Status Of Teeth Research Articles

Age Estimation by Modified Demirjian’s Method in a Hospital-Based Population: A Radiographic Study

Objective: To test the modified Demirjian's method of dental age estimation on the South Indian population and correlate it with the patient's chronological age . Material and Methods: This retrospective radiographic study was performed on digital panoramic radiographs taken during a one-year duration. Radiographs of patients in the age range from 8 to 18 years were included in the study. The radiographs were examined and according to the stage of the crown and root status of the left side mandibular teeth. The stage of calcification was observed for eight teeth in the mandibular arch and was recorded in a specially designed proforma. Each rated tooth with stage was converted into a score using a conversion table specified for girls and boys. Results: 224 digital panoramic radiographs were retrieved from the radiologic database. Out of total study sample, 49.5% (n=111) were boys and 50.5% (n=113). The mean chronological and estimated dental age using dental maturity scores resulted in an overestimation of 3 years and eight months. Also, it was noted that there was a strong positive association between chronological (real) and dental age . Conclusion: It was observed that there was a strong correlation between chronological and dental age. A new formula for determining the chronological age from the estimated dental age was derived. Further studies on a larger population may prove the reliability of this age estimation method.

Histopathological Investigation of Dental Pulp Reactions Related to Periodontitis.

Objective:Since the 1960s, there has been contradictory evidence regarding the association between periodontal pathology and the status of the pulp. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histopathological changes of pulp tissue with severe periodontal disease, including vertical bone loss involving the major apical foramen, and compared them with the histological pulpal status of teeth with healthy periodontium.Methods:This case-controlled study included 35 intact teeth with severe periodontitis of hopeless prognosis (test group) and 35 teeth without periodontitis extracted for orthodontic reasons (control group). For each tooth, periodontal and endodontic parameters such as probing depth and pulpal vitality were recorded, and the pulp tissue was evaluated histologically. The data were analysed with a significance level of 0.05.Results:Vital pulp was observed in all specimens of both groups (P=1). Pulpal inflammation in the apical portion was observed in 81.71% of the severe periodontitis group, whereas all teeth in the control group demonstrated no signs of pulpal inflammation. Dystrophic calcification and pulp stones were observed in 7.5% of the periodontitis group and 5.7% of the healthy group (P>0.05). Pulp fibrosis was observed in 22.8% of the periodontitis group and 2.8% of the control group (P=0.012). Pulpal necrosis was not noted in either group. In the periodontitis group, internal resorption was present in 22.8% of cases (P=0.005) and external resorption was present in 80% of cases (P<0.001). In the control group, no internal or external resorption was observed in any of the specimens. No differences were noted in the study patients with regard to sex or age.Conclusion:Periodontal disease does not significantly affect pulp vitality and pulpal calcifications. However internal and/or external resorption was significantly different between the two groups as well as apical inflammation and pulp fibrosis.

Oral health of individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's disease: A review.

This paper explores the epidemiological evidence about oral health of individuals with neurodegenerative conditions of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to identify the relevant research papers published during January 2012 to June 2020. All cross-sectional, case–control, and cohort studies reporting oral and dental morbid conditions for status and association with AD and dementia were explored. The explored literature from 22 studies shows that oral health parameters of oral health and levels of oral inflammatory markers were deranged and exaggerated in patients suffering from AD and dementia. Many studies have observed poor oral hygiene as result of lack or irregularity in toothbrushing. Regarding decayed, missing, and filled teeth status in AD/dementia populations, no significant difference is reported. Periodontal diseases have been noted at raised levels in AD and dementia patients and shown progression with aggravation in neurological disorders. Both edentulousness and low chewing efficacies are associated with low cognition. Stomatitis and coated tongue and other oral pathologies are significantly higher in AD patients. AD patients have demonstrated higher bacterial load and inflammation levels than controls, and consequently, inflammatory biomarker levels are also raised. AD patients have reduced salivary secretions and with low buffering capacity. Evidence from the current literature update postulates that individuals suffering from AD and dementia have special oral health-care needs. Appropriate oral health management may thus significantly improve their oral health-related and general quality of life.

