Should we be concerned about the use of non-fluoride toothpaste? A survey study in two European countries.

BACKGROUND: Toothpastes available in Europe contain a range of fluoride concentrations, with some meeting the recommended level for caries prevention (>1000 ppm fluoride (ppm)) and others containing low or no fluoride. This study evaluated toothpaste fluoride concentrations in Latvia and Lithuania to inform targeted public health strategies in regions with a high prevalence of dental caries. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2019 to May 2020, using a validated questionnaire in Latvia and Lithuania. Nationally representative samples (1309 families and 5436 members) provided data through a mixed-mode survey (paper and online) on sociodemographic information, toothpaste type, brand, and type. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (p < 0.05) were used for analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of families used non-fluoridated toothpaste and 12% used <1000 part per million (ppm) fluoride. In Latvia, 56.8% of preschoolers and 28.7% of schoolchildren used <1000 ppm or non-fluoride toothpaste, whereas in Lithuania, 47.2% of preschoolers and 29.1% of schoolchildren used <1000 ppm or non-fluoride toothpaste; 63% of adolescents and 73% of adults used toothpaste with optimal fluoride content (≥1000 ppm). Of the 228 registered toothpaste types, 62% contained more than 1000 ppm, which is optimal for caries prevention; 29% of Latvian and 24% of Lithuanian families used at least one non-fluoridated toothpaste. CONCLUSION: This study revealed significant gaps in the use of fluoride toothpaste among families in Latvia and Lithuania, especially among children. To effectively prevent dental caries, targeted interventions, and education must promote optimal fluoride toothpaste use, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Clinical effectiveness/child-patient and parent satisfaction of two topical fluoride treatments for caries: a randomised clinical trial.

Knowledge gaps exist regarding optimal silver diammine fluoride (SDF) regimens and the efficacy of new products for arresting dental caries in young children. We evaluated the effectiveness of 38%-SDF (SDI-RivaStar), Tiefenfluorid (TF) comparing with Placebo (P), all in conjunction with behavioural modification (BM), in preventing major complications (endodontic/extractions/pain)-a patient-centred outcome-due to early childhood caries over 12 months in children under 71-months. A six-arm, patient/parent-blinded, superiority, placebo-controlled randomised control trial at the university clinic in Riga, Latvia, from 1/9/20-31/8/22 (Protocol registration ISRCTN17005348). The trial tested six protocols, using three compounds (P/SDF/TF) under two regimes: annual and biannual (P1/P2/TF1/TF2/SDF1/SDF2) for major complications. Secondary outcomes included minor complications and parental satisfaction. All groups received BM. 373/427 randomised children (87.3%) completed the study. SDF2 had a significantly lower rate and risk of major (21.5%, OR = 0.28, 95%CI [0.11, 0.72], p < 0.05) and minor complications (OR = 0.16 (95%CI [0.05, 0.50], p = 0.002). Overall satisfaction was 96% (p > 0.05). SDF biannual application with BM effectively prevented major complications of early childhood caries and was well accepted by children and their parents. Trial registration number: ISRCTN17005348, principal investigator: Ilze Maldupa, registration date: 30/06/2021.Clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN17005348, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17005348 , registration date: 30/06/2021.

Analysis of the crown fractures and factors affecting pulp survival due to dental trauma.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate pulp survival following crown fracture with and without pulp exposure as well as with and without associated subluxation and in relation to stage of root development and type of enamel-dentine fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study consisted of 83 patients with 116 crown fractured incisors without pulp exposure and 35 patients with 44 complicated crown fractures. The effect of variables on the maintenance of tooth vitality were explored using the Linear Regression analysis , which assumes the effects of different factors on the pulp vitality such as (age, stage of the root development, contaminant subluxation, fracture depth, emergency treatment). RESULTS: The general distribution was 59 (71%) boys and 24 (29%) girls with uncomplicated crown fractures aged 7-17 years, mean 10.7 years ±2.83SD and 24 (68.5%) boys and 11 (31%) girls with complicated crown fracture. From 78 uncomplicated crown fractures without subluxation PN (pulp necrosis) was evaluated in 4 (4.88%) cases but from 20 uncomplicated crown fractures with subluxation PN was 14 (56.52%) cases. Univariate analysis showed that stage of root development p<0.05, subluxation p<0.001, fracture depth p<0.001 were significantly related to the pulp survival. CONCLUSIONS: The primary factors related to pulp healing events after crown fracture appears to be compromised pulp circulation due to concomitant subluxation as well as the stage of root development and fracture depth. For incisors with complicated crown fractures there were two more factors related to pulpal healing-time interval from injury until initial treatment and appropriate emergency treatment.