Oral Health in Children: Clinical Management

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 July 2025 | Viewed by 1927

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
2. Clínica Odontológica Universitaria, Hospital Morales Meseguer, 30008 Murcia, Spain
Interests: oral health; dental materials; oral epidemiology; minimally invasive dentistry
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pediatric oral health is a fundamental pillar in children’s development and quality of life. The clinical management of oral health in this population requires a comprehensive approach, covering everything from disease prevention, such as early childhood caries, to the treatment of dental and soft tissue conditions.

This Special Issue addresses the latest research and clinical strategies in pediatric oral care, including minimally invasive techniques and the use of innovative materials. Through contributions from experts, the Issue explores personalized approaches, clinical interventions, and the importance of early detection in a clinical setting. Additionally, it considers the impact of habits, diet, and preventive home care, aiming to guide professionals toward evidence-based practices that effectively and sustainably promote pediatric oral health.

We are looking forward to your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Yolanda Martinez Beneyto
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • pediatric oral health
  • early childhood caries
  • preventive strategies
  • comprehensive clinical approach
  • early detection
  • oral care
  • minimal intervention dentistry

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1235 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Taste Acceptance of Three Different Fluoride Varnishes in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
by Rohini Mohan, Guna Shekhar Madiraju, Chiew Ying Chieng, Yousef Majed Almugla and Faris Yahya I. Asiri
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14061948 - 13 Mar 2025
Viewed by 455
Abstract
Background/Objective: The taste perception of clinical materials used in dental treatment procedures can influence the compliance of autistic children during dental visits due to their heightened anxiety and sensory processing difficulties. This study aimed to evaluate the taste acceptance of different fluoride [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: The taste perception of clinical materials used in dental treatment procedures can influence the compliance of autistic children during dental visits due to their heightened anxiety and sensory processing difficulties. This study aimed to evaluate the taste acceptance of different fluoride varnish preparations among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a clinical setting. Methods: This parallel-arm single-blinded randomized clinical study included autistic children aged 6–14 years, referred to a community dental clinic unit for preventive dental care. Non-verbal behavior, as a measure of taste acceptance, was assessed using the Frankl behavior rating scale. Additionally, subjective taste responses were recorded using a 3-point facial hedonic scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in non-verbal behavior between the three fluoride varnish groups before application (p = 0.094) or immediately after application (p = 0.718). However, when comparing pre- and post-application responses within each group, Duraphat® showed a significant improvement in non-verbal behavior (p = 0.020), while no significant changes were observed for Profluorid® (p = 0.196) or MI Varnish® (p = 0.704). Subjective taste acceptance, as measured by the 3-point facial hedonic scale, showed no significant differences among the varnish groups (p = 0.406). Conclusions: Flavored fluoride varnishes may improve the compliance of autistic children with preventive oral care procedures. Although no significant differences in taste acceptance were observed among the three varnishes, Duraphat® was associated with a significant improvement in non-verbal positive behavior, suggesting a more favorable response in autistic children. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health in Children: Clinical Management)
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25 pages, 313 KiB  
Article
Clinical Statistical Study on the Prevalence of Carious Lesions in First Permanent Molars
by Mihaela Jana Țuculină, Andreea Mariana Bănățeanu, Adela Nicoleta Staicu, Alexandru Dan Popescu, Jaqueline Abdul-Razzak, Ionela Teodora Dascălu, Cristian Levente Giuroiu, Veronica Mercuț, Monica Scrieciu, Oana Amza and Mihaela Ionescu
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(3), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14030669 - 21 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Background: Dental caries remains one of the most widespread chronic diseases that also affects first permanent molars (FPMs). In this study, we analyzed the prevalence of carious lesions using a standardized evaluation system, while following the analysis of the influence of favoring factors [...] Read more.
Background: Dental caries remains one of the most widespread chronic diseases that also affects first permanent molars (FPMs). In this study, we analyzed the prevalence of carious lesions using a standardized evaluation system, while following the analysis of the influence of favoring factors represented by the type and frequency of snacks and the frequency of tooth brushing. Method: A clinical–statistical study was carried out on a group of 311 children from both urban and rural environments, aged between 6 and 19 years old. As a diagnostic system and assessment of the depth of carious processes, we used the ICDAS system. The following parameters were recorded: odontal status of the 4 FPMs, age, gender, residence, frequency of dental brushing, and frequency of between-meal snacks and their type. The ICDAS system was used as a diagnostic system and assessment of the depth of carious processes. The data were statistically analyzed with SPSS, using the Kruskal–Wallis H and Chi-Square tests. Results: The occlusal surface was the most interesting in the presence of odontal lesions. Sweet snacks were the most frequent snacks consumed by the subjects. The age group of 13–19 years presented fewer healthy FPMs, compared to the age group of 6–12 years. The higher involvement of older subjects was found for all four molars, both in the case of identified carious lesions and the presence of root debris and edentations. Brushing twice a day was more frequent in the 6–12 age group. In analyzing the status of the first molars in relation to the gender of the subjects, in the present study, no statistically significant differences were recorded between the status of the molars relative to gender, except for molar 1.6 (p > 0.05). Regarding the other types of snacks, children from rural areas consume more fruits than those from urban areas. Conclusions: The frequency of tooth brushing and the type and frequency of snacks between meals influence the prevalence of carious lesions at the level of the first permanent molars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health in Children: Clinical Management)

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13 pages, 748 KiB  
Systematic Review
Decoronation as a Therapeutic Alternative for Ankylosis in Children and Adolescents for Vertical Bone Preservation and Growth: A Systematic Review
by Aroa Bautista, James Ghilotti, Jose Luis Sanz and Carmen Llena
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 1945; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14061945 - 13 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dentoalveolar ankylosis in adolescents involves a series of difficulties related to bone growth and development, especially in a vertical manner. A systematic review of studies on ankylosis in young permanent teeth treated by decoronation which considered the preservation/vertical growth of the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dentoalveolar ankylosis in adolescents involves a series of difficulties related to bone growth and development, especially in a vertical manner. A systematic review of studies on ankylosis in young permanent teeth treated by decoronation which considered the preservation/vertical growth of the alveolar bone as their main objective was carried out. Methods: The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. Our research question was formulated using the PICO structure. Clinical cases or a series of cases of ankylosis in which a tooth had been treated with decoronation, with a minimum follow-up of one year, were included. The search was carried out in five databases. The selection of search terms was based on previous works within this framework and their most cited descriptors. The article selection and data extraction were carried out by two investigators. The JBI critical checklist of clinical cases was used for quality assessment. Results: Twelve articles were selected with a total of 23 cases that met the inclusion criteria. The mean age at the time of trauma was 9 years and the mean age at decoronation was 12.5 years. The traumatic event was avulsion in 10 out of the 14 cases. The upper right central incisor represented 62.5% of the sample compared to 25% for the contralateral tooth. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 10 years. Vertical bone augmentation was found in all cases except in three cases where it remained stable. Conclusions: Based on the results of the present review, it can be concluded that decoronation is an effective technique for maintaining/stimulating vertical bone growth in young ankylosed permanent teeth and that complete root resorption is an important factor associated with vertical bone growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health in Children: Clinical Management)
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