Marginal Gingival Thickness Assessment in Three- To Six-Year-Old Preschool Children.

Purpose: Although gingival thickness has been extensively studied in permanent dentition, the literature regarding marginal gingival thickness in primary dentition is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to assess the variations in marginal gingival thickness in preschool-age children. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 4,109 primary teeth was conducted. Using a reamer, the transgingival probing method was employed to assess marginal gingival thickness in healthy preschoolers. Inter-examiner and intra-examiner reproducibility were assessed via the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: Descriptive statistics revealed that primary maxillary left second molars had the highest mean marginal gingival thickness (1.06 mm), whereas primary mandibular right central incisors had the lowest mean marginal gingival thickness (0.74 mm). Gender-based independent sample t-tests revealed significant differences in the values of primary maxillary right canines (females had greater values than males; P=0.03) and primary mandibular right first molars (males had greater values than females; P=0.01). An inter-arch comparison revealed significant differences between the primary second molars (maxillary more than mandibular; P=0.001). Conclusions: This study reports the first documented marginal gingival thicknesses of primary dentition. It reveals substantial variations in the values of primary maxillary right canines and primary mandibular right first molars and between primary maxillary and mandibular second molars.

Morphological and morphometric study of the hominin dental casts from Grotta-Riparo di Uluzzo C (Apulia, southern Italy).

OBJECTIVES: Grotta-Riparo di Uluzzo C (Apulia, southern Italy) is a pivotal site for investigating the evolution of the Middle Paleolithic and the earliest phases of the Upper Paleolithic in southern Italy, as the extensive stratigraphic record of this site includes a thick Mousterian sequence followed by the Uluzzian. Here, we investigate the taxonomic affinity of seven unpublished deciduous human teeth retrieved from the site of Uluzzo C in 1960. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The teeth are represented by seven plaster dental casts, which are housed at the Museo Civico di Paleontologia e Paletnologia in Maglie (Lecce, Apulia). The location of the original specimens remains unknown, rendering these casts the only human remains evidence yielded by Uluzzo C to date. Based on occlusal-view photographs and digital models of the casts, we examined the external morphology and morphometry of the teeth, comparing them to Homo sapiens and H. neanderthalensis samples. Through geometric morphometric methods and statistical analyses, we analyzed the crown outline of the deciduous molars. RESULTS: The teeth show morphological and morphometric features that are variably found in H. neanderthalensis, H. sapiens, or both. Specifically, crown outline analysis shows that all molars fall within H. neanderthalensis variability, except for Uluzzo 853 (lower right deciduous first molar), which falls within H. sapiens variability. DISCUSSION: This study provides the first taxonomic assessment of the hominin teeth from Uluzzo C. The results contribute additional insights into the Paleolithic peopling of southern Italy during a crucial period marked by the persistence of post-Tyrrhenian Neanderthal techno-complexes and the arrival of H. sapiens.

Are deciduous upper molars and lower canines useful for sex estimation?

OBJECTIVE: This paper investigates whether deciduous upper molars and lower canines have sexual dimorphic features, exploring these teeth' dimensions and the presence of Zuckerkandl's tubercle and Carabelli's cusp on the first and second upper molars. DESIGN: We analyzed 64 pairs of dental plaster casts from 34 females and 30 males aged between 3 and 12 years. We measured the first and second deciduous upper molars and the lower deciduous canines (maximum mesiodistal and buccolingual length), and we registered the presence of the Zuckerkandl's tubercle and the Carabelli's cusp on the first and second upper molars, respectively. RESULTS: Regarding the differentiation between sexes using Carabelli's cusp and Zuckerkandl's tubercle, the classification was not independent of Carabelli's cusp presence only for tooth 65 (p = 0.035). In all other teeth, whether for Carabelli's cusp or Zuckerkandl's tubercle, their presence was similar for both sexes. There were statistically significant differences between sexes (p < 0.05) for the buccolingual measurements of both upper second molars, the first right upper molar, and the right canine. The developed model allowed for a 64.1% accuracy in sex estimation. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that while Carabelli's cusp and Zuckerkandl's tubercle in upper deciduous molars don't consistently differ between sexes, tooth size, particularly the buccolingual measurements of certain teeth, including upper deciduous molars and lower canines, may provide a more reliable criterion for sex estimation. The developed model depicted moderate accuracy, underscoring the need for a multifactorial approach when estimating sex from skeletal remains. It suggests that while dental features can contribute to sex estimation, they should be used in conjunction with other skeletal or molecular markers to improve accuracy.

