Clinical interventions for caries management through minimal intervention procedures in young children: an updated evidence-based review.

This review aimed to summarize the preventive, non-restorative and restorative minimal intervention dentistry (MID) interventions for managing dental caries during the primary dentition stage, after selecting the highest quality evidence. A comprehensive literature search for relevant studies was performed in PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar, published between 2007 and 2022. Only clinical randomized controlled trials, clinical guidelines with literature review, systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted in the primary dentition were included. One hundred fifty-three MID-associated references were found, and 63 of them were considered for the present review. Of these, 24 were clinical randomized controlled trials, 21 were systematic reviews, 3 umbrella reviews and 11 practice guidelines with a literature review. The retrieved evidence was divided into (and discussed) three general caries management strategies: (i) carious lesion diagnosis and individual risk assessment; (ii) preventive measurements and non-cavitated lesions management; and (iii) cavitated lesions management. MID is an attractive alternative management that promotes prevention rather than intervention to achieve a long-lasting oral health in young children through easy and cost-benefit preventive, non-invasive, minimally invasive or conservative invasive restorative measures. This philosophy of management is suitable for treating young children, considered friendlier and less anxiety-provoking than traditional methods.

2 × 4 appliance in the mixed dentition stage: a scoping review of the evidence.

A great emphasis is currently given to the early correction of malocclusions to prevent further complications if left untreated. Interceptive orthodontics not only simplifies but also eliminates the need for later procedures. The 2 × 4 appliance is an orthodontic treatment modality applied during the mixed dentition period, particularly for malpositioned permanent upper incisors. This scoping review was aimed to examine the breadth and depth of the published literature on this clinical topic, as well as knowledge gaps, about this fixed appliance during mixed dentition, for the correction of incipient anterior malocclusions (incisor crowdings, midline diastemas, or crossbites). PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, and two grey literature databases were explored; under a structured PICO question (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) and eligibility criteria, for relevant clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports/series (in English or Spanish), using different searching terms. Titles and abstracts were screened. Full-text articles were critically reviewed for bias risk and a data charting table was constructed. 161 references were identified, after which 115 titles remained after removing duplicates. After the abstract screening, 18 potential full-text articles were reviewed. Finally, 16 studies were included, according to the performed critical appraisal. The 2 × 4 appliance is suitable for mixed dentition patients with mild or severe malocclusions, particularly when removable appliance usage is a critical problem.

Effect of 4-Allyl-1-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzene (eugenol) in the expression of genes involved in cellular cycle and apoptotic process in dental pulp fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the effect of eugenol on the cell morphology and expression of genes involved in the apoptotic process in human dental pulp fibroblasts (hDPFs) from deciduous teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: hDPFs were cultured with 4 concentrations of eugenol (0.06 nM, 0.6 nM, 6 nM, 12 nM) and compared with a control group. After a 72 h incubation period, the cytotoxic effect on cell morphology by optical microscopy and gene expression by RT-PCR were evaluated. RESULTS: At 0.06 nM and 0.6 nM eugenol concentrations, vacuolisation of the cytoplasm was observed with atypical granulation of the hDPFs, and, at 6 nM and 12 nM cytoplasmic extensions disappeared almost completely. Casp-3, Casp-9, and telomerase genes were not expressed at the concentrations evaluated nor in the control group. The relative expression responses of Bcl-2 and TGF-ß genes were overexpressed at the 4 concentrations. MAKP's 0.06 nM (p < .001), 0.6 nM (p < .05) and 12 nM (p < .05) and Cyclin 1 at 12 nM showed significant difference versus the control group (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Eugenol is capable of causing morphological changes in hDPFs in a dose-dependent manner, higher concentrations may promote overexpression of apoptotic genes.

Inclusive Dentistry: Integral Management of Pediatric Patients with Intellectual Disability and/or Communication Impairments. Case-Series Reports.

