Primary Dentition Research Articles

Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Utilization of Preventive Dentistry Modalities in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Parents play a vital role in modeling good oral hygiene practices for their children; thus, their attitude, knowledge, and awareness toward preventive dentistry can be one of the major factors contributing to children's oral health. Objectives The objective of this study is to determine the parental knowledge and attitudes toward the modalities of preventive dentistry for their children in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online self-administered questionnaire designed for parents living in the Al Qassim region. The questionnaire included demographic data, parent knowledge and attitude toward preventive dentistry, and awareness of preventive dentistry procedures. The data collected were analyzed using RStudio. Results Data were collected from 392 Saudi parents (male: n = 190 (48.5%), female: n = 202 (51.5%)). The majority of participants (n = 336, 85.7%) considered the importance of primary teeth for general body health, while 320 participants (81.6%) believed that primary dentition influences permanent teeth. Awareness regarding special preventive measures like using toothpaste with fluorides comprised 87.5% (n = 343), and that of the benefits of early dental visits was 77.3% (n = 303). However, there was marked unawareness and use of preventive procedures such as serial extraction (n = 226, 57.7% of respondents unaware) and silver diamine fluoride (n = 276, 70.4% unaware). The higher levels of education and income were positively related to better knowledge and attitudes about preventive dentistry. Conclusions The current paper highlights the importance of educational interventions for enhancing parental knowledge and awareness about preventive dentistry. Community-based educational programs and increased availability of preventive dentistry services might be helpful in eliminating the knowledge gap among parents about good oral health practice.

Anterior Crowns in Paediatric Dentistry

Abstract Primary dentition exposed to caries mainly affects the primary maxillary anterior teeth and primary molars. Restoring primary maxillary anterior teeth requires material to be retentive, resistant to fracture and should be esthetic. Anterior crowns thus help in phonation and aesthetics. Crowns available for restoration of primary anterior teeth include those that are directly bonded to the tooth and those crowns that are luted onto the tooth such as stainless steel crown and zirconia crowns. Over the years, many types of crowns have been developed and advanced to aid the clinician in rehabilitating deciduous anterior teeth. This review is to discuss various anterior crowns available for restoring anterior primary teeth.

Analysis and Consideration of Factors for Predicting Cooperation Levels in Pediatric Dentistry

This study aimed to evaluate various factors related to cooperation levels in pediatric dentistry and determine their correlation with children’s cooperation during dental treatments. This study included one hundred children and their guardians who visited the dental hospital at the Chonnam National University. Children and their guardians completed surveys regarding dental fear, dental caries experience, dental treatment experience, temperament, and guardians’ dental anxiety, as well as the background characteristics of the children. Based on these data, factors associated with children’s cooperation during dental treatment were investigated. Dental fear, caries experience during the primary and mixed dentition stages, and temperament traits such as shyness and negative emotionality significantly impacted children’s cooperation during dental visits, with higher levels of these factors corresponding to lower cooperation. The extent of dental experience also modestly influenced children’ s cooperation, with higher levels of cooperation observed in children with greater dental experience. Additionally, children’s dental fear was strongly correlated with guardians’ dental anxiety, increasing as guardians’ anxiety levels increased. Twelve-year-old children exhibited significantly lower levels of dental fear compared to other age groups, and regardless of cooperation levels, injections (shots) were identified as the primary factor inducing dental fear among the children. To improve children’ s cooperation in pediatric dentistry, strategies should focus on alleviating their fears and adopting an individualized approach that consider their oral health status and temperamental traits.

