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Periodontal disease is the destruction of all portions of periodontium. However, only periodontitis, based on whether attachment loss has occurred, can be detected in archaeological material. Therefore, several methods have been used to assess the frequency of periodontitis in past populations. The main scope of this study is to determine whether diagnoses of periodontitis through various methods are consistent with diagnoses obtained using the radiographic method. The samples (35 individuals, 576 teeth) were selected from Radom Cemetery's collection (in use between 1790 and 1811). For each individual, a periodontal status assessment was made using the following parameters: (i) measuring the distance between the cement-enamel junction (CEJ) and the crest of the alveolar bone (AC); (ii) the degree of root exposure; (iii) presence of the inter-dental septum; (iv) dental calculus; (v) scoring system on the texture of the alveolar bone (Kerr's method) and (vi) radiography. In the studies, a correlation was found between the radiographic images and Kerr's method ( r = 0.92) and root furcation ( r = 0.96). Increasing degree of change on the alveolar bone is connected with increases in the CEJ-AC distance. A relationship between the frequency of the prevalence of dental calculus and changes on the alveolar bone was found. It means that the radiographic method, which is not always possible to use in archaeological collections, can be replaced by the presented macroscopic methods. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral health behaviors are the primary determinants of dental health. They undergo modification and stabilization during adolescence, and can persist into adulthood., Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the oral health behaviors of individuals aged 12 and 15-18 years, and to examine the impact of these behaviors on the occurrence and severity of dental caries in different age groups., Material and Methods: A cross-sectional oral health national survey was conducted between 2016 and 2020, encompassing a total of 5,099 participants, including 2,496 individuals aged 12 and 2,603 participants aged 15-18 years. The presence of non-cavitated decay (D1-2), cavitation (D≥3), and missing (M) or filled (F) status at the tooth (T) or surface (S) levels was evaluated. The prevalence of caries (D≥3MFT > 0), as well as the mean values of the D1-2, D≥3MFT and D≥3MFS indexes were assessed. The questionnaire contained information on sociodemographic factors, oral health behaviors and the participants' diet., Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 75% among 12-year-old and 90% among 15-18-year-old individuals. Indicators associated with a reduced likelihood and lower severity of dental caries in both groups included prophylactic dental visits (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (12-year-olds): 0.83; AOR (15-18-yearolds): 0.64) and brushing teeth at least twice a day (AOR (12-year-olds): 0.72; AOR (15-18-year-olds): 0.59). Frequent consumption of sweet products and chips by 12-year-olds increased the likelihood of developing and exacerbating tooth decay. In the older group, the risk of developing caries was associated with the consumption of sweets and sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages., Conclusions: Poor oral hygiene and inadequate diet are conducive to the development of caries, with the condition being exacerbated by these factors regardless of age. However, the influence of diet appears to be more pronounced in less mature dentition. The benefits of dental visits, oral hygiene practices and a preference for mineral water in quenching thirst have also been demonstrated. The health behaviors exhibited by older and younger adolescents are comparable, suggesting that these habits may persist into adulthood.

Patients with genetic syndromes require special dental attention because they have symptoms that promote plaque accumulation, dental erosion, dental caries and gingival diseases. The aim of the study was to assess hygienic behaviors, use of dental care and frequency of professional preventive procedures among Polish children and adolescents with Prader-Willi, Down, Angelman, Silver-Russell and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndromes. Parents/legal guardians of children and adolescents with genetic syndromes were included. A questionnaire survey was conducted regarding socioeconomic factors, hygienic procedures performed at home and use of dental care as well as use of preventive treatments. The percentage of patients with genetic syndromes who received dental care was statistically significantly lower compared to the control group. Oral hygiene measures were most frequently used by participants with Silver-Russel syndrome, and less commonly by patients with Prader-Willi and Down syndrome. Dental treatment under general anesthesia was provided in 26 (38.2%) of the 68 children with genetic syndromes receiving dental care. Hygienic neglect and inadequate use of dental care due to limited access to certain preventive and therapeutic procedures among patients with genetic syndromes are worrying. It is necessary to educate and intensify caries prevention in this group of patients., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Written informed consent was obtained from study participants/parents before the study. The project was approved by the Medical University of Warsaw Bioethics Committee (No. KB/228/2009). Consent for publication: The study does not contain any individual person’s data enabling recognition., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The Figures were published in the incorrect order with incorrect captions. Below are the corrected versions. Reference: Karolina Spodzieja, Piotr Sobiech, Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk. Innovative Combination of Tetracycline Rinse and CO₂ Laser Ablation for Treating White Sponge Nevus in Adolescents: A Case Study. Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e944795. DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.944795.

Objectives: Gingivitis manifests as redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gingiva but no loss of connective tissue attachment. It is usually painless and rarely leads to spontaneous bleeding, and most patients are unaware of the disease or are unable to recognize it. In children and adolescents, it is most often caused by plaque accumulation. The purpose of the following study was to determine the prevalence of gingivitis and its causes in children aged 3 to 7 years., Methods: Patients were classed in the following three age groups: 3-year-olds, 5-year-olds, and 7-year-olds, who were generally healthy, not taking permanent medication, and without developmental defects of dentition were eligible for the study. A questionnaire survey assessed socioeconomic factors, frequency of dental visits, and hygiene and dietary habits. The clinical examination assessed the condition of the teeth based on dmft/DMFT, and the presence of gingivitis was based on the bleeding on probing. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis., Results: A total of 3558 patients were examined. Gingivitis was present in 436 (12.25%) of the patients. In the group of 3-year-olds, gingivitis was significantly more common in boys ( p = 0.0024). There were significant positive correlations between gingivitis and the average number of teeth affected by caries for the male gender in the group of 5- and 7-year-olds and in all age groups with dmft/DMFT > 0 values and the occurrence of symptomatic visits., Conclusions: The prevalence of gingivitis in children aged 3-7 years is influenced by socioeconomic, oral hygiene, and diet-related factors. Poor dental health predisposes to the occurrence of gingivitis.