Bracket Failure from the Tooth and Oral Hygiene Status During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Patients Receiving Active Orthodontic Treatment

Amaç: Bu araştırmada COVID-19 salgını süresinde aktif ortodontik tedavisi devam etmekte olan hastalarda dişten ayrılan braket sayılarını ve oral hijyen durumlarını tespit etmek amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem: Çalışmaya ortodonti kliniğinde tedavisi devam etmekte olan 102 hasta davet edilmiş ve bütün hastalar çalışmaya katılmayı kabul etmiştir. Araştırmada değişkenler hastaların cinsiyet ve yaşa göre plak indeks (PI) değerleri ve kırılan braket sayıları değerlendirilmiştir. Analizlerde bağımsız örneklemler için t testi, one-way ANOVA ve Ki-kare testi kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Hastalarımızda erkeklerin kadınlara göre plak indeks (PI) değerlerinin daha yüksek olduğu görülmüştür (p&amp;lt;0,05). Kadın hastalarımızın da erkek hastalarımıza göre daha fazla braket kırdığı görülmüştür (p&amp;lt;0,05). Sonuç: COVID-19 pandemisinin başlangıç süresinde aktif ortodontik tedavisi devam eden hastalarımızda oral hijyeni sağlamakta yetersiz kaldıkları görülmüştür.

Prevalence and risk indicators of peri-implant diseases in a group of Moroccan patients.

To report the prevalence of peri-implant diseases in a North African patient population, and to assess the concurrent associations of patient- and implant-level characteristics with probing depth and bone loss around dental implants METHODS: A total of 642 implants in 145 subjects were followed up for a mean 6.4 years. At the last follow-up visit the subjects were examined clinically and radiographically to assess the status of peri-implant tissues and teeth. Data analysis used the generalized linear mixed models RESULTS: The prevalence of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis were 82.1% and 41.4% at the subject level, and 68.4% and 22.7% at the implant level, respectively. Inadequate plaque control, peri-implant inflammation, history of previous implant failures, and pain/discomfort at the implant site were significantly associated with both outcomes (increased probing depth and bone loss). Diabetes mellitus, inadequate implant restoration, single restorations (versus multi-unit), cement-retained restorations, and presence of occlusal wear facets on teeth were significantly associated with one of the two outcomes. Implants placed in the lower anterior jaw region had the most favorable outcome. Smoking, history of periodontitis, and type of implant surface did not show significant associations with higher frequency of peri-implant diseases in the multivariable analysis. Peri-implant diseases are prevalent in this North African patient population. Multiple subject- and implant-level variables were associated with peri-implant diseases. Risk assessment of these effects should consist of a concurrent inclusion of these factors in multivariable analyses that also adjust for the complex variance structure of the oral environment.

Interproximal contact loss between implant-supported restorations and adjacent natural teeth: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 83 restorations with an up to 10-year follow-up

Statement of problemInterproximal contact loss between implant-supported restorations and adjacent natural teeth is a frequently encountered complication that could negatively affect surrounding tissues and/or patient satisfaction with treatment. The effect of interproximal contact loss on peri-implant tissue health and patient awareness of food impaction is currently unknown. PurposeThe purpose of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to explore the effect of interproximal contact loss on peri-implant tissue health and determine whether interproximal contact loss leads to increased patient awareness of food impaction around the affected area. This study also aimed to identify whether specific patient or local factors could cause interproximal contact loss. Material and methodsEighty-three participants with posterior single-unit implant-supported restorations were examined. The mean follow-up time after prosthesis insertion was 4 ±2.2 years (range 4 months to 10.6 years). Interproximal contacts were evaluated by using waxed dental floss. Patient age, sex, implant location, opposing tooth status, presence of endodontically treated adjacent tooth, and regular use of an occlusal device at night were recorded. Peri-implant probing depths and the presence of bleeding on probing were also recorded. Each participant was asked to indicate whether they had noticed increased food impaction around their implant-supported restoration. Statistical analysis included nonparametric Mann-Whitney U tests, the Spearman rank-order correlation, the Pearson chi-squared tests, and the paired t test (α=.05). ResultsAmong all examined mesial contacts, 34.1% were recorded as open, with an overall mesial interproximal contact loss (open and loose contacts combined) incidence of 48.8%. Restorations placed in premolar sites exhibited significantly tighter mesial interproximal contacts compared with those placed in molar sites (U=566, P=.041). A significant negative correlation was found between follow-up time after insertion and mesial contact tightness (rs=−0.226, P=.041). ConclusionsInterproximal contact loss appears to increase over time, with more surfaces being affected after longer periods of service. This study did not find an association between interproximal contact loss and peri-implant inflammation as measured by bleeding on probing, with the exception of the distolingual implant surface. Participants with interproximal contact loss were more aware of food impaction around their implant crown. Use of an occlusal device at night did not prevent interproximal contact loss.

