A Rare Case of Calcified Radicular Cyst in Deciduous Tooth.

Radicular cysts (RCs) are one of the most common odontogenic cystic lesions of inflammatory origin. It originates mostly from epithelial residues in periodontal ligaments secondary to inflammation. The pathogenesis involves the activation of epithelial cell rests of Malaseez after physical, chemical, or bacterial injury. Radiographically, it is seen as a well-defined unilocular lesion of size >1.5 cm. RCs are considered rare in the primary dentition, comprising only 0.5-3.3% of the total number of RCs in both primary and permanent dentitions. This is the first case to be reported of a radicular cyst in primary teeth, with dystrophic calcification. How to cite this article: Sunny R, Rag B, Punathil S, et al. A Rare Case of Calcified Radicular Cyst in Deciduous Tooth. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(1):86-88.

Non-syndromic Bilateral Supernumerary Teeth in the Primary and Secondary Dentition: A Rare Case Report.

Supernumerary teeth are presented in any region of the dental arches as additional teeth to the standard set of teeth and may present in either the primary or secondary dentition. They can be found as single or multiple teeth on one or both sides of the dental arches, with a preference for the premaxilla. The supernumerary teeth might cause aesthetic and/or functional problems, mainly if situated in the maxillary anterior region. Multiple supernumerary teeth are often related to specific conditions or in syndromic patients, i.e., cleft palate, cleft lip, cleidocranial dysplasia, and Gardner's syndrome. This report presents a case of an eight-year-old female patient with non-syndromic bilateral supernumerary teeth in the primary and secondary dentition. The patient is medically fit, and her family history was non-contributory.

Sex-specific effects of environmental temperature during gestation on fluctuating asymmetry in deciduous teeth.

OBJECTIVES: External environmental heat exposure during gestation impacts the physiology of human development in utero, but evidence for these impacts has not yet been explored in dentition. We examined deciduous teeth for fluctuating asymmetry (FA), a measure of developmental instability, together with gestational environmental temperature data drawn from historical weather statistics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured dental casts from the longitudinal Burlington Growth Study, representing 172 participants (ages 3-6 years) with health records. FA was calculated from crown dimensions and intercuspal distances that develop during gestation. Multiple regression separated by sex (nfemale = 81) examined the effects of mean temperatures in each trimester, controlling for birth year. RESULTS: In females, increased temperatures during the first trimester are significantly associated with an increase in FA (p = 0.03), specifically during the second and third prenatal months (p = 0.03). There is no relationship between temperature and FA for either sex in the second or third trimesters, when enamel is formed. DISCUSSION: Dental instability may be sensitive to temperature in the first trimester in females during the scaffolding of crown shape and size in the earliest stages of tooth formation. Sexual dimorphism in growth investment strategies may explain the differences in results between males and females. Using enduring dental characteristics, these results advance our understanding of the effects of temperature on fetal physiology within a discrete period.

Evaluation of microbiome in primary and permanent dentition in grade C periodontitis in young individuals.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the subgingival microbiome in patients with grade C molar-incisor pattern periodontitis (C-MIP) affecting the primary or permanent dentitions. METHODS: DNA was isolated from subgingival biofilm samples from diseased and healthy sites from 45 C-MIP patients and subjected to phylogenetic microarray analysis. C-MIP sites were compared between children affected in the primary to those affected in the permanent dentitions. Within-subject differences between C-MIP-affected sites and dentition-matched healthy sites were also evaluated. RESULTS: C-MIP sites of subjects affected in the primary dentition showed partially overlapping but distinct microbial communities from C-MIP permanent dentition sites (p < 0.05). Differences were due to increased levels in primary C-MIP sites of certain species of the genera Capnocytophaga and Leptotrichia, while C-MIP permanent dentition sites showed higher prevalence of Filifactor alocis. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) was among species seen in high prevalence and levels in both primary and permanent C-MIP sites. Moreover, both permanent and primary C-MIP sites showed distinct microbial communities when compared to dentition-matched healthy sites in the same subject (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Primary and permanent teeth with C-MIP showed a dysbiotic microbiome, with children affected in the primary dentition showing a distinct profile from those affected in the permanent dentition. However, Aa was enriched in both primary and permanent diseased sites, confirming that this microorganism is implicated in C-MIP in both dentitions.

