Preventive Dentistry Research Articles

Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome

Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a congenital, uncommon but a well-recognized disorder, characterized by cutaneous hemangiomas, varicosities, and unilateral bone and soft tissue hypertrophy with different localization. Generally diagnosed at birth or first few years of life. KTS represents a syndrome of interest for those in the field of oral and maxillofacial radiology and pathology because of high incidence of variations seen in the orofacial region in affected patients. A case of a 3-year-old female patient with KTS reported to the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry for extraction, and we have documented and tabulated the Orodental manifestation of this patient.

The Impact of Preventive Dental Services on Subsequent Dental Treatment for Children in Medicaid.

The goal of this study was to use claims data linked with community-level measures to evaluate the impact of preventive services on the time to subsequent restorative, advanced restorative, and complex dental treatment among children enrolled in the Virginia Medicaid program. Four data sources were used (dental claims, eligibility files, American Community Survey, and Area Health Resource Files) for fiscal years 2011 to 2018. The outcomes of interest were time to first treatment services from birth. The treatment outcomes were basic restorative treatment, advanced restorative treatment, or complex treatment. The independent variable was a preventive service prior to a treatment service. Time-to-event curves were estimated and compared using a log-rank test. Propensity score-matched univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards frailty models with an inverse probability censoring weighting correction estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for treatment outcomes comparing use of preventive services while controlling for patient demographic, geospatial, and county-level socioeconomic status measures. The analysis included 430,594 children (10,204,182 claims). A log-rank test showed significant differences (P < 0.001) between the times to treatment of those who had a preventive service and those who did not have a preventive service prior to a treatment service. Both Kaplan-Meier curves and the adjusted HR (1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-2.15) indicated that children without preventive services were more likely to have basic restorative treatment at an earlier age along with advanced restorative treatment (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.28-1.80) and complex treatment (HR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.68-2.61). In a population of Medicaid-enrolled children, children who did not receive preventive services were significantly more likely to have treatment at an earlier age than those who did receive preventive services. This study examines the impact of the utilization of preventive dental services since birth and the subsequent dental treatment for children enrolled in a dental Medicaid program. This study also examines the influence of preventive care on dental complexity of treatment for these children. Findings can inform federal and state policy planning of dental Medicaid programs as well as interventions to improve referral systems for the early use of preventive dental services and the establishment of a dental home.

Association of Salivary IGF and IGF/IGFBP-3 Molar Ratio with Cervical Vertebral Maturation Stages from Pre-Adolescent to Post-Adolescent Transition Period-A Cross-Sectional Exploratory Study.

Background: The relevance of growth determination in orthodontics is driving the search for the most precise and least invasive way of tracking the pubertal growth spurt. Objectives: The aim was to explore whether minimally invasive salivary estimation of biomarkers Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) could be used to estimate skeletal maturity with diagnostic accuracy, especially in children and adolescent age groups. Subjects and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted on 105 participants aged 6–25 years from the out-patient Department of Preventive Dental Science at Majmaah University between the period 2 January 2021 and 12 July 2021. Each subject’s lateral cephalogram radiograph was categorized based on skeletal maturity, and saliva samples were estimated for IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 using the respective ELISA kits. Two-way ANOVA with interaction was applied to examine the main effects due to cervical vertebral maturation staging (CVS), Sex and interaction effect due to CVS, and Sex on study parameters. Karl Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was calculated for finding a significant association between IGF, IGFBP3, and the IGF-1/IGFBP3 molar ratio. Results: Highest mean salivary IGF-1 was observed in the pubertal peak stage, which coincides with cervical vertebral maturity stages 3 and 4 (CVS3 and CVS4) for both males (2.57 ng/mL) and females (1.57 ng/mL) and the lowest mean level of IGF-1 for females (0.85 ng/mL) and males (1.22 ng/mL) was observed during the prepubertal stage. There exists a significant variation in IGF-1 between males and females in the pubertal stage (p < 0.01), but the difference is very narrow in the prepubertal and post-pubertal groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant interaction effect of different skeletal stages and gender on the IGFBP3 and the IGF-1/IGFBP3 molar ratio (p > 0.05), but there exists a significant interaction effect on IGF-1 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Estimation of the IGF-1 and the IGF-1/IGFBP3 molar ratio in saliva, being a non-invasive biological marker, could serve as an adjunctive tool along with radiographic assessment in estimating growth maturity in the adolescence age group. By initiating orthodontic treatment during the mandibular growth peak in adolescence, a positive outcome is ensured in managing skeletal deformities within the craniofacial complex.

