Caries experience among Romanian schoolchildren: prevalence and trends 1992-2011.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the caries experience of 6-8- and 11-13-year-olds in Romania and to compare their caries levels with those from a previous study conducted in 1992. METHODS: A cross-sectional pathfinder survey was conducted in five major cities of Romania (Iasi, Timisoara, Cluj-Napoca, Tirgu Mures and the capital, Bucharest) in 2011. Cities were purposively chosen for comparability with the 1992 study. Children were clinically examined by one trained dental examiner using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II). RESULTS: Among the 548 6-8-year-olds, 84.3% had caries experience (82.7% when carious lesions at stages 1-2 were excluded) with mean d1-6mft and d3-6mft of 4.76 (sd 3.46) and 4.43 (sd 3.35) respectively. Among the 592 11-13-year-olds, 83.1% had caries experience (76% when carious lesions at stages 1-2 were excluded) with mean D1-6MFT and D3-6MFT of 4.52 (sd 4.01) and 3.39 (sd 3.35) respectively. Advanced carious lesions were the main contributors to children's caries experience. There were significant differences by cities, with the lowest caries levels seen in Bucharest. High caries levels have persisted in Romania over the last decades in spite of a small but significant decrease in d3-6mft and D3-6MFT values between 1992 and 2011. Variations in caries trends were found by city. CONCLUSION: These findings show that high caries levels still exist among schoolchildren in the five cities included in the study. Romania has not yet achieved the WHO target for 2000 of an average DMFT lower than 3 at 12 years of age.

Clinical--imaging aspects of young permanent teeth traumas and the ethiopatogenic mechanisms involved.

UNLABELLED: Dental trauma occurring to children and teenagers all over the world represents a serious issue in Public Health. AIM: This present study wants to investigate the etiology and the environment in which the dental trauma occurs and also wants to establish a connection between dental trauma and social-economic status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was made to collect information about dental trauma on human subjects involving 372 children and teenagers, both female and male, between 8 and 20 years of age. The data obtained from the clinical and radiological exams for each patient have been registered in a special conceived register, which represented a stage of the study. RESULTS: The frequency of dental trauma varied from 62.1% for males to 37.9% for women. Most of them have suffered from dental trauma between the age of 14 and 16 (30.1%), and a few between 18 and 20 years (2.2%). Dental trauma has occurred most frequently in school, during sports lessons, followed by those in public places like the street (23.1%), from which 17.1% have been associated with bicycle accidents, 3.5% with scooter accidents and 2.5% with car accidents. Children and teenagers who live in areas with a low social economic level have been the fewest to seek medical attention due to difficult access to medical services. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study wanted to present the importance of knowing the frequency of dental trauma in children and teenagers and to point out the need of promoting medical education to parents regarding the means they can use to reduce the risk factors associated with dental trauma.

Occupational health problems among dentists in Moldavian Region of Romania.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the occupational health problems among dentists in the Moldavian Region of Romania. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Questionnaire-based study was conducted on 152 dentists aged between 25-65 years practicing in 6 counties the Moldavian Region of Romania. The questionnaire included questions related to the dentists' occupational health pathology. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 14.0 and chi-square test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The majority of the dentists (91%) consider that they are exposed to an occupational risk and 41.8% of them experienced a percutaneus injury caused by sharp instruments in the last year.74.6% of the dentists are protected by vaccination against hepatitis B and 76.1% against influenza. 49.3% of the dentists reported eye injuries caused by solid particles (13.2%), blood splashes (14.7%) and/or chemicals (20,5%). Allergies associated to professional activity were reported by 76.1% of the dentists. CONCLUSIONS: The dental staff must be informed in order to recognize, control and prevent the potential occupational hazards in the workplace.