Dental treatment for anxious or fearful intellectually disabled children/adolescents (IDCA) may present great challenges, due to deficits in cognitive, intellectual, language, and social abilities, in conjunction with limited adaptive behavior. In many cases, it is necessary for the Dentist to implement advanced behavioral control techniques. Inclusive Dentistry (ID) considers profoundly each patient's individual interests and likes, including the social and family situations, for choosing the respective personalized plan -contemplating potential risks and benefits- for the behavior control, in order to obtain the maximal possible cooperation of the patient in the dental chair. Through ID, the Pediatric Dental Practitioner aims to alleviate the anxiety and fear of IDCA in the clinical setting, in such a way that these patients are positively motivated, on a long-term basis, for current and future oral care, both at the dental office and at home. This management approach may be a time-consuming method or require more effort by the dentist, but it reaps benefits when applied for many mild-to-moderate (and some severe) IDCA. The Practitioner must possess the knowledge, in-depth understanding, and professional training for the adequate use of ID during the behavioral management of anxious or fearful IDCA. The aim of the present report was to describe four representative clinical cases of IDCA at our Clinic, managed under the philosophical principles of ID.

Randomized Clinical Trials in Pediatric Dentistry: Application of Evidence-Based Dentistry through the CONSORT Statement.

In order to include appropriate informed decisions on dental therapeutic or preventive procedures in children, Pediatric Dentists should apply the fundamentals of "Evidence-Based Dentistry" (EBD). This oral health approach assists clinicians in understanding and applying the most relevant research published on evidence in the clinical setting when treating their patients. One of the crucial steps of EBD is to critically appraise and use the primary articles about therapy or prevention, namely, Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT), the study design that best addresses the questions related with these clinical areas. The aim of the present paper was to provide the basic concepts and an example of how to critically read and understand articles on RCT studies in Pediatric Dentistry employing the CONSORT statement, a process that involves assessing the reliability of results, risk of bias (internal validity), and applicability of reported clinical findings (external validity).

Dentinogenesis Imperfecta Type II in Children: A Scoping Review.

Dentinogenesis Imperfecta type II (DI2), also known as hereditary opalescent dentin, is one of the most common genetic disorders affecting the structure of dentin, not related with osteogenesis imperfecta, which involves both primary and permanent dentitions. The purpose of this article is to perform a scoping review of the published peer-reviewed literature (1986-2017) on DI2 management in children and to outline the most relevant clinical findings extracted from this review. Forty four articles were included in the present scoping review. According to the extracted data, the following are the most important tasks to be performed in clinical pediatric dentistry: to re-establish the oral mastication, esthetics, and speech, and the development of vertical growth of alveolar bone and facial muscles; to reduce the tendency to develop caries, periapical lesions and pain; to preserve vitality, form, and size of the dentition; to avoid interfering with the eruption process of permanent teeth; to decrease the risk of tooth fractures and occlusion disturbances; to return the facial profile to a more normal appearance; and to prevent or treat possible temporomandibular joint problems. Therefore, Pediatric Dentists should bear in mind that early diagnosis and treatment, together a long-term follow-up of DI2 in children, continue to be the best approaches for achieving enhanced patient psychological well-being and, in consequence, their quality of life.

Fundamentals in Biostatistics for Investigation in Pediatric Dentistry: Part II -Biostatistical Methods.

The main purpose of the second part of this series was to provide the reader with some basic aspects of the most common biostatistical methods employed in health sciences, in order to better understand the validity, significance and reliability of the results from any article on Pediatric Dentistry. Currently, as mentioned in the first paper, Pediatric Dentists need basic biostatistical knowledge to be able to apply it when critically appraise a dental article during the Evidence-based Dentistry (EBD) process, or when participating in the development of a clinical study with dental pediatric patients. The EBD process provides a systematic approach of collecting, review and analyze current and relevant published evidence about oral health care in order to answer a particular clinical question; then this evidence should be applied in everyday practice. This second report describes the most commonly used statistical methods for analyzing and interpret collected data, and the methodological criteria to be considered when choosing the most appropriate tests for a specific study. These are available to Pediatric Dentistry practicants interested in reading or designing original clinical or epidemiological studies.

Effect of 4-Allyl-1-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzene (Eugenol) on Inflammatory and Apoptosis Processes in Dental Pulp Fibroblasts.

