Prevalence of Dental Anomalies and Its Role in Sex Estimation among Children of Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of dental anomalies and their ability to estimate sex status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional radiographic study was based on the evaluation of dental anomalies of Saudi children aged between 5 and 17 years. A total of 1940 orthopantomograms (OPG) were screened, of which 1442 were included. All the OPGs were digitally evaluated with ImageJ software. The demographic variables and dental anomaly findings were subjected to descriptive and comparative statistical analysis. Discriminant function analysis was conducted for sex estimation. p value < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the children in this study was 11.35 ± 0.28 years. At least one dental anomaly was detected in 161 children (11.17%), including 71 males and 90 females. Only 13 children (8.07%) presented with more than one anomaly. The most common dental anomaly detected was root dilaceration (47.83%) followed by hypodontia (31.68%). The least common dental anomaly was infraocclusion (1.86%). The sex prediction accuracy using discriminant function analysis was 62.9% (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dental anomalies was 11.17% with root dilaceration and hypodontia being the most common. The role of dental anomalies in sex estimation was found to be ineffective.

Unilateral vs Bilateral Maxillary Canine Impaction: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study of Patterns and Associations.

AIM: This retrospective study aimed to compare and evaluate the pattern of maxillary canine impaction and its association with other anomalies using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: A total of 59 CBCT records of patients (ages 12 and up) were divided into two groups: A total of 35 subjects with unilateral canine impactions and 24 subjects with bilateral canine impactions. The CBCT data were analyzed for the measurement of qualitative and quantitative variables. RESULTS: In unilateral canine impaction, the mesiodistal (MD) width of the central incisors and the nasal cavity (NC) width were wider (p < 0.05). The canine-palatal plane (U3-PP) distance was significantly longer in bilateral canine impaction (p < 0.05). The distance of the impacted canines from the palatal and mid-sagittal planes, the anterior dental arch width, and the maxillary skeletal width changed significantly with the position of the impacted canines (p < 0.05). Males had 0.185 odds of presenting with a bilateral canine impaction as compared to females (p = 0.025). The odds of having bilateral canine impaction with a longer canine-midsagittal plane (U3-MSP) distance was 1.30 (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a gender predilection with females showing a greater prevalence of bilateral canine impaction. Supernumerary teeth were associated with unilateral impacted canines and lower canine impaction with bilaterally impacted canines. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Anomalies in the form of the maxillary central and lateral incisors, distance from the maxillary canine to the palatal plane and the mid-sagittal plane, NC width, maxillary skeletal width, and gender, are the best discriminating parameters between unilateral and bilateral canine impactions.

Evaluation of Root Canal Morphology of Maxillary Second Premolars and Its Relation to Maxillary Sinus in a Saudi Arabian Population.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the root canal anatomy of maxillary second premolars, and its relation to the maxillary sinus in a Saudi Arabian population using cone-beam computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 301 patients (602 Teeth) were obtained from a Cone-beam Computed Tomography Database of the College of Dentistry, Jazan University from February 2020 to January 2022. The number of roots, root canals, and the relationship between the root apices of maxillary second premolars and the floor of the maxillary sinuses were studied. The data was recorded, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A majority of maxillary second premolars were single-rooted (78.74%), followed by double-rooted (20.76%) and three-rooted (0.5%). Two canals (59.1%) were seen in the majority of the examined teeth, followed by one canal (40.4%) and three canals (0.5%). The roots of the maxillary second premolars were predominantly (69.17%) outside the sinus. Nineteen percent of roots were in contact with the floor of the maxillary sinus with no significant difference between buccal and palatal roots, and around twelve percent (11.73%) of roots were inside the maxillary sinus. CONCLUSIONS: The root canal system morphology of maxillary second premolars showed a wide range of anatomical variations in the Saudi Arabian population with a predominance of single roots. Most of the roots were located outside the sinus followed by in contact and then inside the sinus. Three-rooted second premolars were exceedingly rare. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The cognizance of maxillary second premolar root canal anatomy and its relation to maxillary sinus would be a valuable affirmation for dentists of different nationalities treating the Saudi Arabian population to ensure a successful endodontic treatment.

Orthodontic Management of a Rare Incidence Bilateral Maxillary Canine-First Premolar Transposition Using Fixed Appliance.