Digital measurement of deciduous tooth dimensions in China: A cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: Crown dimensions data of deciduous teeth hold anthropological, forensic, and archaeological value. However, such information remains scarce for the Chinese population. This multi-center study aimed to collect a large sample of deciduous crown data from Chinese children using three-dimensional measurement methods and to analyze their dimensions. DESIGN: A total of 1592 children's deciduous dentition samples were included, and the sample size was distributed according to Northeast, North, East, Northwest, Southwest and South China. Digital dental models were reconstructed from plaster dental models. Independent sample t test, paired t test, principal component analysis (PCA), and factor analysis (FA) were used to analyze the tooth crown dimensions. RESULT: 18,318 deciduous teeth from 1592 children were included. Males exhibited slightly larger values than females. The range of sexual dimorphism percentages for each measurement was as follows: mesiodistal diameter (0.40-2.08), buccolingual diameter (0.13-2.24), and maxillogingival diameter (0.48-3.37). The FA results showed that the main trend of crown dimensions changes was the simultaneous increase or decrease in mesiodistal diameter, buccolingual diameter and maxillogingival diameter in three directions. CONCLUSION: This is the first large-scale survey of deciduous tooth crown dimensions in China, which supplements the data of deciduous tooth measurement and provides a reference for clinical application.

Sex-specific effects of environmental temperature during gestation on fluctuating asymmetry in deciduous teeth.

OBJECTIVES: External environmental heat exposure during gestation impacts the physiology of human development in utero, but evidence for these impacts has not yet been explored in dentition. We examined deciduous teeth for fluctuating asymmetry (FA), a measure of developmental instability, together with gestational environmental temperature data drawn from historical weather statistics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured dental casts from the longitudinal Burlington Growth Study, representing 172 participants (ages 3-6 years) with health records. FA was calculated from crown dimensions and intercuspal distances that develop during gestation. Multiple regression separated by sex (nfemale = 81) examined the effects of mean temperatures in each trimester, controlling for birth year. RESULTS: In females, increased temperatures during the first trimester are significantly associated with an increase in FA (p = 0.03), specifically during the second and third prenatal months (p = 0.03). There is no relationship between temperature and FA for either sex in the second or third trimesters, when enamel is formed. DISCUSSION: Dental instability may be sensitive to temperature in the first trimester in females during the scaffolding of crown shape and size in the earliest stages of tooth formation. Sexual dimorphism in growth investment strategies may explain the differences in results between males and females. Using enduring dental characteristics, these results advance our understanding of the effects of temperature on fetal physiology within a discrete period.

Gingival thickness and gingival width in children: a cross-sectional study utilizing ultrasonography.

PURPOSE: To measure the gingival phenotype-related features, gingival thickness (GT) and gingival width (GW), in healthy children and to investigate their association between them, with age, gender, tooth-type and arch. METHODS: The gingival sites of 1029 teeth were included from 64 children (36 males and 28 females), with primary and mixed dentition, attending the paediatric dental clinic of Aristotle University, Thessaloniki. GT and GW were measured ultrasonically and with a periodontal probe, respectively. Mixed effects linear regression models were used to evaluate the association of gingival thickness and gingival width with the under-investigation parameters. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate correlation between GT and GW. RESULTS: Significantly thicker gingiva is found in posterior teeth compared to anterior teeth, in permanent teeth versus primary teeth and in maxillary teeth in comparison to mandibular teeth (p value < 0.001). Regarding GW, significantly wider gingiva is noted in posterior regions (p value = 0.022) and the maxilla (p value < 0.001). Gender-wise and concerning age GT and GW are not significantly affected. A weak and positive correlation between GT and GW is noted (rho 0.30, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: GT and GW present significant associations with arch and tooth-type. Findings from this study fulfil the further understanding of GT and GW of paediatric patients that are investigated sparsely throughout the literature and demonstrate an accurate, painless and simple method to map the gingiva.

