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Oral Health Preventive Approaches and Related Behaviors in Growing Subjects
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Oral Health Preventive Approaches and Related Behaviors in Growing Subjects (Closed)

A topical collection in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This collection belongs to the section "Global Health".

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Editors

Dr. Alessandro Nota

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
Dental School, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
Interests: orthodontics; temporomandibular disorders; oral hygiene; growing subjects; digital orthodontics; functional orthodontic appliances
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Simona Tecco

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
Dental School, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
Interests: interceptive orthodontics; oral hygiene; functional orthodontic appliances; orthodontic materials; temporomandibular disorders; digital orthodontics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent years have seen increased clinical interest in the treatment of oral diseases in growing subjects, because early treatment is able to prevent worse consequences in adults. Caries treatment and management in early age, interceptive orthodontics, and myofunctional rehabilitations allow for the achievement of better outcomes after the end of growth. For example, the early correction of maxillary constriction reduces the incidence of oral breathing which is a risk factor for caries and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Children’s psychosocial attitudes and behaviors are able to influence the results of the preventive approach in oral health. Feeding, healthy eating, bad oral habits, self-esteem, physical comfort, sport activity, oral hygiene practices, pain management, treatment compliance, dental anxiety, oral health knowledge, lifestyle of parents, and access to healthcare and dental insurance, as well as other socioeconomic factors, are some among many that have an impact on the effectiveness of a preventive approach.

Recently, new technologies have helped clinicians in improving the compliance of youngsters in oral health procedures, also reducing the caries risk and social impact of orthodontic appliances, thanks to clear aligners.

Despite this, treatment outcomes are still variable, and the literature lacks published results that would be fundamental in prompting the clinician to choose the most suitable approach for each clinical condition.

The aim of the present topical collection is to show the results of clinical therapies and compare alternative treatment solutions in order to improve preventive approaches in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. These aims will be achieved through the publication of original manuscripts with scientific relevance in the form of research articles, original reviews, or high-quality case reports on new techniques or clinical solutions. 

You may choose our Joint Topical Collection in JCM.

Dr. Alessandro Nota
Prof. Dr. Simona Tecco
Collection Editors

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Keywords

  • oral health
  • growing subjects
  • children psychosocial attitudes
  • orthodontics
  • dentofacial orthopedics
  • oral hygiene
  • interceptive orthodontics
  • malocclusions
  • preventive approach

Published Papers (16 papers)

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2022

Jump to: 2021, 2020

12 pages, 1400 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of Malocclusions between Cancer Patients and Healthy Peers
by Patrycja Proc, Joanna Szczepanska, Anna Herud, Malgorzata Zubowska, Wojciech Fendler, Monika Lukomska-Szymanska and Wojciech Mlynarski
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4045; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074045 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1458
Abstract
Background. There is lack of data related to dental occlusion among children cured from cancer. The aim of our study was to compare the prevalence of malocclusion in cancer survivors and in healthy peers. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 225 children [...] Read more.
Background. There is lack of data related to dental occlusion among children cured from cancer. The aim of our study was to compare the prevalence of malocclusion in cancer survivors and in healthy peers. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 225 children aged between 4 and 18 years, including 75 cancer survivors, and 150 sex and age-matched controls. All patients were orthodontically examined and malocclusion traits were recorded. In the cancer group, 75 panoramic radiographs were used to evaluate the prevalence of dental anomalies and dental age using the Demirjian scale. Data were analyzed by univariate statistical analysis with p-values p < 0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results. Malocclusion was found in 49 (65.33%) cancer survivors and 99 (65.56%) controls (p > 0.05). The cancer group demonstrated significantly higher likelihood of crossbite (p < 0.01) and malalignment of teeth (p = 0.031). The healthy controls were more likely to demonstrate open bite (p = 0.038). Cancer patients with posterior crossbite (p = 0.023) or dental malalignment had a more advanced dental age (p = 0.022). Survivors with crossbite had more teeth with short roots (p = 0.016). Those who were older when they started their cancer therapy were more likely to suffer from tooth disturbances (p = 0.019). Conclusion. Oncological treatment can alter the development of occlusion in cancer patients. Full article
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2021

