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.

Do nanofillers provide better physicomechanical properties to resin-based pit and fissure sealants? A systematic review.

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the impact of nanofillers on the physicomechanical properties of resin-based pit and fissure sealants (RBS). This review included in vitro studies with full-length English-language articles reporting on the physicomechanical properties of nanofilled RBS until February 2023. PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and LILACS databases were accessed for literature searches. The review was formulated based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and used the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines and risk of bias Cochrane tool for quality assessment. The search resulted in 539 papers, of which 22 were eligible to be included in the review. Inorganic, polymeric, core-shell, and composite nanomaterials were used to reinforce the studied RBS. The inherent nature of the nanomaterial used, its morphology, concentration, and volume used were the primary parameters that determined the nanomaterial's success as a filler in RBS. These parameters also influenced their interaction with the resin matrix, which influenced the final physicomechanical properties of RBS. The use of nanofillers that were non-agglomerated and well dispersed in the resin matrix enhanced the physicomechanical properties of RBS.

Structural Changes in Primary Teeth of Diabetic Children: Composition and Ultrastructure Analysis.

Diabetes affects the developing enamel by altering the mineralization process, which can have a detrimental effect on oral health. The objectives of this study were to examine the ultrastructure and composition of surface enamel in primary teeth of diabetic children and its clinical implications. Hundred extracted primary teeth from diabetic children (Test group: n = 50) and healthy children (Control group: n = 50), between 6 and 12 years of age, were subjected to scanning electron microscopy to qualitatively examine the enamel surface. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis was performed to investigate the mass percentage of calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) in the surface enamel. Ultrastructural aberrations of surface enamel were observed in the test group teeth. Additionally, prism perforations were seen at the junction of rod and inter-rod enamel and the prisms were loosely packed. An even aprismatic layer of surface enamel was evident in the control group teeth. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) of Ca and P mass percentage between the test and control group teeth. The mean mass percentage rates of Ca and P were 33.75% and 16.76%, respectively. A poor surface characteristic and elemental composition of the enamel surface of primary teeth is observed in diabetic children. Therefore, appropriate caries preventive measures are mandatory to maintain the structural integrity of the tooth in these patients.

Detection of Dental Caries' and Dermatoglyphics' Association with Relative Enamel Thickness Using CBCT Images in Saudi Subpopulation: A Novel Approach.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is the localized destruction of dental hard tissues (enamel and dentine). Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index is the most commonly used dental caries index. Thickness of the outermost part of the tooth called the enamel is determined by the rate of deposition of enamel proteins. Relative enamel thickness (RET) gives a measure of enamel thickness with respect to dentine. Dental caries is influenced by a genetically determined factor called dermatoglyphics (DG). As the genes responsible for RET and DG lie on the same chromosome and develop during the same time of intrauterine life, it is biologically plausible to correlate RET and DG. AIMS: This study consists of two primary aims: (1) to assess RET using cone beam computed tomography images and correlate it with caries and (2) to correlate RET with DG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 148 dental subjects were assessed for DMFT caries score and were categorized as Group 1 with DMFT = 0 and Group 2 with DMFT ≥ 1. Following this, their DG pattern was recorded digitally. The CBCT images of these subjects were assessed for RET, and the data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Mean RET in our sample population is 18.45 (SD 3.79) while mean DMFT is 5.34 (SD 5.13). Mean RET in Group 1 subjects was 19.82 (SD 4.05) while that in the Group 2 was 17.68 (SD 3.43). RET and DMFT showed a statistically significant negative correlation (p = 0.007). The "Single Loop" DG characteristic showed a statistically significant difference between males and females (p = 0.031). The "Simple Arch" type of DG was positively correlated with RET. CONCLUSION: This is the first in vivo study to assess RET using CBCT images and correlate with DMFT and DG. RET is inversely related to DMFT while directly proportional to the "Simple arch" DG pattern. Males and females differed in their "Single Loop" DG characteristic.

COVID-19 and cardiovascular system-a comprehensive review.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a mystified cryptic virus has challenged the mankind that has brought life to a standstill. Catastrophic loss of life, perplexed healthcare system and the downfall of global economy are some of the outcomes of this pandemic. Humans are raging a war with an unknown enemy. Infections, irrespective of age and gender, and more so in comorbidities are escalating at an alarming rate. Cardiovascular diseases, are the leading cause of death globally with an estimate of 31% of deaths worldwide out of which nearly 85% are due to heart attacks and stroke. Theoretically and practically, researchers have observed that persons with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are comparatively more vulnerable to the COVID-19 infection. Moreover, they have studied the data between less severe and more severe cases, survivors and non survivors, intensive care unit (ICU) patients and non ICU patients, to analyse the relationship and the influence of COVID-19 on cardiovascular health of an individual, further the risk of susceptibility to submit to the virus. This review aims to provide a comprehensive particular on the possible effects, either direct or indirect, of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular heath of an individual.

High altitude as a possible factor for dysbiosis of salivary microbiome in orthodontic patients.