Assessment of Articles from Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry - A Bibliometric Analysis

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the bibliometrics of Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry (JISPCD) Materials and Methods: The bibliometric analysis was carried out for JISPCD. The overall issues from the year 2011-2015 was searched manually for the criteria which includes the study type, subject of interest, patterns of authorship, distribution of location, source of the study and the bias of publication were analyzed. The data were organized and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Totally 219 articles were retrieved of that the number of published article were increased from the year 2014 of that most of the study are original articles (81.2%) than review articles (16.4%) and case report (2.2%). The subjects mainly focused on oral health (14.1%), followed by materials followed by materials (10.5%) and dental caries (5.9%). Majority of the authors were from India (72.1%) than foreign authors (27.8%). Most of the article gives a significant (63.4%) results than insignificant (4.5%). Conclusion: The journal shows a great improvement in publishing articles by increasing the number of issues per year. This journal publishes more health related articles on community basis which helps the public to enlighten the knowledge in maintaining their overall health. Keywords: Bibliometric analysis, Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry, issues, authorship.

Dual Functions of MDP Monomer with De- and Remineralizing Ability

Methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP) has been speculated to induce mineralization, but there has been no convincing evidence of its ability to induce intrafibrillar mineralization. Polymers play a critical role in biomimetic mineralization as stabilizers/inducers of amorphous precursors. Hence, MDP-induced biomimetic mineralization without polymer additives has not been fully verified or elucidated. By combining 3-dimensional stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, surface zeta potentials, contact angle measurements, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with circular dichroism, we show that amphiphilic MDP can not only demineralize dentin by releasing protons as an acidic functional monomer but also infiltrate collagen fibrils (including dentin collagen), unwind the triple helical structure by breaking hydrogen bonds, and finally immobilize within collagen. MDP-bound collagen functions as a huge collagenous phosphoprotein (HCPP), in contrast to chemical phosphorylation modifications. HCPP can induce biomimetic mineralization itself without polymer additives by alternatively attracting calcium and phosphate through electrostatic attraction. Therefore, we herein propose the dual functions of amphiphilic MDP monomer with de- and remineralizing ability. MDP in the free state can demineralize dentin substrates by releasing protons, whereas MDP in the collagen-bound state as HCPP can induce intrafibrillar mineralization. The dual functions of MDP monomer with de- and remineralization properties might create a new epoch in adhesive dentistry and preventive dentistry.

Anniversary of the scientist: to the 60th anniversary of Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Nikolaevich Belskikh

On March 13, 2022, the prominent Russian scientist, specialist in extracorporeal hemocorrection, intensive therapy, and nephrology, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Major General of medical service in the reserve, Andrey Nikolayevich Belskikh, turned 60. Andrey Nikolayevich spent almost 40 years at the Military Medical Academy, having worked his way up from the cadet and the adjunct to the head of the Academy. For almost two decades he headed the clinical center of extracorporeal detoxification and started his scientific career, defended his doctoral thesis, and received the academic rank of a professor. His research opened a new page in the study of previously unknown fundamental regularities of hemorheological blood changes in hypoxia of different genesis, fundamental mechanisms of etiology, and pathogenesis of critical states formation in intensive medicine. During his 6 years as the head of the Military Medical Academy in a difficult time, Andrey Nikolayevich has done a lot. He organized the training of specialists with secondary medical education at the new faculty, and trained doctors in the specialties of preventive medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. A simulation training center, one of the first and the best in the country, has been created. New departments of nephrology and efferent therapy and general dentistry were added to the Academy staff. Large-scale reconstruction and re-equipment of the Academy were started. The concept of a multidisciplinary clinic, which was ceremonially opened by the President of the Russian Federation, V.V. Putin, was developed, as well as the clinic. The work of A.N. Belskikh was marked with the Order of Honor and the honorary title Honored Physician of the Russian Federation. After retirement from military service, Andrei Nikolaevich Belskikh headed the department of nephrology and efferent therapy, where he continued his successful research and scientific, pedagogical, and medical staff training.