Preventive attitudes towards infection transmission in dental offices in North-East Romania.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and the current attitudes towards infection control in the dental offices in the Northeast Romania. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Questionnaire-based study conducted on 152 dentists aged between 25-65 years practicing in 6 Northeast Romania counties. The questionnaire included questions related to current infection control procedures and attitudes. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 14.0 and chi-square test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The majority of the dentists (83.6%) consider that universities should provide a substantial education regarding infection control through postgraduate courses, but 7.2% of the respondents are not sure about their usefulness. The clinical decision related to patient's treatment is influenced by his infectious status for 67.8% of the dentists. Of these, 19.1% have over 20 years of practice and 48.0% are females. Almost all dentists (93.4%), regardless of gender (96.4% females and 87.8% males) undergo periodic testing for blood-borne viral infections (hepatitis B, C and HIV). Full protective equipment is used for all the patients by 86.2% of the dentists, while 12.5% use it only for the infectious ones. 65.2% of the dentists use steam sterilization equipment (autoclave), and 80,8% use dry heat. The majority of the dentists (82.6%) believe that the patient must always be informed about the adopted infection control measures, but 21.7% declare to do so only in some particular cases. CONCLUSIONS: Dentists knowledge and attitudes towards infection control must be improved by educational interventions in order to adhere to the European standards.

[Prevention of infection transmission in dental laboratories]. / Prevenirea transmiterii infectiei în laboratoarele de tehnica dentara din Iasi.

UNLABELLED: The professional activity in a dental laboratory is associated with a high risk for infection transmission through the manipulation of impressions and prostheses contaminated with patients' saliva and blood. AIM: To assess the compliance of dental technicians in lasi town dental laboratories with the methods used for preventing infection transmission in their practices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This questionnaire-based survey included 61 dental technicians aged 22 to 58 years from 29 dental laboratories. The 17 questions were related to the protection equipment, air ventilation, and disinfection of surfaces, instruments, impressions, and prostheses. SPSS 14 system, Chi-Square test were used for data analysis, and the levels of statistical significance were set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: 90.2% of the subjects claim the need of prosthetic items disinfection upon arrival at the laboratory from the dental office (p < 0.05). The protection equipment is used by 49.1% of the dental technicians included in this survey (full equipment 18.0%, safety glasses 45.9%, mask 37.7%, rubber gloves 19.6%). 59.1% of the laboratories are provided with air ventilation, while surface disinfection is common practice in 85.2%. Of the study subjects 62.1% disinfect the impressions, 26.1% the final prosthesis, and 25.0% disinfect the interocclusal registrations (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Educational programs aimed at increasing dental technicians' awareness of infection control by adopting the most effective prevention measures are essential for reducing the incidence of technicians, dentists, and patients; exposure.

[Orthodontic treatment needs of students of the School of Dental Medicine in Iasi]. / Necesarul de tratament ortodontic la studentii Facultatii de Medicina Dentara din Iasi.

UNLABELLED: Nowadays, people are becoming more aware of the importance of aesthetics in the integration of the individual in society. The purpose of this study was to determine the need for orthodontic treatment and their aesthetic perception in a group of medical students in Iasi. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical study was conducted on a sample of 254 subjects. Data were collected after completion of the clinical examination.The clinical evaluation of the status we used orthodontic index IOTN (Index Orthodontic Treatment Needs) and a questionnaire on aesthetic appreciation by the student. All subjects included in the study were informed verbally about the purpose of the study noting the consent form. Statistical data processing was done with SPSS14.00 program for Windows. RESULTS: 20% of the subjects were dental IOTN 0, 33% of the value of a IOTN subjects, 28% of subjects IOTN value 2, 3 and 9% IOTN value IOTN 4 and 5 values of 4% and 6% respectively. The need for orthodontic treatment is greater in subjects with IOTN 4 and 5 and 10% of the subjects presented severe dento-maxillary. IOTN aesthetic component of the index is divided into three groups: Group 1 - 4 with 91% of subjects, group 5-7 with 5% of subjects and group 8-10 with 4% of subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The need for orthodontic treatment for subjects with IOTN 4 and 5 is mare. There is an increasing number of orthodontic treatment in young people, the primary motivation being to improve the aesthetic appearance.

[Clinical and therapeutic aspects of early childhood caries and severe early childhood caries--clinical cases]. / Aspecte clinice si terapeutice ale cariei timpurii si ale cariei severe timpurii--serie de cazuri.