BACKGROUND White sponge nevus (WSN) is rare, hereditary oral mucosa disorder. This condition usually presents as asymptomatic white coatings on mucous membranes that vary in intensity and thickness. Changes are usually observed on the oral cavity mucosa, and other mucosal sites of involvement include nasal, esophageal, and anogenital. In most cases this condition is considered benign since the plaques cause no pain, with no risk of malignant transformation. Thorough clinical and histopathological examination is indicated to exclude other similar conditions and to avoid unnecessary treatment. CASE REPORT We present a new case of white sponge nevus in a 13-year-old Polish girl with history of familial involvement. The patient had been treated with low-dosage tetracycline rinse (0.25%) for 3 months, and slight reduction in lesions was observed. Laser, ablation was performed with a CO₂ laser, the lesions recurred after half a year. It is the first published case report of WSN lesions on the oral mucosa treated with CO₂ laser. The patient remains under observation. CONCLUSIONS Because therapeutic options recommended in the literature provide only partial improvement or are unsuccessful, further research is still needed to develop treatment methods for patients with WSN. CO₂ laser ablation, although promising, cannot be regarded as an effective treatment method for white sponge nevus.

Objective: The aim of this randomised clinical trial (RCT) was to assess the concentration of fluoride ions in saliva after applying fluoride gel and to examine the extent to which rinsing the mouth with water affects the content of fluoride ions in saliva as opposed to no rinsing after brushing teeth with gel., Methods: This single-blind RCT was conducted amongst a group of students (N = 103) and consisted of a questionnaire, clinical examination, saliva collection, and laboratory analysis. After saliva samples were collected, the students brushed their teeth for 2 minutes with Elmex Gelée (Colgate-Palmolive). Next, saliva was collected after 15 and 60 minutes from Group A (spitting out saliva after brushing) and from Group B (spitting out and rinsing with water after brushing). Statistical analysis was performed using a t test to compare the means between the groups., Results: Fifteen minutes after brushing, the level of fluoride increased in Group A about 15-fold to 15.33 ± 14.73 ppm and in Group B about 6-fold to 6.19 ± 5.97 ppm (P < .001). After 60 minutes, in Group A it decreased to 1.68 ± 0.83 ppm and in Group B to 0.60 ± 0.37 ppm (P < .001)., Conclusions: The use of fluoride gel in the absence of mouth rinsing produced significantly higher level and a concentration of fluoride in saliva. A post-gel brushing without rinsing might be suitable for patients at high risk for caries. Hence fruther research on the effect of a mouth rinse after use of fluoride gels is eesential to confirm our findings, and to promulgate evidence-based recommendations., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None disclosed., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Preand probiotics may help restore a dysbiotic oral ecosystem. The first years of life provide a window of opportunity to modulate the composition of the oral microbiota and prevent disease., Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a tablet containing inactivated Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 5317 and the cranberry extract on the development of caries in cariesactive preschool children., Material and Methods: The study employed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind design. Preschool children (N = 73) with at least one active carious lesion were enrolled and randomly assigned to the test group or the placebo group. The intervention period was 3 months. Caries was assessed according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) II criteria at baseline and after 9 months, and oral hygiene was evaluated with the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). The salivary counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. were determined at baseline, and then after 3 and 9 months through the conventional cultivation on TYCSB and MRS agar, respectively., Results: Sixty children completed the trial (a dropout rate of 19%). The baseline caries prevalence was high in both groups (~71%) and there were no major differences between the groups with regard to background variables. The 9-month incidence of initial carious lesions (ICDAS 1+2) was significantly lower in the test group as compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). The plaque levels, and the salivary counts of S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. remained unchanged in both groups throughout the study., Conclusions: A daily intake of a tablet containing a paraprobiotic and the cranberry extract reduced the 9-month incidence of initial non-cavitated carious lesions in caries-active preschool children. The present study is one of the first to show the impact of synbiotics on the development of caries in children.

Aim: Apart from various typical gastrointestinal symptoms, coeliac disease may have its clinical manifestations in the oral cavity which is the entrance of the gastrointestinal tract., Methods: A systematic review of literature was performed using the following databases: Medline, Scopus, EBSCOhost and Cochrane Library for Systematic Review., Inclusion Criteria: observational or experimental original studies published in English with full text available between January 2000 and December 2022, regarding children and adolescents under the age of 20. Risk of bias was determined with the use of Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Exposure., Results: Thirty-four studies were included in the review. The analysis confirmed a higher prevalence of numerous oral manifestations in coeliac disease concerning both hard and soft tissues. Our study found the prevalence of dental enamel defects to be at the level of 17.9%-83.5% (P value <0.047) and recurrent aphthous stomatitis of 8.3%-69% (P value <0.039)., Conclusion: Oral manifestations may precede gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients presenting such manifestations should be screened for coeliac disease. The cooperation of gastroenterologists and dentists could lead to an increased detectability of coeliac disease., (© 2023 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).)

