Search

Purpose: Hall technique (HT) preformed metal crowns (PMCs) are allegedly oversized compared to conventional (C) PMCs. To investigate paediatric dentists' (PDs) perception of HT-PMCs and perception/ability to identify HT or C-PMCs on bitewings radiographs. Methods: An online cross-sectional questionnaire including ten bitewings (five of each of HT/CPMCs) was sent to PDs across the globe. A PMC type score (from '10') was calculated. T test, Pearson's and Fischer's Chi-square, and Odd Ratios (OR) (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 476 PDs from around the world responded. Most (97%) used PMCs in their practice. Most (98.7%) knew of, and 79% used HT-PMCs. A clear opinion shift, towards supporting HT, over time was noted (OR 11.154 [95% confidence interval (CI) 6.006–20.715]. A majority (67%) thought that HT/C-PMCs were similar radiographically. Only five PMCs were identified correctly [mean score 4.9 (± 1.73)]. A minority who thought that HT/C-PMCs were dissimilar scored higher than those who thought they were similar (5.31 ± 1.22; 4.68 ± 1.9, respectively, p < 0.00001). Nobody identified all ten PMCs. HT-PMCs were 4.63 times more identifiable than C-PMCs [(OR 24.857 CI 15.059–41.028) and (OR 5.361 CI 3.089–9.304)] for HT-PMCs and CP-MCs, respectively (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: PDs identified the PMC type in half of the bitewings. They perceived no clear radiographic difference between HT-PMCs and C-PMCs, but their chance of recognizing HT-PMCs was five times higher than C-PMCs. HT-PMC support was high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smartphone usage is increasing due to several features and opportunities offered by the manufacturers and service providers. Existing literature attributes this increased usage to the availability of virtual assistants, mainly voice assistants, that ensure users' facility and maximum benefit. This research also focused on the factors behind voice assistant usage, particularly in iPhones among users in the United Arab Emirates. Notably, the conceptual framework in this research is supported by the Theory of Reasoned Action. The researchers adopted a cross-sectional design and gathered data from n= 251 respondents. Data analysis through Structural Equation Modelling revealed that, Perceived Ease of Use, Subjective Norms, and Perceived Behavioral Control work as significant factors contributing to iPhone-based voice assistant usage. On the other hand, Expectation Confirmation also works as a significant factor in Siri usage. On the other hand, Satisfaction significantly mediated (p> .022) the users' Expectation Confirmation leading to Siri usage among the respondents. Further, the Artificial Neural Network Analysis (ANN) revealed an overall accuracy regarding Training at 14.8% and 30.8% concerning Testing. Thus, it is concluded that the devices accompanied by ease of use are preferred due to their distinguished services. In this regard, highlighting voice assistants' help also reflects the importance of technology in our daily lives. Especially mobile computing is playing a significant role in improving our everyday technology experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infant formulae are a primary source of nutrition during the first years of life, to which sugars are frequently added. This may contribute to adverse dental health problems if consumed excessively when coupled with prolonged and nocturnal feeding habits. Aim: To assess the amount and type of dietary sugars in commercially available infant formulae in the UAE. Design: Sucrose, glucose, and fructose were measured in 71 different brands of commercially available infant formulae for retail sale in the UAE. Analysis was performed using high‐performance liquid chromatography with refractive index detection. Sugar values were compared with the reported levels on the nutritional labels. A comparison between findings, product labels, and international standards for infant formulae was performed. Results: Of the 71 samples, 23 had detectable sugar levels, varying between sucrose, glucose, and fructose. Ten samples were found to have sugars contributing to more than 5% of total energy intake ranging between 5.68% and 27.06%. All infant formula packages had carbohydrate levels mentioned on the labels, but very few mentioned the added sugar content. Conclusions: Many infant formula products tested contained sugars that exceeded the standard recommended intake. Tighter regulations that monitor the amount of sugar in infant formulae and guidelines for comprehensive labeling systems are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Dental general anesthesia (DGA) is a widely utilized technique in pediatric dentistry and is indicated for a variety of cases such as very young children and children with special healthcare needs (SHCN). In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there is a paucity of studies relating to this subject. Objective. To analyze the characteristics of DGA treatment in special healthcare needs and healthy children in the only postgraduate dental hospital in Dubai, UAE. Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the electronic records of all Dubai Dental Hospital (DDH) pediatric patients who underwent DGA in the period between January 1st, 2016, and 29th of February 2020. Results. The study population consisted of 98 children. A total of 26 children had a medical condition and were categorized as SHCN. The most common justification for DGA was dental caries and a lack of cooperation due to young age. SHCN patients received significantly more preventive measures and significantly fewer pulp therapies than healthy patients. Conclusion. We found that the services provided under DGA for healthy pediatric patients differ from those provided to SHCN patients. Frequently missing recall appointments following DGA increased the likelihood of the need for further restorative dental treatment. These results highlight the importance of robust prevention and follow-up programs for children treated under GA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the severity of high-risk SDB in children and adolescents seeking paediatric dental care. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has many untoward consequences that may interfere with children's health and is associated with several risk factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the convenience sample included 65 healthy children and adolescents aged 7–16. High-risk SDB breathing was assessed using the Paediatric-Sleep-Questionnaire consisting of 22 questions. High-risk was defined as a positive response to 33% or more of the questions. The clinical examination included: tonsils' size, Body-Mass Index, orthodontic examination, and enamel defects. Results: In this sample of 65 children with a mean age of 9.75 (± 2.60) years; 36 (55.4%) were boys, and 29 (44.6%) were girls. Overall, 12.3% of children in the sample were at high-risk of SDB, and this was significantly associated with tonsils' size (P = 0.001), Body-Mass Index (P = 0.03), Class-II molar relationship (P = 0.03), and posterior crossbite/s (P = 0.02). Conclusions: This study suggested that approximately 12% of the sample studied were potentially at risk of SDB. Tonsils' size, Body-Mass Index, Class-II molar relationship, and posterior crossbite/s were positively associated with the risk of SDB. Therefore, the importance of investigating the risk for sleep-disordered breathing should not be disregarded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Facial look and expression affect how people are viewed by others. This study aimed to evaluate how schoolchildren in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates view their peers who have discolored teeth. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study using randomized cluster sampling of Sharjah public schools was conducted. A previously developed and validated social attribute questionnaire was utilized to determine children's dental appearance-related judgments. Children aged 11-14 years were given photographs of subjects either with discolored teeth or without, and they were asked to rate them using six positive and five negative signifiers. The total attribute score (TAS) ranged from 11 (most negative) to 44 (most positive). A linear regression analysis and t-tests were performed to determine the effects of gender and age in mean TAS. Results: TAS was significantly lower among discolored teeth photographs when compared with photographs without teeth discoloration (P = 0.004). TAS was found to be significantly higher with increased age (P = 0.035), but gender had no significant effect. Conclusion: Teeth discoloration resulted in more negative social judgment between Sharjah schoolchildren and their peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Conventional and Hall Technique (HT) Preformed Metal Crowns (PMCs) are used for treatment of carious primary molars. The aim was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of conventional and HT PMCs in a postgraduate dental setting. Methods: A retrospective study using patients' electronic case-notes and radiographic images of carious primary molars treated with either conventional or HT PMCs was conducted to assess clinical and radiographic success/failure. A Kaplan–Meier curve was used to assess PMC survival. Results: 187 PMCs (110 HT and 77 conventional) in 65 children (34 females and 31 males) at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were assessed. At 24 months, the success rates of conventional and HT PMCs were 97.6% and 93.5%, respectively. Two HT (perforated/abscessed) and four conventional (abscessed) PMCs failures occurred. There was no significant difference in success/failure (p = 0.362) at 12 months, but the HT was more successful at 24 months (p = 0.002) with similar survival times for both methods. Conclusion: HT and conventionally placed PMCs, when placed in a postgraduate paediatric dentistry setting, were clinically and radiographically very successful at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post operatively with a slightly higher success of the HT at 24 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hall technique crowns (HTCs) alter the occlusion temporarily, potentially affecting jaw muscles, particularly the masseter – the primary jaw‐closing muscle. Aim: To assess masseter muscle activity (MMA) in children treated with a unilateral HTC. Design: In 12 children treated with a single HTC, bilateral MMA was recorded with surface electromyography (sEMG) for ten cycles of Rest Position (RP) and Maximum Voluntary Clenching (MVC) over 20 seconds immediately pre‐HTC cementation (Pbase), immediately post‐HTC cementation (Pimmed), at 2 weeks post‐HTC cementation (P2w) and at 6 weeks post‐HTC cementation (P6w). t test, ANOVA and post hoc statistics were used (P <.05). Results: As expected, MMA was low at rest and increased during maximal jaw clenching (P <.0001). MMA (mean ± SD) increased significantly (P <.001) between RP and MVC at: Pbase [from 1.60 μV·s (±0.96) to 5.40(±2.30)]; Pimmed [1.57(±1.15) to 3.75(±1.87)]; P2w [1.39(±0.54) to 5.54(±1.45)] and finally P6w [1.46(±0.56) to 6.45(±2.56)]. Rest MMA at Pbase, Pimmed, P2w and P6w