Occlusion development after premature loss of deciduous anterior teeth: preliminary results of a 24-month prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate occlusion development after premature loss or extraction of deciduous anterior teeth, by means of a prospective cohort study. METHODS: Fifteen infants and children aged 1 to 5 years old were longitudinally assessed (with loss or extraction of deciduous anterior teeth [n = 9], and without tooth losses [n = 6]). Photographs and dental casts at the baseline and after 24 months of follow-up were performed. Dental casts were scanned, and linear measurements were made on the digitalized models (missing tooth space, arch perimeter, arch length, arch width, intercanine length and intercanine width). The t-test was used for groups comparisons (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Individuals' mean age at baseline was 2.93 (± 1.18) years. No statistically significant differences were observed in the missing tooth space in the group with tooth loss during the 24 months of follow-up (p > 0.05). Arch perimeter, arch length, arch width, intercanine length and intercanine width did not show differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Qualitative photographic evaluation revealed other changes in the dental arches and occlusion, such as exfoliation and eruption of deciduous teeth, eruption of permanent teeth, self-correction or establishment of malocclusion, among others. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the premature loss of deciduous anterior teeth does not affect the perimeter, length and width of the dental arches; however, other alterations that lead to malocclusion could be established.

Are low serum levels of Vitamin D associated with dental developmental defects in primary teeth? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify, qualify and synthesize all studies that assessed if low serum level of 25(OH)D (<50 nmol/L) is associated with dental developmental defects (DDD) in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational studies or clinical trials were included if measured 25(OH)D serum levels in pregnant women and/or in their children (up to 3 years old) and evaluated the occurrence of DDD in the primary dentition of offspring associated with the low 25(OH)D levels. Literature reviews, case reports, laboratory and/or animals' studies, conference abstracts, letters to the editor, book chapters and clinical protocols were excluded. Searches were carried out in 6 electronic databases and in the gray literature until March 2023, without restrictions. The study quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the certainty of the evidence by GRADE. Data were descriptively synthesized considering the association between DDD and 25(OH)D levels. RESULTS: Seven studies were included. Only developmental enamel defects (DED) were observed after examination of 6651 children. The incidence of DED ranged from 8.9% to 66%. Six studies found no association between low levels of 25(OH)D and DED. However, one reported correlation between hypomineralization of the primary second molar (HSMD) and low levels of 25(OH)D at birth. Methodological flaws were observed in all studies and the certainty of the evidence was very low. CONCLUSION: Although HSMD was the only DDD associated with low levels of 25(OH)D in children, the available evidence is still not conclusive. More robust studies are needed to endorse the biological plausibility of DDD in primary teeth due to low serum levels of 25(OH)D in pregnant women or in their children. FAPERJ financed this study, which was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022357511).

Occlusion development after premature loss of deciduous anterior teeth: preliminary results of a 24-month prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate occlusion development after premature loss or extraction of deciduous anterior teeth, by means of a prospective cohort study. Methods: Fifteen infants and children aged 1 to 5 years old were longitudinally assessed (with loss or extraction of deciduous anterior teeth [n = 9], and without tooth losses [n = 6]). Photographs and dental casts at the baseline and after 24 months of follow-up were performed. Dental casts were scanned, and linear measurements were made on the digitalized models (missing tooth space, arch perimeter, arch length, arch width, intercanine length and intercanine width). The t-test was used for groups comparisons (α = 0.05). Results: Individuals' mean age at baseline was 2.93 (± 1.18) years. No statistically significant differences were observed in the missing tooth space in the group with tooth loss during the 24 months of follow-up (p > 0.05). Arch perimeter, arch length, arch width, intercanine length and intercanine width did not show differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Qualitative photographic evaluation revealed other changes in the dental arches and occlusion, such as exfoliation and eruption of deciduous teeth, eruption of permanent teeth, self-correction or establishment of malocclusion, among others. Conclusion: The results suggest that the premature loss of deciduous anterior teeth does not affect the perimeter, length and width of the dental arches; however, other alterations that lead to malocclusion could be established.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o desenvolvimento da oclusão após perda prematura ou extração de dentes decíduos anteriores, por meio de um estudo de coorte prospectivo. Métodos: Quinze bebês e crianças de 1 a 5 anos foram avaliados longitudinalmente (com perda ou extração de dentes anteriores decíduos [n = 9] e sem perdas dentárias [n = 6]). Foram realizadas fotografias e modelos dentais no início e após 24 meses de acompanhamento. Os modelos dentários foram escaneados e medidas lineares foram feitas nos modelos digitalizados (espaço dentário perdido, perímetro da arcada, comprimento da arcada, largura da arcada, comprimento intercaninos e largura intercaninos). O teste t foi utilizado para comparações entre grupos (α = 0,05). Resultados: A média de idade dos indivíduos no início do estudo foi de 2,93 (± 1,18) anos. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas no espaço dentário perdido no grupo com perda dentária durante os 24 meses de acompanhamento (p > 0,05). O perímetro da arcada, comprimento da arcada, largura da arcada, comprimento intercaninos e largura intercaninos não apresentaram diferenças entre os grupos (p> 0,05). A avaliação fotográfica qualitativa revelou alterações nas arcadas dentárias e na oclusão, como: esfoliação e erupção de dentes decíduos, erupção de dentes permanentes, autocorreção ou estabelecimento de má oclusão, entre outras. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que a perda prematura de dentes anteriores decíduos não afeta o perímetro, comprimento e largura das arcadas dentárias; entretanto, outras alterações que levam à má oclusão poderiam ser estabelecidas.

