A 4-week randomized controlled trial evaluating plaque and gingivitis effects of an electric toothbrush in a paediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Few extended studies have explored oscillating-rotating (O-R) toothbrush efficacy in young children. AIM: To compare the efficacy between O-R and manual toothbrushes in reducing plaque and gingivitis after 4 weeks in children. DESIGN: This was a randomized, parallel-group, examiner-blind, clinical trial. In two 50-subject cohorts (3-6 years, primary dentition, parental brushing; 7-10 years, mixed dentition, self-brushing), subjects used Oral-B Kids O-R toothbrush per manufacturer's instructions or Paro Junior manual toothbrush in a customary manner. Plaque and Modified Gingival Index (MGI; primary variable) scores were assessed at baseline and Week 4 for all subjects and within each age group. RESULTS: Both toothbrushes significantly reduced whole mouth and posterior plaque and MGI versus baseline (p < .001). Combined groups: O-R showed greater plaque and MGI reductions versus manual for all measures (p ≤ .003). Three- to 6-year-olds: O-R demonstrated significantly (p < .032) greater whole-mouth (55.7%) and posterior (34.3%) plaque reductions at Week 4 versus manual. Seven- to 10-year-olds: O-R showed significantly (p < .001) greater whole-mouth (94.5%) and posterior (108.4%) plaque reductions and greater (p ≤ .016) whole-mouth (14.1%) and posterior (18.8%) MGI reductions versus manual. There were no adverse events. CONCLUSION: The O-R toothbrush, used per manufacturer's instructions, reduced plaque and gingivitis better than a manual toothbrush used in a customary manner among children.

Autoimmune amelogenesis imperfecta in patients with APS-1 and coeliac disease.

Ameloblasts are specialized epithelial cells in the jaw that have an indispensable role in tooth enamel formation-amelogenesis1. Amelogenesis depends on multiple ameloblast-derived proteins that function as a scaffold for hydroxyapatite crystals. The loss of function of ameloblast-derived proteins results in a group of rare congenital disorders called amelogenesis imperfecta2. Defects in enamel formation are also found in patients with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type-1 (APS-1), caused by AIRE deficiency3,4, and in patients diagnosed with coeliac disease5-7. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that the vast majority of patients with APS-1 and coeliac disease develop autoantibodies (mostly of the IgA isotype) against ameloblast-specific proteins, the expression of which is induced by AIRE in the thymus. This in turn results in a breakdown of central tolerance, and subsequent generation of corresponding autoantibodies that interfere with enamel formation. However, in coeliac disease, the generation of such autoantibodies seems to be driven by a breakdown of peripheral tolerance to intestinal antigens that are also expressed in enamel tissue. Both conditions are examples of a previously unidentified type of IgA-dependent autoimmune disorder that we collectively name autoimmune amelogenesis imperfecta.

Evaluation of proximal slicing in primary maxillary incisors with proximal caries- a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Modern management of dental caries should be more conservative and include early detection of lesions and active surveillance, in order to apply preventive measures and carefully monitor for signs of arrest or progression. Proximal slicing was suggested for nonrestorative caries treatment for primary incisors. The aim of the study was to examine the success of proximal slicing in primary maxillary incisors in arresting caries progression. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from medical records of patients who had undergone proximal slicing in primary maxillary incisors with a follow-up period of at least 6 months. Treatment was considered a success when no further invasive clinical intervention was required within the follow-up period of at least 6 months. Treatment was considered a failure when further invasive clinical intervention was needed during the follow-up period (restoration, crown, or extraction). Additional variables included were the patient's gender, treated tooth, treated surface, age during their first visit to the clinic, age during slicing treatment, follow-up period, number of follow-up visits, and number of fluoride applications and additional slicing during follow-up. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were included in the study. Proximal slicing was successful in 76% of participants with a follow-up of at least 6 months. Success was associated with older age at the first dental visit (3.5yo vs. 2.5yo, p = 0.0011) and age when proximal slicing was performed (4yo vs. 3yo, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Proximal slicing may successfully arrest proximal caries in primary maxillary incisors.