Comparative evaluation of volumetric changes following rotary and hand files' canal preparation of primary maxillary canine: an in vitro nano-CT analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the volumetric changes of two recently introduced paediatric rotary file systems in comparison with conventional hand file systems in primary maxillary canines using an ultra-high-resolution nano-computed tomography. METHODS: This in vitro study was performed in extracted primary maxillary canines based on certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. Samples were prepared, and working length was determined after the pre-operative scan using a high-resolution nano-CT device (SkyScan 2214, Bruker, Kontich, Belgium). A single well-experienced paediatric dentist prepared the canals using three file systems: Kedo-S plus, Kedo-SG blue and hand K-files. All samples were subjected to post-operative scans performed similar to pre-operative scans. Image reconstruction was performed with NRecon software for 3D volumetric visualisation and analysis of the root canals. RESULTS: Kedo-SG blue file systems had the highest mean difference in the canal volume (4.05%). Hand K-files had the least difference at (3.71%) of canal volume. Kedo-S plus file system had a moderate mean canal volume difference (3.82%) which is closer to hand K-files. Intergroup comparison between the three groups showed that the mean difference in canal volume was statistically significant between all three file systems (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the current study, rotary file systems produced a significant enlargement of canals as compared to hand files. Kedo-SG blue created a uniform preparation of the canal cervico-apically. Kedo-S plus files were prepared more coronally with minimal preparation apically as close to the preparation of hand files. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number: IHEC/SDC/PEDO-2103/22/651, Date of registration: 2022.

Facial soft-tissue thickness in children: A study of a CTBC Brazilian sample.

As an auxiliary method in the process of human identification, forensic facial approximation (FFA) is an important tool for identifying unknown human bodies whose remains do not present the necessary traceability to any antemortem data collection. Specific characteristics are necessary when addressing children aged between 6 and 10 years, who have little sexual differentiation and a mixed dentition. Due to the chronology of eruption of the permanent second molars in this population, it is not possible to measure facial soft-tissue thickness (FSTT) from specific landmarks such as supra and infra M2. The objective of this research was to report the method for measuring the average FSTT of 32 landmarks adapting the method for adults replacing the landmarks at the upper and lower second molars (Supra M2 and Infra M2) in children up to 10 years of age for a measurement using the deciduous second molars as reference. We found statistical differences for some points, considering the variables of age and sex, but with a maximum difference of 2 mm, which allows the use of a single FSTT table. The deciduous teeth can replace the reference of the thicknesses at the supra and infra M2 landmarks. In addition to the new FSTT data for children in Brazil, we concluded that the proposed adaptation to the deciduous M2 points can be applied to obtain soft-tissue data for 32 facial points.

Establishing Cephalometric Norms in Primary Dentition Using Comprehensive Craniofacial Growth Analysis - A Digital Cephalometric Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish cephalometric norms in primary dentition among males and females using novel customized Comprehensive Cephalometric Growth (CCG) Analysis. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 67 subjects with a mean age of 5.5 yrs. Digital lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained using Planmeca Pro One. The digital images were then transferred to Nemoceph software. Craniofacial Growth (CCG) Analysis was configured in the software with five sub-groups. This sub-grouping was done such that related components were grouped together and comprehensively; it would provide an assessment of every component of the craniofacial region that could be affected either by treatment maneuver or growth process. The same was used for the cephalometric analysis and to determine the cephalometric norms in the primary dentition. Results: Certain linear measurements were higher among males when compared to females. However, most measurements remained similar among males and females during this age group. The CCG analysis provided a comprehensive knowledge of the craniofacial parameters during the growth process. Conclusion: The cephalometric norms during primary dentition thus established using Comprehensive Craniofacial Growth analysis would provide the data for early diagnosis and treatment planning in interceptive orthodontic treatment procedures.

