Primary Dentition Research Articles

Supernumerary teeth in the maxilla and mandible-an interdisciplinary challenge. Part 1: epidemiology, etiology, classification and associated complications

Supernumerary teeth develop in addition to the normal dentition and are a therapeutic challenge for pedodontists, orthodontists and oral surgeons alike. Therefore, interdisciplinary treatment concepts are needed for the benefit of the patient. In the present, two-parted literature review on supernumerary teeth, current classification, associated complications, diagnostic steps and different therapeutic approches are presented and discussed. Supernumerary teeth are diagnosed in the primary and permanent dentition. Supernumerary incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, as well as distomolars and mesiodentes can be seen according to the location of the supernumerary teeth. Furthermore, based on the morphology of the supernumeraries four different types can be differentiated: conical, tuberculate, supplemental, and odontoma. Supernumerary teeth often remain asymptomatic, and are only diagnosed incidentally during a routine dental visit on radiographs (often intraoral). Nevertheless, various complications have been reported in the literature for supernumerary teeth such as disturbed eruption, malpositioning/rotation, root resorption of neighbouring teeth, and development of dentigerous cysts in impacted supernumeraries. Root resorption of neighbouring teeth can be radiographically diagnosed in up to 22.8% of the cases.

Miswak-Infused Glass Ionomer Cement: A Comparative In Vitro Analysis of Antibacterial Efficacy and Compressive Strength.

Glass ionomer cement (GIC) restorations are commonly used in primary dentition, due to their aesthetic appeal, self-adhesive nature, and biocompatibility. However, the material's limited antibacterial activity and inadequate mechanical strength highlight the necessity for modifying the material. The study aims to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial potency and compressive strength of GIC-incorporated Miswak extract with that of conventional GIC. After obtaining the Miswak extract, a modified GICwas formulated by combining the extract with the conventional GIC powder and liquid components, in three different ratios (Powder: Extract and Liquid), Group I (2:1:1), Group II (3:1:2), Group III (3:2:1), and the Group IV as control, which consist of unmodified/conventional GIC. To evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of the modified and unmodified GIC, standard strains of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus were utilized. For each group, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay was tested. For the evaluation of compressive strength, cylindrical moulds were utilized in compliance with ISO 9917-1:2007 standards and tested using the universal testing machine (Instron, ElectroPuls®, Bangalore, IND). The highest force exerted at the point of specimen fracture was recorded to calculate the compressive strength values in MPa. The data obtained were analyzed using the StatisticalPackage for the Social Sciences (IBMSPSSStatisticsforWindows,IBMCorp., Version 24.0, Armonk,NY)software. The statistical analysis was conducted utilizing repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) to calculate the mean MICvalues and compressive strength, with pairwise comparisons assessed using Tukey's post hoc test. The results provedthat the antimicrobial properties of Miswak containing GIC performed better against S. mutans and Lactobacillus with a statistically significant difference when compared with group IV (p<0.05), it has been found that an increase in the concentration of extract increased the antimicrobial potency. Significant results were obtained in compressive strength where GroupII (41.49±3.6) and Group III (15.23±4.96) proved to be weaker than the control (62.69±2.58), while Group I showed no differences from the control group (p>0.05). It can be concluded that Group I was found to be better in terms of both antimicrobial properties and compressive strength, where no significant difference in compressive strength was identified when comparing Group I with Group IV. Thus, the overall study depicts that a lesser concentration of extract can be the best option in terms of good antimicrobial properties without altering its strength. Hence, the Miswak containing GIC could be a promising restorative material; further studies should include considering intraoral variables such as masticatory stress, moisture levels and in-vivo tests of this combination.

Comparative Evaluation of Horizontal Lip Position With Ricketts Esthetic Plane in Preschool and School-Going Children of Bankura, West Bengal: A Craniofacial Anthropometric Study.

