Protective effect of various toothpastes and mouthwashes against erosive and abrasive challenge on eroded dentin: an in vitro study.

The study aimed to compare various toothpastes and mouthwashes on permanent tooth dentin after erosive and abrasive challenges. 130 sound premolars dentin were randomly submitted to an initial erosive challenge and a cycle of erosive and abrasive challenges for five days. The five experimental groups (n = 26) were: (1) Control group (artificial saliva), (2) Elmex erosion protection toothpaste and mouthwash, (3) Vitis anticaries biorepair toothpaste and mouthwash, (4) Oral B Pro-expert toothpaste and Oral B Fluorinse mouthwash, and (5) MI Paste ONE toothpaste and Caphosol mouthwash. Microhardness, surface roughness values, and the topographical characteristics of the dentin surface were assessed. The highest percentage of recovered dentin microhardness (%RDMH) value was observed in groups 2 and 4, followed by groups 5 and 3, respectively. The %RDMH values in groups 2 and 4 did not demonstrate a significant difference (p = 0.855). The highest percentage of improvement in surface roughness was recorded in groups 2 and 4, with no significant differences (p = 0.989). The atomic force microscopy (AFM) findings were consistent with the surface roughness data. The best recovery of dentin microhardness and roughness were measured with the Elmex and Oral B toothpaste and mouthwash, followed by MI Paste ONE toothpaste and Caphosol mouthwash and Vitis anticaries biorepair toothpaste and mouthwash.

Investigating the Effective Factors on the Acceptance of Teleorthodontic Technology Based on the Technology Acceptance Model 3 (TAM3).

Statement of the Problem: Health information technology is used in dentistry worldwide. Despite the limited specialized resources for providing orthodontic treatment in Iran, the need to examine the technology acceptance model (TAM) seems necessary and is a significant step in the successful acceptance of teleorthodontic technology. Purpose: The present study has identified and investigated the factors affecting the acceptance of teleorthodontic technology among orthodontists based on the TAM3 with the aim of successful implementation and deployment of this technology. Materials and Method: In this descriptive-analytical research, 300 Iranian orthodontists who were members of the Iranian Orthodontic Association were selected by census sampling. The data was gathered through a modified and accommodated questionnaire called the acceptance model 3. The validity was confirmed. Moreover, the reliability was calculated based on Cronbach's alpha, which was equal to 0.870. Multiple linear regression analysis was also utilized to investigate the relationships between dependent, independent, and mediator variables. Besides, the final model was designed by the Amos software. Results: The results of 251 orthodontic specialists proved that subjective norm, job relevance, output quality, results in demonstrability, and job relevance on output quality could significantly affect perceived usefulness. Similarly, the perception of external control was identified to have a significant influence on perceived ease of use. On the other hand, the perceived usefulness does not play a mediating role between perception and subjective norm. Furthermore, perceived usefulness was confirmed as a mediating factor in relationship to both perceived ease of use and behavioral intention. Conclusion: The findings of the present study revealed valuable scientific evidence to identify and apply the key factors affecting the acceptance and use of modern teleorthodontic technology in Iran. Besides, the structure of the TAM3 was recognized as fruitful and worthwhile for predicting the acceptance of this new technology and also in identifying key effective factors.

Effect of local anesthetics on renal function: An animal study in Iran.

