Oral Habits in Childhood and Occlusal Pathologies: A Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To analyse the relationship between the different habits that occur in childhood and the different malocclusions in the three planes of space. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A clinical examination of 106 children between 5 and 12 years of age was carried out and a survey validated by professors of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Seville was made for the parents in order to identify the habits and relate them to the possible malocclusions detected in the child's mouth. RESULTS: 72.64% of the sample presented a malocclusion in at least one of the three planes of space, with a similar distribution. When correlating the variables, statistically significant relationships were observed in the vertical plane with atypical swallowing (p = 0 < 0.05; V > 0.3) and lip sucking (p = 0 < 0.05; V > 0.3) and in the horizontal plane with oral breathing (p = 0 < 0.05; V > 0.3), atypical swallowing (p = 0 < 0.05; V < 0.3) and digital sucking (p = 0 < 0.05; V < 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: It has been observed that the prevalence and prolongation of habits in childhood is increasing, so it is essential to detect pernicious habits at an early age to prevent the establishment of malocclusions and to favour the correct craniofacial growth of the child.

Understanding the Dynamics of Inflammatory Cytokines in Endodontic Diagnosis: A Systematic Review.

The primary aim of this literature review is to delineate the key inflammatory cytokines involved in the pathophysiology of pulp inflammation. By elucidating the roles of these cytokines, a deeper comprehension of the distinct stages of inflamed pulp can be attained, thereby facilitating more accurate diagnostic strategies in endodontics. The PRISMA statement and Cochrane handbook were used for the search strategy. The keywords were created based on the review question using the PICO framework. The relevant studies were meticulously assessed according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for this systematic review. A rigorous quality checklist was implemented to evaluate each included study, ensuring scrutiny for both quality and risk-of-bias assessments. The initial pilot search conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and WoS databases yielded 9 pertinent articles. Within these articles, multiple cytokines were identified and discussed as potential candidates for use in endodontic diagnosis, notably including IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-2. These cytokines have been highlighted due to their significant roles in the inflammatory processes associated with pulp pathology. The identification of specific inflammatory cytokines holds promise for enhancing endodontic diagnostic procedures and exploring diverse treatment modalities. However, the current body of research in this area remains limited. Further comprehensive studies are warranted to fully elucidate the potential of cytokines in refining diagnostic techniques in endodontics.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in a Paediatric Population in the Dominican Republic.

Introduction: During the summer of 2019 and within the framework of a social dentistry program carried out in the low-income town of San Francisco de Macorís (Dominican Republic), a descriptive study was carried out on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), aiming to find out the oral health status of a population of children in the aforementioned Dominican city. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the oral health status of a child population and its relationship with the quality of life perceived by these children in the aforementioned population of San Francisco de Macorís in order to develop an specific oral health program taking into account not only the existing oral health status but also the perceptions and feelings of the child population in this regard. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on a representative sample of children who were examined on their oral health status, following WHO guidelines, by professionals from the University of Seville (Spain) together with professionals from private practice (USA) and students from the Universidad Católica Nordestana (UCNE, Dominican Republic). Likewise, the children's parents voluntarily completed the Oral Quality of Life questionnaire COHIP-19 in its culturally adapted Spanish version. Results: For this purpose, 94 children with a mean age of 10.34 (SD 3.38) were observed in our study following WHO recommendations for oral health studies and evaluating OHQoL using the specific questionnaire validated in Spanish COHIP-19 in its short format (SF). The results show a state of oral health with a significant prevalence of caries (80.9%) and a DMFT of 1.70 (SD 1.90). The OHQoL perceived by these children shows that pain, bad breath or feeling sad because of the condition of their teeth were the factors with the worst evaluation score. Conclusions: The conclusion that mainly emerges from this study is that caries continues to be the main problem to be solved (more than other variables studied, such as malocclusion or fluorosis), and this ailment also causes pain, dysfunction, and bad breath and is therefore perceived as a problem to be solved in the children of this Dominican city.

