Malocclusion Research Articles

Orofacial Features, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, and Exposure to Bullying in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic disease that is responsible for bone fragility, but also for dental malocclusions and dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI). The aim of this study was to assess whether the severity of dental malocclusion influenced the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and exposure to bullying in a paediatric OI population compared with a control group. Dental and occlusal characteristics were noted during oral and radiographic examination. The severity of malocclusion was assessed using the PAR index. P-CPQ, COHIP(34), and BCS-A questionnaires were used to evaluate, respectively, externally and self-perceived OHRQoL and bullying. We included 39 patients with a mean age of 11.3 (±4.8 SD) in the OI group, and 45 patients with a mean age of 12.3 (±3.2 SD) in the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of occlusal vertical and transverse dimensions. Patients with severe OI, presenting with bone fractures, bones deformities, and short stature, had significantly more anterior (p < 0.05) and posterior openbites (p < 0.05) and more DI (p < 0.05) compared to patients who had moderate or mild OI. Self-perceived OHRQoL was negatively impacted by the disease (p = 0.01), particularly in the domains of oral health (p < 0.05) and self-image (p < 0.001), but not by its severity. Exposure to bullying did not differ significantly between the two groups, although more patients with OI reported being teased (21.4% face to face and 7.1% online vs. 14.6% and 2.4% in the control group). Interventions for dental malocclusion and oral health in OI patients would help to improve their quality of life and self-image.

Prevalence of malocclusions and parafunctional habits in pediatric patients with developmental dyslexia.

The study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental malocclusion, orthodontic parameters, and parafunctional habits in children with developmental dyslexia (DD). Forty pediatric patients (67.5% boys and 32.5% girls, mean age: 11.02 ± 2.53 years, range: 6-15 years) with DD were compared with 40 age- and sex-matched healthy participants for prevalence of dental malocclusion, orthodontic parameters, and parafunctional habits. Dental examinations were performed by an orthodontist. Pediatric patients with DD exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of Angle Class III malocclusion (22.5% vs. 5.0%, P = 0.024), deep bite (27.5% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.019), midline deviation (55.0% vs. 7.5%, P < 0.0001), midline diastemas (32.5% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.010), wear facets (92.5% vs. 15.0%, P < 0.0001), self-reported nocturnal teeth grinding (82.5% vs. 7.5%, P < 0.0001), nail biting (35.0% vs. 0.0%, P < 0.0001), and atypical swallowing (85.0% vs. 17.5%, P < 0.0001) compared to that in healthy controls. Pediatric patients with DD showed a higher prevalence of Class III malocclusion, greater orthodontic vertical and transverse discrepancies, and incidence of parafunctional activities. Clinicians and dentists should be aware of the vulnerability of children with dyslexia for exhibiting malocclusion and encourage early assessment and multidisciplinary intervention.

Oral health in obese children common findings, prevention, treatment, and outcome

Childhood obesity is a significant global public health issue, closely linked to various oral health challenges, including dental caries, periodontal disease, and malocclusion. Obese children are more prone to these dental problems due to dietary habits that include high sugar and carbohydrate intake, poor oral hygiene practices, and systemic inflammation. This review explores the common oral health issues faced by obese children and emphasizes the importance of preventive strategies and tailored treatment approaches. Preventive measures include promoting healthy dietary habits, improving oral hygiene practices, and ensuring regular dental check-ups. Dietary modifications, such as reducing the intake of sugary snacks and beverages, play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay and other dental problems. Educating children and caregivers about proper brushing and flossing techniques and the use of fluoride toothpaste and dental sealants further supports oral health. Regular dental visits allow for early detection and management of dental issues, with professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and appropriate restorative and periodontal therapies being integral components of care. The outcomes of these comprehensive treatment strategies are generally positive, leading to improved oral health and overall quality of life for obese children. Multidisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers, including dentists, pediatricians, and nutritionists, is essential to develop effective care plans that address both obesity and oral health. This integrated approach ensures that obese children receive holistic care that promotes lifelong healthy habits, reducing the risk of future dental and systemic health problems. The review underscores the necessity of a concerted effort to address the intertwined issues of obesity and oral health in children, highlighting the potential for significant health improvements through targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Case Report: Multidisciplinary Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Dental Malocclusion