Randomized Clinical Study of the Use of MTA and Biodentine™ for Pulpotomy in Primary Teeth

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify, through clinical and radiographic evaluations, the in vivo response of the dentin-pulpal complex of human primary teeth after pulpotomy with MTA and Biodentine™ in a follow-up period of 3, 6, and 12 months. Material and Methods: Thirty teeth were divided into MTA pulpotomy (n = 15) and Biodentine™ pulpotomy (n = 15) from children between 5 and 9 years of age, a randomized clinical trial with simple random sampling. The materials were inserted into the cavity after opening and removing the coronary pulp tissue. The cavity base consisted of glass ionomer cement and light-cured composite resin restoration. Clinical and radiographic analyses were performed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical analysis by Fisher's exact test for dichotomous data at a 5% significance level was utilized. Results: Both materials caused color change after 12 months. However, MTA showed a higher percentage than Biodentine™ (p<0.0001). Pain was detected only with Biodentine™ at six months and mobility at 12 months (p=0.0013). Radiographically, after 12 months, periapical lesions, interradicular lesions, and internal resorption were evidenced in 13% of the cases for Biodentine™-treated teeth (p<0.0013). MTA induced pulp calcification in 13% of cases, unlike Biodentine™ (p<0.0013). Conclusion: BiodentineTM and MTA are suitable for clinical use in pulpotomy treatment, yet both materials lead to tooth discoloration.

Single Nucleotides Polymorphisms in COX2 Gene and their Association with Signs and Symptoms of Teething - A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) and local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething. Material and Methods: Forty-four pairs of mothers-babies/toddlers were included. Erupted primary teeth were evaluated during clinical examination. Local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething were obtained from mothers' reporting via anamnesis. Samples of buccal cells were retrieved for DNA genotyping using real-time PCR. The T-test, Chi-square test, logistic regression, and haplotype analyses were applied. Results: Almost all mothers (95.5%) reported at least one local or systemic sign and symptom of teething. The most common was increased salivation (79.5%), diarrhea (72.3 %), and fever (70.5 %). The mean number of signs and symptoms per child was higher in boys than girls (mean = 5.1; SD= 1.5; p=0.008). Sleep disturbance (p=0.03) and loss of appetite (p=0.05) were more reported in boys. The rs689466 and rs5275 were not associated with signs and symptoms of teething (p>0.05). Conclusion: The single nucleotide polymorphisms in the COX2 gene (rs689466 and rs5275) were not associated with local and systemic signs and symptoms of teething.

Influence of Depression and Use of Alcohol and / or Tobacco by Parents in the Oral Health of Children with Disabilities

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the influence of parental depression and substance use in the oral health care of children with disabilities. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 151 children with disabilities and their parents/caregivers. To detect the presence of depression and alcohol or tobacco use, the parents/caregivers answered three questionnaires: two versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Then, the children with disabilities underwent oral examination to evaluate biofilm control, gingival condition and the dental carie index (decayed, missing, and filled teeth - dmft ̸ DMFT). Results: There was a statistically significant association between tobacco use and dental caries in deciduous teeth (p=0.046). The children of smokers had six times greater need for dental treatment than that of non-smokers (OR= 6.36; CI= 1.3-30.5). There was no statistically significant association between the oral health of the children with disabilities and parental alcohol consumption and depression (p>0.05). Children with medical condition had a higher need for dental treatment than children with intellectual disability (p=0.003). Conclusion: Parental smoking habits increase dental caries in the deciduous teeth of children with disabilities, but parental depression and alcohol use do not influence the oral health of children with disabilities. Children with medical condition have more treatment needs than children with intellectual disability.