Evaluation of periodontal health status of teeth with prosthetic crowns - a retrospective cohort study

Evaluation of periodontal health status of teeth with prosthetic crowns - a retrospective cohort study

Does the eruption status of the ipsilateral wisdom tooth make complications with mandibular angle fractures more likely? A retrospective study at a major trauma centre

Introduction: It can be postulated that erupted wisdom teeth in the line of a mandibular angle fractures could lead to greater post-operative complications due to direct communication of the fracture with oral microflora. There is however a paucity of data on this subject. We therefore present our findings looking specially at wisdom tooth eruption status and post-operative mandibular angle fracture complications at University Hospital Birmingham.

Comparison of regular- and slope-configured dental implants placed in the edentulous ridge with height discrepancy: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Edentulous ridges with height discrepancies (RHDs) could jeopardize the outcome of implant placement. This study aimed at evaluating the outcomes of placing regular- and slope-configured implants in RHDs. Patients with >1mm RHDs requesting implant rehabilitation were recruited and randomly assigned to regular- (control) or slope-configured (test) implant treatment using a submerged installation protocol. Thread exposure (TE) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were evaluated during implant installation (S1) and uncovered surgery (S2), and marginal bone level (MBL) was evaluated after implant installation (T1) and uncovery (T3), and one year after implant placement (T4). Periodontal status and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) biomarkers of adjacent teeth were evaluated before implant installation (T0), before uncovery (T2), and at T4. Peri-implant clinical status and peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) biomarkers of examined implants were evaluated at T4. Nineteen patients with 17 control and 13 test implants were included. All of the implants survived with acceptable peri-implant health, and PICF biomarkers were at equivalent levels as GCF biomarkers of the adjacent teeth at T4. Compared with the control group, the test group showed reduced TE and equivalent ISQ at S1 and S2, and the loss of MBL was reduced at T4. Regarding the adjacent teeth, all periodontal parameters and GCF biomarkers were slightly decreased from T0 to T2, and the reductions in probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level were slightly greater at T4. Slope-configured implants maintained the implant-supporting structures and minimally altered periodontal status of the adjacent teeth in RHDs.

Dental Implant Success and Endodontic Condition of Adjacent Teeth: A Systematic Review.

Placement of dental implants adjacent to teeth with inflammation, such as periapical lesions, may have implications on the implant prognosis. The aim of this study was to systematically collect the available evidence regarding the influence of endodontic status of adjacent teeth on dental implant prognosis. A systematic electronic search was conducted using the MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, EBSCO, CINHAL, COCHRANE, and SCOPUS databases in August 2019. The search was further supplemented with a hand-search citation mining process. All types of studies that addressed the endodontic condition of the adjacent tooth and evaluated dental implant success or survival were analyzed and evaluated according to the PRISMA and NOS guidelines. Overall, seven human studies were included in the final analysis. Those included a total of 1,914 implants placed adjacent to teeth with periapical lesions or root canal treatments. Four studies included implants placed adjacent to teeth with periapical lesions (1,634 implants), and three studies included implants placed adjacent to teeth with root canal treatments (280 implants). Lower success rates of dental implants placed adjacent to teeth with periapical lesions or to endodontically treated teeth were reported; however, the results were inconsistent. There is some evidence to support an association between the endodontic condition of the adjacent tooth and the success of dental implants, but it is not enough to support a causative relationship. Nevertheless, clinicians should treat any active sources of infection and inflammation in adjacent teeth prior to insertion of dental implants.

Influence of Lateral Sinus Floor Elevation Procedures on the Pulpal and Periapical Status of Adjacent Vital Teeth

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pulpal and periapical status of vital teeth within the area of a lateral sinus floor elevation (LSFE). The files of patients treated by LSFE between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. The radiographic bone measurements and the periapical status of the teeth adjacent to the LSFE area were evaluated preoperatively and 6 months following the surgery by CBCT. The pulpal status of the adjacent teeth was clinically evaluated using thermal pulp vitality testing. Vital teeth within the sinus floor elevation area were the main inclusion criteria for this study. A total of 158 LSFE procedures were evaluated; 18 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 20 adjacent teeth were vital. There were no cases of periapical pathology or loss of pulp vitality. There was a statistically significant difference in the ridge height between the baseline and 6 months postoperatively and in the distance from the apex to the sinus floor between pre- and 6 months postoperatively (p &lt; 0.01).The pulpal and periapical status of vital teeth was not affected following LSFE.