Jump to: 2022, 2020

11 pages, 2123 KiB  
Article
Presence and Maturation Dynamics of Mandibular Third Molars and Their Influence on Late Mandibular Incisor Crowding: A Longitudinal Study
by Martina Zigante, Andrej Pavlic, Luka Morelato, Vaska Vandevska-Radunovic and Stjepan Spalj
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10070; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910070 - 25 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2244
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the absence, presence and dynamics of mandibular third molar development and the occurrence and amount of late mandibular incisor crowding. Dental plaster casts and panoramic radiographs of 72 orthodontically untreated subjects from [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the absence, presence and dynamics of mandibular third molar development and the occurrence and amount of late mandibular incisor crowding. Dental plaster casts and panoramic radiographs of 72 orthodontically untreated subjects from the Nittedal growth study, Norway were analyzed. The subjects were recalled for a checkup at 12, 15, 18 and 21 years of age. Mandibular incisor crowding was assessed using Little’s irregularity index and dental maturation of the third molars by the Cameriere’s index. The majority of the subjects (64%) had ≥1 mm increase in irregularity; 22% experienced an increase of 0.1–0.9 mm and 14% had unchanged or decreased irregularity. Incisor irregularity increased with age, regardless of absence or presence of third molars. The amount of change in incisor irregularity from 12 to 21 years did not differ significantly between subjects with hypodontia of third molars, extraction and those with third molars present. No differences were observed between erupted, unerupted or impacted third molars. No correlation was found between the amount of change in irregularity and maturation of the third molars. In conclusion, occurrence and amount of mandibular late incisor crowding is not significantly influenced by the presence of mandibular third molars or their development dynamics. Full article
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10 pages, 2451 KiB  
Article
Stability of Class II Malocclusion Treatment with the Austro Repositioner Followed by Fixed Appliances in Brachyfacial Patients
by Maria Dolores Austro-Martinez, Ana I. Nicolas-Silvente, Eugenio Velasco-Ortega, Alvaro Jimenez-Guerra and Jose A. Alarcon
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9793; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189793 - 17 Sep 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1798
Abstract
One of the goals of functional-appliance devices is to modify the vertical growth pattern, solving several kinds of malocclusion. This study aimed to evaluate Class II malocclusion treatment’s stability with Austro Repositioner, followed by fixed appliances, and assess its capacity to modify vertical [...] Read more.
One of the goals of functional-appliance devices is to modify the vertical growth pattern, solving several kinds of malocclusion. This study aimed to evaluate Class II malocclusion treatment’s stability with Austro Repositioner, followed by fixed appliances, and assess its capacity to modify vertical dimensions in brachyfacial patients. A test group of 30 patients (16 boys and 14 girls, mean 11.9 years old) with Class II malocclusion due to mandibular retrognathism and brachyfacial pattern treated with Austro Repositioner and fixed appliance were compared to a matched untreated Class II control group of 30 patients (17 boys and 13 girls, mean age 11.7 years old). Lateral cephalograms were taken at T1 (initial records), T2 (end of treatment), and T3 (one year after treatment). Statistical comparisons were performed with a paired-sample t-test and two-sample t-tests. Significant improvements in the skeletal Class II relationship were observed in the treated group. The ANB angle decreased (4.75°), the SNB angle increased (3.92°), and the total mandibular length (Co-Pg) increased (8.18 mm) (p < 0.001). Vertical dimensions were also significantly modified, the FMA angle increased (3.94°), LAFH-distance increased (3.15 mm), and overbite decreased (3.35 mm). These changes remained stable one year after treatment. The Austro Repositioner was adequate for treating the skeletal Class II malocclusion resulting from the mandible retrusion in brachyfacial patients. Full article
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13 pages, 369 KiB  
Article
The Dental Aesthetic Index and Its Association with Dental Caries, Dental Plaque and Socio-Demographic Variables in Schoolchildren Aged 12 and 15 Years
by Paula Fernández-Riveiro, Nerea Obregón-Rodríguez, María Piñeiro-Lamas, Almudena Rodríguez-Fernández, Ernesto Smyth-Chamosa and María Mercedes Suárez-Cunqueiro
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9741; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189741 - 16 Sep 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2669
Abstract
The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was determined in 12- and 15-year-old schoolchildren to ascertain the prevalence of malocclusion and to assess its association with dental caries experience, dental plaque accumulation, and socio-demographic variables. We performed a cross-sectional study with a stratified two-stage sampling [...] Read more.
The Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) was determined in 12- and 15-year-old schoolchildren to ascertain the prevalence of malocclusion and to assess its association with dental caries experience, dental plaque accumulation, and socio-demographic variables. We performed a cross-sectional study with a stratified two-stage sampling design. An oral health survey and oral examination were conducted, and socio-demographic data were recorded. The sample comprised 1453 schoolchildren aged 12 (868) and 15 (585). These two samples were analyzed separately because statistically significant differences were found: the 12-year-old age group displayed a higher frequency of schoolchildren who attended state-run public schools (p = 0.004) and belonged to a lower social class (p = 0.001); the 15-year-old age group registered higher levels of caries (p = 0.001) and lower levels of dental plaque (p < 0.001). The malocclusion was 9.5% higher (p = 0.001), and the global mean DAI score was likewise higher among the 12-year-olds (p < 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis not only showed that caries and dental plaque were the variables that were the most strongly associated with malocclusion, but that caries (OR = 1.5) and dental plaque (OR > 2) were also risk factors for malocclusion in both groups. In conclusion, this study revealed a higher prevalence of malocclusion and dental plaque at age 12. A higher risk of caries and dental plaque was found to be related to the presence of malocclusion in both age groups. Full article
11 pages, 3001 KiB  
Article
3D Morphometric Analysis of Human Primary Second Molar Crowns and Its Implications on Interceptive Orthodontics
by Alessandro Nota, Vincenzo Quinzi, Federico Floriani, Clizia Cappelli, Simona Tecco and Giuseppe Marzo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6201; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126201 - 08 Jun 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2020
Abstract
The second primary molar represents an anchorage element in interceptive orthodontics. The present study aims to analyze the 3D morphology of primary second molars in order to provide reference data and implications about the development of orthodontic bands for second primary molars. Digital [...] Read more.
The second primary molar represents an anchorage element in interceptive orthodontics. The present study aims to analyze the 3D morphology of primary second molars in order to provide reference data and implications about the development of orthodontic bands for second primary molars. Digital models of dental arches from 150 subjects in primary or mixed dentition were analyzed. Six dimensional variables were digitally measured for each second primary molar, and the mean and standard error of the mean (SEM) were calculated and compared applying Student t-test statistical analysis. The mean value results show statistically significant dimensional differences between the upper and lower teeth, (mostly p < 0.0001), except for the variable h1, while only the variable h1 showed significant differences between the antimetric teeth (left and right). The dimensional variations between the right and left molars were considerably minor compared to those found by comparing the upper and lower arches. A significantly higher dimension of the lower molars and a more rectangular shape were observed. Full article
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18 pages, 923 KiB  
Article
Oral Health-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours of Elementary School Teachers
by Gülçin Yılmaz, Abanoub Riad, Martin Krsek, Hanefı Kurt and Sameh Attia
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 6028; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18116028 - 03 Jun 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3588
Abstract
Background: elementary schoolteachers play a central role in shaping their students’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours related to health and oral hygiene. This study was designed to evaluate Turkish schoolteachers’ levels of oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was [...] Read more.
Background: elementary schoolteachers play a central role in shaping their students’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours related to health and oral hygiene. This study was designed to evaluate Turkish schoolteachers’ levels of oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among elementary schoolteachers in Istanbul using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was composed of 36 multiple-choice items categorised into six sections, and the participants were recruited using convenience sampling. (3) Results: A total of 385 elementary schoolteachers participated in this study. The majority were female (62.2%), qualified with a licensure degree (81.3%) and working in public schools (86.5%). Female gender and greater work experience were found to be promoters for oral health knowledge and positive attitudes. The correlation between their perceived knowledge and actual knowledge was very weak, thus suggesting that the teachers are inclined to overestimate their knowledge. Conclusions: The Turkish elementary schoolteachers showed satisfactory oral health knowledge and attitudes toward oral health education. The teachers’ knowledge about dental trauma management was inadequate, necessitating urgent educational interventions, especially for physical education teachers, who are at the greatest risk of encountering such events during their work. The oral hygiene behaviours were not associated with teachers’ oral health knowledge, attitudes, or practice, thus requiring further investigation. Full article
