Caries Lesions In Primary Teeth Research Articles

Do progression rates of initial and moderate caries lesions and sound surfaces of primary teeth increase significantly after 7 years?

Initial caries lesions in primary teeth have presented a low progression rate after 2 years, but it could be higher in longer follow-ups. To evaluate the progression rates of sound surfaces and initial and moderate caries lesions after 7 years. This prospective 7-year cohort study included 639 preschool children aged 1-5 years in 2010. In 2017, 449 children were reassessed (70.3% retention rate). Dental caries was collected using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) in both assessments. Incidence rate (IR) per 100 surface-years estimated the progression rates of sound surfaces and initial and moderate lesions for worse conditions. Cox regression with shared frailty evaluated the possible risk factors. IR was 1.0% for sound surfaces, 2.8% and 4.2% for ICDAS scores 1 and 2, respectively, and about 17.0% for moderate lesions. The most significant risk factor for the progression was the presence of cavitated lesions in other teeth. The type of surface and tooth also influenced the outcome. The progression rate of initial caries lesions in primary teeth remains low even after 7 years, but cavitated caries lesions in other teeth increase this risk. Moderate lesions demonstrate a higher risk of progression when compared to sound surfaces and initial caries lesions.

Comparative evaluation of hand and rotary file systems on dentinal microcrack formation during pulpectomy procedure in primary teeth: an in vitro study.

Pulpectomy can be used for the management of deep dentinal carious lesions in primary teeth which can be restored. Mechanical preparation of root canals can be performed using hand or NiTi rotary files. However, this may cause dentinal stress and consequently dentinal microcracks. Hence, the aim was comparative evaluation of hand and rotary file systems on dentinal microcrack formation during pulpectomy procedure in primary teeth. 60 extracted primary molar teeth were selected comprising of 80 root canals. Simple random sampling was used to divide root canals into four groups (n = 20): Group A-Hedstrom file, Group B-Pro AF Baby Gold rotary, Group C-ProTaper Next rotary, and Group D-unprepared group. Assessment was conducted on presence or absence of microcracks using Chi square test (p < 0.05). The total number of microcracks in Group A: one (5%), Group B: four (20%), Group C: nine (45%) and Group D: zero (0%) which was statistically significant (p = 0.002). At cervical third, the number of microcracks seen with Group A: one (5%), Group B: zero (0%), Group C: five (25%) and Group D: zero (0%) (p = 0.005). At the middle third, the number of microcracks seen in Group A: zero (0%), Group B: four (20%), Group C: four (20%) and Group D: zero (0%) (p = 0.029). The study concluded that dentinal microcracks are formed with both hand and rotary file systems in primary teeth. ProTaper Next showed significantly higher number of microcracks, followed by ProAF Baby Gold and H files.

In vitro remineralization of adjacent interproximal enamel carious lesions in primary molars using a bioactive bulk-fill composite

BackgroundSurface remineralization is recommended for the management of active non-cavitated interproximal carious lesions in primary teeth. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a recently recognized category of materials called bioactive restorative materials can be used for remineralization. This study aimed to evaluate the release of fluoride (F), calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ions from Predicta® Bioactive Bulk-fill composite compared with EQUIA Forte® and Filtek™ Z350 and to determine the remineralization effect of these 3 restorative materials on adjacent initial interproximal enamel carious lesions.MethodsThe release of F, Ca and P ions from 3 groups ((n = 10/group) (Group 1- Predicta®, Group 2- EQUIA Forte® and Group 3- Filtek™ Z350)) was determined at 1st, 4th, 7th and 14th days. After creating artificial carious lesions, human enamel samples were randomly assigned into 3 groups (n = 13/group) which were placed in contact with occluso-proximal restorative materials and exposed to a 14-day pH cycling period. Surface microhardness was determined using a Knoop microhardness assay at baseline, after artificial carious lesions formation and after pH cycling. The difference in the percentage of surface microhardness recovery (%SMHR) among groups was compared. Mineral deposition was analyzed with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and the enamel surface morphology was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Kruskal-Wallis’s test with Dunn’s post hoc test and one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test were used for data analysis.ResultsEQUIA Forte® released the highest cumulative amount of F and P ions, followed by Predicta® and Filtek™ Z350. Predicta® released higher amount of Ca ions than EQUIA Forte® and Filtek™ Z350. Predicta® demonstrated the highest %SMHR, followed by EQUIA Forte® and Filtek™ Z350. There was a significant difference in the %SMHR between Predicta® and Filtek™ Z350 (p < 0.05). However, EQUIA Forte® demonstrated the highest fluoride content, followed by Predicta® and Filtek™ Z350. The SEM images of EQUIA Forte® and Predicta® revealed the greater mineral deposition.ConclusionPredicta® demonstrated a marked increase in surface microhardness and fluoride content of adjacent initial interproximal enamel carious lesions in primary molars compared with Filtek™ Z350. Predicta® is an alternative restorative material to remineralize adjacent initial interproximal enamel carious lesions in primary molars, especially in high-risk caries patients.