Introduction The horizontal lip position and esthetic plane are two important parameters to define facial beauty, and these factors are always given importance in children undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate horizontal lip position in primary and mixed dentition children with class I occlusion and to analyze its association with gender among preschool and schoolchildren of villages in the Bankura district in West Bengal. Materials and methods Researchers screened 437 children for the study and selected those who met the inclusion criteria. A total of 407 children were segregated: 201 children aged three to five years with the flush terminal plane and mesial step in primary teeth and 206 children aged seven to eleven years with class I occlusion in mixed dentition were selected from schools in villages in Bankura district, West Bengal, India. The subjects were instructed to hold the head in the natural head position by looking straight, and points were marked on the nose and chin tip, respectively. A metallic ruler was placed from nose to chin, representing Rickett's esthetic line. The horizontal lip distance to the esthetic plane of both upper and lower lips was measured as a linear distance from the most anterior part of the lip to the metallic ruler. The data were recorded, compared with gender, and statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences software (SPSS version 19.0, 2015, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results The most prevalent horizontal lip distance for both upper and lower lips to the esthetic line for primary and mixed dentition in the Bankura region of West Bengal was category I, where the lip is seen beyond the E plane, followed by category II, where lips are at a horizontal distance in the range of 0-1.5 mm from the esthetic line. A significant correlation of lip position with Rickets aesthetic plane was also illustrious with gender in primary dentition, but a non-significant association with gender was noted in mixed dentition. Conclusion Children with class I occlusion from the Bankura district of West Bengal showed a higher percentage of lip position beyond the esthetic plane in both primary and mixed dentition, which is not in line with the inference of Ricketts's studies on the Caucasian population. There is a definite association between gender and horizontal lip distance in Ricketts esthetic plane. Protrusive upper lips were seen more in males, and retrusive lips were seen more in females. Clinical significance The horizontal lip position with reference to Ricketts esthetic plane has been documented in the literature for adults and teens undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. However, there is no study done to define these measurements in preschool and school-going children, which can assist in determining future esthetic profiles and in preparing a protocol for early age interceptive orthodontics along with aesthetic rehabilitation of the anterior area of the mouth.

Bite Force Measurement in Children with Primary Dentition

BACKGROUND&#x0D; This study intended to compute the maximum bite force in the primary dentition of the young children (3-6 years old) and examine the possible influences of caries, malocclusions (such as crossbite and bruxism), and other factors on maximum bite force. We wanted to ascertain the extent of biting forces in young children's primary dentition, aged three to six, and examine the impact of several factors, including the subjects' gender, caries, crossbite, and bruxism, on the maximum bite force in this study.&#x0D; METHODS&#x0D; Children within the age group of 3-6 years were selected from nearby schools. A dental examination was done for caries and malocclusion. The subjects were asked to bite on the unit consisting of a force sensor wedged between wooden sticks wrapped in a polyethylene sheet, 3 times on each side (posteriors) and on anterior teeth with maximum bite force and then the mean value was taken.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; 502 subjects between the age group of 3-6 years were included in the study. The levels of bite force recorded showed that there was a significant difference in all three teeth standardized for the bite force measurement in the four groups included (p&lt;0.001). The maximum bite force of the posterior teeth was 351.5N seen in the control group, in the caries group (281.7N), crossbite (181.1N), and bruxism (250.2N).&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS&#x0D; Bite forces in primary dentition showed comparatively wide intra- and inter-individual variation. For both boys and girls, there was no discernible variation in the maximal bite force, however maximum bite force in children with caries and bruxism had significant differences compared to the control group. No significant difference in bite forces was seen in children having crossbite and non-crossbite sides.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Parents about Oral Health in the Primary Dentition Stage in a Peruvian High Andean City.

