International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry最新文献

Background: Needle phobia is frequently observed in children, contributing to heightened dental anxiety, uncooperative behavior, and care avoidance. The sight or sensation of traditional anesthesia needles can provoke intense emotional responses, complicating pediatric pain management. This study assesses the Comfort-in™ needle-free jet injector as an alternative, aiming to enhance anesthetic delivery, patient comfort, and cooperation during pediatric dental procedures.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness of the Comfort-in™ system in minimizing pain during local anesthesia (LA) administration in pediatric dental procedures.

Materials and methods: This randomized controlled trial included 64 children aged 4-9 years undergoing tooth extractions involving buccal and palatal infiltrations. Participants were randomly assigned to receive anesthesia via either a conventional needle syringe (group I) or the Comfort-in™ jet injector (group II). Pulse rate, behavior, pain, and local anesthetic effectiveness were evaluated.

Results: The difference in pulse rates during LA administration and during treatment was statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.000 and 0.000, respectively); with a lower pulse rate seen with the jet injector group, suggesting that the child had lower anxiety with the jet injector group. Similar results were seen with other parameters such as time required, LA efficacy, Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale, and modified behavior rating scale by Taddio et al.

Conclusion: Considering the limitations of the present study, the Comfort-in™ system demonstrated effectiveness as a needle-free alternative for minimizing pain and anxiety in pediatric patients, while also significantly reducing the time required for LA administration.

How to cite this article: Naik SS, Kodical SR, Joshi A, et al. Efficacy and Pain Perception of a Comfort-in™ for Palatal Anesthesia in Pediatric Dental Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):228-233.

Background: Taste perception, shaped by both genetic makeup and environmental influences, plays an important role in dietary habits and overall health. Sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), which is controlled by variations in the TAS2R38 gene, categorizes individuals as either tasters or nontasters. This distinction can affect food preferences and may contribute to differences in susceptibility to dental caries. Research has shown associations between PTC-tasting ability and dental caries, skeletal development, and body mass index (BMI), highlighting its potential usefulness in evaluating caries risk and informing growth-related assessments.

Objective: To evaluate the association of PTC taste sensitivity with dental caries experience, skeletal maturation, and BMI percentiles among individuals classified as tasters and nontasters.

Materials and methods: A total of 96 children between the ages of 8 and 12 were randomly chosen for the study. PTC taste sensitivity was determined using a standardized taste test. Skeletal development was assessed via radiovisiography (RVG) of the middle phalanx. BMI was calculated using standard anthropometric measurements and classified into percentiles based on the IAP Pediatric Growth Charts. Dental caries experience was recorded using decayed, extracted, and filled teeth (deft) and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) indices.

Results: Nontasters had significantly more carious teeth than tasters (p-value < 0.001). However, no significant differences in BMI or skeletal maturity were observed between tasters and nontasters (p-value = 0.738) and (p-value = 0.555), respectively.

Conclusion: PTC taste sensitivity may help assess dental caries risk in children. While no significant links were found between PTC sensitivity, obesity, or skeletal maturity, the findings emphasize the importance of taste perception in dietary choices and oral health. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms linking taste sensitivity to health outcomes.

Clinical significance: PTC testing could help clinicians identify cavity-prone children and tailor preventive strategies, with future research exploring taste-based interventions to improve diet and oral health.

How to cite this article: Dixit A, Saxena A, Verma N, et al. Association of Phenylthiocarbamide Taste Sensitivity with Dental Caries, Skeletal Maturity, and Body Mass Index Percentiles in Children Aged 8-12 Years: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):190-194.

Aim and background: This in vivo study evaluated and compared the clinical and radiographic efficacy of three pulp capping agents-TheraCal light-cured (LC), 3Mixtatin, and nanohydroxyapatite (NHA)-for direct pulp capping (DPC) in primary molars. The goal aligns with the modern focus of pediatric dentistry on pulp revitalization and the preservation of primary teeth until exfoliation.

Methods: Forty-five primary molars from children aged 3-9 years, exhibiting pinpoint pulp exposures (≤1 mm) with hemostasis achieved within 2-3 minutes, were randomly assigned (n = 15 per group) to receive TheraCal LC, 3Mixtatin, or NHA. All treatments were sealed with zinc oxide eugenol and restored with type IX glass ionomer cement. Clinical and radiographic assessments-evaluating pain, swelling, sinus tract, percussion sensitivity, mobility, secondary caries, root resorption, furcal radiolucency, and periodontal ligament (PDL) widening-were conducted at 3, 6, and 9 months. The collected data were analyzed using the Chi-square test with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

Results: TheraCal LC showed 100% success at 3 and 6 months, slightly declining at 9 months (86.7% clinical, 93.3% radiographic). 3Mixtatin showed a steep drop to 53.3% clinical and 60% radiographic success at 9 months, with notable sinus tract formation and furcal radiolucency (p < 0.01). NHA maintained 100% success at 6 months and 93.3% at 9 months both clinically and radiographically.