Case Report: Multidisciplinary Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Dental Malocclusion

Effectiveness of removable expander appliances in posterior crossbite: A review of the literature

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of removable expander appliances in the treatment of posterior crossbite by reviewing and analyzing clinical studies, scientific articles and published case reports. Background: Posterior crossbite is a dental malocclusion characterized by a transverse misalignment of the upper and lower teeth, where the upper teeth bite into the lower teeth. This condition can affect one or more dental organs and if left untreated, can lead to functional and esthetic problems, as well as imbalances in maxillofacial growth. Early correction of posterior crossbite is crucial to avoid future complications such as uneven tooth wear, temporomandibular dysfunction and facial asymmetries, and different treatment methods have been used, including removable appliances. Methodology: The research was structured from a search tree (PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar, Dialnet, Scopus), with keywords such as: removable expandable appliance; posterior crossbite; removable orthodontics; treatment efficacy AND posterior crossbite; posterior crossbite NOT fixed appliance. Conclusions: Removable expander appliances are an effective option for treating posterior crossbite in children. Studies show that these devices correct malocclusion, promote maxillary growth and improve dental alignment. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the cooperation of the child and parents. The choice of appliance should be based on a careful evaluation of the patient's needs, considering cooperation, severity of the malocclusion and the preferences of the patient and the orthodontist.

Dental Occlusion as A Health Risk for Visual Acuity in Relation to Salivary Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 ( TGF-Β1) Among Students Aged 8-10 Years

Background: Correct mouth function is one of the functional matrices that contribute to the growth of the maxilla, which is connected to the growth of orbit, and vice versa. Objective: to ascertain how dental malocclusion affects the visual acuity-related salivary transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on 653 students, 8–10 years of age from elementary schools in the governorate of Al-Diwaniyah during the period from 1st of November 2022 to 30th March 2023. Using the Snellen E chart and Angle's classification to identify malocclusion, they were subjected to visual-capacity testing for refractive disorders. Sub-samples were selected from the normal and visually impaired groups for salivary transforming growth factor beta-1 salivary analysis measurement. Results: Only 70 out of 653 students were found to have reduced visual acuity. When compared to students with normal visual acuity, they had significantly higher levels of salivary transforming growth factor beta-1. Those with reduced visual acuity were found to have a much higher occurrence of dental malocclusion utilizing molar's relation of Angle's categorization. Conclusion: The students with impaired visual acuity were more likely to have dental malocclusions and increased levels of TGF-β1.

Assessment of Factors Associated with Mandibular Anterior Crowding in Mixed Dentition

ABSTRACT Introduction: Dental crowding can be defined as a disparity in the relationship between the tooth size and arch length, which results in imbrication and rotation of teeth. Crowding of permanent teeth, especially in the anterior part of the mandible, is believed to be the most frequent form of malocclusion in children. The appropriate age for treatment of crowding is the late mixed dentition period. Aim: To assess and compare the dental and skeletal factors associated with early crowding and non-crowding in children with mixed dentition. Methodology: This experimental cross-sectional study was conducted in Mangalore within 24 months. A total of sixty subjects between the age group of 7–10 years of both sexes were included in the study, in which the experimental group includes 30 subjects with mandibular crowding and the control group includes 30 subjects without lower anterior crowding. A comparison of model analysis parameters between the crowding group and the non-crowding group was done using Student’s t-test. Any P-value of ≤0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results: The result showed that dental parameters like total incisor width were greater and intercanine width was found to be reduced in the crowding group, whereas arch diameter was found to be increased in non-crowding group, which was statically significant (P-value). Skeletal parameters like SNA and SNB were found to be significantly decreased in crowding individuals (P-values of 0.011 and 0.04, respectively). Conclusion: The total incisor width was found to be greater in the crowding group when compared to the non-crowding group, and this could be one of the reasons for the cause of crowding in the early mixed dentition period. The intercanine width and arch diameter were reduced in the crowding group when compared to the non-crowding group. Crowding in the permanent dentition may either be eliminated or at least severity can be reduced if interceptive orthodontics is initiated at an early stage in such children.