Dental Anomalies in Primary Dentition among Arabian Children: A Hospital-Based Study.

An observational study was carried out in a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia to determine the occurrence of dental anomalies among Arabian children. The study included children of Saudi nationality with primary teeth. The study assessed the prevalence of dental anomalies in their primary dentition. The assessment and data collection were conducted by a single examiner, utilizing clinical examination and intra-oral radiographs. A comparative analysis was conducted to examine dental anomalies in relation to gender (boys and girls) and arch type (maxillary and mandibular). In addition, the study explored the occurrence of gender-specific dental anomalies depending on arch type. The data analysis was conducted using IBM Statistics (version 21.0) with a significance level of p < 0.05. In total, there were 245 children included in the final analysis. The study population consisted of boys (66%) and girls (34%), with an average age of 4.87 ± 0.9 years. Taurodontism was the most prevalent dental abnormality, occurring in 2.8% of the individuals in the study sample. The study sample exhibited hypodontia in 2%, supernumerary teeth in 2.4%, double teeth in 2%, and microdontia in 1.2%. Talon cusp and macrodontia have a relatively low incidence of 0.4%. Boys exhibit supernumerary teeth, microdontia, macrodontia, talon cusp, and taurodontism, whereas hypodontia and double teeth were more frequent in girls.

PARENTAL EDUCATION, CARIES EXPERIENCE, PLAQUE ACCUMULATION, AND Mutans Streptococci COUNT MAY PREDICT THE INCREMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN OVER 24 MONTHS.

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: RISK PREDICTORS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARIES INCREMENT-A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS. Lam PPY, Chua H, Ekambaram M, Lo ECM, Yiu CKY. J Evid Based Dent Pract. 2022 Sep;22(3):101732. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Government TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of data.

Prevalence and risk indicators of primary dentition malocclusion in Riyadh-Saudi Arabia using a new case definition: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of primary dentition malocclusion and its linked risk indicators among a group of Saudi preschool children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on preschool children aged 3 to 5 years residing in Riyadh City, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The study sample included 709 Saudi children of both genders with complete primary dentition. Oral examination was conducted for children to assess the anteroposterior, transverse, and vertical dimensions, arch spacings, and oral habits. Results: The prevalence of malocclusion was 59.1% among the study participants. A deep overbite and increased overjet were found in 26.23 % and 25.11%, respectively. Arch space problems were reported, including missing primate spaces in 24.12%, missing developmental spacing in 27.93%, and crowding in 14.1%. An association between mothers aged 25 years and younger at childbirth was linked with their child's malocclusion in the primary dentition (p-value of 0.03). Conclusion: The prevalence of primary dentition malocclusion among a specific group of Saudi preschool children was significantly high. Increased overbite and overjet were the most prevalent occlusal discrepancies, followed by arch spacing problems. The younger mother's age at childbirth is significantly associated with her child's malocclusion. The study results can serve as a baseline for future investigations.

Morphometric variations and nonmetric anatomical traits or anomalies of the primary molar teeth, plus the molars' size thresholds for sex identification.

