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Caries tooth is multifactorial disease that is most often found in school-age children. Risk factors that need attention are age, gender, fluoride levels, role of parents, eating sweet habits and level of parental knowledge. This systematic study aims to describe the relationship between risk factors and the incidence of dental caries in school children. Search article done through the Garuda Indonesia Portal database, Scholar, Scopus, and Scene Direct and Pubmed in June 2023. The inclusion criteria were research with an observational study design and a focus on the relationship of risk factors (age, sex, fluoride levels, parental roles, eating sweet habits and level of parental knowledge) with dental caries in school children, published between 2018-2023. There are 8 articles reviewed. Risk factors such as age, gender, fluoride levels, role of parents, sweet eating habits and level of parental knowledge have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of dental caries in children. school. Age, type gender, fluoride level, role of parents, habit of eating sweet and level of knowledge of parents increase the risk of dental caries in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) in the remineralisation of white-spot lesions in 80 anterior teeth of children aged 5-13 years enrolled in public schools of the city of Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 36 individuals divided into 4 groups: G1. control (placebo paste); G2. fluoride gel; G3. CPP-ACP; G4: CPP-ACP + fluoride. Each product was applied twice by a calibrated examiner with a week of interval between. Lesions were monitored with a DIAGNOdent Pen before the first application, before the second application, and 1 and 3 months after the first application. To evaluate the lesion intensity, the Friedman test was applied, and to compare experimental groups, the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied. The analyses were complemented with the Dunn test and the level of significance was 5%.Results: At the end of the 90-day trial, the use of CPP-ACP and fluoride showed comparable results in terms of remineralisation. The best white-spot lesion remineralisation was observed when CPP-ACP and fluoride were combined.Conclusion: The use of CPP-ACP is a good alternative for the remineralisation of white-spot lesions. The effect can be improved when this product is applied in combination with fluoride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: For decades, the white coat has been the uniform of medical professionals. Recently, medical professionals show interest to use alternatives. We aimed to evaluate the perspectives and preferences of children and their parents regarding dentists' attire and gender. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 4-to 6-yearolds and their parents referred to dental clinics of Tehran School of Dentistry in 2018. Parents completed a questionnaire on demographics and dental fear, and both parents and children were asked about their preferences regarding the gender of dentist and the color of the dentist's attire. Statistical analysis was performed by the logistic regression model. Results: Totally, 148 children (mean age of 5.42±0.71 years, 48% girls) and their parents participated in the study. Most of the participants (81.2% of the children and 68.0% of the parents) preferred colored coats compared with white coat. More than half of the parents preferred a female dentist for their children (56.5%) while most children preferred a male dentist (54.8%). Boys preferred a male dentist as well (P=0.01). The children were reluctant to go for a dental visit and preferred to be visited by a dentist of the same gender as themselves (P=0.041). Conclusion: Wearing colored coats by dentists and giving a chance to choose the gender of dentist in polyclinics may increase the children's cooperation in pediatric settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral diseases can have a negative impact on both children and their families. The Family Impact Scale (FIS) is a commonly used measure to evaluate the parent/caregiver's perception of the impact of children's oral health on the family. A short‐form version (the FIS‐8) has been developed and translated into Arabic. Aim: To evaluate the validity and reliability of the FIS‐8. Design: Cross‐sectional study of a random sample of two hundred and forty‐six 12 years‐old Libyan schoolchildren and their parents/caregivers (in 2019). Parents/caregivers completed questionnaires while their children underwent clinical examinations for dental caries experience and gingival status. Internal consistency of the FIS‐8 was assessed. For discriminant validity, overall score and subscale scores of FIS‐8 were compared across categorised oral disease levels. Construct validity was tested by assessing the associations of overall score and subscale scores with global ratings of overall well‐being. Test‐retest reliability was evaluated using a random sample of 10% of participants. Results: The overall summary scale and subscales of FIS‐8 succeeded in discriminating among ordinal categories of child dental caries experience, and a clear gradient was observed in mean FIS‐8 scores across gingival status categories. There were moderate, positive correlations between the parents' and caregivers' overall score and subscale scores and the ratings for overall well‐being (r = 0.39). The overall scale showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79) and excellent test‐retest reliability (ICC = 0.93). Conclusions: The Arabic version of the FIS‐8 demonstrated acceptable properties and is likely to be suitable for wider use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess and compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of biodentine and formocresol for pulpotomy in human primary teeth. Method and Materials: A randomized, split-mouth, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was carried out in 37 healthy 4- to 8-year-old children with 56 pairs (112 teeth) of contralateral primary molars indicated for pulpotomy. Matched teeth in each pair were randomized to undergo either biodentine (n = 56 teeth) or formocresol (n = 56 teeth) pulpotomy. In both groups, the teeth were restored with stainless steel crowns. The teeth were evaluated clinically and radiographically at 3 and 6 months by two blinded, standardized, and calibrated examiners. The data were analyzed using chi-square and McNemar tests with a P value of < .05 considered significant. Results: At both the 3- and 6-month follow-ups, all the 37 children with 112 treated teeth were evaluated. Clinical and radiographic success was similar for biodentine (100%) and formocresol (100%), without any statistically significant difference (P = 1). Pulp canal obliteration was radiographically observed in 10/56 (17.9%) and 7/56 (12.5%) cases in the biodentine and formocresol groups, respectively. Conclusion: Both pulpotomy techniques showed favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes at 3 and 6 months posttreatment without any significant difference. Hence, biodentine has the potential to become a substitute for formocresol in primary molar pulpotomies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the effect of triphala extract mouthrinse and chlorhexidine on dental plaque and gingivitis. Materials and Methods: In this double blind, crossover study, 120 qualifying boarding-school students aged 13-16 years were randomised into three groups: 10% triphala, 0.1% chlorhexidine and negative control. The study was conducted in 3 phases of 1-month duration each and a washout period of 15 days. During the experimental period, subjects rinsed with the allocated mouthrinse once daily for 30 s under supervision. The plaque and gingival status was assessed using the Turesky modification of the Quigley and Hein plaque index (QHI) and the gingival index (Löe and Silness) at baseline and at the end of each phase. The results were tested for significance at p < 0.05. Results: Triphala and chlorhexidine yielded a significant reduction in plaque and gingival index scores as compared to negative control (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the scores obtained with triphala and chlorhexidine mouthwashes. Conclusion: The antiplaque and antigingivitis activity of triphala closely parallels that of chlorhexidine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and identify significant socioeconomic predictors of dental caries among children aged 9 and 14 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A random sample of 24 elementary and middle schools in Jeddah was selected. All 3rd and 8th graders were screened (N = 1655) for caries. A parent questionnaire was administered to collect information on selected socioeconomic indicators. Untreated caries was the outcome of interest. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages; crude and adjusted odds ratios of caries association with SES were produced with 95% confidence intervals and p-values. Results: A total of 1655 students were examined. The overall caries experience was 83.13%. Untreated caries prevalence in primary and permanent teeth of all students was 63.01% and 56.7%, respectively. In primary teeth, mother's education, family income and having medical insurance were significant unadjusted predictors of caries. Family income was the only adjusted predictor of caries in primary teeth. In permanent teeth, most SES indicators were significant in the univariate analysis. However, mother's education was the only adjusted variable associated with caries. Conclusions: The prevalence of caries is rising and aggregate measures of SES did not distinguish between children with or without caries, particularly among younger children. The most powerful individual SES predictors of caries were family monthly income and parents' education. Until a more valid aggregate measure of SES is available, community-wide approaches to caries prevention and risk reduction for all young children should be utilised to reduce SES-related caries risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present cross-sectional study was conducted to assess and compare the mean number of non-cavitated (initial lesions, IL) and cavitated carious lesions (WHO criteria) per child in the permanent dentition and to correlate it with the plaque index among 12-to 15-year-old government and private school children. Materials and Methods: 481 schoolchildren aged 12-15 years were selected randomly by multistage random sampling from two government and two private schools. Demographic details were collected at the time of examination. Baseline plaque scores were recorded using the Silness and Löe plaque index. Immediately after brushing and drying the teeth, cavitated lesions were recorded based on WHO recommendations and non-cavitated lesions were recorded using the IL criteria of Nyvad et al and Fyffe et al. Results: The mean number of surfaces with cavitated and non-cavitated lesions for government school children was 2.13 ± 2.98 and 3.21 ± 2.97, respectively, and 1.24 ± 1.86 and 3.08 ± 2.33 for private school children, respectively. WHO + IL surfaces among private school children were 4.33 ± 3.48 and in government school children 5.35 ± 4.45. There was a positive correlation of plaque score with IL (r = 0.63) and WHO+IL (r = 0.73). Conclusion: Non-cavitated lesions are about twice as common as cavitated carious lesions in school children. Government school children had a higher number of cavitated and non-cavitated carious lesions when compared with private school children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: No nationwide oral health survey has previously been carried out in Jordan. The aims of the study were to assess the burden of dental caries and gingival health among children aged 6 and 12 years in relation to sociodemo-graphic factors and to ascertain the trend over time in the occurrence of caries and the need for dental care. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was carried out which included 2496 children aged 6 years and 2560 children aged 12 years selected by stratified cluster sampling. Children were examined in schools and data comprised information about caries and gingival health status. WHO methodology and criteria were applied. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information about oral hygiene, dental visits, consumption of sugars and parents' level of education. Results: The caries prevalence rates were 76.4% in 6-year-olds and 45.5% in 12-year-olds, and caries experience was 3.3 dmft and 1.1 DMFT, respectively. The prevalence of caries varied significantly by sex and geographical region. In both age groups, children of the social low and middle groups had significantly higher levels of caries experience, more untreated decayed teeth and fewer filled teeth than did children of the upper socioeconomic group. Multivariate regression analysis showed that social class was the most important independent variable for caries. The results from 2005 were compared with similar data collected in the capital, Amman, in 1993. For all social classes, the mean caries experience and the amount of untreated dental caries increased overtime. Moreover, 17.7% of 6-year-old children and 49.1% of the 12-year-olds had gingival bleeding. Significant differences in gingival health were found by sex, location, geographical areas and socioeconomic group. Conclusion: Oral disease is a significant public health problem in Jordan. Strengthening of the school oral health programme is needed for effective prevention and control of caries and promoting gingival health. A systematic school oral health programme including oral health promotion should be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of different interproximal contact areas of primary molars, as described in the OXIS classification, in a group of three- to four-year-old caries-free children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out with a representative sample of 4,476 contact areas of 1,119 caries-free school children. A single calibrated examiner performed a type III examination to assess the type of contact area between primary molars, as seen from the occlusal view. The contacts were scored as O (open contact), X (point contact), I (straight contact), and S (curved contact) using OXIS classification. The prevalence of the types was expressed in the form of numbers and percentages. The findings were subjected to chi-square and McNemar's tests. Results: The most common contact type was I (75.5 percent), followed by S (15.3 percent), O (5.8 percent), and X (3.3 percent). Significant differences were obtained (P<0.001) when the inter-arch comparison was performed for all except the X type of contact. Further, 401 (35.8 percent) children had more than one type of contact in different quadrants. Conclusions: The present study highlights the existence of four different types of interproximal contact areas, O, X, I, and S, in caries-free three- to four-year-olds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dental caries is still epidemic and a significant public health problem in developing countries. No research on a fluoride mouth rinsing program has been conducted in Sri Lanka yet. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a supervised school-based 0.2% sodium fluoride mouth rinsing program among 6 year-old Sri Lanka school children. Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 415 school children from the Yatinuwara educational zone of the Kandy district, Sri Lanka from January 2011 to January 2014. The children were allocated into two groups by adjusting their socio-demographic background and the fluoride level in drinking water at school level; Group 1 received 0.2% sodium fluoride mouth rinses weekly, and Group 2 was the control group. A clinical oral examination and oral health education were performed at baseline and annual follow-ups. Results: At the baseline, the mean age of school children in the intervention group and the control group were 6.17 ± 0.41 years and 6.08 ± 0.50 years, respectively. Almost all of the children (>90%) used fluoride toothpaste in both groups. After the fluoride mouth rinsing program, the intervention group (77.8%) showed higher caries free proportion than the control group (63.1%), although no statistically significant difference occurred. The mean DMFT and DMFS indices in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Conclusion: The school-based fluoride mouth rinsing program indicated a significant tendency of preventing future caries incidence among children with permanent dentition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of three professionally applied fluoride agents in arresting early carious lesions in young permanent teeth. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was performed. Eligible population: Schoolchildren aged 5-7 years presenting at least one permanent molar with early active carious lesion. Sample: 107 dental surfaces with early occlusal carious lesions (lesion code=1-2; activity code=2 -ICDAS II criteria-). Study design: (1) Baseline diagnosis, performed by 2 researchers (Kappa inter-observer: 0.8). (2) Application of a protocol for cariogenic infection control. (3) Participant assignment to groups: matched according to complexity of treatment needs at baseline: Group 1(G1) 5% NaF varnish Duraphat® (n=53); Group 2 (G2) 5% NaF varnish containing β-TCP tricalcium phosphate (n=33) Clinpro White Varnish®; Group 3 (G3) resin-modified glass ionomer cement varnish Clinpro XT Varnish® (n=19). (4) Single professional application of a fluoride agent. (5) Caries assessment 1 year post-treatment. Statistical analysis. The frequency of (a) early caries lesion remineralization one year post-treatment and (b) carious lesions that remained active but showed no progression 1 year post-treatment were calculated. Chi-Square and proportion comparison tests for independent samples were used to evaluate differences among groups. Results: Proportion of arrested lesions 1-year post treatment: G1=54.5%, G2=43.4%, G3=47.4%. No statistical difference was found among groups (p< 0.05). Proportion of lesions remaining active at 1 year showing no caries progression: G1=69%, G2=80%, G3=100%. No statistical difference was found among groups (p< 0.05). Conclusion: The three professionally applied fluoride agents showed similar effectiveness in arresting early carious lesions in young permanent teeth 1 year post-application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the oral health knowledge, attitude and practices of 15-year-old schoolchildren in Udupi Taluk, Southern India and to identify their social determinants. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the sample was selected using stratified cluster random sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was filled out by the participants and evaluated using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 664 children were assessed. About 90% of participants had knowledge about causes of dental caries and the role of toothbrushing in its prevention. Lower proportions (40% to 60%) of participants were aware of gum disease and the role of fluoride and dental loss. A majority (>90%) of the children used a toothbrush and toothpaste, 63.3% of the children did not know whether their toothpaste contained fluoride or not, 61.9% of them cleaned their teeth two or more times a day and only 18.2% of the children visited the dentist for routine check-ups. In the multivariate analysis, a rural area of residence was associated with increased odds of inadequate oral hygiene behaviour (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.10-2.52), of not having recently visited a dentist (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.20-2.98) and of doing so only due to pain (OR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.57-4.05). Attending private school was associated with decreased odds of these (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.24-0.55; OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.36-0.89; OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.25-0.63 respectively), but it contributed significantly to a higher diet score (i.e. more sugary products consumed) (β 9.11. 95% CI: 2.97-15.25). Conclusion: There is a need to improve the oral health knowledge, attitude and practices in the target population with emphasis on improvement of oral hygiene and dental visit behaviours amongst rural and government school children and diet in private school children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine whether variation in glucan synthesis by Streptococcus mutans isolates is associated with caries development in children receiving a fluoride mouth rinse (FMR). Materials and Methods: Of 122 children (aged 9 to 10 years), 64 had received FMR (FMR(+) group) and the remaining 58 children had not (FMR(-) group). The number of decayed and filled teeth (DFT) and increases in the number of DFT in 1 year (dDFT) were recorded. Saliva samples were collected to isolate the clinical S. mutans strains. The isolates were incubated in heart infusion broth supplemented with 1% sucrose, then the amount of water-insoluble glucan (WIG) formed on a glass tube surface was evaluated. Results: In the FMR(-) group, children carrying S. mutans had a higher DFT (P = 0.039) and tended to have a higher dDFT (P = 0.080) than the others. In the FMR(+) group, although the differences between children with and without S. mutans were not significant, children carrying S. mutans that produced a high amount of WIG had higher dDFT than the other S. mutans-positive children (P = 0.034). Conclusions: This study revealed that the variation in glucan synthesis by S. mutans is associated with caries development in children receiving a FMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the relationship of child oral health-related quality of life and socioeconomic backgrounds to traumatic dental injuries in schoolchildren. Materials and Methods: This study followed a cross-sectional design, with a multistage random sample of 792 12-year-old schoolchildren, representative of Santa Maria, a city in southern Brazil. The participants completed the Brazilian version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14), their parents or guardians answered questions on socioeconomic status, and a dental examination provided information on the prevalence of dental trauma. The assessment of association used Poisson regression models. Results: The prevalence of TDI was 9.7%. The maxillary central incisors were the most frequently traumatised, and the most commonly observed traumatic dental injury was enamel fracture. No association was observed among child oral health-related quality of life and socioeconomic factors with traumatic dental injuries after the adjustment. Conclusion: Socioeconomic indicators are not associated with dental trauma in schoolchildren and this oral health condition has no negative impacts on children's quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the prevalence and severity of dental caries among 12-year-old schoolchildren and to examine its possible association with maternal schooling. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study involving a representative sample (n = 253) of the 12-year-old school-children enrolled in 14 schools of the municipality of Curitibanos, Brazil was carried out in 2006. Clinical information was obtained through the World Health Organization criteria. Non-clinical data were obtained through interviews with school-children. Associations were analysed using chi-square test or Fisher exact test followed by non-conditional multiple logistic regression analysis to test the independence of associations between outcome and explanatory variables. values P were set at < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of caries was 81.7% and the mean decayed, missing or filled teeth score was 4.08. Prevalence was significantly higher among girls, with a prevalence ratio of 2.58 (95% CI 1.25, 5.32) (P = 0.010); among schoolchild- P ren from mothers with lower education level, with a prevalence ratio of 3.26 (95% CI 1.32, 8.06) (P = 0.010); and among P schoolchildren who had ever visited a dentist, with a prevalence ratio of 2.91 (95% CI 1.14, 7.62) (P = 0.030). P Conclusions: The prevalence and severity of caries were higher than the Brazilian national average. The prevalence was statistically associated with maternal schooling, had visited a dentist, and gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the malocclusion complexity and orthodontic treatment need in urban Iranian schoolchildren using the Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON) and the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) and to also assess the relationship between these indices. Methods: The study sample comprised 502 individuals (253 girls and 249 boys, 11 to 14 years of age), of whom one girl and five boys already had an orthodontic appliance at the time of the survey. In those individuals not wearing orthodontic appliances (n = 496), the definitive treatment need (ICON > 43) and compartments of the ICON were defined and compared between sexes. The Aesthetic Component and Dental Health Component (DHC) of the IOTN were also recorded. Scatter plots and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to explore the relationships between the ICON and DHC and the Aesthetic Component (AC) of the IOTN. Results: According to ICON, DHC (IOTN), and Aesthetic Component (IOTN), 46.6%, 36.1%, and 17.9%, respectively, of the studied children needed orthodontic treatment; however, only 1.1% wore an appliance. In terms of complexity, 26.4% of the studied individuals were considered to have a difficult or very difficult malocclusion. With regard to treatment needs, significant correlations existed between the ICON scores and DHC (IOTN) (r = 0.93) and between the ICON scores and the esthetic component (IOTN) (r = 0.96). The threshold for treatment need was lower in the ICON than in the IOTN. Of the children who were classified in the borderline category of the IOTN (DHC = 3), 52.0% were in need of treatment according to their ICON score (ICON > 43). No sex difference was found for treatment need (ICON > 43, P > .05) and treatment complexity (P > .05). Conclusion: According to the ICON, 46.6% of the Iranian schoolchildren need orthodontic treatment. ICON is a good substitute for the IOTN, yet it results in a lower treatment-need threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the orthodontic treatment need of 12-year-old Brazilian school children using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Methods: One experienced examiner evaluated the IOTN's dental health component (DHC) and its esthetic component (EC) in 1,182 individuals from 50 randomly selected state schools of Rio de Janeiro. He also requested that these students score their own EC (self-perception). Results: The DHC showed that 51.1% of the children had no/little need, while 26.7% had a need/high need/priority for orthodontic treatment. There was no significant difference between the two sexes (P = .156). According to the EC, esthetics were good in 59.1% of the children, borderline in 32.7%, and unattractive in 8.1%. The self-perception of the EC showed that 89.0% judged themselves as having good esthetics, with girls significantly more critical than boys (P = .035). The statistical correlation between EC (examiner) and EC (children) was low (kappa coefficient = .13). Conclusions: About half of the scored Brazilian 12-year-old school-children had no/little need for treatment. Orthodontists were more critical in their esthetic evaluation than the children themselves, with girls being more critical in self-perception than boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of malocclusions and dental characteristics of schoolchildren aged between 10 and 12 years in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará in northeastern Brazil. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and sixty-four children (107 boys and 157 girls) were examined using the Angle classification system. The occlusal characteristics studied were the measurements for overbite, overjet, crowding and midline diastema. The children who were selected had not had prior orthodontic treatment and were born in Ceará, as were their parents and grandparents. Results: Of the schoolchildren who were studied, 25.8% had normal occlusion, 47.7% had Class I malocclusion, 22.3% had Class II malocclusion and 4.2% had Class III malocclusion. There was no statistically significant difference between age and gender; 30.3% of the individuals had a normal overbite and 36.7% and 19.7% had increased and reduced overbites, respectively. A normal overjet was found in 33.7% of the subjects and increased and reduced overjet was found in 50% and 3.4%, respectively. Dental crowding was observed in 62.5% and the presence of midline diastema was observed in 14.8% of the schoolchildren. Conclusions: The most prevalent occlusal status was Class I malocclusion, with no distinction between age and gender. Increased overbite and overjet were predominant. There was a high occurrence of dental crowding among the subjects in contrast to the few cases of midline diastema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between socioeconomic status and oral hygiene, gingival condition, and dental caries among 12- to 15-year-old children. Method and materials: Poor children of low-to-moderate socioeconomic status (n = 674) attending 10 public schools were chosen randomly from each of the five geographic areas in Irbid, Jordan. Rich children of high socioeconomic status (n = 347) attending 10 private schools were also included. Schoolchildren were examined for oral hygiene, gingival condition, and dental caries. Results: Significantly higher proportions of children attending public schools had bleeding on brushing and calculus. Mean plaque and gingival scores were higher in public school children than in private school children, but the difference was not statistically significant. The public school children had higher overall scores for decayed, missing, or filled teeth and surfaces as well as higher scores for decayed teeth and surfaces, but there was no statistically significant difference between groups. However, children attending private schools had significantly more missing and filled teeth and surfaces. Conclusion: The findings for oral hygiene, gingival status, and dental caries were worse, but not significantly worse, among poor children than they were among rich children. Therefore, dental health education is recommended for both socioeconomic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pathway by which socioeconomic disadvantages are manifested in the occurrence of dental caries remains unclear. Aim: To explore how much the association between untreated dental caries and income inequalities is related to household food insecurity (HFI). Design: A population‐based study was conducted with a sample of 466 12‐year‐old students. Dental caries was evaluated by an examiner who had undergone calibration exercises. HFI was assessed using the Food Insecurity Scale validated for Brazilian Portuguese. Poisson regression models were created to determine associations between dental caries and both household income and HFI. The proportion of the income effect on dental caries explained by HFI was determined by the variation in percentages between the crude prevalence ratio (PRc) for dental caries and this measure adjusted by HFI (PRa). Results: The prevalence of dental caries was higher among children from families with a per capita household income lower than US$ 71 (PR: 1.69; 95%CI: 1.15‐2.49) or from US$ 71 to US$ 142 (PR: 1.50; 95%CI: 1.04‐2.17). Moreover, 14% of the association between a low income and dental caries was explained by HFI. Conclusions: Differences in the prevalence of dental caries in schoolchildren related to socioeconomic inequalities could partially be attributed to HFI in low‐income families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Behaviour and anxiety of children are predictors of effective dental treatment. Aim: Compare the behaviour and anxiety during preventive care, endodontic treatment, and dental extraction. Design: Controlled clinical trial was conducted with 99 children aged 6‐9 years. The children were distributed among three groups: G1 (control)—prophylaxis and topical fluoride; G2 (intervention)—endodontic treatment; and G3 (intervention)—tooth extraction. Behaviour was measured using the Frankl scale. Dental anxiety was assessed using the modified Venham Picture Test and measured at three moments: before, during, and after the procedure. Caregivers answered a questionnaire addressing the child's previous dental experience. Clinical examinations were performed by a calibrated examiner (Kappa > 0.70) for the identification of dental caries (d‐dmft/D‐DMFT). Statistical analysis involved repeated‐measures Poisson regression, with level of significance was P < 0.05. Results: Neither negative behaviour nor anxiety was associated with the type of procedure. Negative behaviour was associated with the need for restraint during a previous dental appointment (P = 0.012). Dental anxiety was associated with age (P = 0.037), previous difficult behaviour (P < 0.001), moment of measurement (P < 0.001), and dental caries on permanent teeth (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Negative behaviour and dental anxiety in children were not associated with the type of treatment performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among 12B-15-year-old female schoolchildren of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 500 female students aged 12-15 years. The prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs was assessed using occlusal traits based on the FDI/World Health Organization objective method. General information on demographic data was also recorded. Descriptive statistics was done to check discrepancies and consistencies. Results: Malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need were reported in this study. Twenty-three percent of participants had 2 mm and more diastema. The majority of participants had Class 1 relation with molar, incisor, and canine. Around 18.8% of participants had over 1/3 overlap, 12.9% had anterior open bite, and 11.9% had posterior over bite (unilateral and bilateral). Posterior crossbite on the right and left sides was present in 19.6% and 16.1% of participants, respectively. Scissor bite on the right and left sides was present in 11.5% and 12.8% of participants, respectively. Around 8.4% of participants had maxillary overjet over 4 mm. Reverse overjet was present in 14.8% of participants. Conclusions: There is a prevalence of malocclusion among the age group of 12-15 years in the KSA. This study can be used as a standard to implement school-based oral health awareness programs which are needed in the KSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: School based dental screening has been a popular public health intervention. However, literature provides contrasting evidence regarding effectiveness of such programs on the utilization of dental services.Objectives: We designed this review to understand the differences in dental attendance rates of children below 15 years of age, receiving a school based dental screening versus those not receiving it.Material and Methods: The standard methodological procedures prescribed by The Cochrane Collaboration for Systematic review and meta-analysis was employed. An electronic (MEDLINE via PUBMED, Cochrane trial registry, and Google scholar) and a manual search (2016) were made to identify studies.Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria, covering a population of 28208 school children of which 21447 were included in the meta-analysis. The review concludes that school based dental screening marginally increases the dental attendance by 16 percent as opposed to a non-screening group (RR 1.16 (95% CI 1.11, 1.21). The quality of evidence was found to be low.Conclusions: There is evidence of marginally increased dental attendance rate of 16 % following screening. As the quality of evidence was found to be low, the results of this review may be used with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aetiology of molar–incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is multifactorial and may involve genetic and environmental factors. Aim: To verify the factors associated with MIH in schoolchildren from 8 to 10 years of age. Design: This is a case–control study with a sample consisting of children aged 8 to 10 years, paired by gender and school type, in a ratio of 1:3. The case group included 186 children with MIH and the control included 558 children without MIH. Data were collected through a semi‐structured questionnaire and clinical examination. Chi‐square, linear‐by‐linear, Mann–Whitney, and logistic regression tests were conducted. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of mild MIH was 19.5%, moderate MIH 2.2% and severe MIH 3.2%. An association was observed between MIH with treatment need and a higher mean DMF‐T and decayed and missing teeth (P < 0.05). According to the aetiological factors studied, mothers who presented a fever during pregnancy had a 2.54 times greater chance of having children with severe MIH than mothers who did not present a fever (P = 0.045). Conclusion: The presence of fever during pregnancy and the need for treatment were associated with MIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The condition of the teeth, periodontium and oral mucosa determines directly and indirectly the general health of the organism and, therefore, requires to be monitored. Childhood, especially the first years of life, is the time when proper health-promoting behaviors are formed, allowing the future prevention of such diseases as dental decay and gingivitis. Studies concerning the gingival status and bleeding in children are scarce, although such knowledge can be useful in planning preventive programs. Objectives. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between oral hygiene level and the likelihood of gingival bleeding. Material and methods. The examined group comprised 2856 children aged 7 years, living in an urban area in western Poland. The hygiene status was evaluated according to the simplified Debris Index (DI-S) criteria and the periodontal status was evaluated according to the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) criteria. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of gingival bleeding. Results. The average value of DI-S was 0.91; it was not significantly different between girls and boys. In more than a half of the studied subjects (59.10%), oral hygiene was fair, in 12.46% - poor. Clinically healthy periodontium was observed in 91.32% of cases, bleeding on probing was present in 7.46% of cases. Calculus was detected in 1.22% of the children. Logistic regression analysis of the predictors of gingival bleeding showed that children with fair and poor oral hygiene were respectively 6 and 25 times more likely to show bleeding on probing compared to the children with very good oral hygiene. Conclusions. In the studied group, it was noted that there is a need to promote oral hygiene, as it contributes to the fall in gingivitis prevalence among schoolchildren. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Caries and orthodontic anomalies in school-age children lead to disturbed aesthetics, oral functions (chewing, swallowing, and speech), predisposition to trauma and the onset of periodontal diseases. The aim was to assess dental health and frequency of orthodontic anomalies in children aged 8-9 years in the municipality of Foča. Methods The research was conducted in the primary school Sveti Sava in Foča, where the total of 112 children age 8-9 years were examined. An informed consent was obtained from parents and school director for each student. Dental examination was performed using standard dental method, a mirror and a probe under artificial lighting. Children received instructions on proper nutrition, oral hygiene, tooth protection and elimination of bad habits. Results Among 112 examined boys and girls of selected ages, very high person caries index (PCI) was found (78.57%). A total of 548 caries affected teeth were found (boys 331 (24.62%), girls 217 (16.14%) (p <0.05)). Fifty-nine children had caries lesions on permanent teeth (boys 39 (2.9%), girls 20 (1.5%) (p <0.05)). Sagital abnormalities of the bite were present in 39 (34.82%) children, while 38 (33.92%) anomalies were related to vertical bite irregularities, 10 (8.92%) of them had open bite and 28 subjects (25%) had deep bite (p> 0.05). Conclusion Large number of teeth was affected with caries lesions (548) in eighth-year-olds, while orthodontic anomalies, mostly sagital abnormalities of bite were found in 39 subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Mouth breathing syndrome (MBS) is defined as a set of signs and symptoms that may be completely or incompletely present in subjects who, for various reasons, replace the correct pattern of nasal breathing with an oral or mixed pattern. It is important to identify the relevant factors affecting MBS in order to diagnose its cause since breathing obstructions can result from multiple factors. The purpose of this study is to clarify the relevant factors and the interrelationships between factors affecting MBS among children. Design We surveyed 380 elementary school children from 6 to 12 years in age. The questionnaire consisted of 44 questions regarding their daily health conditions and lifestyle habits and was completed by the children’s guardians. A factor analysis was performed to classify closely related questions into their respective factors and to examine the strength of the correlation between the newly revealed factors. Results Twenty-six out of the 44 questions were selected, and they were classified into seven factors. Factors 1–7 were defined as “Incompetent lip seal”, “Diseases of the nose and throat”, “Eating and drinking habits”, “Bad breath”, “Problems with swallowing and chewing”, “Condition of teeth and gums”, and “Dry lips”, respectively. There were also correlations between these factors themselves. Conclusion MBS was categorized according to 7 major factors. Because Factor 1 was defined as “Incompetent lip seal”, which was representative of the physical appearance of mouth breathers and correlated with other factors, we suggested that MBS should consist of 7 factors in total. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Children in a German region took part in regular toothbrushing with fluoride gel during their time in primary school after having received a preventive program in kindergarten. The study aimed at determining the dental health of the students as a function of prevention in kindergarten and at school while taking into account their socioeconomic status and other confounders.Materials and methods: The subjects were in six groups: groups 1 and 2, intensive prevention in kindergarten with and without fluoride gel at school; groups 3 and 4, basic prevention in kindergarten with and without fluoride gel at school; groups 5 and 6, no organized prevention in kindergarten with and without fluoride gel at school. Two dental examinations were performed for assessing caries experience and calculating caries increment from second grade (7-year-olds) to fourth grade (9-year-olds). A standardized questionnaire was used to record independent variables. To compare caries scores and preventive measures of various subgroups, non-parametric tests and a binary logistic regression analysis were performed.Results: A significant difference was found in the mean decayed, missing, and filled tooth/teeth (DMFT) depending on socioeconomic status (no prevention in kindergarten, fluoride gel at school in children with low SES: DMFT = 0.47 vs. DMFT = 0.18 in children with high SES; p = 0.023). Class-specific differences were no longer visible among children who had taken part in an intensive preventive program combining daily supervised toothbrushing in kindergarten and application of fluoride gel in school.Conclusions: Early prevention, focusing on professionally supported training of toothbrushing in kindergarten and at school, has a positive effect on dental health and is able to reduce class-specific differences in caries distribution.Clinical relevance: Early training of toothbrushing and fissure sealing of first permanent molars are the most important factors for the dental health of primary school children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion and its association with deleterious oral habits in school going children from 9 to 11 years old, in Sakaka region of Saudi Arabia Material and Methods: The present cross- sectional study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion and its association with deleterious oral habits in school going children from 9 to 11 years old, in Sakaka region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a questionnaire and orthodontic examination chart. Results: 46% of the examined children had normal occlusion. Deleterious oral habits which are deemed to be the greatest culprits in the causation of occlusal discrepancies were found to be prevalent in 79.2% of the children evaluated in the study. The highest prevalence was seen for thumb sucking, which was common in more than 70% of the subjects and the lowest prevalence was for nail biting