Color change of tooth-colored restorative materials bonded to silver diamine fluoride-treated dentine: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The desirable properties of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) make it an effective agent for managing dental caries and tooth hypersensitivity. There are several clinical instances that SDF application might precede the placement of direct tooth-colored restorations. On the other hand, SDF stains demineralized/carious dental tissues black, which might affect the esthetic outcomes of such restorations. Color is a key parameter of esthetics in dentistry. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review dental literature on color/color change of tooth-colored restorations placed following the application of SDF on dentine. METHODS: Comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus and ISI Web of Science databases (until August 2023) as well as reference lists of retrieved studies was performed. In vitro studies reported color or color change of tooth-colored restorative materials applied on SDF-treated dentine were included. Methodological quality assessment was performed using RoBDEMAT tool. Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated. RESULTS: Eleven studies/reports with a total of 394 tooth-colored restorations placed following a) no SDF (control) or b) SDF with/without potassium iodide (KI)/glutathione dentine pre-treatments were included. Color change was quantified using ∆E formulas in most reports. The pooled findings for the comparison of resin-based composite (RBC) restorations with and without prior 38% SDF + KI application revealed no statistically significant differences in ∆E values at short- and long-term evaluations (~ 14 days: WMD: -0.56, 95% CI: -2.09 to 0.96; I2: 89.6%, and ~ 60 days: WMD: 0.11; 95% CI: -1.51 to 1.72; I2: 76.9%). No studies provided sufficient information for all the items in the risk of bias tool (moderate to low quality). CONCLUSIONS: The limited evidence suggested comparable color changes of RBC restorations with and without 38% SDF + KI pre-treatment up to 60 days. The included studies lacked uniformity in methodology and reported outcomes. Further studies are imperative to draw more definite conclusions. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO database under number CRD42023485083.

Content analysis of fluoride-related posts on Instagram.

BACKGROUND: The Internet and social media have become many people's primary sources of health information. Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, and users spend a significant amount of time daily on the platform. Therefore, analyzing oral health-related information shared online can help to identify the requirements of specific groups, assisting in the planning and execution of educational public health actions. As a result, this study was carried out to conduct a qualitative evaluation of fluoride-related content on Instagram in 2022-2023. METHODS: Using hashtags associated with fluoride, a search was conducted on the Instagram application in the Persian language. All fluoride-containing posts were saved, and data was collected thrice at two-month intervals. MAXQDA software version 2020 was used to categorize the collected data content based on type, quality, and quantity. RESULTS: The qualitative analysis included 1565 (9.45%) posts with fluoride-related content out of 16,475 total posts. After removing the duplicates, 400 posts remained, among which 282 posts (70.5%) and 118 posts (29.5%) were pro- and anti-fluoride, respectively. After qualitative analysis, 270 codes were examined and categorized into three main themes and eight subthemes: "fluoride sources," "The advantages and disadvantages of fluoride," and "Invalid beliefs about fluoride." CONCLUSION: The frequency of pro-fluoride use was higher than anti-fluoride posts. However, due to the high prevalence of posts containing false information on fluoride toxicity for health, ineffectiveness on caries prevention, and conspiracy theories, there is a need to improve the quality of information on fluoride by providing scientific and unbiased explanations by professionals online or during dental visits and supervising social media content.

Evaluation of the Effect of Maternal Education on Toddler Dental Plaque Removal Based on a Health Belief Model.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of an educational intervention, guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), on promoting preventive behaviors among mothers to combat early childhood caries (ECC) in toddlers aged 12 to 18 months. Materials and Methods: This single-blind interventional study evaluated 92 toddlers between 12 to 18 months and their mothers, who were selected by stratified random sampling. Data regarding demographic and nutritional factors were collected using a questionnaire. The dental status of children was evaluated by clinical examination and measuring the plaque index (PI) of maxillary central incisors and the dmfs index. A pamphlet designed according to the HBM was used for oral hygiene instruction in both the intervention and control groups. All of the mothers in the intervention group received a music file to listen to when brushing their children's teeth. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher exact, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxson tests. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: No significant correlation was noted between the daily frequency of sugary substance intake and primary PI in the intervention or control group with/without dental plaque (P>0.05). In the intervention group, PI significantly decreased after the intervention compared to baseline (P<0.001). However, there was no significant change in PI after the intervention in the control group compared with baseline (P=0.1). Conclusion: The findings indicate that a combination of educational intervention and incentives, such as using age-appropriate music for toddlers, can significantly enhance mothers' effectiveness in removing dental plaque.

Antimicrobial effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of apple with and without zinc oxide nanoparticles on Streptococcus Mutans.