Eugenol (mixed with zinc oxide powder) is widely used as direct capping material during pulp therapy in primary teeth. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of eugenol on diverse genes involved in inflammatory and cell apoptosis processes. The regulatory effect of eugenol on the expression of inflammation and apoptotic genes was evaluated in dental pulp fibroblasts from extracted third molars, cultured under concentration of eugenol of 13 µM. Eugenol allowed the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic genes when compared with positive and negative controls. Eugenol is a proinflammatory agent when it is in direct contact with healthy tissues and behaves as an anti-inflammatory agent in tissues undergoing inflammatory/apoptotic processes, as in cases of pulp inflammation in primary teeth. These findings are relevant for dentistry, when considering the application of safer pulp treatments to grossly carious children's teeth.

Eugenol Toxicity in Human Dental Pulp Fibroblasts of Primary Teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the eugenol concentrations at which toxicity occurs in human dental pulp fibroblasts of primary teeth. STUDY DESIGN: Samples of primary dental pulp tissue were taken. Tissue samples were seeded by means of explant technique and used in the 4(th)-5th pass. Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (Comet), phenazine MeThoSulfate (MTS), LIVE/DEAD Cell Viability/Toxicity and trypan blue assays for evaluation of the cytotoxicity of increasing concentrations of eugenol (0.06 to 810 µM) were performed. RESULTS: The results of toxicity tests showed toxic effects on dental pulp fibroblasts, even at very low concentrations of eugenol (0.06 µM). Very low concentrations of eugenol produce high toxicity in human dental pulp fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: All of the concentrations of eugenol that we evaluated produced high toxicity in human dental pulp fibroblasts of primary teeth.

Digital nasoalveolar molding through presurgical orthopedics in newborns/infants with cleft lip and palate: A comprehensive review and case study.

AIMS: This study aims to provide a comprehensive review and case study about the advantages and disadvantages of the application of digital technologies in presurgical orthopedics in newborns/infants with cleft lip and palate (CLCP). Positive changes in the nasal anatomy, maxillary arch, and cleft width could be achieved. METHODS: Three representative cases of newborns/infants with CLCP were managed using the presurgical newborn/infant orthopedics (PSIO) approach. The patients were diagnosed and treated. Detailed descriptions of the impression procedures and PSIO appliance construction and placement were provided for each case. RESULTS: Case 1 utilized traditional impression techniques, Case 2 employed a semi-digitalized approach with intraoral digital scanning, and Case 3 utilized a completely digitalized method for appliance construction. Positive changes in maxillary arch dimensions and cleft width reduction were observed in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The management of CLCP in newborns and infants poses a complex challenge with profound implications. The PSIO approach not only facilitates reconstructive surgery but also enhances overall quality of life. Digital tools, like specialized optical scanners and 3D printing, revolutionize the PSIO process, making it more efficient and patient-friendly. Clinical benefits include improved facial morphology, esthetics, feeding, speech, and optimized future surgical results. Despite ongoing efficacy debates, global adoption as the initial surgical approach underscores its value. The integration of digital technologies offers new hope for patients and families, promising a brighter future for those affected by this congenital condition.

Graphene-Based Coatings for Surface Modification and Their Applications in Fixed Orthodontics: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Surface coating technology can assist fixed appliances by reducing friction, improving antibacterial characteristics, and increasing corrosion resistance. The application of functional coatings composed of graphene onto the surfaces of orthodontic brackets and archwires has been shown to enhance their mechanical qualities. The objective of the current study was to carry out a scoping analysis of published recent evidence on the utilization of graphene as a covering material in metallic orthodontic accessories, such as brackets and archwires; Methods: A scoping review was undertaken following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Dentistry and Oral Science Source, and Google Scholar were searched between 2003 and 2023; Results: In total, 38 potential references were detected, from which 10 were selected for this review. These articles addressed the benefits of the application of graphene-oxide functional coatings onto the surface of archwires and brackets during fixed orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic graphene-oxide-based coatings provide improved surface characteristics (e.g., reduced friction and anticorrosive effects), antibacterial capabilities, and biocompatibility. These characteristics can increase the effectiveness of orthodontic therapy, improve patient comfort, and lower the likelihood of problems; Conclusion: Orthodontists should be aware of and comprehend the prerequisites for using graphene-oxide-coated archwires and brackets to fulfill needs throughout their clinical practice.