Assessment of the Relationship between Antero-Posterior Dental Malocclusions, Body Posture Abnormalities and Selected Static Foot Parameters in Adults.

Objectives: This study aimed to find if a relationship exists between antero-posterior malocclusions and the level of musculoskeletal disorders in adults, including body posture and static foot analysis. Methods: In all, 420 participants were recruited through convenience sampling (Kraków University students and patients of a local dentist's practice). Following general medical interviews, dental examinations and consideration of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 90 healthy volunteers (ages 19-35) were enrolled and assigned to three groups (n = 30) based on occlusion type (Angle's molar Class I, II or III). The research procedure involved occlusion and temporomandibular disorder assessment conducted by a dental specialist. Comprehensive morphological measurements of body asymmetry were performed using the Videography 2D package and FreeSTEP software, which calculated the parameters determined from anterior, posterior and lateral projection photos. Foot loading distribution was analyzed using the FreeMED baropodometric platform. Results: Significant differences were demonstrated in the positioning of the head, cervical and lumbar spine in the sagittal plane among individuals with the analyzed occlusal classes (p < 0.05). Individuals with Angle's Class II exhibited significantly greater forward head positions and greater depths of cervical and lumbar lordosis compared with individuals with Class III or Class I. Those with overbites had higher forefoot loading. The Class III individuals exhibited greater L-R displacement, indicating a larger angle of displacement of the centers of the right and left feet relative to the lower edge of the measurement platform, suggesting pelvic rotation. Conclusions: An inclination for concurrent occurrences of malocclusions and posture deviations in the sagittal plane was observed. An interdisciplinary approach involving dentistry and physiotherapy specialists which utilizes tools for comprehensive posture assessment is crucial for diagnosing and treating such conditions.

Computer-Guided Evaluation of the Use of Two Different Devices in the Reduction of Inferior Tooth Crowding.

Lower tooth crowding is considered one of the most common malocclusions in growing patients and due to the potential complications associated with it, it is recommended to intercept this condition as soon as possible. The purpose of this paper is to examine and compare the effectiveness of two different orthodontic devices (elastodontic device and clear aligners) in the treatment of anterior tooth crowding in the jaws of young patients. Seventy patients aged between 10 and 16 years with anterior inferior tooth crowding were recruited into this study and divided into case and control groups. The former group comprised 35 patients (15 males and 20 females, average age 10.2 years) who were treated with elastodontic devices (EQ CP series, Eptamed), while the control group consisted of 35 patients (15 males and 20 females, average age 10.5 years) who received aligners (Invisalign). All patients underwent periodic visits after 6 months from the start of treatment (T1) and after 1 year (T2) in which the progress of therapy was evaluated by measuring the inferior intercanine distance using a digital caliper. A parametric ANOVA test was conducted for statistical analysis. There is no statistically significant difference between the two groups at either T1 or T2 (p < 0.05), thus making the two treatment modalities comparable. Both elastodontic devices and aligners can be considered as effective tools to successfully conduct inferior expansive treatment for the resolution of tooth crowding; however, the elastodontic devices are considered more comfortable to wear and they are required to be worn for less time during the day.

Pelatihan Cara Deteksi Dini Gigi Berlubang, Gigi Berjejal, dan Kelainan dalam Mulut pada Komunitas Orang Tua dan Guru Playgoup dan TK Al-Alaq di Jatibening

The first 5 years of a child's development stage is a golden period in a child's growth and development period. Children's dental and oral health is very important, because the mouth is the first gate in the human digestive system. Parents' knowledge regarding dental and oral hygiene and health is the basis for forming children's behavior in maintaining children's oral and dental hygiene. Parents need to be provided with adequate knowledge on how to do an early detection of cavities, crowding of teeth, and abnormalities in the mouth as a form of prevention against tooth decay in children in the home environment. Community Service (PkM) was carried out online via Zoom Meeting on Friday 1 July 2022, and was attended by 37 people including teachers, staff and parents of students from Playgoup School and Kindergarten Al-Alaq Jatibening. The material provided is in the form of early detection of tooth decay, how to check oral health at home, how to detect crowding of teeth early, soft tissue disorders in the form of ppt, e-flyer and video. Measure success by completing a pre-test and post-test consisting of 17 knowledge questions related to the topic presented. It was found that participants' knowledge increased by 31%. The results obtained from this activity are very good with partners who are willing to carry out PkM activities on an ongoing basis.