Low-Shrinkage Resin Matrices in Restorative Dentistry-Narrative Review.

Dimethacrylate-based resin composites restorations have become widely-used intraoral materials in daily dental practice. The increasing use of composites has greatly enhanced modern preventive and conservative dentistry. They have many superior features, especially esthetic properties, bondability, and elimination of mercury and galvanic currents. However, polymeric materials are highly susceptible to polymerization shrinkage and stresses that lead to microleakage, biofilm formation, secondary caries, and restoration loss. Several techniques have been investigated to minimize the side effects of these shrinkage stresses. The primary approach is through fabrications and modification of the resin matrices. Therefore, this review article focuses on the methods for testing the shrinkage, as well as formulations of resinous matrices available to reduce polymerization shrinkage and its associated stress. Furthermore, this article reviews recent cutting-edge developments on bioactive low-shrinkage-stress nanocomposites to effectively inhibit the growth and activities of cariogenic pathogens and enhance the remineralization process.

Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Regarding the Hazards of Tobacco Use and Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act among Parents Visiting Pediatric Dental Clinic: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire Survey.

Aim“Today's adolescents are tomorrow's citizens.” Tobacco use in children and adolescents is reaching pandemic levels as they are the most vulnerable population to initiate tobacco use. It is well established that most of the adult users of tobacco, start the use of tobacco either in their childhood or adolescence. Parents are the best route to reach a child and can help lead to bring better outcomes for children. Hence, the aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding the hazards of tobacco use and Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) among the parents visiting pediatric dental clinic.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire regarding knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding the hazards of tobacco use and COTPA law. Samples size of 400 parents of adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years visiting to the department of Pediatrics and Preventive Dentistry were included in the study, data thus obtained was subjected to statistical analysis.ResultsSmoking tobacco product known to the parent population in the present study is cigarette (88.8%) and smokeless tobacco product is pan masala (65.2%). The tobacco health hazard known is cancer by 70.5 and 85.3% parent populations were aware of mandatory display of pictorial health warnings in COTPA law. Strict implementation of COTPA law was opted by 61.8%.ConclusionKnowledge, attitude, and behavior of parents is required to educate and motivate adolescents. Parents have given their positive attitude regarding the strict implementation of COTPA law in India and realize the role of tobacco as a causative factor for health hazards both in children and adults. COTPA law should be made aware for both young and old to educate and motivate and to prevent the use of tobacco in India.How to cite this articleKattimani S, Thimmegowda U, Nagarathna C. Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Regarding the Hazards of Tobacco Use and Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act among Parents Visiting Pediatric Dental Clinic: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire Survey. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(1):47-53.

Effect of Age on Mechanical Properties of Human Tooth Enamel

Dental health is closely related with people’s quality of life. Teeth are subject to different problems and risks over time. Therefore, studying the influence of age on mechanical properties of tooth enamel is of considerable importance. In this study, the collected human teeth were divided into four groups: deciduous (aged 6–12 years), juvenile permanent (aged 14–20 years), young adult permanent (aged 25–45 years), and older adult permanent (aged over 60 years) teeth. The mechanical properties of tooth enamel of all age groups were evaluated using a microhardness tester and laser confocal microscope. The results revealed that hardness of the deciduous teeth was much lower than that of permanent teeth. Hardness of young adult permanent teeth was the highest, followed by that of the older adult and juvenile permanent teeth. Deciduous teeth enamel had the highest fracture toughness, followed by that of young adult, juvenile, and older adult permanent teeth. The different chemical compositions and microstructures of enamel at different age groups resulted in the significant differences in mechanical properties. This research accords with the strategic requirement of improving peoples’ dental health, and its results are noteworthy in developing specific protocols for dental hygiene and clinical prevention.

Discussing the environmental impact of dental-associated travel - how do we build from the current COVID-19 crisis towards a more sustainable future within dentistry?

