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The aim of this study was to determine whether an inequality in caries experience existed for permanent teeth between Asian and white primary 7 schoolchildren (mean age 10.59 years, SE 0.03 years) attending Greater Glasgow schools. In 1989, all 18 schools in Greater Glasgow with at least 25% of its pupils from an Asian background participated in the study. All the schools selected by this method were located in areas of multiple deprivation according to both the ACORN neighbourhood classification and the Jarman social deprivation score. Five hundred and sixteen children were examined. The Asian population as a whole (n = 241, DMFT = 0.95) and each of the subgroups, Muslim with English-speaking mothers (ES) (n = 67, DMFT = 1.24), and non-English-speaking mothers (NES) (n = 130, DMFT = 0.93), non-Muslim with ES mothers (n = 24, DMFT = 0.38) and NES mothers (n = 20, DMFT = 0.90), had a better caries experience of the first permanent molar than that of the white indigenous population (n = 242, DMFT = 1.52). This trend was also seen in the percentage of children with sound first permanent molars: white = 39%, Asian (total) = 54%, Muslim (ES) = 43% and (NES) = 56%, non-Muslim (ES) = 71% and (NES) = 60%. It is concluded that the inequality in caries experience reported in the primary dentition between young Asian and indigenous schoolchildren is not apparent for permanent teeth in children attending primary 7 classes in multiracial schools

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of information leaflets produced by NHS dental practices based in high density multi-racial areas within the city of Birmingham.Method: All of the 41 general dental practices based in ten Birmingham electoral wards with high concentrations of ethnic minorities were approached for a copy of their practice leaflet. Each leaflet was assessed in terms of: 1. overall presentation, 2. general information, and 3. information specifically relevant to the ethnic minorities.Results: Seventy-eight per cent (32) of practices currently produce information leaflets. Compliance with specific NHS regulations ranged from 3% to 97%; 41% (13) of leaflets had one or more sections written in a minority language. Although ethnic minority languages were spoken by staff in three-quarters of the practices, less than one third specified this. Only one leaflet contained information on arrangements for non-English speaking patients.Conclusion: Recommendations are made concerning the quality and content of practice leaflets for practices based in high density multi-racial areas

A case is reported in which two ectopic maxillary permanent canine teeth bypassed the lateral incisors and caused extensive resorption to both maxillary central incisor teeth. Management involved positioning the canine teeth into the central incisor region and placing porcelain veneers on these teeth. The orthodontic and restorative implications of the treatment are discussed

The aim of the study was to explore the use of two social indicators in a dental caries epidemiological study of 5-year-old Asian schoolchildren in an area of multiple deprivation. The two indicators selected were religious background and the mother's ability to speak English. Six hundred and forty-three 5-year-old schoolchildren from three schools were examined; the mean dmft was 2.84 (SD 3.63). Children were classified into three groups on broad ethnic/facial characteristics, and the mean dmft for Asians (3.64) differed statistically significantly from those of both Whites (1.83) and Afro-Caribbeans (1.87). When the Asian population was divided into four groups, to explore the effects of religion and the mother's ability to speak English, a statistically significant interaction was observed between religion and language for mean dmft and dental cleanliness. The Asian non-Muslim children whose mothers were English speaking (ES) compared well with the White and Afro-Caribbean group for mean dmft, percentage caries-free and oral cleanliness. When these variables were examined for the two Muslim groups and the non-Muslim group whose mothers were non-English speaking (NES), no statistically significant differences were observed. Oral health promotion should therefore consider that there are three distinct dental high-risk groups for young Asian children: Muslim ES and NES mothers and non-Muslim NES mothers. Each group will require a different health promotion strategy. Non-English speaking mothers need adequate translation, whereas all Muslim mothers need help to find proper alternatives to baby-foods which, although common in the UK, are culturally inappropriate to Muslims

The oral health status of minority ethnic groups is a critical issue for practitioners in today's multicultural society. The National Dental Health survey, conducted by the OPCS, provides baseline information on the oral health and oral health related behaviour of the population in the United Kingdom but not specifically relating to the minority ethnic communities. To date, little is known concerning oral health status and self-reported oral health related behaviours among minority ethnic communities in this country. Following a review of the published literature, this paper will address two questions: how has ethnicity been used as a variable by dental researchers and, what is known of the oral health status of minority ethnic groups? Other background variables are considered which might explain the differences in oral health status between these communities and the indigenous population, and recommendations are made concerning further research in this area

Highlights infant oral mutilation as a barbaric practice affecting millions of children in East Africa.Emphasises the current need for action to eradicate the practice, especially in light of progress with female genital mutilation.Calls for awareness in dental professionals in the UK since affected children are migrating to more developed countries.

The prevalence of double teeth in the primary dentition, for the British schoolchild, is 1.6%. Although primary double teeth in the anterior region of the mouth are not uncommon, double teeth in the primary molar region are rare. This case report describes the intra-oral findings, and in particular a case of a primary molar double tooth, in a young child who has Russel-Silver syndrome

The new sugar tax was recently announced by Government, aiming to combat obesity through investment in school sports. Dental professionals should seize this rare opportunity to raise awareness of the other adverse effects of sugar; young children continue to suffer alarmingly high rates of dental cavities in the UK. A significant amount of money raised through the levy must be reinvested into ensuring fluoride toothpaste is more affordable. Since daily use of fluoride toothpaste is the most effective evidence-based oral health preventative measure that is widely used, this should receive tax exemption status from the government as a means of universal oral health prevention. There must also be a re-investment in innovative oral health education so that the next generation of children will alter their mind set about sugar. Oral health prevention advice must be tightly integrated into general health messages.