A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Caries in the Permanent Teeth of Children and Adolescents.

This systematic review critically evaluates the association between serum Vitamin D levels and dental caries incidence in the permanent teeth of children and adolescents. The search strategy comprised three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase), up to November 2023, targeting studies on the correlation between Vitamin D and dental caries in permanent dentition. The eligibility criteria focused on observational studies involving children and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years with permanent dentition. The screening process, guided by the PRISMA guidelines and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for quality assessment, resulted in the inclusion of eight studies conducted across various global regions from 2013 to 2023. The analysis revealed that Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were prevalent among the study populations, ranging from 17.3% to 69.4%. Specifically, children and adolescents with Vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L) were found to have significantly higher odds of developing caries, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 1.13 to 2.57. Conversely, two studies indicated a protective effect of higher Vitamin D levels, with an OR of 0.80 and 0.59, respectively, for caries among children and adolescents with serum levels ≥ 50 nmol/L, suggesting an inverse relationship between Vitamin D status and caries risk. The results indicate both the protective role of adequate serum levels of Vitamin D above 20 ng/mL and the increased risk associated with insufficient levels below this threshold. However, the variations in study quality, methodologies and geographic settings underscore the challenges in drawing universal conclusions. Despite these limitations, our review suggests that improving Vitamin D status could be a beneficial component of preventive strategies against dental caries in children and adolescents, warranting further research to clarify the clinical significance of our findings.

Clinical features of non-syndromic late developing supernumerary teeth: a sign of the third dentition?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to summarize the clinical features of non-syndromic late developing supernumerary teeth (LDST) and comparisons with common supernumerary teeth (ST) and explore the association between LDST and the third dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospected cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and medical history of 41,903 consecutive patients from January to December 2021. Comparisons between ST and LDST were evaluated by Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Correlation between chronological age and dental stage age was evaluated by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the features of LDST originating from the third dentition. RESULTS: Sixty patients with 126 non-syndromic LDST and 1602 patients with 1988 non-syndromic ST were identified. The prevalence of ST and LDST was 3.82% and 0.14%, respectively, with a male-female ratio of 1.78:1 and 1.31:1. LDST patients mainly had LDST in multiple (58.33%) and bilaterally (41.67%), with an average of 2.1/patient. Most LDST were normal-shaped (84.13%), vertically oriented (71.43%), located in the mandible (80.16%), and distributed in the premolar region (82.54%). The study also indicated that the development of LDST was correlated with permanent teeth, with LDST developing 6.48 to 10.45 years later. In this study, 72.22% of LDST met the clinical criteria for the third dentition. CONCLUSIONS: LDST manifested different clinical features from common ST. LDST might be closely related to the third dentition. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This work would help to comprehend LDST from a clinical perspective, and may be complementary to the criteria of the third dentition.

Anamnestic risk factors for erosive tooth wear: Systematic review, mapping, and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Erosive tooth wear is a multifactorial condition. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to identify key risk factors for erosive tooth wear in permanent dentition. STUDY SELECTION: Observational studies reporting anamnestic risk factors for erosive tooth wear. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cross-sectional studies. Risk factors were visually presented in a heatmap, and where possible, random-effects meta-analyses were performed for the odds ratios (ORs) of risk factors. SOURCES: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science) and manual searches in February 2023. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD4202339776). DATA: A total of 87 publications reporting on 71 studies were included in the systematic review. The studies examined a variety of anamnestic risk factors (n = 80) that were categorized into ten domains (socio-demographics, socio-economics, general health, oral diseases, medication, oral hygiene, food, beverages, dietary habits, and leisure-related risk factors). Meta-analyses revealed significant associations between erosive tooth wear and male gender (padj.<0.001; OR=1.30, 95 % CI: 1.16-1.44), regurgitation (padj.=0.033; OR=2.27, 95 % CI: 1.41-3.65), digestive disorders (padj.<0.001; OR=1.81, 95 % CI: 1.48-2.21), consumption of acidic foods (padj.=0.033; OR=2.40, 95 % CI: 1.44-4.00), seasoning sauces (padj.=0.003; OR=1.28, 95 % CI: 1.13-1.44), nutritional supplements (padj.=0.019; OR=1.73, 95 % CI: 1.28-2.35), and carbonated drinks (padj.=0.019; OR=1.43, 95 % CI: 1.17-1.75). Most included studies exhibited low bias risk. CONCLUSIONS: Observational studies investigated a variety of anamnestic risk factors for erosive tooth wear. Future studies should employ validated questionnaires, particularly considering the most important risk factors. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Erosive tooth wear is a prevalent condition. Clinicians should concentrate primarily on symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and dietary factors when screening patients at risk for erosive tooth wear.

