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.

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.

Effect of tricalcium silicate cements in gene expression of COL1A1, MAPK's, and NF-kB, and cell adhesion in primary teeth' pulp fibroblasts.

Tricalcium silicate cements (TSCs) regulate gene expression and cell responses from dental tissues surrounding the repair site. The study aimed to evaluate the gene expression levels of Collagen Type I Alpha 1 Chain (COL1A1), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK's), Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB), cell adhesion, and morphology of human dental pulp fibroblasts (hDPFs) from primary teeth treated with eluates obtained from Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine. hDPFs were treated with eluates from Biodentine and MTA (2.5 mg/mL in culture medium). The control group was a culture without the eluates. Gene expressions of COL1A1, MAPK's, and NF-κB were evaluated using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and cell adhesion by immunocytochemistry for Vinculin and Integrin ß1 expression. Gene expression of MAPK's and NF-κB in hDPFs with the eluates from MTA and Biodentine showed no significant difference versus the control group (p > 0.05), but COL1A1 exhibited a significant difference (p < 0.05). The expression of COL1A1, MAPK's, and NF-κB was lower in cultures with MTA and Biodentine eluates regarding the control group, with no significant difference between MTA and Biodentine (p > 0.05). After 72 h of incubation, the hDPFs cultured with MTA and Biodentine eluates showed an elongated morphology; after 7 d, a loss or/and reduction of the cytoplasmic processes, and smaller nuclei were observed. Vinculin and Integrin ß1 were expressed in hDPFs treated with MTA and Biodentine eluates. MTA and Biodentine did not inhibit or generate a significant difference in the expression levels of COL1A1, MAPK's, and NF-κB in hDPFs.

Assessment of Pediatricians' Knowledge, Practices, and Attitudes on Oral Health/Care in Children in the Last Decade: A Systematic Scoping Review and Critical Reflection.

Pediatricians are primary health care professionals who supervise the growth and development and treat infants and children during the first years of life. Thus, they should possess knowledge regarding oral health care, to provide anticipatory guidance, as well as dental education to parents in order to make appropriate clinical decisions. For many years, several surveys have been performed worldwide to assess the pediatricians' knowledge, awareness, and experience regarding oral health care and prevention. This work aimed to scope the existing literature and summarize the most relevant evidence about knowledge, practices, and attitudes on oral health/care among pediatricians worldwide. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source were explored. Under a structured PCC question and eligibility criteria, for relevant clinical trials and observational studies, published during the last decade. Titles and abstracts were screened. Full-text articles were critically reviewed for bias risk and a data charting table was constructed. A total of 44 references were initially identified, and 37 titles remained for abstract screening after removing duplicates; then, 27 potential full-text articles were carefully reviewed. Finally, 25 relevant and most informative studies were included. The selected studies were conducted in India, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Paraguay, Europe, Australia, Qatar, Iran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Taiwan, Canada, and the USA. Through included surveys, researchers have reported different levels of knowledge, practice involvement, and attitude on children's oral health among pediatricians. In general, unsatisfactory knowledge of oral health was reported. The main impediments for a better professional involvement or practice include inappropriate education, poor auto-confidence, and lack of time. So, it has been suggested that some oral health training or clinical guidelines should be included in the current medical curricula.

Calcium hydroxide/iodoform nanoparticles as an intracanal filling medication: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro study using a bovine primary tooth model.

The aims of this in vitro study were to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the efficacy of a Calcium Hydroxide/Iodoform nanoparticles (CHIN) paste compared with Ultrapex as intracanal filling medication using an experimental model of bovine primary teeth. CH nanoparticle synthesis was performed via the simple hydrolysis technique of reacting calcium nitrate with sodium hydroxide. SEM-EDS and FT-IR analyses were used to characterize the obtained product. 30% of CH nanoparticles were combined with 40% of iodoform and 30% silicone oil to prepare an intracanal filling paste (CHIN). All endodontic procedures were performed on 34 uniradicular primary bovine teeth. Every root canal was instrumented with K files (up to #35) and obturated with the nanoparticle paste (experimental) or Ultrapex® (control). Three outcome variables were studied: penetration depth through the root dentinal tubules, Ca2+ ion release, and filling paste dissolution rate. The obtained data were analyzed by Student's t test. The X-ray diffraction pattern of CH nanoparticles showed characteristic peaks at CH, as confirmed by FT-IR analyses in which an intense signal was observed at 3643 cm-1, characteristic of CH. In the morphological characterization, CH particles could be detected at the nanosize scale. When applied as intracanal filling, the CHIN paste exhibited a higher level of penetration through the root dentin tubules. The global mean penetration measures were 500 µm for the experimental paste and 380 µm for the control paste (p < 0.05). The release of Ca2+ ions (up to the seventh day) and the dissolution rate were significantly higher in the experimental paste group than in the control group. No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding pH levels. The findings of this study suggest the potential suitability of CHI nanoparticles as an alternative intracanal filling medication for infected or devitalized primary teeth.