Background: Although most of the metabolism of local anesthetics (LAs) takes place in the liver, no study has investigated the effect of these anesthetics on the kidney function of single-kidney humans or animals. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of LAs on renal function in single-kidney rats. Materials and Methods: The present experimental animal study with two control groups was done in an animal laboratory. Forty-two rats were randomly assigned to seven groups of six rats, including two control groups and five experimental groups. The experimental groups underwent intraperitoneal anesthesia with 2% lidocaine, 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine, 4% articaine, 3% prilocaine with 0.03 IU Felypressin, and 3% mepivacaine, respectively. Unilateral nephrectomy was done. After 24 h, the rats' blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Cr), and blood specific gravity (BSG) were measured. A standard dose of anesthetics was injected into the peritoneum for 4 days afterward. Then, these indices were measured again 24 h after the last injection. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS (version 21.0). One-way analysis of variance, Tukey's honestly significant difference post hoc, and paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results indicated significant differences among groups in the rats' BUN and serum Cr 24 h after nephrectomy (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in BUN, BSG, and Cr among groups after the interventions. Conclusion: LAs did not affect renal function in single-kidney rats. Therefore, dentists can use the anesthetics in single-kidney people.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and behavior related to children's oral health in pediatricians and students in the pediatric field in Iran: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Pediatricians have an important role to play in motivating and instructing parents on oral health in children. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of, attitude to, and behavior regarding oral health care in children among pediatricians and students in the pediatric field in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all students in the pediatric field (those who had started a residency or fellowship) and practicing pediatricians in provincial centers and universities (61 setting centers) throughout Iran in the course of 2021. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing details of the parameters of knowledge of, attitude to, and behavior toward oral health for each individual. A convenience sampling technique was used to gather the study sample. All data were coded for each of the parameters. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance)/Tukey and Pearson's correlation tests and path analysis. Results: Out of 582 participants who visited the website, a total of 217 completed the entire questionnaire (participation rate of 37.2%). On the attitude parameter, 84.8% of participants scored above 75% of the possible attainable score, while only 37.9% and 48.1% of them had adequate knowledge and behavior for the possible score, respectively. Specialists had a higher mean score on behavior and knowledge than residents (P=0.001). There was a significant correlation between the scores on attitude and behavior (r=0.42, P<0.001), attitude and knowledge (r=0.19, P=0.005), and behavior and knowledge (r=0.25, P<0.001). Nearly all of the participants, 216 (99.5%), felt the need for the principles of dentistry to be included in the curriculum. Conclusions: Pediatricians showed a favorable attitude to oral health, but their knowledge of and behavior in the field was inadequate. Improvement of pediatricians' interest and performance in oral health in children should be encouraged through the inclusion of these parameters in the curriculum for students of the pediatric field. Implementing training programs for practical pediatricians or incorporating independent theoretical and clinical courses offered by pediatric dentists in dental school departments into the field curriculum of the students in the pediatric field is recommended.

Oral health behaviours and cariogenic food consumption in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) contributes to functional impairments in the performance of personal tasks such as oral hygiene. This study aimed to compare oral health behaviours and consumption of cariogenic foods in children diagnosed with ADHD and healthy control peers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 60 children with ADHD aged 6 to 11 years made up the study group, and 60 peers of the same age, sex, and from the same school, without a history of ADHD, made up the control group. To compare the parent-reported behaviours between the 2 groups, conditional logistic regression was used to obtain matched pairs odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Children with ADHD were 0.4 times less likely than their non-ADHD peers to brush their teeth at least once a day (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18-0.91, p = 0.028). Moreover, compared to the control group, children with ADHD were 4.71 and 9.67 times more likely to consume cariogenic foods (95% CI: 2.08-10.66, p < 0.001) and drinks (95% CI: 2.94-31.73, p < 0.001), respectively, at least thrice a day. Conclusion: In comparison to their non-ADHD peers, children diagnosed with ADHD were less likely to brush their teeth and simultaneously more likely to consume both cariogenic foods and drinks.