Rapid maxillary expansion and its consequences on the nasal and oropharyngeal anatomy and breathing function of children and adolescents: An umbrella review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify, qualify, and summarize the evidence from different systematic reviews about the outcomes of Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) on upper airway dimensions and breathing function in young patients. METHODS: A literature search (from 2000 to December 2022) was conducted through PubMed (MEDLINE), the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Dentistry & Oral Science Source. The authors conducted the following umbrella review phases: research question, study selection criteria (systematic reviews involving randomized clinical trials and longitudinal observational designs), data extraction, and critical appraisal (bias risk assessment) of selected articles through the ROBIS tool. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 65 potential references. After screening titles and summaries, and the elimination of duplicated publications, 15 articles were eligible for the evaluation of the full-text document. Finally, 11 systematic reviews (5 combined with meta-analysis) were selected, reporting 132 single studies; 38 of them were unrepeatable. Risk-of-bias assessment showed an average global moderate/high quality among the included studies. There was high heterogeneity between the systematic reviews' (and meta-analyses') methodologies used. CONCLUSIONS: The present umbrella review concludes that significant and stable increases in the nasal and oropharyngeal space volumes and a decrease in airway resistance of growing children and adolescents, occur immediately after RME and at 3, 6- and 12-months follow-up.

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH): prevalence and degree of severity in a Mexican pediatric population living in an endemic fluorosis area.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and severity of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in 8 years old children living in an endemic fluorosis area. METHODS: MIH prevalence rate was determined from a study sample comprising 613 participants. They were recruited from 11 urban public schools with similar socio-economic status. Oral evaluations were performed and diagnosed MIH teeth were classified under Ghanim et al.'s criteria. Statistical descriptive and comparative analyzes were carried out. RESULTS: First permanent molars were the tooth group most affected, followed by the upper central incisors, lower central incisors, lower lateral incisors, and upper lateral incisors. There was no significant statistical difference by gender and by maxillary/mandible arches (P = 0.82 and 0.26, respectively). The frequency of MIH was more in molars compared to incisors (P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The MIH prevalence in this study was 12.4 percent. According to the MIH severity, degree 2 was the most frequently detected (76.4 percent).

Pain Management Associated with Posttraumatic Unilateral Temporomandibular Joint Anterior Disc Displacement: A Case Report and Literature Review.

The aim of the present article is to review the etiological risk factors and the general and oral management of anterior disc displacement with reduction caused by a chin trauma, and to describe the diagnostic process and the treatment provided to an affected 7-year-old girl. The patient also experienced frequent and severe cephaleas, which may be related to cervical vertebrae deviation. The patient was successfully treated with an intraoral occlusal splint and analgesics. Pediatric dentists must always be aware of the early signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders in their patients, especially in cases of orofacial trauma history, with the aim of providing an opportune resolution and preventing its progression later in life. Occlusal splints are strongly recommended for the treatment of anterior disc displacement with reduction in children and adolescents.

Dental Management of a Young Child Affected by Galactosialidosis and a Gigantic Abdominal Growth.

Galactosialidosis (GS) is a rare form of lysosomal storage disease that involves a broad spectrum of skeletal and soft tissue abnormalities. We report here on a 4-year 7-month-old boy with mild mental retardation, exhibiting multiple caries cavities and associated infectious foci and macroglossia. A huge abdominal enlargement due to peritoneal ascites was evident. Behavioral management and patient positioning on the dental chair represented a true challenge. The patient was treated under general anesthesia. However, life-threatening postoperative complications occurred because of the impossibility of extubating the patient. A very careful preanesthetic assessment is crucial in children affected by general conditions associated with airway anomalies, such as GS.

Management of the Amniotic Band Syndrome with Cleft Palate: Literature Review and Report of a Case.

Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) is a group of congenital malformations that includes the majority of typical constriction rings and limb and digital amputations, together with major craniofacial, thoracic, and abdominal malformations. The syndrome is caused by early rupture of the amniotic sac. Some of the main oral manifestations include micrognathia, hyperdontia, and cleft lip with or without cleft palate, which is present in 14.6% of patients with this syndrome. The purpose of this report was to describe the clinical characteristics and the oral treatment provided to a 6-month-old male patient affected with ABS with cleft lip and palate.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis: Current concepts in dentistry and case report.

