Department Of Pediatric Dentistry Research Articles

Survival of different caries managements in children with autism and unaffected peers: a retrospective cohort study.

Dental caries is a common oral disease in children with special needs such as those with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The aim is to assess whether the type and survival of three caries management, conventional resin restorations (CR), ART technique (ART) and SDF application without caries removal (SDF), in primary teeth carried out at the Pediatric Dentistry Department of San Paolo Hospital (University of Milan) differed between children with ASDs and unaffected peers. Data from a convenience sample of children with and without ASDs, who have received dental care for caries in primary teeth from January 2019 to June 2022, were analysed. Medical history, age, sex, teeth treated, and type of treatment were collected from dental charts. Data on success and minor and major failures of each treatment were also collected. Two survival analysis were performed, one considering both major and minor failures, a second considering only major failures. Cox Proportional Hazards multivariate logistic models were run to assess factors associated with failures. The statistical significance was set at 5% (p< 0.05). In children with autism, the different techniques for approaching caries lesions seem to have the same probability of success. Therefore, the choice of treatment should be patient-oriented rather than lesion-oriented. In unaffected children, the gold standard always seems to be traditional restorative treatment.

Efficiency of a Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment Versus Regular Dental Environment in Neurotypically Healthy Children: A Parallel-Arm Interventional Study.

Introduction The basic principle of a sensory adaptive dental environment is that an individual's sensory experiences have a significant impact on their emotional and psychological well-being. Taste, smell, touch, hearing, and sight are the five basic senses that affect our perception and responses to the environment. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a Sensory-Adaptive Dental Environment (SADE) compared with a Regular Dental Environment (RDE) in reducing anxiety, improving behavior, and providinga smooth experience for children undergoing dental treatment. Materials and methods This parallel-arm pilot study was conducted at the outpatient Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai,from January 2024 to March 2024. A total of 148 children who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups:Group I (intervention group) received SADE or MSE (Multi-Sensory Environment) intervention, while Group 2 (control group)underwent dental treatments in a Regular Dental Environment (RDE). Patient behavior was assessed using Frankl's behavior rating scale, and anxiety levels were measured using Ayesha's Oddbodd anxiety scale. Additionally, heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were evaluated using a pulse oximeter. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), with significance set at a p-value less than 0.05. Results Before the procedure, there were no notable differences in behavior or anxiety levels. However, after the procedure, children undergoing treatment under SADE resulted in markedly improved behavior and notably lower anxiety levels. Also, this correlated with reduced anxiety levels, indicated by lower heart rates and higher oxygen saturation levels. Conclusion The study concluded that there were notable differences in patient experiences between SADE and RDE.After their dental procedures, participants in the SADE group were found to behave better and feel less nervous. Still, in the conventional setting, only improved behavior was noted, with no significant difference in anxiety levels. Overall, our study suggests that dental offices can significantly enhance patient experiences by providing a sensory-friendly setting that helps children feel more at ease, improves patient outcomes, and less nervous during their visits.

Trends in behavioral management techniques for dental treatment of patients with autism spectrum disorder: a 10-year retrospective analysis.

Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present challenges in dental treatment cooperation owing to deficits in communication skills and social interaction. Behavioral guidance, sedation, and general anesthesia may be employed to ensure the quality of dental care for individuals with ASD. This study aimed to examine the trends in dental treatment for patients with ASD who visited the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Dankook University Jukjeon Dental Hospital, an oral health center for the disabled in the Gyeonggi region, over the past 10 years. This study utilized the order communication system to gather data on sex, age, cooperation level, number of quadrants treated, and administration of sedation or general anesthesia for patients with ASD who visited the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Dankook University Jukjeon Dental Hospital between January 2013 and December 2022. The total number of patients with ASD increased annually, possibly due to an increase in ASD prevalence and the hospital's designation as a center for disabled oral health. General anesthesia was predominant before 2017, with a shift towards N2O-O2 sedation. The most common age group for sedation or general anesthesia was 6-9 years, with a higher prevalence in males than in females. Notably, N2O-O2 and midazolam sedation resulted in better cooperation and fewer treated teeth than general anesthesia. This study highlights the evolving trends in dental treatment for individuals with ASD, indicating a shift towards outpatient methods, particularly N2O-O2 sedation. The sex distribution aligns with national statistics, emphasizing a higher prevalence of ASD in males than in females. These findings underscore the need for further research to establish evidence-based guidelines for optimal dental care strategies tailored to the unique needs of individuals with ASD.