Dentistry is a highly energy- and resource-intensive field and consequently has a significant environmental impact. In 2013-2014, total greenhouse gas emissions of NHS dental services in England measured 675 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents, with 64.5% related to travel, 19% from procurement and 15.3% from energy use. There is currently an absence of comprehensive standards or guidelines for sustainable dentistry. Instead, sustainable initiatives have been at a small scale and are adopted voluntarily by groups or professionals as an ethical duty or practical requirement. However, a recent study showed that there seems to be increasing interest from dental teams in how to become more sustainable. This opinion article focuses on how the dental profession can ensure a sustainable recovery as England emerges from the COVID-19 crisis, with an emphasis on improving environmental sustainability related to travel within the dental healthcare system. Reducing dental-associated travel can include changing mode of transport, combining family appointments, appropriate scheduling of dental examinations, preventive dentistry and the use of information technology.

Selection of preventive dental materials for children with special needs

Problems: Children with special needs often have problems in their oral health, including caries and periodontal disease. Selec-tion of good preventive dentistry materials as a whole can reduce the risk of caries and periodontal disease as well as improve the level of dental and oral health. Objectives: To describe several preventive dentistry materials that can be used in children with special needs as a protection and prevention material for their teeth and mouth. Conclusion: The selection of the right pre-ventive dentistry materials can improve the dental health status of children with special needs. These materials can be toothpaste, fluoride topical and fluoride-containing restorative materials such as glass ionomer cement.

Early Preventive Dental Visits: Do They Reduce Future Operative Treatments?

This study assessed the longitudinal impact of early preventive dental visits on the number of dental operative procedures in a prevention-oriented pediatric dental practice. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients zero to four years of age with at least two years of preventive services provided by the practice. Early preventive visits were the intervention and dental operative procedures were the assessed outcome. The goal was to determine if preventive visits at an early age decreased the number of operative procedures needed by the patient. The patients were divided into two groups: those with older siblings in the practice and those without older siblings in the practice. A secondary outcome was to compare these two patient groups to determine if a child who had older siblings previously treated in this preventive practice had better outcomes than those without siblings in the practice. ANCOVA tests were used to compare the average number of operative procedures in two age groups (<2 years and ≥2 years), and for those with and without dental insurance, in addition to children being younger sibling versus children without sibling, adjusting for the effect of covariates. The study sample consisted of 363 pediatric patients. Patients’ age at first visit ranged from 0 to 4 years old (mean = 2.13; SD = 1.15). The average number of operative procedures per year increased as the age at first visit increased (p < 0.05). The average number of operative procedures in two age groups (<2 years and ≥2 years) differed (p < 0.05) with those whose age at first visit ≥2 years experiencing more dental operative procedures than the younger group. The average number of operative procedures was similar between younger siblings (mean = 1.91; SD = 7.44) and children without siblings (mean = 1.54; SD = 2.1) (p > 0.05). The difference in the average number of operative procedures in children with insurance (mean = 1.59; SD = 5.25) and children without insurance (mean = 1.58; SD = 2.38) was non-significant (p > 0.05). More dental cleaning examinations were associated with fewer dental operative procedures (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that dental examinations before two years of age and more dental cleaning examinations lead to a decrease in the number of dental operative procedures needed by children.

Silver Diamine Fluoride in Preventing Caries: A Review of Current Trends.

Aim and objectiveTo evaluate whether silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is effective in the management of dental caries.BackgroundDental caries is most common chronic disease and conventional treatment method could not tackle the problem completely. The use of silver compounds in dentistry is over a 100 years. Silver diamine fluoride has become a newer trend in handling the caries especially in young and apprehensive children. It is a noninvasive method of arresting caries which is painless, safe, and cost effective. This article describes the trends in silver diamine fluoride in arresting caries. The combined effects of remineralizing and antibacterial property make SDF an effective cariostatic agent.Review resultsArticles were searched in electronic data bases for literature. In vivo studies, in vitro studies, systematic reviews and case reports were included.ConclusionSilver diamine fluoride is effective in the management of caries in primary dentition. There is a little effect of silver diamine fluoride in permanent molars.Clinical importanceIn the current scenario of raising importance of minimal invasive dentistry and preventive dentistry, silver diamine fluoride is an efficient tool in the management of caries.How to cite this articleSurendranath P, Krishnappa S, Srinath S. Silver Diamine Fluoride in Preventing Caries: A Review of Current Trends. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S247-S251.