INTRODUCTION: Morphological and morphometric features of the teeth are of interest to various clinical and academic dental and medical fields including prosthodontics, orthodontics, anatomy and anthropology, pathology, archeology, and forensic dentistry. These have been more or less researched in the case of the permanent dentition. However when it comes to the primary dentition, the literature is scarce and controversial. No study worldwide exists on the cutoff points (thresholds) for sex identification; no study exists on metric or nonmetric traits of deciduous teeth in Iranians. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess both the metric and nonmetric traits of primary molars, as well as their cut-off points for sex identification. METHODS: In this epidemiological cross-sectional study, pretreatment casts of 110 children (51 boys and 59 girls) aged 6 to 12 years were collected. Maxillary and mandibular first and second primary molars were evaluated regarding their metric traits (mesiodistal and buccolingual widths) and 9 nonmetric traits (Accessory cusp on the upper D, Accessory cusp on the lower D, Fifth cusp on the upper E, Carabelli's cusp on the upper E, Protostylid on the lower E, Fifth cusp on the lower E, Sixth cusp on the lower E, Tuberculum intermedium [metaconulid] on the lower E, and Deflecting wrinkle on the lower E). ROC curves were used to identify cut-off points for sex determination as well as the usefulness of metric measurements for this purpose. Data were analyzed using independent-samples and paired-samples t-tests, McNemar, Fisher, and chi-square tests, plus Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients (α = 0.05). RESULTS: All the primary molars' coronal dimensions (both mesiodistal and buccolingual) were extremely useful for sex identification (ROC curves, all P values ≤ 0.0000099). Especially, the mandibular primary molars (areas under ROC curves [AUCs] between 85.6 and 90.4%, P values ≤ 0.0000006) were more useful than the maxillary ones (AUCs between 80.4 and 83.1%, P values ≤ 0. 0000099). In the mandible, the first primary molar (maximum AUC = 90.4%) was better than the second molar (maximum AUC = 86.0%). The optimum thresholds for sex determination were reported. Sex dimorphism was significant in buccolingual and mesiodistal crown widths of all the primary molars (all P values ≤ 0.000132), but it was seen only in the case of 2 nonmetric traits: Deflecting wrinkle (P = 0.001) and Tuberculum intermedium (metaconulid, P = 0.029) on the lower Es, taking into account the unilateral and bilateral cases. The occurrence of nonmetric traits was symmetrical between the right and left sides (all P values ≥ 0.250). All mesiodistal and two buccolingual molar measurements were as well symmetrical (P > 0.1); however, two buccolingual measurements were asymmetrical: in the case of the maxillary E (P = 0.0002) and mandibular D (P = 0.019). There were three weak-to-moderate correlations between the nonmetric traits of the mandibular second molars (Spearman correlations between 22.7 and 37.5%, P values ≤ 0.045). Up to 6 concurrent nonmetric traits were observed in the sample, with 53.6% of the sample showing at least 2 concurrent nonmetric traits at the same time, without any sex dimorphism (P = 0.658). CONCLUSION: Sex dimorphism exists considerably in primary molars' sizes, but it is not as prevalent in their nonmetric traits or abnormalities. Primary molars' crown sizes are useful for sex identification; we calculated optimum cut-off points for this purpose, for the first time.

Comparative Evaluation of Clinical and Radiographic Success of Pulpectomy Done with and without Dental Operating Microscope in Pediatric Patients: An In Vivo Study.

Aim: To assess the clinical and radiographic success of conventional pulpectomy and pulpectomy done under an endodontic microscope over a period of 12 months. Materials and methods: The study was conducted as a single-blinded, parallel-group prospective, randomized, and controlled clinical trial. The enrollment of the study involved the assessment of 258 deciduous molars for eligibility as per the inclusion criteria. A total of 104 teeth were allocated to each group, that is, group I (conventional pulpectomy) and group II (pulpectomy under microscope). However, due to unavoidable circumstances during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, 98 and 90 teeth were treated in each group, respectively. Pulpectomy in both groups was done using standard protocol except for the use of an endodontic microscope in group II. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed by an independent blinded observer and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The clinical success at 6 months is 95.7 and 96.5%, and at 12 months is 96.6 and 97.7% in groups I and II, respectively. The radiographic success at 6 months is 93.5 and 95.4%, and at 12 months is 95.5 and 98.8% in groups I and II, respectively. The overall success rates of both groups with statistically no significant differences. Conclusion: The present study concludes comparable results are achieved using an endodontic microscope to conventional pulpectomy without magnification. How to cite this article: Kumar G, Rehman F. Comparative Evaluation of Clinical and Radiographic Success of Pulpectomy Done with and without Dental Operating Microscope in Pediatric Patients: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-2):S155-S160.

Effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride in indirect pulp capping in primary molars: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Recently, clinical trials have assessed the effectiveness of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) as an indirect pulp capping material (IPC) in primary teeth. This systematic review aimed to assess the evidence presented in these trials. Data sources: A comprehensive search identified relevant studies through five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane). Search strategies were designed using the PICO model to identify all studies that investigated SDF as an IPC compared to calcium hydroxide (CaOH) or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Quality assessment and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) were used to assess the level of evidence. Study selection: Four clinical trials were found to be suitable for inclusion in the qualitative synthesis and three studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Three studies compared SDF with CaOH and only one study compared SDF, CaOH, and MTA. Only one randomized controlled trial (RCT) had a low risk of bias, and the non-RCT study had a moderate risk of bias. The level of evidence based on the GRADE was low. Three out of four studies showed higher clinical and radiographic outcomes with SDF than with CaOH. One non-RCT study showed that SDF resulted in the least reparative dentin at the 6-months follow-up. The meta-analysis showed a non-significant difference between the SDF and CaOH groups (P = 0.36). Conclusion: There is little evidence showing a higher clinical and radiographic outcome of SDF compared to CaOH as an IPC material in primary molars. Clinical significance: This systematic review updates pediatric dentists regarding the effectiveness of using SDF as indirect pulp caping in primary teeth.

Evaluation of the Success of Conventional and Biological Restorative Treatment Approaches for Caries in Primary Molars: An In Vivo Study.

Background: In order to compare the clinical and radiographic success of three treatment modalities-conventional restoration (CR), nonrestorative caries treatment (NRCT), and Hall technique (HT), with a 3-month to 1 year follow-up in deciduous molars with occlusal or proximal carious lesions. Design: Children between the ages of 5 and 8 were chosen for the study, having a total of 120 teeth. They were split into three groups, each with 40 participants-CR, HT, and NRCT. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was done at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Data were statistically analyzed. Results: The Chi-squared value and p-value were found to be insignificant when comparing clinical and radiographic ratings of all three groups at 3, 6, 9, and 12-month intervals. Conclusion: Hall technique (HT) performed better than CR. NRCT was more acceptable to patients than CR. How to cite this article: Undre MI, Chunawala Y, Choubey S, et al. Evaluation of the Success of Conventional and Biological Restorative Treatment Approaches for Caries in Primary Molars: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(4):591-597.

Observation and Assessment of the Parameters of Facial Esthetics in 6-year-old Children with Healthy Dentition.

Aim: This study was conducted to observe and assess the dental and facial parameters of esthetics in children with healthy dentition and evaluate whether they are comparable to those of adults. Materials and methods: An observational study included 70 children with ages ranging from 5 to 6 years who had come to the Department of Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry, Institute of Dental Studies & Technologies, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, with intact primary dentition. Standardized photographs of the children were taken and evaluated. Their facial and dental parameters were recorded and compared to that of those of adults. Result: The relation of tooth and facial components was established, and it was found that they were not in the same proportion as those of adults. Conclusion: The proportions of facial and dental parameters of esthetics of children at 6 years of age are different from those of adults. Clinical significance: Since esthetic rehabilitation of primary teeth is becoming an important requisite of successful dental treatment, it is important to establish a standard guideline of dental and facial parameters for children for prosthetic rehabilitation. How to cite this article: Potsangbam D, Agarwal N, Jabin Z, et al. Observation and Assessment of the Parameters of Facial Esthetics in 6-year-old Children with Healthy Dentition. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(4):608-611.