Three-dimensional evaluation of interproximal contacts of permanent dentition: a cone beam computed tomography study.

PURPOSE: To assess the various patterns of the inter-proximal contact areas of the permanent dentition using the available cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on existing CBCT images from a University hospital and teaching department. Three thousand two hundred and fifty inter-proximal contacts were assessed from 125 existing CBCT scans of patients (age range: 14 years 3 months-29 years 9 months) who had matched the eligibility criteria. The types of inter-proximal contacts of the permanent dentition were scored at occlusal, middle, and cervical thirds, according to the OXIS inter-proximal contacts classification. Chi-square test was used to assess the contacts and gender/arches. RESULTS: The most prevalent contact was type I for the posterior teeth contacts, and types S1 and S2 for the anterior teeth contacts. Statistical significance was not observed between the contacts on the left and right sides (P > 0.05), while statistical significance was observed between the inter-proximal contacts of the maxilla and mandible (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The CBCT-based three-dimensional assessment of the inter-proximal contact areas of the permanent dentition is representative of the OXIS classification. The occlusal level contact was predominantly representative of the overall type of the contact.

New craniodental fossils of Paranthropus robustus from Kromdraai, South Africa (2014-2017 excavations).

Since the initial discovery of Paranthropus robustus at the site of Kromdraai in 1938, the hypodigm of this species has been expanded by subsequent work at the localities of Swartkrans and Drimolen, with a few fossils also known from Cooper's D, Gondolin and Sterkfontein Member 5. Beginning in 2014, systematic excavations at Kromdraai uncovered a large and previously unknown fossiliferous area, shedding light on Units O and P in the earliest part of the site's stratigraphic sequence. The aim of this paper is to provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of 30 P. robustus craniodental specimens recovered between 2014 and 2017 within the Unit P deposits at Kromdraai. This new sample predates all prior conspecific specimens found at this site (including the holotype of P. robustus from Kromdraai, TM 1517). Its basic dental morphology dimensions and cranial features are compared in a preliminary analysis with other P. robustus samples. The P. robustus sample from Kromdraai Unit P documents previously unknown portions of the P. robustus juvenile cranium. The new dental and cranial remains aid in the exploration of potential morphological distinctions between site-specific P. robustus samples and are compared favorably in size and morphology with the small P. robustus specimens from Drimolen (e.g., DNH 7). These findings do not support the hypothesis that the specimens from Drimolen belong to a different taxonomic group. Instead, they reinforce the presence of a significant degree of sexual dimorphism within P. robustus. The Kromdraai Unit P specimens also contribute to the biodemographic profile of P. robustus. The notable prevalence of infants (i.e., juvenile individuals before the emergence of their first permanent molars) mirrors the natural mortality profiles observed in wild chimpanzees. This suggests a closer resemblance in the processes of accumulation in Kromdraai Unit P and Drimolen than at Swartkrans.

Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Management of Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) represent a multifaceted congenital deformity encompassing skeletal, dental, and functional discrepancies. This case report presents the management of a 13-year-old female with bilateral CLP, focusing on the challenges associated with permanent dentition and retained deciduous teeth. The patient's history included prior lip and palate repair surgeries, leading to poor aesthetics and functional concerns. A multidisciplinary approach involving orthodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics was implemented. Clinical examinations revealed dental abnormalities, oro-nasal fistula, and skeletal discrepancies, necessitating a comprehensive treatment plan. The orthodontic intervention aimed at aligning the dentition, followed by surgical closure of the oro-nasal fistula and alveolar bone grafting (ABG) to facilitate permanent canine eruption. Prosthetic replacement of missing maxillary lateral incisors was accomplished, enhancing aesthetics with minimal invasiveness. Results demonstrated significant improvements in profile, dental alignment, and functional stability. Cephalometric and dental parameter analyses confirmed the corrections and enhancements achieved, affirming the success of the multidisciplinary treatment. This case report emphasizes the importance of a collaborative multidisciplinary approach in effectively addressing the complexities of bilateral CLP in patients with permanent dentition and retained deciduous teeth. The comprehensive treatment strategy rectified dental and skeletal issues and positively impacted the patient's overall well-being and self-confidence.

Crown Fragment Reattachment by the Minimal Intervention Approach for Coronal Tooth Fractures: A Case Series.

Dental trauma is the most frequently encountered injury that requires immediate attention. Several procedures are available to manage broken teeth afflicted by trauma but the choice of procedure depends upon structural, functional, and esthetic considerations. The goal is to choose the least invasive, immediate, and simple technique that can meet the patient's expectations. The aim of this case series is to present a minimal intervention approach as a primary treatment option for the reattachment of trauma-induced fractured coronal tooth fragments, to preserve and enhance function, esthetics, and structure.

Association between socioeconomic status and traumatic dental injury in permanent teeth: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review observational studies assessing the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in permanent dentition. METHODS: Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS, CINAHL, COCHANE Library and ScoINDEX databases for articles published up to February 2023. Two independent reviewers performed the search and critical appraisal of the studies. The inclusion criteria were observational studies that evaluated the association between individual-level socioeconomic indicators and TDI (clinically examined) in permanent teeth. Quality assessment of included articles was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Global meta-analysis was performed with all studies and different subgroup analysis based on socioeconomic indicators (household income, educational level or any other indicator), age (children, early adolescents, late adolescents or young adults) and economic classification of the country (high, upper-middle or lower-middle). A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled prevalence ratios (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each study. RESULTS: The search strategy retrieved 11 315 publications. According to eligibility criteria, 17 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Individuals with low SES were 17% more likely to have TDI (PR 1.17; 95% CI 1.05-1.30). The subgroup analysis also revealed that the indicator (household income, PR 1.16; 95% CI 1.00-1.34) and the economic classification of the country (upper-middle, PR 1.19; 95% CI 1.07-1.33) influenced the association of SES with TDI occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with lower SES were more likely to present with TDI in permanent dentition than those with higher SES.

Dental Maturation in Two Groups of Children Born in 1969-1973 and 2005-2010.

This study compared differences in dental maturation and dental age in Scandinavian children born in 1969-1973 and 2005-2010. The study was based on 130 ethnic Scandinavian children, who were divided in two groups corresponding to the time periods and matched on age and sex. Each group consisted of 65 children (30 girls, 35 boys, mean age 9.29 years and 9.30 years, respectively). Dental maturation was analysed by orthopantomographs, in accordance with Demirjian and Haavikko. Dental age was analysed by orthopantomographs in accordance with Demirjian. Boys and girls were analysed separately by linear regression analysis adjusted for age. For the children born in 2005-2010, teeth matured significantly earlier (Demirjian: 0.21 maturities, CI 95% 0.11-0.31, p < 0.000. Haavikko: maxilla: 0.39 maturities, CI 95% 0.21-0.56, p < 0.000. Mandible: 0.42 maturities, CI 95% 0.17-0.67, p = 0.001) and the dental age was significantly higher (Demirjian: 6.04 months, CI 95% 0.23-0.77, p < 0.000) in comparison with the children born in 1969-1973. In conclusion, the teeth of Scandinavian children born 2005-2010 matured significantly earlier than those of children born in 1969-1973. The results may prove valuable in forensic dentistry, pedodontics, and for the timing of pedodontic and orthodontic treatment.