Salivary inflammatory cytokines echo the low inflammatory burden in liver-transplanted children.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare the salivary cytokine profile, as a potential replacement for blood tests, in liver-transplanted children to that of a control group of healthy children, and to correlate the values of commonly tested laboratory blood tests to those of published blood values. METHODS: Liver-transplanted children, and a control group of healthy children of the same sex and age distribution, were recruited for the study. Saliva was collected at the same appointment for routine blood tests for the liver-transplanted children. Saliva was also collected from a control group of healthy children with similar age and sex distributions. Normal healthy blood values were extracted from the literature, for comparison. Cytokine levels in the saliva were quantified with ELISA. The analysis compared serum and saliva values between liver-transplanted and healthy children. In the serum, the values of albumin, GIT, GPT, GGT, CRP, WBC, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were examined, while the levels of IL-6, CXCL1, IL-1b, and IL-10 were measured in the saliva. RESULTS: Thirty liver-transplanted children and 30 healthy children were included in the study. Compared with published data for healthy children, the liver-transplanted group showed similar hepatic serum levels, yet reduced levels of serum inflammatory markers. Compared with the control group, in the transplanted group, the mean value of IL-6 was lower and the mean value of CXCL1 was similar. Interestingly, the anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine was lower in the transplanted group, while the pro-inflammatory IL-1ß cytokine was higher. CONCLUSION: The salivary inflammatory markers examined showed a similar pattern to the serum inflammatory values, though different markers were examined in the serum and saliva. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The current study stresses the potential of oral fluids as an accessible biofluid, for use as a diagnostic substrate for systemic and oral diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 0136-16-RMC, Registered on 01 March 2018.

Randomised clinical study of plaque removal efficacy of an electric toothbrush in primary and mixed dentition.

BACKGROUND: Clinical investigations of electric toothbrushes in young children are limited. AIM: To assess plaque reduction efficacy of an oscillating-rotating electric versus manual toothbrush in a paediatric population in primary and mixed dentitions. DESIGN: In this randomised, single-brushing, 2-treatment, 4-period, replicate-use crossover study, subjects were divided into 2 age groups (3-6 years; 7-9 years) and assigned to a treatment sequence involving an Oral-B Kids electric brush and a manual brush control. Plaque was assessed pre- and post-brushing (Turesky Modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index). Parents brushed the teeth of their children aged 3-6 years, whereas children aged 7-9 years brushed their own teeth under supervision. Plaque removal scores were analysed for brush differences in each age group separately using an analysis of covariance for crossover design. RESULTS: Forty-one children (n = 20, 3-6 years; n = 21, 7-9 years) completed the study. For the primary dentition in children 3-6 years, the electric brush reduced 32.3% more plaque than the manual brush (P = .005). For the mixed dentition in children 7-9 years, the electric brush reduced 51.9% more plaque than the manual brush (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: An electric toothbrush reduced significantly more plaque than a manual toothbrush in 2 paediatric age groups.

Factors Associated with Dental Plaque, Gingivitis, and Caries in a Pediatric Population: A Records-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

This retrospective, cross-sectional study evaluated dental records of 1000 healthy children to determine factors associated with plaque, gingivitis, and caries. A logistic model for plaque and gingivitis (mild versus moderate/severe) and caries (yes/no) was carried out separately for each variable using the following potential factors: Age, Gender, Brush Type, Starting Age of Brushing, Brushing Frequency, and Bite Type. Data from 998 children (median age: 4 years, 10 months (range: 2.5-7 years)) were analyzed. Sixty-four percent were manual toothbrush users; 36% were oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush users. For plaque and gingivitis, but not caries, Brush Type was more impactful than Brushing Frequency. Age influenced the severity of plaque and gingivitis, with increases in the odds of having moderate/severe plaque or gingivitis associated with increasing age. The probability of caries increased until approximately age 5 and then decreased until age 7. Oscillating-rotating brush users were more likely to present with less plaque, gingivitis, and caries, with 6.0, 5.1, and 1.4 times greater odds of having mild (versus moderate/severe) plaque, less severe gingivitis, and being caries-free, respectively, than manual brush users. Similarly, brushing twice daily and starting brushing at an earlier age were associated with better oral health outcomes. Children with anterior bite abnormalities had increased odds of developing moderate/severe plaque and gingivitis than children with normal anterior bites. Gender was not a statistically significant factor associated with plaque, gingivitis, or caries. Children's oral health is influenced by toothbrush type, starting age of brushing, compliance with twice-daily brushing, and bite abnormalities.