The Influence of the Tongue on the Development of Dental Malocclusion.

The tongue supports the upper dental arch and encourages healthy dental arch development when it rests against the roof of the mouth. On the other hand, over time, malocclusion can result from incorrect tongue position, such as lying low in the mouth or thrusting forward during swallowing or speaking. As a muscular organ, the tongue applies forces to the jaws and teeth that may help with malocclusion or hinder it from aligning properly. The dentition and jaws grow and align according to the way the tongue, teeth, and surrounding structures interact. The tongue's morphogenetic function includes forming the arches and having an important impact on the maxillary complex's development. The tongue frequently assumes a balancing and compensatory function in subsequent phases, functioning more or less like a natural orthodontic bite. In adults, the tongue is able to compensate for problems like open bites, teeth that are out of alignment, or differences in the occlusal and sagittal planes of the spine. In this context, the tongue's ability to sustain occlusion during malocclusion can be considered a compensatory response. This is comparable to how lingual dysfunction may contribute to malocclusion or act as a potential source of recurring orthodontic instability. In order to diagnose and treat orthodontic issues, dental professionals must know the connection between tongue position and dental malocclusion. Malocclusion can be prevented or minimized with early intervention, such as myofunctional therapy to correct tongue position and habits, improving dental health and well-being overall.

Dental Profile of Brazilian Patients with Rare Skeletal Genetic Disorders: Clinical Features and Associated Factors.

The aim of this study is to compare the dental profiles of Brazilian patients with rare genetic skeletal disorders and normotypical patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 210 individuals aged between 2 and 54 years old [105 with rare diseases (Mucopolysaccharidosis/MPS n = 27 and Osteogenesis Imperfecta/OI n = 78) and 105 without rare diseases] and their parents/caregivers. The parents/caregivers answered a questionnaire about individual aspects of their child and the dental profile was identified from questions related to dental history and the presence/absence of dental problems. The patients' oral cavity was also examined by three examiners for dental caries, malocclusion, gingivitis, and dental anomalies. The average age of individuals with a rare disease was 14.1 years (±12.2) and the median was 9.5 years. Participants who had already used the public health system (SUS) dental care services had a 2.24 times higher chance of belonging to the group with a rare disease (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.07-4.89). Patients with rare diseases are 14.86 times more likely to have difficulty receiving dental treatment (OR = 14.86; 95% CI: 5.96-27.03) and 10.38 times more likely to have one or more dental problems (OR = 10.38; 95% CI: 1.95-35.17). Individuals with rare disorders have a greater history of difficulty in accessing dental treatment, using the SUS, and were diagnosed with more dental problems compared to normotypical individuals.

A survey on the knowledge and perception of orthodontic clear aligner systems among general dentists

To date, there is no information available on the general dentist’s experience with Clear Aligner case selection, type of clinical practice etc. Therefore, the purpose of this survey was to evaluate the knowledge of general dentists in their experience and types of dental malocclusion treated with CA, the patients demand and perception of CA treatment.A structured questionnaire was created to evaluate the knowledge and perception of clear aligner therapy among the general dentists. The study sample comprised of 196 licensed general dental practitioners who had more than 2 years of clinical experience post graduation. The structured questionnaire included 17 closed ended questions which sought to assess the knowledge and perception of Clear Aligner Therapy among the general dentists.There is a need for increased education and awareness among general dentists to enhance their knowledge and expertise in providing clear aligner treatment.: Overall, clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatment by offering improved aesthetics, patient acceptance, and quality of life.

Cranial Nerve Injuries in Orthognathic Surgery: A Review of Literature.