UNLABELLED: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), which is a rare granulomatous pediatric disease of unknown etiology, is characterized by the idiopathic proliferation and accumulation of abnormal and clonal Langerhans cells or their marrow precursors, resulting in localized, solitary or multiple destructive lesions. These lesions are most commonly eosinophilic granuloma, which are found in craniofacial bone structures such as the skull and mandible, skin and other organs. In children, the disease has a variable initial presentation, and the clinical course, prognosis and survival are unpredictable. The aims of this report were to present an LCH case in a girl aged 2 years, 8 months and her clinicopathological features, to describe the bucodental management provided, and to discuss special dental considerations of this disease. KEY WORDS: Children, dental management, histiocytosis, Langerhans cells.

Clinical Management of Intra-Pulp Canal Broken Endodontic Files in Primary Teeth: Literature Review / Manejo clínico de las limas endodónticas fracturadas dentro del conducto pulpar en dientes primarios: Revisión de la literatura

ABSTRACT: Fracture of an endodontic file inside a primary root canal is a rare but critical complication during the pulpectomy treatment, because the mechanical obstruction impedes the optimal cleaning and obturation of the pulp canal, compromising seriously the clinical outcome. This accidental event is mainly associated with over-use and excessive torque of intracanal files. Most clinicians opt to proceed with the extraction of the affected tooth followed by a space maintainer placement. Other practitioners attempt the non-surgical retrieval of the separated fragment through available proven techniques in permanent teeth; however, these methods may involve significant damage to the tooth and surround tissues. On the other hand, preservation of the metallic fragment might affect the treatment prognosis and interfere with the physiological root resorption.

RESUMEN: La fractura de una lima endodóntica dentro de un conducto radicular primario es una complicación rara aunque critica durante el tratamiento de pulpectomía, debido a que la obstrucción mecánica impide la limpieza y obturación óptimas del conducto pulpar, comprometiendo seriamente el resultado clínico. Este evento accidental está principalmente asociado con el sobreuso y torque excesivo de las limas dentro del conducto. La mayoría de los clínicos optan por realizar la extracción del diente afectado, seguido por la colocación de un mantenedor de espacio. Otros practicantes intentan la remoción no quirúrgica del fragmento separado a través de técnicas disponibles probadas en dientes permanentes; sin embargo, estos métodos pueden causar daños significativos al diente y tejidos circundantes. Por otra parte, la preservación del fragmento metálico puede afectar el pronóstico del tratamiento e interferir con el proceso de reabsorción radicular fisiológico.

Dental Considerations in Children with Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (Favism): A Review of the Literature and Case Report.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an uncommon inherited enzyme deficiency characterized by hemolytic anemia, caused by the inability of erythrocytes to detoxify oxidizing agents such as drugs, infectious diseases, or fava bean ingestion. In this later case, the disorder is known as favism. The aim of the present report was to present a review of the literature in this disease, to describe a case report concerning an affected 9-year-old male, and to review the main implications and precautions in pediatric dental management.

Dentist attitudes and responsibilities concerning child sexual abuse. A review and a case report.

According to the World Health Organization, child abuse and neglect is "every kind of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, commercial or other exploitation resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power". The aim of the present report is to inform about the most relevant aspects of child abuse and the characteristics of injuries to the head, neck, and orofacial regions, in addition to the suggested role of, and management by, the dentist for the evaluation of this condition, and also for reporting a case of a physically and sexually abused girl aged 5 years 8 months. Throughout the appointments, some type of abuse in this patient was suspected by the treating dentists at the clinic, mainly due to the initial behavior exhibited by the patient in the dental chair. Based on the clinical diagnostic an intensive preventive plan and restorative treatment was realized. The timely detection of the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, often present in the orofacial region, place the pediatric dentist in a strategic situation, with the capacity to recognize, register, and later report those cases considered as suspect, including the dental treatment delivered and the intensive behavioral-psychological management, in order to achieve acceptation by the otherwise very anxious patient of the indicated restorative and preventive dental procedures. Key words:Child abuse, dentistry, behavior management.