Early Childhood Caries and Sleep Disorders.

Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (oSDB) comprises a set of breathing disturbances when the individual is asleep due to partial or complete upper airway obstruction. Modifying or risk factors are the anatomy, the size and shape of the airway, muscle tone, central nervous system responses to hypoxia, etc. In children, this is associated with poor school performance and reduced memory and learning abilities. In addition, increased levels of blood and lung pressure and cardiac alterations have been reported in children with sleep disturbances. On the other hand, Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is defined as the presence of one or more decayed primary teeth (cavities) of children under the age of 5. This study aimed to establish the possible relationship between sleep disorders and ECC by means of validated surveys and determined whether the results obtained coincide with the available literature. Our results found that up to 24.5% of children with a high risk of caries present regular nasal congestion, while this finding is only present among 6% of children with a low risk of caries (p = 0.041). The dmft index remains significantly linked to this occasional congestion, but the association depends on the patient's level of risk (p = 0.008); increasing with a high increasing risk of caries. As a conclusion, the risk of early childhood caries could correlate to a specific sleep change such as occasional snoring.

Relationship between the TGFBR1 Gene and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization.

BACKGROUND: Molar Incisor Hypomineralization Syndrome (MIH) is a problem of increasing incidence that represents a new challenge in the dental treatment of many of the children we see in our dental offices. Understanding the etiology of this syndrome (still unknown) will help us to prevent the appearance of this process. Lately a certain genetic relationship has been suggested in the syndrome. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between activation of the TGFBR1 gene and the development of MIH, as recent studies suggest that there may be an association in this regard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 50 children between 6-17 years of age with MIH, each with at least one parent and a sibling with or without MIH, and a group control of 100 children without MIH. The condition of the permanent molars and incisors was evaluated and recorded based on the criteria of Mathu-Muju and Wright. Saliva samples were collected after washing and rinsing of the oral cavity. Genotyping was performed with the saliva samples for the selection of a target polymorphism of the studied gene (TGFBR1). RESULTS: The mean age was 9.7 years (SD 2.36). Of the 50 children with MIH, 56% were boys and 44% girls. The degree of MIH was predominantly severe (58%), with moderate and mild involvement in 22% and 20% of the cases, respectively, according to the classification of Mathu-Muju. The allelic frequencies were seen to behave as expected. The logistic regression analysis aimed to relate each polymorphism to the presence or absence of the factors. These results were inconclusive, with no evidence suggesting an alteration of the TGFBR1 gene to be related to the appearance of MIH. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations posed by a study of these characteristics, it can be affirmed that no relationship has been found between the TGFBR1 gene and the appearance of molar incisor hypomineralization.

Longevity of Aesthetic Fixed Space Maintainers in the Anterior Area of the Pediatric Dental Patient.

Space maintenance for children at very early ages in primary molars or posterior sectors is widely used and the scientific evidence is clear as to its indications. In the anterior sectors there are doubts as to whether there is a loss of space and its use is usually accompanied by aesthetic, phonatory requirements or the completion of certain habits. In this type of aesthetic anterior maintainer, there are many medium and long-term complications that can occur. PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors determining possible complications capable of reducing the longevity of aesthetic fixed space maintainers placed due to premature loss of temporary upper anterior teeth. METHODS: Data were collected on 100 patients of 1-5 years of age requiring fixed space maintainer placement in the upper anterior area due to caries or traumatisms. RESULTS: Complications were recorded in the form of resin tooth fracture (in 41% of the cases), welding fracture (16%), detachments (28%), gingivitis (26%) and root resorptions (8%). Space maintainer placement in younger children (12-24 months of age) was associated with a significantly greater incidence of root resorptions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the present study, it is concluded that fixed space maintainers would be a good treatment option in patients with prematurely missing anterior teeth, though the use of temporary first molars as abutments could imply a greater risk of failure, with a lesser incidence of root resorptions. Periodic checks and adequate measures of hygiene are essential.