The location of the permanent mandibular canine as identified in orthopantomograms from children younger than 5 years of age: a case series study.

AIM: The aim of this case series study is to describe where the crowns of the permanent mandibular canines are located in early childhood in relation to the preceding primary canines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a sample of 31 orthopantomograms from children, younger than 5 years of age, the location of the mandibular canines was analysed by visual inspection. The radiographs were taken due to different deviations in the dentition and forwarded during a period of 28 years for elucidating different diagnostic questions. From an embryological point of view, the primary canine was considered as a stable structure in the jawbone. A longitudinal axis through the primary canine was named the canine axis. The initial site of the permanent crown was the site, where the permanent lamina "placed" the tooth bud for final development. A normal site was determined when the canine axis passed though the permanent crown and a pathological site was determined when this did not happen. RESULTS: Normal sites for the permanent crowns were observed in 19 cases and abnormal sites in 8 cases. In four cases, the interrelationship between the canine axis and the permanent crown could not be decided. The study demonstrated that the tooth germ for the permanent canine can start initial formation misplaced distally or mesially to the preceding primary tooth. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates different malpositions of the initial crowns of the permanent mandibular canines in children younger than 5 years of age. The results are considered of importance for future understanding of the aetiology behind ectopic mandibular canines.

Assessment of Dental Crowding Occurring in Mixed Dentition in Maxillary and Mandibular Arches Based on Tooth Size-Arch Length Relationships and Certain Cephalometric Parameters.

Aim: The aim of the study is to find indicators of crowding in primary and mixed dentition that may lead to occurrence of dental crowding in future dentition using dental measurements. Materials and methods: A sample of 300 children was selected and divided into two groups based on their age primary dentition and mixed dentition. Dental arch impressions were made and casts were poured. The study was then divided into two phases for assessment of degree of crowding by Little's irregularity index (LII) and by measurement of tooth size-arch length discrepancies. Appropriate statistical analysis was used to assess the correlation of measurements in crowded and noncrowded groups. Results: It was found that Little's index is less dependable as an indicator of anterior crowding. In the primary dentition, there is significant difference in inter-canine width between lower noncrowded and crowded dentition. In the mixed dentition, there is significant difference in Intermolar width between upper noncrowded and crowded dentition and in sum of incisors between noncrowded and crowded dentition in both the arches. Conclusion: Little's index is not a reliable indicator of crowding in both primary and mixed dentition. Inter-canine width of lower arch can be considered as an indicator of crowding in primary dentition. The intermolar width of upper arch, sum of incisors in upper and lower arch and the intercanine width of upper and lower arch can be considered indicators of crowding in the mixed dentition. How to cite this article: Kandakkeel FN, Nagar P, Saseendran A, et al. Assessment of Dental Crowding occurring in Mixed Dentition in Maxillary and Mandibular Arches based on Tooth Size-Arch Length Relationships and Certain Cephalometric Parameters. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):357-362.

Intermaxillary Fixation in the Primary and Mixed Dentition.

Anatomic differences of the primary dentition may hinder traditional methods of intermaxillary fixation. Furthermore, the presence of both the primary and permanent dentition can complicate establishing, and maintaining, the preinjury occlusion. The treating surgeon must be aware of these differences for optimal treatment outcomes. This article discusses and illustrates methods that facial trauma surgeons can use to establish intermaxillary fixation in children aged 12 years and younger.