Comparative evaluation of caries removal efficacy between chemomechanical agents &amp; conventional methods regarding time consumption

Introduction: The use of minimally invasive procedures and attention to patient comfort are of great importance, especially for dental treatment in young children. This has led to the development of chemomechanical methods for caries removal. Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy in terms of time consumption between the chemomechanical caries removal agent Papacarie and conventional method of caries removal. Methods: Subjects for this study were chosen from the outpatients of the Dept of Pediatric &amp; Preventive Dentistry, Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences. Twenty five children (age 6 -10 years) with bilateral frank cavitated lesions were included in this study. Bilateral primary teeth with comparable degrees of carious destruction were chosen in each child for caries removal with Papacarie and rotary instruments. The time taken for caries removal was measured using stopwatch. Results The time taken for caries removal in chemomechanical caries removal method was longer than the conventional method which was assessed using the student t test. Conclusions: Papacarie can be an effective clinical alternative treatment for the removal of occlusal dentinal caries in cavitated primary molars but requires longer time as compared to conventional method.

Comparative Analysis of the Status of Dental Caries and Selected Salivary Electrolytes in Children with Autism.

AimAutism has been defined as a neurological developmental disability. Children with autism have a higher risk of developing dental caries, due to various factors. The study focuses to compare the dental caries status with respect to the variation in selected salivary constituents [calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and urea] in autistic children and healthy children.Materials and methodsHundred children participated in the study. The study group included 50 children who were prediagnosed with autism from various autistic institutions across Bengaluru. The control group comprised of 50 healthy children who visited the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry for a routine check-up. Assessment of salivary constituents was done using salivary kits and dental caries status was recorded. Descriptive statistics was implemented to evaluate the mean and standard deviation of the study and control groups. Normality of the data was assessed using Shapiro Wilkinson test. The difference in results between the groups was calculated using the independent t-test.ResultsA significant decrease was observed in the concentration levels of calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, urea and a significant increase was observed in the concentration level of magnesium in the study group consisting of autistic children when compared to the control group consisting of healthy children. DMFT/dmft scores were seen to be higher in autistic children when compared to healthy children.ConclusionIn this study, children with autism were seen to have a higher susceptibility to developing dental caries when compared to healthy children from the same age-group.Clinical significanceThe variations in the electrolytic salivary concentrations of calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, and urea in autistic children could be stated as one of causative factors for the increased DMFT/dmft scores in them when compared to the control group consisting of healthy children.How to cite this articleBabu NSV, Roy A. Comparative Analysis of the Status of Dental Caries and Selected Salivary Electrolytes in Children with Autism. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S242-S246.

The impact of 1ST Wave of COVID -19 unlock and COVID-19 2nd wave lockdown

Background. Corana virus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease affecting the millions of populations. World health organization has declared COVID -19 has an emergency.&#x0D; Methods. A Questionnaire study was conducted from September 2020 and April 2021 to know the impact of 1ST Wave of COVID -19 unlock and COVID 2nd wave lockdown on the Outpatient department of Paediatric and Preventive dentistry of Rama Dental college, Hospital &amp; Research Centre. Sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, age was collected through OPD. A questionnaire containing the knowledge of parents regarding COVID -19 was seen. Categorical data were compared using a chi-square test.&#x0D; Results. A significant difference was observed in both the waves affecting the Outpatient department. waves (p &lt; 0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion. Significant differences between both waves were noticed affecting the OPD of the colleges, private clinics. Increase in knowledge of parents regarding Covid -19 was seen.

Oral Health Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors (KAB) of German Dental Students: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Germany's 2030–oral health agenda incorporates behavioral targets such as twice-daily toothbrushing and routine dental check-ups. Given the professional and social roles of dentists in oral health promotion, the oral health-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) of dentists and dental students became worth investigation. The present study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study that aimed to evaluate oral health KAB of German dental students using the Hiroshima University – Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI). A total of 508 dental students filled in the questionnaire, out of which 74.2% were females, 38.8% were clinical students, 11.4% reported tobacco smoking at least once week, 26.6% reported drinking alcohol at least once a week, and 82.9% reported suffering from problematic internet use. The overall HU-DBI score was high (7.67 ± 1.32), and it was slightly higher among females (7.70 ± 1.33) than males (7.59 ± 1.29), and gender-diverse students (7.33 ± 1.37). Clinical students (7.88 ± 1.26) had a significantly higher HU-DBI score, especially in the domain of oral health behaviors, compared with preclinical students (7.53 ± 1.34). A significant improvement in oral health behaviors and HU-DBI score was found between the third- vs. the fourth year, which corresponds to the period when prophylaxis, hygiene, and periodontology courses are delivered. Tobacco smoking was significantly associated with poor oral health knowledge, behaviors, and overall HU-DBI score. Problematic internet use and alcohol drinking had slightly lower HU-DBI scores. The findings of the present study call for early implementation of preventive dentistry elements in German curricula and addressing oral health needs of gender minorities in Germany by future epidemiologic studies.