UNLABELLED: ECC (early childhood caries) and SECC(severe early childhood caries), as a particularization of the dental caries during the early childhood (0-3 years) and the middle childhood (3-6 years), generate important oro-dental problems, with long-term impact, psycho-somatic, psycho-aesthetic, and social-behaviour, in little children as in adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 35 subjects (20 girls and 15 boys), were evaluated, aged between 3-6 years old, diagnosticated with ECC and SECC. The children were evaluated clinical, paraclinical and psycho-sociological in the Clinic of Paediatric Dentistry, Iasi, Romania. RESULTS: In this article, we present 3 clinical cases that show the implication of the socio-emotional factors that produce the early childhood caries, pacient C.L., 6 years old, pacient C.F., 5, 6 years old, and pacient A.D., 6 years old. CONCLUSION: In this study we have evaluated a heterogen structure with major impact on caries risk, clinical variability of the carioactivity in decidual dentition. It is known that more than 64% non-cavitary lesions that appear in a 2 year-old child develop to cavitary lesions in less than a year.

[Assessment of tooth wear depending on Smith and Knight index]. / Evaluarea leziunilor dentare necariogene în functie de indicii Smith si Knight.

UNLABELLED: For the clinical diagnosis of tooth wear Smith and Knight have been suggested the index with the same name, the criteria for the quantification of the hard tissue loss being the size of the area affected and the depth of the defect. The aim of this study was to assess tooth wear depending on Smith and Knight index, on a group of 614 patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The criteria for the selection of the patients were the age more than 18 years old and the Smith and Knight index >0. RESULTS: The biggest proportion of tooth wear (47.3%) presented the value 2 of the Smith and Knight index. Most of the tooth wear with Smith and Knight index 3 (54.4%) are abrasions, 71.4% of the tooth wear with Smith and Knight index 1 are attritions, and 20.3% of the tooth wear with Smith and Knight index 3 are erosions. High alcohol consumption is associated with deep tooth wear, exposing dentine (value 2 and 3 of the Smith and Knight index). Currently, various indices are used, making the comparison of the results of prevalence studies difficult.

[The antimicrobial efficacy of an erbium laser on Streptococcus mutans. In vivo study]. / Efectul antimicrobian al laserului cu miez de erbium asupra Streptococcus mutans. Studiu in vivo.

UNLABELLED: This study was conducted in order to demonstrate the bactericidal effect of an erbium laser (Er,Cr:YSGG) on Streptococcus mutans, in vivo, at different laser power settings, obtaining sterile enamel surfaces with minimal tissue ablation. The practicians use the laser for the cutting effect on hard tissue to eliminate all the infected and affected enamel and dentine, without collateral damage on the pulp and for its bactericidal effect on cariogenic bacteria. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study group included 132 superficial carious lesions, on 66 patients with ages between 6 and 20; a two-year study (January 2006 - November 2008) performed in a private practice. The carious lesions were ablated with an erbium laser with two types of tips. A sample of occlusal plaque was taken using a sterile swab, soaked in normal saline solution (before and after the preparation). RESULTS: Before the laser treatment, the percentage with high counts of Streptococcus mutans was 70% and low counts 30% (chi2 = 26.16 ; p < 0.01). At the laser power of 4,5 watts, the zirconium tip (Z6) had a higher number of sterile culture (96,3%). The numbers of sterile cultures were higher at the laser power of 5 watts, with both tips: zirconium and sapphire, the percentage being equal: 91-92%.

[Assessment of caries risk in a population of age 6-20, from Bacau, Romania]. / Evaluarea riscului cariogen la populatia de 6-20 ani din orasul Bacau.

UNLABELLED: The Cariogram is a new concept that illustrates graphically the individual caries risk profile. Aim of this study was to assess the young population from Bacau by means of the Cariogram. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data were collected from 273 subjects by clinical examination, health questionnaires and saliva sampling. The caries risk of each individual, was obtained using the Cariogram model. RESULTS: High risk factors for the development of caries are the oral hygiene, carbohydrate nutrition, the viscosity of the saliva, the buffer capacity and the incidence of caries. The group with the high caries risk was the 15-20 year group, chi2 = 48.22; p < 0.01. Past caries experience, at 6 and 12 years the DMFT index was 0.9 and 2.99; at 20 years was higher--5. Moderate risk children were using fluoride products in 87,6% of cases, and the group with high caries risk only 3.7%. The buffer capacity was weak in high caries risk children an normal in the other two groups (chi2 = 209.9; p < 0.01). The Streptococcus mutans counts was found 99.2% in saliva of the high caries risk children. The low risk group had restrictions on the intake of carbohydrates with the main meals in 89,3% of cases. Streptococcus mutans counts, fluoridation programme and buffer capacity of the saliva showed significant correlation with the caries risk. CONCLUSION: Cariogram is useful educational programme in universities and also in dental clinics.

