Effect of the usage of Er,Cr:YSGG laser with and without different remineralization agents on the enamel erosion of primary teeth.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different remineralization agents associated with erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) (0.5 W power, 20 Hz frequency, 60% water, 40% air, 25 mJ pulse energy, 8.84 J/cm2 fluence, 60 µs pulse duration, 600 µm tip diameter, and an approximate 1-1.5 mm distance to the target) laser irradiation on erosion induced by the consumption of carbonated drinks in human primary enamel. There were 8 groups and 10 primary teeth in each g0roup. The distribution was as follows: group 1, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate with fluoride (CPP-ACPF); group 2, Er,Cr:YSGG laser+CPP-ACPF; group 3, fluor varnish; group 4, Er,Cr:YSGG Laser+fluoride varnish; group 5, ROCS® medical mineral gel; group 6, Er,Cr:YSGG laser + ROCS® medical mineral gel; group 7, Er,Cr:YSGG laser; and group 8, artificial saliva. The samples in the groups were submerged in artificial saliva and acid twice a day for 6 s at 6-h intervals and were then exposed to an erosion cycle 15 times. In the groups in which the Er,Cr:YSGG laser was applied in combination with the remineralization agents, the laser application was made first, and then the remineralization agents were applied for 4 min in each group. The Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and the Bonferroni correction were used in statistical analyses, and the significance level was taken as p < 0.05. According to the results, all agents had a statistically significant difference (groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6: p = 0.005, p < 0.017; groups 5 and 7: p = 0.007, p < 0.017) between BL-RM periods. However, all agents had a statistically significant remineralization effect on primary teeth enamel (groups 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7: p = 0.005, p < 0.017; group 4: p = 0.011, p < 0.017) except that group 5 (p = 0.074, p < 0.017) between DM-RM periods. The coadministration of an agent with the laser did not make any difference at a statistical level (p = 0.804, p > 0.05). The results were supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. As a result of this study, CPP-ACPF had a notable impact in terms of the remineralization effect on eroded enamel, and the Er,Cr:YSGG laser alone may be an alternative method, which may be related to the modified hydroxyapatite structure, 38.5% H0.56Ca4.56O13P3Y0.44, that was determined in XRD analysis.

Understanding the dynamics of compliance to smoke-free policy regulations: Exploring the perspectives of venue owners and staff in Türkiye.

INTRODUCTION: The study aims to understand the facilitators and barriers associated with enforcing and complying with Türkiye's smoke-free policy from the perspective of hospitality venue owners and employees. METHODS: A qualitative open-ended survey was conducted in Istanbul and Ankara in 2021 with 58 respondents from 3 different districts in each city from four types of venues: restaurants, traditional coffee and waterpipe houses, and European-style cafés. The open-ended survey included questions to understand the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of respondents about Türkiye's smoke-free policy and their perceptions of the facilitators and/or barriers to smoke-free policy implementation and changes after COVID-19. The data were analyzed using an inductive approach to identify patterns and categorize the data into themes. RESULTS: The respondents expressed that the smoke-free policy aimed to protect employees and customers from secondhand smoke (SHS), respect human health, and improve air quality. Findings suggest that the positive attitude of venue owners and staff toward the smoke-free policy serves as a facilitator. However, fear of financial impact, customers' negative attitudes, difficulties in meeting physical requirements, and insufficient enforcement were found to be barriers to implementing the smoke-free policy. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were reported as an initial increase in compliance and awareness among customers and staff, but some respondents noted negative changes due to the emotional and financial effects of prolonged restrictions. These challenges have led to decreased attention on the smoke-free policy among venue owners, staff and customers. Respondents' suggested improvements were related to building infrastructure, such as the ventilation systems and educating the public on the harmful health effects of smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the general understanding of the dangers of secondhand smoke and the smoke-free policy, this study highlights the challenges in implementing smoke-free policy measures and the continued need to raise awareness about the importance of a 100% smoke-free venue. A comprehensive approach to addressing the tobacco epidemic as a multifaceted public health issue is essential.

Evaluation of knowledge and awareness about teledentistry among dentists and patients living in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Teledentistry is a field of telemedicine that combines digital technology and clinical dentistry, enabling remote communication between dentists and patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of dentists and patients about teledentistry in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among general and specialist dentists in Turkey, and dental patients in Edirne, Turkey. A questionnaire prepared in Google Docs was shared virtually among Turkish dentists, as well as administered to the patients referred to the university dental clinic in Edirne. RESULTS: Among the 336 dentists participating in the study, 69.9% were female, 39.6% were working in the profession for 1-5 years, and 48.5% were specialist dentists. A total of 86.9% of dentists stated they would like to use teledentistry for radiological examinations, some follow-up examinations, and for follow-up during holidays. There were 21.1% of dentists who thought that teledentistry practices could be the new standard of oral healthcare, and only 34.0% were willing to try such practices. Among the 447 patients in the study, 49.9% were female, 79.0% were aged 20-44 years, and 54.4% had middle income. There were 74.5% of patients who stated that it would be easier to communicate with the dentist via a teledentistry application, 80.3% of patients in the underserved regions stated it would facilitate access to the dentist, 76.3% of patients stated that it would reduce costs, and 88.8% of patients thought that this method could help overcome the problem of isolation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) pandemic period. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, it can be said that the teledentistry approach would provide convenience for both dentists and patients in terms of dentist-patient communication, cost and efficiency of dental care.

