In Ecuador, there is a high prevalence and incidence of different oral pathologies, this scenario is similar in several countries in the region. Oral diseases constitute a Public Health issue, since they involve a high investment in their management and control. Thus, an emphasis in preventive activities has been placed to improve the impact of oral diseases. Several measures have been taken by the Ecuadorian government to reduce the incidence of dental caries, including massive prevention programmes. For instance, fluoridation of food and water, school teaching of right tooth brushing techniques and dental floss use, early detection of bacterial plaque, delivery of educational talks, and sealant placement on occlusal surfaces of permanent teeth in schoolchildren from deprived urban and rural populations. Nevertheless, these strategies have not been monitored, evaluated or reported in or...

In Ecuador, there is a high prevalence and incidence of different oral pathologies, this scenario is similar in several countries in the region. Oral diseases constitute a Public Health issue, since they involve a high investment in their management and control. Thus, an emphasis in preventive activities has been placed to improve the impact of oral diseases. Several measures have been taken by the Ecuadorian government to reduce the incidence of dental caries, including massive prevention programmes. For instance, fluoridation of food and water, school teaching of right tooth brushing techniques and dental floss use, early detection of bacterial plaque, delivery of educational talks, and sealant placement on occlusal surfaces of permanent teeth in schoolchildren from deprived urban and rural populations. Nevertheless, these strategies have not been monitored, evaluated or reported in or...

   Introduction: Lifestyles imposed by constant transformations and increasing demands have triggered a high level of stress, this phenomenon has been related to several pathologies including temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, considering a sample of 100 patients who attended a consultation of Buccomaxillofacial Surgery at the Dr. Enrique Tejera Hospital in Valencia, Venezuela; each participant completed the stress reactivity index questionnaire (IRE-32). The data collected were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Evidence of association was obtained between the variables of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and the stress reactivity index according to age and sex. Conclusions: Stress and TMJ disorders are undoubtedly linked and therefore it is important the timely identification and control of ...