The Impacts of Socio-Demographic Factors on Oral Health Status (Halitosis) among Students in the University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria

Background:Halitosis (breath malodour) is a condition that has both health and social implications. The origin of breath problems is related to both systemic and oral conditions. Modern social norms emphasize the importance of personal image and interpersonal relationships. Consequently, breath malodour may be an important factor in social communication and therefore may be the origin of concern not only for a possible health condition but also for frequent psychological alterations leading to social and personal isolation. This is the first study that examined the association between socio-demographic factors and oral health in Nigeria especially among university students in Nigeria.Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the association between socio-demographic factors and oral health status (halitosis). Method: This is a cross sectional descriptive study.Full time university students were recruited from the department of public health in the University of Calabar, Cross River state Nigeria. Data collection was based on an anonymous questionnaire and the sample size was (n= 291). Descriptive tests, chi-square tests were conducted. Results: The findings of the study indicated that gender and age have a significant relationship with oral health status and frequency of teeth cleaning. The study indicated that while male students in the last age category reported poor oral health contrary to female students in the last age category that reported excellent oral health status. On the other hands, male students in the last age category reported higher frequency of teeth cleaning better than female students in the last age category.Conclusion: This study is the first to examine the association between socio-demographic variables and oral health status, among university students in Nigeria. The findings of this study will provide baseline information needed as a reference for more similar studies in Nigeria. The result indicated that age and gender have a significant association with oral health status, and the frequency of teeth cleaning. This study recommends more studies on oral health diseases such as cancer, periodontitis and gingivitis among adults in Nigeria by ethnicity. Another significant finding in this study is with regard to income. Unlike in general health, income plays a significant role in determining positive health status, but in oral health the role of income seems to be insignificant. There is a need for more studies on the association of socio-demographic variable and oral health status.

Risk indicators of apical periodontitis in an adult Sudanese population

Endodontic and periapical status are significant restraints that can predict tooth existence and the potential necessity for dental treatment in the growing dental population. The aim of this study is to estimate risk indicators for apical periodontitis (AP) in an adult Sudanese patients. This is an observational cross-sectional hospital-based study. Clinical and radiographical examination of 200 patients above18 years seeking routine dental management for the first time at the dental clinics (University of Khartoum) and the Dental Hospital (University of Science and Technology) was performed. The clinical examination included history and intra oral examination of coronal and periodontal status of each individual tooth. Data were assessed using the chi-square test and odds ratio at significant level of 5% and confidence level of 95%. Radiographs revealed that 624 teeth (48.7% in the maxilla; 51.3% in the mandible) were lost leaving a total of 4967 teeth to be examined. AP was found in 95 patients (47%) and 3.3% of the teeth. A remarkably increased risk for AP was detected in teeth with root fillings, specifically technical inadequate ones (OR = 4.30, P

Assessing the effect of oral diseases on oral health related quality of life of institutionalized elderly using Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire: a pilot study.

India establishes a geriatric population of about 80 million which is 7.2% of the total population. The geriatric population is often faced by a negative impact on their quality of life due to poor oral health. To assess the impact of oral disease on daily activities and quality of life among the institutionalized elderly in Kanpur, India. A total of fifty-six patients were purposively selected from two old age homes through convenience sampling technique. To assess the oral health status WHO basic oral health survey form (1997) was used. Short version of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP - 14) questionnaire was used to assess the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Independent t-test and ANOVA test was done to determine the relationship between the groups. Presence or absence of grossly decayed teeth, chronic periodontitis, based on edentulism and remaining sound teeth status produced no significant differences in any of the domains. In comparison with males, females experienced greater impact of oral diseases with respect to mean OHIP-14 score; however, it was non - significant (p=0.45). Oral health status of the institutionalized subjects in Kanpur city is poor, with edentulism and periodontitis. The effect of oral diseases on the lives of elderly is comparatively low and is non-significant.

Assessment of Parents' Oral Health Literacy and Its Association with Caries Experience of Their Preschool Children.

