Regular Dental Treatment Research Articles

Pattern and Clinical Reasons for Dental Extractions in Patients Visiting a Tertiary Health Care Centre in Southern District- Nuh of Haryana, India: A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: The causes of tooth extraction exhibit significant geographical and cultural variations between regions within a country and across different countries. To date, no study has been conducted on the pattern of tooth loss in a comparatively socially and economically disadvantaged population in Nuh, Haryana, India. Aim: To analyse the pattern and clinical reasons for tooth extraction in relation to factors such as age and gender among patients visiting the Dental Department of a tertiary care centre in India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Dentistry, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati (SHKM) Government Medical College Nalhar, Nuh, Haryana, India, from January 2017 to December 2019. Data were collected from the available records of patients across different age groups during the period from January 2017 to December 2019. Data on age, gender, reasons for extraction, jaw type and tooth number were recorded. The total number of extracted teeth was used for statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel software. Results: During the study period, 2643 patients underwent tooth extraction, with 1304 (49.33%) being males and 1339 (50.66%) females. A total of 3358 teeth were extracted, with 1382 in males and 1976 in females. The number of teeth extracted was higher in females (58.84%, n=1976) compared to males (41.15%, n=1382). The majority of extractions occurred in the 21-30 years age group, 750 (21.73%) followed by the 31-40 years age group, 663 (19.71%). The most common reason for extraction was dental caries and its sequelae, 2462 (73.34%). The most frequently extracted tooth was the first molar in the fourth quadrant (9.26%) followed by the first molar in the third quadrant (8.72%). Conclusion: Given the paramount importance of first permanent molars, it is concerning to see many young patients losing this tooth in the present study. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among the general population about maintaining oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and treatment. The role of pit and fissure sealants in caries prevention for first permanent molars cannot be overstated.

Prevalence of caries disease in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis: Results of a comparative study

Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of dental caries in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and compare it with controls. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between two departments of the Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat: the Conservative Dentistry Department at the Center for Consultation and Dental Treatment and the Rheumatology B Department at El Ayachi Hospital in Salé.We collected socio-demographic, disease, and oral health data for each patient, assessing caries prevalence using the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled teeth ) along with gingival and plaque indices (Löe and Silness) Results: We recruited 61 patients, including 31 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 30 control patients. The average age was 47.6 ± 13.1 years, mostly female, with 59.3% postmenopausal. RA patients had a higher number of missing teeth (8.3±7 [0; 19]), moderate to severe gingival inflammation in 64.6% of patients, and significant plaque buildup in 67.7% of cases. Only 38.7% of patients used proper brushing techniques, and 45.2% viewed their condition as a barrier to oral hygiene.The DMFT index in the RA group was 15.5, with an average of 2 [0; 4] filled teeth, compared to 0 [0; 2] in the control group (p=0.05). 67.7% of RA patients had visible plaque deposits, and 64.6% showed moderate to severe gingival inflammation Conclusion: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis exhibited poorer oral health compared to the control group, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care, including regular dental consultations and treatment

Oral Health and Quality of Life in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This article delves into the intricate relationship between oral health, quality of life, and behavioral characteristics in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Background/Objectives: Autism has been associated with various challenges, and this study seeks to elucidate the impact of ASD on oral health outcomes and overall well-being. The research focuses on assessing overall oral health by evaluating various parameters, such as the condition of lips, tongue, gums and tissues, natural teeth, dentures, oral hygiene, and dental pain in individuals with ASD. Additionally, the study explores the influence of age, sex, and certain variables, like basic daily living skills on oral health practices, aiming to identify potential correlations between these factors and oral health outcomes. Methods: We employed standardized instruments to quantitatively measure and analyze the impact of oral health status on the overall quality of life experienced by individuals with ASD. Results: The study found a statistically significant positive association between oral health, measured by the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), and quality of life, as indicated by EuroQol 5-Dimensions Youth version (EQ-5D-Y) total scores (β = 0.13045, p = 0.00271). This suggests that better oral health is linked to higher quality of life. When adjusting for age and sex in a multiple linear regression model, the association remained significant but with a slightly reduced effect size (β = 0.10536, p = 0.0167). Age also showed a marginally significant positive association with quality-of-life scores. ANOVA results indicated that participants with advanced oral health status reported significantly higher quality-of-life scores than those with poorer oral health (p = 0.00246). The study also found that intelligence quotient (IQ) does not substantially influence dental health status, while the "Autonomy" subscale of the EQ-5D-Y is positively related to the OHAT. Conclusions: Unhealthy oral conditions significantly impact the overall quality of life in individuals with ASD. Therefore, it is crucial to include regular dental assessments and treatments in therapeutic protocols for patients with ASD.