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17 pages, 2416 KiB  
Article
Updating Standards of Facial Growth in Romanian Children and Adolescents Using the Anthropometric Method—A Pilot Study
by Emilia Ogodescu, Malina Popa, Magda Luca, Andreea Igna, Mariana Miron, Krisztina Martha, Anca Tudor and Carmen Todea
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5288; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105288 - 16 May 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2678
Abstract
The anthropometric method is an important tri-dimensional and non-invasive assessment instrument for accurate diagnosis in paedodontics, orthodontics, and other medical fields. Our aim was to propose a technique that is accessible for clinicians and to determine the reference values for Romanian children and [...] Read more.
The anthropometric method is an important tri-dimensional and non-invasive assessment instrument for accurate diagnosis in paedodontics, orthodontics, and other medical fields. Our aim was to propose a technique that is accessible for clinicians and to determine the reference values for Romanian children and adolescents for the facial parameters selected. We proposed three basic instruments: a plastic compass, a ruler, and a digital caliper. Eighty-five children and adolescents (62% girls and 38% boys), aged between 3.5 and 14.5 years, were included in the study. We selected eight transversal, 12 vertical, and three sagittal measurements. Facial indices, according to Farkas L.G., were directly determined. The correlations between facial and general growth parameters, using Pearson correlation coefficient, for the entire sample were significant, direct, and strong for the following: Zy-Zy, Go-Go, N-Gn, N-Sn, Sto-Gn, Tr-Gn, Tr-Sn, Tr-Tr (r = 0.526–0.925, p < 0.001), and insignificant for Sn-Sto (r = 0.099–0.124, p > 0.354). The highest correlation coefficient is exhibited by Tr-Gn (r = 0.893 with height and r = 0.925 with weight). When performing a gender related comparison, we noticed that the vertical and transversal linear parameters and some facial indices are increased in boys (p < 0.05), depending on the age group. The simplified anthropometric technique represents an accessible method to every clinician, bringing important information related to dentofacial growth, diagnosis, and treatment planning in dentistry. Full article
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13 pages, 350 KiB  
Article
Parental Ethnic Identity and Its Influence on Children’s Oral Health in American Indian Families
by Anne R. Wilson, Rachel L. Johnson, Judith Albino, Luohua Jiang, Sarah J. Schmiege and Angela G. Brega
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084130 - 14 Apr 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1924
Abstract
Objectives: To examine the relationship between ethnic identity and oral health knowledge, beliefs, behavior, and outcomes in American Indian families. Methods: Secondary data were analyzed for 579 parent–child dyads in a randomized controlled trial aimed at reducing early childhood caries in a Northern [...] Read more.
Objectives: To examine the relationship between ethnic identity and oral health knowledge, beliefs, behavior, and outcomes in American Indian families. Methods: Secondary data were analyzed for 579 parent–child dyads in a randomized controlled trial aimed at reducing early childhood caries in a Northern Plains tribal community. Data included demographic characteristics; parental ethnic identity; oral health knowledge, beliefs, and behavior; and parental/pediatric oral health outcomes. Ethnic identity was assessed using two measures: perceived importance of tribal identity and tribal language proficiency. We examined the association of baseline ethnic identity with baseline and longitudinal oral health measures. Results: At baseline, importance of tribal identity was significantly associated with several oral health beliefs, and one’s locus of control measure (external-chance). Baseline scores on importance of tribal identity were also associated with one’s oral heath belief (perceived severity), the same locus of control measure, and oral health knowledge and behavior over the three years of study follow up. Tribal language proficiency was not associated with any study measures at baseline, although it was associated with parental oral health status over the three years. Conclusions: Ethnic identity was associated with a range of oral health constructs expected to influence American Indian children’s oral health. Full article