Introduction: Le trouble déficitaire de l'attention avec hyperactivité (TDAH) contribue aux déficiences fonctionnelles dans l'exécution de tâches personnelles comme l'hygiène buccale. Cette étude visait à comparer les comportements en matière de santé buccodentaire et la consommation d'aliments cariogènes chez les enfants ayant reçu un diagnostic de TDAH et chez des enfants témoins en bonne santé. Méthodes: Dans cette étude transversale, 60 enfants ayant un TDAH, âgés de 6 à 11 ans formaient le groupe d'étude, et 60 enfants du même âge, du même sexe et de la même école, sans antécédents de TDAH, formaient le groupe témoin. Pour comparer les comportements déclarés par les parents entre les 2 groupes, on a utilisé des modèles de régression logistique conditionnelle pour calculer le rapport des cotes (RC) par paires appariées avec des intervalles de confiance (IC) de 95 %. Résultats: Les enfants atteints de TDAH étaient 0,4 fois moins susceptibles que leurs pairs sans TDAH de se brosser les dents au moins une fois par jour (RC = 0,40, IC à 95 % : 0,18 à 0,91, p = 0,028). De plus, comparativement au groupe témoin, les enfants atteints de TDAH étaient 4,71 et 9,67 fois plus susceptibles de consommer des aliments (IC à 95 % : 2,08 à 10,66, p < 0,001) et des boissons cariogènes (IC à 95 % : 2,94 à 31,73, p < 0,001), respectivement, au moins trois fois par jour. Conclusion: Comparativement à leurs pairs sans TDAH, les enfants souffrant de TDAH étaient moins susceptibles de se brosser les dents et simultanément plus susceptibles de consommer à la fois des aliments et des boissons cariogènes.

The psychological toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental care providers in Iran: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background/Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic affects social and psychological resources. Healthcare workers, especially dental personnel, are more at risk for mental issues due to anxiety, pressure, and frustration. This study assessed mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 epidemic among Iranian dental care providers, focusing on insomnia, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: In this multicenter cross-sectional survey, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Global Psychotrauma Screening were masured. Six hundred thirty-eight dental care providers (dental specialists, general dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental students) from different parts of Iran (Tehran, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Mashhad) were investigated by the stratified sampling method. The univariate analysis was incorporated as independent in binary logistic regression models to analyze the data. In this study, the significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Among all the participants, 42.8% were dental students or residents, 21.9% were general or specialist dentists, 18.7% were dental assistants, and 16.6% were nonclinicians. The prevalence of insomnia, anxiety, and depression was 31.3%, 40.8%, and 54.9%, respectively. The frequency of participants in the low, moderate, and high levels of PTSD resulting from LCA 56.6%, 33.7%, and 9.7%, respectively. Conclusions: This study found a significant frequency of mental health issues among Iranian dentists. Females, participants whose relatives have COVID-19, and those with a higher workload were more likely to develop mental health symptoms. As mental problems among dental professionals might affect the quality of patient care, diagnostic, supportive, and therapeutic interventions should be taken.

Prevalence and Correlates of Food Addiction in Bariatric Surgery Candidates and Its Effect on Bariatric Surgery Outcome: A Prospective Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Studies have shown a high prevalence of food addiction (FA) in bariatric surgery candidates. This study examines prevalence of FA prior to and one year after bariatric surgery and the determinants of preoperative FA. Additionally, this study investigates how preoperative variables affect excess weight loss (EWL) one year after bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study included 102 patients at an obesity surgery clinic. Self-report measures, including demographic characteristics, the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) were used two weeks before and one year after surgery. RESULTS: The FA prevalence among bariatric surgery candidates decreased from 43.6% before surgery to 9.7% one year after surgery. Among independent variables, female gender and anxiety symptoms were associated with FA (OR = 4.20, 95% CI: 1.35-24.16, p = 0.028 and OR = 5.29, 95% CI: 1.49-18.81, p = 0.010, respectively). Only gender had a significant association with %EWL after surgery (p = 0.022); females had a higher mean %EWL than males. CONCLUSION: FA is common among candidates for bariatric surgery, especially in women and participants with anxiety symptoms. The prevalence of FA, emotional eating, and external eating decreased after bariatric surgery.

Remineralization effects of self-assembling peptide P11 -4 associated with three materials on early enamel carious lesions: An in vitro study.

The aim of this study was to assess the remineralization of enamel caries lesions using the self-assembling peptide P11 -4 associated with different materials. Artificial early enamel lesions were prepared on 154 primary teeth. The samples were randomly divided into eight groups: (1) control, (2) P11 -4, (3) fluoridate toothpaste (FT), (4) P11 -4 + FT, (5) casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), (6) P11 -4 + CPP-ACP, (7) fluoridate bioactive glass toothpaste (BT), and (8) P11 -4 + BT. The surface enamel microhardness (EMH) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) of the teeth were then measured at the baseline, after demineralization, and after 28 days of remineralization. The enamel surfaces were assessed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p < .05). EMH after demineralization was significantly lower than the baseline value (p < .001). The interventions led to an enhanced percentage of EMH recovery (%REMH), which was higher in Groups 6 and 7. There was no significant difference between Groups 3 and 4. Groups 1 and 2 had the lowest %REMH. The mean calcium/phosphate weight percentage ratio of P11 -4 was significantly lower than the others (p < .001). The FESEM and AFM images revealed mineral deposition on the eroded enamel and reductions in surface roughness in Groups 5 and 7.