Efficacy of Different Fluoride Therapies on Hypersensitive Carious Lesions in Primary Teeth.

Background and Objectives: This prospective, comparative, double-cohort study aimed to compare the efficacy of silver diamine fluoride and potassium iodide (38% SDF+KI; Riva Star®) with sodium fluoride varnish (5% NaF; Duraphat®) in hypersensitive carious lesions in primary teeth to evaluate caries arrest and hypersensitivity relief. Materials and Methods: This study included thirty 2-5-year-olds (mean age = 3.67 ± 1.06 years; 16 males and 14 females) who required a desensitizing treatment for hypersensitive carious defects with visible dentin. A total of 15 of the participants were consecutively allocated to treatment with 5% NaF, and they were further compared to an equal number of participants treated with 38% SDF+KI solutions (n = 15). The treatments were performed following clinical evaluation of caries activity using the International Caries Classification and Management System (ICCMSTM) and the Bjørndal criteria (score of 0-9). Parental-reported hypersensitivity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (0-10 = no to severe pain). Results: Clinical variables were evaluated at baseline and three months after treatment. Thereafter, a significant decline in hypersensitivity/pain led to lower final scores in the Riva Star® group (0.40 ± 1.12, p = 0.002) than in the Duraphat® group (1.40 ± 2.20, p = 0.004). The caries arrest effect was significantly higher in the Riva Star® group (86.7%) compared to the Duraphat® group three months after treatment (13.3%, p < 0.001). In both groups, there were no statistically significant differences in the children's behavior before, during, and after treatment. Conclusions: Ultimately, with both fluoride therapies reducing hypersensitivity/pain significantly, treatment with 38% SDF+KI was clearly more effective in caries arrest than 5% NaF varnish after a 3-month period.

Teaching of silver diamine fluoride for the management of dental caries and hypersensitivity – situation in the Southeast Asia dental schools

BackgroundUsing silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for caries management has raised dentists’ interests in Southeast Asia (SEA). However, information about the teaching of SDF in dental schools in SEA is limited. Therefore, this survey aimed to describe the extent to which SDF had been introduced into the education of undergraduate students in the dental schools in SEA.MethodsAn online questionnaire survey was conducted on the duration, method, contents, and barriers regarding the teaching of SDF. Teachers in charge of undergraduate program in pediatric dentistry and those in community dentistry in all the 90 dental schools in SEA were approached and we required each department to reply once only. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used to describe and assess the differences between the two departments in the teaching of SDF.ResultsA total of 81 responses from the departments of 49 schools were received, giving a school-level response rate of 54% (49/90). SDF was taught in the undergraduate program in 86% (42/49) of the respondent schools, and 50% (21/42) of these schools had included SDF in the teaching for five or more years. Almost all (98%) of the departments taught SDF through lectures. Furthermore, 55% of them adopted SDF in clinical practice. Regarding the teaching content, the use of SDF for arresting cavitated caries lesion was the most commonly covered (82–97%), followed by for arresting early noncavitated lesions (69–82%), for preventing new caries development (66–79%) and for treating dental hypersensitivity (77%). There were variations in the post-treatment instruction taught. For the departments not teaching SDF, the most common reason (10/19, 53%) was that SDF was not available.ConclusionSDF is covered in the undergraduate program in most of the dental schools in SEA. The use of SDF to arrest cavitated caries lesions in primary teeth is usually taught. However, other applications of SDF, such as for prevention of caries and treatment of dental hypersensitivity, are less commonly mentioned in the teaching.