Laser Tooth Preparation for Pit and Fissure Sealing.

Objectives: Various approaches are available for pit and fissure sealing, including: the use of sealants, with or without mechanical preparation; the use of etching, with or without bonding; and the use of lasers as an alternative to mechanical preparation. The objective of this study is to evaluate pit and fissure sealing by comparing the retention and microleakage of sealants, between mechanical and Er:Yag laser enamel preparation. Methods: Sixty extracted sound third molars are classified into six groups: A, bur mechanical preparation and sealant application; B, bur mechanical preparation, etching and sealant; C, bur mechanical preparation, etching, bonding and sealant; D, laser mechanical preparation and sealant; E, laser mechanical preparation, etching and sealant application; F, laser mechanical preparation, etching, bonding, and sealant. Statistical analysis methods include Fisher's exact test, a general linear model for one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of multiple comparisons, and Bonferroni multiple comparison tests. Results: All the groups showed dye microleakage beneath the sealants. Less microleakage was observed for those that used bur rather than laser, 41 versus 44 specimens, respectively. The number of specimens without microleakage decreased as follows: group E (24), group A (18), groups B and F (17), group C (14), and group D (5). Retention was 100% in all groups except group D. Conclusion: Mechanical preparation increases retention of sealants, especially when etching material is used; additionally, bonding can help the retention. The best technique is mechanical preparation via laser and subsequent use of etching, without bonding prior to application of the dental sealant.

Plaque Removal by a Powered Toothbrush Versus a Manual Toothbrush in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relative plaque reduction efficacy of powered versus manual toothbrushes in children. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted based on a literature search that included Medline, Embase, FDA publications, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Dentistry and Oral Science, and Berman Medical Library, Hebrew University. Studies were chosen that were randomized controlled trials and published between 1980 to 2019 in English that compared plaque reduction with manual and powered toothbrushes in children. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of evidence. Results: From a search of 1,502 articles, nine articles were selected for meta-analysis. A statistically significant plaque reduction benefit for a powered toothbrush versus manual toothbrush (P<0.001): combined mean difference (MD) was 0.590 and the 95 percent confidence interval was 0.352 to 0.828 (random-effects model). Two tests revealed considerable heterogeneity (I² equals 96 percent; Cochran's Q, P<0.001). A low possibility of bias was indicated by Begg-Mazumdar and Egger tests (P>0.1 for both). Evidence quality was given a GRADE score of moderate. Conclusions: Powered toothbrushes were more effective than manual toothbrushes for plaque removal in children.

Salivary Cytokines in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome versus Healthy Children: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to compare salivary cytokines and total protein between children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) and healthy children, and to examine whether saliva parameters can differentiate between steroid sensitivity and resistance and between disease remission and relapse. METHODS: Twenty-seven children with nephrotic syndrome were classified according to steroid sensitivity and resistance, and disease remission and relapse. Twenty healthy children served as controls. Whole saliva samples were collected from all the participants. Urine and blood tests done on the same day as the saliva collection were recorded. Salivary total protein was quantified using bicinchoninic acid and IFNγ, IL-4, IL-8, IL-6, and IL1ß levels using ELISA. RESULTS: The mean ages of the nephrotic syndrome and control groups were 11.3 ± 2.4 and 9 ± 4.2, respectively. Compared to the control group, for the nephrotic syndrome group, total salivary protein was significantly lower, as were the levels of all the cytokines examined except IFNγ. Statistically significant differences were not found in any of the salivary markers examined between the children with nephrotic syndrome who were treatment sensitive (n = 19) and resistant (n = 8). Protein and IL-8 salivary levels were lower in the active (n = 7) than in the remission (n = 20) group. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary parameters distinguished children with nephrotic syndrome in relapse from healthy children. This may be due to decreased salivary protein excretion, which reflects decreased plasma levels, consequent to proteinuria. Accordingly, salivary markers may be developed as a diagnostic or screening tool for NS activity.

An Innovative Treatment Approach Using Digital Workflow and CAD-CAM Part 2: The Restoration of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization in Children.

