María José Barra Soto

Dr. María José Barra Soto

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 August 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
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Journal Article
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MPMARIA BIEDMA PEREA
MARIA BIEDMA PEREA
MMMaría Moscoso-Sánchez
María Moscoso-Sánchez
MSMaría José Barra Soto
María José Barra Soto
Marcela Arenas-GonzálezMarcela Arenas-González
Marcela Arenas-González
DPDAVID Ribas Pérez
DAVID Ribas Pérez
CCCarolina Caleza-Jiménez
Carolina Caleza-Jiménez
Objective: Due to the increasing esthetic demand among pediatric patients and different restorative materials, we focused on analyzing which of the options of restorations may provide superior clinical outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) using PubMed and Cochrane databases. Results: Five articles met all inclusion criteria from an initial pool of 359 articles identified in the initial search. Greater bond strength was observed when pulpotomized teeth were restored with Biodentine® and resin composites compared to resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs). When comparing pulpotomies in primary teeth with MTA and Biodentine®, the fracture resistance values were higher in the pulpotomized teeth with Biodentine® than with MTA. Additionally, following a narrative synthesis in MTA-treated teeth, a higher risk of failure was observed using RMGICs or composite instead of stainless-steel crowns (SCCs) as the final restorative material. Conclusions: Variables such as the type of final restoration can affect the survival of primary teeth after pulpotomy reconstruction. Regardless of the pulp material, survival with SSCs is higher, but resin composites appear to be a viable restorative material after Biodentine® application.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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CMCarmen Machuca-Portillo
Carmen Machuca-Portillo
CCCarolina Caleza-Jiménez
Carolina Caleza-Jiménez
CMCira Suárez Marchena
Cira Suárez Marchena
LCLucy Chandler-Gutiérrez
Lucy Chandler-Gutiérrez
PRPablo Relimpio-Pérez
Pablo Relimpio-Pérez
Juan Segura-EgeaJuan Segura-Egea
Juan Segura-Egea
Background: Vaping has become one of the most prevalent risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults worldwide. Although electronic cigarettes (ECs) are often perceived as safer than conventional tobacco, concerns regarding their impact on oral health are increasing. This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate and synthesize the available evidence regarding the association between e-cigarette use and oral health outcomes in adolescents and young adults. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and EBSCOhost databases was conducted for observational studies published within the last ten years. Studies evaluating oral health outcomes among adolescents and young adults were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies, and certainty of evidence was graded using the GRADE approach. Results: Eight observational studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. E-cigarette use was associated with increased caries risk, higher prevalence of gingival inflammation, alterations in salivary flow and pH, changes in oral microbiota—including increased levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis—and elevated frequencies of micronuclei in oral mucosal cells. Four studies were rated as having low risk of bias and four as moderate risk. The overall certainty of evidence was low for all outcomes due to methodological limitations, heterogeneity in outcome assessment, and inadequate control of confounding factors, including dual use of combustible tobacco products. Conclusions: Current evidence may suggest a possible association between e-cigarette use and adverse oral health alterations in adolescents and young adults. However, given the low certainty of evidence, residual confounding, and the predominance of cross-sectional designs, causal relationships cannot be established. Well-designed longitudinal studies that clearly differentiate exclusive e-cigarette users from dual users and adequately adjust for behavioral confounders are required to clarify the independent impact of vaping on oral health in this vulnerable population.

10 February 2026 in Children
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Journal Article
Open access
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MPMARIA BIEDMA PEREA
MARIA BIEDMA PEREA
Marcela Arenas-GonzálezMarcela Arenas-González
Marcela Arenas-González
MSMaría José Barra Soto
María José Barra Soto
CCCarolina Caleza-Jiménez
Carolina Caleza-Jiménez
DPDAVID Ribas Pérez
DAVID Ribas Pérez
Background: Regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) has emerged as a biologically based alternative to traditional apexification for managing immature permanent teeth with pulp necrosis. By promoting tissue ingrowth and continued root development, RET aims not only to eliminate infection but also to reinforce structurally compromised roots. Although its clinical use has expanded, evidence regarding the long-term predictability and durability of RET remains limited, as most published studies provide only short- or mid-term follow-up. Case presentation: This report describes two pediatric cases involving regenerative procedures performed on three immature permanent maxillary incisors, each followed for more than six years. The first case involved a 7-year-old girl who developed pulp necrosis in a maxillary lateral incisor after acute dental trauma. Management followed a regenerative protocol using triple antibiotic paste (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline) as intracanal medication and mineral trioxide aggregate as the coronal barrier. The second case concerned an 8-year-old girl presenting with chronic infection and sinus tracts affecting both maxillary central incisors. These teeth were treated using a regenerative approach with calcium hydroxide as the intracanal medicament and Biodentine as the sealing material. Clinical, radiographic, and cone beam computed tomography evaluations demonstrated complete symptom resolution and periapical healing but incomplete progressive apical closure. All treated teeth developed a calcified apical barrier, and outcomes remained stable throughout the extended follow-up period. Conclusions: While inherently limited by the nature of case reports, these findings support RET as a reliable and durable therapeutic option for necrotic immature permanent teeth, including cases in which conventional apexification has not been successful.