Children's oral health depends on parents' knowledge and attitudes. The primary dentition stage, in particular, plays a crucial role in the comprehensive development of children. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate parents' knowledge and attitudes about oral health in the primary dentition stage in Chachapoyas (Amazonas, NW Peru). A questionnaire was administered to 409 parents from 15 educational institutions, and the data were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. Among the surveyed parents, 75.3% could identify at least one habit harmful to their children's teeth (such as excessive sugar consumption) and one of its effects (such as dental caries). Additionally, 77.5% reported that their children presented some dental problem, more frequent in the peripheral areas than in the city's center. Gender (odd ratio, OR = 0.484; p = 0.037), educational level (OR = 2.144; p = 0.043), and type of health insurance (OR = 2.627; p = 0.044) of the parents influenced awareness of taking care of their children's primary dental health. The geographic location of the school (1.729 < OR < 2.079; p ≤ 0.011) and family income (OR = 3.504; p = 0.028) influenced parents' identification of the different harmful effects of children's habits. Factors such as low socioeconomic status and never taking the child to the dentist increased the risk of dental problems (p < 0.05). It is suggested that peripheral areas, like rural areas, lack the same oral health programs and access to treatment as central urban areas, leading to disparities in parental knowledge and attitudes.

Evaluation and Comparison of Facial Appearance Using the Golden Ratio: An Anthropometric Study in Preschool and School-Going Children of Santhal Tribe in West Bengal.

Introduction Golden ratio and beauty are two inseparable sides of the same coin and have been studied for centuries by the Greeks. This divine ratio is defined as an invincible parameter in aesthetic dentistry to measure looks, symmetry, and balance. Being beautiful and handsome also boosts confidence in today's children and therefore is a top priority for young growing kids. However, there is no study done to define facial measurements based on the golden ratio in preschool and school-going children that can succor aesthetics in formative years. The purpose of this research was to evaluate facial proportions in the vertical dimension, quantify them in reference to the golden ratio, and analyze the association with gender among preschool and school-going children of the Santhal tribe in the Bankura district. Materials and methods A total of 399 subjects, 198 children of 3-5 years with primary teeth and 201 children of 6-12 years with mixed dentition, were selected from schools in villages of Bankura district, West Bengal, India. The subjects were made to relax in a sitting position and a digital vernier caliper was used to record the following vertical facial parameters: total facial height (TFH), trichion-gnathion distance (Tr-Gn), and subnasale-gnathion distance (Sn-Gn). The total facial height was correlated with sexual dimorphism and dentition. The ratio of Tr-Sn/Sn-Gn was calculated and compared with the golden ratio. The ratio was classified as normal (if it was between 1.6 and 1.699, i.e., normal to the golden ratio value), long (if it was more than 1.699, i.e., more than the golden ratio value), or short (if it was below 1.6, i.e., less than the golden ratio value). This facial analysis based on the golden ratio was correlated to sexual dimorphism and dentition. The data were recorded, compared with gender, and statistically analyzed using the unpaired t-test and Chi-square test. Results The total facial height was larger in males than females in both primary and mixed dentition; however, the value was highly significant in primary dentition. Tr-Sn/Sn-Gn ratios were lower in the longfacial categoryin both males and females in both preschool and school-going children. The values were statistically significant in these ratios for both dentitions. Conclusion The majority of children in the Santhal tribe of Bankura in West Bengal did not conform to the golden ratio and showed long faces. There was a significant association of facial features with sexual dimorphism. Clinical significance The early prediction of facial features in children and its confirmation with the established golden ratio can be considered an imperative parameter to comprehend facial aesthetics and symmetry.

Effect of wire diameter and extent of wire composite splint on the mobility of luxated and anchor primary teeth: A typodont study.