Effect of two types of charcoal toothpaste on the enamel surface roughness of permanent teeth.

Background: Charcoal in the composition of some kinds of toothpaste has created concerns regarding abrasiveness and subsequent complications. Considering the popularity of charcoal toothpaste, and the manufacturers' claims that no porosity is caused by activated carbon, this study aimed to compare the effects of two charcoal kinds of toothpaste and three conventional tubes of toothpaste on enamel surface roughness of permanent primary teeth. Materials and Methods: This in vitro experimental study evaluated 75 teeth mounted in acrylic resin. Teeth were divided into five groups (n = 15). The primary surface roughness of teeth was measured by a profilometer. The teeth were then subjected to wear test in a V8 cross-brushing machine with Bencer and RP charcoal toothpaste, Crest 7, Colgate Optic White, and Bencer fresh mint toothpaste. After rinsing and drying specimens, their secondary surface roughness was measured. The mean changes in the roughness profile of specimens were analyzed by a one-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test at a 0.05 significance level. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean surface roughness of specimens before and after the wear test (P > 0.05). The difference in the mean wear of five types of toothpaste was not significant either (P = 0.597). The mean changes in surface roughness were 0.0685 µm for Bencer charcoal, -0.0620 µm for RP charcoal, 0.0765 µm for Crest 7, 0.1137 µm for Colgate Optic White, and 0.1052 µm for Bencer fresh mint toothpaste. Conclusion: Numerous kinds of toothpaste investigated in this study did not reveal any difference in terms of wear index; however, more studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of these types of toothpaste.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of prophylactic sealing of pits and fissures of permanent teeth with fissure sealants - umbrella review.

BACKGROUND: Tooth decay is an infectious disease which, in its initial phase, leads to the formation of cavities in the teeth through decalcification of the enamel and local tissue destruction. In addition to proper oral hygiene, prophylactic sealing of fissures and cavities with a sealant is a method of preventing the development of caries. The aim of this study is to summarise the effectiveness of fissure sealing of permanent teeth with fissure sealants compared to other preventive methods or no intervention. METHOD: An umbrella review was carried out to achieve the purpose of our study. Searches were performed in Medline (via PubMed), Embase (via OVID), and Cochrane Library databases. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the AMSTAR2 tool. In addition, a manual search for recommendations/clinical practice guidelines on dental prophylaxis was performed. RESULTS: 204 publications were identified, of which 15 met the inclusion criteria. Based on the results of 3 systematic reviews, there was a statistically significant reduced odds of caries occurrence or development with prophylactic sealing of permanent teeth compared with no intervention - depending on the review and follow-up period odds ratio (OR) ranged from 0.06 [95%CI: (0.01-0.32)] to 0.28 [95%CI: (0.20-0.38)]. In the eight systematic reviews that analysed different sealants, there were no statistically significant differences between the types of materials used for prophylactic tooth sealing. For systematic reviews comparing the efficacy of fissure sealants with fluoride varnish, three reported no statistically significant difference in the efficacy of caries incidence, with only one systematic review based on 1 RCT finding a statistically significant difference in favour of fissure sealants. CONCLUSION: Compared to the no intervention, dental sealing is an effective method for the prevention of dental caries. However, it is not possible to conclude conclusively which type of sealant and which of the available prophylactic methods is more effective in preventing caries.

Evolution of the Terminal Plane from Deciduous to Mixed Dentition.