Fatores comportamentais e socioeconômicos são fortes preditores de cárie dentária em pré- escolares: um estudo transversal / Behavioral and socioeconomic factors are strong predictors of dental caries in preschoolers: a cross-sectional study

Avaliaram-se possíveis preditores para a cárie dentária em pré-escolares sem experiência odontológica prévia, que buscaram a clínica de odontopediatria de uma universidade pública. Analisaram-se 191 prontuários, dos quais 87 foram incluídos. Coletaram-se dados demográficos, socioeconômicos, histórico de cárie da mãe, orientação prévia sobre cárie, frequência de escovação, uso de dentifrício fluoretado, consumo de doces/biscoitos e/ou líquidos açucarados, ceo-d e a presença ou ausência de defeitos de desenvolvimento do esmalte. Análises descritivas e de regressão logística binária foram realizadas para investigar quais variáveis prediziam um ceod>0. O modelo múltiplo incluiu consumo de doces/biscoitos, dados socioeconômicos, histórico de cárie na mãe e orientação prévia sobre cárie. Das crianças (2,69±1,18 anos), a maioria (67,8%) apresentava ceod>0 (3,78±3,82), sendo 50,6% meninas e 73,3% da classe baixa. A maioria (56,5%) das mães tinha 12 anos de estudos completos, histórico de cárie (78,6%) e receberam orientação prévia sobre cárie (52,9%). A maior parte (80,6%) escova os dentes pelo menos 2 vezes ao dia, utiliza dentifrício fluoretado (75,9%) e consome líquidos açucarados (90,8%), além de doces/biscoitos (86,9%) entre as refeições. Pertencer à classe baixa aumentou em 7 vezes a chance de ceod>0 (OR=7,354; IC 95%=1,951-27,723), histórico de cárie na mãe em 4 vezes (OR=4,131; IC 95%=1,042-16,369) e consumo de doces/biscoitos em quase 2 vezes (OR=1,786; IC 95%=1,072-2,976). Classe econômica baixa, histórico de cárie da mãe e consumo de doces/biscoitos entre as refeições mostraram-se fatores associados ao ceod>0 nos pacientes sem experiência prévia odontológica de uma clínica de odontopediatria de uma universidade pública.

Possible predictors of dental caries in preschool children without previous dental experience, who sought a pediatric dentistry clinic at a public university, were evaluated. Medical records (n=191) were analyzed; 87 were included. Demographic, socioeconomic data, mother's history of caries, previous orientation on caries, brushing frequency, use of fluoridated toothpaste, consumption of sweets/cookies and/or sugary liquids, dmft and the presence or absence of enamel development defects were collected. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyzes were performed to investigate which variables predicted a dmft>0. The multiple model included consumption of sweets/cookies, socioeconomic data, mother's history of caries and previous orientation on caries. Of the children (2.69±1.18 years), most (67.8%) had dmft>0 (3.78±3.82), with 50.6% girls and 73.3% from the lower class. Most mothers had completed 12 years of schooling (56.5%), reported history of caries (78.6%) and received previous orientation on caries (52.9%). Most of children brush their teeth at least twice a day (80.6%), use fluoridated toothpaste (75.9%) and consume sugary liquids (90.8%), in addition to consumption of sweets/cookies (86 .9%) among the meals. Belonging to the lower class increased the chance of having dmft>0 by 7 times (OR=7,354; 95% CI=1,951-27,723), mother's history of caries by 4 times (OR=4,131;95% CI=1,042-16,369) and consumption of sweets/cookies by almost twice (OR=1,786;95% CI=1,072-2,976). Low economic class, mother's history of caries and consumption of sweets/cookies between meals were factors associated with dmft>0 in the patients without previous dental experience in a pediatric dentistry clinic at a public university.