The impact of age mimicry bias on the accuracy of methods for age estimation based on Kvaal's pulp/tooth ratios: a bootstrap study.

INTRODUCTION: Methods based on pulp/tooth ratios proposed by Kvaal et al. (1995) have been widely used for age estimation in adults. The tendency of age estimates to mimic the age structure of the reference population, i.e. age mimicry bias, is a possible source of controversy in the results of studies. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of age mimicry bias on the accuracy of the original Kvaal's method and its recent modification proposed by Roh et al. (2018). METHOD AND MATERIAL: The study sample comprised 240 cone-beam computed tomography scans of an Iranian population. The bootstrap procedure was used to study the impact of age mimicry bias on age estimates by constructing reference populations with different age structures. The accuracy of Kvaal's and Roh's variables for age estimation was assessed using a twofold cross-validation technique and principal component analysis. RESULTS: The application of original equations resulted in SEE values highly greater than the acceptable threshold for forensic purposes (10 years). The population-specific equations obtained SEE values of 9.18, 11.03, and 9.22 years using Kvaal's variables and 9.19, 11.13, and 9.14 years using Roh's variable for the maxillary, mandibular, and all teeth, respectively. The bootstrap procedure revealed that using uneven reference populations to formulate the equation resulted in significantly greater SEEs (almost all >10 years) that were not acceptable for forensic purposes. Moreover, using an older (a younger) reference population contributed to a sharp rise in the amount of over- (under-) estimation for younger (older) age groups. CONCLUSION: Age mimicry bias had an undesirable impact on the accuracy of dental age estimation based on Kvaal's and Roh's methods. The accuracy of the original equations was low for age estimation in the Iranian sample. However, the performance of the population-specific equations was reasonably acceptable for the maxillary and all six teeth.

The Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Persian Version of Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (P-DDQ).

Statement of the Problem: It seems essential to detect toothache in children through a validated instrument. Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (DDQ) could specifically detect the behaviors that indicate toothache through parental reports. Purpose: Current study aimed to conduct a cross-cultural adaptation process and test the validity and reliability of the Persian version of DDQ (P-DDQ). Materials and Method: In this cross sectional study, 60 children aged 25 to 60 months and their parents who referred to the Pediatric Department of Shiraz Dental School were selected. Parents filled out the DDQ and one examiner recorded the dmft index. To adapt the DDQ questionnaire, conceptual and item equivalence, semantic equivalence and operational equivalence were performed. The dimensions of P-DDQ were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Test-retest reliability and internal consistency assessments were respectively carried out using weighted kappa coefficient (kw) and Cronbach's alpha. Moreover, the construct validity was evaluated through Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Kruskal-Wallis H and Dunn's post-hoc tests were applied for discriminant validity. Results: The cross-cultural adaptation of P-DDQ was conducted and minor necessary modifications were applied. Test-retest reliability showed moderate and high levels of agreement for DDQ items except for two items. An acceptable internal consistency was observed between DDQ items (Cronbach's alpha= 0.769). EFA showed that almost all 12 items of the questionnaire were included in three factors. Both construct and discriminant validities were established for P-DDQ. Conclusion: P-DDQ was cross-culturally well-adapted, validated, and reliable questionnaire applied with the purpose of detecting toothache among children in Iran.