Clinical and Radiographic Sequelae in Primary Teeth due to Dental Trauma

Objective: To evaluate the presence of clinical and radiographic sequelae in primary teeth affected by dental trauma and its association with age at the time of trauma in children attended at a Public Higher Education Institution. Material and Methods: This is a longitudinal clinical study, in which 229 patients with history of dental trauma in primary teeth were examined, totaling 390 traumatized teeth. Relative frequency analysis was used, and for associations, the Chi-square test was used to verify the relationship of age at the time of trauma with variables such as type of trauma. Results: The most prevalent age group was over 24 months, and fall from own height as the main etiological factor; 71.0% of traumas had involvement of 2 teeth, 9.5% had history of anterior trauma and 66.6% of traumas involved supporting tissues. Regarding the type of injury to dental tissue, the most prevalent was enamel fracture (58.3%) and to periodontium, lateral dislocation (30.8%). Children older than two years had less trauma related to dental tissue (p<0.01), higher number of injuries to the periodontium (p=0.03); and most of them did not present extra-oral changes associated with trauma (p=0.01). During the 12- month period, 325 teeth were examined, and the most frequent clinical sequelae observed was crown discoloration. In the radiographic evaluation, inflammatory root resorption was the most prevalent. Conclusion: Children older than two years presented more injuries to the periodontium. After 12 months, the main clinical sequelae observed was enamel discoloration and the main radiographic sequelae was inflammatory root resorption.

Estética em dentes decíduos traumatizados: clareamento e restauração / Aesthetics in traumatized primary teeth: bleaching and restoration

O trauma dental decorrente de quedas, acidentes e atividades esportivas tem alta prevalência e pode impactar na qualidade de vida das crianças e suas famílias devido às alterações estéticas adversas. Este trabalho relata o caso clínico de paciente do sexo feminino, 3 anos de idade que procurou atendimento odontológico devido à fratura da coroa e descoloração do dente 51 após trauma. Clinicamente foi observada a presença de fístula e abcesso na região do dente. O dente foi submetido a tratamento endodôntico, seguido de clareamento interno/ externo com peróxido de hidrogênio a 35%. Após a finalização do clareamento, realizou-se a restauração da fratura permitindo o restabelecimento da estética e função. Um acompanhamento de 5 anos foi realizado até a erupção completa da coroa do dente 11. Neste período, não se observou alterações clínicas nem radiográficas do dente traumatizado, e o dente sucessor irrompeu sem nenhum comprometimento. Concluiu-se que o clareamento interno/ externo de dente decíduo seguido da restauração foi satisfatório para o restabelecimento da estética e função dentária da criança sem nenhuma alteração para o germe sucessor.

Dental trauma caused by falls, accidents and sports activities has high prevalence and may influence the quality of life of children and their family due to adverse cosmetic changes. This case report presents a three years old gril who refered to dental care due to crown fracture and discoloration of primary central incisor after trauma. Clinically, it was observed the presence of fistula and abscess in the tooth region. Endodontic treatment was done followed by internal/external bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide. The tooth was then restored providing aesthetics and function for the patient. There was a five years follow-up until full eruption of permanentÆs central incisorÆs crown. In this period, there were no clinical or radiographic changes on the traumatized tooth, and the successor tooth erupted without any impairment. It was concluded that the result of internal/external primary tooth bleaching followed by restoration, was satisfactory restoring aesthetics and function with no alteration to the successor tooth.