Lesion Sterilization Tissue Repair (LSTR) Approach Of Non-Vital Primary Molars With A Chloramphenicol-Tetracycline-ZOE Antibiotic Paste: A Scoping Review.

The study aimed to perform a systematic scoping review with the need of exploring the actual clinical applications of the chloramphenicol-tetracycline-ZOE antibiotic paste (CTZ) as a lesion sterilization tissue repair (LSTR) therapy agent. Following a scoping framework suggested by Arksey and O'Malley, relevant articles (randomized controlled trials, literature reviews, observational studies, in vitro studies, and clinical case-series reports) published over the last 15 years (in English, Spanish, or Portuguese languages) were identified and retrieved from five internet databases: PubMed, Embase/Ovid, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and EBSCO. By title and abstract screening and after removing duplicates, 11 articles were finally included in the present scoping review: five randomized/non-randomized clinical trials, five in vitro studies, and one case-series report. According to the collected information, there were no differences between CTZ paste and conventional pulpectomy, antibiotic pastes, and intracanal filling materials, considering the clinical, radiographic, antimicrobial activity, and periapical tissue biocompatibility outcomes. CTZ has shown excellent rates of clinical success and good radiographic results, with adequate antimicrobial effects; however, its biocompatibility has been put into doubt. Contemporary pediatric dentists should carefully consider the CTZ paste as an alternative endodontic approach for pulpally involved primary molars, with the advantages of being simple and fast, and taking into account the limitations of instrumental pulpectomy such as the microbiological and morphological complexity of primary root canals.

Outcomes of direct pulp capping in vital primary teeth with cariously and non-cariously exposed pulp: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical/radiographic outcomes from the evidence of studies published since 1988 on different DPC agents applied on vital pulp-exposed primary teeth. METHODS: The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Dentistry and Oral Science Source, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 1988 and December 2019, with at least 6 months of follow-up, comparing the clinical and radiographic success rates of two or more DPC agents applied in primary teeth with cariously and non-cariously exposed pulp. RESULTS: Initial searches identified 83 potentially relevant studies on DPC in primary teeth. Sixty-four of these studies were excluded, whereas 19 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria and were retrieved in full text for data extraction and a methodological quality assessment. Finally, 12 of these articles were included in the systematic review. Low and moderate risks of bias were observed. Overall, DPC clinical and radiographic success rates among the selected studies ranged between 53% and 100%. CONCLUSIONS: For DPC in primary teeth, this systematic review found that diverse new biologically and compatible agents with promising success rates are currently available for paediatric dentistry practitioners. There is no evidence that justifies discarding the judicious use of DPC procedures in primary teeth.

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.

Pain and Anxiety Levels Using Conventional versus Computer-Controlled Local Anesthetic Systems in Pediatric Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the pain/anxiety levels associated with the anesthetic process by conventional and computer-controlled delivery systems (CCDS) in children. Four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Dentistry & Oral Science Source/EBSCO) were comprehensively explored for eligible studies, in English or Spanish, published from January 1995 to December 2019. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA statement, including only randomized controlled clinical trials. An exhaustive search was performed in different electronic databases under a specific PICO-posed question. Relevant studies were selected based on titles and abstracts, and the full texts were retrieved. From these articles, important information was extracted. Wand demonstrated significantly lower pain than the conventional injection did. In the subgroup by pain scale analysis, the Facial Image Scale and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale showed a significant difference in favor of the CCDS. In general, the reviewed evidence shows that less perceived pain and anxiety occur when the local anesthetic technique is performed with a CCDS than with the traditional technique.

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.

Case Report in Clinical Pediatric Dentistry: How to Review, Organize and Prepare a Manuscript.

A case report is a useful type of publication to describe information on unusual clinical diseases or syndromes, new management techniques, potential risk factors/oral disease associations, and uncommon side effects or responses to traditional dental treatments. In the practice of Dentistry and Medicine, the publication of case reports has the purpose of sharing new clinical experiences and knowledge with interested colleagues. Case reports in the field of Evidence-Based Pediatric Dentistry convey unique contributions to the clinical practice and help improve the process of clinical decision making in the form of a brief written communication. Additionally, case reports are potential resources of new hypotheses for more complex methodological designs in clinical research studies and are one of the best ways to get started in scholarly writing. The purposes of the present report were to comment on the role, relevance, and main limitations of case reports in Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, to describe the reasons for writing a case report and some recommendations for critically reviewing a published case report, and finally, to provide the fundamentals of preparing a case report, and finally, to provide the fundamentals of preparing a case report manuscript in a structured manner.

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).