(1) Introduction: Correct development and growth of the dental arches and occlusion in the deciduous dentition is crucial for physiological occlusion in the permanent dentition. The present study evaluates the evolution of the terminal plane and canine occlusion class in the same children from deciduous to mixed dentition. (2) Materials and methods: The study included 257 children (164 girls and 93 boys) aged 3-5 years in the first phase and 8-10 years in the second phase. The chi-square test was used for the comparison of qualitative variables, while analysis of variance (ANOVA) or the Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Wilcoxon test were used in the case of quantitative variables, as applicable. Statistical significance was considered for p < 0.05. (3) Results: The most common terminal plane in the first phase of the study was a bilateral flush plane (70%), followed by distal and mesial, with few differences between them. In the second phase, the most common terminal plane was mesial, followed by bilateral flush and distal. There were no statistically significant differences according to gender. Canine occlusion in the first phase was predominantly bilateral class I, followed by class II and class III. Similar results were recorded in the permanent dentition, except for a lesser percentage of children with canine class II. Molar occlusion in the second phase was predominantly class I, followed by half cusp class II and full cusp class II and class III. (4) Conclusions: The present study shows that knowing the age range in which maximum dental development and growth in both arches occurs may contribute to avoiding malocclusions and the possible need for orthodontic-orthopedic treatment, resulting in improved outcomes and greater stability.

Supernumerary Tooth Patterns in Non-Syndromic White European Subjects.

Supernumerary teeth form at an incidence of about 3% in the population, with differences among races and various clinical consequences. Information on detailed patterns, and especially on white subjects, is scarce in the literature. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the patterns of non-syndromic permanent supernumerary teeth in a white European population. A record review was performed in different orthodontic clinics and identified 207 eligible individuals with 258 supernumerary teeth. Approximately 80% of the subjects had one supernumerary tooth, while 15% had two. Supernumerary tooth formation was more often evident in males (male/female: 1.65). However, there was no sexual dimorphism in its severity. The following pattern sequences, with decreasing prevalence order, were observed in the maxilla: 21 > 11 > 12 > 18 > 28 and in the mandible: 34 > 44 > 35 > 45 > 42. Supernumerary teeth were most often unilaterally present, without sexual dimorphism. In the maxilla, they were more often anteriorly present, whereas in the mandible, an opposite tendency was observed. Supernumerary teeth were consistently more often observed in the maxilla than in the mandible; 74% were impacted, 80% had normal orientation (13% horizontal, 7% inverted), and 53% had normal size. The present thorough supernumerary tooth pattern assessment enables a better understanding of this condition with clinical, developmental, and evolutionary implications.

Erosive Tooth Wear in Subjects with Normal Occlusion: A Pioneering Longitudinal Study up to the Age of 60.

The aim of this study was to assess the erosive tooth wear (ETW) at early and mature adulthood in subjects with natural normal occlusion. The sample consisted of 23 untreated subjects with normal occlusion. Dental models were taken longitudinally from the same subjects at 13 (T0), 17 (T1) and 60.9 years of age (T2) at a university. Evaluation of ETW was performed using a modified Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. Interphase changes were evaluated using Friedman and Dunn's test. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the influence of sex, dental arch, tooth and dental surfaces on the erosive tooth wear. Linear regression was used to evaluate whether the ETW degree at T1 could discriminate the degree of ETW at T2. The significance level adopted was 5%. ETW showed a significant increase with aging. The median ETW index at T0, T1 and T2 was 2, 4 and 7, respectively. ETW was greater in males in the incisors and canines and on the incisal/occlusal and lingual tooth surfaces. No significant differences were found between the maxillary and mandibular arches. Subjects with severe ETW at mature adulthood had greater tooth wear at age 17. In conclusion, ETW significantly increased during aging in subjects with normal occlusion. The greater the degree of tooth wear at early adulthood, the greater the tooth wear at mature adulthood. Preventive care should be recommended during early adulthood in patients demonstrating erosive tooth wear in order to avoid worsening with aging.

Prevalence and influencing factors of malocclusion in adolescents in Shanghai, China.