which was common in only 9% of the subjects. Conclusions: habit of mouth breathing was seen among 21% of the studied population. The variables that were most strongly associated with the presence of oral habit were malocclusion and mandibular spacing although the number of subjects with oral habits displayed more occurrence of all the variables that were under consideration. Midline shift and maxillary and mandibular crowding, illustrated in this study were higher compared to those obtained from other developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the adverse effects and parental satisfaction following the different regimes of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatment among preschool children. A total of 888 preschool children who had active dentin caries received different SDF application regimes: group 1, 12% SDF applied annually; group 2, 12% SDF applied semiannually; group 3, 38% SDF applied annually; and group 4, 38% SDF applied semiannually. Information on adverse effects-including tooth or gum pain, gum swelling, gum bleaching, and systemic toxicity-was collected through a parent-reported questionnaire within 1 wk after every SDF or placebo application. Information of parental satisfaction on children's dental appearance was collected at baseline and 30-mo examination. At the 30 mo, 799 children (90%) remained in the study. No acute systemic illness or major adverse effect was reported. No differences of all minor adverse effects among the 4 groups were found ( P > 0.05). Overall, prevalence of tooth and gum pain as perceived by patients and reported by parents was 6.6%, while gum swelling and gum bleaching were 2.8% and 4.7%, respectively. Blackening of carious lesions was common among all groups, with 36.7%, 49.5%, 65.6% and 76.3% in groups 1 to 4, respectively (χ2 test, P < 0.001). The proportion of parents who were satisfied with their children's dental appearance in groups 1 to 4 was as follows: 67.6%, 61.5%, 70.8%, and 62.3%, respectively (χ2 test, P > 0.05). Based on parental reporting, SDF does not cause acute systemic illness. Tooth or gum pain, gum swelling, and gum bleaching were uncommon and not significantly different among the study groups. Parental satisfaction with children's dental appearance was similar among all groups. The use of SDF following the study protocol for caries arrest is safe for preschool children. Collecting information on parental satisfaction and adverse effects is beneficial for dental professionals when deciding to adopt SDF treatment for preschool children (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02385474). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the caries risk assessment of 12–13-year-old government and private school going children of Mysore city using Cariogram. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional examination was carried out on a total of 104 government and private schoolchildren aged 12–13 years. Ten factors from the Cariogram software(D Bratthall, Computer software, Malmo, Sweden) were included from study participant's records to complete the Cariogram. The percentage of “chances of avoiding new lesions” (caries risk) among government and private school study participants were obtained from Cariogram, and the participants were classified into five risk groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the software program Statistical Package of Social Science (version 17.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago IL, USA). Results: Findings revealed that there is slight difference in caries risk among government and private schoolchildren, where 48% caries risk development and 52% chance to avoid dental caries were showed in government schoolchildren, and 51% caries risk development and 49% chance to avoid dental caries were showed in private schoolchildren, according to Cariogram. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth component, mutans streptococci, and Lactobacillus counts were slightly higher in private schoolchildren compared with government schoolchildren. Conclusion: The private schoolchildren had less favorable values than government schoolchildren for most of the caries-related factors. Cariogram can be the most modest and reliable tool for caries prediction, thus aiding in identifying different risk groups in a community so that appropriate preventive strategies can be provided to overcome new carious lesion formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This 30-mo randomized clinical trial compared the effectiveness of 2 concentrations (12% or 38%) of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and 2 periodicity of application (once or twice a year) in arresting cavitated dentin caries in primary teeth. Children aged 3 to 4 y who had at least 1 active cavitated caries lesion were enrolled and randomly allocated into 4 groups for intervention. Group 1 had 12% SDF applied annually (every 12 mo), group 2 had 12% SDF applied semiannually (every 6 mo), group 3 had 38% SDF applied annually, and group 4 had 38% SDF applied semiannually. Clinical examinations were performed semiannually in kindergarten by a single examiner to investigate whether the SDF-treated caries became arrested. A total of 888 children with 4,220 decayed tooth surfaces received SDF application at baseline, and 799 (90.0%) children with 3,790 surfaces (89.8%) were evaluated at the 30-mo examination. The caries arrest rates were 55.2%, 58.6%, 66.9%, and 75.7% for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively ( P < 0.001). Caries treated with 38% SDF had a higher chance of becoming arrested than those treated with 12% SDF (odds ratio [OR], 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51-2.60, P < 0.001). The interaction between frequency of SDF application and visible plaque index (VPI) score was significant ( P = 0.017). Among those children who received annual SDF application, children with a higher VPI score had a lower chance to have their caries become arrested (OR, 0.59, 95% CI, 0.49-0.72). In conclusion, SDF at a concentration of 38% is more effective than that of 12% in arresting active caries in primary teeth. For children with poor oral hygiene, caries arrest rate of SDF treatment can be increased by increasing the frequency of application from annually to semiannually ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02385474). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of caries and fluorosis on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among schoolchildren living in areas with high concentrations of fluoride in water. Methods: Five hundred and twenty-four schoolchildren (8-12 year olds) residing in rural communities in central Mexico were examined for oral hygiene, caries (International Caries Detection and Assessment System, ICDAS II), and fluorosis (Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index, TFI). OHRQoL was evaluated with the Child Perceptions Questionnaire for two age groups (CPQ and CPQ). Generalized structural equation models were constructed for data analysis. Results: Overall prevalence of caries was 88.5% and fluorosis 46.9%. In the group of 8-10 year olds, 48% of the children had advanced carious lesions in primary or permanent teeth (ICDAS ≥4), 22.6% had moderate/severe fluorosis, and 59.9% of children had an impact on OHRQoL. Schoolchildren with ICDAS ≥4 were more likely [OR = 1.75, (95% CI 1.34-2.28)] to suffer a negative impact on OHRQoL. In the group of 11-12 year olds, 19.9% of children had advanced carious lesions and 23.2% showed moderate/severe fluorosis; 67.3% of children reported had an impact on OHRQoL. Children 11-12 year olds with fluorosis (TFI ≥4) [OR = 2.39 (95% CI 2.12-2.69)], caries (ICDAS ≥4) [OR = 2.18 (95% CI 2.13-2.24)], and low brushing frequency [OR = 2.04 (95% CI 1.21-3.44)] were more likely to have deterioration on OHRQoL. Conclusion: A negative impact on OHRQoL was observed in children with caries and fluorosis. Clinical relevance: Deterioration on OHRQoL found in children as a sequel of caries and fluorosis should be considered when designing health policies leading to prevention and effective health promotion programs and incorporated to clinical guidelines for timely dental treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the evidence supporting effects and adverse effects of local analgesia using different pharmacological agents and injection techniques during dental treatment in children and adolescents aged 3-19 years. Methods: A systematic literature search of databases including PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus was conducted in November 2016. The PRISMA-statement was followed. Two review authors independently assessed the selected randomised control trials for risk of bias and quality. Results: 725 scientific papers were identified. 