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of apple (Malus domestica Borkh. Vs.golab, with and without ZnO nanoparticles) on Streptococcus Mutans bacterium compared to 0.2% Chlorhexidine, Persica and suspension of ZnO nanoparticles. Study samples were examined in the groups of apple hydro-alcoholic extract with and without addition of ZnO nanoparticles, a positive control group (Chlorhexidine 0.2%, Persica and suspension of ZnO nanoparticles), and a negative control group (distilled water). In this experiment, a concentration of 500 PPM of ZnO nanoparticles with a diameter of 0.4 nm was used. Agar diffusion method was used to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of apple hydro-alcoholic extract with and without adding ZnO nanoparticles. The concentrations used were 200, 100, 50 and 25 mg/ml. ANOVA statistical test was used to compare the average in the study groups. According to our results, hydro-alcoholic extract of apples alone had no effect on the target bacteria in any of the concentrations. In the group of apple hydro-alcoholic extract with ZnO nanoparticles, the mean inhibition zone was 13 mm at a concentration of 25 mg/ml. 0.2% Chlorhexidine, Persica and suspension of ZnO nanoparticles was observed with the mean inhibition zone of 20 mm, 16 mm and 15 mm, respectively. Hydro-alcoholic extract of apple with addition of ZnO nanoparticles in concentration of 25mg/ml, had growth inhibitory effect on Streptococcus Mutans, but it was not remarkably efficient in comparison with Chlorhexidine.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Walnut Green Husk (WGH) Extract with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Streptococcus Mutans.

Background: Chemical agents, such as Chlorhexidine are used as one of dental plaque control strategy. Researchers are looking for a natural and economic substitute with same antibacterial efficacy and less complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of the Khorasan Razavi walnut green husk (WGH) extract with and without adding ZnO nanoparticles (nZnO) on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Methods: In this in vitro study, antimicrobial effect of the Hydro-ethanolic extract of WGH, was evaluated against S. mutans. Broth Dilution and Agar diffusion methods were used with 90 tubes containing different dilutions of WGH extract (100 to 0.006 mg/ml). ZnO nanoparticles (nZnO) were added to 45 tubes. Streptococcus mutans was exposed to 15 different serial concentrations of study extracts, from 100 mg/ml to 0.006 mg/ml. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the study extracts were determined and zone of inhibition diameter was compared to positive controls (chlorhexidine 0.2%, nZnO), and negative control (sterile distilled water). The differences between the mean diameters, were analyzed by independent sample T- teS. Results: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of study extract was found to be 50mg/mL, with adding nZnO, MIC was reduced to 3.12mg/mL. Mean diameter of inhibition zone at 3.12 mg/ml with and without adding ZnO nanoparticles were 17.67±0.57 mm and 8±0.001 mm, respectively, (p-value< 0.001). Discussion: Adding nZnO could be enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of the WGH extract against S. mutants, while it was still less effective than chlorhexidine.

Do dental students have a neutral working posture?

BACKGROUND: Dentists are susceptible to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) due to prolonged static postures. To prevent MSDs, working postures of dental students should be assessed and corrected in early career life. OBJECTIVE: This study estimated the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders in dental students using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool. METHODS: A number of 103 undergraduate dental students from fourth and fifth academic years participated. Postures of these students were assessed using RULA tool while working in the dental clinic. They also answered a questionnaire regarding their knowledge about postural dental ergonomic principles. RESULTS: The majority of the students (66%) were at intermediate and high risk levels to develop MSDs and their postures needed to be corrected. There was no significant correlation between RULA score and gender, academic year and different wards of dental clinics. There was no significant correlation between knowledge and RULA scores. CONCLUSIONS: Dental students did not have favorable working postures. They were at an intermediate to high risk for developing MSDs which calls for a change in their working postures. Therefore students should be trained with ergonomic principles and to achieve the best results, ergonomic lessons should be accompanied by practice and periodical evaluations.

Anterior traumatic dental injuries in East Iranian school children: prevalence and risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and etiology of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in school children of the Northeast of Iran. The type of involved teeth, the place of injury and treatment quality as well as the relationship between TDI and anatomic predisposing factors such as overjet and lip coverage were evaluated. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 778 school children were clinically examined for signs of trauma to their permanent teeth and the amount of overjet and lip coverage were also recorded. A questionnaire containing demographic data of participants and history of the dental trauma was given to the children's parents. The data were analyzed using the chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy eight (22.9%) children had a history of previous trauma to their permanent teeth. There was a significant difference between boys and girls (P=0.017). A total of 46.1% of children had experienced luxation injuries of permanent teeth, 37% had crown fractures, and 16.9% experienced avulsion of anterior teeth. Maxillary central incisors were the most commonly affected teeth (84%). There was a significant relationship between TDI and overjet (P=0.02) in permanent teeth. On the other hand, there was no statistically significant relationship between TDI and lip coverage. The most common cause of TDI was falling over (42.9%) followed by fighting (34%). The majority of traumas happened at home (46.8%) and school (29.9%). Sixty two (39.7%) children with TDI did not receive any dental or medical care after injury. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dental trauma in school children in Iran was rather high (22.9%); the most common type of trauma to the permanent teeth was luxation injuries.