Retrospective Study Regarding the Correlation between Dental Anxiety and Color Preferences in Children with Severe Early Childhood Caries.

Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is recognized as a significant chronic disease which affects the quality of life starting at very young ages and has a very rapid evolution towards pulp complication and loss of dental tissue. Children with a high caries index DMFT are more likely to develop high levels of dental anxiety, which will influence the degree of cooperation during dental procedures. Emotions play an important role in the psychosomatic development of children, and all the factors that contribute to the modeling of these emotional states must be known and taken into consideration. The aim of this study was to assess the association between dental anxiety in children with S-ECC and the color preferences for the components of the dental environment to reduce the levels of dental anxiety during medical visits. For this study, 91 children between 3 and 6 years of age diagnosed with S-ECC were selected from the Pediatric Dentistry Department of UMFST from Targu Mures and from a private dental office. The level of dental anxiety was determined by measuring the pulse rate, and a questionnaire was completed to establish the color preferences for the dental office environment and the dentist's attire. For this purpose, six different colors and their variants with three shades less intensity were chosen by using RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) identification codes for each color. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the age of the subjects and dental anxiety levels, but there was no significant correlation between the DMFT score and dental anxiety. Also, the results showed that there was no significant difference between girls and boys when choosing the colors preferred by them for the dental office, but when comparing the colors that represented happiness, significant statistical difference was found between the girls' and boys' groups (p = 0.0039). For all the subjects, the colors associated with happiness were light yellow and pink, while the colors associated with anxiety were red and dark blue. The data obtained showed that dental anxiety is strongly influenced by age, and an important role in inducing positive emotions is played by the dental environment if dressed in specific colors in order to reduce dental anxiety and create familiar conditions, especially for young children with S-ECC.

Health status and visit reasons for children attending the Pediatric Dentistry department in damascus university, damascus, Syria: A retrospective study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to discuss the health status and treatment requirements of children visiting the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry. Materials and MethodsA retrospective study included the records of patients attending the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, from November 29, 2021, to December 14, 2023. ResultsThe study reviewed 2417 patient records, excluding 312. The majority of patients were primary school children aged 6 − <12, primarily from Rif-Dimashq governorate. About 18 % displayed negative behavior during examinations, and 8 % had special health care needs. The most frequent type of disability was medical disabilities, followed by neurological disorders, with percentages of 40.2 % and 28.9 %, respectively. Dental caries were the primary reason for visits, with a mean of 3.94 ± 3.13. A negative association was found between the number of decayed teeth and the following: age classification, visit year, and Salviov-Tinawi scale. The percentage of males who came for cosmetic problems was higher than females at 57.2 % and 42.8 %, respectively. ConclusionsThe Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University, is a public dental clinic that is visited by patients from all governorates, providing free specialized treatments. Clinical relevanceUnmet dental needs are a significant issue for both healthy children and those with special health care needs. The Department of Pediatric Dentistry serves as a research and educational center, offering comprehensive dental treatments to children from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Therefore, understanding the dental needs of children is crucial for providing effective support.

Most commonly prescribed analgesic among 6 to 12-year-olds after extraction in paediatric dentistry - A retrospective study

Background: Using their expertise in analgesics, the dentist should recommend the best prescription at the right dosage to reduce pain without going overboard. Aim: To determine the most commonly prescribed analgesics which are used post-extraction for 6 to 12-year-old children Materials &amp; Methods: A total of 4160 patient data was collected from OPD data from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College &amp; Hospital of 6 to 12-year-old children who have gotten dental treatment and have received analgesic medication. The dentist should use his or her knowledge of analgesics to prescribe the most effective drug and appropriate dose to alleviate pain while avoiding overmedication. The treatment records of these patients were assessed and data was analyzed. Descriptive analysis and chi-square tests were performed. Results: The majority of the patients (16.7%) were 9 years old. The most commonly prescribed analgesic was found to be paracetamol (56.6%). The most common combination drug prescribed to children was Paracetamol and Ibuprofen (19.5%). P value for the comparison between gender and age with different types of analgesics [0.0005 (&lt;0.05)] was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: In both males and females, paracetamol was the most prescribed analgesic and most commonly prescribed analgesic, a combination drug; Paracetamol &amp; Ibuprofen.