Acceptability of Silver Diamine Fluoride

Background: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can be used for active carious lesions in primary teeth and can be applied in dental clinics, in school, or in community-based settings with simple armamentarium and minimal support. Silver diamine fluoride causes darkening of carious enamel and dentin after its application. Method: An electronic literature search in Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online, Researchgate, and Google was done in June 2023. Search terms and keywords were combined by Boolean operators. Four independent investigators (research assistants) screened titles, abstracts, and full text of publications. The inclusion criteria were original research articles ( human studies) carried out in African regions and including observational studies (cohort, case-control, cross-sectional), experimental studies (clinical trials, randomized or not) designs, case reports, and case series investigating parents, caregivers, guardians or children acceptability or acceptance of silver diamine fluoride treatment procedure and post-treatment blackening/staining of teeth. Systematic reviews and review articles were excluded. Results: One article was included as it was assessed to meet the aim of the review. It was a hospital-based study. Parental acceptance of silver diamine fluoride treatment with its black staining was assessed using the Likert scale. Acceptance of post-treatment staining of teeth among parents was higher in posterior teeth than in anterior teeth. Conclusion: Only one study on the acceptability or acceptance of silver diamine fluoride treatment procedure and post-treatment staining of teeth was identified among African parents. More studies from the diverse ethnic population in Africa will contribute to the existing literature. J Rang Med Col. September 2023; Vol. 8, No. 2: 53-55

Silver Diamine Fluoride Staining With Potassium Iodide: A Prospective Cohort Study

Staining after silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatment limits treatment acceptability but is also used as a clinical indicator of lesion stability. Potassium iodide (KI) has been postulated to modify SDF staining. Understanding the natural history and resultant shade of SDF/KI-treated lesions will inform clinical decision-making. This study describes the change in colour of carious lesions in primary teeth treated with SDF and KI. One hundred carious lesions in primary teeth were treated with SDF+KI (Riva Star, SDI) and followed up over 6 months. Lesion shade was determined using standardised intraoral photography and broadly categorised into 4 shades: yellow, light brown, dark brown, and black. Lesions were digitally isolated, and colour was evaluated using CIELAB (L*: lightness, a*/b*: hue) and perceptible colour change (ΔE). One hundred valid observations were analysed on 129 lesions included in the study. Lesions were excluded if subsequently restored (n=15), teeth exfoliated (n=2), exhibited pulpal exposure (n=1), or failed to attend at follow-up visits (n=11). At baseline, the shade of carious lesions was yellow (n=22), light brown (n=19), dark brown (n=29), or black (n=30). The changes in shade between baseline and 6 months were clinically perceptible to the human eye, with the mean ΔE being 12.2 (SD=6.9). Neither tooth type, lesion severity, nor baseline shade was statistically associated with the degree of perceptible change at 6 months. Carious lesions exhibited clinically significant changes in colour after application of SDF+KI, primarily attributed to differences in L* of lesions over the 6 months.

Microbiota of Dental Caries in Primary Teeth of a Costa Rican Child Population

The objective of this research was to identify bacteria present in the microbiota of dentinal carious lesions in primary molars of some Costa Rican pediatric patients. Data were collected from 15 children aged between 4 and 8 years old who attended the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at the Faculty of Dentistry from the University of Costa Rica (UCR). The inclusion criteria were: infants between 4 and 8 years old who presented cavitated carious lesions in primary teeth, who were actively attended by students at the Faculty of Dentistry from the UCR, and whose parents or legal guardians signed the informed consent to participate in this research. Samples were taken using a sterile spoon, placed in storage vials, and subjected to various conventional and molecular microbial identification techniques, such as Gram stain identification, catalase tests, oxidase, TSI, API 20E, API STAPH, and VITEK 2. Of the 60 bacterial strains subjected to Gram staining, the following was obtained: 28 Gram-positive bacteria and 32 Gram-negative bacteria. The main isolated organisms were species of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pasteurella pneumotropica/Mannheimia haemolytica, Pantoea spp, and Streptococcus mutans.

Evaluation of Remineralization Potential of Natural Substances on Artificially Induced Carious Lesions in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study.

