ABSTRACT Context: Oral health is shaped by a combination of genetic, dietary, and behavioral factors, with bitterness sensitivity being one genetic trait that may influence oral health behaviors. Aims: This study aims to explore the link between maternal taste perception and dental caries in both mothers and their preschool-aged children. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 172 mother-child pairs, including children aged 2–3 years. The study employed a convenience sampling method, selecting participants from those visiting the pediatric dentistry outpatient department. Data collected included demographics, caries experience (DMFT/dmft indices), and taste preferences. Maternal bitterness sensitivity was assessed using a 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) test and categorized using the Green Labeled Magnitude Scale into supertasters, medium tasters, and nontasters. Statistical Analysis: A comparative analysis between groups (supertasters, medium tasters, and nontasters) was conducted using analysis of variance. Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the relationship between the caries experience of mothers and their children. A significance level of P < 0.05 was used for all statistical tests. Results: Nontaster mothers had significantly higher caries experience than supertasters and medium tasters, and their children similarly showed higher caries rates (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between maternal and child caries experience, while a negative correlation was found with PROP scores. Maternal taste perception was also associated with children’s sweet preferences. Conclusion: Maternal bitterness sensitivity is associated with poorer oral health in both mothers and children, influencing caries experience and sweet preferences.

ABSTRACT Background: Cleft lip and palate (CLP), affecting 1 in 700–1000 live births, cause feeding difficulties in neonates due to oronasal communication, requiring feeding plates. Traditional impression methods risk material aspiration and distortion. Aim: The study aimed to assess the efficacy of digital impressions for recording CLP anatomical details in neonates. Setting and Design: Conducted as a single-center, open, parallel-arm, single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial over 18 months, the study involved healthy, nonsyndromic neonates aged 1–15 days with Veau’s class III CLP. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 neonates were randomly allocated to either the tray impression group or the DIT group. The accuracy of the impression and adaptation of the feeding plate is evaluated. Statistical Analysis: The independent t-test was used to compare the accuracy of anatomical details recorded by digital and tray impression techniques in CLP neonates. Intragroup and intergroup comparisons of sulcus, ridge, and palate deviation on the right and left sides were analyzed using an independent t-test based on software superimposition of the feeding plate and maxillary cleft arch. Results: The anteroposterior length of the cleft and sulcus depth middle region of CLP exhibited significant differences (P = 0.001 and P = 0.032, respectively) between the groups. Furthermore, Group 1 displayed notably higher values in the sulcus, ridge, and palate point deviation measurements during software superimposition. Conclusion: Surface detailing, impression accuracy, and feeding plate adaption were all shown to be outstanding with DIT, in addition to its benefits as the safest and simplest impression technique.

ABSTRACT Skepticism about the long-term stability of immediate results achieved due to ongoing changes in craniofacial structures till growth completion is perhaps one of the reasons why very early treatment of Class III malocclusion is often not considered by many clinicians. This paper highlights the positive growth changes in the long-term, post-correction, in different types of developing Class III relations in children aged 2–5 years. The favorable outcomes may urge a more significant number of pediatric dentists to undertake this initiative for the benefit of young child patients and the orthodontists to guide timely referrals.

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of the systematic review was to evaluate the percentage prevalence of accessory canals in furcation area of primary molar teeth. Methodology: Data search was conducted by two independent investigators on online databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Semantic Scholar, and then data extraction was done as table under the specific headings. Out of 11 identified studies, 5 were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. MedCalc tool was used for meta-analysis of the data. Forest plots were made for meta-analysis and I2 statistics were used for measuring heterogeneity. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUIN Tool. Results: Of the six studies included, 285 teeth were analyzed for the prevalence of accessory canals. Using random effects model (REM) analysis, the estimated pooled prevalence was 68% (95% confidence interval [CI] 56.57–78.60) with heterogeneity of 76%. Two subgroup meta-analyses was carried out. Using fixed effects model (FEM) analysis, the method for evaluating prevalence according to scanning electron microscopy was 59.4% (95% CI 51.96–66.60) with heterogeneity of 47%; using fixed effect model (REM) analysis, the method for evaluating prevalence according to light microscopy was 71.07% (95% CI 59.19–81.16) with heterogeneity of 39%. There was moderate risk of bias across studies. Conclusion: Prevalence percentage of accessory canals in furcation area was 68% when measured at external furcation area. Evidence was of low quality with high heterogeneity. This suggests the possible contribution of furcation area and its treatment in endodontic treatment of primary molars.