The recommendations for splinting are well established for the injuries of permanent dentition; however, ambiguity still exists for the injuries in primary dentition. Hence, this study aimed to determine the most appropriate dimensions of stainless steel wire and its extent, for achieving the physiologic mobility in primary dentition. This study was designed as an invitro experiment by using a typodont model of primary dentition. The baseline mobility of primary maxillary incisors was calibrated to the physiologic mobility of natural primary incisors by using a Teflon tape wrapped around the roots of resin teeth. Splinting was done using a stainless steel wire of 0.2 mm (Group I), 0.3 mm (Group II), and 0.4 mm (Group III). These groups were subdivided (a, b, and c) on the basis of the extent of the splint, and pre splint mobility (Pre-PV) and post-splint mobility (Post-PV) were tested by Periotest M. The splint effect was calculated by subtracting Post-PVs and Pre-PVs. The normal values of mobility in healthy human volunteers ranged from 10.5 to 13. The overall splint effect was higher in Group III irrespective of the extent of the splint, whereas it was found to be the lowest in Group I (b and c). The splint effect increased with the extent of the splint in all the groups. Among all the groups, the splint effect on the anchor teeth was observed to increase with the extent of the splint and the diameter of the wire. The mobility of the injured and anchor teeth splinted with 0.2-mm stainless steel wire was similar to the pre-splint and physiologic mobility. The most favorable extension was one tooth adjacent to the injured tooth on each side for both 0.2- and 0.3-mm wires.

Orthodontic management of midline diastema caused by mesiodens: A case series

Supernumerary teeth are teeth in excess of the normal number, found in both primary and permanent dentition. Mesiodens are the most common form of supernumerary teeth, usually found in the maxillary anterior region, in between the permanent central incisors. It may lead to complications such as malocclusion, unesthetic appearance, food lodgment, and cyst formation. Early diagnosis and immediate intervention are advised to avoid orthodontic and pathological complications. The case series here discusses three different cases for presence of supernumerary teeth leading to development of midline diastema. Extraction of the supernumerary teeth followed by fixed orthodontic treatment was performed to correct the malocclusion and improve the facial esthetics.

Interceptive Management of Dilacerated Maxillary Incisor: A Case Report

Because of the intimate physical link between the primary tooth and the permanent tooth germ, traumatic dental injuries in the primary dentition might impair the development of permanent teeth, particularly in the maxillary front region. Dilaceration is a condition that is commonly encountered as a result of dental trauma and is defined as an abrupt deviation along the long axis of the tooth that can be visible between the crown, root, or both. Due to their location within the esthetic zone, such teeth present a special difficulty to the pediatric dentist. This article aims to describe a case of a 09-year-old female patient with an ectopic permanent maxillary central incisor, which was diagnosed as dilacerated after the radiographic examination. The case was managed with an interceptive approach using a Hawley palate.

Diagnostic Strategies and Techniques for Pulpal Pathology in Primary Dentition: A Comprehensive Review

Diagnostic Strategies and Techniques for Pulpal Pathology in Primary Dentition: A Comprehensive Review

Knowledge and attitude about the importance of maintaining primary dentition in parents of the Cercado de Lima District

To determine the influence of parents on the development of healthy oral hygiene habits in children. A basic, descriptive, prospective, and cross-sectional research was carried out using a 15-question questionnaire instrument, with which information on the educational level, age, and sex of the parents was collected. In order to determine the adjustment of the probability distributions to each other, the non-parametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied. Subsequently, the statistical tests of Kendall’s Tau and Spearman’s Correlation were used at a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Most parents demonstrated a medium level of knowledge and attitude toward the importance of maintaining primary dentition, regardless of their educational level, gender, or age. However, the study did not find significant relationships between these factors and knowledge or attitude on the topic. Similarly, attitude showed average levels in general, with no critical relationship with education, gender, or age. Parents generally had a medium level of knowledge and attitude, regardless of their educational status, gender, or age. There are no significant relationships found between these factors (education, sex, and age) and the level of knowledge and attitude about the importance of preserving primary dentition.

Are low serum levels of Vitamin D associated with dental developmental defects in primary teeth? A systematic review.