BACKGROUND: External stressors such as high altitude and low oxygen are known to affect the human microbiome, and in light of the increased occurrence of dental caries and periodontitis in orthodontic patients, the effect of high altitude and the altered oral environment in orthodontic patients on the oral salivary microbiome was researched. MATERIALS & METHODS: 31 orthodontic patients from high altitude, Aseer region and 25 orthodontic patients, residing at sea level, as controls were included. DNA isolation was done from the saliva collected from the study participants. V3 area of 16s RNA was targeted by universal primers through PCR to decipher the salivary microbiome in both the groups. RESULTS: A total of 11 genera belonging to 4 phyla of bacteria were identified in both groups. The most abundant microbiome at the phylum level was: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria. The salivary microbiome was more diverse in sea level controls compared to that of the orthodontic patients at high altitude wherein the presence of only two main phyla: Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were seen. The controls revealed Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study suggest that the biodiversity of the salivary microbiome is severely perturbed under the cumulative influences of high altitude and presence of fixed orthodontic appliance. Under these circumstances, a strict and meticulous oral hygiene regimen should be recommended and followed to avoid harmful effects on the periodontal tissues.

Salivary 1,5-Anhydroglucitol and Vitamin Levels in Relation to Caries Risk in Children.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between salivary 1,5-anhydroglucitol (AG), vitamins A (VA), C (VC), and E (VE), and caries risk in children. 100 healthy children aged between 6 and 13 years were divided into two equal groups of caries-free (DMFS/dmfs=0) and caries active (DMFS/dmfs>3). Unstimulated midmorning saliva was collected from all the children and the levels of salivary AG and vitamins A, C, and E were measured. Caries risk assessment was done using American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Caries Assessment Tool. Analysis of salivary AG and vitamins was performed using a commercially available ELISA kit. Low levels of AG were present in caries active and high caries risk groups compared to caries-free and low/medium caries risk groups. This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.05). A strong negative correlation between AG and caries activity was observed in the caries active group. VA was not related to caries activity, while VC and VE displayed a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05). Similarly, a strong negative correlation was observed between the levels of AG and high caries risk group. Salivary AG, VC, and VE together are related to caries risk in caries active children. These salivary parameters can act as indicator of caries status in children.

Age estimation by measurement of open apices in tooth roots: Study using Saudi Arabian samples.

The aim of this study was to verify Cameriere's regression formula to predict chronologic age in Saudi Population and if proven to be inaccurate, develop a new algorithm specific for Saudi children. A total of 788 Orthopantamographs(495 boys and 293 girls) were analyzed. The tooth measurement parameters were: number of teeth with closed apex (N0), open apex width (a), crown length (l), A/L ratio for each tooth (x1to x7) and summation of all open apex width (s). The radiographic measurements were substituted in the formula: Age = 8.971 + 0.375g + 1.631 x5 + 0.674 N0 - 1.034s-0.176s * N0 The mean dental age assessed by Cameriere's method was significantly lower than chronologic age in Saudi population and with both genders and total study population (p < 0.05). A stepwise linear regression showed all parameters gender, N0, x1 to x7 except x2significantly associated with age (R2 = 0.6334, F (6,779) = 168.28, p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between predicted and actual chronologic age for 788 children using regression equation for Saudi population (p = 1). Cameriere's formula verified in Saudi children was found to underestimate the chronologic age in both genders. A prediction formula based on Cameriere's method specific to Saudi children has been developed for estimating chronologic age. The new regression formula developed will be more accurate for age assessment in Saudi children.

Prevalence and distribution of selected dental anomalies among saudi children in Abha, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Dental anomalies are not an unusual finding in routine dental examination. The effect of dental anomalies can lead to functional, esthetic and occlusal problems. The Purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of selected developmental dental anomalies in Saudi children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was based on clinical examination and Panoramic radiographs of children who visited the Pediatric dentistry clinics at King Khalid University College of Dentistry, Saudi Arabia. These patients were examined for dental anomalies in size, shape, number, structure and position. Data collected were entered and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version. RESULTS: Of the 1252 children (638 Boys, 614 girls) examined, 318 subjects (25.39%) presented with selected dental anomalies. The distribution by gender was 175 boys (27.42%) and 143 girls (23.28%). On intergroup comparison, number anomalies was the most common anomaly with Hypodontia (9.7%) being the most common anomaly in Saudi children, followed by hyperdontia (3.5%). The Prevalence of size anomalies were Microdontia (2.6%) and Macrodontia (1.8%). The prevalence of Shape anomalies were Talon cusp (1.4%), Taurodontism (1.4%), Fusion (0.8%).The prevalence of Positional anomalies were Ectopic eruption (2.3%) and Rotation (0.4%). The prevalence of structural anomalies were Amelogenesis imperfecta (0.3%) Dentinogenesis imperfecta (0.1%). CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of children had dental anomaly with Hypodontia being the most common anomaly and Dentinogenesis imperfecta being the rare anomaly in the study. Early detection and management of these anomalies can avoid potential orthodontic and esthetic problems in a child. Key words:Dental anomalies, children, Saudi Arabia.