The effect of dental treatment using conscious sedation therapy on patient satisfaction

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of conscious sedation on patient satisfaction with dental treatment. Methods: The survey included questions on the patients’ general characteristics, dental treatment fear, anxiety, and satisfaction, and patient evaluation by an observer. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0 ver. and data were analyzed using frequency analysis, independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multilinear regression analysis. Results: Patients who received conscious sedation therapy showed significantly lower levels of dental fear and anxiety, whereas their dental treatment satisfaction was significantly higher than that of patients who received regular dental treatment (p<0.05). Dental treatment fear, anxiety, satisfaction, and conscious sedation depth were significantly correlated in patients who received conscious sedation therapy (p<0.05). Factors influencing dental treatment satisfaction included age, weight, use of medication, smoking habits, use of conscious sedation therapy, dental treatment fear and anxiety, and conscious sedation depth (p<0.05). Conclusions: Conscious sedation therapy can be an effective method to reduce dental treatment fear and anxiety and improve patient satisfaction.

Caries assessment and salivary microbial analysis in patients diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis.

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a group of lysosomal storage disorders that cause the deposition of polysaccharides in cells. This causes systemic and oral manifestations, which can be observed clinically and radiographically. The present study aimed to assess dental caries, the effect of salivary pH, and the change of microflora on teeth in patients diagnosed with MPS. The study included children affected with mucopolysaccharidosis (n = 50) and healthy children (n = 50) in the control group between 3 and 15 years of age. The pH of saliva and decayed, missing, and filled teeth/decayed extracted and filled teeth index were noted and recorded. For the microbial analysis, saliva was inoculated into blood agar, MacConkey agar, Candida CHROMagar, and Mitis Salivarius agar, then inspected for colony-forming units, which were counted and recorded based on the colony characteristics and gram staining. Intergroup comparison of the test parameters was done using the Mann-Whitney test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results showed significantly higher total microbial load (P = 0.00008), streptococcus viridans species (P = 0.00001), and Candida species (P = 0.0038) in the study group. The caries incidence was also higher in the study group for both primary (P = 0.0096) and permanent dentition (P = 0.0251), and salivary pH was more acidic (P = 0.00001) in the patients diagnosed with MPS. Patients diagnosed with MPS have a higher microbial load, more acidic saliva, and subsequently, a higher caries incidence than normal healthy children. Hence, regular dental evaluation, prevention, and treatment must be integrated into their health-care regimen.

Comparison of basic and advanced behaviour management techniques between Colombian and Spanish parents during regular treatment and in emergency situations.

To evaluate the acceptance of behaviour management techniques by Spanish and Colombian parents used in paediatric dentistry and the influence of factors that determine their consent during regular treatment and in emergency situations. An anonymous questionnaire was carried out in which 9 behaviour management techniques (BMTs) used in paediatric dentistry by Spanish and Colombian parents were evaluated in cases of regular dental treatment and in emergency situations (pain and/or dental trauma). The techniques evaluated were: tell-show-do (TSD), voice control, positive reinforcement, distraction, parental presence-absence, nitrous oxide, passive and active restraint, and general anaesthesia. The questionnaire also included information on the sociodemographic information about parents and their children, previous dental experience, and dental anxiety of the parents. The data were analysed using SPSSTM software, r. 26 of IBMTM. A value of p≤ 0.05 was considered as statically significant. A total sample of 124 questionnaire (62 from each country) was obtained. The basic BMT were the most accepted in both countries, especially by Spanish parents. In emergency situations, statistically significant differences were obtained in the acceptance of nitrous oxide and general anesthesia compared to their use in routine treatments (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the preference of the techniques in relation to the age of the children or parental dental anxiety (p>0.05). An association was found between the socioeconomic status and the acceptance of nitrous oxide (p=0.005) and general anesthesia (p=0.004). The basic techniques were the most accepted by Spanish and Colombian parents. However, the Spanish parents had a better perception of both types of techniques compared to the Colombians. Their preference was influenced by factors such as annual income and need for urgent treatment of their children.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effectiveness of Nanosilver Fluoride in Arresting Dental Caries in School Children.