The efficacy of administrating a sweet-tasting solution for reducing the pain related to dental injections in children: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Anaesthetic injections are an unpleasant experience for children in the dental office. Oral intake of sweet substances by newborns has been shown to be effective in reducing pain. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a prior administration of a sweet-tasting solution has an effect on dental injection pain. DESIGN: A total of 56 healthy children needing bilateral maxillary primary canine extraction were included in this split-mouth randomized clinical trial. In the test side, dental injection (local infiltration) was applied after the patient received a sweet-tasting solution, while in the control side sterile water was administered. The patients' demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), and sweet taste preference were recorded. Pain perception during injection was measured using visual analogue scale (VAS) and sound, eye, body movement (SEM). RESULTS: Mean VAS (28.30 ± 6.43) and SEM (2.14 ± 0.78) in the test side were lower than the control side (45.80 ± 7.17 and 2.95 ± 1.00). It was shown that higher BMI was associated with reduction in the analgesic effect, while the individual's tendency to sweetness increased pain reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Sweet taste administration before dental injections in children helps to control the associated pain. This effect is influenced by the individual's sweet taste tendency and BMI.

Ion release and recharge from a fissure sealant containing amorphous calcium phosphate.

To assess- the release of calcium and phosphate ions from a fissure sealant containing amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), and to determine the re-release capacity of these ions when charged with a solution containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). Nine blocks of ACP resin-based sealant were prepared and immersed in three solutions at different pH (4.0, 5.5, 7.0), and calcium and phosphate ion release was measured with ion chromatography at 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after immersion. Sixty days after immersion, each block was charged with CPP-ACP solution in three 7-day cycles to investigate the re-release of these ions, which was measured on days 1, 3, and 7. No difference was observed in initial calcium ion release at pH 4.0 and pH 5.5. At both values, ion release was significantly higher than at pH 7.0 (p<0.001). Initial phosphate release was significantly different among the three pH values (p<0.001). After re-charging the specimens, calcium ion re-release was greater than phosphate ion release. Initial ion release from ACP resin-based sealant was greatest at the lowest pH. Ion release decreased with time. As the number of recharge cycles increased, ion re-release also improved. Phosphate ion re-release required more recharge cycles than calcium ion re-release.

Association between Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Driving Behaviors among Iranian Motorcyclists.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) score and driving behaviors among motorcycle drivers in Iran. METHODS: This multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted on 1747 motorcyclists in three cities of Iran. We used a random sampling method in this study and gathered data using two standard questionnaires. Data were presented using descriptive statistics, also t-test, and ANOVA used for analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 27.41±8.80 years. ADHD scores of the participants ranged from 0 to 87, with a mean score 31±15.86. All risky driving behaviors (RDBs) were significantly associated with a higher mean of ADHD score. For example, driving with illegal speed (p<0.001), not wearing a crash helmet (p=0.016), driving while exhausting (p<0.001), talking with other passengers (p<0.001), being fined by the police in the past year (p=0.028), and maneuvering while driving (p<0.001) were related to a higher mean of ADHD score. CONCLUSION: All RDBs were significantly associated with the ADHD score among motorcyclists in Iran. In this regard, health care providers should inform people with ADHD about the negative consequences associated with driving and ADHD. Public health policymakers should consider management of ADHD through a comprehensive approach to improve driving performance and competencies among motorcyclists in order to decrease RDBs and traffic accidents.

Association of Lipid Profile with Type 2 Diabetes in First-Degree Relatives: A 14-Year Follow-Up Study in Iran.

PURPOSE: Dyslipidemia is claimed to be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with T2DM are reported to be at higher risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum lipid profile and T2DM incidence in FDRs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Information on 1222 T2DM FDRs during 14 years of follow-up was retrieved. All individuals were examined for diabetes status and dyslipidemia once a year. We used a Bayesian joint longitudinal-survival model to assess the association. RESULTS: Our data showed that a 10 mg/dL increase in triglycerides (TG), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol levels during the follow-up period was associated with an increased risk of diabetes by 5%, 29%, and 6.6%, respectively. Moreover, for every one-unit increase in the TG to HDL ratio, the T2DM incidence increased by 35%. Subgroup analysis also showed that the increased risk of diabetes was significant only in female FDRs, so that a 10 mg/dL increase in TG and VLDL cholesterol level and a one-unit increase in TG to HDL ratio in female FDRs resulted in an increased risk of diabetes by 7.8%, 46%, and 64%, respectively. However, analysis of HDL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), TC to HDL, and LDL to HDL cholesterol levels/ratios did not find any statistically significant associations. CONCLUSION: Increases in TG, VLDL, non-HDL cholesterol level, and TG to HDL ratio are associated with an increased risk of T2DM in FDRs, especially in female FDRs.