Background: Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is a form of dental caries in toddlers, which can strongly affect general health and quality of life. Studies on factors that can contribute to the development of caries immediately after tooth eruption are sparse. The aim of this study was to assess the role of sociobehavioural factors and pre- and postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke in the aetiology of dental caries in children up to 3 years old., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2011 and 2017 to assess oral health and teething in urban children 0-4 years of age. The number of teeth and surfaces with white spot lesions (d 1,2 ), as well as decayed (d), missing (m), and filled (f) teeth classified according to ICDAS II was evaluated in a dental office setting. d 1,2 dmft and d 1,2 dmfs were calculated. Severe early childhood caries was diagnosed for d 1,2 dmfs > 0. Parents completed a self-administered questionnaire on socioeconomic factors, maternal health, course of pregnancy, child's perinatal parameters, hygiene and dietary practices, as well as maternal smoking during and after pregnancy. Data on children aged 12-36 months were collected and analysed statistically using the t -test, Spearman rank correlations and Poisson regression. Significance level was set at 0.05., Results: Dental caries was found in 46% of 496 children aged 12-36 months. Mean d 1,2 dmft and d 1,2 dmfs were 2.62 ± 3.88 and 4.46 ± 8.42, respectively. Tobacco smoking during and after pregnancy was reported by 8.9% and 24.8% of women, respectively. Spearman's rank correlation analysis confirmed a relationship between S-ECC and parental education, maternal smoking, bottle feeding, avoiding springy foods, number of meals, and the age of tooth brushing initiation. Pre- and postnatal exposure to tobacco smoke increased the risk of S-ECC especially in children in age 19-24 months. Maternal smoking was correlated with the level of education and dietary practices., Conclusion: Our study confirmed that prenatal smoking is associated with increased risk of severe-early childhood caries (S-ECC) while the association with post-natal smoking is also evident, the increase in risk is not statistically clear. Both maternal smoking and the child's tooth decay are associated with poor parental education and other improper oral health behaviours. The positive impact of quitting smoking on the oral health in children should be part of anti-smoking advice., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Sobiech, Olczak-Kowalczyk, Spodzieja and Gozdowski.)

Randomly selected 1,611 individuals aged 18 years formed a nationally representative sample from all provinces of Poland. Developmental defects of the enamel (DDE) and caries were assessed using the modified DDE index, molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) Treatment Need Index (MIH-TNI), FDI and WHO criteria by 22 trained and calibrated dentists. T-test was used for comparing group means. A simple and multiple logistic regression tests were used to assess the relationship between DDE and caries severity expressed as DMFT (p < 0.05). The prevalence of DDE was 13.7%. Demarcated opacities (DEO) were the most frequent (9.65%); 4% had diffuse opacities (DIO) and 1.5% had hypoplasia. MIH was diagnosed in 0.6% patients. The prevalence of caries was 93.2%, with mean DMFT of 6.50 ± 4.22. The DMFT value was 7.52 ± 4.77 in the group of patients with demarcated opacities (DEO); 7.85 ± 4.74 with diffuse opacities (DIO) and 7.56 ± 4.57 with enamel hypoplasia, respectively. There was a significant relationship between caries severity and DDE (p < 0.001), DEO (p = 0.001) and DIO (p = 0.038), and between DDE and DMFT index (p < 0.001). The results obtained in the study proved the significant relationship between DDE and DMFT in 18-year-olds, the assessment of which was the aim of the study., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC), defined as any sign of smooth-surface caries in a child younger than three years of age, remains a serious health issue. The aim of this study was to indicate oral health behaviours related to S-ECC. The study surveyed parents (socio-economic and medical factors, oral health behaviours) and clinically examined children including non-cavitated d1,2/cavitated d ≥ 3 lesions. %S-ECC, and caries indices (d1,2 d ≥ 3 mft and d1,2 d ≥ 3 mfs) were calculated. Spearman’s correlation and simple and multiple logistic regression were used to assess the relationships between various factors and S-ECC. A total of 496 children were examined. S-ECC occurred in 44.8%: d1,2 d ≥ 3 mft = 2.62 ± 3.88, d1,2 d ≥ 3 mfs = 4.46 ± 8.42. S-ECC was correlated with socio-economic factors, vitamin D supplementation, breastfeeding and using formula after the 18th month, and toothbrushing. Supplementation of vitamin D and toothbrushing tended to decrease the odds of S-ECC (OR = 0.49 (0.27−0.87); p = 0.016, OR = 0.46 (0.24−0.86) p = 0.015, respectively). Feeding exclusively with formula was observed to increase the odds of S-ECC (OR = 2.20 (1.29−3.76); p = 0.004). Consuming > three snacks daily (OR = 1.39 (0.97−1.98); p = 0.072) and the reluctance to eat resilient foods (OR = 1.63 (1.05−2.51); p = 0.028) were nullified by the confounding factors. Vitamin D supplementation, mastication of resilient food, breastfeeding in the first six months of a baby’s life, and parent-supervised toothbrushing are factors in the prevention of caries in toddlers. Breast- and bottle-feeding after the 18th month of life, the reluctance to eat solids, lack of vitamin D supplementation, hygienic neglect, and delay in introducing oral health behaviours may contribute to the development of caries in toddlers.

The aim of the study is to determine the occurrence and etiology of traumatic dental injuries of permanent teeth and to evaluate the relationship between diagnosed injuries and selected socio-economic indicators. In total, 1741 students aged 18 years, representing all the regions of Poland, took part in the survey. Questionnaires for monitoring studies were prepared in accordance with the criteria of the World Health Organization. Among the respondents, tooth trauma was reported by 18% of adolescents. The most common trauma occurred during other activities (e.g., playing) (64%). The most common direct cause of injury was a fall (43%) or a collision with an object or another person (36%). Risk of injury was increased by a low level of parents' education and poor financial situation of the family. Playing sports is important in the etiology of injuries. The incidence of injuries was highest in school, demonstrating the need for school education in injury prevention and first aid. Occurrence of injuries, their causes, therapy, and post-traumatic complications were similar in respondents of both genders, which can be explained by secularization trends. Risk of injury was increased by parents' low level of education and poor economic status. The research demonstrates the need for universal education on treatment of dental injuries.