The study evaluated the effectiveness of nanosilver fluoride (NSF) in arresting dental caries in 4-8-year-old school children. The two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial included a total of 148 children aged 4-8 years with active carious lesions. Children were randomly divided into two groups: group I-NSF (n = 74); and group II-water (placebo and n = 74). Baseline data were recorded using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II criteria, and the teeth were treated with either of the solutions. Later, the teeth were evaluated by two blinded examiners for the lesion activity using ICDAS II criteria at 1, 3, and 6-month intervals. The obtained data were analyzed using the Chi-squared test for intergroup comparison and Cochran's Q test for intragroup comparison. Cohen's κ test was used to check the interexaminer and intraexaminer variability. Carious teeth treated with NSF have shown 56.3, 59.2, and 62% arrested carious lesions, whereas the placebo group has shown 0, 2.9, and 4.4% arrested lesions at 1, 3, and 6-month intervals, respectively. NSF showed a high statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in arresting dental caries compared to the control group at all the time intervals. Nanosilver fluoride (NSF) is found to be effective in arresting dental caries without staining carious lesions. Therefore, it can be used to reduce the bacterial load for caries stabilization in the initial phase of the comprehensive treatment protocol for the management of children with active caries lesions. Most of the decayed teeth in the primary dentition remain untreated either because of inaccessible dental services or the uncooperativeness of children. Hence, there is an absolute need for a cariostatic agent which arrests the progression of caries in a simple and noninvasive manner. The results of this study evidence that NSF effectively arrests dental caries in primary teeth. Hence, this can be a very economical way of arresting caries in the population who don't have access to regular dental treatment. Devi C, Chandrasekhar R, Vinay C, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effectiveness of Nanosilver Fluoride in Arresting Dental Caries in School Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):667-670.

Relevance of tongue types and depth of the retromylohyoid fossa in fabrication of mandibular removable dentures - A clinical study

ABSTRACT Background: Successful denture fitting depends on three key factors: retention, stability, and support. While creating a denture for the upper jaw is relatively easy, the lower jaw presents more challenges due to greater issues with retention and stability. This is because dentures tend to move around relative to the underlying bone during use. To address this problem, a customized tool (an impression and cast) was used in a study to measure the depth of the retromylohyoid fossa. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the type of tongue and depth of the retromylohyoid fossa using an impression and cast. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the department of prosthodontics, where all patients received regular check-ups and dental treatments. The retromylohyoid fossa(extension) and tongue were examined in a sample of 500 patients aged between 20 and 50 years, and impressions were taken. Results: The measurements were recorded, and the depth of the retromylohyoid fossa was assessed. The tongue was also studied. Conclusion: This retromylohyoid fossa and tongue are a suspense itself, and our method is just a suggestion for the mandibular denture prosthesis success.

Factors associated with irregular dental checkups or refraining from regular dental treatment.

Abstract:&#x0D; Introduction: Routine dental examination is important for early diagnosis and treatment of dental problems in order to improve quality of life and avoid costly future treatments. Regular dental checkups also decreases dental anxiety among individuals.&#x0D; Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of Operative dentistry, Altamash institute of dental medicines from 15 August’2021 to 11 November’2021. 204 participants were interviewed using well-constructed questionnaire regarding factors associated with irregular dental checkups and refrainment from regular dental treatment.&#x0D; Objective: To identify factors associated with irregular dental checkups or refraining from regular dental treatment.&#x0D; Results: Among 204 participants, 79 (38.73%) were male and 125 (61.27%) were female. Results showed that 47.55% of individuals were aware that dental hygiene improved overall quality of life, only 42.6% of participants visited a dental clinic for a general check-up, whereas 57.35% only received dental treatment when they were in pain.&#x0D; Conclusion: Major factor leading to irregularity for dental checkup, is financial constraint. &#x0D; Keywords: Dental checkup, Dentist, Dental treatment, Oral health .

Dental Considerations for the Treatment of Patients with Morquio Syndrome.