Empowerment of Primary Healthcare Providers on the Prevention and Management of Dental or Oral Health Issues among Postchemotherapy Patients in Pandemic.

Objectives The study aim was to evaluate the empowerment of primary healthcare providers on the prevention and management of dental or oral health issues among postchemotherapy (PC) patients, in selected rural regions, India, during a pandemic. Methods Initially, 240 PHPs were recruited by convenient and snow ball sampling with 90.3% response rate. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was adopted using a self-administered questionnaire with 5 sections: demographics, identification of dental/oral health issues, knowledge, attitude, and practice on prevention and management of dental/oral health problems in PC patients. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results The overall knowledge was better among nurses (64.56%), followed by pharmacists (54.5%). 81.65% of PHPs were willing to learn more and expressed the need for collaboration with dentists. In the past 3 months, 18.81% of them had PC patients with dental/oral health issues, but only 3.5% of nurses and 0.8% of pharmacists treated them. The logistic regression model revealed higher scores in mucositis/mucosal pain (OR = 1.41), altered taste sensation (OR = 1.34), sensitive gums (OR = 1.71), and dental caries (OR = 1.32) domains (p < 0.05). Those who had readiness to learn (OR = 5.37), nurses and pharmacists, and having less years of experience (OR = 1.31) and higher degree (OR = 1.4) had a positive attitude (p < 0.05). Conclusion PHPs had limited empowerment in terms of knowledge and practice but showed a positive attitude toward the prevention and management of dental/oral health issues of PC patients. For better practice, continuing education and collaboration with dental professionals is essential.

WHO stuft Fluorid zur lokalen Anwendung in der Mundhöhle als unentbehrliches Medikament ein

In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated a document - the model list of medicines that should be available to people - that is extremely noteworthy for preventive dentistry. This list exists in two versions: one for children and one for adults. Fluoride for caries prevention was recently included in both lists. Of great interest is the literature review that was also published in this context, on the basis of which the WHO assessment of fluoride was implemented. It confirms the high value of fluoride toothpaste and states, among other things, that brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is an effective means of preventing dental caries in infants and children. The recommended fluoride concentration in toothpaste is stated to be between 1000 and 1500 ppm for all age groups. Fluoride toothpaste is effective, safe, inexpensive and the most rational form of fluoride use.

Effect of Different Preparation Techniques on Root Canal Geometry: An In Vitro Study.

Aim and objectiveTo compare and evaluate canal preparation using hand stainless steel files, hand ProTaper files, and rotary ProTaper files for change in root canal geometry in terms of surface area and volume changes assessed by computed tomography.Materials and methodsThe present study was conducted in Nair Hospital and Dental College, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry in collaboration with insight CBCT, imaging technologies. A total of 36 extracted human primary mandibular second molars were collected from the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry. All the teeth were scanned using cone-beam CT (i-CAT CT Scanner Next Generation, Imaging Sciences International) preoperatively and postoperatively to assess the mean absolute change in surface area and mean change in the volume of all the canals at different levels with the use of hand stainless steel files, hand ProTaper and rotary ProTaper files.ResultsProTaper instruments, both hand ProTaper and rotary ProTaper caused significant changes in the surface area in the coronal thirds and middle thirds of the canal when compared to hand stainless steel files. No difference was found in surface area and volume changes between hand ProTaper and rotary ProTaper instrumentation.ConclusionUse of ProTaper instruments for preparation of deciduous teeth can render benefit of an improved canal preparation to facilitate better obturation and successful root canal therapy.How to cite this articleBheda P, Kakade A, Takate V, et al. Effect of Different Preparation Techniques on Root Canal Geometry: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-1):S71–S79.