Tratamientos pulpares en dientes primarios / Pulp therapies in primary teeth

El mantenimiento de las piezas dentarias para desempeñar sus funciones en la alimentación, en la expresión oral, en el mantenimiento de espacios en las arcadas dentarias, en el estímulo para el crecimiento y desarrollo de los maxilares, entre otras acciones, ha sido considerado esencial para el logro de un desarrollo armónico. Por otro lado, y a pesar de los avances en la materia, la caries dental es la causa más frecuente de las patologías pulpares en los dientes primarios y constituye el principal motivo de su deterioro y/o su pérdida. Las características histo-patológicas de la pulpa dental, la brevedad de su ciclo vital, el tamaño relativo de las cámaras pulpares, favorecen el rápido compromiso pulpar y propician que el proceso infeccioso progrese rápidamente a la necrosis. Ello ha determinado y determina el desarrollo de numerosas técnicas y tratamientos, diferentes ofertas terapéuticas de las cuales ninguna ha alcanzado el consenso universal. Como establecen las Guías de Odontología Pediátrica sobre tratamientos pulpares en dientes primarios, la literatura dental en esta área ofrece escasa y pobre evidencia para sustentar las diferentes técnicas y constantemente señalan la necesidad de nuevos y rigurosos estudios que la avalen.

Análise da prevalência de defeitos de esmalte na dentição decídua adquiridos no período gestacional / Analysis of prevalence on the loss of enamel of deciduous dentition occurring during pregnancy

O período gestacional é importante para a formação dos dentes decíduos do bebê. Os Defeitos de Desenvolvimento do Esmalte Dentário são anormalidades que podem ocorrer na estrutura do esmalte por acometimentos durante sua formação. O objetivo é analisar a prevalência de defeitos de esmalte na dentição decídua adquiridos no período gestacional. Realizou-se um estudo observacional, longitudinal, descritivo e retrospectivo, de abordagem quantitativa, em um município sul catarinense, no período de março de 2012 a dezembro de 2013. Participaram 68 bebês, de 1 a 3 anos de idade, e suas mães, que frequentaram um programa educativo. A coleta de dados realizou-se um questionário autoaplicável, anônimo, destinado às mães, como também o exame clínico da cavidade bucal dos bebês. Os resultados evidenciaram que o estado civil predominante foi de amasiadas (55,9%), a profissão foi do lar (36,8%) e a renda familiar de 3 salários mínimos (79,4%). A maioria (52,9%) tinha segundo grau incompleto. Verificou-se que 14,7% dos bebês possuíam Defeitos de Desenvolvimento do Esmalte Dentário na arcada superior, e 5,9% na arcada inferior. Constatou-se 11,8% casos de opacidade na arcada superior, 5,9% na inferior, e 2,9% de hipoplasia na superior, todos em incisivos. Relação a problemas de saúde na gestação observou-se que 74,6% apresentaram. O uso de medicações no período gestacional e problemas de saúde neste período revelou significância estatística (p=0,010). Concluiu-se que houve alterações na formação dos dentes decíduos e o aparecimento de opacidades e hipoplasias, relacionadas às complicações sistêmicas, e ao uso de medicações no período gestacional, porém sugerem-se mais estudos...

The pregnancy period is an important part of the formation of deciduous baby teeth. The defects of dental enamel Development are abnormalities that may occur in the enamel structure progressively during their formation. The objective was analyze the prevalence of enamel defects in the primary dentition which occurs during pregnancy. We conducted an observational, longitudinal, descriptive and retrospective quantitative survey, in a town south of Santa Catarina Brazil, from March 2012 to December 2013. 68 babies between 1 to 3 years old and their mothers who attended an educational program. The data was collected by means of an anonymous standardized questionnaire which was addressed the mothers well as through clinical examinations of the oral cavity the participating babies. The predominant results showed that the marital status of the mothers was common law partner (55.9%), the profession was housewife (36.8%) and the average family income was three minimum wages (79.4%). Most of the respondents (52.9%) had not completed high school. It was found that 14.7% the studied babies had the defects of dental enamel development in the upper arch, while 5.9% in the lower arch. 11.8% the analyzed babies had cases of opacity in the upper arch, 5.9% at the bottom, and 2.9% hypoplasia at the top, all in incisors. The study concludes that there were changes in the formation primary teeth and the appearance of opacities and hypoplasia, and that these were related to systemic complications well as the use of medications during pregnancy...

