?o II, Natal, Brasil. Para efeito de compara??o da auto-percep??o foi coletado dados no bairro Bom Pastor, Natal/RN. Os dados foram coletados atrav?s da aplica??o de um question?rio agrupado em duas partes. A primeira parte correspondeu aos dados s?cio-demogr?ficos, condi??o subjetiva e objetiva da sa?de bucal e acesso ao servi?o e a segunda parte ao ?ndice GOHAI. Este ?ndice ? composto de 12 itens que possibilitam a obten??o de informa??es envolvendo aspectos ligados ? mastiga??o, ao discurso, ? fona??o, e de auto-avalia??o da condi??o bucal. Os resultados foram submetidos aos testes estat?sticos de Mann-Whitney e de Kruskal-Wallis (&#945;=0,05), para identificar poss?veis preditores dessa auto-avalia??o. Dos 100 idosos, 69% eram do sexo feminino, a idade variando entre 60 a 86 anos, mediana igual a 65 anos. Em rela??o ao estado civil, 48% eram casados. Referente aos anos de estudo, a amostra teve uma m?dia de 3 anos. Em rela??o ? ?ltima visita ao dentista, somente 27% dos idosos haviam consultado o Cirurgi?o-Dentista h? menos de um ano. Em rela??o ?s quest?es sobre a presen?a de problemas dent?rios e gengivais, estas foram respondidas por 46% e 21% respectivamente. Os dados referentes ? percep??o sobre a sa?de dos seus dentes e gengivas foi de 44%. O ?ndice GOHAI apresentou valor para auto-percep??o de 30 pontos para Felipe Camar?o e de 28 pontos para Bom Pastor, ambos considerados segundo a escala desenvolvida pelos autores como uma percep??o baixa. Foram observadas diferen?as significativas na associa??o de poss?veis preditores dessa auto-avalia??o: n? de pessoas no c?modo (p = 0,487), se participa de alguma atividade associativa (p=0,006) , existe problemas com seus dentes e com sua gengiva (p=<0,001). Conclu?mos existir uma auto-percep??o negativa sobre a condi??o bucal por parte dos idosos em ambos os bairros, influenciada pelas quest?es socioecon?mica e cultural, embora se perceba a import?ncia dada ? sa?de bucal, com pouca valora??o a sa?de

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The impact of tobacco smoking on human health is well documented. The influence of smoking on tooth loss and cardiovascular diseases was investigated in the current study via both epidemiology and in vitro studies. From analyzing the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2006 BRFSS) database, we confirmed that smoking was significantly associated with the number of teeth lost in a dose-dependent manner and smoking cessation reduced the risk when compared to those subjects continuing to smoke. In addition, the virulence factors related to caries were compared between Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus gordonii in response to cigarette smoking condensate (CSC) treatment. We observed that S. gordonii was more susceptible to CSC treatment than S. mutans. CSC significantly enhanced S. mutans sucrose-dependent and independent adherence. Western blot assays revealed that several bacterial surface proteins including glucosyltransferase (GTF), glucan-binding proteins and antigen I/II, were significantly upregulated for the treated S. mutans. These findings suggested that the oral environment with CSC may favor a cariogenic dominant composition, which may increase the risk for smokers to develop caries. We also found that smoking and oral health status modified each other and synergistically increased the risk of CVD and this joint effect was more pronounced among the youngest age group using the 2006 BRFSS database. To further understand the joint effect, we conducted an in vitro study to investigate bacterial attachment to fibronectin and endothelial cells in response to smoking condensate treatment. Our study clearly demonstrated CSC significantly enhanced S. mutans attachment to both soluble and immobilized fibronectin as well as endothelial cells. Furthermore, our data suggested that bacteria possessed several adhesins that bound to host tissues and endothelial cells also had multiple receptors for bacterial attachment. Among these adhesins, antigen I/II seemed essential for bacterial attachment to endothelial cells without CSC. The knowledge of bacterial attachment to host tissues in the presence of CSC may help in developing different preventive or therapeutic strategies against attachment and colonization of the host by S. mutans.

