Prevalence of caries among preschool-aged children in a central Anatolian population.

OBJECTIVE: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a particularly destructive form of tooth decay that afflicts young children. The etiology and associated factors of ECC should be studied adequately to overcome this health hazard. The aim of this study was to determine caries prevalence and its consequences in toddlers in an Anatolian city, Kirikkale. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Examinations were performed in family medicine centers by three calibrated dentists during a period of 6 months. The status of dental caries was recorded according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. We recorded the clinical indexes of decayed, missed, and filled teeth (DMFT and dmft; upper-case letters refer to permanent and lower-case letters to primary teeth), and decayed, missed, and filled surfaces (DMFS). RESULTS: Totally 3171 toddlers were included (52% males and 48% females). The mean age was 25.8 ± 10.1 months. The prevalence of ECC in preschool children was 17.3%, while the mean df(t) was 0.63 ± 1.79. ECC increased significantly with age. Dental caries were mostly observed in primary maxillary central teeth. Occlusal and buccal surfaces were the most affected sites. The difference in distribution of caries between maxilla and mandibula was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When compared to other data obtained from various epidemiologic studies, the toddlers living in Kirikkale city center had a significant caries level. This observation had clearly suggested that early preventive measures should urgently be put into effect all over the city.

One-year clinical evaluation of Quixfil and Gradia Direct composite restorative materials in posterior teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the 12 month clinical performances of two different posterior composites in Class I and Class II restorations. METHODS: Class I and class II cavities of 62 patients, 74 Quixfil (Dentsply/ Xeno V) and 68 Gradia Direct (GC America/G bond) composite restorations were placed by two dentists. Only small and medium-sized cavities were included in the study. Independent evaluations were performed at baseline (one week), after three months, six months, and one year, by one trained examiner using the modified U.S. Public Health Service rating criteria. Color match, marginal integrity, anatomical form, surface roughness, marginal or interfacial staining, postoperative sensitivity, and secondary caries were evaluated. RESULTS: Both restorative materials showed only minor changes, and no differences were detected between their performance at baseline and after 12 months. Postoperative sensitivity was observed in only one Quixfil restoration. In regard to the clinical performance, there was no statistically significant difference between the materials used. CONCLUSIONS: Both materials showed good clinical results with dominant alpha scores at the end of 12 months.