International journal of paediatric dentistry最新文献

Background

While preclinical (PC) training has historically been delivered through traditional methods, haptic virtual reality simulation (HVRS) has emerged as an increasingly popular alternative.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the performance of third-year dental students between traditional PC and HVRS in pulpotomy, pulpectomy, and stainless steel crown (SSC) placement. Furthermore, the study purposed to identify the more convenient educational approach for improving student performance in dental procedures, based on evaluations conducted by a pediatric dentist (PD).

Design

The study consisted of a total of 28 questions. Students' experiences, responses, and performances across both environments were analyzed. The relationship between these performances was evaluated by a PD. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

According to the results of the study, 96.7% of our students “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that a pediatric dentistry PC course is necessary for our faculty's curriculum, and 46.7% “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that HVRS is supportive of PC training. Students perceived a significantly greater sense of safety when opening the access cavity for pulpotomy and pulpectomy in the HVRS environment compared to the conventional PC.

Conclusion

The integration of HVRS into pediatric dentistry curricula may enhance clinical training.

Background

Stainless-steel preformed crowns (SSCs) are effective but esthetically unappealing, while zirconia preformed crowns require extensive tooth reduction. Bioflx preformed crowns combine esthetics and minimal preparation.

Aim

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Bioflx preformed crowns in restoring primary molars in children aged 4–8 years at Ho Chi Minh City Odonto-Maxillofacial Hospital in Vietnam.

Design

A single-arm pilot observational study (October 2023–June 2024) at Ho Chi Minh City Odonto-Maxillofacial Hospital involved primary molars treated with Bioflx crowns. Variables included clinical features and treatment outcomes, using descriptive statistics and an unpaired t-test.

Results

Forty primary molars from 17 children were treated (mean 2.35 ± 1.62 crowns/child). Most were first molars (55%), lower right quadrant (30%), with caries (65%). At the 3-month follow-up, 90% were rated as “excellent” masticatory ability, with 100% of “excellent” esthetics and restoration integrity, while 95% of crowns had “excellent” marginal adaptation, along with 92.5% healthy surrounding gums.

Conclusion

Short-term evaluation suggests Bioflx preformed crowns may be a promising new, flexible, and durable treatment option for primary molar restoration considering both esthetic and masticatory function. Yet, longer follow-up studies with control groups remain necessary for the long-term clinical evaluation to ensure a comprehensive approach for pediatric patients.

Trial Registration

The study received permission for implementation from the Board of Directors of Ho Chi Minh City Odonto-Maxillofacial Hospital and Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, which has also been confirmed in the document issued by the Ethics Council for Biomedical Research (23.341.HV/PCT-HĐĐĐ) signed on April 12, 2023

Objective

Adolescents living with orofacial clefts experience a range of physical, psychological and educational challenges that can impact their daily lives and overall wellbeing. This qualitative study aimed to understand the lived experiences of children and adolescents with orofacial clefts outside the home environment and to explore the role of the cleft multidisciplinary team in providing support.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants aged 10–19 years at a paediatric tertiary hospital.

Results

Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed a spectrum of experiences, with adolescents reporting negative social interactions, extended treatment timelines and challenges associated with comorbid conditions and inconsistent support from educators. Older adolescents demonstrated resilience and described coping strategies fostered by supportive family dynamics. Positive experiences were linked to clear and proactive communication from the cleft team, particularly in helping schools and peers understand cleft-related needs. Participants highlighted the value of emotional support and expressed a desire for more comprehensive communication from healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Despite challenges, families expressed overall gratitude for the care received. These findings emphasise the need for tailored, holistic interventions from cleft teams, including the provision of clear educational resources for adolescents and their broader support networks.

Purpose

To develop and validate a grading system for assessing the periradicular region of primary teeth on intraoral periapical radiographs.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising three phases: (1) Development of the grading system through a systematic literature review and analysis of 300 radiographs, (2) Delphi exercise with 20 expert pediatric dentists assessed face and content validity, and statistical measures such as Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) were calculated, and (3) Initial user feedback (n = 50) for acceptability, time taken, and accuracy of grading were assessed after grading 10 radiographs.

Results

A pool of 41 items was devised after phase 1. Two rounds of deliberations by the Delphi group resulted in 49 items for inclusion, with ≥ 85% expert agreement and high content validity (CVR ranging from 0.7–1.0). The majority (60%) of the feedback group found the developed index to be acceptable. The correct response rate was 29.6% while it was 43% for the retest. The mean time taken for grading 10 radiographs was 51.12 ± 7.84 min, which decreased to 44.2 ± 4.47 min during the retest.

Conclusion

A novel grading system with high face and content validity was developed. Further evaluation of the feasibility and reliability is required prior to regular use.

