Body mass index, oral health status and OHRQoL among special health care needs children and parenting stress: a case-control study in Southern Saudi Arabia.

The appropriateness for determining Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of special children by their caregivers must be thoroughly assessed. The present study was conducted to assess the Oral health related quality of life of children with disability and the stress levels of their parents. Moreover, the study also evaluated the plaque, DMFT (Decayed, missing, filled teeth) and BMI (Body Mass Index) of disabled children (cases) and healthy children (controls). The present case-control study was carried out on 150 parents of disabled children and 30 parents of healthy children (control group) at King Khalid University, Abha, KSA. The Arabic version of the 36-item parenting stress index-short format (PSI-SF) instrument was used for the assessment of parental stress, and the WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version) Arabic version questionnaire was used for the assessment of quality of life of children. The parents or the caregivers who would be mainly occupied in assisting and rendering care to their children with different disabilities (certified by a pediatrician, aged between 4-14 years), were included in the study. Data were analyzed using statistical software. The total mean value score of the PSI scale of parents of cases was statistically found to be significantly higher compared to the mean scores among parents of controls (p = 0.004). The correlation between BMI and plaque & BMI and DMFT+df of cases indicated no statistically significant correlation while a statistically significant correlation between plaque and DMFT+df values in cases was observed. The mean score of the social relationship domain was statistically significantly different across the four levels of parents' educational status. The severity of dental caries, plaque accumulation and education-level of caregivers had a significant impact on the OHRQoL, however, BMI did not show a significant relation with DMFT and plaque scores. The parenting stress was found to be statistically higher among the parents of cases compared to the parents of controls.

Correlation between head circumference and mesio-distal width of the maxillary central incisor: a cross sectional study among three different population groups.

The size and shape of a tooth vary between individuals of different ethnic groups and genders because of the influence of different genetic factors. The information regarding the different anatomical factors using maxillary anterior teeth is very scanty. Thus to give more clarity, a study was planned to assess the correlation between head circumference and tooth-mesiodistal width among children of different ethnic origins.The study was carried out on 210 children aged 7 to 12 years in schools at Abha, Saudi Arabia.The mesiodistal (MD) width of the central incisor was measured using a digital vernier caliper. A Meter tape ruler was used to measure the Head/Cephalic dimensions. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using IBM SPSS 20.0, and the results were analyzed. It was found that mean MD tooth width and head circumference were maximum in Saudi children, followed by South Asian and Arab/African, with an insignificant statistical difference (p-value > 0.05). Correlation between MD dimensions of maxillary central incisor with head circumference was statistically significant (p-value < 0.05) among Saudi and South Asian populations, whereas statistically insignificant (p-value > 0.05) difference between Saudi and Arab/African populations. It was concluded that there exist the ethnic differences between tooth-mesiodistal width and head circumference dimensions of children. A positive correlation between head circumference and mesiodistal width of the central incisor was determined.

Efficacy of self-designed intraoral appliances in prevention of cheek, lip and tongue bite after local anesthesia administration in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of self-inflicted soft tissue injuries following administration of local anesthesia in pediatric patients who have received dental treatment has been reported. Aim: To evaluate the attitudes and knowledge regarding cheek, lip, and tongue bite post administration of local anesthesia among dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the efficacies of three types of intraoral appliances on the prevention of self-harm were evaluated in pediatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 301 practitioners were provided with a questionnaire consisting of 9 items. In addition, three types of intraoral appliances made of polyethylene terephthalate were designed as follows: design 1 (consisted of an anterior extension with numerous perforations); design 2 (had a buccal flap extension); and design 3 (comprised of serrated borders). The appliances were placed in the oral cavities of 45 children (age, 3-15 years) immediately after the completion of the dental procedure. The patient was asked to retain the appliance for 3 h. After 24 h, both parents and children were required to respond to a checklist to evaluate the effectiveness the appliances. RESULTS: Almost half of the dental practitioners had never encountered self-inflicted soft tissue injury in children after local anesthesia administration. About 60% of the dentists were of the opinion that provision of adequate instructions after treatment could prevent the occurrence of lip, cheek, and tongue biting. Furthermore, among the three appliances used, design 1 was most well accepted. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoral appliances used in this study may be considered for use to prevent self-inflicted soft tissue trauma in children following administration of local anesthesia. Key words:Cheek biting, lip biting, intraoral appliance, local anesthesia.