Dental Abnormalities in Pediatric Patients Receiving Chemotherapy.

Background: Chemotherapy is a common treatment for pediatric cancer. Although life prognosis is improving because of advances in medical science, it is important to deal with late effects such as dental abnormalities. We investigated the association between dental abnormalities and chemotherapy by age and tooth type. Methods: Among the 568 patients referred to the pediatric dentistry department of our hospital, we selected 32 patients (21 male and 11 female) who received chemotherapy between the ages of 0 and 6 and underwent panoramic examination after the age of 7. We recorded the age of chemotherapy commencement, diagnosis of systemic disease, and dental abnormalities such as congenital absence, microdonts, and short-rooted teeth. Results: Almost half of the patients had dental abnormalities such as congenital absence, microdonts, and short-rooted teeth, but there were no significant differences in the incidence of these abnormalities by age. When we analyzed the incidence of abnormal teeth by tooth type, the incidence of congenital absence was significantly higher in premolars (5.5%) and second molars (3.9%) than in incisor or canine or 1st molar (0.4%) (p < 0.01). The incidence of microdonts was significantly higher in premolars (3.9%) than in incisor or canine or 1st molar (0.2%) and second molars (0.0%) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients who received chemotherapy had a high prevalence of dental abnormalities, and the incidence of abnormalities varied by tooth type. It is important to maintain long-term oral care for patients who have undergone chemotherapy even after the treatment is completed.

Reducing general anaesthetic episodes: 'piggyback' procedures - Birmingham Children's Hospital experience.

Introduction Birmingham Children's Hospital (BCH) has a well-established care pathway for joint procedures - 'piggybacks' - under general anaesthetic (GA). The premise behind these joint procedures is that dental treatment is undertaken at the same time as another planned GA, usually completed by the patient's primary medical or surgical specialty, or another speciality attending a dental GA list.Aim The aim of this paper is to share the recent BCH experience of joint procedures and provide a model for secondary and tertiary care providers across the UK to develop their own collaborative working approaches.Method Data were collected retrospectively from May 2021 to May 2023 on the department of paediatric dentistry at Birmingham Children's Hospital. Patients were included if they had any joint procedure undertaken.Results In total, 93 patients were treated as a 'piggyback' procedure during this period. The average age of patient treated was nine years and three months. A total of 39 patients had extractions only during this period, while 19 had scaling only and 12 had both scaling and extractions. Additionally, 269 primary teeth and 22 permanent teeth were extracted during this period.Conclusion BCH has a well-established pathway of care for 'piggyback' procedures. Future workforce planning and patient care pathways should consider joint procedures and further explore this initiative to continue to streamline patient care and reduce waiting lists and risks associated with GA.

Goldenhar Syndrome in a 9-year-old Patient – A Rare Case Report

Abstract The complex and rare condition known as Goldenhar syndrome (GHS) is characterized by mandibular hypoplasia, ear abnormalities, ocular dermoid and vertebral problems, and hemi facial macrosomia. The age of the patient and any systemic clinical manifestations will determine the treatment plan, which frequently calls for a multidisciplinary approach. This case study details a 9-year-old boy who presented to the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr R Ahmed Dental College and Hospital, Kolkata, with ear tags, ocular dermoid, and mandibular hypoplasia. The diagnosis was made using mainly the clinical features. Since GHS is a developmental disorder that can affect a patient’s quality of life in many areas, treatment must begin as soon as the child is born.

The Evaluatıon Of The Oral Hygıene Habıts Of Chıldren Durıng The Post-Earthquake Process In Malatya Provınce

Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the oral hygiene habits of children in the post-earthquake period in Malatya. Material and Methods: Three hundred parents presented to Inonu University Department of Pediatric Dentistry for examination/treatment participated in this study. The survey consists of a total of 18 questions. Descriptive statistical methods were used when evaluating the study data. The Chi-square test was used to compare qualitative data. Significance was evaluated at p&lt;0.05 level. Results: 43.3% of the children participating in the study were brushing teeth once a day before the earthquake, 40.3% were brushing teeth rarely, 15% were brushing twice or more a day, and 1.3% were not brushing at all. After the earthquake, the rate of brushing teeth once a day was 31.3%, the rate of brushing teeth twice a day or more was 13%, the rate of rarely brushing teeth was 50%, and the rate of not brushing at all was 5.7%. The decrease in tooth brushing habits of children whose housing changed after the earthquake (30.8%) was statistically significantly higher than that of children whose housing did not change (20%) (p:0.027; p&lt; 0.05). Conclusion: As a result of this study, it was observed that children's oral hygiene habits unfortunately decreased or disappeared as their housing conditions changed. Appropriate living conditions should be provided for children as soon as possible after natural disasters, and oral hygiene habits should be restarted.