Oral Health Status in a Group of Roma Children in Seville, Spain.

The Spanish gypsy community is widely integrated among the rest of the Spanish population due to a coexistence that dates back centuries. Despite this integration, they are at risk of marginalization, the child population clearly being a vulnerable group. In terms of social and health inequalities, ethnic minorities in general, and the gipsy minority in particular, in many cases do not achieve equity with the rest of the population. Regarding health in general and, more specifically, oral health, this fact can be perceived, although it has not been evidenced by any epidemiological study of oral health in the Andalusia region. OBJECTIVE: Identify the oral health status through an epidemiological survey of the population of gipsy children in the city of Seville. METHODS: The WHO (World Health Organization) criteria for oral health surveys were used in the study with children aged 6 to 13 years carried out in two Seville schools located in neighborhoods with a high percentage of gypsy population (Polígono Norte and Sur of the city of Seville). RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 108 children in whom the DMF (decay-missing-filled index) for primary dentition was 5.0 + -3.1 for the 6-9 year-old age group and the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) for the 10-13 year-old group was 4.5 + -3.3. The frequency of brushing was low, with a significant percentage of children not brushing their teeth (42.3%). The striking feature is that 26.9% of children had never visited the dentist despite their basic dental care being covered by the regional government. CONCLUSIONS: The children studied present high levels of caries compared to the rest of the Spanish population, as well as very low levels of oral hygiene. Given the lack of success of existing oral health programmes among this population, a different intervention is needed, taking into account the idiosyncrasies of the gipsy community.

Epidemiological Study of Oral Health among Children and Adolescent Schoolchildren in Melilla (Spain).

Dental epidemiological studies are essential for analysing and evaluating the population's health state and dental treatments provided, as well as for planning future oral health programme activities and interventions based on their findings. In order to determine the health condition of children and adolescents in connection to the prevalence of caries, caries indices (decayed and filled teeth (dft) for primary teeth and decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) in permanent teeth) and periodontal indices (community periodontal index (CPI)), oral exams of children and adolescents aged 6, 12 and 15 from selected schools were conducted. To assess the achievement of the oral health objectives set for Spain in 2020, these data were compared with those acquired at the national level. At 6 years of age, 278 children were examined, the prevalence of caries was 55.6%, the dft index was 2.77 (±3.44), the DMFT was 0.19 (±0.16), the restorative index (RI) was 4.62%, and the significant caries (SiC) index was 8.40 (±2.07). At 12 years of age, 208 students were examined, the prevalence of caries found was 65.86%, the DMFT index was 1.85 (±2.22), the RI was 36.63%, the SiC index was 5.43 (±2.07), and children without the presence of periodontal pathology was 59.13%. At 15 years of age, 165 students were examined, the prevalence of caries was 70.06%, the DMFT was 3.08 (±3.39), the RI was 42.42%, the SiC index was 8.10 (±2.55), and adolescents without periodontal disease was 47.90%. Conclusions: Melilla-born children and adolescents had higher caries indicators and indices than the corresponding national averages for Spain. Teenagers under the age of 15 have a particularly high frequency of dental caries. The investigation of the children's origin is where there is the most disparity. Children of Berber descent have much higher values than children of European heritage.

Assessment of the Penetration of an Endodontic Sealer into Dentinal Tubules with Three Different Compaction Techniques Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy.