Until recently, the treatment for molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) mainly included interim restorations such as resin restorations and stainless-steel crowns. These require replacement after adolescence. The use of intraoral scanners (IOS) has opened a new venue for restoring MIH teeth, by reducing the challenge of dealing with uncooperative children's behavior and enabling tooth structure preservation and long-lasting restoration. We present an innovative treatment approach for children with MIH, using a digital workflow with IOS and CAD-CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) fabrication of the restoration. The overall protocol involves a thorough diagnostic phase throughout treatment planning, which takes into consideration the child's behavior and the parent's cooperation and compliance. Initial preparation consists of inhalation sedation if needed, an effective local anesthesia, and the use of a rubber dam. Removal of all areas of enamel and dentin porosity is essential, and the tooth/teeth must be appropriately prepared to accommodate inlays or onlays for molars and labial veneers for incisors. IOS impressions are taken, including scanning of the prepared tooth and its antagonist, scanning of the bite, and CAD-CAM preparation of the restoration. Next is restoration, cementation, and follow up. Digital workflow provides definitive restorations in young patients due to the high accuracy of the scanning.

An Innovative Treatment Approach Using Digital Workflow and CAD-CAM Part 1: The Restoration of Endodontically Treated Molars in Children.

Stainless steel crowns are the most popular restoration technique for young permanent first molars treated endodontically. However, these restorations are not aesthetically appealing and need to be replaced. Endocrowns constitute a reliable approach for restoring severely damaged molars and premolars. Intraoral scanners (IOSs) are well tolerated by children and are easily and quickly implemented. We present an innovative treatment approach for endodontically treated teeth in children, using a digital workflow with IOS and computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) fabrication of the restoration. The protocol involves a thorough diagnostic phase and comprehensive treatment planning. Among the factors to be considered are the child's behavior, the parents' cooperation and compliance, and initial preparation including inhalation sedation, effective local anaesthesia and the use of a rubber dam. Full attention should be given to 1-2 mm of ferruling by the endocrown, which should be appropriately prepared to accommodate endocrowns for molars. IOSs include scanning of the prepared tooth and its antagonist, and scanning of the bite. CAD-CAM preparation of the restoration is followed by restoration bonding and follow up. Digital workflow should be considered in the treatment of endodontically treated molars since the high accuracy of the scanning enables definitive restoration in young patients.

Children's Preferences for Pediatric Dentist Attire: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Data are conflicting regarding the effect of professional staff attire on children at pediatric dental clinics. AIM: To compare the preferences of children and their parents in three countries, regarding the gender and attire of pediatric dentists. STUDY DESIGN: A multi-centered study was conducted in pediatric dental clinics in Israel (N=100), Uruguay (N=270) and Spain (N=200). Children, aged 4-12 years, and their parents were asked to choose the pediatric dentist they preferred from 5 pictures of the same male and 5 pictures of the same female, in different attire. RESULTS: In Israeli clinics, where half of the pediatric dentists were male, and they wore white coats or casual attire, these were preferred by children, with no preference regarding the dentist's gender. In Spain, where the majority of dentists were females, wearing surgical scrubs, children preferred female dentists with this attire. In Uruguay, where female dentists wore surgical or pediatric scrubs, these were preferred by children. Parents more often selected female than male dentists; they preferred pediatric scrubs for their children's dentists more often than their children preferred such attire. CONCLUSIONS: Children's preferences for the attire of pediatric dentists reflected the common wearing apparel for dentists at the clinics they attended.

Randomised clinical study of plaque removal efficacy of a power toothbrush in a paediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Clinical investigations of plaque removal efficacy of power toothbrushes in children are limited. AIM: To compare plaque removal of a power versus manual toothbrush in a paediatric population. DESIGN: This was a randomised, replicate-use, single-brushing, examiner-blinded, two-treatment, four-period crossover clinical trial in children 8-11 years of age. Subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment sequence involving an oscillating-rotating power toothbrush and a manual toothbrush control. Subjects brushed under supervision with a NaF dentifrice. Plaque was assessed pre- (baseline) and post-brushing using the Turesky Modification of the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index by two examiners. Plaque scores were averaged for mixed and permanent dentition on a per-subject basis and analysed using a mixed-model ancova for a crossover design. RESULTS: Forty-one subjects (mean 9.0 years) were randomised and completed the trial. Both the power brush and manual brush provided statistically significant mean plaque reductions versus baseline in all analyses (P < 0.001). For both examiners, plaque removal was significantly (P < 0.001) larger for the power brush in permanent and mixed dentitions. The interexaminer correlations for the permanent dentition were strong (ICC = 0.68-0.88) for pre-brushing plaque across all periods. CONCLUSIONS: An oscillating-rotating power toothbrush provided superior plaque reduction versus a manual toothbrush in children.