Salivary Proteinase 3 as a Biomarker for Caries Severity in Children: A Cross-sectional Study.

This study aims to evaluate the relation between salivary proteinase 3 (PR3) concentration and caries severity in children. Six-to-eight-year age group children, from the Outpatient Department of Pediatric and Preventive dentistry at PMS Dental College were selected for the study. From these children, three groups each consisting of 28 children were selected according to the dental caries severity. Three groups were: (1) No Dental Caries group, (2) Low Dental Caries group with DMFT/DEFT score of 1-4, and (3) High Dental Caries group with DMFT/DEFT score of 5-15. Thus, a total of 84 children who satisfied the inclusion criteria were selected. The concentration of PR3 in saliva of the donors were analyzed using an ELISA kit. One way ANOVA was used for finding the relation of salivary PR3 concentration with caries severity. Pairwise comparison of PR3 concentration and caries severity were analyzed using post hoc Tukey test. Severity of caries and concentration of salivary PR3 showed an inverse relation. As the caries severity increases there was a decrease in PR3 concentration and vice versa. The children with high caries severity showed lower concentration of PR3 in their saliva compared with those with lower caries severity which indicates that PR3 can be used as a biomarker for assessing caries severity and also paves way to use PR3 as a caries vaccine in future. Nowadays, interest toward noninvasive and personalized dentistry has been increased. Molecular assays using salivary biomarkers can be an effective tool in detecting the caries in earlier stages and assessing a patient's caries risk. Salivary PR3 can be used as prognostic biomarker for assessing caries severity and after treatment the value of PR3 can be used as a assessment tool to confirm its relation with caries. How to cite this article: Karthika S, George S, Soman A, et al. Salivary Proteinase 3 as a Biomarker for Caries Severity in Children: A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(3):236-240.

Salivary and urinary assessment of fluoride and silver ion concentrations after silver diamine fluoride application in children: a prospective cohort study.

The purpose of the study was to determine the fluoride (F) and silver (Ag) ions levels in the saliva and urine of healthy children after silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application on dental carious lesions. Sixty children (4-6years with ≥ 3 caries lesions) were recruited from the outpatient department of Pediatric Dentistry. From each child, 3ml unstimulated saliva samples were collected at baseline, one hour, and 24h after SDF application. Similarly, 3ml urine samples were collected prior to and after 24h of SDF application. F and Ag ion concentrations were determined by fluoride ion-selective electrode (ISE) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), respectively. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) baseline, 1-h, and 24-h salivary F concentrations (ppm) were 0.07 ± 0.07, 0.93 ± 0.48, and 0.19 ± 0.19, respectively, while the mean baseline and 24-h urinary F concentrations (ppm) were 0.33 ± 0.20ppm and 0.43 ± 0.25ppm, respectively. The mean baseline, 1-h, and 24-h salivary Ag concentrations (ppb) were 4.22 ± 3.15, 4198 ± 350, and 56.93 ± 37, respectively. The mean baseline and 24-h urinary Ag concentrations (ppb) were 2.80 ± 2.93ppb and 4.72 ± 4.0ppb, respectively. There were statistically elevated F and Ag ion concentrations at 1h and 24h after SDF application as compared to the baseline. Salivary and urinary F and Ag ions concentrations elevated significantly at 24h following SDF applications in children. A significant high recovery of these ions in urine indicates minimal systemic absorption, thus intermittent topical application of 38% SDF has a minimal risk of toxicity.

Interexaminer agreement among pediatric dental specialists in assessment of tonsil size, Friedman tongue position, and Friedman staging of obstructive sleep apnea in children: An observational study.