BACKGROUND: The main purpose of the study was to investigate the prevalence and related risk factors of malocclusion in permanent dentition among adolescents in Shanghai, and provide basic data for government's preventive strategies and intervention plans. METHODS: 1799 adolescents aged 11-15 years old from 18 middle schools in 6 districts of Shanghai were recruited to investigate oral health status and related risk factors using cluster random sampling method in 2021. Malocclusion and caries were examined by on-site inspection. The investigation criteria referred to Bjoerk and the recommendation of the WHO. The malocclusion inspection items included molars relationship, canine relationship, overbite, overjet, midline displacement, anterior crossbite, posterior crossbite, scissors bite, crowding and spacing. The subjects were asked to fill in a questionnaire including parents' education level, oral health behaviors and dietary habits. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between malocclusion and risk factors. RESULTS: 1799 adolescents were included in the study and the prevalence of malocclusion in adolescents in Shanghai was 83.5%, and the proportion of molar relationship class I, class II, and class III was 48.9%, 14.7%, and 19.0%, respectively. The most common occlusal characteristic of malocclusion was anterior crowding, followed by midline irregularities and deep overbite, with prevalence rates of 44.8%, 39.0% and 38.6%, respectively. The prevalence rate of adolescents with caries was 34.3%. Those who had dental caries and preferred soft food were more likely to have abnormal occlusal characteristics (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malocclusion in adolescents in Shanghai is high, so it is of great significance to strengthen oral health education, allocate proper preventive strategies and carry out the early correction if necessary.

Underlying Dentin Shadows (ICDAS 4) in Occlusal Surface of Permanent Teeth Have Low Progression Rate after 1-2 Years.

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess the radiographic progression of underlying dentin shadows (UDS) on the occlusal surfaces of permanent posterior teeth of adolescents and young adults over 1-2 years and to identify possible risk factors. A total of 149 UDS lesions (from 101 individuals) were included at baseline. Each participant had to present at least one UDS to be considered eligible for the study. Data collection included the application of a questionnaire, clinical examination, and bilateral bitewing radiographs, performed at baseline and after 1-2 years. The association between possible predictors and UDS progression (defined radiographically as an increase in the radiographic score from baseline to follow-up) was assessed using Weibull regression models. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. A total of 81 individuals (mean age: 24.0, standard deviation: 8.03) were reexamined after 1-2 years (742 occlusal surfaces, of which 118 were UDS). The overall progression rate was 8.6% after 1-2 years, being 12.6% for UDS without baseline radiolucency and 20% for UDS with baseline radiolucency. The risk analysis showed that UDS without radiolucency at baseline had a similar likelihood of progression (adjusted HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 0.68-4.32, p = 0.26) while UDS with radiolucency at baseline were more likely to progress (adjusted HR = 2.96, 95% CI = 1.06-8.26, p = 0.04) than the reference category (sound occlusal surfaces without radiolucency). These estimates were adjusted for caries prevalence, tooth type, and arch. This study showed low progression rates of UDS after 1-2 years. The presence of radiolucency at baseline was found to predict UDS progression.

High-viscosity glass-ionomer cement or composite resin for restorations in posterior permanent teeth? A systematic review and meta-analyses.

OBJECTIVES: Answer the PICO question: Do class I and II posterior restorations in permanent teeth placed with high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement (HV-GIC) fail more than composite resin (CR) restorations? DATA: The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020138290). Randomized and controlled clinical trials, comparing the performance of HV-GIC and CR in load bearing cavities of posterior permanent teeth were included. Cochrane risk of bias tool and GRADE were used to assess the quality and certainty of the evidence. Meta-analyses were performed for clinical outcomes on USPHS and FDI criteria for 12-, 24- and 36-months follow-ups. SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were last searched on April 2, 2022, without language or date restrictions. Reference lists of primary studies and their related article link in PubMed were manually searched. STUDY SELECTION: Ten studies were included, while data from 8 were used for the meta-analyses. A total of 849 HV-GIC and 800 CR restorations were followed. The primary outcome was the fracture/retention of the restoration, with a comparable performance for both materials on all follow-ups. The 36 months follow-up for class I restorations (longest) showed risk difference of -0,00 (95%CI -0,03 to 0,03; p = 0,98) and no heterogeneity (p = 0,98, I2=0%). The certainty of the evidence is moderate, as all included studies were at an uncertain risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: HV-GIC and CR presented comparable clinical performance in posterior permanent teeth up to 36 months. HV-GIV wear in class I restorations followed by 24 months was the only poorer result compared to CR. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Conservative load bearing cavities in permanent posterior teeth can be restored with HV-GIC with comparable clinical performance to CR expected at least up to 3 years. HV-GIC is a valuable direct restorative option for posterior teeth in high caries risk patients, in which CR is frequently associated with failure.