Introduction: Treatment with glucocorticoids in children with nephrotic syndrome can be the cause of developmental disorders of the masticatory organ and bone or teeth abnormalities. The aim was to assess the frequency and type of dental abnormalities and the correlation of their occurrence with a dosage of glucocorticoids and treatment time in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome., Methods: The study group consisted of 31 patients aged 5 to 17 diagnosed with idiopathic steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome and 33 overall healthy children. The studies included clinical evaluation of dentition, radiologic diagnostics, and statistical analysis., Results: In the study group, 77.4% of patients were diagnosed with abnormalities in dental development. Tooth number disorders, presence of persistent deciduous teeth and impacted teeth, abnormal crown or root shape, developmental defects of enamel, pulp stones, and bone structure disorders were identified. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the average treatment time of glucocorticoids in patients without and with tooth developmental abnormalities., Conclusions: Long-term use of glucocorticoids in children with nephrotic syndrome promotes the occurrence of developmental abnormalities of the teeth, calcification of the pulp, and disorders of bone tissue metabolism. For this reason, patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome should be under the constant care of a dentist., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None disclosed., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

BACKGROUND Education was significantly affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Online learning affects the quality of learning as well as the mental health status of students. Regular screening for COVID-19 may be crucial to provide practical classes during the pandemic. The present study aimed to analyze the usefulness of rapid antigen tests for on-campus COVID-19 screening in real-life conditions at a medical university in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS This screening study was carried out among students attending practical classes at the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland between November 15 and December 10, 2021, during which a series of rapid antigen tests (Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device, nasal) were performed by healthcare professionals (nurses). Out of 104 student groups selected for the study (n=1847 students), 423 individuals from 63 student groups were tested at least once (22.9% response rate). A total of 2295 samples were collected. RESULTS Among the participants, 3.4% (n=15) had positive test results. Out of 15 COVID-19 cases, 14 were vaccinated. At least 1 positive COVID-19 case was detected in 8 student groups. In 3 student groups, we observed ≥2 infections that occurred at intervals, which may suggest student-to-student SARS-CoV-2 transmission. CONCLUSIONS This study produced real-world data from a COVID-19 screening study and confirmed the usefulness of the rapid antigen test (Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device nasal) for on-campus COVID-19 screening prior to practical classes. Maintaining a high percentage of participants is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of on-campus COVID-19 screening.

Aim: Assessment of the effect of inhaled therapy with anti-asthmatic medications on the development of caries in children between 3 and 17 years old., Methods: Study design: The study involved 208 patients, 114 in the study group and 94 in the control group. Data on general health condition of patients, use of medications, dietary habits and oral hygiene were obtained. Information on the onset of asthma, its severity and type, doses and method of administration of asthma medications were obtained from the available medical records by the paediatrician. Dental examination was performed using the DMFT/dmft and DMFS/dmfs index, ICDAS II classification and Nyvad's criteria for noncavitated white spot lesion differentiation. Additionally, an assessment of salivary S. mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus spp. (LA) was carried out using the CRT Bacteria (Ivoclar Vivadent) test., Conclusion: There is still no clear consensus among the authors as to whether asthma and medications used in its treatment increase the risk of caries. Nowadays, despite better access to various sources of information, there is still a need for increased awareness in patients and medical doctors on the dental care and caries prevention in patients with asthma.

Background: Premature loss of primary teeth can occur as a consequence of dental trauma, neonatal tooth extraction, early childhood caries, or periodontal problems, or it can be a manifestation of systemic disease. This review aims to present systemic disorders that can lead to premature loss of deciduous teeth in children and to provide a comprehensive resource for clinical practice for both physicians and dentists., Methods: This study is a narrative review of original studies and case reports published in English and Polish between 1957 and 2021 that was conducted by searching electronic scientific resources: PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The schema of the qualification process is represented by a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). In total, 196 articles were identified; after provisional assessment of the titles and abstracts by two reviewers, 46 were found to be relevant to the topic, including 1 review, 16 original papers, and 27 case reports regarding systemic disease resulting in premature tooth loss., Results: In this study, 16 systemic diseases were linked to premature primary tooth loss in children: Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome, mucocutaneous dyskeratosis, Coffin-Lowry syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, cherubism, hypophosphatasia, acatalasia, Chediak-Higashi syndrome, cyclic neutropenia, erythromelalgia, Down syndrome, Hajdu-Cheney syndrome, short bowel syndrome, leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 (LAD-1), and Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome (WSS).