[Restorations with composite resin and hybrid materials clinical]. / Restaurarile cu rasini compozite si materiale hibride. Studiu clinic în cavitati de clasa A II-A.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to analyze the in vivo interface biomaterials--dental hard structures associated techniques applied in the cavities of class II after 3 years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was longitudinal clinical type. They restored a total of 90 teeth of class II. Cavity preparation was done by mechanical treatment. Cavity preparation was done by mechanical treatment. Filling cavities was performed using as a substitute enamel composite resin (CR) Filtek Supreme (3MESPE) giomer (G) Beautiful (Shofu) and as a substitute dentinar resin modified glass ionomer (RMGI) Vitremer (3MESPE) and compomer flow (C flow) Dyract Flow (Dentsply De Trey) restorations were divided into 4 groups depending on materials used. Group 1--CR-RMGI-24 restoration, Group 2--G-RMGI 23-restoration, Group 3--G-Cflow 21-restoration, Group 4--CR-C flow 22-restoration. Evaluation was done with restorations: modified Rydge criteria. Statistical data processing was performed with SPSS 10.00, 13.00 setting a threshold of p = 0.05 signified statistical. RESULTS: Analysis of color criteria that there are significant differences in terms of 24 months for restorations made with composite resin for p = 0.05 (R = 0.368). The 12-month evaluation of marginal coloration was in favor of the restorations made with resin composite Filtek Supreme (3MESPE) score A in 95.65% (44) p = 0037. CONCLUSION: Restorations success depends largely on the nature of the material, the dental composition adjacent wall restoration and by possibility can prevent marginal leakage.

[Comparative study on the periodontal health status trough plaque and gingival index]. / Studiu comparativ privind starea de sanatate parodontala prin prisma indicilor de placa si gingivali.

UNLABELLED: Nowadays, people are becoming more aware of the importance of oral hygiene in maintaining the health of the entire body. It is well known that plaque is the main etiological factor in producing caries disease and periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the comparative value indices of plaque and gingival inflammation in a group of young adults. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted on a sample of 254 subjects. The study was clinical type. Data were collected after completion revelation plaque and clinical examination recorded the values calculated for each index in the observation sheet. The clinical evaluation of oral health status we used the API index (approximated Plaque Index) and BI indices for assessing periodontal status (bleeding index). All subjects included in the study were informed verbally about the purpose of the study noting the consent form. Patients were included in the database according to certain codes. Statistical data processing was done with the program for Windows SPSS14.00 setting a threshold of statistical significance of p = 0.05. RESULTS: Comparative analysis of the presence of plaque and degree of gingival inflammation has revealed that there are differences statistically significant p < or = 0.05 for having a valoatre API index averaged 72.71 (+/- 23.48) compared with gingival index = BI has an average of 20.05 (+/- 18.32) and that influences the use of dental wire index periodontal inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Gingival inflammation is present in those with plaque and is subject to use wire but not the frequency of tooth brushing which demonstrates that the use of adjuvant means brushing helps remove plaque but not entirely.

[SEM comparative analysis of the composite diacrylic resin-enamel interface in laser and bur prepared cavities]. / Studiu de analiza comparativa SEM a interfetei rasina diacrilica compozita-smalt in cavitati preparate mecanic si kinetic cu laser.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the size of the hybrid layer (HL) in the prepared enamel mechanic (M) and kinetic (K) with laser (WaterlaseMDBiolase), evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) restored with two types of resin composite is different. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was realized in vitro on a sample of 40 extracted human premolar and molars teeth for orthodontic or periodontal reasons. The teeth were divided at random into equal four groups (Gr). There has been Class I cavities with a depth of 2 mm (M) at high and low speed with cylindrical diamond No.1 and globular carbide and (K) peaks MZ6-5, 5W+20 Hz 30% water 60% air. The teeth were restored using 3M Schotchbond Etch, 3M Single Bond Dental Adhesive System: Gr. 1: (K)(n = 10)-3M Filtekflow; Gr.2 : (K)(n = 10)3M FiltekZ250; Gr.3: (M)(n = 10)3M Filtekflow; Gr.4: (M)(n = 10)3M FiltekZ250. The materials were placed in a single layer and photoactivate source LED SmartLite (Dentsply), termocycling 500 cycles (5 degrees-55 degrees), stored (48h), cut lengthwise (diamond), polished, conditioned (H3PO4-37% -5s) analyzed by SEM (JEOLJSM 6390), SPSS 13.00 statistically analyzed (ANOVA, p = 0.05). RESULTS: Analysis of the (HL) has highlighted differences between groups p = 0.05 average size (HL) being Gr.1;20.80 (+/- 0.72)microm, Gr.2;4.034 (+/- 0.0076)microm, Gr.3, 14.13 (+/- 0.63)microm, Gr.4, 1,43 (+/- 0.16)microm. Value size (HL) was influenced by the cavity preparation method for samples prepared by laser p = 0,005 in terms of size and in advantage of mechanical preparations in terms of quality (HL). Also the value of (HL) size was influenced by the type of material used in advance Gr.2 p = 0.0017. CONCLUSIONS: The sealing of cavity depends more on the creep of materials and less on the type of preparation. Permission was obtained from a institutional ethical committee of "Gr.T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi and that subjects gave written, informed consent).