O estudo epidemiológico transversal randomizado objetivou avaliar condições de saúde bucal nos competidores dos XV Jogos Pan-Americanos (JPA) e III Jogos Parapan-Americanos (JPPA), 2007. Foram enviados convites para 5.662 atletas (JPA) e 1.300 (JPPA). Radiografias panorâmicas digitais (RPD) foram utilizadas para o exame de triagem nos 2 eventos, e nos JPPA, os atletas também foram submetidos à avaliação do sangramento gengival interdental (SI) através de uma versão modificada do Índice de Sangramento Interdental de Eastman (EIBI). Foram obtidas RPDs de 410 atletas dos JPA, média de idade 24,38 (dp5,35), 55% homens; e de 118 dos atletas dos JPPA, média de idade de 32,3 (dp9,53), 77,97% homens. 121 competidores (JPPA) foram avaliados para SI: 78,51% homens, média de idade 32,6(dp9,6), e foram separados em grupos (G), conforme sua deficiência física: GI c/ deficiência visual (DV), com 2 subgrupos: GI-a: DV tardia e GI-c-: DV congênita/precoce; GII- deficiência de membro superior; com 1 subgrupo: GII-t: deficiência/ausência bilateral; GIII- deficiência de membro inferior (grupo controle). As RPDs foram examinadas por 1 examinador com o Kodak Dental Imaging(v6.7). A frequência e a distribuição do SI foram calculadas, e os grupos foram comparados. Resultados da triagem com RPDs, representados por número de observações(média por atleta) JPA//número de observações(média por atleta JPPA: Dentes erupcionados/ hígidos: 9097(22,19)//2451(20,77); Ausentes: 803(1,96 //405(3,43); Não erupcionados ou impactados: 330(0,80)//52(0,44); Parcialmente erupcionados e/ou hígidos: 109(0,27)//20(0,17); Cárie extensa: 261(0,64)//62(0,53); Cárie extensa e lesão periapical: 96(0,23)//50(0,42); Tratamento endodôntico e lesão periapical: 24(0,06)//13(0,11); Restaurados: 2298(5,60)//670(5,68); Imagens radiolúcidas patológicas circunscritas: 23(0,06)//0; Raízes-residuais: 27(0,07)//22(0,19); Implantes:6(0,01)//5(0,04); Dentes anteriores fraturados: 13 (0,03)//3(0,03); Molares bandados: 26(0,06)//11(0,09); Dentes anômalos: 7(0,02)//12(0,10). Resultados para SI: G-I>G-III (p=0.0002);GI-c>GI-a (p=0,042). Homens exibiram > freqüência de SI (3,6%+1,7) que mulheres (0,8%+0,5), p<0,01. Conclusões: Os dados das 2 populações de atletas mostraram que há uma grande variação na saúde bucal entre os indivíduos avaliados. Diversas condições com potencial de influenciar o desempenho esportivo dos atletas foram detectadas através de radiografias panorâmicas digitais, sugerindo que um programa de saúde bucal deve ser incluído como parte da preparação destes indivíduos.A avaliação da frequência e distribuição de sangramento gengival interdental em uma população de atletas que competiu nos III Jogos Parapan-Americanos, revelou que o tipo de deficiência ou limitação física dos competidores é um fator que influencia na saúde gengival desses indivíduos. O planejamento de um programa de saúde bucal para esta população deve ser adaptado às diferentes limitações de cada atleta. / This randomized cross-sectional epidemiological study aimed to assess oral health status of athletes competing at the XV-Pan-American-Games (PAG) and III-Parapan-American-Games (PPAG), 2007). Invitations were sent to 5,662 athletes (PAG), and 1,300 (PPAG). Digital panoramic radiographs (DPRs) were used for screening recruited contestants in both events, and a modified version of Eastman Interdental Bleeding Index (EIBI), for screening interdental gingival bleeding (IB) among athletes at PPAG. DPR were taken from 410 athletes (PAG), mean age 24.38(sd5.35), 55% males; and from 118 contestants (PPAG), mean age 32.3(sd9.53), 77.97% males. At PPAG, 121 contestants were also screened for IB: 78.51% males, mean age 32.6(sd9.6) and were separated in groups according to their physical impairment: GI visually impaired (VI), with 2 subgroups: GI-a- w/ late acquired VI, and GI-c- w/ either congenital or early acquired VI; GII- w/ impaired upper limb; with 1 subgroup: GII-t- with bilateral impairment