(1) Purpose: To assess the oral health literacy (OHL) of parents and its association with the caries experience of their preschool children attending the Hospital University Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. (2) Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving a systematic random sampling method, using a sample of 230 parent/preschool child dyads. Among 230 parents, 24 were males and 206 were females (mean age 31.43 ± 5.82); among 230 children, 92 were boys and 138 were girls (mean age 4.82 ± 1.04) attending the pedodontics clinic, HUSM, who participated and met the inclusion criteria. A structured, self-administered oral health literacy questionnaire including sociodemographic factors was used in this study. A child’s oral examination was performed to check the dmft (decayed, missing, filled teeth) status. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive and Spearman’s correlation analysis and multivariate regression analysis. (3) Results: The mean dmft score of children in relation to the OHL level of parents showed a significant difference (p < 0.00). The mean dmft score of children in relation to the OHL level of parents showed the following relationships: Inadequate (7.49 ± 4.10) followed by marginal (3.28 ± 2.67) and then adequate (0.55 ± 1.55). The incidence of caries amongst children in relation to parental employment was more associated with unemployed parents (6.11 ± 4.43) than with employed parents (2.79 ± 3.65). The caries experience amongst children in relation to education of their parents revealed a significant difference (p < 0.001), and the mean dmft score was high amongst preschool children with primary school qualified parents (10.7 ± 4.10) followed by high school (7.04 ± 3.68), vocational (5.81 ± 3.57), diploma (2.61 ± 2.81), and university (1.29 ± 2.27), respectively. The results revealed a valid significant difference (negative correlation, rs = −0.753 **) between the OHL of parents with the dmft score of their preschool children. The age and gender of parents was not significantly associated with OHL, whereas ethnicity (positive correlation, rs = 0.283 **), education (positive correlation, rs = 0.865 **), and employment (negative correlation, rs = −0.490 **) were found to be significant. Conclusion: We conclude that there is a significant association between the OHL of parents with the dmft score of their preschool children. The logistic regression showed that after adjustment for sociodemographic factors, parents’ gender (OR = 0.067, 95% CI: 0.012–0.360), parents’ employment status (OR = 3.247, 95% CI: 0.897–11.754), parents’ OHL score (OR = 0.042, 95% CI: 0.016–0.114), and child age (OR = 2.195, 95% CI: 1.249–3.857) were significantly associated with dental caries in children. Our study concluded that parents’ employment status, age, gender, OHL, and child’s age were significantly associated with the caries experience of their preschool children.

Validated Finite Element Models of Premolars: A Scoping Review.

Finite element (FE) models are widely used to investigate the biomechanics of reconstructed premolars. However, parameter identification is a complex step because experimental validation cannot always be conducted. The aim of this study was to collect the experimentally validated FE models of premolars, extract their parameters, and discuss trends. A systematic review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Records were identified in three electronic databases (MEDLINE [PubMed], Scopus, The Cochrane Library) by two independent reviewers. Twenty-seven parameters dealing with failure criteria, model construction, material laws, boundary conditions, and model validation were extracted from the included articles. From 1306 records, 214 were selected for eligibility and entirely read. Among them, 19 studies were included. A heterogeneity was observed for several parameters associated with failure criteria and model construction. Elasticity, linearity, and isotropy were more often chosen for dental and periodontal tissues with a Young’s modulus mostly set at 18–18.6 GPa for dentine. Loading was mainly simulated by an axial force, and FE models were mostly validated by in vitro tests evaluating tooth strains, but different conditions about experiment type, sample size, and tooth status (intact or restored) were reported. In conclusion, material laws identified herein could be applied to future premolar FE models. However, further investigations such as sensitivity analysis are required for several parameters to clarify their indication.

Dental caries experience of rural and urban school children in Ninevah province . A comparative study

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of dental caries in an urban and arural area in Mosul city, a sample of 240 school children aged 6-14 years was examined. The sample was divided into 3 age groups 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14 years. The WHO methodology (1997) was used to assess the individual tooth status, results of dental caries in the primary dentition revealed that the mean dmft was decreasing with increasing age as it was 3.5, 2.12 and 0.57 for age groups 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14 years respectively with no sex variation but with statistically significant difference in location (1.69 in the rural and 2.44 in the urban area). For the permanent dentition the mean DMFT was increasing with increasing age with a statistically significant age difference, as it was 0.2, 1.34 and 2.45 for age groups 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14 years respectively, results also showed a statistically significant sex difference 1.12 for total males and 1.53 for total females, in addition to significant difference in location 1.68 for urban and 0.98 for rural areas.