Evaluation of the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of pre-school teachers on oral and dental health in the city center of Trabzon.

PURPOSE: Educators can also contribute to the prevention of early childhood caries (ECC) by educating children about oral diseases and hygiene practices. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of pre-school teachers concerning oral and dental health in Trabzon. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was carried out with 226 pre-school teachers in the city center using a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning the oral and dental health of children. RESULTS: Only 29.8% of the respondents had a prior dental education. Although 83% of the teachers said that regular visits to the dentist were effective for caries prevention, only 13.2% said that they made regular visits to a dentist. Approximately 65.8% of the teachers agreed that fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and 35.1% of the teachers said that there were oral health activities in their schools. Additionally, 74.6% of teachers said that they would participate in dental education about children's oral health in the future. CONCLUSION: Preventive dental health program could be implemented including the proper behaviors related to the importance and treatability of primary teeth, first tooth cleaning, dental visits, the use of fluoride toothpaste, and oral hygiene into the pre-school teachers' undergraduate education programs in the future. This program should be repeated at certain intervals for the prevention of ECC.

Evaluation of Pediatric Patient's Age, Behaviors, and Reasons for the First Dental Visit in Edirne, Turkey: a Cross-Sectional Study / Evaluación de la edad, los comportamientos y las razones de la primera visita dental del paciente pediátrico en Edirne, Turquía: un estudio transversal

ABSTRACT: Oral and dental health are vital parts of general baby health, and early dental visits provide significant prevention-focused intervention and parental counseling regarding oral health. Evaluating the age and main complaints of children is therefore important during their first dental visit (FDV). The purposes of this study were to determine the age, reason for the visit, behavioral response, and caries status at the FDV and to evaluate the factors affecting these parameters. Parents of 325 pediatric patients (159 males; 166 females; mean age 7.20±2.78 years) at their FDV were asked to fill out a questionnaire requesting sociodemographic information and their child's medical history, brushing habits, and reasons for attending dental consultation. The decayed-missing-filled-teeth (dmft/DMFT) scores were also recorded. The child's behavioral responses during the FDV were evaluated according to Frankl's Behavior Rating Scale (FBRS). Higher maternal education level and dmft/DMFT score were associated with earlier FDV age. The most common reason for the FDV was dental caries in 33.5% of patients, followed by toothache (29.5%). Most of the children showed positive behavior (46.7%), with positive behavior affected by age and negative behavior affected by the dmft/DMFT score and distance from home. The mean dmft/ DMFT score was 8.1±4.4 and was negatively affected by toothbrushing frequency and family income. These study results indicate that Turkish children living in Edirne present at a late age for the FDV. Raising awareness in terms of dental health care among parents is important to ensure that children attend their FDV at an early age.

RESUMEN: La salud oral y dental son partes vitales de la salud general del bebé, y las visitas dentales tempranas brindan una importante intervención centrada en la prevención y asesoramiento a los padres sobre la salud bucal. Por lo tanto, evaluar la edad y las principales quejas de los niños es importante durante su primera visita al dentista (FDV por sus siglas en inglés). El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la edad, motivo de visita, respuesta conductual y estado de caries en la FDV y evaluar los factores que afectan estos parámetros. A los padres de 325 pacientes pediátricos (159 hombres; 166 mujeres; edad media 7,20±2,78 años) en su FDV se les pidió que llenaran un cuestionario solicitando información sociodemográfica y el historial médico de su hijo, hábitos de cepillado y motivos de presentación a la consulta dental. También se registraron las puntuaciones de dientes cariados-faltantes-obturados (dmft/DMFT). Las respuestas conductuales del niño durante la FDV se evaluaron de acuerdo con la escala de calificación de conducta de Frankl (FBRS). Un mayor nivel de educación materna y una puntuación de dmft/DMFT se asociaron con una edad más temprana de la FDV. La causa más común de la FDV fue la caries dental en el 33,5% de los pacientes, seguida del dolor de muelas (29,5%). La mayoría de los niños mostró un comportamiento positivo (46,7%), con un comportamiento positivo afectado por la edad y un comportamiento negativo afectado por el puntaje dmft/DMFT y la distancia del hogar. La puntuación media de dmft/DMFT fue de 8,1±4,4 y se vio afectada negativamente por la frecuencia de cepillado de dientes y los ingresos familiares. Los resultados de este estudio indican que los niños turcos que viven en Edirne se presentan a una edad avanzada para la FDV. Es importante concienciar a los padres sobre el cuidado de la salud dental para garantizar que los niños asistan a su FDV a una edad temprana.