Morquio syndrome, also called Mucopolysaccharidosis IV (MPS IV), is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic lysosomal disorder that results in the deposition of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in various tissues and organs, resulting in an array of signs and symptoms. The aim of the study was to systematically record the clinical features with a special emphasis on oral manifestations of patients diagnosed with MPS IV and asses the dental treatment implications of the disease manifestations. A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients diagnosed with MPS IV (n = 26). A complete clinical and oral examination was done and the findings were systemically recorded. The study showed that the patients diagnosed with MPS IV have multiple treatment challenges owing to the range of disease manifestations. Furthermore, they have higher oral health care needs because of the anatomical and pathological changes. Dental professionals must be aware of the implications of the disease manifestation and their accompanying challenges while treating patients with MPS IV. The oral health needs are higher for these patients and regular dental evaluation and treatment must be incorporated into their health care regimen. Vinod A, Raj SN, Anand A, et al. Dental Considerations for the Treatment of Patients with Morquio Syndrome. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):707-710.

Management of Post-Traumatic Dental Care Anxiety in Pediatric Dental Practice-A Clinical Study.

Background: It is important to avoid giving children traumatic dental experiences that induce post-traumatic dental care anxiety (PTDA) in clinical dental practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether non-pharmacological behavior management procedures can effectively reduce the use of pharmacological behavior management in children who have PTDA and are referred for regular dental treatments under general anesthesia (GA) and sedation. Methods: This clinical study consisted of two groups. The treatment group involved 20 healthy children aged 4–14 with PTDA and also those referred by other institutions for dental treatment with/without GA. The control group was sampled retrospectively from the patient records and involved 20 healthy uncooperative children aged 4–14 with PTDA who had been treated under GA. Results: The number of multiple appointments was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group. Only 25% of children in the treatment group underwent GA and the rest (75%) were managed with non-pharmacological management techniques. Nine (60%) children who were treated with minimally invasive techniques did not require GA. Conclusions: It is important to treat children as much as possible without causing PTDA by using appropriate behavior management techniques. This study emphasizes the usefulness of thoroughly employing non-pharmacological behavior management methods before directing a child with PTDA for dental treatment under pharmacological behavior management, which can prevent the over-utilization of sedation and GA.

A Cross-Sectional Study for Association between Periodontitis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Using the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Data

Recently, several studies have suggested the relationship between periodontitis and prostatic disease. However, epidemiological studies on the association between periodontitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are scarce. Hence, we aimed to identify the association between the two diseases using data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Among the 173,209 participants, 3297 men with periodontitis and 35,292 controls (without periodontitis) were selected. The history of BPH in participants with periodontitis and the controls were also investigated. Two-tailed analyses, independent t-tests, and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for BPH was 1.50 (95% confidence interval, 1.35–1.68; p &lt; 0.001) after adjusting for past medical histories. The adjusted OR for BPH was 1.57 (95% confidence interval, 1.41–1.76; p &lt; 0.001) after adjusting for anthropometric and laboratory data. Collectively, this study provides evidence that periodontitis is associated with BPH. This finding supports the use of regular dental checkups and periodontal treatments to reduce the prevalence and progression of BPH.

Dental Patients’ Perspective on COVID-19: A Systematic Review

The COVID-19 epidemic has changed patients’ approach to dental treatments. While dentists worldwide have shown an excellent level of adaptability to face the new challenges presented by the unprecedented situation due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, dental patients have witnessed a sudden suspension of elective treatments and a slow resumption of dental care activities after several national lockdowns. In addition, the general climate of anxiety and fear due to the high COVID-19 risk and the high level of mortality has influenced the perception and attitudes of people towards dental activity, inducing many dental patients to avoid appointments to the dentist if not highly urgent. We present an overview of the current state of knowledge about dental patients’ perception, perspective, attitude, and expectations towards a full resumption of regular dental treatments.

Attitude of parents towards oral health and dental treatment of their children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: Increased rate of dental caries among children necessitate regular pediatric dental treatments; however,the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for dental visits of children, compromising their oralhealth. To assess the attitude of parents towards oral health and dental treatment of their children during theCOVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: 232 eligible parents presenting to the Pediatric Dentistry Departmentof Qazvin Dental School during March and April 2021 seeking dental care for their children were requested tofill out a questionnaire included data regarding demographic information, child’s dental history, attitude aboutthe COVID-19 and risk of dental treatments. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, andPearson’s correlation coefficient (alpha=0.05). Results: One-third of the parents reported that fear of contractionof COVID-19 was the reason for not seeking dental care during the pandemic. The majority of the parentsstated no change in oral hygiene behavior or consumption of sugary foods during the pandemic. Cancellationof previous dental appointments (P=0.038) and unwillingness to seek dental care at present (P=0.015) weresignificantly correlated with the susceptibility score. The susceptibility score of the parents was also correlatedwith their psychological status (P=0.016). A significant correlation was noted between the susceptibility scoreand attitude as well (r=0.287, P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: High level of concern regarding the COVID-19 preventsparents from seeking dental care for their children. It is imperative to take measures to reassure the parentsregarding the safety of dental care for their children during the pandemic to ensure continuation of dental care.KEYWORDSAttitude, Children, COVID 19, Dental care, Oral health.

Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry

ABSTRACTPandemic situations always impose devastating aftereffects on communities and cause chronic damaging effects on the healthcare system. Novel coronavirus disese-2019 (COVID-19) which has originated in China (Wuhan) is nowadays an emerging threat to public health across the world. It is spreading worldwide so rapidly and has started infecting people in all possible ways. Several dental care facilities in affected countries are completely closed or have been only providing minimal treatment for emergency cases since the whole lockdown has been announced. However, in some affected countries, they are still providing regular dental treatment. This discrepancy could be because of the dearth of proper awareness, knowledge, protocol, or guidelines.How to cite this articleKshirsagar MM, Dodamani AS, Deokar RN, et al. Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(5):711–714.

10-year follow-up study on attendance pattern after dental treatment in primary oral health care clinic for fearful patients

BackgroundDental fear may lead to avoidance of regular dental treatment. The scope of this long-term practe-based study was to monitor the dental attendance of patients who received chair-side dental and fear treatment.MethodsIn 2000–2006, patients in the City of Oulu, Finland, received treatment for dental fear in the Clinic for Fearful Dental Patients (CFDP) from primary health care dentists trained on this subject. Of the originally treated patients (n = 163), 152 (93%) with sufficient information in dental records made up the study population. Information on their age and sex was available. The number of dental examinations, emergency visits and missed appointments was collected covering the follow-up period of 10 years 2006–2016. For analyses, data were dichotomized according to age at baseline and preliminary outcome baseline condition of dental fear treatment evaluated in 2006. To investigate association further, Poisson regression as well as binary logistic regression models were conducted. As register keeper, the City of Oulu gave permission for this retrospective data-based study.ResultsPatients receiving dental fear treatment at younger age (2–10 y) had significantly more dental examinations than those treated at > 10 years. Preliminary success was associated with the number of examinations, but not with emergency visits and missed appointments. Sex was not a significant factor in later dental attendance. There was an association between few dental examinations and dental emergency care need with unsuccessful baseline outcome of dental fear treatment.ConclusionsSuccessful dental fear treatment especially at an early age is beneficial for future dental attendance measured by the number of examinations and consequently, less need for emergency care than in the opposite case. Successful fear treatment has positive impact on later dental care and regular dental attendance.

Physical Constraint in Pediatric Dentistry: The Lived Experience of Parents.

Background:The use of physical constraint in pediatric dentistry is highly controversial. Papoose boards in particular, which envelop and immobilize children during treatment procedures, have been described as barbaric devices even though their goal is to protect the patient. In this debate, the voice of parents is important but still missing in the scientific literature.Aim:To understand how parents or caregivers experienced physical constraint and the use of the papoose board on their children during regular dental treatment.Design:We conducted qualitative research rooted in interpretive phenomenology. Accordingly, we performed in-depth individual interviews with a purposive sample of 7 parents or caregivers. The interviews took place in Montréal, Canada, after the children had been treated with a papoose board for nonemergency dental treatments. The discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed.Results:Two perspectives emerged among participants. Some explained that the papoose board calmed their children, helped the dentist to complete the procedures, and made their experience less stressful. For others, the papoose board was a horrible and traumatizing experience, leading to feelings of guilt toward their children. They expressed anger toward the dentists for not allowing them enough time to decide and for imposing use of the device.ConclusionOur study raises serious ethical concerns about this practice. We believe that using a papoose board should remain an extraordinary measure and, more generally, that dental professionals should reflect on the place of children and their families in clinical encounters.Knowledge Transfer Statement:The findings of this study should encourage policy makers, dental professionals and ethicists to consider the following points: 1) the traumatizing experiences described by parents raise serious ethical concerns about the use of papoose boards; 2) the dental profession should reflect on the place of children and their families in the clinical encounter and grapple with the importance of consent and how to ensure consent in encounters involving children and their parents.