Social Determinants of Tooth Loss among a Group of Iranian Female Heads of Household.

Background and aims. Tooth loss may lead to mastication disability, which in turn has important impact on individual's quality of life. Social and psychological factors have been shown to be associated with tooth loss. This study aimed to investigate the social determinants and prevalence of tooth loss, and presence of functional dentition among female heads of household under support of Welfare Organization in Mashhad, Iran. Materials and methods. In current study 556 participants aged 16-76 years were recruited. Sociodemographic characteristics (age, level of education, family size, and monthly income) were collected using interviewer-led questionnaire. Data about number of teeth and functional dentition were obtained by oral examination. The data were analyzed using Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, T-test and binary logistic regression analysis. Results. Four percent of participants were edentulous. Tooth loss was significantly associated with level of education, age and family size (P < 0.001). There was no significant association between level of income and tooth loss (P = 0.88). Only 37.5% of dentate subjects had functional dentition (anterior and premolar teeth). Women older than 40 years were 0.63 times less likely to have functional dentition than those younger than 40 years. Females with at least a high-school diploma were six times more likely to have functional dentition than their illiterate counterparts. Conclusion. Social determinants of functional dentition should be taken into account when planning oral health promoting programs for female heads of household. For reducing oral health inequalities access to dental services should be facilitated.

Health education in primary school textbooks in iran in school year 2010-2011.

OBJECTIVES: Health education in schools is one of the most effective ways of promoting health in a society. Studies have shown the effectiveness of health interventions aimed at improving students' knowledge, attitude, and behaviors about health issues. The aim of this study was to evaluate health issues in primary school textbooks in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In school year 2010-2011, the contents of all primary school textbooks in Iran were assessed in accordance to their health-related teachings. Health lessons of these 27 textbooks in the form of picture and text were retrieved and analyzed using content analysis method. RESULTS: In total, 502 health-related lessons were found. The textbooks of the third grade contained the highest (144) and those of the fourth grade had the lowest (26) number of health lessons. Among health-related issues, the largest number (87) of lessons were about personal hygiene, while prevention of high risk behaviors comprised the least number (8). Some important health issues such as nutrition, oral health, and prevention of high-risk behaviors were not adequately discussed in the textbooks. CONCLUSION: The potential of primary school textbooks in delivering health messages has been neglected in Iran. Taking the critical importance of school ages into account, incorporating health issues in textbooks should be more strongly emphasized.

Content analysis of Islamic Republic of Iran television food advertising related to oral health: appeals and performance methods.

BACKGROUND: Today, electronic mass media such as television (TV), influence behavioral patterns of their audiences. This study aimed to evaluate what messages on food advertisements related to oral health were transmitted (appeals) and how they were transferred (performance methods & artistic techniques) in Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). METHODS: In this cross sectional study, broadcasted advertisements on 4 important channels of Iran TV were recorded for a week from 8 am to 12 pm in 2012. The content and volume of food advertisements were investigated using a researcher-made check list. Advertisement group (food, non-food), food group (non-cariogenic, cariogenic), advertisement appeals (rational, emotional, and humor content), advertisement performance methods (hard-sell, soft-sell, presenting confirmation of Ministry of Health and Medical Education), and artistic technique were assessed. For variable comparison in groups a chi squared test and t-tests were used via SPSS software. RESULTS: Frequency of food advertisements (14.9%) were less than non-food advertising. Non-cariogenic food advertisements had higher frequency (12.09% (compared to cariogenic food (2.8%(. Rational appeal in advertising of non-cariogenic food had the most frequency (64.9%). In contrast emotional appeal for cariogenic food was used more frequently (85.5%). For cariogenic foods, a soft-sell approach was used more frequently (95.5%). The most common artistic technique used in food advertising was music. Chemical and mechanical dental plaque control materials had a very low frequency (0.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Advertising of cariogenic foods in Iran TV has low frequency.

Musculoskeletal pain reports among Mashhad dental students, Iran.

Dental practitioners are susceptible to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). The symptoms may begin from education courses. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of musculoskeletal pain reports and correlated factors among the Mashhad Dental School students, Iran. A total of 177 undergraduate and postgraduate dental students, who were involved in educational clinical training, completed a questionnaire focusing on pain reports of different body anatomical regions. Variables such as gender, academic grade, academic year, clinical working hour, regular exercise times and also pain characteristics including pain duration intensity and frequency were evaluated. As results 82% of undergraduate students and 90% of postgraduate students reported body pain in at least one region. The most prevalent pain locations were: chest/shoulder (46.9%), head/neck (41.8%), middle back (33.9%) and right hand (25.4%). Severity of reported pain was increased due to performing dental work, increased working stress and working fatigue. Regular exercise was associated with alleviated some pain characteristics. As conclusions musculoskeletal pain reports were highly prevalent among dental students. Attention to prevention of musculoskeletal disorders should be considered as priority in dental schools. For dental students exercise training courses for strengthening muscles of shoulder/chest, neck and back are necessary.