[Clinical study on the distribution of tooth wear of the adult population]. / Studiu clinic asupra distributiei leziunilor dentare necariogene la populatia adulta.

UNLABELLED: Tooth wear is becoming increasingly significant in the developed societies, because the etiological factors are frequently present in the daily life. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of the tooth wear of the adult population in a private practice of dentistry. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The group of study had 614 patients, structured on the following subgroups of age: 18- 30 years, 31-40, 41-50, 51-65 and more than 65 years old. Each patient had a clinical exam and a questionnaire for the diet and the lifestyle, spotlighting the etiology of tooth wear. RESULTS: attrition was the most frequent (55.7%), followed by abrasion (32.7%), erosion affected 7.5% of the patients and abfractions are the least frequent (4.1%). Erosions (9.7%) and attritions (59.9%) are more frequent at the feminine gender, and abrasions (40.4%) at the masculine gender. More than half of the abfractions (56%) were found at the youth patients (18-30 years old). Erosions were found in the 31-40 years subgroup at almost 40% of the patients; in the 41-50 years subgroup, abrasion and erosion were found in equal proportions. Abrasion prevails at the 51-65 years subgroup (30.8%). 72% of the consumers of acidic fruits had dental erosions. CONCLUSION: Tooth wear is under the influence of the diet and the age factor.

[Early childhood caries. Epidemiological considerations]. / Caria severa timpurie consideratii epidemiologice în zona Iasi.

AIM: To asses the current demographic tendencies of the carioactivity, in Iasi area, especially ECC and S-ECC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study group included 500 subjects (276 girls and 224 boys), 3-6 years of age, 70% urban and 30% rural. The oro-dental evaluation was achieved through clinical investigation, based on criteria and markers recommended by WHO, the estimation of the indices of the caries prevalence: caod, cao, SIC, ICDAS, psychological assessment and sociological investigation using interviews and questionnaires. Recorded data were used for statistical analysis in SPSS 17 trial, in visual FOX-PRO9. RESULTS: The hole assessment showed a low caries risk (83.3%), compared to the values of the medium caries risk (9.2%), and of the high caries risk (7.5%). In term of clinic variability, the normal carial pattern is frequent, followed by atypical carial patterns, ECC and S-ECC, with differences between genders (boys - 1.91, girls - 1.99). In relation to the socio-economic level of the family, the cao index varies: cao-1--high socio-economic level, cao-1.46--medium socio-economic level, cao2.87--low socio-economic level. CONCLUSIONS: The values of the epidemiologic indices, showed a variability of the carioactivity of the temporary dentition, with growth of the atipical carial patterns, ECC and SECC. The above mentioned aspects require to reconsider the view points on temporary dentition and the promotion of an educational and prevention programme.

[The influence of hygroscopic expansion on nanohybrid composite restorations]. / Influenta expansiunii higroscopice asupra restaurarilor realizate cu un compozit nanohibrid.