The level of dental fear and anxiety is higher in children with both severe Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation and active dental caries lesions compared to children without these conditions

PurposeTo assess levels of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) in children with and without Molar-Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) and dental caries lesions.MethodsIn this cross-sectional observational study, 159 children between 8 and 12 years of age were included. For the evaluation of DFA, children responded to the validated version of the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale. MIH was assessed using the MIH Index. To evaluate the activity of dental caries lesions and dental caries experience, the Nyvad criterion and the dmft/DMFT index were used, respectively. Dental hypersensitivity was evaluated using air stimulation and a Visual Analogue Scale. The association between MIH and dental caries with DFA was assessed using the generalised linear model with Poisson family, identity link function and robust variance estimation. The significance level was set at 5%.ResultsThe mean DFA score was 28.3 (SD = 13.4) with scores ranging from 15 to 64. Amongst children presenting both MIH and dental caries, the perception of DFA was notably higher compared to those with either MIH or dental caries alone. The activity of caries lesion in patients with MIH also influenced DFA levels (diff: 18.6; 95% CI: 12.0–25.2; p < 0.001). Dental caries experience in the primary dentition also demonstrated statistical significance concerning DFA (95% CI: 0.8–13.3; p value = 0.027).ConclusionChildren with MIH exhibit higher levels of DFA than children without MIH. The experience of dental caries and the activity of caries lesions significantly influence the perception of DFA in children with MIH.

Cross-bite and oral habits among Albanian autistic children according to the stages of occlusal development

This study had two aims. First, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of ACB, PCB, and oral habits among a group of Albanian children with ASD compared with a group of children without ASD. Second, we aimed to identify the associations of ASD with ACB, PCB, and oral habits. The sample inlcuded 125 children with ASD (91 males, 34 females) from 2 special schools for children with disabilities and 2 daily residential centers in Tirana. The control group included 125 children without ASD. The relationships between categorical variables were evaluated via the chi-square test. To identify the potential risk factors for ASD, we performed binary logistic regression. No statistically significant differences were found for CB or oral habits between the primary and adolescent dentition stages. A comparison of children with ASD with CB and oral habits revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of PCB. Binary logistic regression revealed that ACB, PCB and oral habits were not associated with ASD. CB was more prevalent among children with ASD in the primary and mixed dentition stages. Oral habits were more prevalent in the mixed and adolescent dentition stages. However, ASD is not a risk factor for CB or other oral habits.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to tooth morphology among dental students and dental technician students

Objectives: Students are introduced to the morphological features of primary and permanent human dentition in a dental anatomy course, which is a part of the basic core sciences program in the Department of Dentistry and Dental Prosthesis Technology. The purpose of this study was to compare dental students' (DSs’) and dental technician students' (DTSs’) knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to dental morphology. Materials and Methods: Using a 26-item self-administered questionnaire, the DSs and DTSs participated in a descriptive cross-sectional study. Three components made up the questionnaire: four items for demographic profile, ten items for dental morphology knowledge level, seven items for attitude toward tooth morphology, and five items for practice in tooth morphology. There were 274 student answers in all. The data were analyzed using an independent t test and one-way ANOVA. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance for each test. Results: Between DSs and DTSs, there was a statistically significant difference in their knowledge and practices of tooth morphology (p&lt; .001). However, DTSs knowledge of dental morphology was significantly greater, and DSs practice scores were significantly greater. There was no significant difference in the attitude of tooth morphology between the two groups (p=0.379). Both groups had low levels of dental morphology knowledge, with an average of 3.86 correct answers for DTSs and an average of 3.16 correct answers for DSs. In the DSs group, first-year students had a greater knowledge level (4.22±1.63 correct answers) than did the other students. Conclusions: Knowing the variations in dental morphology knowledge, attitudes, and practices between a dentist and dental technician may help us take preventative measures. While preclinical dentistry students and dental technician students had different levels of expertise, both groups were less knowledgeable about tooth morphology. Both groups had similarly high attitudes toward tooth morphology.

In silico Identification and Characterization of Novel Drug Targets in Treponema denticola (strain ATCC 35405 / DSM 14222 / CIP 103919 / JCM 8153 / KCTC 15104): A Subtractive Genomics Approach