White Spot Lesion Remineralisation Agents in Primary Teeth: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review of articles related to the clinical efficacy of topical fluoride varnishes/gels, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), and other remineralisation agents of white spot lesions (WSL) in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic and manual searches were conducted through diverse electronic databases. The search was limited to randomised, clinical, controlled trials, and quasi-experimental papers in full-text version. Suitable individual studies were evaluated through a previously reported quality system, their data extracted and carefully analysed. RESULTS: The search identified 298 citations, and 95 were chosen and reviewed in full text. Nine relevant citations met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. Pair comparisons were made between fluoride varnishes, CPP-ACP, dental lasers, and control interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians are encouraged to discuss more high-quality studies in order to provide sufficient evidence and to confirm the clinical utility of remineralisation agents of WSL in primary teeth.

Bioethical Issues in Conducting Pediatric Dentistry Clinical Research.

Pediatric clinical research on new drugs and biomaterials involves children in order to create valid and generalizable knowledge. Research on vulnerable populations, such as children, is necessary but only admissible when researchers strictly follow methodological and ethical standards, together with the respect to human rights; and very especially when the investigation cannot be conducted with other population or when the potential benefits are specifically for that age group. Clinical research in Pediatric Dentistry is not an exception. The aim of the present article was to provide the bioethical principles (with respect to the child/parents' autonomy, benefit/risk analysis, and distributive justice), and recommendations, including informed consent, research ethics committees, conflict of interest, and the "equipoise" concept. Current and future worldwide oral health research in children and adolescents must be conducted incorporating their perspectives in the decision-making process as completely as possible. This concept must be carefully considered when a dental clinical study research is going to be planned and conducted, especially in the case of randomized controlled trials, in which children will be recruited as participants.

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.

Sustained release of calcium hydroxide from poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) acid microspheres for apexification.

Calcium hydroxide (CH) loaded poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA) microspheres (MS) might be used for apexification requiring a sustained release of Ca(2+). The aim of this study was to formulate and characterize CH-PLGA-MS. The CH-loaded MS were prepared by either oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil/in-water (W/O/W) emulsion solvent evaporation technique. MS produced by the O/W technique exhibited a larger diameter (18.63 ± 7.23 µm) than the MS produced by the W/O/W technique (15.25 ± 7.37 µm) (Mann-Whitney U test P < 0.001). The CH encapsulation efficiency (E e) and Ca(2+) release were calculated from data obtained by absorption techniques. Ca(2+) release profile was evaluated for 30 days. To know the E e, the CH-loaded MS were dissolved in 1 M NaOH to release all its content and a Ca(2+) colorimetric marker was added to this solution. The reagent marked the Ca(2+) in blue color, which was then measured by a UV-Vis system (650 nm). The percentage of E e was calculated on the basis of the theoretical loading. The E e of the O/W-produced MS was higher (24 %) than the corresponding percentage of the W/O/W-produced MS (11 %). O/W- and W/O/W-produced MS released slower and lower Ca(2+) than a control CH paste with polyethylene glycol 400 (Kruskal-Wallis test). O/W-produced MS released higher Ca(2+) than W/O/W-produced MS (statistically significant differences; P < 0.05). In conclusion, the CH-PLGA-MS were successfully formulated; the technique of formulation influenced the size, encapsulation efficiency and release profile. The MS were better sustained release system than the CH paste.

Intracanal irrigants for pulpectomy in primary teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the findings on the clinical efficacy of intracanal irrigants employed during pulpectomy of primary teeth. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in electronic databases and peer-reviewed paediatric dentistry journals to find relevant studies. Titles, abstracts, and full-text papers were located, screened, and assessed independently by two reviewers, and a meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: The search identified a total of 775 records; 46 were selected and reviewed in full text. After screening, seven studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. Three studies compared the 2% chlorhexidine and saline solutions, but no analysis could be performed because of the heterogeneity between these; two of the studies reported non-comparative methodologies and results when compared, and were not analysed. Finally, two studies compared a mixture of tetracycline isomer, an acid, and a detergent (MTDA) or oxidative potential water (OPW) to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), without showing significant heterogeneity; therefore, their combined outcomes were included. Both fixed and random mixed models resulted in a non-significant weighted mean difference between treatments, according to a forest plot. CONCLUSIONS: More studies are required with adequate quality, as well as a full-result report, including summary measurements of both response variables and effect size, to determine the most effective irrigant agents for use in pulpectomies.

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.

Severe congenital hypoglossia: a case report.

Hypoglossia is referred to a small volume and/or size of the tongue. It is a rare congenital condition caused by failed embryogenesis of the lateral lingual swellings and tuberculum impar during the fourth to eighth weeks of gestation. The anomaly has often occurred in association with limb abnormalities and various syndromes, and it affects facial and mandibular growth. The present report describes a case of severe congenital hypoglossia in a female infant, her systemic and dentofacial features, and the initial management.