UNLABELLED: Hygroscopic expansion of resin materials is a common phenomena due to water adsorption into the resin matrix. This expansion is dependent upon the chemical structure of the material. Water sorption of resin dental material may contribute to stress release immediately after polymerization shrinkage has occurred. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of water storage on nanohybrid composite by assessment of marginal enamel sealing of restorations. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 30 human teeth extracted for periodontal or orthodontic reasons were used in these study. Cavities were prepared and restored using a nanohybrid composite (Ceramix Mono, Dentsply DeTrey) and a total-etch adhesive system (Prime&Bond NT, Dentsply DeTrey). The teeth were then randomly divided in three groups which were stored for various times in deionized water (one hour, 24 hours and 7 days). After the storage period, the teeth were immersed in methylen blue 1% for 24 h. Then specimens were axially cut and the dye penetration within the occlusal enamel interface was evaluated using optic microscope. RESULTS: Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences of dye penetration between the long-term hydrated groups and the group hydrated for only one hour (p < 0.05). The mean value of dye penetration decreased from 0.04 mm to 0.1 mm after water storage for both 24 hours and 7 days. However, good sealing in enamel margins of restorations was observed even without hydration. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that nanohybrid composites used with total etch adhesives systems have good ability to seal the enamel margins and water sorption can improve this sealing.

[Education for oral health--an essential factor for improvement of oral health]. / Educatia pentru sanatatea orala factor esential de promovare a sanatatii orale.

UNLABELLED: The impact of mothers and teachers on oral health (OH) education of the children may have a significant impact on the oral health of the next generations. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes towards OH among mothers and teachers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was initiated in Iasi, in 2004, on a series of 375 mothers, 198 teachers and 441 schoolchildren. OH care habits and knowledge of mothers and teachers were analysed, using three different types of questionnaires. Further on, the relation to socio-economic status and evaluation of the impact of an educational program for parents and teachers were discussed. RESULTS: The amount of OH knowledge was higher for teachers compared to mothers. Mothers with postgraduate studies were better informed, while 20% had no OH knowledges (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Education of the parents and teachers is very important, because they can improvement the quality of life for children. Key words: EDUCATION, ORAL HEALTH

[Dental caries in adults, 35 to 44 years, Iasi county]. / Statusul odontal la populatia adulta de 35-44 ani din judetul Iasi.

AIM: To determine the prevalence and severity of dental caries in Iasi adults aged 35 to 44. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural area of Iasi. A total of 928 people were examined. The World Health Organization's caries criteria were used. RESULTS: Caries prevalence was 66.7% and the mean DMF-T index was 10.30. Significant statistical differences in dental caries prevalence were found according to sex, province and urbanization, family income. CONCLUSION: The worst results were observed in the group of lower income and rural area, indicating a need for the implementation of social policies that address these populations aiming and diminishing the differences in the health-disease process indicators.

[Early childhood caries--a public oral health problem]. / Caria precoce--problema de sanatate publica oro-dentara.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of dental caries in preschool children from nurseries and kindergartens in Iasi, an urban city in Romania. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study assessed the dental health status in 2 age groups. The first group included 366 children aged 2, 5-3 years and the second group included 455 children aged 4,5-5 years in 2005. The children were subjected to dental examination in 2005 and 2006 and the prevalence and severity of caries for each age group were determined. Evaluation was based on questionnaire completed by mothers and on clinical assessment of preschool children's oral health status. RESULTS: The mean number of decayed, missing and filled primary teeth (dmft) in the first group was 1.76 in 2005 and 2.39 in 2006, while the significant caries index increased from 4.79 to 6.35 during this period of time. For the 4.5-5 year children, the mean values for the dmft index were 3.95 in 2005 and 3.67 in 2006, while significant caries index increased from 7.89 to 8.4. Early childhood caries are the result of both inadequate diet behavior and cariogenic germs transmission from mother. The presence and extension of carious lesions in primary teeth are the most important predictors of permanent teeth disease. The high prevalence and severity of dental caries in pre-school children indicated that dental health program that include both prevention and treatment services targeted for young children and their parents is urgently needed. CONCLUSIONS: Socio-economic status improvement, changes in lifestyle, effective use of oral health services, and most of all, oral hygiene and use of fluoride would lead to obvious changes in caries prevalence and severity of disease. The study high-lights the importance of change of attitudes and improvement of knowledge in parents, children and educators in order to reach a healthy lifestyle.

[Diagnostic procedures in dental trauma]. / Proceduri diagnostice în traumatismele dento-parodontale.

Dental trauma is an emergency. In such situations an early diagnosis to determine the nature and extent of the trauma is needed, through an comprehensive investigation including the circumstances of tre traumatic event, the medical history and a complete clinical and paraclinical evaluation.