Orthognathic surgery is increasingly utilized to correct facial deformities and dental malocclusions, as well as to enhance facial aesthetics. Significant advancements in surgical planning and execution have made it more widespread and accessible. However, unfavorable outcomes or complications can occur, leading to potentially severe and possibly long-term consequences, such as cranial nerve injuries. This literature review investigates the cranial nerve complications associated with orthognathic surgery. We conducted an extensive search across available databases, analyzing relevant studies published up to September 30, 2023. Two authors independently selected articles for full-text review based on their titles and abstracts. The eligible studies reported cranial nerve injuries in individuals who had undergone orthognathic surgery. Our findings highlight the risk of cranial nerve injuries, their possible mechanism, management, and outcomes. It is imperative for surgeons to remain vigilant and informed and to communicate such information during preoperative patient consultation.

Tooth movement with dental anchorage vs. skeletal anchorage: A systematic review of clinical trials.

The aim of this study is to compare the time and movement of orthodontic treatment using dental anchorage and skeletal anchorage in adolescent and adult patients with dental malocclusions. A systematic search was conducted in the Embase, PubMed, Lilacs, Cochrane, Trip, and Scopus databases up to October 2022. All the articles were selected using title and abstract, applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Disagreements were resolved with a third author. Finally, a full-text selection took place. The data extraction was conducted by two authors who independently evaluated the risk of bias. The methodological quality of the randomized clinical trials was evaluated using the Cochrane tool for the evaluation of the randomized clinical trials. Six articles were included in the data analysis. There were four clinical trials and two randomized clinical trials. A total of 176 patients was obtained with an age range between 14 and 46 years. Four studies showed significant differences when comparing the two anchorages in retraction or distalization of tooth groups, and two showed no differences when using dental and skeletal anchorage for vertical movements; only the articles with vertical movements showed relapse. We can conclude that skeletal anchorage generates precise and stable horizontal movements without overloading or changing the position of the molar. Future studies must incorporate three-dimensional technology for greater clinical accuracy.

Analysing the mechanical behaviour of thermoformed dental clear aligners using acoustic emission technique

Clear aligners have been widely preferred in recent years for aesthetically pleasant orthodontic treatments. However, their efficacy in treating dental malposition and malocclusion is yet to be studied extensively. Clear aligners are mostly made from thermoplastic materials that guarantee sufficient elasticity while lowering the plastic deformations during their use. This is to guarantee a stable level of forces acting on teeth to be repositioned. This work aims to get insight into the mechanical behaviour of these devices during their period of use, by comparing aligners produced from two different thermoplastic materials: polyethylene terephthalate-glycol modified (PET-G) and polyurethane (PU) supplied by Dooris and Ghost Aligners, respectively. The aligners were subjected to cyclic compression loading, to simulate the swallowing act throughout 15 days of use. Tests were conducted by surrounding the aligners with artificial saliva to simulate the intraoral environment. The Acoustic Emission (AE) technique was used to analyse the damage progression in the aligners during the loading. Furthermore, the AE results were compared with the energy absorbed and the stiffness changes in the aligners. Finally, the damage evolution in the aligners post-loading was validated using optical microscopy. The AE results revealed a good correlation with mechanical and optical microscopy data, thus contributing to the understanding of the mechanical behaviour of the clear aligners.

The Effectiveness of Aligners in the Treatment of Anterior Open Bite in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal

An anterior open bite is a dental malocclusion, the diagnosis of which is fundamental for its treatment. With the evolution of artificial intelligence, it is possible to treat it through the Invisalign G4 protocol, depending on the degree of severity. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review, based on the PICO strategy, to evaluate the effectiveness of aligners and accessory devices in adult patients with anterior open bites. The search was carried out in the following databases for publications over the last ten years: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and LILACS. The inclusion criteria were clinical studies evaluating adults with anterior open bites (overbites &lt; 0 mm) and orthodontic studies with aligners. The exclusion criteria were studies of cases with dentofacial deformities, previous orthodontic treatment, history of surgery/trauma, or systemic diseases that affect craniofacial growth, as well as animal studies, reviews, and clinical cases. The selection was carried out separately by two researchers. In the four databases, 108 articles were obtained. By reviewing the titles and abstracts and applying the exclusion criteria, 91 articles were eliminated. The seven resulting articles were submitted to the inclusion criteria, two of which were excluded due to their lack of patients presenting an open bite and the absence of aligner treatment. According to the PRISMA method, five studies were selected. The collected data showed an increase in overbites with the use of aligners. The bias assessment was performed with the ROBINS-I tool, indicating a moderate risk of bias. The included studies demonstrated the effectiveness of aligners in the treatment of adults with mild or moderate open bites; however, due to the lack of scientific evidence, it is necessary to carry out randomized studies with the same standardized variables.