Caries Color, Extent, and Preoperative Pain as Predictors of Pulp Status in Primary Teeth.

AimThis study aimed to assess the relationship between preoperative pain status, caries extent, and caries color and the ability to achieve hemostasis at the canal orifices during pulp therapy access in primary teeth.Study DesignEighty primary molar teeth with extremely deep caries extending to the pulp (based on bitewing radiography) were investigated in 66 children. The teeth with clear radiographic and clinical signs indicating the involvement of the radicular pulp were excluded. The history of preoperative pain status, the color of dental caries by visual inspection, and the extent of caries lesion measured in bitewing radiographs were recorded. After preparing the access cavities, the hemostasis achievement at the canal orifices was assessed and considered as the final factor in determining the type of treatment (pulpotomy or pulpectomy). The data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test, the independent t-test, and Cohen’s unweighted kappa statistic. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsHemostasis was achieved in 78.1% of the teeth with black dental caries, whereas in most of the teeth with light brown dental caries (64.3%), hemostasis was not achieved (p=0.015). The extent of dental caries in the teeth needing pulpotomy was statistically significantly lower than that of those needing pulpectomy (p=0.024). Mesial side dental caries was more related to the irreversible pulpitis compared to the distal one (p=0.01). In 78.1% of the teeth without pain, hemostasis was achieved, and in most of the teeth with nocturnal pain (64.3%), hemostasis did not occur (p=0.034).ConclusionThe caries color, caries extent, and preoperative pain have the potential to be used as clinical diagnostic tools to determine the pulpal status in primary teeth.

Association between dental caries risk indicators and various stages of caries in newly erupted permanent teeth

Background/Aim. Identification of caries risk indicators involved in the disease development is of great importance. The aim of this study was to assess the association between distinctive risk indicators and different stages of caries disease process in children. Methods. The cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample (n = 327) of school children ages 7?11. A questionnaire submitted to parents was used to record the data regarding demographic characteristics, children's dietary habits, oral hygiene habits and oral health behaviors. Caries was assessed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II and subjects were stratified according to the highest and most prevalent caries lesion stage. The data obtained were analyzed using the ?2 or Fisher`s exact test and multinomial logistic regression. Results. Caries lesions were detected in 56.6% of examinees observed in the study. Compared to caries-free subjects, appearance of initial caries lesions was statistically significantly influenced by maternal education level (p = 0.021), paternal occupational status (p = 0.023), toothbrushing frequency (p &lt; 0.001), and caries status of deciduous teeth (p = 0.027). Maternal educational level (p = 0.026), paternal occupational status (p = 0.003), sweets and snacks taking frequency (p = 0.005), toothbrushing frequency (p &lt; 0.001), and fluoridate dentifrice usage (p = 0.027) were associated with moderate caries lesions. Maternal educational level (p &lt; 0.001), sweets and snacks taking frequency (p = 0.022) and toothbrushing frequen-cy (p &lt; 0.001) were associated with extensive caries lesions. Maternal educational level (p = 0.02) and brushing frequency (p &lt; 0.001) were statistically significantly associated with the highest prevalence of initial caries lesions. Maternal educational level (p = 0.025), toothbrushing frequency (p &lt; 0.001) and frequency of dental check-ups (p = 0.016) were statistically significantly associated with the highest prevalence of moderate caries lesions. Conclusion. Parental socioeconomic indicators and children's behavior related to oral health were involved in the changes from caries-free status to different caries stages.

The Effect of Fixed Partial Dentures on Periodontal Status of Abutment Teeth

Objective: Aim of the study was to assess the periodontal status of Kashmiri adult patients who received regular oral prophylaxis following the insertion of fixed partial dentures. The effects of sub- and supra-gingivally placed crown margins were also assessed. Materials and methods: The study sample included 32 adult patients who had fixed partial dentures made by post graduate students from government dental college and hospital Srinagar, Kashmir. From each study participant, two paired sites, one for the abutment and one for the matched non-abutment teeth, were selected. The plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth and locations of the crown margins were assessed and recorded by one calibrated examiner. Results: The abutment teeth scored significantly higher plaque and gingival indices and greater probing pocket depth than non-abutment teeth (p-value