Post-Discharge Events Occurring after Dental Treatment under Deep Sedation in Pediatric Patients.

PURPOSE: Deep sedation is often required in dentistry for treating children with uncooperative behavior. We assessed immediate post-sedation events during the first 24 hours after dental treatment under deep sedation in children, and examined correlations to a number of variables. STUDY DESIGN: Information was collected from medical files for a convenience sample of children between the ages of 1 and 16, who were treated under deep sedation at one clinic (propofol alone or combined with a sedative agent). Parents were interviewed by telephone regarding the first 24 hours following treatment. RESULTS: Among 32 children under age 6 years, 26 (81.3%) had at least one post sedation complication, compared to 19/22 (86.4%) aged 6 and older, p>0.05. According to parent report, 13 (59.1%) of the older children had pain, compared to 6 (18.8%) of the younger ones, p=0.002. For no patient in the younger group compared to 18.2% in the older group was dizziness reported as a complication, p=0.023. Among those who received a sedative agent, 93.3% had one or more complications; 26.7% had nausea or vomiting. The respective rates were 79.5% and 5.1% among those treated only with propofol. CONCLUSIONS: Though safe, deep sedation poses complications and adverse events.

The influence of location of local anesthesia and complexity/duration of restorative treatment on children's behavior during dental treatment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the region of local anesthetic injection and the complexity and duration of restorative treatment were associated with children's behavior during and immediately after dental treatment. METHODS: This study examined 90 children, divided into two age groups (2-3.5 years old and > 3.5-5.5 years old), who underwent dental treatment while lightly sedated. The region of local anesthesia (maxillary infiltration or mandibular block), complexity and duration of treatment, and behavior during and after treatment were assessed. RESULTS: Children's behavior during and after dental treatment, within and between age groups, was not found to be associated with the region of local anesthesia or complexity of treatment. For both age groups, more children exhibited negative behaviors during treatment when procedures exceeded 30 minutes. For younger children, more negative behaviors were also observed after longer vs shorter procedures. CONCLUSION: Treatment duration, not the region of local anesthesia or complexity of treatment, was associated with children's behavior during and after dental procedures.

The influence of location of local anesthesia and complexity/duration of restorative treatment on children's behavior during dental treatment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the region of local anesthetic injection and the complexity and duration of restorative treatment were associated with children's behavior during and immediately after dental treatment. METHODS: This study examined 90 children, divided into two age groups (2-3.5 years old and >3.5-5.5 years old), who underwent dental treatment while lightly sedated. The region of local anesthesia (maxillary infiltration or mandibular block), complexity and duration of treatment, and behavior during and after treatment were assessed. RESULTS: Children's behavior during and after dental treatment, within and between age groups, was not found to be associated with the region of local anesthesia or complexity of treatment. For both age groups, more children exhibited negative behaviors during treatment when procedures exceeded 30 minutes. For younger children, more negative behaviors were also observed after longer vs shorter procedures. CONCLUSION: Treatment duration, not the region of local anesthesia or complexity of treatment, was associated with children's behavior during and after dental procedures.

The traditional practice of canine bud removal in the offspring of Ethiopian immigrants.