The evaluation of tonsil size, Friedman Tongue Position (FTP), and Friedman staging in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) holds significant clinical importance, offering manifold advantages in diagnosis and surgical management. This study aimed to assess the reliability of pediatric OSA evaluation by determining inter-examiner agreement among pediatric dental specialists. Conducted at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, PMS College of Dental Science and Research Hospital (2023-2024), this observational study utilized conventional consulting rooms, headlights, and examination chairs. Thirteen medical practitioners reviewed video recordings of the oropharyngeal regions of twelve pediatric patients exhibiting mouth breathing. Friedman staging was determined based on tonsil size and tongue position gradings.Inter-examiner agreement was evaluated using Fleiss kappa analysis. Observers, including residents and practitioners in pediatric dentistry, demonstrated poor agreement regarding FTP and tonsil grading. Understanding the nuances of tonsil size and FTP in pediatric OSA evaluation, along with identifying avenues for refinement, can enhance medical decision-making among healthcare providers, including pediatric dentists.

Patterns and characteristics of traumatic dental injuries in children – a retrospective study in a dental hospital in Kolkata, India

Introduction and aim. Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in children can have aesthetic, functional, and psychological conse quences. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and patterns of TDIs in a hospital-based population. Material and methods. Patient records from the Department of pediatric and Preventive Dentistry in a dental college and hospital in Kolkata, India, were reviewed. A total of 381 patients, aged 1 to 12 years, who presented one or more traumatized an terior teeth between September 2018 and August 2022, were included. Data on age, sex, mechanism of injury, type of trauma, dentition type, and number of affected teeth were collected. The World Health Organization classification system was used to classify the type of dental trauma. Results. Among the study population, there were 235 males (61.7%) and 146 females (38.3%), with a mean age of 7.67±3.87 years. Falls were the most common cause of trauma (52.2%). The maxillary central incisors were the most frequently affected teeth in both primary and permanent dentitions. Conclusion. Falls were the most common cause of trauma and the maxillary central incisors were the most commonly affected teeth in children.

Mandibular Mesiodens: A Case Report of Rare Clinical Entity

Supernumerary teeth are those that are in excess of the normal series. Supernumerary teeth can appear as a single tooth, multiple teeth, unilaterally or bilaterally, and in the maxilla, mandible, or both. The presence of this condition, particularly in the mandibular anterior region, has been reported infrequently. The purpose of this paper is to report and review the occurrence of such a rare combination. A 9-year-old girl presented to the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry with the chief complaint of a malpositioned tooth in the lower anterior region of the jaw. A supplemental tooth resembling a permanent central incisor was discovered during a clinical examination. The presence of Mesiodens was confirmed by radiographic examination. The mesiodens was extracted, followed by a spontaneous closure of the diastema. This case report revealed that the early detection of mandibular supplemental incisors could facilitate early intervention, a better prognosis, and fewer complications.

Effect of various educational methods on increasing parents’ awareness of their children’s preventive orthodontic treatments

Aim: Like other fields of health, the main focus in dentistry has shifted from treatment to prevention of diseases. Parents have a vital role in deciding about their children’s oral health issues. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of four educational methods (including printed pamphlets, digital pamphlets, faceto-face education, and educational films) in increasing the awareness of parents about preventive orthodontic treatments. Methods: The study samples were selected from patients who were referred to the Pediatric Dentistry Department. 150 parents of children between 4-12 years old participated in the study. They filled out a questionnaire including demographic data and knowledge about orthodontic problems and their early treatments. Then they were divided into five groups (control, printed pamphlet, digital pamphlet, face-to-face, educational films) and after one month they repeated the test. Results: A total of 102 fathers and 48 mothers were evaluated. There was no statistical difference between different ages, sex, or income in terms of their awareness, but the awareness score between educational groups was different. There has been observed a significant increase in the awareness level of all four groups (except the control group) (P &lt; 0.05). The highest score was seen in the video group. The difference between printed pamphlets and digital pamphlets was not significant. Conclusions: The results indicate that educational films are the most effective way of increasing awareness about preventive orthodontic treatments.