Objectives: This study analyzed Polish dentists' knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the main problems in their work during the early phase of the pandemic., Methods: Dentists responded to an online anonymous survey consisting of 57 questions relating to socio-demographics, knowledge about COVID-19, and office procedures. The obtained data were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics, significance of dependencies and Chi square and Mann-Whitney tests; p < 0.05., Results: Ultimately, responses from 730 dentists were included. The mean age was 43.62 ± 11.57. Almost 3/4 of the respondents followed the information on COVID-19. A total of 95.5% had knowledge about COVID-19. Genetic testing was the basic test according to 69.2%. Further, 56.0% were concerned about the pandemic, and 23.6% were significantly anxious. In addition, 42.1% considered a risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 in the workplace as very high. A total of 84.0% admitted patients performing a triage and using personal protective equipment (PPE). Further, 44.5% planned to become vaccinated. Continuing the work during the pandemic was strongly correlated with age, sector, and location and duration of work., Conclusions: Most Polish dentists follow the information on the COVID-19 protocol and have sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. Dentists are concerned and anxious about the situation. The vast majority admitted patients during the pandemic and use PPE. Only almost half plan to be vaccinated.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the association between parental-reported vitamin D supplementation and caries in a national sample of 3-year-olds in Poland., Materials and Methods: A total of 1900 children, representing all provinces of Poland, were invited. The questionnaires concerned vitamin D supplementation, socio-demographics, and oral health behaviours. Based on dental examination, caries scores (dmft/dmfs), prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and severe ECC (S-ECC) were calculated. The Spearman's correlation, linear regression and logistic regression were used to assess the association between various factors and caries (p < 0.05)., Results: A total of 1638 children were tested. Of this number, 99.1% infants were supplemented with vitamin D. Supplementation had been continued seasonally in 55.2% children. ECC/S-ECC prevalence were significantly lower in children receiving vitamin D (ECC 38.3% vs. 44.7%, OR = 0.77; S-ECC 20.5% vs. 27.1%, OR = 0.69; p < 0.05). Mean dmft/dmfs were lower in those with supplementation (1.54 ± 2.72 vs. 2.24 ± 3.55; 2.40 ± 5.56 vs. 3.72 ± 7.56, respectively; p < 0.001). After controlling for confounding factors, supplementation was not significantly associated with caries; only dt/ds were still associated. Maternal education, sweetened beverages before bedtime, bottle use were significantly associated with S-ECC., Conclusions: Lower caries prevalence was observed in those with vitamin D supplementation. The association between parental-reported vitamin D and ECC/S-ECC was not significant in Polish children. Decayed teeth and supplementation were still associated. Dietary habits can modify the association with caries., Clinical Relevance: There may be an association between vitamin D supplementation and lower caries in children. Parents should supplement their children during periods of significant growth and development., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) remains highly prevalent in preschool children worldwide. Dental caries affects every second 3-year-olds in Poland. The aim of the study was to assess protective factors for ECC in 3-year-olds. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017 among 3-year-olds attending kindergartens in all 16 provinces of Poland. The questionnaire included socioeconomic factors, and oral health behaviors. Decayed, missing due to caries and filled teeth and surfaces were assessed. Caries indices (dmft and dmfs), percentage of caries-free and severe ECC (S-ECC) were calculated. The Student's t -test, Spearman correlation, univariate and multivariate logistic regression (the odds ratios (OR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR): confounding factors: socioeconomic conditions, oral health behaviors) were performed; p < 0.05. Results: A total of 1,638 children were included. ECC was confirmed in 41.1%; S-ECC in 23.4%. The dmft index was 1.85 ± 3.14, dmfs = 2.99 ± 6.56. Spearman correlation [socioeconomic factors, especially mother's education ( r = -0.148, p < 0.001) and family's economic status ( r = -0.071, p = 0.004)], despite were statistically significant, indicate very weak relationships with dmft index. After 12th month of life not giving any beverages before bedtime and at night, but water or unsweetened milk only, healthy snacking (sandwiches, fresh fruit), or water on a daily basis decreases the probability of caries development (for S-ECC: OR = 0.37, AOR = 0.47, AOR2 = 0.37; p < 0.01), even if inappropriate dietary behaviors or hygiene practices were simultaneously present. Brushing of a child's teeth twice a day lowered the odds of caries (for S-ECC: OR = 0.78, p = 0.031; AOR = 0.81, p = 0.081; AOR2 = 0.84, p = 0.131), but this effect was less intense when inappropriate dietary behaviors were accounted for. Children of parents with good self-assessment of their teeth were more often caries-free (61.4 vs. 42.9%; p = 0.006) and had lower dmft indices (1.67 vs. 2.93; p = 0.002). Conclusions: Preventing a child after 12th month of life from getting any beverages before bedtime, water or unsweetened milk only, sandwiches and fresh fruit as snacks, or water given to on a daily basis, tooth brushing twice a day decrease the odds of caries in 3-year-olds. Diet appears to have primary significance in the etiology of ECC, since tooth brushing can only partly attenuate the impact of inappropriate dietary behaviors on dental caries. Children are more often caries-free and have lower severity of caries if their parents' dentition is self-assessed as healthy., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Olczak-Kowalczyk, Gozdowski and Turska-Szybka.)

The prevention of dental caries in preschool children is a priority for dental services. The aim of the study was to investigate the caries-preventive effect of 2 fluoride varnishes in caries-active preschool children, and then compare the outcome with a non-varnish control group. After screening, 180 preschool children aged 36-71 months, with at least 1 noncavitated lesion, were enrolled and randomly allocated into 3 parallel groups, namely A: 1.5% ammonium fluoride varnish (Fluor Protector S), B: 5% NaF varnish (Duraphat), and C: professional tooth-cleaning. All children were recalled every third month for intervention and their parents were instructed to have them brush their teeth with a 1,000-ppm fluoride toothpaste twice daily. Caries were recorded at baseline and after 12 months by a calibrated examiner and the incidence was scored on noncavitated (d2) and cavitated (d3) level. We tested differences between the groups with the χ2 and two-sided t tests. One hundred and seventy-two children (95.6%) completed the trial and 56 (32.6%) and 35 (19.2%) developed new d2 and d3 lesions, respectively. Both varnishes reduced the incidence of caries compared with the control group, but there was no significant difference between group A and group B. Compared with group C, the relative risk for developing cavitated lesions was 0.39 (95% CI 0.22-0.62) in group A and 0.26 (95% CI 0.14-0.50) in group B. The total prevented fraction (Δd2d3mft) for group A and group B was 19.9 and 22.5% (p < 0.05), respectively. No adverse effects were observed or reported during the study period. In conclusion, the 2 fluoride varnishes demonstrated an equal capacity to reduce the incidence of caries in caries-active preschool children over a 12-month period in comparison with a control group., (© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Comparative optimism, the belief that negative events are more likely to happen to others rather than to oneself, is well established in health risk research. It is unknown, however, whether comparative optimism also permeates people's health expectations and potentially behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic., Objectives: Data were collected through an international survey (N = 6485) exploring people's thoughts and psychosocial behaviours relating to COVID-19. This paper reports UK data on comparative optimism. In particular, we examine the belief that negative events surrounding risk and recovery from COVID-19 are perceived as more likely to happen to others rather than to oneself., Methods: Using online snowball sampling through social media, anonymous UK survey data were collected from N = 645 adults during weeks 5-8 of the UK COVID-19 lockdown. The sample was normally distributed in terms of age and reflected the UK ethnic and disability profile., Findings: Respondents demonstrated comparative optimism where they believed that as compared to others of the same age and gender, they were unlikely to experience a range of controllable (eg accidentally infect/ be infected) and uncontrollable (eg need hospitalization/ intensive care treatment if infected) COVID-19-related risks in the short term (P < .001). They were comparatively pessimistic (ie thinking they were more at risk than others for developing COVID-19-related infection or symptoms) when thinking about the next year., Discussion: This is one of the first ever studies to report compelling comparative biases in UK adults' thinking about COVID-19., (© 2020 The Authors Health Expectations published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: To compare the prevalence of parafunctional habits, erosive tooth wear and occurrence of tooth injuries among children being under the care of Social Welfare Centre and children treated in the Department of Children's Dentistry of the Medical University of Warsaw., Study Design: The study contains environmental and medical interviews, record-based analysis and clinical examination. Parafunctional habits were rated on the base of dental interviews and clinical examinations. The occlusal surfaces were evaluated by visual examination using modified tooth wear index (TWI). Tooth injuries were reported from a medical interview labeled using Andreasen classification. The consent of the bioethics committee and guardians of children participated in the study was obtained., Results: The study involved 782 patients, including 404 children from dysfunctional families (average age 11,4 ± 3,7) and 378 from ordinary families-control group (8,53 ± 3,92). In the study group we observed higher prevalence of erosive tooth wear (44,66% vs 18,02% p=0,000), dental trauma (9,4% vs 3,44% p=0,001) and a presence of parafunctional habits (67,8% vs 20,4 % p=0,000)., Conclusion: The occurrence of parafunctional habits, erosive tooth wear and tooth injuries may be an indicator of domestic violence and a component of maltreated child syndrome., (© 2020 Clinical Pediatric Dentistry.)