BACKGROUND: The custom of canine bud removal has detrimental consequences on children's general health and dental care. The objective of this study was to assess whether the prevalence of missing primary canines and dental defects in offspring of emigrants from Ethiopia is greater than in offspring of native Israeli parents of similar socioeconomic class. METHODS: 477 children of Ethiopian descent and 317 offspring of native Israeli parents, from 21 nursery schools and kindergartens, underwent dental examinations aimed to determine the presence or absence of primary canines and of developmental enamel defects on adjacent teeth to the primary canines. For purposes of analysis, children were classified into two age groups: younger (ages 18-48 months) and older (ages 49-82 months). RESULTS: Canines were present in more Israeli than Ethiopian younger children, 87.5% vs. 42.3%, p=0.0001; and in more Israeli than Ethiopian older children, 92.6% vs. 40.4%, p=0.0001. More dental defects were detected in Ethiopian than in Israeli younger children, 32% vs. 3.9%, p=0.0001; and in more Ethiopian than Israeli older children, 31.2% vs. 5.8%, p=0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of missing primary canines and dental defects was greater among offspring of parents who had emigrated from Ethiopia 15-20 years earlier than among offspring of native Israeli parents living in the same low socioeconomic neighborhoods.

Mucosal pH, dental findings, and salivary composition in pediatric liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Oral health and dental maintenance have become part of the standard of care for pediatric liver transplant recipients. These individuals tend to suffer particularly from dental problems, such as gingival enlargement, gingivitis, poor oral hygiene, dental hypoplasia, and caries. Saliva composition influences oral hygiene and disease states. We investigated saliva composition and its association with the oral health of young recipients of liver transplants. METHODS: In 70 patients, 36 liver transplant recipients (ages 2-23 years) and 34 healthy controls (ages 4-21 years), we measured the following variables: (a) oral hygiene, (b) gingival inflammation, (c) caries status, (d) dental calculus formation, (e) oral mucosal pH, and (f) salivary protein composition. RESULTS: Lower mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (P=0.0038), higher mean gingival index (P=0.0001), and higher mean calculus score (P=0.003) were found in the transplanted study group compared with the control. The mean mucosal pH for seven intraoral sites was higher in the transplant group (P=0.0006). The median salivary albumin concentration was significantly lower in the transplant group (P=0.01), as was the median salivary albumin/total protein ratio (P=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: In post-liver transplant pediatric recipients, low incidence of caries, together with high incidence of dental calculus, could be attributed to elevated oral mucosal pH. Salivary albumin and immunoglobulin A levels were relatively low in these patients. Clinicians should pay particular attention to the oral health and dental care of liver transplanted children.

Elevated salivary potassium in paediatric CKD patients, a novel excretion pathway.

BACKGROUND: Hyperkalaemia is one of the complications of chronic renal failure. Gastrointestinal excretion and cellular uptake are two adaptive mechanisms for extra-renal potassium (K) disposal in these patients. The salivary glands' secretion system can actively excrete K into the oral cavity. METHODS: We examined salivary K levels in four groups of paediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients: 25 pre-dialytic (PreD) patients, 18 patients on maintenance dialysis (D), and 31 transplanted patients with a functioning graft (T), compared with 32 healthy children (C). RESULTS: Salivary K levels were significantly higher in the D and PreD groups than the C group (P = 0.03 and P = 0.0004, respectively). Interestingly, a significant negative correlation was found between glomerular filtration rate and salivary K in PreD and T patients. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest an extension of the gastrointestinal adaptive K pathway via salivary gland secretion in patients suffering from hyperkalaemia.

Audiovisual video eyeglass distraction during dental treatment in children.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of audiovisual distraction (AVD) with video eyeglasses on the behavior of children undergoing dental restorative treatment and the satisfaction with this treatment as reported by children, parents, dental students, and experienced pediatric dentists. METHOD AND MATERIALS: During restorative dental treatment, 61 children wore wireless audiovisual eyeglasses with earphones, and 59 received dental treatment under nitrous oxide sedation. A Frankl behavior rating score was assigned to each child. After each treatment, a Houpt behavior rating score was recorded by an independent observer. A visual analogue scale (VAS) score was obtained from children who wore AVD eyeglasses, their parents, and the clinician. RESULTS: General behavior during the AVD sessions, as rated by the Houpt scales, was excellent (rating 6) for 70% of the children, very good (rating 5) for 19%, good (rating 4) for 6%, and fair, poor, or aborted for only 5%. VAS scores showed 85% of the children, including those with poor Frankl ratings, to be satisfied with the AVD eyeglasses. Satisfaction of parents and clinicians was also high. CONCLUSION: Audiovisual eyeglasses offer an effective distraction tool for the alleviation of the unpleasantness and distress that arises during dental restorative procedures.