Treponema denticola is a gram-negative, highly drug resistant bacterium found in primary dentition infections and around teeth. It causes inflammation and tissue homeostasis, linked to periodontal diseases like earlyonset periodontitis, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, and acute pericoronitis. Research is needed to develop powerful, cost-effective, secure, and environmentally friendly antibiotics and techniques to control and manage infections caused by this bacterium. This study exploits the sophisticated in silico subtractive genomics approach to investigate potential therapeutic targets that are exclusive to the pathogen T. denticola. The full sequencing data of the Treponema denticola (strain ATCC 35405 / DSM 14222 / CIP 103919 / JCM 8153 / KCTC 15104) proteome has facilitated the computational analysis of its genome. Our analysis found 126 proteins of the pathogen that had no resemblance to the human genome. The Database of Essential Genes (DEG) identified 12 bacterial proteins which were indispensable to the pathogen, while the KEGG Automated Annotation Server (KAAS) found in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways database analysis of the non-homologous proteins revealed 11 T. denticola enzymes that can be targeted for drug development. Moreover, based on sub-cellular localization prediction, all selected proteins were cytoplasmic proteins and the no outer membrane proteins were present among the non-homologous proteins, and virulent protein predictions revealed no virulent proteins among the selected proteins. Therefore, eleven proteins were selected based on their involvement in unique metabolic pathways inside the pathogen that were not present in the host. The study further revealed the protein-protein interactions of these eleven essential proteins, and successfully anticipated, assessed, and verified the three-dimensional structures of these proteins. Undertaking a screening process to detect functional inhibitors for these newly revealed targets may lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic drugs that can effectively combat Treponema denticola. CBMJ 2024 July: vol. 13 no. 02 P: 251-264

Enamel Hypomineralization: Prevalence, Defect Characteristics in Primary Dentition in a Northern Indian Region.

No data is available on hypomineralization in the full complement of primary dentition. To report on the prevalence and clinical presentation of enamel hypomineralization (EH) in the primary dentition. A cross-sectional observational study with a random sample of 948, 4-6-year-old schoolchildren of Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India, was conducted after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) (2003) criteria were employed to score EH in all primary teeth. A single experienced examiner conducted an entire clinical examination of the study population. Data were expressed as the prevalence, type, extent, and distribution. Further analyses were conducted to compare the prevalence and distribution of different types of lesions in affected subjects using student t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). An overall prevalence of 7.51% (71/948) was reported. A total of 2.75 ± 1.735 teeth/subject were reported to be affected. The most common lesion was creamy white opacity (p = 0.002), while posteruptive breakdown (PEB) was observed in 40.85% (29/71) of affected subjects. The prevalence of EH in primary dentition was 7.51%. Further studies mapping the prevalence as well as possible links with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in other geographical locations of the world are required. Mittal N, Gupta N, Goyal A. Enamel Hypomineralization: Prevalence, Defect Characteristics in Primary Dentition in a Northern Indian Region. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(S-1):S67-S72.

Assessment of Knowledge and Utilization of Prefabricated Band and Loop Space Maintainers in Primary Dentition Among Dentists: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

Preserving primary dentition is essential for maintaining optimal oral health and development in children. Premature loss of primary teeth due to caries, infection, crowding, or trauma can necessitate orthodontic intervention and lead to various complications. Space maintainers are critical for preserving arch space until the eruption of permanent teeth, thereby preventing issues such as ectopic eruption, crowding, and malocclusion. Despite their advantages, prefabricated space maintainers (PSMs) are underutilized. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Indian dentists regarding PSMs in primary teeth. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 100 dental practitioners in Chennai. A 10-item self-administered questionnaire, developed based on a comprehensive literature review and expert consultations, assessed demographics, knowledge of PSM indications and techniques, current practices, perceived barriers, and preferences for continuing education. The questionnaire's reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.85. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies andpercentages, were used to summarize the participants' demographic characteristics, knowledge levels, and current practices related to PSMs. Of the 100 respondents, 86 (86%) were males and 14 (14%) were females. Only 19 (19%) reported using PSMs, while 36 (36%) used conventional space maintainers. A significant proportion (42 (42%)) of the respondents held a master's degree in dental surgery, yet only 11 (11%) had participated in Continuing Dental Education (CDE) programs on space maintainers. The perceived benefit of PSMs being a single appointment procedure was acknowledged by 82 (82%) of the respondents, whereas 76 (76%) participants identified cost as a major drawback. Notably, 45 (45%) practitioners did not consider PSMs necessary. This survey highlights notable obstacles in the adoption of PSMs among Indian dentists, emphasizing the need for focused educational initiatives. Improving knowledge and practices related to PSMs can enhance pediatric dental care and oral health outcomes in India.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence and anamnestic risk factors for erosive tooth wear in the primary dentition.