Effect of Acupuncture on Pregnancy-Related Insomnia and Melatonin: A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on sleep quality and overnight melatonin secretion, measured as urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, in pregnant women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized, parallel, single-blinded (participant), controlled trial was conducted on 72 pregnant women with insomnia. Study participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention, 10 sessions of acupuncture treatment over a 3-week period, or control group by block randomization (1:1). Patients in both groups were evaluated at baseline and post-treatment (third week) using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (as the primary outcome) and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin. RESULTS: Fifty-five of 72 participants completed the study. There was no statistically significant difference regarding PSQI score and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level between intervention and control groups at the baseline (P=0.169 and P=0.496). At the end of the study period, treatment with acupuncture significantly improved the PSQI score (P<0.001) with a large effect size of 3.7, as well as 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level (P=0.020) with a medium effect size of 0.6 as compared to the control group. No adverse effects were noted during acupuncture sessions and follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture was shown to significantly improve the sleep quality in pregnant women, possibly through increasing melatonin secretion, and could be recommended as a low-cost and low-risk alternative treatment to pharmacological therapies.

A Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Study of Alveolar Bone Morphology in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the bony support around the teeth adjacent to the unilateral cleft lip and palate (ULCLP) using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Cone-beam computed tomographies of 48 cleft-adjacent teeth (28 anterior and 20 posterior to the cleft) and 48 noncleft control teeth were evaluated. The alveolar bone thickness at 3 and 6 mm apical to the cement-enamel junction (CEJ), the distance between the alveolar crest and CEJ (Alv-CEJ), and the presence of fenestration were assessed in buccal, palatal, and proximal surfaces. RESULTS: The alveolar bone on the buccal and palatal sides of the teeth anterior to the cleft was significantly thinner than the noncleft teeth (all P < .05). The Alv-CEJ was significantly greater on the buccal and distal surfaces of the teeth anterior to the cleft (P < .001 and P = .010, respectively) and on the palatal and mesial surfaces of the teeth posterior to the cleft (P = .024 and P = .003, respectively) when compared to the noncleft teeth. The frequency of reduced alveolar bone height (>2 mm) was higher than noncleft side for buccal and distal sides of the teeth anterior to the cleft (P = .016 and .006, respectively) and the buccal and mesial sides of the teeth posterior to the cleft (P = .008 and <.001, respectively). The teeth anterior to the cleft had a higher prevalence of fenestration (P = .004). CONCLUSION: Reduced alveolar bone height is more common in the cleft side compared to the control side. The teeth anterior to the ULCLP have thinner alveolar bone support and higher frequency of fenestration.

Evaluation of Association between the Severity of Temporomandibular Disorders and Quality of Sleep in a Selected Iranian Population.

OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), as a prevalent condition, has been reported to be related to changes in sleep quality. This study aims to assess the association between TMD severities and sleep quality in a selected Iranian population by the application of the Helkimo index and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study comprised 50 non-TMD subjects and 150 TMD patients, which were equally selected from each TMD severity category. The study was conducted at the School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. The patients were first examined and categorized into four TMD severity groups according to the Helkimo index: Non-TMD, mild, moderate, and severe. Then, the patients completed the PSQI questionnaire, which was a standard version translated into Persian and adjusted for Iranian patients. RESULTS: Comparison of mean PSQI scores of the four groups revealed a significant difference (P<0.001). Pairwise comparisons showed that the severe, moderate, and mild TMD groups and the control received the highest to the lowest PSQI scores (12.26±2.35, 8.20±1.92, 6.88±1.89, and 5.28±1.32, respectively). Similarly, regression analysis indicated that by controlling the effect of demographic variables, the mean PSQI significantly increased as TMD severity increased. CONCLUSION: According to the results, all three categories of mild, moderate, and severe TMD patients showed poor quality of sleep in comparison with non-TMD controls. The higher the severity of the disease, the lower the sleep quality.