ABSTRACT Context: Effective pain management in children during local anesthetic administration would be a key to a successful and painless dental procedure. Precooling (PC) has emerged as pain control tool in dentistry. Aims: This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of lidocaine Ice button and lidocaine gel as topical anesthesia during maxillary buccal infiltration in children. Settings and Design: Randomized crossover trial, department of pediatric and preventive dentistry. Subjects and Methods: Thirty children [60 local anesthesia (LA) injections] aged 6–10 years requiring bilateral maxillary buccal infiltration for dental procedure, divided into 2 groups with equal distribution for this split-mouth study. The study group was lidocaine ice button topical anesthesia; the control group was the lidocaine gel group. Subjective pain was evaluated using Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, objective pain evaluation was done using Sound Eye and Motor (SEM) scale. Anxiety assessment using Venham picture test (VPT) and physiologic parameters such as SpO2 and Heart rate were evaluated before, during, and after administration of LA. Acceptance of lidocaine ice button was evaluated using a customized validated questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: Data recorded in Microsoft Excel 365 and subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical Product and service solution SPSS version 21.0 with P value considered statistically significant at < 0.05. Results: A significant reduction in pain on injection for both objective and subjective evaluations in the Lidocaine Ice Button group, as topical anesthesia was seen (P < 0.00011) Majority of the children preferred the use of Lidocaine ice button as a topical anesthetic. No difference in pain was observed in groups based on treatment sequence. Conclusions: Less pain on injection was observed, proving the efficacy of lidocaine ice button as topical anesthesia for maxillary infiltration in the study. Lidocaine ice button was well accepted by the children as topical anesthesia.

ABSTRACT Context: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) to permanent teeth are a significant public health concern due to their high prevalence and detrimental impact on a child’s overall development. In addition to physical distress, TDI can cause social and emotional disturbances leading to long-term challenges. Hence, TDI impact cannot be underestimated. Aims: The aim is to measure the impact of TDI on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) using the Adolescent Oro-Dental Trauma Impact Index (AODTII) among 8-12 year-old school children of Goa. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 8-12 year-old school children of Goa. Materials and Methods: Multistage cluster sampling was carried out in 8-12 year-old school children of Goa. Random selection of one school per Taluka (12 Talukas) was done. A convenience sample of 202 children with a history of TDI from these selected schools was drawn and oral examination was carried out. The validated AODTI Index questionnaire was used to measure self-reported OHRQoL. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive data were depicted as frequencies and percentages. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to obtain the impact significance of treated versus the nontreated TDIs and Independent sample t-test was used to compare the composite scores among treated and nontreated groups. Results: Among 202 sample children with TDI, 15.8% (32 children) had a significant impact on OHRQoL. Conclusions: The study highlights the profound and multifaceted impact of TDI on young children, consequently influencing their overall development. AODTII Index serves as a simple, reliable, and feasible instrument for evaluating TDI impact on OHRQoL.

ABSTRACT Background: Communication is fundamental in pediatric dentistry, particularly when treating children with special healthcare needs such as hearing impairments. Sign language can serve as a vital tool for effective communication, yet its awareness and use among pediatric dental professionals remain unclear. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of sign language among pediatric dental postgraduates and practicing pedodontists, including academicians. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 250 pediatric dental professionals, of which 206 responded. A structured and pretested questionnaire comprising 17 multiple-choice questions was distributed through Google Forms. It assessed demographic details, prior exposure to hearing-impaired patients, knowledge and familiarity with sign language and dental-specific signs, and participants’ perspectives on integrating sign language into dental practice. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: While 95.6% of respondents acknowledged the importance of communication in dental care, only 11.7% reported familiarity with sign language. Recognition of key hand signs such as “pain” and “rinse/suction my mouth” was notably low, with 73.8% and 66% nonrecognition rates, respectively. Most participants (69.3%) rated their ability to manage hearing-impaired children as poor to fair. Notably, 88.8% expressed a willingness to learn sign language, and a majority recommended its inclusion in dental curricula. Conclusion: There exists a significant gap in the awareness and use of sign language in pediatric dentistry. Incorporating sign language training into dental education and continuing professional development may enhance communication, promote inclusivity, and improve treatment outcomes for hearing-impaired children.

ABSTRACT Background: Hospitalized children find difficulty in performing regular oral hygiene procedures. In such cases, direct application of herbal oils such as olive oil, Azadirachta indica (AI) (neem), and Curcuma zedoaria (CZ) (white turmeric) as antiplaque agents could be beneficial in maintaining oral hygiene. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of normal saline, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), EVOO with 35% CZ, and EVOO with 30% AI on dental plaque and the count of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, and Candida albicans in hospitalized children. Settings and Design: This was a randomized control trial. Materials and Methods: 84 hospitalized children of age group 3–14 years were randomly divided by computer-generated random allocation into Group A-EVOO, Group B-EVOO + 35% CZ, Group C-EVOO + 30% AI, and Group D-normal saline with 21 participants in each group and applied with sterile gauze. The plaque score was recorded and analyzed by Loe and Silness plaque index. In addition, plaque sample for microbial analysis was collected from buccal/lingual surfaces, and CFU count was measured at baseline, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Results: The four groups showed a reduction in plaque score and CFU counts from baseline to 72 h with P < 0.05 indicating a statistically significant difference. Group C has shown significant antimicrobial activity against Group A, Group B, and Group D (P = 0.0001) at 72 h. Conclusion: EVOO + 35% CZ showed the best treatment outcome in the reduction of microbial count followed by EVOO + 30% AI and EVOO. All the preparations including normal saline have antiplaque properties with the best outcome achieved in EVOO + 35% CZ and EVOO + 30% AI preparations.