Efficacy of 30% and 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride in Arresting Caries Lesions After Different Application Times: An in Vitro Study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in arresting dentin caries lesions when applied under different concentrations and times. Material and Methods: Forty-two bovine blocks were selected and fixed in 24-well plates. Each well received a mixed bacterial inoculum added to the culture medium with 5% sucrose. The plates were incubated in microaerophilia (7 days) for caries formation, confirmed by micro-CT (M1). SDF was applied over the carious lesions for different times and concentrations (n=6): SDF 30% - immediate removal, 1 minute and 3 minutes; SDF 38%, - immediate removal, 1 minute and 3 minutes. The group without treatment was the control. Then, the samples were again scanned by micro-CT (M2) and submitted to a second cariogenic challenge for 21 days. Then, a final scan was performed (M3). Results: Mean pH at the culture medium and lesion depth were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests. 38% SDF showed the lowest metabolic activity of the biofilm. All 38% groups and 30% 1 and 3 minutes did not show an increase in mean lesion depth comparing M3 with M1. However, only 30% 3 minutes and 38% 1 and 3 minutes showed a significant reduction of lesion depth. Conclusion: The minimum application time of 30% SDF to arrest dentin caries lesion was 1 minute, while 38% SDF arrested with application and immediate removal.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Preschool Children After Silver Diamine Fluoride Versus Atraumatic Restorative Treatments.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschoolers before (T1), 15 days (T2), and three months (T3) after carious lesion treatments using 30 percent silver diamine fluoride (SDF, N equals 59) and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART, n equals 59). Methods: Data about sociodemographic aspects and OHRQoL through the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale questionnaire (B-ECOHIS) were collected between 2016 and 2019. Total B-ECOHIS, impact on children (CIS), and family (FIS) values were used. The Mann-Whitney test compared these values, and the effect size (ES) of treatments was also calculated. Results: Toothache and upset/ guilty parents were the most reported impacts on T1. Total B-ECOHIS did not statistically vary between girls and boys or children older or younger than four years old, and socioeconomic status was not a factor either. Total B-ECOHIS, their impacts, and subscales were higher in children with high decayed, missing, and filled primary teeth (dmft) scores (P<0.05). SDF and ART did not vary among B-ECOHIS, CIS, and FIS at any time (P>0.05). Total B-ECOHIS decreased for both treatments (P<0.05). The ES was moderate for children in T2 and T3, considering all treatments, while for families the ES was moderate at T2 and small/moderate at T3 after treatment with SDF and ART, respectively. Conclusion: Treatments with 30 percent silver diamine fluoride or atraumatic restorative treatment improved the oral health-related quality of life of preschoolers, with no variation among those treated.

Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Brazilian Dentists Regarding Silver Diamine Fluoride

Abstract Objective: Current acceptability, barriers to use, and clinical/teaching practices of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) among Brazilian dentists were investigated. Material and Methods: A Google forms questionnaire was sent to dentists (n=10,500) to collect information about the use of SDF and the dentists' workplace, experience, specialty, and city of practice. A logistic regression model was performed. Results: From 409 respondents, 13.2% used SDF. Working at universities increased the use of SDF by 2.29 times (p=0.018) compared to private offices. Each training year, the chance of SDF usage increased by 3% (p=0.008). Pediatric dentists are more likely to use SDF (OR=6.76, p<0.001). There is no association between SDF usage and the city of practice. The majority (75.9%) indicated SDF for noncompliant patients. Dentists (75.9%) reported the exclusive use in deciduous teeth, while 24.1% also use in permanent teeth. The main barrier for non-users was a lack of knowledge (58.3%), while for users, tooth staining (90.7%) and parental acceptance (64.8%) were the complaints. Conclusion: The Silver Diamine Fluoride is not a common product used by the dentists from RJ. Its clinical applicability should be further disseminated; thus, lack of scientific knowledge would cease to be a problem in the use of SDF to arrest caries lesions.