or absent limbs; GIII, with lower limb impairment (control group). DPR were examined, by a single examiner, with Kodak Dental Imaging Software(v6.7). Groups were compared for frequency and distribution of IB. Results for DPR screenings are presented as: number of observations (average per athlete)for PAG//number of observations (average per athlete) for PPAG.Totally erupted/sound teeth: 9097 (22.19)// 2451(20.77); Absent: 803(1.96)//405(3.43); Nonerupted/ Impacted: 330(0.80)//52(0.44); Partly erupted/sound: 109(0.27)//20 (0.17); Extensive carious lesion: 261(0.64)//62 (0.53); Extensive carious lesion+periapical lesion: 96(0.23)//50 (0.42); Endodontic Treatment+PeriapicalLesion: 24(0.06)//13 (0.11); Restored: 2298 (5.60)//670(5.68); Circunscribed pathological radiolucencies: 23(0.06)//0; Residual roots: 27(0.07)//22 (0.19); Dental Implants: 6(0.01)//5(0.04); Fractures: 13(0.03)//3(0.03); Molars with orthodontic band: 26 (0.06)//11(0.09); Anomalous teeth: 7(0.02)//12(0.1). Results for IB showed statistically significant differences as: GI>GIII (p=0.0002); GI-c>GI-a (p=0.042). Males showed higher frequency of IB (3.6%+1.7) than females (0.8%+0,5), p<0.01. In conclusion: Data of the 2 populations of athletes showed that there is a great variance on the oral health among the evaluated individuals. Several conditions that might have a potencial influence on the performance of the athletes were detected with the aid of digital panoramic radiographs, and this suggests that an oral health program should be included as part of the preparation of those individuals. The evaluation of the frequency and distribution of interdental gingival bleeding in a population of athletes that participated in the III Parapan-American Games, revealed that the kind of physical impairment is a factor that influences the gingival health of these individuals. The planning of an oral health program for this population should be adapted to the different limitations of each athlete.

O estudo epidemiológico transversal randomizado objetivou avaliar condições de saúde bucal nos competidores dos XV Jogos Pan-Americanos (JPA) e III Jogos Parapan-Americanos (JPPA), 2007. Foram enviados convites para 5.662 atletas (JPA) e 1.300 (JPPA). Radiografias panorâmicas digitais (RPD) foram utilizadas para o exame de triagem nos 2 eventos, e nos JPPA, os atletas também foram submetidos à avaliação do sangramento gengival interdental (SI) através de uma versão modificada do Índice de Sangramento Interdental de Eastman (EIBI). Foram obtidas RPDs de 410 atletas dos JPA, média de idade 24,38 (dp5,35), 55% homens; e de 118 dos atletas dos JPPA, média de idade de 32,3 (dp9,53), 77,97% homens. 121 competidores (JPPA) foram avaliados para SI: 78,51% homens, média de idade 32,6(dp9,6), e foram separados em grupos (G), conforme sua deficiência física: GI c/ deficiência visual (DV), com 2 subgrupos: GI-a: DV tardia e GI-c-: DV congênita/precoce; GII- deficiência de membro superior; com 1 subgrupo: GII-t: deficiência/ausência bilateral; GIII- deficiência de membro inferior (grupo controle). As RPDs foram examinadas por 1 examinador com o Kodak Dental Imaging(v6.7). A frequência e a distribuição do SI foram calculadas, e os grupos foram comparados. Resultados da triagem com RPDs, representados por número de observações(média por atleta) JPA//número de observações(média por atleta JPPA: Dentes erupcionados/ hígidos: 9097(22,19)//2451(20,77); Ausentes: 803(1,96 //405(3,43); Não erupcionados ou impactados: 330(0,80)//52(0,44); Parcialmente erupcionados e/ou hígidos: 109(0,27)//20(0,17); Cárie extensa: 261(0,64)//62(0,53); Cárie extensa e lesão periapical: 96(0,23)//50(0,42); Tratamento endodôntico e lesão periapical: 24(0,06)//13(0,11); Restaurados: 2298(5,60)//670(5,68); Imagens radiolúcidas patológicas circunscritas: 23(0,06)//0; Raízes-residuais: 27(0,07)//22(0,19); Implantes:6(0,01)//5(0,04); Dentes anteriores fraturados: 13 (0,03)//3(0,03); Molares bandados: 