To evaluate the remineralizing potential of natural substances on artificially induced caries lesions in primary teeth. A total of 50 primary molar teeth were selected and subjected to a demineralization process. Then samples were randomly divided into five groups for the remineralization process. Group I-colophony, group II-5% sodium fluoride (NaF) + colophony, group III-grape seed extract (GSE) + colophony, group IV-5% NaF + colophony + 10% peptide, and group V- GSE + colophony + 10% peptide. All the groups were subjected to remineralization using a brushing stimulator for 3,000 cycles. Assessment was done using Vickers hardness testing machine for evaluating the enamel surface microhardness (SMH) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) for evaluating the surface morphology and mineral content, before and after demineralization and after remineralization, the obtained data was analyzed statistically using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25. The enamel microhardness results of this study revealed that remineralization of enamel was highest in group V (212.83 ± 64.416) and least in group II (137.83 ± 26.324) p-value of 0.038. SEM-EDX analysis revealed high calcium (Ca) and fluoride (F) content in groups II and IV, which was significant (p-value of 0.001) from other groups. Surface morphology evaluated with SEM revealed spherical globular agglomerates and scaffolding deposits on the enamel surface in groups III and V resembling the remineralization process. Grape seed extract (GSE) with colophony and peptide is a superior natural alternative to NaF. Colophony also exhibited remineralizing potential in primary enamel. Natural remineralizing agents like GSE, colophony, and its combination serves as a potential alternative to overcome the toxic effect on long-term usage of F. These natural substances can be applicable in clinical conditions by incorporating toothpaste and varnish, which can be used as an alternative or adjuvant to the topical application of F. Pooja V Ravi, Rajakumar S, Kavitha Ramar. Evaluation of Remineralization Potential of Natural Substances on Artificially Induced Carious Lesions in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):244-250.

Survival rate of the Hall technique compared with resin composite restoration in multi-surface cavities in primary teeth: a 1-year randomized clinical trial.

Hall technique (HT) has been indicated for teeth with dentinal caries lesion; however, extensive cavities, with more than two surfaces still seem challenging for restorative treatment in pediatric dentistry, resulting in a higher failure rate and an increased need for retreatment. To compare the survival rate of the Hall technique preformed metal crown (HT) with resin composite restoration (RC) for multi-surface cavitated caries lesions in primary molars. In this multicenter two-arm randomized clinical trial, children between 4 and 9 years of age with at least one primary molar with cavitated caries lesion involving more than two surfaces, including one buccal or palatal/lingual surface, were selected from 17 Brazilian cities. A total of 364 teeth were allocated into two groups: (1) teeth treated with selective caries removal and RC and (2) treated with the HT. The survival rate was assessed at 6 and 12 months after the interventions. Survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan‒Meier method. Cox regression was used to determine the influence of explanatory variables on the survival rate (α=5%). After 12 months, 292 teeth were re-evaluated. A total of 358 teeth were re-evaluated at least once during the study and included in the survival analysis. The HT (87.8%) resulted in a higher survival rate than RC restoration (75.7%) (p=0.004). HT has a higher survival rate than RC as a treatment for multi-surface cavitated caries lesions in primary teeth. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02782390.

Potential discolouration of silver diamine fluoride versus silver diamine fluoride/potassium iodide in primary teeth: a randomised clinical study.

Aim This study aimed to evaluate the potential discolouration and carious lesion arresting effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and silver diamine fluoride/potassium iodide (SDF/KI) in the treatment of carious primary teeth.Materials and method A total of 30 carious primary canines were randomly assigned to treatment groups where Group I was treated with SDF while Group II was treated with SDF/KI. Caries arrest was assessed based on consistency and stability of lesion size while the discolouration of treated lesions was assessed digitally using a VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer.Results Both treatments demonstrated 100% efficacy in arresting active caries lesions. Regarding discolouration, the total colour difference represented by delta E (ΔE) was 16.45 ± 5.69 for Group I compared to 9.54 ± 3.09 for Group II immediately post-operative, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.003). Both groups showed similar values at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the treatment, with no statistically significant difference. No incidence of serious adverse effects related to either treatment and the majority of parents/guardians were satisfied with both treatments compromising their child's aesthetic appearance.Conclusions Both SDF and SDF/KI are effective in arresting carious lesions in primary teeth but in terms of the discolouration potential, the use of KI significantly reduced the discolouration caused by SDF immediately post-operatively. Unfortunately, marked discolouration was recorded in the subsequent follow-up visits, compromising the aesthetic outcome.