Caesarean-section delivery and caries risk of 3-year-old Chinese children: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean-section (C-section) may influence children's long-term health by affecting bacterial colonization. However, few studies have focused on the association between C-section delivery (CSD) and dental caries, and previous conclusions have been conflicting. This study aimed to explore whether CSD would increase the risk of early childhood caries (ECC) in preschool children in China. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort study. Three-year-old children with full primary dentition were included through the medical records system. Children in the nonexposure group were vaginally delivered (VD), while children in the exposure group were delivered through C-section. The outcome was the occurrence of ECC. After agreeing to participate in this study, guardians of included children completed a structured questionnaire on maternal sociodemographic factors, children's oral hygiene and feeding habits. The chi-square test was used to determine differences in the prevalence and severity of ECC between the CSD and VD groups and to analyse the prevalence of ECC according to sample characteristics. Subsequently, potential risk factors for ECC were preliminarily identified through univariate analysis, and the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were further calculated through multiple logistic regression analysis after controlling for confounding factors. RESULTS: The VD group included 2115 participants while CSD group included 2996 participants. The prevalence of ECC was higher in CSD children than in VD children (27.6% vs. 20.9%, P < 0.05), and the severity of ECC in CSD children was higher (mean number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth, dmft: 2.1 vs. 1.7, P < 0.05). CSD was a risk factor for ECC in 3-year-old children (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.10-2.83). In addition, irregular tooth brushing and always prechewing children's food were risk factors for ECC (P < 0.05). Low maternal educational attainment (high school or below) or socioeconomic status (SES-5) may also increase the prevalence of ECC in preschool children and CSD children (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CSD would increase the risk of ECC in 3-year-old Chinese children. Paediatric dentists should devote more attention to the development of caries in CSD children. Obstetricians should also prevent excessive and unnecessary CSD.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Malocclusion among Preschool Children in Huizhou, China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This survey examined the prevalence of malocclusion and its associated factors in 3- to 5-year-old children in Huizhou, China. Children were recruited from 21 kindergartens using a multistage sampling method. Two examiners performed oral examinations on the children, assessing occlusal traits, including primary molar and canine relationship, overjet, crossbite, overbite, anterior open bite, scissor bite, midline deviation, crowding, and spacing. Caries experience was recorded. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to collect background information and oral health-related habits. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and binary logistic regression were conducted. The study invited 1485 children and eventually recruited 1454 (52.9% boys; response rate: 97.9%). The prevalence of malocclusion was 68.3%, and deep overbite was found in 48.6% of the children. Children who had lip-biting habits had a higher prevalence of deep overbite than those who did not (OR = 2.36, p < 0.05). Children who had digit-sucking habits and dental caries in anterior maxillary teeth had a lower prevalence of deep overbite than those who did not (OR = 0.73 and 0.70, respectively, p < 0.05). In conclusion, over half of the children in Huizhou who participated in the study had malocclusion. Dental caries in anterior maxillary teeth, digit-sucking, and lip-biting were the associated factors of deep overbite.

Estudio de la variación de la inclinación de la cabeza y la evolución de la dentición - Parte I: Dentición Primaria Completa y Mixta Primera Fase

Objetivo: estudiar y comparar la inclinación de la cabeza entre niños con dentición primaria completa y dentición mixta primera fase. Materiales y métodos: el estudio incluyó a 80 voluntarios entre 4 y 9 años, a quienes se les tomó una fotografía facial de perfil derecho estandarizada, en Posición Natural de Cabeza. Éstas fueron analizadas mediante software de edición de imágenes para determinar la inclinación de la cabeza de cada voluntario. Para ello, se definió un plano (plano t-ex) formado por el punto Intertrágico (t) y Exocanto (ex) y se comparó respecto a la horizontal verdadera. Los datos obtenidos fueron tabulados, clasificados en dos grupos según el tipo de dentición y analizados estadísticamente. Resultados: el promedio de inclinación del plano t-ex fue de 22,7º en el grupo de niños con dentición primaria completa y de 25,8º en el grupo de niños con dentición mixta primera fase. La diferencia entre ambos grupos fue de 3,1º, con significancia estadística (p = 0,006). Conclusión: la inclinación de la cabeza de los niños con dentición mixta primera fase es mayor en sentido antihorario, respecto a la de los niños con dentición primaria completa.