Purpose: To assess the prevalence and associated factors with early childhood caries (ECC) in a Polish population., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 656 three-year-old preschool children of both sexes. Data were collected through oral examination of the children and a questionnaire self-reported by their parents. The questionnaire contained information on sociodemographic aspects, feeding and oral hygiene practices, dental care utilisation and dental health knowledge. Associations between ECC and caries-related factors were analysed with use of bivariate and multivariate logistic regression and Mann-Whitney U test., Results: ECC was diagnosed in 64.0% children from the rural area and 46.6% from the urban one, more often in boys (57.7%) compared to girls (49.5%) and S-ECC in 37.1%, 24.2%, 31.5% and 27.5%, respectively. The associations between caries experience and living in a rural area, male sex, education level and oral health-related knowledge of a parent, tooth brushing frequency, nocturnal bottle-feeding and feeding with sweet beverages at the age over 12 months, consumption of sweetened within the first 2 years of age and drinking of sweet beverages once a week at bivariate level were found. In the final model of the logistic multivariate regression analysis, seven variables were associated with ECC experience. They revealed the probability in decreasing order: living in a rural area (odds ratios (OR) = 1.90); feeding the child during the first 2 years with sweetened food (OR = 1.77); nocturnal drinking of sweet beverages by the >12-month-old child (OR = 1.73); education level of parent (OR = 1.53); gender - male (OR = 1.48); nocturnal bottle-feeding of the over-12-month child (OR = 1.44); and frequency of tooth brushing (OR = 1.41)., Conclusion: The most prominent risk factors for ECC were living in a rural area, consumption of sweetened foods within the first 2 years of age and nocturnal drinking of sweet beverages by the over 12-month-old child.

Purpose: To determine the effects of sociodemographic and pregnancy-related factors on oral health attitudes during pregnancy, as well as the main predictors of proper oral practices., Materials and Methods: An electronic survey consisting of 47 (single or multiple-choice) questions was conducted in women up to 3 years after childbirth in 2017. Sociodemographic data, as well as information on the course of pregnancy and delivery, oral knowledge and basic behaviours during pregnancy were collected. The Chi-square test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Odds ratios were determined. A statistical significance level of 0.05 was used., Results: A total of 2480 questionnaires completed by women aged between 13 and 45 years who were up to 3 years after delivery, were analysed. Correct answers to all questions regarding basic oral health and oral practices were obtained by 20.8% and 19.6% of respondents, respectively. Proper health behaviours were more strongly correlated with the level of knowledge (r = 0.155; odds ratio (OR) = 2.44; CI:1.93-3.07; p <0.001) and the use of dental care before pregnancy (r = 0.187; OR = 2.88; CI:2.29-3.63; p <0.001) rather than age (r = 0.144), good or very good financial status (r = 0.110), high level of education (r = 0.081), urban residence (r = 0.058) or occupational activity (r = 0.049). Attending dental visits depended on the conviction about their safety (r = 0.195; OR = 2.47; CI: 2.09-2.93; p <0.001) as well as gynaecologist's referral in the case of general conditions in pregnancy (r = 0.052) and the risk of premature birth (r = 0.053). No effects of other parameters associated with pregnancy or delivery were confirmed., Conclusion: Health attitudes during pregnancy are modified by sociodemographic factors. The main predictors of proper health behaviours include high level of knowledge on oral health and the use of dental care before conception. Furthermore, dental attendance among pregnant women depends on the awareness of the safety of dental visits and a gynaecologist referral in case of general condition and risk of premature birth.

Objectives: Carbonic anhydrase (CA) VI is supposed to take part in pH or buffering capacity regulation, which can influence the caries risk of an individual. Its expression in the saliva can be modified by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The aim was to investigate SNP in the CA VI gene in relation to active dental caries and physiochemical properties of saliva. Materials and methods: One hundred and thirty participants aged 11-16 years were involved. Clinical examinations were carried out using standardized WHO criteria, DMFT/DMFS and white spot lesions score was evaluated. Saliva samples were examined for salivary properties and CA VI concentration. DNA evaluated in the investigation was extracted from the buccal smear. Three SNP within CAVI gene (rs2274327; rs2274328; rs2274333) were selected and genotyping was performed. Results: In the active caries group, the mean CAVI concentration was significantly lower than in caries free group ( p  = .014). No association between increased or decreased risk of caries and analysed SNPs was found. There were some significant relations concerning SNPs and salivary buffer capacity and flow rate in rs2274327 and rs2274328. Conclusions: Polymorphism in the CAVI gene can affect salivary properties but there is no direct connection with dental caries.