Variation of Tooth Crown Size in Cleft Lip and Palate Patients.

AIM: This study aims to compare the mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) tooth crown size (TCS) of adult patients with cleft lip and palate (CL/P) and patients without CL/P. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample of this study consisted of 146 adult patients, of both genders, of which 73 were included in the case group (with CL/P) and 73 were included in the control group (without CL/P). Data regarding gender and age and cleft type were collected. In addition, dental models were evaluated to obtain the TCS in the maximum distance of the MD and BL dimensions of all erupted permanent teeth (except third molars). The results were submitted to statistical analysis with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: In the upper arch, the central incisors (CI) were smaller in the case group for the MD and BL dimensions (p < 0.05). The lateral incisors (LI) and canine (C) were smaller only in the BL width (p < 0.05) and the second molars (SM), were smaller only in the MD dimensions. In the lower arch, there were significant differences only in the BL width between groups, the CI and LI presented smaller measurements in CL/P patients, while the left first molar (FM) and right first premolar (FPM) were larger (p < 0.05) than in patients without CL/P. CONCLUSION: Patients with CL/P have different sizes in certain teeth compared to patients without CL/P. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cleft lip and palate patients usually present important dental anomalies; thereby, the knowledge about trends in tooth size variations in CL/P patients can aid in dental and orthodontic treatment planning to obtain a stable, functional, and esthetic occlusion.

Dental Caries, Dental Erosion and Periodontal Disease in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background: There is reportedly a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in healthy adults. Similar data for children are lacking in the literature. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dental erosion, dental caries, and periodontal disease in children with IBD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative study. Using the established criteria of the World Health Organization, oral investigations and detailed questionnaires that covered nutritional habits were completed by the same pediatric dentist for 32 patients with IBD, aged 11 to 18 years (15.53 ± 2.00), and 32 healthy controls. Results: The decayed, missing, and filled tooth index showed no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.072). The frequency of consumption of salad, lemon gum, candy and sweetened milk was significantly higher in the control group (p = 0.041, 0.012, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively) than in the IBD group. No dental erosion was observed in the IBD group. Oral mucosal history determined that 20/32 patients with IBD (62.5%) had at least one oral extraintestinal manifestation. Despite no significant differences in plaque scores between the two groups, the gingival evaluation showed a much higher mean value of gingival index scores in the IBD group than in the control group (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Although the number of patients included in the study is small, we can conclude that oral extraintestinal manifestations and periodontal disease are more prevalent in paediatric patients with IBD than in healthy populations.

Is Patient's Caries Activity Associated with Caries Increment among Adolescents, Regardless of Caries Experience?

This 2.5-year cohort study investigated whether patient's caries activity is independently associated with caries increment among adolescents, regardless of previous caries experience, in a sample of 801 adolescents from South Brazil. Caries examination was performed at baseline (12 y) and at follow-up (14-15 y). Caries activity was significantly associated with caries increment even after adjustment for sex, socioeconomic status, type of school, and previous caries experience at both cavity and non-cavitated levels. Caries-active adolescents had approximately 2-fold higher risk of caries increment than those without caries activity (cavity level, incidence risk ratio [IRR] = 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.45-2.49, p < 0.001; non-cavitated level, IRR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.63-2.86, p < 0.001).