Best clinical practice guidance for treating deep carious lesions in primary teeth: an EAPD policy document

PurposeThe European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) has developed this best clinical practice guidance to help clinicians manage deep carious lesions in primary teeth.MethodsThree expert groups conducted systematic reviews of the relevant literature. The topics were: (1) conventional techniques (2) Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID) and (3) materials. Workshops were held during the corresponding EAPD interim seminar in Oslo in April 2021. Several clinical based recommendations and statements were agreed upon, and gaps in our knowledge were identified.ResultsThere is strong evidence that indirect pulp capping and pulpotomy techniques, and 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride are shown to be effective for the management of caries in the primary dentition. Due to the strict criteria, it is not possible to give clear recommendations on which materials are most appropriate for restoring primary teeth with deep carious lesions. Atraumatic Restorative Technique (ART) is not suitable for multi-surface caries, and Pre-formed Metal Crowns (PMCs) using the Hall technique reduce patient discomfort. GIC and RMGIC seem to be more favourable given the lower annual failure rate compared to HVGIC and MRGIC. Glass carbomer cannot be recommended due to inferior marginal adaptation and fractures. Compomers, hybrid composite resins and bulk-fill composite resins demonstrated similar values for annual failure rates.ConclusionThe management of deep carious lesions in primary teeth can be challenging and must consider the patient’s compliance, operator skills, materials and costs. There is a clear need to increase the use of MID techniques in managing carious primary teeth as a mainstream rather than a compromise option.

Comparison of Three Treatment Techniques for Deep Carious Lesions in Primary Teeth: An In Vivo Study.

AimsTo evaluate and compare three different treatment modalities in the management of deep carious lesions in primary molars.Material and methodsA total of 60 primary molars from patients aged 4-9 years were randomly divided into three groups with 20 samples each. Sample in Group I received indirect pulp therapy with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate [MTA] as lining material, Group II received the modified Hall technique, and Group III MTA pulpotomy. The patients were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months as per evaluation criteria for success or failure of the same. A Chi-square test was used for proportions and for comparison between groups.ResultsClinically, the success rate for the modified Hall technique and MTA pulpotomy was higher than indirect pulp therapy. Radiographically, the modified Hall technique had the highest success rate of 100 percent among the indirect pulp therapy and MTA pulpotomy. This success rate was however not statistically significant.ConclusionAll three techniques had promising results clinically and radiographically. Since the results were not statistically significant, conservative treatment like Modified Hall's technique can be preferred over the surgical approach [MTA Pulpotomy].Clinical significanceThis study compares newer techniques called Hall's technique with traditional techniques like indirect pulp capping and MTA pulpotomy. Hall's technique is a quick and noninvasive procedure, which involves fitting the crown and seating it over the tooth without any caries removal/ tooth preparation and no local anesthesia is being practiced. In the present study Hall's technique showed higher rates of success compared to the other two procedures.How to cite this articlePoludasu M, Kumar Mallela GM, Puppala R, et al. Comparison of Three Treatment Techniques for Deep Carious Lesions in Primary Teeth: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S201-S206.

A 12-Month Randomized Clinical Trial of 38% SDF vs. Restorative Treatment.

The aim of this 2-arm, parallel-group, 12-mo randomized clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of semiannual application of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) versus restorative treatment (RT) to manage cavitated caries lesions in primary teeth in a diverse population of children in Michigan. Children aged 2 to 10 y with at least 1 soft cavitated lesion (International Caries Detection and Assessment System 5 or 6) with no pain or signs/symptoms of irreversible pulpitis were recruited and randomly assigned to 2 intervention groups. One random lesion per child received 38% SDF (twice, at a 6-mo interval) or RT. All interventions and assessments were done by calibrated dentists. Primary outcome measures were clinical failure rates: minor (e.g., reversible pulpitis, active/soft lesion or progression, restoration loss or need for replacement/repair, secondary caries) and major (e.g., irreversible pulpitis, abscess, extraction). Parent, child, and provider acceptability was also assessed. Ninety-eight children were enrolled and randomized, with a mean (SD) age of 4.8 y (1.8); 46% were female and their mean dmft + DMFT was 6.3 (3.9). Sixty-nine children were assessed at 12 mo (sample was within the planned 30% attrition rate). There were significantly more teeth with minor failures (SDF = 65%, RT = 23%, P ≤ 0.001) and major failures (SDF = 13%, RT = 3%, P ≤ 0.001) in the SDF group than the RT group; 74% of SDF-treated lesions were hard at 12 mo vs. 57% at 6 mo. Providers stated that SDF was easier, faster, and more preferable than RT (P ≤ 0.001). No significant differences were found in parental satisfaction and acceptability. At 12 mo, children in the RT arm felt significantly (P < 0.05) happier with their tooth appearance and stated that their visit to the dentist hurt less. At 12 mo, SDF-treated lesions had significantly more minor and major failures than RT, suggesting that SDF-treated teeth need to be closely monitored in a population at high caries risk (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02601833). The results of this study can be used by clinicians when deciding whether to restore or apply silver diamine fluoride to cavitated lesions in primary teeth. Information on treatment outcomes and parent, child, and provider acceptability can help guide appropriate treatment decisions and need for monitoring.