89 papers were identified to be read in full text of which 80 were excluded. Finally, 9 papers were evaluated for quality and risk of bias. Many of the included papers had methodological shortcomings affecting the possibility to draw conclusions. Information about ethical clearance and consent were missing in some of the included papers. No alarming adverse effects were identified. One study was assessed as having low risk of bias. This reported inferior alveolar nerve block to be more effective than buccal infiltration for dental treatment of mandibular molars, while no differences were found regarding pharmacological agents. Conclusions: At present, there is insufficient evidence in support of any pharmacologic agent or injection technique as being superior compared to others. There is a need for more rigorous studies which also handle the ethical issues of including children in potentially painful studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) proposes this best-practice guidance to help practitioners to decide when and how to use local analgesia to control pain in children, adolescents, and medically compromised individuals during the delivery of oral health care. Methods: A search of different databases was conducted using all terms relevant to the subject. Relevant papers were identified after a review of their titles, abstracts or full papers. Three workshops were held during the corresponding EAPD interim seminar in Torino (Italy) in 2017. Several statements were agreed upon and, furthermore, knowledge gaps were identified. Results: An important outcome was that when local analgesia administered appropriately-correct choice of agent(s) and dosage, proper route of administration-it is, firstly, clinically effective for pain-control in treating children and, secondly, it carries a very low risk of morbidity including adverse or side-effects. Furthermore, several gaps in knowledge were identified during the workshop which indicates future research needs. Most importantly it remains unsatisfactory that in several European countries the most frequently used injectable local analgesic agent, articaine, is not approved for usage in children below the age of 4 years. Conclusion: When considering the dental demand to treat vulnerable (medically compromised) children and adolescents in a safe, painless, less-invasive and effective way, there seems to be an urgent need to close these gaps in knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dental caries is one of the endemic disease conditions still affecting the humans and their oral tissues. The methods applicable for the prevention of caries at global level are still a long way ahead. Aims: To assess the prevalence of dental caries among prepubescent and adolescent school children of Thamar city, Yemen. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the school going children of Thamar city. 120 children, with ages between 6 and 15 years, were selected by the simple random sampling technique. The children were evaluated for dental caries activity using fissure sealants retention rate, sealants' efficiency being evaluated with scaling criteria. Results and discussion: The retention rate of the 6-11 year-old group of children after 1, 2 months was 100%, 95% after 4 months, 89.8 % after 6 months, 94.11% after 8 months and 88% after 10 months, respectively. The retention rate of the 12-15 year-old group after 1, 2 months was 100%, 94.4% after 4 months, 90% after 6 months, 87.5% after 8 months and 91.54% after 10 months, respectively. Conclusions: Significantly different values were found between the two age groups (6-11, 12-15 years) as to the retention rate and efficiency of sealants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined influence of a family and a state plays an important role in the development of an individual. This study is aimed at the model effectiveness evaluation concerning the development of oral hygiene skills among children living in families (n = 218) and being under the care of a state (n = 229). The groups were created among the children who took part in the study: the preschoolers of 5-7 years, schoolchildren of 8-11 years and adolescents of 12-15 years. During the initial examination, the hygienic status of the oral cavity before and after tooth brushing was evaluated. After that, subgroups were formed in each age group according to three models of hygienic skills training: 1) computer presentation lesson; 2) one of the students acted as a demonstrator of the skill; 3) an individual training by a hygienist. During the next 48 hours children did not take hygienic measures. Then the children were invited for a control session to demonstrate the acquired skills of oral care and evaluate the effectiveness of a model developing the skills of individual oral hygiene. During the control examination, the hygienic status was determined before and after the tooth cleaning, which allowed to determine the regimes of hygienic measure performance for children with different social status and the effectiveness of hygiene training models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To evaluate the relationship between possible sleep bruxism and sleep characteristics in children.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted through data collection of a pre-tested questionnaire answered by 111 parents on behalf of their children in the waiting room during their appointment at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of a public Brazilian university. The diagnosis of possible sleep bruxism was based on the international classification of sleep disorders (ICSD) criteria. The Chi-square test and logistic multinomial regression test were used in the statistical analysis.Results: The final model of logistic multinomial regression demonstrated that children with muscle pain in the mouth region (OR = 19.70 95% IC = 1.82-212.69), snoring (OR = 8.25 95% IC = 2, 56-26, 54), and those with parents with possible sleep bruxism have more of a probability of sleep bruxism.Conclusion: Potential sleep bruxism tends to be hereditary. Muscle pain, snoring, and mouth breathing were important signals associated with possible sleep bruxism among children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the concentration and activity of carbonic anhydrase (CA) VI in the saliva of school children. We investigated the relationship among caries, CA VI concentration/activity, flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity.Materials and Methods: Seventy-four school children were divided into a caries-free group and a caries group. Clinical examinations were conducted by one examiner according to World Health Organization criteria + early caries lesions. Salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were analyzed. Salivary CA VI concentration and activity were evaluated by ELISA and zymography, respectively. The data were analyzed using Student's t test and the Mann-Whitney test, and Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were also done. In multivariate modeling, associations between variables were expressed as odds ratios.Results: The results showed that salivary flow rate, salivary pH, and BC were significantly higher in the saliva of caries-free children. Also, the salivary CA VI concentration was significantly higher in the saliva of caries-free children. The salivary CA VI activity was higher in children with caries. We found a negative correlation between BC and dental caries. Also, in the caries group we found a positive correlation between the concentration and the activity of CA VI and a negative correlation between BC and CA VI activity. A negative correlation between salivary pH and CA VI concentration was observed in the caries-free group. A high activity of CA and a low salivary flow rate were associated with dental caries.Conclusion: These results support the conclusion that dental caries is highly affected by the activity of CA VI in saliva as well as by the salivary flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To estimate the percentage of children with low, moderate and high caries risk; and to determine the predictors of caries risk amongst 11-12 year old Pakistani school children. Methods: Subjects' caries risk was assessed using the Cariogram programme. The survey was done among school children in Bhakkar district of Punjab, Pakistan. Caries and plaque level were assessed using the DMFT and Sillnes and Loe indices respectively, while diet content and frequency were assessed using a three-day diet diary. Results: A total of 226 children participated in this study, giving a response rate of 75%. Most subjects (39.8%) were in the low risk category with DMFT score of 0. The overall mean DMFT score was 1.49 (±0.63). Linear and multiple regressions were performed to evaluate the predictability of caries risk. Previous experience of dental caries was found to be the most relevant predictor of caries risk (40%). Conclusion: The levels of caries risk amongst Pakistani 11-12 year old school children were generally low. Past caries experience was the most significant factor in predicting future caries lesion in this sample population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Oral health is an important aspect of general health and well-being for children. Understanding the viewpoint of mothers about children's oral health provides a basis for the development of interventions to improve oral care and disease prevention. The purpose of this study was to explore the perception of Iranian mothers regarding the oral health of their children. Materials and Methods: This descriptive qualitative study was the first phase of an exploratory mixed method design and collected data from April to May 2015 in Tehran, Iran. The qualitative data were collected through seven focus group discussions and three semi-structured interviews. The participants were 58 Iranian women who had a first grader. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Results: The main themes identified from the data were: (I) the definition of oral health, (II) the importance of maintaining oral health and dental treatment, (III) the effect of nutrition on children's oral health, (IV) the role of oral health behaviors, (V) the causes of dental caries and malocclusion/crowding, (VI) the symptoms and causes of gum disease, (VII) the causes of halitosis. Conclusions: According to the mothers' perception, the main factors influencing children's oral health were: nutrition and oral health behaviors such as daily tooth brushing and flossing. The results of this study can be used to develop a model of oral health education and a prevention program for improving oral health among Iranian school-children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tooth decay is still a highly prevalent disease in populations. Because of this, epidemiological studies are carried out frequently and allow the monitoring of the experience of the disease. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of dental caries of 5 and 12-years-old schoolchildren in the cities of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, and Porto Velho, Rondônia, as well as to search hypotheses of association with social/economic determinants and access to dental services. Material and methods: Secondary data were used from the Brazilian Oral Health Survey of 2010, as follows: household income by city and dmft/DMFT index for ages by city and region of Brazil. Results: It was observed in the city of Florianópolis a 5-years-old dmft of 1.56, and 12-years-old DMFT of 0.55. In Porto Velho the means were 2.89 and 4.15 to the respective age. It was found that in Porto Velho 89.5% of surveyed had family income up to R$2,500.00, while in Florianópolis 81.9% had R$501.00 to R$9,500.00. Conclusion: The city of Florianópolis had the best caries indices and socioeconomic conditions, suggesting an association between these variables, in detriment to the regions in the opposite situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present study was aimed to assess the severity of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among 12-15-year-old schoolchildren in rural area of Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, India, using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 1078 schoolchildren (12-15 years of age) who were selected by two-stage cluster sampling technique. Severity of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs were assessed according to the DAI using a specially designed survey pro forma with the aid of the WHO's Oral Health Survey: Basic Methods. Based on the distribution of data, analysis of variance and unpaired student t-test were used.Results: Out of the total of 1078 children examined, 528 (49%) were males and 550 (57%) were females. The results indicate that 82.74% of the schoolchildren were found with little or no malocclusion requiring no orthodontic treatment. The gender-wise distribution of DAI score among children aged 12 years had significant difference between males (20.43 ± 3.67) and females (21.62 ± 4.335) (P = 0.015) and children aged 15 years also showed highly significant difference among gender (P = 0.000).Conclusion: Malocclusion not only impacts the appearance of the person but also affects the self-esteem and psychological well-being. This is the first step in understanding the treatment need so that further steps can be taken in preventive and interceptive care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This survey was focusing on health and oral hygiene status of primary school children at Lasbela district considering the comparatively less developed and socio demographically deprived part of the Country.Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted to determine the health status of primary school children in seven tehseels of district Lasbela, Balochistan after applying proportionate sampling technique from March 2015 to July 2015. Field teams visited assigned schools to screen children and collect health related data on predesigned and pre coded proforma.Results: Out of 200 schools, 196 schools found opened, while 2% of schools (04) remained closed. A total of 6363 students were clinically screened. About 45% of the school children had normal body mass index (BMI) and rest were falling in different categories of malnutrition. More than 19% had ear, nose and throat (ENT) problems and around 19% presented with clinical anemia. Less than 50% of children had scar of BCG vaccination and 4% informed about use of gutka/supari chewing (smokeless tobacco use).Conclusion: In conclusion, we estimated high prevalence of malnutrition, poor oral health including smokeless tobacco use, and low BCG coverage among primary school children at Lasbela. Current scenario suggests immediate and contextually focused interventions to confine existing public health risks and avoid future burden of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regular dental attendance is significant in maintaining and improving children's oral health and well-being. This study aims to determine the factors that predict and influence dental visits in primary school children residing in the rural community of Lithgow, New South Wales (NSW), Australia.Methods: All six primary schools of Lithgow were approached to participate in a cross-sectional survey prior to implementing water fluoridation in 2014. Children aged 6-13 years (n = 667) were clinically examined for their oral health status and parents were requested to complete a questionnaire on fluoride history, diet, last dental visit, and socio-demographic characteristics. Multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the independent predictors of a 6-monthly and a yearly dental visit.Results: Overall, 53% of children visited a dentist within six months and 77% within twelve months. In multiple logistic regression analyses, age of the child and private health insurance coverage were significantly associated with both 6-monthly and twelve-month dental visits. In addition, each serve of chocolate consumption was significantly associated with a 27% higher odds (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.05-1.54) of a 6-monthly dental visit.Conclusion: It is imperative that the socio-demographic and dietary factors that influence child oral health must be effectively addressed when developing the oral health promotion policies to ensure better oral health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the caries prevalence in Garrison schools of Lahore. This was a cross sectional study conducted in 10 public schools (n=12971). The students were checked by six calibrated examiners under natural light, with the student sitting on a chair using dental examination kit (dental mirror & probe). The findings of the study were charted on WHO assessment form. Mean decayed, missing filled teeth index DMFT was measured among students. The study reported a mean DMFT score of 2.46 (SD ± 3.07). The study showed a caries prevalence of 57.12% among students with mean age of 9.25 ± 3.11. High level of prevalence reported suggests a high level of unmet health care needs of the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Oral health promotion is a cost-effective strategy that can be implemented at schools for the prevention of oral diseases. The importance and value of school-based interventions in children has been identified in South Africa (SA). Although oral health strategies include integrated school-based interventions, there is a lack of published evidence on whether these strategies have been translated into practice and whether these programmes have been evaluated. Objective. To assess the efficiency and sustainability of the toothbrushing programme implemented at health-promoting schools in KwaZulu-Natal Province, SA. Methods. A mixed-methods approach was used for this study, conducted at 23 health-promoting schools in KwaZulu-Natal using focus group discussions. Triangulation was used for evaluation. Results. The intervention implemented had created awareness of oral health for learners, educators and parents. Findings in this study indicate that although there were benefits obtained from this school-based intervention, many challenges, such as time constraints, large classes and a lack of adequate resources and funding, affected the sustainability of the programme. Conclusion. The school setting has the potential to deliver integrated preventive and promotive programmes provided they are supported by adequate funding and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]