Adequate root canal sealing is essential for the success of endodontic treatment. There are numerous techniques available; identifying simple and efficient techniques is important to provide good patient care. The purpose of the study was to compare the maximum penetration depth and the percentage of sealant penetration of an endodontic sealer into dentine tubules using cold lateral condensation, continuous wave, and hybrid techniques, and to contrast the effectiveness of two different tapered gutta-percha master cones (0.02 and 0.04). A sample of sixty single root teeth was used. Six experimental groups were formed from the three filling techniques and the two tapered master cones. Images were acquired using a confocal laser scanning microscope. In the apical root third, the penetration percentage was higher in the hybrid compared with the continuous wave technique. The results indicated a higher penetration depth of hybrid compared with cold lateral condensation in the middle and coronal thirds, and in the apical third, a higher penetration was identified in the hybrid group compared with the continuous wave group. No significant differences in penetration were found comparing 0.02 with 0.04 taper gutta-percha groups. The coronal cross-sections presented a higher penetration than the apical third sections. In conclusion, the hybrid technique a had higher maximum sealer penetration than the continuous wave in the apical third, and the coronal third hybrid and continuous wave had a higher penetration than cold lateral condensation.

Periodontal health of a low socioeconomic level population in Yucatan (Mexico): A cross-sectional study.

With the objective of assessing the periodontal health status, treatment needs, and oral hygiene habits of the population of Mérida, in Mexico, a descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. Four hundred forty individuals individually completed a questionnaire on oral health, oral hygiene habits, and quality of life. Additionally, a complete clinical dental examination was performed for each. For the statistical analysis, continuous variables (means and standard deviation) and categorical variables (frequencies) were studied. The associations were made using the analysis of variance test for continuous variables and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. The critical value to identify statistically significant differences was P < .05. The main concern of the population was the possible untreated caries they thought they had, with 36.21% followed by pain with 14.62%. Possible periodontal issues were the main discomfort for only 9%. The percentage of the sample that required periodontal intervention by a specialist was 21.14%. Statistically significant differences were found between age, place of residence, socioeconomic level, and schooling. There are great deficiencies in oral health in the studied group, which is accompanied by a great need for periodontal treatment. Periodontal health is closely related to oral hygiene, so the related sociocultural level should also be taken into account for the study of oral health in the most vulnerable populations. It is crucial to establish strategies to promote oral health.

Descriptive Study of Oral Health in an Indigenous Child Population of Baka Pygmies in Cameroon.

Indigenous populations around the world experience a disproportionate burden of oral diseases and health conditions. These inequalities are likely due to a complex web of socioeconomic, cultural, and health determinants. The Baka pygmies of southern Cameroon find themselves in this context of an indigenous population with health inequities. The purpose of this study was to describe the oral health status, diet, hygiene habits, and access to health services of the Baka pygmy children, from which different care needs will emerge in order to develop health strategies. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 22 Baka pygmy camps randomly selected. The study population consisted of children aged 5-6 years and 11-12 years chosen by a consecutive sampling technique. The examination was performed using a data sheet based on World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and recommendations which consisted of an oral health questionnaire for children and an oral health assessment form for children. A total of 120 children participated in the study. Extraoral examination of the study population revealed the presence of noma (1%) in the age range of 5-6 years. A total of 2713 teeth were examined, and the DMFT/dft index of the sample was 0.71 with a predominant caries component. The periodontal status showed 87% bleeding on probing. Seven percent of the sample presented a need for immediate urgent treatment due to pain and/or infection. Eighty-seven percent of the sample reported never having been examined by a dentist. The examination and oral care they received was only from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The conclusion of this descriptive study is that the precarious oral health situation of pygmy children combined with the absence of care services in general for the Baka pygmies generate a situation of great vulnerability.

Complications Arising from Dental Trauma Incurred from Falls Involving Geriatric Patients: A Case Report.