Chemomechanical versus drilling methods for caries removal: an in vitro study

The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) with that of conventional drilling for efficacy of caries removal, time spent, morphological changes and microhardness of surface dentin, and microleakage of subsequent restorations. Forty-six carious deciduous molars were randomly divided into two groups: one each for caries removal by (1) CMCR and by (2) drilling. The completeness of caries removal was evaluated by visual and tactile criteria and a caries detector device. Twenty teeth in each group were restored with glass ionomer (GI) and subjected to thermocycling before undergoing microleakage and microhardness tests. In each group, three restored teeth were used for polarized light microscopic analysis, and three unrestored teeth for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). There was no significant difference in the completeness of caries removal between groups. However, time spent for caries removal by CMCR was significantly longer than that required for drilling. Restorations in the CMCR group had significantly more microleakage than those in the drilling group. Dentin hardness of the cavity floor after CMCR was also significantly lower. Microscopic analyses showed roughened and irregular dentin surfaces in the CMCR group, unlike the smooth surfaces observed in the drilling group. In conclusion, CMCR was as efficacious as drilling in term of completeness of caries removal, but required longer excavation times and resulted in lower microhardness of residual dentin as well as more microleakage after restorations with GI. Further laboratory and clinical evaluations on the efficiency and performance of CMCR for the durability of subsequent restorations are required.

Changes in Oral Health-related Behavior of Infants following a Preventive Program of Continuing Education Directed to their Parents

To evaluate changes in oral health-related behavior of infants following preventive program of continuing education directed to their parents.Material and Methods:We analyzed 53 dental files of infants aged up to 36 months, who participated in the Prevention and Education Program of the Infants Clinic, School of Dentistry of Bauru (USP), and attended at least 2 visits with a maximum of 4 missing appointments. Initially an educational lecture was conducted, pointing issues related to diet and oral hygiene. At the following visit, the professional filled in a form with questions about diet and hygiene performed at home. The following information was extracted from dental files: reason of the first visit, age, number of teeth, number of visits, missing appointments, and dietary and oral hygiene risk factors. The data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics comparing the information obtained from the first visit to that of the last one.Results:The reason for the first visit was dental caries prevention (88.68%) followed by dental trauma (7.55%), and needed of curative treatment (3.77%). The mean age of the sample was 14.85 months, the tooth number mean was 12.64 at first visit, the mean number of visits was 7 and the mean missing appointments was 0.83. The percentage of infants with inadequate diet and hygiene habits was 88.68% and 62.26%, and only 12.762% and 57.57% of these have changed their habits, respectively.Conclusion:After the preventive program of continuing education, the dietary habits showed were more difficult to change in relation to hygiene ones...

Prevalence of Teething Symptoms in Primary Teeth and Associated Factors: Cross-Sectional Study in Children aged 12-23 months in Pelotas, Brazil

To identify the main teething symptoms reported by mothers and associated factors. Material and Methods:Cross-sectional study conducted with mothers of children aged 12-23 months visiting 12 public health care centers during National Children Vaccination day in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2011. Mothers were interviewed and information on teething symptoms and socioeconomic (family structure, income, maternal schooling and child skin color) and demographic variables (maternal age and child sex) was collected. Chi-square, Fisher exact test and Poisson regression analyses were performed (P<0.05). Results:A total of 188 mother-child pairs were interviewed. Teething symptoms were reported by 91.93% mothers. Symptoms most frequently reported were excessive salivation (67.7%), irritability (65.2%), fever (44.1%), feeding difficulty (34.2%) and sleep disturbance (31.7%). Teething symptoms were not associated with socioeconomic and demographic variables investigated (p>0.05). Conclusion:Most mothers linked children symptoms with primary teeth eruption. Excessive salivation and irritability were the symptoms most reported by mothers. Socioeconomic and demographic variables were not statistically associated with maternal report of teething symptoms in their children. Dentists should provide adequate orientation to mothers and follow up their children. Dentists should refer to medical care services if symptoms persist, once these symptoms can be attributed to other causes...