To identify, qualify and synthesize all studies that assessed if low serum level of 25(OH)D (<50 nmol/L) is associated with dental developmental defects (DDD) in primary teeth. Observational studies or clinical trials were included if measured 25(OH)D serum levels in pregnant women and/or in their children (up to 3 years old) and evaluated the occurrence of DDD in the primary dentition of offspring associated with the low 25(OH)D levels. Literature reviews, case reports, laboratory and/or animals' studies, conference abstracts, letters to the editor, book chapters and clinical protocols were excluded. Searches were carried out in 6 electronic databases and in the gray literature until March 2023, without restrictions. The study quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the certainty of the evidence by GRADE. Data were descriptively synthesized considering the association between DDD and 25(OH)D levels. Seven studies were included. Only developmental enamel defects (DED) were observed after examination of 6651 children. The incidence of DED ranged from 8.9% to 66%. Six studies found no association between low levels of 25(OH)D and DED. However, one reported correlation between hypomineralization of the primary second molar (HSMD) and low levels of 25(OH)D at birth. Methodological flaws were observed in all studies and the certainty of the evidence was very low. Although HSMD was the only DDD associated with low levels of 25(OH)D in children, the available evidence is still not conclusive. More robust studies are needed to endorse the biological plausibility of DDD in primary teeth due to low serum levels of 25(OH)D in pregnant women or in their children. FAPERJ financed this study, which was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022357511).

Structural Relationships between Asthma and Dental Caries in Children: A Birth Cohort Study in Southern Brazil

Introduction: There is an inconclusive causal association between asthma symptoms and dental caries in the primary dentition. This study aimed to investigate, using SEM (structural equation modeling), a possible causal relation between asthma and dental caries in the primary dentition. Methods: Using data from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study, a sub-sample of 1,303 individuals was selected. Dental caries was clinically evaluated at 5 years old based on decayed, missing, and filled tooth (dmft) index criteria. Asthma-related symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) at 1- and 4-year-olds composed a latent variable and were the main exposures to caries occurrence. SEM was used to identify possible direct, indirect, and mediated effects of asthma in primary dentition dental caries. Results: The general prevalence of caries at age 5 was 1.95 (SD: 3.56). When comparing the dmft values for children with asthma symptoms and those without, they presented similar values in both periods where asthma symptoms were evaluated (1- and 4-year-old). SEM analysis showed that asthma was neither directly nor indirectly related to dental caries. Conclusion: Asthma, using a latent variable constructed based on asthma symptoms, showed no causal effect on dental caries occurrence in the primary dentition.

Case Report: Management of pediatric Le Fort and mandibular fracture with a modified cap splint

Pediatric facial fractures are rare and make up 5–15% of all facial fractures. The low incidence of facial fractures among children is due to physiological and environmental factors such as greater resilience of the pediatric skeleton, higher bone to tooth ratio, direct parental supervision and limited outdoor activity.1 In children of 5–10 years of age nasal fractures are by far the most frequent (58.6%), followed by mandibular fractures (21.5%). Orbital (9.5%), frontal (5.1%), and midfacial (3.8%) fractures are next in frequency2. Le Fort fractures are very rare in children, and there is a paucity of literature presenting their frequency and characteristics. In the mandible condylar fracture is the most common (38.9%) followed by angle (20.6%), parasymphysis (18.3%), body (15.3%) and symphysis (5.3%).3 Facial fractures are more common in boys, though this varies greatly from 1.1:1 to 8.5:1.4 The majority of facial fractures in children result from falls (7.8–48%) and sports-related injuries (4.4–42%).5 In primary or mixed dentition, the placement of internal fixation hardware is challenging due to the risk of injuring unerupted permanent tooth follicles. The use of resorbable plates and screws offer a potential solution to the growing pediatric facial bone as the standard titanium fixation systems carry the risk of translocation, growth restriction, and dental injury. Dental splinting or suspension wires can also be used in place of direct plating. Fortunately, mild malocclusion at this age has the potential to be improved through bony remodeling, the eruption of permanent dentition, compensation of the mastication mechanism, and posttraumatic orthodontia.6 Accordingly, the goal of treatment is to restore the underlying bony architecture to its preinjury position in a stable fashion with minimal residual functional and esthetic impairment.