Objective: to study and compare head tilt among children with complete primary dentition and first transitional period of the mixed dentition stage. Materials and methods: the study included 80 volunteers between 4 and 9 years of age, who were taken a standardized right profile facial photograph in a Natural Head Position. These photographs were analyzed using image editing software to determine the head tilt of each volunteer. For this, a plane (plane t-ex) formed by the Intertragic point (t) and Exocanth (ex) was defined and compared with respect to the true horizontal. The data obtained were tabulated, classified into two groups according to the type of dentition and statistically analyzed. Results: the average t-ex plane inclination was 22.7º in the group of children with complete primary dentition and 25.8º in the group of children with first transitional period of the mixed dentition stage. The difference between both groups was 3.1º, with statistical significance (p = 0.006). Conclusion: the head tilt of children with first transitional period of the mixed dentition stage is greater in an anti-clockwise direction, compared to that of children with complete primary dentition.

Influence of Tooth Brushing and Previous Dental Visits on Dental Caries Status among Saudi Arabian Children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dental caries status and its association with tooth brushing frequency and previous dental visits among Arabian children. METHODS: Arabian school children attend a specialty pediatric dental clinic at Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia. Only children of Saudi origin with primary dentition were included in the study, and only one examiner was involved in the assessment and data collection. The parents of children completed a questionnaire to investigate possible explanatory variables for caries status, including tooth brushing frequency and previous dental visits. Dental caries were diagnosed according to the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization (2013). The comparison performed was based on sex, age, tooth brushing frequency, and previous dental visits. The descriptive statistics were carried out using SPSS (version 21.0) with a p-value of <0.05 significance. RESULTS: The study involved 268 Saudi children with a mean age of 4.6 ± 1.1 years. The caries prevalence was 78.8%, and the mean dmft was 5.82 ± 4.48, while the overall mean scores for decayed, missing, and filled were 3.903 ± 3.69, 1.18 ± 1.69, and 0.73 ± 1.35, respectively. The mean dmft scores for the <3 years, 3.1-6 years, and >6 years old children were found to be 1.74, 6.58, and 4.58, respectively. Among the children, the females reported higher dmf scores (7.51 ± 4.18) compared to males (4.97 ± 4.39) with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Fifty percent of the children had tooth brushing habits of once daily, followed by never (22.4%), twice daily (15.7%), and rarely (11.2%) brushed their teeth. Statistically significant correlations were found between the children's dental caries status, age, and dental visits, while sex and tooth brushing did not find a correlation. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dental caries among Arabian preschool children was higher. Mandibular second molars were commonly affected by dental caries, while mandibular central incisors were less frequently affected. The child's age and frequency of dental checkups were positively related to the prevalence of dental caries.

A pilot study comparing optical coherence tomography, radiography, clinical photography, and polarisation microscopy for studies of hypomineralisation disturbances in enamel.

Aim: To investigate the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a tool to assess general and localised hypomineralisation defects in the enamel. Design and Materials: Ten extracted permanent teeth (four teeth with localised hypomineralisation, four teeth with general hypomineralisation, and two healthy controls) were used in this study. In addition, four participants who underwent OCT served as living controls for the extracted teeth. Methods: The OCT results were compared with clinical photographs, digital radiographs, and polarising microscopy images of tooth sections (considered the gold standard) to determine the method with the most accurate information regarding the extent of enamel disturbances: 1) visibility of enamel disturbance (visible yes/no); if yes, 2) extent of the disturbance in the enamel; and 3) determination of the plausible involvement of the underlying dentin. Results: OCT was more accurate than digital radiography and visual assessment. OCT could provide information about the extent of localised hypomineralised disturbances in the enamel that was comparable to that with polarisation microscopy of the tooth sections. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this pilot study, it can be concluded that OCT is suitable for investigating and evaluating localised hypomineralisation disturbances; however, it is less useful in cases with generalised hypomineralisation of the enamel. In addition, OCT complements radiographic examination of enamel; however, more studies are necessary to elucidate the full extent of the use of OCT in case of hypomineralisation.