Elderly patients have a high incidence of falls that result in facial injuries. Many cases present with dental crown fractures and soft-tissue lacerations. The initial diagnosis is especially important in this type of dental trauma, since an initial error can result in the failure to establish the correct treatment from the very beginning, worsening the prognosis, which, in the worst case, can compromise the teeth affected by the trauma. Case report: We present the case of a patient, a 79-year-old woman, who suffered an accidental fall. The patient was examined by a dentist in the emergency room. She was diagnosed with a simple crown fracture of the right upper central incisor and right upper lateral incisor without any pulpal involvement and with laceration of the lower lip. Months later, she had an episode of inflammation in the lower lip, and she developed edema and pain. An X-ray of the lower lip revealed a radiopaque mass compatible with a fragment of dental tissue due to the inclusion of remnants of the dental tissue resulting from the previous accident fall. Conclusions: The population of geriatric patients is steadily increasing in our society, and a higher frequency of falls has been observed in this age group, affecting the maxillofacial region, with consequent dental trauma on many occasions. Therefore, as professionals, we must pay special attention to the prevention and treatment of this problem, insisting on the importance of routine investigation in the emergency visit for dental trauma, which includes a meticulous examination of the soft tissues accompanied by a radiographic examination, when the inclusion of foreign bodies is suspected.

Analysis and Evaluation of Dental Caries in a Mexican Population: A Descriptive Transversal Study.

Oral diseases are an important public health problem owing to their high prevalence and strong impact on people, particularly in disadvantaged populations. There is a strong relationship between the socioeconomic situation and the prevalence and severity of these diseases. Mexico is among the countries with a higher frequency range in oral diseases, highlighting dental caries, which affect more than 90% of the Mexican population. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study was carried out in 552 individuals who underwent a complete cariogenic clinical examination in different populations of the state of Yucatan. All individuals were evaluated after providing informed consent and with the consent of their legal guardians for those under legal age. We used the caries measurement methods described by the World Health Organization (WHO). Prevalence of caries, DMFT, and dft indexes were measured. Other aspects were also studied, such as oral habits and the use of public or private dental services. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries in permanent dentition was 84%. Moreover, it was found to be statistically related to the following variables: place of residence, socioeconomic level, gender, and level of education (p < 0.05). For primary teeth, the prevalence was 64% and there was no statistical relation with any of the variables studied (p > 0.05). Regarding the other aspects studied, more than 50% of the sample used private dental services. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high need for dental treatment in the population studied. It is necessary to develop prevention and treatment strategies considering the particularities of each population, driving collaborative projects to promote better oral health conditions in disadvantaged populations.

Relationship between Children's Lifestyle and Fear during Dental Visits: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose was to analyze the relationship between new family and social patterns and child emotions in the dental clinic. The sample consisted of 174 children between the ages of four and nine. Parents completed 20 questions that referred to social, family, cultural, and economic factors. The Wong−Baker scale was completed by the children after the end of the treatment. A total of 129 of the children were found to be extremely happy (45.4%) or happy (28.7%) with the dental care received. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between younger children and sad and incredibly sad faces on the Wong−Baker test with a strong association (V > 0.3). Regarding children who practiced team sports, the chi-square test revealed a very significant association with happy and incredibly happy faces (p < 0.001) and the Cramer statistic evidenced a strong relationship between team sports and less dental fear (V > 0.3). Considering the limitations, small children (4−6 years) would be more fearful. In addition, stable environments in the family life of children (appropriate routines, adequate time spent with videogames, sport activities) could be interesting factors for improved control of fear and emotions in children. Further research is needed in this field.

Knowledge of First Aid Measures in Dental Trauma: A Survey of Teachers in the Province of Seville, Spain.

The high incidence of childhood dental trauma requires childcare professionals to have basic notions of dental first aid. The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge and aptitude (defined as the ability to operate competently in a given activity) of early childhood, primary, and/or secondary education teachers from Seville (Spain) referred to first aid measures in dental trauma. A descriptive study was conducted. The study sample consisted of 442 teachers (334 women and 108 men) coinciding proportionately with the study target population in terms of gender distribution, type of center, and teaching level. A specifically designed questionnaire was used. Most of the participants (88.5%, n = 391) exhibited poor knowledge and aptitude, 11.5% (n = 51) showed a medium level of knowledge and aptitude, and none were categorized as having a high knowledge and aptitude. As a conclusion, teachers in the province of Seville (Spain) showed marked deficiencies in their level of knowledge and aptitude referred to the adoption of first aid measures in dental trauma among their pupils.