Observation of factors associated with visceral swallowing pattern in 2–6 year old children: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionThe association between the visceral swallowing pattern (VSP) and dentofacial abnormalities remains controversial. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between the VSP and various factors including type of birth, gender, tongue posture, lip incompetence, eruption of primary molars, habits and the presence of malocclusions in children with primary and early mixed dentition. Material and methodA total of 219 children (102 boys and 117 girls) were evaluated using a combination of a questionnaire and a structured clinical examination by one pediatric specialist dentist. Kittel’s method of tongue posture evaluation and the Payne technique for assessment of swallowing pattern were included in the clinical examination of myofunctional status. After checking for normality, normal and non-normal distributed data were analyzed using two-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test, respectively. Analysis of categorical variables was done using a chi-square test, and Bonferroni correction was used as correction for multiple comparisons. ResultsA total of 56.2 % of the study population had a VSP. The chi-square test indicated a statistically significant higher presence of VSP in male gender. Statistically significant associations were seen between the VSP and lip incompetency, pathologic resting tongue position, habits, anterior open bite and increased overjet. On the other hand, no statistically significant associations were found between VSP and children’s age within the sample population, type of birth, uni- or bilateral crossbites, increased overbite, edge-to-edge anterior bite or completion of eruption of primary molars and/or permanent incisors. ConclusionsThe association between VSP and male gender, pathologic tongue posture, lip incompetency and habits and occlusal traits such as anterior open bite and increased anterior overjet is supported by the results of the present study.

Sequelae of Primary Dental Trauma: A Case Series

Trauma to the primary dentition is a common occurrence affecting approximately 1 in 5 young children globally. Damage to the successor tooth may present as a localized enamel defect, dilaceration and disturbed eruption, with subsequent functional and social impact. Appropriate management of acute primary dental trauma, regular review and timely specialist referral upon detection of eruption sequence abnormalities is, therefore, imperative for long-term outcome to be optimal. This article presents a series of four case reports of paediatric patients with a history of severe primary dental trauma that resulted in significant dental anomalies requiring multidisciplinary treatment. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Information on the consequences of primary dental trauma and the advice to give to affected families is of value.

Стоматологічний статус дітей з вродженими вадами серця і магістральних судин в Україні

Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common congenital defect worldwide. The increase in the number of patients with CHD creates a group of people with individual special care needs, including dental care. Purpose: to evaluate oral health conditions (oral hygiene, caries experience, periodontal health) in children with CHD and compare their caries experience with the one of the group of healthy children in Ukraine. Materials and methods: Fifty-eight children with congenital heart disease and eighty healthy children aged 3-15 years were enrolled in this study. According to their age and period of dentition, all the children were subdivided into 3 groups: with primary, mixed and permanent dentition. Caries experience, oral hygiene, periodontal health and dental developmental defects were assessed. A one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and an independent-measures t-Test were used. All statistical analyses were performed using the statistical software (SPSS version 26.0, SPSS Inc.). The statistical significance was set at 5%. Results and discussion: The caries experience of children with CHD and healthy children in primary dentition was 4.0 and 6.4 respectively. The highest DMFT was registered in children with CHD in mixed (4.7) and permanent (4.6) dentitions. 33,3% of children with primary dentition and up to 52,9% in mixed dentition had poor oral hygiene. Conclusions: According to limitation of this epidemiological study, there were no significant differences in caries experience of children with congenital heart disease and healthy children in primary and mixed dentitions. These findings indicate the importance of preventive dental care and appropriate treatment of children with CHD. Key words: congenital heart disease, oral health, children, caries, airway volume, dentoalveolar abnormalities.

Evaluation of the pit and fissure system in primary and permanent molars with micro-computed tomography and 3D printing.