Clinical Outcome of Direct Pulp Therapy in Primary Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Direct pulp treatment is carried out when a healthy pulp gets mechanically/accidentally exposed during the operative procedures or trauma. To determine the effects of various direct pulp capping materials as measured by the clinical and radiographic analysis. Two reviewers performed a database search of the studies published between January 2005 and November 2020. The inclusion criteria were papers published in the English language; children aged 3-12 years having deep carious lesions in primary teeth. All potential studies were acknowledged by their title and abstract. The full-text analysis of potentially relevant studies, the selected studies were included in the systematic review. A meta-analysis calculation was performed for the overall data and the subgroup data. The database searching led to 57 articles, which were of direct pulp treatment in primary teeth, after the removal of duplicates, 55 records remained but did not meet all inclusion criteria. A high variability was observed among the papers. Further filtering with criteria led to nine articles, which met all inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated the success rates of DPT in primary teeth (95% confidence interval -0.799-0.898); P < 0.001. Clinical assessments of various direct pulp capping materials suggested 84.9% of success irrespective of the material used. The nine studies were heterogeneous according to the random effect model (P < 0.001, I2 = 84.08%). Direct pulp treatment has the advantage of being a conservative vital pulp therapy reducing the need for a more invasive treatment.

Prevalence of White Spot Caries Lesions in Primary Teeth in Preschool Children: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The first clinically detectable stage of caries lesion is a non-cavitated white spot lesion (WSL). The detection of early stages of caries lesions allows non-invasive management by fluoride usage, oral hygiene and diet control. There is a lack of information in the literature regarding the prevalence of these caries lesions in preschool children, which is important especially for public health strategies. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to verify the WSLs prevalence in primary teeth of preschool children. A literature search with MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Open Gray databases was conducted. Included studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using random effects model, for prevalence of pooled WSLs and subgroups analyses. The search strategy identified 4922 potentially relevant articles, with final inclusion of 16 studies. The pooled prevalence of WSLs in primary teeth was 14.0% (95% CI: 8.0-24.0), without publication bias (p=0.2668). For subgroup analyses, an increase in WSLs prevalence for children of low-income economy (24.0%; 95% CI: 20.0-28.0), for age >31 months (22.0%; 95% CI: 12.0-37.0), for validated visual criteria assessment (20.0%; 95% CI: 11.0-33.0), and for tactile assessment with ball-ended probe (26.0%; 95% CI: 11-50.0) were detected. It is suggested that the prevalence of WSLs in primary teeth of preschool children increases in countries with low income economy, with age greater than 31 months or texture assessment with visual validated criteria or ball-ended probe. PROSPERO Registration: Protocol number #CDR42017078434.

Children’s self-reported discomfort of restorative treatments for deep caries lesions in primary teeth: Results from a randomized clinical trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different restorative techniques to treat deep caries lesions of primary molars on children’s self-reported discomfort. A randomized clinical trial with two parallel arms (1:1) was conducted in São Paulo, Brazil. 4-8 years-old children with at least one occlusal or occlusoproximal deep caries lesion in primary molars were selected. Molars were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) restoration performed with calcium hydroxide cement followed by high-viscosity Glass Ionomer Cement (CHC+HVGIC), and (2) HVGIC restoration. Immediately after the intervention, children reported the experienced discomfort during restoration to an external examiner using a Wong-Baker face-scale. Children’s self-reported discomfort was analyzed using Poisson regression comparing both groups and assessing other variables’ influence (α=5%). One hundred and eight children fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were randomized in the two groups (n=54). Most of the children who received CHC+HVGIC restorations reported none or minimal discomfort (83.3%). Similar scores (92.6%) were reported for those treated with HVGIC (p=0.758). The mean reported discomfort in children with CHC+HVGIC restorations was 0.37(1.01), and 0.41(1.01) for those with HVGIC restorations. Children’s self-reported discomfort was associated with age, sex, children’s cooperation, and intervention duration. We can conclude that CHC+HVGIC or HVGIC restorations result in none or minimal discomfort in the management of deep caries lesions, being considered a reliable option.