2020

Jump to: 2022, 2021

14 pages, 799 KiB  
Article
Oral Health Attitudes among Preclinical and Clinical Dental Students: A Pilot Study and Self-Assessment in an Egyptian State-Funded University
by Mohamed Mekhemar, Kamal Ebeid, Sameh Attia, Christof Dörfer and Jonas Conrad
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010234 - 30 Dec 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3020
Abstract
Dentists should present to patients as good role models in their oral health behaviour. Previous studies have demonstrated how education can improve dental students’ oral health. This pilot investigation aimed to compare and evaluate the features of the oral health behaviour and attitudes [...] Read more.
Dentists should present to patients as good role models in their oral health behaviour. Previous studies have demonstrated how education can improve dental students’ oral health. This pilot investigation aimed to compare and evaluate the features of the oral health behaviour and attitudes of preclinical and clinical dental students at Ain Shams University, a public Egyptian university. The Hiroshima University-Dental Behaviour Inventory (HU-DBI) survey was provided to 149 (78 female/71 male) dental students. Dichotomised (agree/disagree) answers to 20 HU-DBI items were possible, with a maximum conceivable score of 19. An estimation of oral health behaviour and attitudes was calculated by the sum of correct oral health answers to every item by the study groups and evaluated statistically. The score of oral health-favouring answers was higher in clinical (11.50) than preclinical students (10.63) and was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Single-item evaluations showed no statistical significance, except in one survey item. This survey exhibited weak differences in the improvement of oral hygiene behaviour and attitudes between participating preclinical and clinical students, as well as overall poor oral health behaviour in both groups. This inadequacy of Egyptian public dental education in terms of sufficient student oral health progress emphasises the necessity for supplementary courses and curricular reviews that accentuate the need for future dentists to display the correct oral health behaviour. Full article
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10 pages, 337 KiB  
Communication
Oral Health and Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Unique Collaboration between Dentistry and Occupational Therapy
by Dominique H. Como, Leah I. Stein Duker, José C. Polido and Sharon A. Cermak
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010135 - 27 Dec 2020
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 13103
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at risk for oral health disparities. With the dramatic rise in ASD prevalence to 1 in 54 children, it is likely that an increasing number of dental practitioners will encounter or be asked to treat children [...] Read more.
Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are at risk for oral health disparities. With the dramatic rise in ASD prevalence to 1 in 54 children, it is likely that an increasing number of dental practitioners will encounter or be asked to treat children with ASD. This paper reviews explanations related to the increasing prevalence of ASD, provides reasons why children with ASD are at increased risk for poor oral health, and discusses unique interprofessional collaborations between dental practitioners and occupational therapists. Occupational therapists and dentists can work together to plan modifications to the dental environment or adapt dental protocols to reduce some of the barriers encountered by those with ASD, provide desensitization strategies before the clinic visit, or help a child with emotional regulation during clinical treatments. Full article
7 pages, 592 KiB  
Article
Development of a Prediction Model for Short-Term Success of Functional Treatment of Class II Malocclusion
by Elisabetta Cretella Lombardo, Lorenzo Franchi, Giorgio Gastaldi, Veronica Giuntini, Roberta Lione, Paola Cozza and Chiara Pavoni
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4473; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124473 - 22 Jun 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2570
Abstract
(1) Background: The nature of the changes that contribute to Class II correction with functional appliances is still controversial. A broad variation in treatment responses has been reported. The purpose of this study was to find cephalometric predictors for individual patient responsiveness to [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The nature of the changes that contribute to Class II correction with functional appliances is still controversial. A broad variation in treatment responses has been reported. The purpose of this study was to find cephalometric predictors for individual patient responsiveness to twin-block treatment in patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion; (2) Methods: The study was performed on a sample of 39 pubertal patients (21 females, 18 males) treated with the twin block appliance. Lateral cephalograms were available at the start of the treatment (T1) and at the end of functional therapy (T2). The outcome variable was the T2–T1 change in the sagittal position of the soft tissue pogonion with respect to the vertical line perpendicular to the Frankfort plane and passing through point subnasale. The predictive variables were age, gender at T1, and all the cephalometric parameters measured T1. Forward stepwise linear regression with p value to enter 0.05 and p value to leave 0.10 was applied; (3) Results: The only significant predictive variable that was selected was the Co–Go–Me angle (p = 0.000); (4) Conclusions: A greater advancement of the soft tissue chin on the profile is expected with smaller pretreatment values of Co–Go–Me angle. Full article