This study aimed to characterize the anatomical and physiological features of pits and fissures in primary and permanent molars by microtomographic (micro-CT) examination and three-dimensional (3D) printing. The occlusal surfaces of 84 primary molars and 60 permanent third molars were examined. The samples were scanned with micro-CT and the occlusal surface separated. The areas of the crown, its occlusal part, and fissures and pits were calculated. Digital impression of the occlusal surface was created and 3D printed. The frequency of different fissure types was determined by direct observation. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney U Test and chi-square test (p < 0.05). There was statistically significant difference between the ratio of occlusal surface and the crown area for the molars in primary and permanent dentitions (24.78% and 28.85% respectively, p < 0.05). In terms of the percentage ratio of the fissure area to the occlusal surface (24.24% and 22.30%) and the fissure area to the crown (6.02% and 6.52%), no significant difference was observed (p > 0.05). V-shaped fissures were predominant in both primary and permanent teeth, with a higher occurrence in primary dentition (59.48%, p < 0.05). Permanent molars exhibited a higher prevalence of I-type and U-type fissure configurations compared to primary molars (p < 0.05), with I-type fissures being the least common in primary molars. In both dentitions there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of IK-configuration (p > 0.05). The fissure depth was significantly greater in permanent molars than primary molars (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study revealed remarkable diversity in fissure morphology among primary and permanent molars.

Black stain and dental caries in primary dentition of preschool children in Qingdao, China.

Black stain (BS) and caries are common oral issues in children worldwide. This study aimed to reveal the prevalence of BS and caries in primary dentition of children in Qingdao, China and evaluate the potential association between them. A total of 672 preschool children aged 3-5 years old from 12 kindergartens in Qingdao, northern China were enrolled in the study. The prevalences of BS and caries were counted, and their distributions across different ages and genders were analyzed. The potential protective role of BS (independent variable) on caries (dependent variable) was analyzed via binary logistic regression analysis. BS was observed in 103 children (15.33%), including 3 severe- (0.45%), 28 moderate- (4.17%), and 72 mild (10.71%) forms. Caries was observed in 374 children (55.65%) and it was positively associated with age. Notably, the prevalence of caries was lower in children with BS than in those without BS (42.72% vs. 58.00%, respectively). Children with BS were less likely to suffer from caries than those without BS. BS in mild or moderate/severe forms was associated with a low risk of caries. In summary, the prevalence of BS in primary dentition in Qingdao, China is at a relatively high level worldwide. BS is a protective factor for caries in primary dentition.

Prevalence of OXIS Contacts between the Primary Molars in 3 to 9 Years Old Children: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Interproximal contacts between primary teeth have traditionally been reported as broad and flat. A new system of classification for contacts called OXIS- O (open contact), X (point contact), I (straight contact), and S (curved contact) was introduced in 2018, based on the shapes observed occlusally. Understanding interproximal contacts in primary teeth is essential to comprehend the caries risk of the individual. Aim: To assess the prevalence of OXIS contact areas between non carious primary molars in 3 to 9 years old children and to determine the most common type of contact before and after the eruption of the first permanent molar. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of the types of contacts between primary teeth through direct observation in a sample size of 260 contact areas. The study was carried out in the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Navi Mumbai, India, between August 2022 to February 2023. Ethical clearance from the university was obtained. A single calibrated examiner examined photographs of the interproximal contacts between primary molars. The contacts were assessed as O (open contact), X (point contact), I (straight contact), and S (curved contact) using the OXIS classification system. The prevalence of each contact type was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 18.0 software. The prevalence of contact types was recorded in numbers and percentages. A comparison of contact types before and after the eruption of the first permanent molar was conducted using the Chi-square test. Result: The most common contact type was I (65.00%) both before and after the eruption of the first permanent molar. This was followed by S (19.62%), X (11.15%), and O (4.23%) in the primary dentition. After the eruption of the first permanent molars, I contact was the highest at 66.41%, followed by S (20.90%), X (12.68%), and O (0%). Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of O, X, I, and S types of interproximal contact areas in caries-free primary molars in 3 to 9 years old children.