Objective: A change in the location of two permanent teeth within the same quadrant of the dental arch is known as tooth transposition. This article illustrates the nonextraction treatment of a bilaterally complete transposition between maxillary canines and first premolars, using fixed mechanics. Material and Method. Upper and lower preadjusted, edgewise, fixed appliances with MBT prescription (0.022″ × 0.028″ slot size brackets) were used for the treatment. After providing room for the canine teeth, the piggyback technique was used to bring the right canine to the arch in the position of the first premolar. In the final phase of treatment, both the upper and lower arches had 0.019 × 0.025 stainless steel wire with Class II elastic 4 oz on the right and left sides. Result: It showed that the maxillary first premolars and canines were favorably aligned into transposed position. The upper right and left premolars occluded with the lower canines in Class I relationship and good intercuspation as well as skeletal and molar Class I relationships were maintained with a pleasant facial profile. Conclusion: The early diagnosis plays a significant role as much as considering esthetics and function factors in deciding which treatment strategy should be followed. The key to a successful and stable result is substantial treatment planning and careful orthodontic management.

Knowledge of COVID-19 Infection Guidelines among the Dental Health Care Professionals of Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the knowledge about guidelines related to COVID-19 infection control procedures among dental health care professionals (DHCPs) in the Jazan region. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving DHCPs (dental students, interns, and dentists) of the Jazan region between January and March 2021. A questionnaire with 35 items was developed and circulated online among the DHCPs. The dimensionality of the questionnaire was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The level of awareness (LOA) was compared across the genders, level of professional experience, and exposure to guidelines. Participants were considered to have high LOA when they responded to 26 or more items correctly. RESULTS: A total of 363 DHCPs participated in the survey. The questionnaire was found to be valid and reliable. EFA revealed a distinct three-factor structure. Moreover, 61.2% of the respondents had high LOA related to COVID-19 infection prevention. Among those who had high LOA, dentists (65.5%) were relatively more than the students (62.5%) and interns (46.2%). Among the six guideline statements related explicitly to operative dentistry, more than 50% of the respondents were aware of 3 guideline statements, while less than 50% of the respondents were aware of the remaining statements. CONCLUSIONS: Most DHCP had a high LOA for general COVID-19 infection prevention and control guidelines. Dentists, males, and those who read the guidelines had higher LOA than their counterparts.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral cancer prevention among students, interns, and faculty members at the college of dentistry of Jazan University.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer awareness among current and future dental practitioners plays a substantial role in the early detection and prevention of oral cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of oral cancer prevention (OCP) among oral health practitioners in the College of Dentistry at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, and to determine factors that facilitate, or limit practices related to oral cancer prevention. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey was done among dental students (n = 274), interns (n = 81), and faculty members (n = 117) in the College of Dentistry at Jazan University between May 2019 to February 2020. The questionnaire was developed in English and modified from a previously validated and published questionnaire into Arabic. It covered every KAP of oral cancer prevention that was useful in accomplishing the study's objectives. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the factors associated with the practice of oral cancer prevention in the past year. RESULTS: Only 29.7% reported having participated in any OCP activities in the past 12 months while about 42% and 53% of participants referred suspected oral cancer patients to the departments of maxillofacial surgery and oral medicine, respectively. Most of the participants had poor knowledge (71.9%), unfavourable attitudes towards OCP (83.6%) and poor levels of practice (62.9%). The study found that the attitude of the participants was significant in influencing their practices of OCP in the previous 12 months, after adjusting for all other factors. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of OCP among the sample population was poor. The survey findings suggest that oral health practitioners in Jazan are inexperienced in the methods to adopt for prevention and early detection of oral cancer, despite the high prevalence of oral cancer among province residents. Further research should investigate effective educational strategies and training for improving the participation of students, interns, and faculty members in oral cancer prevention activities.

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on the mental health of dental students: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: Many countries have enforced lockdowns on their populations due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to assess the effects of the lockdown on dental students. METHODS: A longitudinal, repeated cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate psychological problems experienced by dental students during the COVID-19 lockdown in Saudi Arabia. The dental students were selected from different universities using 2-stage cluster sampling. The validated Arabic version of the 21-item depression, anxiety, and stress scale questionnaire was distributed at the beginning and end of the lockdown. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used as appropriate. Chi-square test was used to compare the proportions between the sociodemographic data, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with the students' responses. RESULTS: A total of 1287 respondents participated in this study (695 first-survey respondents, 592 second-survey respondents). There were longitudinally significant differences in the students' mental health outcomes based on gender, university, class year, and survey time during the COVID-19 lockdown. The lockdown increased the likelihood of female, single, and junior students experiencing stress. The students who lived alone recorded a high chance of elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, which showed a significant longitudinal reduction during the lockdown. Moreover, the lockdown increased the likelihood of mental health problems among the students staying in households of two persons or two-five persons. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates the importance of considering the detrimental mental health consequences on dental students in the event of future pandemics.

Psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on dental students: A nationwide study.

OBJECTIVES: Public mental health concerns have been raised during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the psychological impact of the pandemic on dental students in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among dental students from different universities in Saudi Arabia selected using 2-stage cluster sampling. The psychological impact was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Item questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used as appropriate. A chi-squared test was used to compare the proportions between the sociodemographic data and logistic regression analysis to identify variables associated with the student's responses. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the scale was excellent (0.954). A total of 697 dental students participated voluntarily in the study; their mean age was 21.76 ± 1.859 years, and 54.7% were female. The majority (96.1%) were single, and 69.4% lived in a household of > 5 persons. Significant differences in mental health outcomes were evident for gender, university, and survey time. Elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were recorded among 60.64%, 37.02%, and 34.92%, respectively, of the students. Females, students who lived alone, and junior students were more likely to experience psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of elevated levels of depression, anxiety and stress among dental students highlights the need for psychological empowerment strategies involving institutional counseling services.

Impact of fashion braces on oral health related quality of life: a web-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Orthodontic braces have become symbols of wealth and fashion accessories in some parts of the world. However, there is a scarcity of information about the effects of fashion braces on various aspects of quality of life. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the effects of fashion braces on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with data collection from a Google form questionnaire distributed in Saudi Arabia via various forms of social media over a period of 4 months. OHRQoL was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. The fashion braces group included respondents who had braces installed for fashion purposes only. Therapeutic braces group included subjects who were wearing braces to treat any malocclusion problems. Control group included subjects who did not have any kind of braces. People who had previously completed orthodontic treatments were excluded from the study. The negative impacts were divided into seven domains and a total OHIP score was calculated. Statistical analyses and data illustration were performed with SPSS v25 (IBM, NY). RESULTS: A total of 1141 people voluntarily participated in the study. More than 60% of the participants were in the control group while 33.7% had conventional braces for therapeutic reasons and 3.4% had fashion braces. Sociodemographic distributions varied among the groups, with the majority of the fashion braces group having education below the university level and family incomes less than average. There were significant group differences in OHIP domains. Physical pain was the most frequently reported complaint by all subjects and was the highest in the therapeutic braces group. People with therapeutic braces reported significantly higher functional limitation and physical disability than the controls. Fashion braces group reported significantly lower psychological discomfort and disability, social disability and handicap compared to control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The illustrated effects of fashion braces on OHRQoL suggest the need to study the role of social media and educate the public on the use of braces to minimize the negative effects experienced by individuals.

What factors contribute to the self-reported oral health status of Arab adolescents? An assessment using a validated Arabic-WHO tool for child oral health (A-OHAT).

BACKGROUND: The current study was performed; to validate the Arabic version of WHO child oral health assessment tool (A-OHAT), to assess the oral health status of Arab school children and finally to identify the important risk factors associated with the poor teeth and gum conditions of school children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with two-staged simple random sampling technique was implemented. A-OHAT, a self-assessment tool was subjected to psychometric analyses with the respondents being high school children. The Cronbach's alpha and the Intra class correlation values were computed. Paired t-test was performed to identify the differences between the readings after repeated administration, followed by the analysis for convergent validity. This tested Arabic-WHO Child-OHAT was administered to collect the data. Univariate, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to report on the potential risk factors associated with poor teeth and poor gum conditions of school children. RESULTS: Psychometric analyses revealed that the Arabic Child Oral Health Assessment Tool (A-OHAT) was reliable and valid. A total of 478 (N) high school children were subjected to the tested tool, of which 66.5% were male and 33.5% were female with a mean age of 16.28 + 1.04 years. 80.3% of school children had poor teeth condition and 36.2% of school children had often experienced toothache. Children had 1.5 times higher odds of having poor teeth condition if they had increased frequency of sweet and candy consumption. It was also seen that increased frequency of sweets and candy consumption by school children had put them at nearly 20% higher risk of having poor gum condition. Finally, children with the habit of using toothbrush had nearly 50% lower chance of having poor gum condition in contrast to the school children who do not use toothbrush. CONCLUSION: To conclude, the study provides a reliable and valid tool to assess the oral health status of Arab adolescents. Improper oral hygiene habits and diet were identified as the plausible risk factors for poor teeth and gum condition.