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16 pages, 2437 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia on Quality of Life and Growth and Blood Chemistry Parameters in Uncooperative Pediatric Patients with Compromised Oral Health: A Pilot Study
by Gianmaria F. Ferrazzano, Claudia Salerno, Giancarla Sangianantoni, Silvia Caruso, Aniello Ingenito and Tiziana Cantile
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(12), 4407; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17124407 - 19 Jun 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2622
Abstract
Background: The effect of untreated dental caries and their treatment under general anesthesia (GA) on the quality of life, growth, and blood chemistry parameters in uncooperative pediatric patients has not been extensively elucidated. The aims are to evaluate the impact of dental treatment [...] Read more.
Background: The effect of untreated dental caries and their treatment under general anesthesia (GA) on the quality of life, growth, and blood chemistry parameters in uncooperative pediatric patients has not been extensively elucidated. The aims are to evaluate the impact of dental treatment under GA on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in uncooperative pediatric patients with severe dental caries and to assess the effect of dental treatment under GA on children’s weight (Wt), height (Ht), Body Mass Index (BMI), and blood chemistry parameters. Methods: Forty-three uncooperative children aged 3–14 years were selected. OHRQoL, through ECOHIS (Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale) and COHRQoL (Child Oral Health-Related Quality of Life) questionnaires, Wt, Ht, BMI, and blood chemistry parameters were measured at baseline and eight months after dental treatment under GA. Results: At follow up, the reductions in the ECHOIS and the COHRQoL components were statistically significant (p < 0.0001), there was significant improvement in the anthropometric measures: 76.5% of children increased the percentile curves for weight, 68.6% for height, and 51.4% for BMI; for the blood chemistry parameters: ferritin improved in 68.6% of the samples, PCR in 65.7%, ESR in 68.6%, Vitamin D in 68.6%, and IGF-1 in 65.7%. Conclusions: Oral health status significantly influences OHRQoL, growth, and blood chemistry parameters in uncooperative pediatric patients. Full article
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11 pages, 622 KiB  
Article
Developmental Enamel Defects (DDE) and Their Association with Oral Health, Preventive Procedures, and Children’s Psychosocial Attitudes towards Home Oral Hygiene: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Alessandro Nota, Luca Palumbo, Giuseppe Pantaleo, Enrico Felice Gherlone and Simona Tecco
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 4025; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114025 - 05 Jun 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2920
Abstract
Background: Developmental enamel defects (DDE) exert significant effects both on esthetics and occlusal function and prevention should be the general clinical approach to DDE. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was, therefore, to detect, within a pediatric sample, any significant association between DDE [...] Read more.
Background: Developmental enamel defects (DDE) exert significant effects both on esthetics and occlusal function and prevention should be the general clinical approach to DDE. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was, therefore, to detect, within a pediatric sample, any significant association between DDE and children’s psychosocial attitudes towards home oral hygiene, as well as potential associations between primary preventive procedures and DDE. Methods: 394 schoolchildren (197 males and 197 females, 8.9 ± 1.4 years) underwent an intra-oral examination; they were then interviewed with a brief questionnaire. Results: 5–6% and 12–14% of participants had, respectively at least one molar and one incisor affected by DDE. In general, no associations were observed in the examined clinical categories (caries and other oral health indices). A strong relationship was found between the presence of molar DDE and children’s positive vs. negative psychosocial attitudes towards home oral hygiene. Conclusions: The probability of finding DDE in our sample of examined children was approximately more than doubled for children with negative psychosocial attitudes towards home oral hygiene, than for children with positive attitudes towards home oral hygiene. Full article
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6 pages, 273 KiB  
Communication
COVID-19 Disease in Children: What Dentists Should Know and Do to Prevent Viral Spread. The Italian Point of View
by Gianmaria F. Ferrazzano, Aniello Ingenito and Tiziana Cantile
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3642; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103642 - 22 May 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4443