Efficacy of 30% silver diamine fluoride compared to atraumatic restorative treatment on dentine caries arrestment in primary molars of preschool children: A 12-months parallel randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This clinical trial investigated the efficacy of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in arresting dentine caries in primary molars of preschoolers. Time required for treatment, adverse effects, parental aesthetic perception, anxiety and oral health related to quality of life (OHRQoL) was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children, 2-5 years old, with active dentine caries lesions on the occlusal surface of primary molars were randomly allocated to test group (SDF) or control group (atraumatic restorative treatment/ART). The dmf-t/DMF-T and ICDAS indexes determined the presence of caries and activity. The main outcome after 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up was assessed by a blind examiner. The time required to perform the treatments was recorded and a facial image scale was applied to assess anxiety before and after treatment. Adverse events and aesthetic perception were assessed through questions addressed to caregivers; and the OHRQoL through the B-ECOHIS questionnaire. RESULTS: In 68 patients that were randomized, the mean number of treated teeth per child was 2.42(1.04) and 2.09(1.18) in the SDF and ART groups (p = 0.074), respectively. The mean difference of arrested lesions between the groups after 12 months was -0,07(0.05; - 0.17-0.30). The time required to treat with SDF was lower than the ART (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the percentage of adverse events + aesthetic perception (p = 0.709), and the change in anxiety (p = 0.155). There was a less impact in OHRQoL after ART treatment, but only when the parents' distress subscale was considered (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: SDF requires much less chair-time and have similar results as ART in arresting caries lesion, anxiety, adverse effects, aesthetic perception and quality of life.

The dentist as a child abuse informer: a case report

Introducition: Domestic violence against children interferes in their psychological development, leading to sequels that manifest and persist up to adulthood. Physical evidence of domestic violence is easily observed in the orofacial complex and eventually becomes detected by dentists. Case Report: We report the case of a 9-year-old victim of maltreatment who was diagnosed during dental treatment. The existence of physical injuries (a hematoma in the left orbit and burns on the left hand and in the lips) aroused the attention of the pediatric dentistry, whose brought the case to the responsible authorities. Custody of the child was granted to the grandmother by a court decision, which enabled the recovery of health and quality of life. Conclusion: Professionals must properly conduct cases through complaints in order to protect children from future occurrences.

Introdução: A violência doméstica contra as crianças interfere no seu desenvolvimento psicológico, levando a sequelas que se manifestam e persistem até a idade adulta. A evidência física da violência doméstica é facilmente observada no complexo orofacial e, eventualmente, é detectada pelos dentistas. Relato do Caso: Relatamos o caso de uma vítima de maus-tratos, de 9 anos de idade, que foi diagnosticada durante o tratamento odontológico. Um odontopediatra, durante as consultas de rotina, após identificar injúrias físicas (hematoma na órbita esquerda e queimaduras na mão esquerda e lábios), suspeitou tratar-se de maus tratos, levando o caso às autoridades responsáveis. A custódia da criança foi concedida à avó por uma decisão judicial, o que permitiu a recuperação da saúde e qualidade de vida. Conclusão: Os profissionais devem conduzir adequadamente os casos de abuso, a fim de proteger as crianças de ocorrências futuras.

Evaluation of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life to Assess Dental Treatment in Preschool Children with Early Childhood Caries: A Preliminary Study.

PURPOSE: The oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) was used to assess the outcome of dental treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Children (3.56±1.31years) affected by ECC were selected. Anamnesis, clinical and radiographic exams were performed. Data about sociodemographic aspects, OHRQoL and dmf-t index were collected. The Brazilian version of Early Childhood Oral health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS) was applied in two time intervals: before and after 30 days of treatment. B-ECOHIS scores and effect size (ES) were used to evaluate the OHRQoL of preschool children. The Student's-t test was used for comparison between the B-ECOHIS averages, considering the following aspects: gender, age, socioeconomic status, severity of caries and type of treatment. RESULTS: The mean dmf-t was 6.25±4.20 and no differences between boys (6.00±4.32) and girls (6.83±4.35) (p=0,942) were found. Pain and psychological problems among children and parents feeling upset and guilty were the most frequently reported impacts at baseline. There was a greater impact on girls (17.67±8.68) than on boys (13.30±10.53) (p<0.001); and on children younger than 4 years (16.71±9.96) (p<0.05). The highest B-ECOHIS scores were observed in treatments involving dental extractions and space maintainers. There was no difference between the total B-ECOHIS scores of subjects from middle (16.24±10.30) and lower socioeconomic classes (15.97±10.26). The total scores of B-ECOHIS and its domains decreased after 30-day follow-up. Dental rehabilitation of preschool children showed a large effect size for these subjects (ES=1.19) and their families (ES=1.00). CONCLUSION: Dental treatment resulted in significant improvement of the preschool children's OHRQoL.