remained unchanged (P =.18) whereas Pbase clench MMA reduced by a third at Pimmed (P <.001), returned to and exceeded baseline levels at P2w (P =.822) and P6w (P <.001), respectively. Conclusions: This pilot study showed that Hall technique crowns may affect masseter muscle activity in children. Clench MMA was reduced immediately post‐treatment but returned to and later exceeded baseline levels at 2 and 6 weeks, respectively. Rest MMA remained unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The broken down first permanent molar (BDFPM) is common in children. Enforced extractions of first permanent molars (EExFPMs) guidelines were published in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2014. We aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of dentists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of BDFPMs in children in light of the guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of UAE-based dentists treating children completed a self-administered questionnaire covering; knowledge and practice of the principle of EExFPMs; to whom dentists would refer in case of BDFPMs; knowledge of the ideal age for EExFPMs (8–10 years) and finally actual awareness of the EExFPMs guidelines. Chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 199 questionnaires were completed (total return rate was 66.33%). There was no agreement on how to deal with a scenario of BDFPMs. Over 85% majority believed in saving BDFPMs rather than extracting them but 89% would consult/refer to other specialists. Whilst 51% of the participants had never carried out EExFPMs in children, 69% were aware of the EExFPMs concept and 61% knew the ideal timing of a lower FPM extraction. More than 82% were unaware of the actual UK EExFPMs guidelines. Paediatric dentists would consider EExFPMs more than other groups (p = 0.007). Conclusion: In the UAE dentist sample surveyed, there was a preference for preserving BDFPMs rather than extracting them in children, despite knowing when the ideal time for extraction was. Training background and specialty were influencing factors. There was a lack of awareness of the actual UK 2014 EExFPMs guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enamel defects (EDs) are commonly reported dental findings in preterm/low birthweight children. EDs potentially increase caries susceptibility. Aim: To assess the prevalence of EDs and dental caries in a group of preterm children (aged 5–10 years) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methodology: A retrospective cohort study of medical records of 62 preterm children (mean age 8.1 ± 1.54) and 62 full-term children (mean age 8.1 ± 1.73) of both genders born in a UAE children's hospital were studied. These children were dentally assessed for EDs and caries by a calibrated examiner. Results: EDs were 4.34 times more prevalent among preterm children [odd ratio (OR) = 4.338, CI 95% [2.010–9.366]. The prevalence of EDs in the pre-term group was 58.15%, significantly higher (P < 0.01) than the full-term control group (24.2%). Birth weight, intubation and type of delivery were statistically significant factors contributing to EDs. In the primary dentition, the mean dmft was 4.61 ± 4.30, while in the permanent dentition DMFT was 0.38 ± 0.99. There was a statistically significant difference in permanent teeth caries experience amongst pre-term children compared to the full-term control as measured by DMFT (P = 0.008). Conclusion: EDs and dental caries in permanent dentition in the pre-term group were significantly higher than the full-term group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inhalation sedation is a proven safe method for reducing children's dental anxiety and has been used worldwide for decades. There is controversy regarding the use of acclimatization or familiarization visits for dental sedation treatment pathways for children. This may increase acceptance to the treatment based on desensitization and acclimatization principles underpinning many behavior management techniques. This study aims to identify whether, an inhalation sedation acclimatization visit is effective in reducing the stress level in anxious children as measured by salivary Alpha Amylase and Cortisol levels., Methods: The study is a single-center, single blinded, parallel group 2 arm clinical trial. Children in need of inhalation sedation aged 5 to 15 years from September 2019 through March 2020 attending the Postgraduate Pediatric Clinic at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, in Dubai, will be allocated randomly and equally to either:At the initial visit a salivary sample will be collected at the beginning of the visit and the sedation need score will be recorded using the pediatric indicator of sedation need. Treatment for both groups will commence at the second visit. Salivary samples will be collected 15 minutes before the start of the treatment and 15 minutes after the conclusion of the treatment. The following outcomes will be recorded: completion of dental treatment, anxiety scores at baseline and after treatment using Frankl rating behavior scale and physiological anxiety related changes will be recorded using salivary Alpha Amylase and Cortisol levels. Mean changes of physiologic anxiety levels and corresponding 95% confidence intervals will be determined to compare the 2 treatments (sedation with familiarization and sedation without familiarization)., Discussion: This is will be the first study to measure the effect of the acclimatization visit of nitrous oxide inhalation sedation on the level of physiological anxiety and the behavior of the pediatric patients during treatment.