The Relationship between Passive Smoking and Caries Experience in Children Aged 1-12 Years and Influencing Factors

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between passive smoking by parents and dental caries in children aged 1-12 years and the factors affecting this relationship. Materials and Methods: The examination data of 900 children aged 1-12 years who were admitted to Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry between December 2020 and May 2021 for various reasons and underwent routine examinations and met the study criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Sociodemographic characteristics, passive smoking status and dmft/DMFT scores of the children were recorded. The relationship between passive smoking status and dmft/DMFT scores and the factors affecting this relationship were analyzed. Results: The results of A statistically significant correlation was found between passive smoking status and dmft/DMFT scores of children (p=0.000). At the same time, a significant relationship was found between passive smoking and income level (p0.05). Conclusion: Passive smoking is thought to be a risk factor in caries formation. Therefore, it is important to reduce exposure to passive smoking in order to protect both oral and dental health and general health of children

Prevalence, Severity, and Correlation with Agenesis of Permanent Successors of Infraoccluded Primary Molars at Chonnam National University Hospital’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry

This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and severity of infraoccluded primary molars (IPM) and their correlation with the agenesis of permanent successors (APS). A total of 4,011 panoramic radiographs from children aged 4 to 11 years who had all 8 primary molars were examined. The prevalence of APS was analyzed based on the severity and tooth type of IPM. The prevalence of IPM was 13.0%, and there was no difference between genders. The majority of the children had two IPMs each. In all tooth types, mild infraocclusion was the most prevalent, whereas severe infraocclusion was the least frequent. Among the types of primary molars, the lower primary first molar (62.3%) was the most affected, followed by the lower primary second molar (27.7%), the upper primary second molar (5.8%), and the upper primary first molar (4.2%). Infraocclusion was 11.2 times more prevalent in the mandible than in the maxilla, with no significant difference between the left and right sides. The correlation between IPM and APS was also investigated. Among the subjects, 177 had one or more agenesis of premolars, of whom 54 (30.5%) had IPM. Additionally, among the 521 individuals with IPM, 54 individuals exhibited APS (10.4%). This study identified a noteworthy prevalence of infraocclusion, with notable variations among molar types. The LPFM was particularly affected. The majority of cases were classified as mild in severity. Furthermore, a compelling association between IPM and APS was established. Understanding this connection may enhance treatment strategies for infraoccluded teeth and tooth agenesis.

An Investigation of the Knowledge and Preferences of Parents About Dental Preventive Practices

Objective: Dental caries poses a significant health concern affecting, 60%-90% of children globally. While fluoride is widely utilized to prevent and eliminate dental caries, recent negative media coverage and concerns about irresponsible fluoride use have prompted a shift in parental perspectives. This study explores parental knowledge, preferences, and attitudes regarding preventive measures, with a focus on fluoride and potential natural or herbal alternatives. Methods: Our research was designed as a survey study. A survey form consisting of 11 questions was delivered to parents of children aged 6–14 years and presented to the Erciyes University Department of Pediatric Dentistry for examination or treatment were included in the study. A total of 300 parents participated in the study. Data was recorded as numbers and percentages. Results: Of the parents, 69% (207) reported that if they were offered natural herbal compounds instead of fluorinated varnish, they would prefer natural alternatives. A statistically significant relationship was found between the responses received from the parents about the effects of fluoride and the educational level of the parents (p&lt;0.05). Only 4 (1.3%) university graduate parents stated that fluoride had harmful effects. We found that 80.95% of the fathers and 68.39% of the mothers stated that they would prefer natural or herbal alternatives for their children instead of fluorinated varnish, and this was a statistically significant result (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Parents do not have sufficient knowledge and attitudes about preventive practices in oral dental health, and some parents still avoid the use of fluoride products. Therefore, there is a need to increase fluoride intake and its effects on children's health by educating parents or informing dentists.

Possible Etiological Factors for the Development of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in Austrian Children.

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental enamel defect that primarily affects the first permanent molars and sometimes the incisors. Its increasing prevalence worldwide has raised clinical concerns, yet its exact cause remains unknown. This study aimed to assess potential factors influencing MIH development by analyzing the medical history of children aged 6 to 12 years using a questionnaire. This study included 100 children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with MIH during dental examination, and 100 age-matched children in the non-MIH (healthy) group from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna. The parents of the participants completed a two-page questionnaire regarding possible etiological factors of MIH. The data analysis involved 100 children with MIH (mean age 8.5; ±1.3; 52% female) and 100 children in the healthy group (mean age 9.2; ±1.3; 42% female). The optimized binary logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between MIH development and cesarean-section delivery (OR = 3; CI = [1.5-6.2]) and sixth disease (roseola) (OR = 3.5; CI = [1.5-8.0]). This study suggests that cesarean-section delivery and sixth disease (roseola) might increase the likelihood of MIH development in children.