Verified
Journal Article
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CMCarmen Machuca-Portillo
Carmen Machuca-Portillo
CMCira Suárez Marchena
Cira Suárez Marchena
LCLucy Chandler-Gutiérrez
Lucy Chandler-Gutiérrez
MSMaría José Barra Soto
María José Barra Soto
LVLydia M Lopez Del Valle
Lydia M Lopez Del Valle
Juan Segura-EgeaJuan Segura-Egea
Juan Segura-Egea
Background: Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in dentistry contributes to antimicrobial resistance, a major global health concern. In pediatric dentistry, antibiotics are frequently prescribed despite guidelines discouraging their use in localized conditions such as apical periodontitis (AP). This systematic review aimed to evaluate patterns, indications, and adherence to clinical guidelines in antibiotic prescribing for AP and acute periapical abscess (APA) in children and adolescents. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261342269). The review question was structured using the CoCoPop framework. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase up to March 2026. Observational studies assessing antibiotic prescribing practices among pediatric dentists were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Results: Six cross-sectional studies were included. Adherence to prescribing guidelines ranged from 38.4% to 68.2%. Antibiotic prescribing rates ranged from 22.9% to 71.0% for AP and from 41.1% to 78.0% for APA. Pooled prevalence estimates increased from 36.0% (95% CI: 18.0–58.9%) for AP to 60.7% (95% CI: 46.1–73.5%) for APA. Amoxicillin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic, followed by amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, and treatment duration was typically 5–7 days. Substantial variability in prescribing practices was observed. Conclusions: Antibiotic prescribing in pediatric dentistry remains inconsistent, with inappropriate use persisting in conditions where antibiotics are not indicated. Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship and improving adherence to evidence-based guidelines are essential to optimize antibiotic use.

8 July 2026 in Clinical and Experimental Dental Research
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Journal Article
Open access
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CCCarolina Caleza-Jiménez
Carolina Caleza-Jiménez
MPMARIA BIEDMA PEREA
MARIA BIEDMA PEREA
DPDAVID Ribas Pérez
DAVID Ribas Pérez
MSMaría José Barra Soto
María José Barra Soto
Marcela Arenas-GonzálezMarcela Arenas-González
Marcela Arenas-González
Objectives: This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of varnishes for the remineralization of white spot lesions in primary teeth. Methods: A database search was conducted in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library to screen for articles relevant to the topic of the review. Risks of bias in randomized studies were assessed using the ROB2 tool and GRADE evidence levels. Results: Seven studies met all inclusion criteria and were included. Differences in varnish composition and characteristics can affect the anticaries properties. Bioactive additives had a statistically significant reduction in ICDAS scores. Conclusions: Intensive application of remineralizing varnishes demonstrated a significant effect on the remineralization and control of carious lesion activity. New‐generation fluoride appear to be more effective than conventional sodium fluoride varnishes.

2 August 2026 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CMCarmen Machuca-Portillo
Carmen Machuca-Portillo
CMCira Suárez Marchena
Cira Suárez Marchena
LCLucy Chandler-Gutiérrez
Lucy Chandler-Gutiérrez
MSMaría José Barra Soto
María José Barra Soto
CCCarolina Caleza-Jiménez
Carolina Caleza-Jiménez
Juan Segura-EgeaJuan Segura-Egea
Juan Segura-Egea
Background/Objectives: Historical concerns regarding permanent dental staining have restricted the use of tetracycline antibiotics in children younger than 8 years. However, newer-generation tetracycline derivatives, particularly doxycycline, differ pharmacologically from first-generation tetracyclines and may present a lower risk of discoloration. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the risk of dental staining associated with newer-generation tetracycline derivatives. Methods: It was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 statement and registered in PROSPERO. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase were searched. Methodological quality was assessed, and the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. A random-effects meta-analysis of comparative studies was performed using the risk difference (RD) as the summary effect measure. Results: Six observational studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Three studies reported no cases of dental staining following doxycycline exposure, whereas one study identified parent-reported discoloration in 2 of 18 evaluated children (11.1%). Dental staining was reported in 2 of 41 children (4.9%) treated with minocycline and in 2 of 12 children (16.7%) with tigecycline. Meta-analysis of the three comparative studies demonstrated no significant increase in the risk of dental staining among exposed children compared with controls (RD = 0.007; 95% CI −0.015 to 0.028; I2 = 0%). Methodological quality ranged from moderate to high. According to GRADE, the certainty of evidence was low for doxycycline/minocycline and very low for tigecycline. Conclusions: Current evidence, although limited, suggests that short-course doxycycline is associated with little or no clinically relevant risk of permanent dental staining in children younger than 8 years. In contrast, the available evidence for minocycline and tigecycline remains insufficient to establish their dental safety.