Erosive tooth wear is a multifactorial and common condition in children. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence and key risk factors for erosive tooth wear in the primary dentition of children up to 7 years of age. Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched in February 2023 for observational studies reporting prevalence and anamnestic risk factors. Additionally, a manual hand search was performed. Meta-analyses were conducted for the prevalence and odds ratios of identified risk factors. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale modified for cross-sectional studies. A total of 26 sources, reporting on 23 studies, were included in the systematic review. The overall estimated prevalence of children with erosive tooth wear in the primary dentition amounted to 35.6% (95% CI: 24.8-48.1). Anamnestic factors were structured into domains. Meta-analyses revealed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD; padj. = .008; OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.37-2.87), consumption of acidic food (padj. < .001; OR = 5.14, 95% CI: 3.56-7.42) and acidic drinks (padj. < .001; OR = 6.90, 95% CI: 4.64-10.25), holding beverages in the mouth while drinking (padj. = .035; OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.26-2.63), and snacking regularly (padj. = .041; OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.18-2.10) to be significantly associated with erosive tooth wear. Future research should use standardized questionnaires to assess erosive tooth wear and its underlying risk factors (PROSPERO: CRD4202339776).

Oral health inequalities in immigrant populations worldwide: a scoping review of dental caries and periodontal disease prevalence

BackgroundInequalities in immigrants' oral health are often masked in population-level data. Therefore, this paper was planned to assess the prevalence data on oral health diseases, namely dental caries, and periodontitis, among immigrants worldwide.MethodsFollowing a systematic search in Scopus, Embase, and PubMed for studies published between 2011 and 2023, 1342 records were identified. Following title and abstract screening, 76 studies remained for full-text eligibility-screening based on predefined inclusion criteria. Thirty-two studies were included in the review.ResultsDental caries figures were higher in immigrant populations compared to the local population, regardless of host countries, age, gender, or nationality. In children, the overall mean and standard deviation (SD) for decayed, missing, and filled teeth in the primary dentition (d3mft) was 3.63(2.47), and for D3MFT (permanent dentition), it was 1.7(1.2).Upon comparing overall mean caries counts in children and adults with their control groups in the included studies, untreated dental caries (D3T and d3t) constituted the dominant share of caries experience (D3MFT and d3mft) in immigrant children. For the local population, the highest proportion of caries experience was attributed to filled teeth (FT and ft).Dentin caries prevalence among immigrants ranged from 22% to 88.7% in the primary dentition and 5.6% to 90.9% in the permanent dentition. Gingivitis ranged from 5.1% to 100%. Oral health varied greatly between studies. Regarding oral health accessibility, 52% to 88% of immigrant children had never been to a dentist, suggesting a very limited level of accessibility to dental health services.ConclusionIt is imperative to develop interventions and policies that have been customized to address the oral health disparities experienced by immigrant populations. Additionally, host countries should actively implement measures aimed at enhancing the accessibility of oral health care services for these individuals. The utilization of available data is crucial in establishing a hierarchy of objectives aimed at enhancing the oral health of immigrant populations.Trial registrationThe Scoping review protocol was registered at OSF Registries with registration number (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MYXS4).

The Antibacterial Properties of a Reinforced Zinc Oxide Eugenol Combined with Cloisite 5A Nanoclay: An In-Vitro Study.