Probiotics have demonstrated Streptococcus mutans (SM) suppression. This in vitro study compared the SM inhibition capacity of bovine infant formula supplemented with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Gorbach Goldin (LGG) probiotic to a plain formulation.

Methods

Two bovine-based infant formulas, Similac Advance Optigro (formula non-probiotic, FNP) and Enfamil Nutramigen LGG (formula with probiotic, FWP) were compared. The formulas were reconstituted at different concentrations (0.1×, 0.5×, 1×, and 2×). LGG (ATCC BAA-3227) suspensions were used as positive controls. All assays were inoculated with SM, spiral plated (n = 8) onto selective Mitis Salivarius Agar plates, and incubated at 37°C for 96 h. SM growth was enumerated in colony-forming units (CFU). Multivariate analysis of variance was performed to assess concentration-dependent effects and statistical significance (α = 0.05).

Results

FWP recorded less SM growth than FNP at the 0.5×, 1.0×, and 2.0× concentrations (ANOVA p < 0.001). FWP concentration was negatively correlated to SM growth (p < 0.001, r = −0.864), whereas FNP showed strong positive trends (p < 0.001, r = 0.821). MANOVA tests confirmed that both group and concentration affect SM growth (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Commercial probiotic-enriched infant formula effectively suppresses SM growth in vitro. The observed suppression of SM growth in this study provides evidence for this dietary intervention's anticariogenic potential.

Background

Children and adolescents with special needs are at elevated risk for oral diseases. This study examines factors contributing to dental caries among students attending special needs schools in Sydney to inform targeted preventive strategies.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using retrospective data from 320 individuals aged 5–19 years, obtained through school-based oral health assessments and parent/caregiver questionnaires.

Results

Autism was the most common condition (75%), particularly among younger children. Notably, 24% of children aged 5–12 had never visited a dentist. Chi-square analyses showed a higher caries risk in children with multiple medical conditions (χ² = 5.312, p = 0.021), but no significant associations were observed with autism, toothbrushing frequency, toothpaste type, or sweet drink intake. Logistic regression identified medication use (B = 6.421, p = 0.011) and frequent sweet snack consumption (B = 3.998, p = 0.046) as strong predictors, while autism remained non-significant. This suggests that broader behavioural or physiological factors may be more important determinants of caries risk than individual oral hygiene practices alone.

Conclusion

Reducing sugary snack intake may help lower caries risk. School-based oral health education and self-care support can promote better hygiene habits and long-term independence. Future research should evaluate the feasibility of these caries preventive strategies in children and adolescents with special needs.

Background

Regional odontodysplasia (RO) is a rare developmental dental anomaly with unknown prevalence. Current knowledge is largely limited to individual case reports.

Aim

This study aims to present epidemiological data, clinical features, and radiographic characteristics of pediatric and adolescent patients with RO in South Korea.

Design

In this multicenter cohort study, we prospectively and retrospectively recruited participants from 11 university dental hospitals. Patients aged < 19 years diagnosed with RO were included in this study. In prospective cases, epidemiological information, family history, and clinical and radiographic data were collected after obtaining parental consent. All data were anonymized and stored using a study-specific data management system.

Results

Age at diagnosis ranged from 2 to 12 years, with a higher incidence in males. RO was more commonly observed in the maxilla, and all patients exhibited delayed eruption and development. The treatment approaches vary widely and include observation, extraction, pulp therapy, crown restoration, prosthetic rehabilitation, and orthodontic treatment.

Conclusion

This multicenter study provides the first comprehensive dataset on RO in Korean children and adolescents. These findings will contribute to the development of clinical guidelines and inform future healthcare policies for the management of rare dental anomalies.

Background

The prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) continues to increase. It is recognised as a public health concern, particularly in developing countries. Early childhood caries has numerous adverse effects on children’s growth and overall well-being. Despite the global burden of ECC, data from Africa remain limited, varied and are based on inconsistent diagnostic criteria and study methodologies.

Aim

The aim was to perform a systematic review to ascertain the prevalence of ECC in children across Africa between January 2000 and March 2025.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search of peer-reviewed articles published in English between January 2000 and March 2025 was conducted using multiple databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, AFRICA-WIDE INFO, African Journals Online (AJOL) and CINAHL. Prospero Registration: CRD42018112161.

Results

A total of 70 studies, representing 58 644 participants from 13 African countries, were included in the review. The overall prevalence of ECC was 37.9% (95% CI: 31.2–44.6), with variations observed among countries and urban/rural settings. The mean dmft score was 1.98 (95% CI: 1.86–2.10).

Discussion and Conclusion

The prevalence of ECC varies considerably across the African continent. This could be due to differences in education, access to dental care and human resources among countries and regions.