Conclusion: Nanohydroxyapatite exhibited the highest and most consistent success over the 9 months, outperforming both TheraCal LC and 3Mixtatin in sustaining pulp vitality.

Clinical significance: The success of DPC in primary teeth is largely influenced by the use of materials with optimal biological compatibility. NHA demonstrated superior outcomes, offering effective pulp preservation and reducing the need for invasive treatments.

How to cite this article: Borusu BP, Naren P, Martha S, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Clinical and Radiographic Success Rates of Direct Pulp Capping in Primary Molars Using TheraCal LC, 3Mixtatin, and Nanohydroxyapatite: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):215-222.

Background: Full-coverage restorations are essential for the long-term preservation of extensively carious primary molars. While preformed stainless steel crowns (P-SSCs) are the gold standard due to their durability, esthetic concerns have led to the development of alternative options such as preformed 3D-milled polymethylmethacrylate (P-PMMA) crowns, which offer improved appearance and marginal adaptation.

Aim: To compare the clinical efficiency of P-PMMA crowns and P-SSCs in restoring mandibular second primary molars over a 6-month period in terms of gingival health, occlusal wear, and crown failure/dislodgement.

Materials and methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 34 children aged 4-8 years with bilateral carious mandibular second primary molars. Using a split-mouth design, one molar received a P-SSC and the contralateral molar received a P-PMMA crown. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Parameters assessed included gingival health (using modified gingival index), occlusal wear (visual-tactile assessment), and crown retention. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and Chi-square tests (p < 0.05 considered significant).

Results: Both crown types demonstrated satisfactory performance at 6 months. P-SSCs showed slightly higher retention rates, while P-PMMA crowns had better esthetic outcomes and comparable gingival health. No statistically significant differences were observed in occlusal wear between the groups.

Conclusion: Preformed polymethylmethacrylate crowns are a clinically acceptable esthetic alternative to P-SSCs for mandibular second primary molars, showing comparable short-term performance with enhanced patient and parent satisfaction.

How to cite this article: Shanmugaavel AK, Balakrishnan P, Nandhini T, et al. Comparison of Clinical Performance of Preformed CAD/CAM Milled PMMA Crown and Stainless Steel Crown for Primary Molar Teeth Using Dental Operating Microscope. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):139-144.

Background: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a nominally invasive agent for caries arrest, but its impact on composite resin bond strength in primary teeth remains unclear.

Aim: To review the effect of different SDF concentrations (12%, 30%, 38%) on the shear bond strength (SBS) of resin composite to primary tooth dentin.

Materials and methods: Forty surgically removed primary teeth were assigned to four groups: Control (no SDF) and three experimental groups (12%, 30%, or 38% SDF). After demineralization and SDF application, the resin composite was bonded to dentin. SBS was quantified with the aid of a universal testing machine, and the data were subjected to statistical evaluation.

Results: The control group showed the highest SBS (10.28 MPa), while SDF-treated groups exhibited significantly lower values (7.36-7.72 MPa). The analysis revealed no statistically significant intergroup disparity among the SDF concentrations (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: SDF pretreatment reduces composite resin bond strength to primary dentin, but the concentration (12-38%) does not significantly influence the outcome. Clinicians should consider this when combining SDF with composite restorations.

Clinical significance: Despite a reduction in bond strength, this study supports the use of SDF because of its therapeutic efficacy in arresting carious lesions in primary teeth, as different concentrations (12-38%) do not significantly affect composite bonding. SDF can be confidently used in minimally invasive pediatric care where long-term caries control is a priority.

How to cite this article: Deka S, Chaudhary S, Manuja N, et al. Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Different Concentrations of Silver Diamine Fluoride on the Shear Bond Strength of Composite Resin on Primary Tooth Dentin: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):223-227.

The importance of early interception of the tongue-thrusting habit need not be overemphasized. Among several habit-breaking appliances, few chairside methods are available among the gamut of habit-breaking appliances available. So, a novel chairside appliance technique was employed with the use of routinely used armamentarium like Begg's bracket, lock pin, and flowable composite. This paper describes the technique and its application alongside rapid maxillary expansion (RME) appliance in a 10-year-old female patient. The chairside technique was found to be simple and acceptable to the patient. This clinical technique was employed for the fabrication of a modified habit-breaking appliance for interception of tongue thrusting habit in a 10-year-old female patient with skeletal class III maxillomandibular relationship undergoing alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (ALTRAMEC) and facemask therapy for correction of skeletal class III malocclusion. Incorporation of spikes in the bonded RME framework would have significantly affected the patient's compliance. This novel design strategically helped to reduce the wire framework and provide an easy chairside procedure using simple orthodontic armamentarium for habit interception, especially in patients who are already subjected to RME appliance or who refrain from such evidently visible habit-breaking appliance.