Pulpotomies and pulpectomies are the most common clinical approach for dental caries in the primary dentition. Reinforced zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) is an ideal material for filling in the pulp chamber after pulp therapies. The aim of this study was to assess the addition of Cloisite 5A nanoclay material to ZOE and evaluate its antibacterial properties. In this case-control study, the nanoclay nanoparticles were dissolved using a solvent (Eugenol) in different concentrations and their antibacterial properties were assessed using the agar diffusion test and biofilm analysis of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in in vitro conditions using the AATCC 100 standards. The diameter of the inhibition zone was measured and assessed statistically using the SPSS software (Version 28, IBM, Chicago, IL, USA) with a significance level of 0.05. The antibacterial properties of the ZOE with nanoclay particles were significantly greater in comparison to the plain ZOE against E. faecalis, S. mutans, and E. coli. The inhibition zone against E. coli under the effect of the ZOE and nanoclay particles combined was significantly higher than that against E. faecalis and S. mutans. The current study showed that the addition of Cloisite 5A nanoclay particles can improve the antibacterial properties of ZOE significantly at certain concentrations.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Nudge Theory in Improving the Oral Self-Care of Schoolchildren with Refugee and Immigrant Backgrounds in Mashhad, Iran.

Nudge theory proposes using subtle interventions to encourage individuals to make better decisions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nudge theory in plaque control and assess caries experience among third-grade primary schoolchildren with refugee and immigrant backgrounds in Mashhad, Iran. Moreover, Afghan and Iranian schoolchildren were compared to assess differences in oral health outcomes. A quasi-experimental field trial was conducted in three public primary schools, comprising 309 participants approximately 9 years old. Interventions were randomly assigned to three schools: School I Messages based on Social Norms (MSN), School II Messages based on Fear of Negative Outcome (MFNO), and School III control group (C). MSN and MFNO received customized motivational video clips at baseline, while C only received Oral hygiene instruction (OHI). All participants received OHI, a brush, and toothpaste. Baseline plaque index (PI) and caries experience in primary and permanent dentition (dmft/DMFT) were recorded. PI was reassessed at two weeks, two months, and six months post-intervention. All data were subjected to statistical analysis. The mean PI decreased significantly in all three groups at the two-week follow-up (p < 0.01). The PI improvements declined over a six-month follow-up period in all groups, and the mean PI difference after six months compared to the pre-intervention was significant only in MSN and MFNO (p < 0.01), while C reverted almost to the pre-study level. Schoolchildren with at least one filled tooth or Iranian nationality showed a greater PI reduction (p < 0.01, p = 0.05). The overall mean ± SD dmft and DMFT were 4.24 ± 2.11 and 1.70 ± 1.24, respectively. Among all the examined participants, 32 (10.40%) individuals were caries-free. The mean dmft was statistically significantly higher in Afghan children than in Iranians (p = 0.01). MSN was more effective on PI reduction in the short term, while MFNO was more long-lasting. Using the Nudge theory via visual aids was more effective in motivating children to perform better oral self-care than solely traditional OHI.

Forecasting changes in oral hygiene levels using the API index with different orthodontic appliances

Relevance. The prevalence of various types of orthodontic pathology among the Russian population is quite high. Depending on the region, malocclusion are registered in 30.9% to 76.5% of cases. The high prevalence of orthodontic pathology and the unresolved issues related to both the pathology itself and the presence of concomitant diseases indicate the necessity for personalized methods of prevention and treatment of malocclusion during both the primary and mixed dentitions, which in 70-84% of cases are treated using both removable and fixed orthodontic appliances.Materials and methods. An observational study was conducted to identify factors contributing to the increased intensity of caries among children aged 6 to 11 with orthodontic pathology. The study evaluated the characteristics of hygiene knowledge and skills, as well as the Approximal Plaque Index (API), in children using various orthodontic appliances. To assess hygiene knowledge levels, a survey was administered to two groups of children aged 6-11: those undergoing orthodontic treatment and those who visited the dental clinic for a routine check-up and were diagnosed with orthodontic pathology. The questionnaire included questions about the primary and supplementary tools and practices for daily oral hygiene, the frequency of hygiene activities, and the patients' awareness of the importance of professional oral hygiene.Results. Factors that statistically significantly influence the level of hygiene and the Approximal Plaque Index (API) were identified. A computer program was developed to forecast the dynamics of oral hygiene levels (based on the API index) when using different orthodontic appliances. An algorithm for predicting changes in the API hygiene index was created, considering the use of orthodontic appliances, oral status, adherence to hygiene procedures, presence of harmful habits, and dietary behaviors. Negative factors significantly impacting hygiene levels include bruxism and daily consumption of sweets, while positive factors include adherence to the recommended frequency and duration of tooth brushing (at least twice a day) and the use of a medium-hard toothbrush when permanent teeth are erupting. During orthodontic treatment, additional negative factors impacting hygiene status include gingival bleeding (gingivitis), lack of lip closure, and harmful habits. The study of changes in hygiene levels over one year of treatment with various orthodontic appliances (braces, Haas appliance, SPA) showed that the fixed Haas appliance for treating dental and maxillofacial anomalies is the most favorable orthodontic design for mixed dentition.Conclusion. Factors significantly affecting the level of oral hygiene have been identified. The dynamics of the API hygiene index with various orthodontic appliances have been established. The most favorable appliance for mixed dentition is the HAAS appliance for rapid palatal expansion.