26(0,06)//11(0,09); Dentes anômalos: 7(0,02)//12(0,10). Resultados para SI: G-I>G-III (p=0.0002);GI-c>GI-a (p=0,042). Homens exibiram > freqüência de SI (3,6%+1,7) que mulheres (0,8%+0,5), p<0,01. Conclusões: Os dados das 2 populações de atletas mostraram que há uma grande variação na saúde bucal entre os indivíduos avaliados. Diversas condições com potencial de influenciar o desempenho esportivo dos atletas foram detectadas através de radiografias panorâmicas digitais, sugerindo que um programa de saúde bucal deve ser incluído como parte da preparação destes indivíduos.A avaliação da frequência e distribuição de sangramento gengival interdental em uma população de atletas que competiu nos III Jogos Parapan-Americanos, revelou que o tipo de deficiência ou limitação física dos competidores é um fator que influencia na saúde gengival desses indivíduos. O planejamento de um programa de saúde bucal para esta população deve ser adaptado às diferentes limitações de cada atleta. / This randomized cross-sectional epidemiological study aimed to assess oral health status of athletes competing at the XV-Pan-American-Games (PAG) and III-Parapan-American-Games (PPAG), 2007). Invitations were sent to 5,662 athletes (PAG), and 1,300 (PPAG). Digital panoramic radiographs (DPRs) were used for screening recruited contestants in both events, and a modified version of Eastman Interdental Bleeding Index (EIBI), for screening interdental gingival bleeding (IB) among athletes at PPAG. DPR were taken from 410 athletes (PAG), mean age 24.38(sd5.35), 55% males; and from 118 contestants (PPAG), mean age 32.3(sd9.53), 77.97% males. At PPAG, 121 contestants were also screened for IB: 78.51% males, mean age 32.6(sd9.6) and were separated in groups according to their physical impairment: GI visually impaired (VI), with 2 subgroups: GI-a- w/ late acquired VI, and GI-c- w/ either congenital or early acquired VI; GII- w/ impaired upper limb; with 1 subgroup: GII-t- with bilateral impairment or absent limbs; GIII, with lower limb impairment (control group). DPR were examined, by a single examiner, with Kodak Dental Imaging Software(v6.7). Groups were compared for frequency and distribution of IB. Results for DPR screenings are presented as: number of observations (average per athlete)for PAG//number of observations (average per athlete) for PPAG.Totally erupted/sound teeth: 9097 (22.19)// 2451(20.77); Absent: 803(1.96)//405(3.43); Nonerupted/ Impacted: 330(0.80)//52(0.44); Partly erupted/sound: 109(0.27)//20 (0.17); Extensive carious lesion: 261(0.64)//62 (0.53); Extensive carious lesion+periapical lesion: 96(0.23)//50 (0.42); Endodontic Treatment+PeriapicalLesion: 24(0.06)//13 (0.11); Restored: 2298 (5.60)//670(5.68); Circunscribed pathological radiolucencies: 23(0.06)//0; Residual roots: 27(0.07)//22 (0.19); Dental Implants: 6(0.01)//5(0.04); Fractures: 13(0.03)//3(0.03); Molars with orthodontic band: 26 (0.06)//11(0.09); Anomalous teeth: 7(0.02)//12(0.1). Results for IB showed statistically significant differences as: GI>GIII (p=0.0002); GI-c>GI-a (p=0.042). Males showed higher frequency of IB (3.6%+1.7) than females (0.8%+0,5), p<0.01. In conclusion: Data of the 2 populations of athletes showed that there is a great variance on the oral health among the evaluated individuals. Several conditions that might have a potencial influence on the performance of the athletes were detected with the aid of digital panoramic radiographs, and this suggests that an oral health program should be included as part of the preparation of those individuals. The evaluation of the frequency and distribution of interdental gingival bleeding in a population of athletes that participated in the III Parapan-American Games, revealed that the kind of physical impairment is a factor that influences the gingival health of these individuals. The planning of an oral health program for this population should be adapted to the different limitations of each athlete.