How to cite this article: Wali DV, Sawant H, Jawdekar A, et al. Protocol for Fabrication and Utilization of a Novel Chairside Technique for Interception of Tongue Thrusting Habit. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):250-254.

Aim: This study was designed to investigate the impact of adding microhydroxyapatite (micro-HA) on the compressive strength and surface microhardness of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC).

Materials and methods: A total of 60 specimens were prepared and equally distributed into four groups. The control group consisted of unmodified RMGIC, while in the experimental groups the RMGIC powder was modified by incorporating 1, 3, and 5% micro-HA, respectively, without altering the liquid component. All prepared samples were tested for compressive strength and microhardness, and the results obtained were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey's post hoc test to compare differences among the groups.

Results: RMGIC modified with 5% micro-HA showed the maximum compressive strength and microhardness.

Conclusion: The inclusion of micro-HA within RMGIC powder has been shown to enhance its mechanical properties.

How to cite this article: Rajput S, Kaul B, Kaul S, et al. Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Incorporating Varying Percentages of Microhydroxyapatite on the Compressive Strength and Microhardness of Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Cement: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):133-138.

Background: Managing children's pain and anxiety during dental procedures is crucial, particularly when local anesthesia is required. Simple distraction techniques, such as breathing exercises (BEs), can help young patients cope with dental anxiety by redirecting their attention.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of BEs using a bubble blower on anxiety and pain during inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in children aged 6-10 years.

Materials and methods: Forty children (6-10 years old) requiring IANB were randomly divided into two groups. Group A practiced BEs with bubble blowers for one week, while group B received no intervention. Baseline anxiety [facial image scale (FIS)] and pulse rate were recorded. After 1 week, preprocedure anxiety was measured again, followed by a postprocedure pain assessment using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale and the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale (WBFPS).

Results: The intervention significantly reduced physiological and psychological stress during dental procedures. Pulse rate increased from 99.25 to 107.15 postinjection in group B, whereas decreased from 99.90 to 98.15 (p = 0.001) in group A. Anxiety levels (FIS scores) increased from 3.95 to 5.00 in group B but decreased from 3.90 to 2.55 in group A. Pain perception was lower in group A, with FLACC scores (4.55 vs 7.90) and WBFPS scores (5.20 vs 8.50).

Conclusion: BEs using a bubble blower effectively reduce anxiety and pain in children undergoing IANB, making it a valuable distraction technique.

Clinical significance: Anxiety and pain during IANB are common in pediatric dentistry and can affect a child's cooperation and future dental attitude. This study explores a simple, nonpharmacological method to improve the dental experience.

Clinical trial registration number: CTRI/2024/11/076166.

How to cite this article: Vashistha N, Rathore AS, Mathur R, et al. Evaluating the Effect of Breathing Exercise Using a Bubble Blower on Anxiety and Pain during Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Children Aged 6-10 Years: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):183-189.

Introduction: Primary molars play a significant role in mastication, jaw alignment, and guiding permanent tooth eruption. However, their proximal surfaces are prone to decay due to anatomical challenges and cleansing difficulties, making restorative intervention challenges. While traditional materials such as dental amalgam, composite resin (CR), and glass ionomer cement (GIC) are commonly used, advancements in dental technology have introduced bioactive materials as promising alternatives, warranting further research to ensure optimal outcomes.

Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical performance of a newer resin-based bioactive restorative cement on class II cavities of primary molars over a 12-month period.

Materials and methods: A total of 258 class II restorations in primary molars of children aged 4-9 years were evaluated over 12 months. Three restorative materials-ACTIVA™ KIDS BioACTIVE™, Tetric N-Flow Bulk Fill Composite, and GC Gold Label 2-were assessed using modified USPHS criteria. The obtained values evaluated using the statistical software SPSS 21.0 revealed a p-value of ≤0.05, which was statistically significant.

Results: The frequency distribution of variables shows score A for all criteria except for color match at baseline and at 12 months, with no significant differences in outcomes within groups over time. However, group I demonstrated a significantly better color match compared to groups II [p = 0.04, relative risk (RR) 0.69] and III (RR 0.71), and had fewer teeth (2.3%) with score C for marginal discoloration.

Conclusion: ACTIVA™ KIDS BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE™ demonstrated a significant difference in color match at 12 months compared to other groups, while no significant differences were observed among the three materials for other evaluated parameters.

Clinical significance: Moving forward toward biomimetic materials, ACTIVA™ KIDS BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE™ is a promising material, with properties superior to that of composites and conventional GICs. Due to its remineralizing property and capability to accomplish bulk-fill restorations, it could be a great boon to pediatric dentists while performing class II restorations in primary molars.

How to cite this article: Mohammed Bilal Sheriff K, Aarthi J, Elangovan A, et al. Clinical Assessment of a Newer Resin-based Bioactive Restorative Cement on Class II Cavities of Primary Molars: A Comparative Analysis. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):210-214.