Grade C Molar-Incisor Pattern Periodontitis in Young Adults: What Have We Learned So Far?

Grade C molar-incisor pattern periodontitis (C-MIP) is a disease that affects specific teeth with an early onset and aggressive progression. It occurs in systemically healthy patients, mostly African descendants, at an early age, with familial involvement, minimal biofilm accumulation, and minor inflammation. Severe and rapidly progressive bone loss is observed around the first molars and incisors. This clinical condition has been usually diagnosed in children and young adults with permanent dentition under 30 years of age. However, this disease can also affect the primary dentition, which is not as frequently discussed in the literature. Radiographic records have shown that most patients diagnosed in the permanent dentition already presented disease signs in the primary dentition. A hyperresponsive immunological profile is observed in local (gingival crevicular fluid-GCF) and systemic environments. Siblings have also displayed a heightened inflammatory profile even without clinical signs of disease. A. actinomycetemcomitans has been classified as a key pathogen in C-MIP in both dentitions. Scaling and root planning associated with systemic antibiotics is the current gold standard to treat C-MIP, leading to GCF biomarker reduction, some systemic inflammatory response modulation and microbiome profile changes to a healthy-site profile. Further studies should focus on other possible disease-contributing risk factors.

Characteristics Of Occlusion In Primary Dentition And Its Relationship With Caries In Preschool Children In Aydın

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of occlusion in primary dentition and examine its relationship to caries experience in preschoolers in Aydın, TÜRKİYE. Materials and methods: The study was conducted among 962 children aged 3–5 years from preschoolers in a cross-sectional design. The clinical features were evaluated according to Björk et al and the caries examination was carried out with dft index. Results: The most common type of terminal plane relationship was flush type (46.7%) and primary canine relationship was Class I (69.6%). The most common type of irregularity was the prevalence of deep overbite (55.7%) followed by midline deviation (15.8%). Approximately half of the children (51.2%) had at least one carious tooth but caries experience was not related with any of the occlusal irregularities. Conclusion: Occlusal characteristics of the preschool children were defined and no relationship was found between these features and gender or caries experience.

Prevalence of Malocclusion Traits in Primary Dentition, 2010-2024: A Systematic Review.

The present review was aimed to describe the prevalence and the regional distribution of malocclusion among preschool children worldwide. Two independent reviewers performed a systematic literature search to identify English publications from January 2010 to May 2024 using PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Embase. Search MeSH key words were "malocclusion", "primary dentition" and "child, preschool". The reporting quality was assessed by the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. We identified 2599 publications and recruited 47 articles. Fourteen of the included studies were conducted in Asia, four in Europe, twenty-eight in South America and one in Africa. The prevalence of malocclusion ranged from 28.4% to 83.9%, and half of the reported prevalences were higher than 50%. The highest percentage was in Asia (61.81%), followed by Europe (61.50%), South America (52.69%) and Africa (32.50%). Statistically significant differences existed in deep overbite, anterior open bite, posterior crossbite, edge-to-edge incisor relationship and distal step between continents (p < 0.05). Europe showed the highest prevalence (33.08%) of deep overbite. Africa showed the highest prevalence (18.60%) of anterior open bite. Europe showed the highest prevalence (15.38%) of posterior crossbite. The most common malocclusion traits were increased overjet and deep overbite. To conclude, malocclusion remained prevalent in the primary dentition and varied between countries.