Effects of the outbreak of COVID-19 on oral health-care workers (HCWs) at the regional dental center in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Since the emergence of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the pandemic has rapidly spread all over the globe, affecting millions of people and resulted in over 1,900,000 deaths. During the outbreak of COVID-19 situation, health-care workers in general and dental team specifically are at risk of developing psychological distress and other mental health symptoms. Aim: The study was conducted to investigate the effects of outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) on oral health-care workers (HCWs) at the Regional Dental Center in Qassim and how it affects their practice and daily life in terms of psychological, mental, behavioral manner, and social well-being. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, single dental care facility-based study. A bilingual questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 150 HCWs. The questionnaire contained 26 questions covering the following domains: (a) demographic data, (b) knowledge testing and sources of information, (c) personal precautions and infection control measures, and (d) behavioral and psychological aspects. The questionnaire was distributed through the social media platform. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics were used for data summarization and presentation. Results and discussion: The response rate was 72%, with the age range from 18 to 54 years, with female 60% to male 40% distribution. A very high level of awareness about the COVID-19 ranging from 60% to 100% was found among participants. The main sources of information regarding coronavirus were Ministry of Health (MoH), social media, followed by the World Health Organization website. Almost 90% started regular hand hygiene and paying attention to the proper use of personal protective equipment. Almost 70% agreed to stop treating patients due to their perception of the risk of contamination. Almost 90% of them felt afraid of transferring the infection to their families. Majority of them spent their time on social media, while nearly 50% on reading and sleeping. Almost two-third of the participants do highly trust the precautions which have been taken by the MoH and the Regional Dental Center in Qassim. Conclusions: It is concluded that the HCWs had good knowledge and awareness about COVID-19. They are concerned about their safety and possibility of spread of infection to their families and considered to stop regular dental treatment. Their satisfaction is moderate about the safety measures provided by MoH and the center. Future research should be carried out at multicenter, primary, secondary, and tertiary care centers to generalize the findings.

Oral Findings of Children, Adolescents and Young Adults Affected by Muccopolysaccharidosis

Objectives: Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) comprises of a set of rare inherited lysosomal disorder which results in deposition of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in various tissues and organs resulting in disturbances in the developing structures. The aim of the study was to systematically record the oral findings of patients diagnosed with MPS and subsequently assess their oral health needs. Methodology: A cross- sectional study was conducted on patients diagnosed with MPS (n=57). Complete soft tissue and hard tissue examination was done and the findings recorded. DMFT or def indices were recorded in accordance with WHO criteria and methods. Results: The study showed that the patients diagnosed with MPS have higher oral health care needs owing to the anatomical and pathological changes. The study showed that the patients diagnosed with MPS had poor oral hygiene and high caries incidence. However, the number of filled teeth in spite of high caries index wassignificantly less which showed neglected oral care. Interpretation and Conclusion: The patients diagnosed with MPS have higher oral health care needs. Hence, regular dental evaluation and treatment must be incorporated in their health care regimen.

Oral health status of asthmatic children using inhaled corticosteroids.

Due to the increase in the prevalence of asthma, especially in childhood, oral health problems arising from the use of asthma medications have become a major health concern. Inhaled corticosteroids are widely used since they are the cornerstone of asthma management. This study aimed to investigate the effects of inhaled corticosteroids on oral health and various factors regarding active ingredients in inhalers, inhaler-spacer device use, rinsing the mouth after administration of inhaler, oral hygiene practices and parents` education on dental caries susceptibility in young children with asthma. Children with asthma who were treated with inhaled corticosteroids for at least 6 months were included in the study. A questionnaire related to demographic characteristics and oral health practices of children was conducted with parents and the children were examined using a dental mirror and probe under dental unit lighting after air-drying the teeth. Oral health status was evaluated in 115 children, 54 (42-66) months old, 61% male and 39% female with determination of dmft-dmfs, DMFT-DMFS, ICDAS II, plaque index and gingival index. No statistically significant difference was found between sugar-containing and sugar-free inhalers, duration of inhaled corticosteroid use, inhaler-spacer device use, rinsing the mouth after administration of inhaler and dmft-dmfs, DMFT-DMFS, plaque and gingival index (p > 0.05). Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use was significantly associated with oral candidiasis (p=0.029). Also, the results showed that mothers` educational level had a significant effect on children`s oral health (p < sub > dmft/dmfs < /sub > < 0.001; p < sub > gingival index < /sub > =0.049; p < sub > plaque index < /sub > =0.005). Due to the effect of immunosuppression, long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids enhances the risk of development of the opportunistic pathogen candida. Regular dental visits and preventive dental treatments are needed in these patients for healthy oral status.