Socio-behavioural determinants associated with the first dental visit in Saudi children: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUD: Oral health is an integral component of overall well-being, understanding the age at which children have their first dental visit (FDV) and the socio-behavioural factors influencing these visits is essential for improving oral health outcomes in children. AIM: This study aimed to determine the age at which Saudi children had their FDV and the socio-behavioural predictors associated with these visits in Al Jouf Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study used a multistage stratified random sampling technique to invite 566 parents/guardians of schoolchildren aged 12 years or younger. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify socio-behavioural variables that predict children's FDV. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Most FDVs in children occurred between the ages of 6 and 10 years. More than half of the participants stated that FDVs occurred primarily because of dental pain. Furthermore, educated mothers reported a higher frequency of dental visits for their children. Children with a low family income were 63% (95% confidence interval 0.16-0.83; p = .015) less likely to visit a dentist between the ages of 1 and 5 years. CONCLUSION: First dental visits in children in Al Jouf Province typically occurred between the ages of 6 and 10 years, with dental pain being the main reason. Parents' or caregiver's relationships with children, parental age and familial income were identified as predictors of the FDV.

The Effect of Accentuation of Curve of Spee on Masticatory Efficiency-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The appropriate alignment of the lower teeth is indicated by the Curve of Spee (COS), which can be observed in the sagittal profile view of human skulls. Graf Von Spee made the initial observation on this occlusal curvature. Through this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated studies that looked at how COS affected masticatory activities. METHODS: The databases PubMed-MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus were all searched. A total of 12 documents were ultimately picked because they met the necessary inclusion and exclusion requirements. The data was then loaded into the RevMan 5 programme for meta-analysis after being chosen for information on the sample size, variables analyzed, and various aspects of the research. RESULTS: The Curve of Spee was found to have a noticeable impact on both the masticatory efficiency as well as dentofacial alignment in the 12 studies that we selected for the review and meta-analysis. In addition, other occlusal curvatures such as the Curve of Monson and the Curve of Wilson were found to be of vital importance on a similar level to the COS. The meta-analysis further revealed that seven of the included clinical trials had mentioned the noticeable impact on masticatory efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: This study focused on the significance of the COS on force distribution in the oral cavity as well as the necessity of COS corrections after receiving full orthodontic care. Following orthodontic treatment, the COS, along with other occlusal curves such as the Curve of Wilson and the Curve of Monson, is essential in removing strains from the condyle, as well as the maxilla and mandible, which enhances masticatory effectiveness and lessens the overall strain on a patient's oral cavity.