Objectives : Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder characterized by the development of benign tumors. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of oral lesions in patients with TSC and healthy individuals. Study design : The study included 120 patients aged 1.1 to 42.7 years: 60 patients with TSC and 60 controls. Clinical assessment of oral hygiene (Plaque Index-PLI), gingiva (Gingival Index-GI, Gingival Overgrowth Index-GOI), oral mucosa and dentition (caries, tooth wear, enamel defects) was performed. Statistical analysis was performed. Results : 40 patients with TSC received anticonvulsants. Neglected hygiene (PLI: 1.50±0.96 vs 0.92±0.72), gingival hyperplasia (50.0% vs.1.7%), gingivitis (80.7% vs. 53.4%), oral mucosal fibromas (10.0% vs. 0.0%), mucous membrane traumatic lesions (11.7% vs. 1.7%), enamel pits and hypoplasia of incisal borders (41.7% vs. 6.7%), tooth wear (35.0% vs. 11.7%) were more common in patients with TSC compared to controls; increased gingival hyperplasia was correlated with vigabatrin and levetiracetam treatment (r = 0.266 and 0.279, respectively), gingivitis was correlated with PLI (r= 0.635). Conclusions : Although gingival fibromas in TSC are independent of patient's age, young age, anticonvulsant therapy and local factors increase their severity. Enamel defects in TSC include pits, but also enamel loss on the incisal edges and tooth wear.

Background: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) can occur at any age. They may cause health, functional, esthetic, and psychological problems, negatively affecting quality of life., Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, causes, treatment, and risk factors of TDIs among Polish adolescents., Material and Methods: As part of a cross-sectional national monitoring survey concerning the oral health condition and its determinants in the Polish population, 992 15-year-olds of both sexes were examined. The subjects were the residents of the urban and rural areas of 10 from a total of 16 provinces of the country. Caries-affected teeth were assessed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and caries prevalence and the decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT) index values were calculated. Traumatic dental injuries were assessed with the use of the WHO criteria, modified for retrospective evaluation. The details of clinically diagnosed TDI were supplemented by a questionnaire and an interview., Results: Overall, TDIs occurred in 22.0% of the subjects, similarly often in urban and rural areas (23.0% and 20.9%, respectively; p = 0.439), and more frequently in males than in females (26.2% and 18.2%, respectively; p = 0.002). The most common damage was crown fracture (46.2%), followed by luxation (43.9%) and avulsion (9.9%). Among the traumatized teeth, 73.8% received crown fracture restorations, 29.6% root canal treatment, and 17.5% were splinted due to luxation or avulsion. The most common cause of TDIs were accidental falls - 96.3%, including playing sports (27.1%), the other referred to violence/fight (3.7%). Nearly 14% of the accidents took place at school. The likelihood of TDI experience in males was 1.59-fold higher than in females. Males revealed a 2.76-fold higher probability of TDI incidence during participation in sports activities. Other predictors of TDIs were a low level of education of the mother, a poor socioeconomic status and a high DMFT score., Conclusions: A relatively high prevalence of TDIs in Polish 15-year-olds calls for effective planning and intervention to prevent the occurrence of the injuries and their aftereffects.

Background: To assess the relationship of chosen salivary proteins and peptides levels with the occurrence of caries in children., Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from 2000 to 2018 were researched for original observational studies published in English. The risk of bias and quality of the included papers were assessed regarding the guidelines by Fowkes and Fulton., Results: Twenty-two studies were included in the review, from which the issue of glycoproteins (including immunoglobulins), AMPs and salivary enzymes was discussed. The research involved primary dentition (13 papers), as well as mixed (7) and permanent dentition (5). Caries assessment included visual inspection, dmft/s and DMFT/S indexed; quantity of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. bacteria; and caries risk assessment., Discussion: The results of studies regarding the connection between salivary peptides and proteins and caries development in children are promising; however, further investigations should be undertaken. The majority of studies included are case-control and cross-sectional; however, it is necessary to conduct more cohort studies with adequate follow-up prior to considering this as markers for caries risk assessment., (© 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Many studies have indicated that the excessive use of computers (more than 3 hr/d) might be associated with an unhealthy life-style., Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between excessive computer use with the condition of the teeth and periodontium and the oral health behaviour of 18-year-olds., Design: Cross-sectional studies, using a questionnaire, were carried out on 1,611 18-year-olds from Poland. The questionnaire contained questions about socioeconomic status and information about health-related behaviour. The condition of their teeth and gingivae were clinically assessed., Results: Excessive (>3 h/d) computer use was reported by 492 (31%) of participants, who had an increased frequency of unfilled cavities (1.97 vs. 2.27, p  = .047) and a higher risk of oral hygiene neglect (e.g., using dental floss 41% vs. 34%, p =  .009). Excessive computer use was also seen to be associated with poor dietary habits. Individuals who declared excessive computer use also had a higher risk of gingival bleeding (35% vs. 29%, p  = .009)., Conclusion: In the group studied, excessive computer use by adolescents constituted a risk factor for neglect of oral hygiene, poor dietary choices, and failure to benefit from oral health care. Therefore, these aspects should be included in the risk assessment of oral disease and incorporated into educational programs that promote a healthy lifestyle., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflict of interests for publication of this manuscript. All authors have made substantive contribution to this study and/or manuscript, and all have reviewed the final paper prior to its submission.