Evaluation of Volumetric Changes between Pediatric Rotary Files and Manual Files during Canal Preparation of Primary Mandibular Canine: A Nano-CT Analysis

Abstract Objective Pediatric endodontics has become popular due to advancements in cleaning, shaping, and irrigation systems, resulting in faster and effective removal of infected pulp, saving time, and creating a pathogen-free environment. The patented rotary file system, Kedo S, designed for primary teeth, introduced a single file generation for efficient pulp therapy. However, there are currently no studies assessing canal preparation in primary mandibular canine using nano-computed tomography (nano-CT). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of rotary file systems (Kedo S plus, Kedo SG blue) against traditional hand files in root canal preparation of primary mandibular canines using nano-CT. Materials and Methods This in vitro study was performed in extracted primary mandibular canine based on certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. Samples were prepared and working length was determined before the preoperative scan using a high-resolution nano-CT device (SkyScan 2214, Bruker, Kontich, Belgium). A single well-experienced pediatric dentist prepared the canals using three file systems: Kedo S plus, Kedo SG blue, and hand K-files. A postoperative scan was performed similar to preoperative scan. Image reconstruction was performed with NRecon software for three-dimensional volumetric visualization and analysis of the root canals. Results Kedo S plus displayed significant alterations in volumetric, surface area, and instrumented areas postpreparation compared with Kedo SG blue and hand files. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in volumetric and surface changes between Kedo S plus and hand files. Conclusion Rotary file systems, especially Kedo S plus, resulted in increased canal volume and surface area with minimal uninstrumented areas, showing promise for primary dentition root canal preparations. Further clinical assessments are warranted to validate these findings.

Traditional Versus Advanced Pulp Capping Materials in Primary Teeth.

In situations where pulp degeneration and carious lesions may coexist, pulp therapy is a regularly employed method. Mineral trioxide aggregate, a material that is now utilized for indirect pulp treatment (IPT), is nontoxic and nonmutagenic. There is proof that the restoration margin can be sealed to manage the caries lesion. In terms of the clinical and radiological outcome, it has been demonstrated that IPT is more effective and secure than direct pulp capping and pulpotomy. The pulp capping treatment's goal is to protect the pulp from microorganisms as well as from thermal, electrical, chemical, and physical stimulation. There is evidence that suggests targeted caries clearance and composite restoration may stop caries lesions more effectively than full dentin removal. Various pulp capping materials that are available in the market were highlighted in this review, and the discussion of each material was expanded to demonstrate its clinical efficacy. Articles were specifically selected and discussed for the materials used for the IPT in the primary teeth as very few studies have been done so far in relation to this subject. A literature search in various libraries, including PubMed, Cochrane, ResearchGate, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and other libraries, was done for several available materials that have been used for the IPT procedure in primary dentition in the last 20 years.

A Review on Dental Age Estimation in Children and Adolescents

Abstract Children are seen as beings who exist from birth through puberty, while teenagers are regarded as existing from puberty until around the age of 20 years. For a number of legal processes, including child labor, employment, the age of majority, rape, adoption, marriage eligibility, and situations where the birth certificate is unavailable, age estimation in children and adolescents is crucial. Despite the wide range of methods available, dental age estimation techniques that take into account tooth maturation are thought to be the most reliable predictors of chronological age in subadults. This is because genetic factors predominate and environmental factors, particularly between birth and age ten, tend to have little impact on tooth maturation. The eruption of teeth holds greater significance in the deciduous dentition, where genetic factors predominantly govern the process, compared to the permanent dentition. Conversely, tooth calcification serves as a viable indicator for estimating dental age in both primary and permanent dentitions. Current dental age estimation methods are based on age-related changes in teeth, such as tooth growth and development, changes that occur after teeth form, and biochemical changes. Therefore, in this review article, we will explore the several methodologies used for dental age assessment in children and adolescents.