Modalities used to gain space in dental arch

Most of orthodontic patients seek treatment to improve their facial and dental esthetics which is compromised due to variety of malocclusions. Malocclusion can be caused by skeletal or dental factors. Dental malocclusion includes crowding, spacing, increased overjet, and overbite, rotations of teeth etc. Correction of some malocclusions like crowding and increased overjet needs space in the dental arch. There are various methods for creating space in the dental arch such as proximal stripping, distalization of molars, extractions, expansion of arch, and proclination of anterior teeth, and derotation of posterior teeth. In this article, we will briefly discuss about these methods.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthodontic Adult Patients' Characteristics and Decision on Orthodontic Appliance.

There is an overall paucity of data examining the specific details of orthodontic patients' patterns or orthodontic service disruptions possibly influenced by COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthodontic clinic disruption regarding the change in adult patients' characteristics and decisions of orthodontic treatment devices. A retrospective sample of 311 patients receiving orthodontic treatment from 2018 to 2022 were collected and divided into two groups: before (n = 167) and during (n = 144) the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographics, dental indices, the index of complexity outcome and need (ICON), and the degree of treatment difficulty were analyzed. There were fewer students among patients during the COVID-19 pandemic than before (24.5% versus 35.9%, P = 0.036). Compared with patients before the pandemic, more patients selected ceramic brackets or Invisalign during the pandemic (P = 0.022). There were higher percentage of class I dental malocclusions among patients during than before the COVID-19 pandemic (P = 0.044). Moreover, the ICON score and the score of the degree of treatment difficulty were both significantly lower for patients during than before the COVID-19 pandemic (63.9±14.0 versus 58.3±15.3, P=0.001 and 7.4±2.6 versus 6.8±2.6, P=0.049, respectively). The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the characteristics and decisions of orthodontic patients. Those who still came to the orthodontic clinic despite the COVID-19 outbreak may have been those with less malocclusion severity and treatment difficulty. Besides, during the time of covid-19 pandemic, more patients chose ceramic bracket and Invisalign as their orthodontic treatment device rather than conventional or self-ligating metal brackets.

Awareness of Parents toward Preventive Dentistry in North Maharashtra – A Cross-sectional Survey

Background: Oral health is an important component of overall health. In the initial age, primary teeth play an important role in the development of speech, chewing, maintaining space, and guiding the eruption of permanent. Dental caries, malocclusion, early childhood caries (ECC), and trauma are the main diseases of the oral cavity. Aim: Assessment of the awareness regarding preventive dental procedures among parents residing in the North Maharashtra Region. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey consisting of a questionnaire conducted on parents of children in the North Maharashtra Region with a sample size of 220. A structured questionnaire was formulated with 15 questions in English which was translated into the local language (Marathi) for better understanding of parents. The first part of the questionnaire was based on demographic data and the second part consisted of 15 multiple-choice close-ended questions. Questions regarding preventive treatment of dental caries, ECC, topical fluoride, fluoridated toothpaste, pit and fissure sealant, dental habit-breaking appliances, malocclusion, mouthguards, and space maintainers. Questions regarding adverse habits such as thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, and nail-biting were also included. Results: About 57.7% of parents visited the dentist after pain. 52.7% of parents were unaware of dental caries and ECC and were not aware that dental caries is a preventable disease. Conclusion: Parental knowledge regarding preventive dental procedures is found to be limited as the utilization of these procedures.