Objective: To assess the significance of changes in the saliva in the etiology of gingivitis and tooth wear in children and adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)., Materials and Methods: The study included 80 (2.8-18 years old; 39 girls and 41 boys): 40 in PWS group (mean age 8.0 ± 4.24 years) and 40 in control group (mean age 7.9 ± 4.12 years). General condition, oral para-functional habits, tooth wear (modified TWI), oral hygiene and gingival status (Plaque Index (PLI) and Gingival Index (GI)), localization of gingivitis, and salivary characteristics were assessed. The chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman's rank correlation, and odds ratio based on logistic regression in a statistical analysis were applied., Results: Chances of gingivitis were increased by low PLI (odds ratio (OR) = 32.53), low resting salivary flow (OR = 3.96), increased viscosity of saliva (OR = 3.54), and mouth breathing (OR = 8.17). For gingivitis in anterior regions, low PLI (OR = 107.67), low resting (OR = 5.73) and stimulated (OR = 1.86) salivary flow, increased viscosity of saliva (OR = 5.87), mouth breathing (OR = 10.00), and low stimulated salivary flow (OR = 3.18) were observed. Tooth wear rates were increased by teeth grinding (OR = 16.20), mouth breathing (OR = 4.33), increased viscosity of saliva (OR = 11.67) and low resting (OR = 6.07), and stimulated (OR = 4.22) salivary flow., Conclusions: In PWS, reduced salivary secretion, increased viscosity, of saliva and mouth breathing increase the risk of plaque-induced gingivitis and tooth wear., Clinical Relevance: The prevention and treatment of tooth wear and gingivitis in PWS patients is necessary not only to treat bruxism and mouth breathing but also to limit the influence of negative changes of saliva.

Aim: To evaluate the use of formocresol (FC) and ferric sulfate (FS) as pulpotomy agents in vital pulp therapy (VPT) in primary molars by dental practitioners., Materials and Methods: One hundred seventy-nine patients (aged 74.09 ± 20.75 months) who underwent pulpotomy were enrolled. The dmft, the number of visits, the filling materials, the clinical and radiological observations and complications were evaluated., Statistics: The data were analysed using chi-square, Spearman's rank correlation and odds ratio., Results: The analysis included the documentation of 179 patients with 276 pulpotomies: 50 (FS) and 226 (FC). The dmft was 8.54 ± 3.44. The therapeutic success was greater for FS pulpotomy and that of the two-appointment FC pulpotomy (90.6%) was higher than the one-appointment method (77.1%). Glass-ionomer cements (GIC) (53.6%), amalgam (30.0%), composites (15.6%), and steel crowns (1.8%) were used for tooth restoration. The risk of complications was lower for GI (OR = 2.21; 95% CI 1.09-4.88) compared to composite (OR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.19 - 5.80)., Conclusions: For primary teeth pulpotomy dental practitioners use both FS and FC. FC has been proven to be more effective in a two-appointmet treatment. When restoration with stainless steel crown (SSC) is not feasible, it is advantageous to use GIC rather than composite.

Background: Bacterial reinfection of dental cavities remains an unsolved clinical problem. The search for methods enabling the limitation of the bacterial factor has become the fundamental goal of the dental materials research. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used as disinfection agents. An incomplete polymerization of the polymer resins combined with AgNPs, along with the increase of the release of the unbound monomers, have been found., Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitality of the human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in response to a disinfection agent containing silver and gold nanoparticles (NPs), different bonding systems, glass-ionomer cement (GIC), and their combinations with the disinfection agent. Also, the influence of these materials both on the secretory function of DPSCs and on their antibacterial properties was established., Material and Methods: Cytotoxicity (MTT assay) and genotoxicity (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - ELISA) assays were used in the study. Antibacterial features were assessed with the optical density (OD) measurement of the bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius and Lactobacillus acidophilus) kept in dental materials., Results: The disinfection liquid proved to be biocompatible. However, it relevantly interfered with the total-etch bonding system in terms of vitality, which may have serious clinical implications. Its combination with the self-etching system was biocompatible, yet it impaired the antibacterial action of the system. An enhancement of antibacterial action of GIC with AgNPs was found., Conclusions: The disinfection liquid and GIC were biocompatible toward the DPSCs in terms of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Simultaneous usage of AgNPs with other dental materials did not affect the biocompatibility of the used materials. The disinfection liquid and GIC acted as antibacterial agents against all studied bacteria species. Used together with GIC and the total-etch bonding system, the disinfection liquid seemed to be efficient toward bacteria, yet it relevantly impaired the antibacterial action of self-etching systems.

Purpose: To assess caries prevalence and periodontal condition in adolescents in Poland and investigate the factors related to oral health., Materials and Methods: A national survey was carried out among 615 15-year-olds of both sexes living in urban and rural areas. Subjects were selected via cluster sampling. The mean DMFT and its components, the tooth distribution pattern of caries and percentage of subjects with gingival bleeding and gingival pockets were analysed. The information regarding sociodemographic, oral hygiene and nutritional variables was collected via questionnaire to evaluate their relationships with caries and periodontal parameters. The t-test, bivariate and multivariate logistic analyses were conducted to evaluate the differences and dependent variables of caries prevalence and gingivitis., Results: Caries prevalence was 94.0%, and DMFT was 5.75 ± 3.74. Higher DMFT, DT and MT values were found in rural areas. 50% of the subjects carried about 75% of the total caries burden. Severe caries (DMFT ≥7) was associated with toothbrushing less than twice a day, not using a fluoridated dentifrice, frequent consumption of snacks and absence of pit-and-fissure sealants. The prevalence of gingival bleeding was 37.4% and shallow pockets 2.8%, which were higher in males and rural areas. Gingival bleeding was associated with toothbrushing less than a twice a day, not using dental floss and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables less than once a week., Conclusion: The prevalence of oral diseases in Poland is very high. Additional strategies must be implemented to promote oral health early on to improve oral hygiene practices and nutritional habits.