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF A MEANS FOR ENZYME EXCAVATION (BRIX 3000) AND PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY IN CARIOUS LESIONS OF PRIMARY TEETH – IN VITRO EXPERIMENT

The selective removal of the caries dentin via enzyme methods for excavation appears to be an alternative to the conventional treatment of carious lesions in childhood. Photodynamic therapy is an effective alternative for the reduction of cariesogenic microorganisms. Brix 3000 is an enzyme-based material for excavation of carious dentin. Aim: To study the antimicrobial effect of means for enzyme excavation (Brix 3000) and photodynamic therapy with FotoSan 630 Intro Kit to the two main cariesogenic microorganisms – S. mutans and L. acidophilus, in vitro experiment; Materials and Methods: Eighty plates were prepared: group 1- 20 plates only with Brix 3000; group2 – 20 plates only with FotoSan; group 3 – 20 plates with a combination of Brix 3000 and FotoSan; group 4 – 20 plates without an active agent. In the agar of each plate, three 7 mm wells in diameter were made, where the Brix 3000 gel was placed, as well as discs soaked with the dye and irradiated with FotoSan and a combination of them. After 24 hours, the zone of inhibition was measured. Results: Compared to the control group, Brix 3000 and FotoSan have a defined antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. By combining the two materials, their antimicrobial activity significantly increases. S. mutans shows greater resistance compared to Lactobacillus spp. Conclusion: A combination of enzyme-based excavation and photodynamic therapy could be used successfully in the treatment of carious lesions in primary teeth.

FEAR ASSESSMENT WITH THE ‘DRAW A PERSON’ TEST OF THE DENTAL TREATMENT IN SPARING ENZYME-BASED EXCAVATION OF CARIES IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 4 AND 6 YEARS OF AGE

Aim The aim of the study is to assess fear with the ‘Draw a Person’ test in sparing enzyme-based excavation with Brix 3000 and conventional excavation when treating carious lesions in primary teeth. Materials and Methods The study involves 72 children aged 4-6. The enzyme-based excavation was used at 42 of the children and for the remaining 30 – conventional excavation with a bur. Each child has to complete the ‘Draw a Person’ Test: at home, before and after dental treatment in the dental office. The height of each figure is measured in centimeters using a ruler. Results and Conclusions Immediately prior to the dental treatment, a double reduction in the size of the figure in both groups could be observed, as compared to the figure drawn at home, which refers to an increase in the fear level. After the end of the treatment, in both groups, an increase could be observed as to the height of the figure drawn, and there is the impression that the height of the figures, drawn by children, where the carious lesions were excavated with Brix 3000 are closer to the figures drawn at home, compared to children treated using the conventional method.

Clinical decision-making in managing deep carious lesions in primary teeth based on clinical experience among pediatric dentists-A cross-sectional study.

To explore the different treatment methods employed in managing deep carious lesions (DCL) of vital primary teeth among pediatric dentists practic.ing in Saudi Arabia. We also want to find out whether the experience of pediatric dentists has any influence on clinical decision-making in managing DCL in primary teeth. This online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was carried out among pediatric dentists practicing in Saudi Arabia. We used a self-administered questionnaire consisting of five sections: demographic data, clinical decisions in managing DCL, clinical protocols, and dentist's knowledge about allowing carious dentin to remain under a restoration. The questionnaire was administrated electronically via SurveyMonkey. A total of 216 pediatric dentists participated in the study, in which nearly 60% were males. Most dentists reported that they preferred partial caries removal (63%), and the Hall technique (68%) was the mostly practiced method in managing DCL. Nearly 93.5% of the dentists reported performing indirect pulp capping before placing a permanent restoration, and the most preferred liner was Dycal (60%). About 47.2% of senior dentists reported practicing complete caries removal. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that younger dentists (5-10 years) preferred practiced partial caries excavation two times more often than senior dentists (>10 years). Pediatric dentists should focus on minimally invasive approaches such as partial caries excavation for DCL treatment. Pediatric dentists, especially senior practitioners, should be educated and trained to adopt minimally invasive strategies in managing DCL, reducing unnecessary risks such as iatrogenic pulpal damage.