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly across the globe, becoming a major public health challenge not for China only, but also for countries around the world. Despite worldwide efforts to contain viral spread, the outbreak has not been stopped yet. Among healthcare [...] Read more.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly across the globe, becoming a major public health challenge not for China only, but also for countries around the world. Despite worldwide efforts to contain viral spread, the outbreak has not been stopped yet. Among healthcare personnel, dentists seem to be at elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19. This risk is even more serious in pediatric dentistry, since affected children, frequently, present an asymptomatic, mild or moderate clinical viral infection and, therefore, they may play a major role in community-based COVID-19 transmission. To date, despite no universal guidelines are available for dental procedures in pediatric dentistry during COVID-19 outbreak, routine dental practice should be postponed and only severe dental emergencies must be treated. In the case of a dental emergency, involving a pediatric patient, dentists should be aware of which recommended management protocol can be adopted during the practice to protect patient health, to safeguard their-self and to prevent viral transmission. The aim of this paper is to provide clinical recommendations, presenting a needed tool for dentists to allow a valid and safe how-to-do protocol. Pediatric dentists should keep a high level of awareness to help patients, minimize risk and prevent viral spread. Full article
10 pages, 2795 KiB  
Case Report
Early Treatment of Anterior Crossbite with Eruption Guidance Appliance: A Case Report
by Marianna Pellegrino, Silvia Caruso, Tiziana Cantile, Gioacchino Pellegrino and Gianmaria Fabrizio Ferrazzano
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103587 - 20 May 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5345
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to show how to manage an anterior crossbite in early mixed dentition with an eruption guidance appliance (EGA). The analyzed clinical case reported an anterior crossbite, a bimaxillary retrusion tendency, and a horizontal growth pattern. The anterior [...] Read more.
The purpose of this investigation was to show how to manage an anterior crossbite in early mixed dentition with an eruption guidance appliance (EGA). The analyzed clinical case reported an anterior crossbite, a bimaxillary retrusion tendency, and a horizontal growth pattern. The anterior crossbite was an unfavorable occlusal condition that could lead to a class III malocclusion growth pattern. An early treatment approach was suggested to reach a correct sagittal jaw relationship. Hence, the selected approach acted on the dentoalveolar sector, aiming to have effects on the posterior vertical dimension and to improve the sagittal jaw’s relation. An EGA was selected to treat the patient in early mixed dentition. After 7 months of therapy with night-time use, the dental malocclusion was completely resolved. The patient continued to be treated with the same device, used as active retention. With the EGA treatment, the erupting forces, rather than the active forces, were used to resolve the dental malocclusion. This approach allowed a low compliance requirement and had a minimum psychosocial and psychological impact on the patient. The early treatment was essential to give a functional occlusion and a good balance of the soft perioral tissues and muscles. Full article
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Article
Prevalence of Caries and Associated Risk Factors in a Representative Group of Preschool Children from an Urban Area with High Income in Milan Province, Italy
by Alessandro Nota, Atanaz Darvizeh, Jasmina Primožič, Federica Onida, Floriana Bosco, Enrico Felice Gherlone and Simona Tecco
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3372; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103372 - 12 May 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2163
Abstract
The present survey provides a quantitative assessment of caries prevalence, covering a group of 3–5 year-old children from an urban area generally with a high income in the province of Milan, and a comparison of the obtained results with the data presented by [...] Read more.
The present survey provides a quantitative assessment of caries prevalence, covering a group of 3–5 year-old children from an urban area generally with a high income in the province of Milan, and a comparison of the obtained results with the data presented by the W.H.O. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the period from March to September 2018 to investigate the prevalence of caries in a sample of 160 children (82 females and 78 males). The absence/presence of caries was defined as a dependent variable. Factors concerning lifestyle, diet, oral habits, oral hygiene, the presence and type of malocclusion and mouth breathing attitude were considered as risk factors. Data were analyzed by Chi-square (χ2) and regression tests using SPSS (version 25.0) software. In total, 84.38% of children (135 out of 160) showed no caries. A regression analysis demonstrated that children who had already received an early first dental visit were mostly those already affected by caries. Furthermore, children who had four meals daily or more were less exposed to the risk of developing caries compared to those who had only 1–3 meals daily. The caries prevalence of preschool children from urban areas with a high income in Milan province is relatively close to that considered acceptable by the W.H.O. in its proposed goals for the year 2020. Therefore, it can be concluded from the obtained results that there is a possibility for further improvement in preventing caries growth at its initial stage: it is necessary for the number of meals daily consumed by children to be controlled by parents, and conducting a dental visit early in childhood must not be neglected. Full article
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