Relationship between Physicochemical Properties of Saliva and Dental Caries and Periodontal Status among Female Teachers Living in Central Iran.

OBJECTIVES: There are inconsistent data about the association between saliva properties, dental caries, and periodontal status. In this study, we tried to examine the association between dental caries and periodontal status with salivary viscosity, flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity in adults. METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study, 450 female teachers were randomly selected from schools located in Yazd, Iran. Oral examinations were conducted, and unstimulated saliva samples were collected. Salivary viscosity, flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were assessed. The salivary physicochemical properties were compared among teachers with different types of oral health. Analyses were done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16. RESULTS: In total, 431 female teachers aged 40.45 ± 8.18 years were included in the study. Salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, pH, and viscosity, community periodontal index status were not significantly different in participants with and without tooth caries. There was a reverse linear association between salivary pH and flow rate with the decayed, missed, and filled teeth index (P < 0.05). The saliva buffering capacity was not significantly related to dental properties. Those with bleeding on probing had lower salivary pH, and buffering capacity compared to those with healthy gum. However, the salivary resting flow rate was not different in participants with bleeding on probing and healthy participants. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, saliva properties might be important predictors in oral health status. This means that any change in saliva combination might affect periodontal and dental diseases. Future prospective studies are recommended to confirm these results.

A radio-odontometric analysis of sexual dimorphism in deciduous dentition.

OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that the level of sexual dimorphism in deciduous dentition is relatively lower than that in permanent dentition. However, in sub adult skeletal remains whose osseous morphological traits of the sex have not defined yet, predicting sex on the basis of odontometric features may be the most precise technique. The aim of the present study was to assess the degree of sexual dimorphism in marginal enamel, dentin and pulp dimensions of second molar deciduous teeth in a pediatric population. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The present study was conducted on bitewing radiographs of 64 males and 60 females. The greatest width of enamel, dentin and pulp on mandibular and maxillary second molar deciduous teeth were measured. Student's t-test and discriminant analysis were used to compare the differences in the odontometric parameters between females and males. RESULTS: Among the second molar measurements, only the maxillary pulp width did significantly discriminate the sex groups. The accuracy of sex identification of a case based on deciduous second molar tooth was approximately 68%. CONCLUSIONS: The application of second molar deciduous teeth in sex prediction showed moderate level of sexual dimorphism. In this respect, the maxillary pulp width had the greatest amount of contribution in sex discrimination. Therefore, these odontometric traits, in conjunction with other skeletal features, can be used as a supplementary sexing tool for gender prediction in forensic anthropology.

Comparison of Oral Health Education and Fluoride Varnish to Prevent Early Childhood Caries: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Early childhood caries, a serious health problem among young children, can be prevented with effective intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral health education and a fluoride varnish in the prevention of caries in children under the age of 3 years. For this single-blind randomized parallel group 1-year clinical trial in Shiraz, 300 children aged 12-24 months with sound primary teeth were selected and randomly divided into three groups (n = 100): (1) control: no preventive intervention; (2) oral health counseling, and (3) oral health counseling and fluoride varnish at baseline and 6 months later. At baseline and 4, 8 and 12 months after the intervention, caries risk reduction was recorded as the primary outcome. The mothers' knowledge and performance regarding oral health in children was used as a secondary outcome. A total of 260 children (mean age: 20.49 ± 7.33 months) completed the study. Compared to group 1, caries risk reduction in group 2 was 28% (95% CI: -39.05 to -17.45) and 31% in group 3 (95% CI: -41.88 to -21.73). However, there was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (95% CI: -8.58 to 1.47). In all groups, mothers' knowledge and performance at baseline were low; however, they increased significantly in follow-up appointments in groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.001). Oral health education increased mothers' knowledge and performance regarding oral health in children. Oral health counseling alone or associated with the use of fluoride varnish reduced the caries incidence in young children.